Cathy Mcdavid - Her Holiday Rancher

A COWBOY FOR ALL SEASONS

Four generations of Dempseys have struggled to turn the Dos Estrellas ranch into a successful cattle operation. Gabe Dempsey vows to keep the dream alive, even if he has to share ownership with two half-brothers, who are virtual strangers. They are also pressuring him to sell—which will happen over his dead body. Luckily, Reese McGraw is the trustee of his father’s estate, and she’s on Gabe’s side. For now.

Reese is happy to support Gabe in his fight to keep the ranch—but is her support a conflict of interest? His brothers seem to think so. Gabe and Reese’s growing feelings for each other are a problem, too. But maybe it’s one that will be solved by the magic of Christmas!

“You’re at odds with your brothers. The ranch is in debt. The timing couldn’t be worse.”

“I’m going to kiss you, Reese.”

The sparks ignited a shiver. “You say that like I don’t have a choice.”

“You do. You can tell me no. But I happen to think you’d like me to kiss you, too.”

He was obviously skilled at mind reading. Gabe’s confidence was annoying. It was also very attractive. Reese felt herself falling for him in a way she hadn’t fallen for a man before and, she admitted, was a little scared.

“No,” she said, in an attempt to regain control.

He lowered his head. Their mouths were almost, nearly, and then barely touching. “I don’t believe you.”

“What do you want from me?” she whispered.

“Surrender.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

Every new book is special to me. The first book of a new series, even more special. Her Holiday Rancher is both a new book and the first book in a brand-new series. Well, not really. I’m happy to be returning to one of my favorite places, the quaint horse community of Mustang Valley.

The first four books centered on the Powell family and their riding stable and horse breeding business. I also introduced Prince, the last remaining wild mustang in the area. With this new series, the mustang sanctuary started by the Powells has grown by two hundred head and is now located at Dos Estrellas Ranch, home to the Dempsey clan and their struggling cattle operation.

To say the least, the Dempsey brothers don’t get along. Separated when they were young, Gabe Dempsey is forced into an unwilling partnership of the ranch with his two estranged brothers following the death of their father. If that weren’t bad enough, the trustee of his late father’s estate is none other than Reese McGraw, daughter of Dos Estrellas’ neighbor and biggest competitor. This makes for complicated and interesting family dynamics, one of my favorite elements to explore in books. Well, and the horses. Gotta love them, too!

I hope you enjoy Her Holiday Rancher and that you find it the perfect holiday read. It’s been a joy for me to return to Mustang Valley. Glad you’re taking the trip with me.

Warmest wishes,

Cathy McDavid

cathymcdavid.com Facebook.com/CathyMcDavid @CathyMcDavid

Her Holiday

Rancher

Cathy McDavid

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For the past eighteen years New York Times bestselling author CATHY McDAVID has been juggling a family, a job and writing, and doing pretty well at it, except for the housecleaning part. “Mostly” retired from the corporate business world, she writes full-time from her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, near the breathtaking McDowell Mountains. Her twins have “mostly” left home, returning every now and then to raid her refrigerator. On weekends, she heads to her cabin in the mountains, always taking her laptop with her. You can visit her website at cathymcdavid.com.

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To the two groups who have made me a better writer, given me guidance and unconditional support, and opened up a whole new world for me: my critique group (twelve years strong, can you believe it?) and Valley of the Sun Romance Writers. You are more than my friends, you are pieces of my heart.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A COWBOY FOR ALL SEASONS Four generations of Dempseys have struggled to turn the Dos Estrellas ranch into a successful cattle operation. Gabe Dempsey vows to keep the dream alive, even if he has to share ownership with two half-brothers, who are virtual strangers. They are also pressuring him to sell—which will happen over his dead body. Luckily, Reese McGraw is the trustee of his father’s estate, and she’s on Gabe’s side. For now. Reese is happy to support Gabe in his fight to keep the ranch—but is her support a conflict of interest? His brothers seem to think so. Gabe and Reese’s growing feelings for each other are a problem, too. But maybe it’s one that will be solved by the magic of Christmas!

Introduction “You’re at odds with your brothers. The ranch is in debt. The timing couldn’t be worse.” “I’m going to kiss you, Reese.” The sparks ignited a shiver. “You say that like I don’t have a choice.” “You do. You can tell me no. But I happen to think you’d like me to kiss you, too.” He was obviously skilled at mind reading. Gabe’s confidence was annoying. It was also very attractive. Reese felt herself falling for him in a way she hadn’t fallen for a man before and, she admitted, was a little scared. “No,” she said, in an attempt to regain control. He lowered his head. Their mouths were almost, nearly, and then barely touching. “I don’t believe you.” “What do you want from me?” she whispered. “Surrender.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Epilogue Extract Copyright , Every new book is special to me. The first book of a new series, even more special. Her Holiday Rancher is both a new book and the first book in a brand-new series. Well, not really. I’m happy to be returning to one of my favorite places, the quaint horse community of Mustang Valley. The first four books centered on the Powell family and their riding stable and horse breeding business. I also introduced Prince, the last remaining wild mustang in the area. With this new series, the mustang sanctuary started by the Powells has grown by two hundred head and is now located at Dos Estrellas Ranch, home to the Dempsey clan and their struggling cattle operation. To say the least, the Dempsey brothers don’t get along. Separated when they were young, Gabe Dempsey is forced into an unwilling partnership of the ranch with his two estranged brothers following the death of their father. If that weren’t bad enough, the trustee of his late father’s estate is none other than Reese McGraw, daughter of Dos Estrellas’ neighbor and biggest competitor. This makes for complicated and interesting family dynamics, one of my favorite elements to explore in books. Well, and the horses. Gotta love them, too! I hope you enjoy Her Holiday Rancher and that you find it the perfect holiday read. It’s been a joy for me to return to Mustang Valley. Glad you’re taking the trip with me. Warmest wishes, Cathy McDavid cathymcdavid.com Facebook.com/CathyMcDavid @CathyMcDavid