Karen Whiddon - The Rancher's Return

In the small town of Anniversary, Texas, pure evil will find you…

The night rancher Reed Westbrook makes love to Kaitlyn Nuhn, his life ends. While in the throes of passion, his brother is murdered…and Reed becomes the prime suspect. When Kaitlyn, his solid alibi, vanishes, Reed goes straight to prison and becomes a scourge of the town.

Finally released, Reed lives under the radar, until Kaitlyn reappears claiming she was held prisoner by the real murderer, a man so powerful he’s virtually untouchable. This killer will stop at nothing to eliminate Kaitlyn, and only Reed can protect her. The electrifying attraction that drove him to near-madness is still as powerful as ever. And the walls he’s built around his heart are in danger of crumbling.

“Why are you really here, Reed?”

“I wanted to make sure you were all right. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I… Oh, hell.”

His mouth covered her, his kiss hungry and hot as he pulled her up against him. Then, just as abruptly as the kiss had begun, it ended. His expression fierce, he looked away. “No. That’s not why I came here. Actually, I came to apologize to you.”

“Apologize for what?”

“For that. For what happened before.”

Ah, now she understood. “You don’t have to—”

“I do. You deserve better. Kaitlyn, all your life, men have manipulated you. They wanted to own you. I will not do that to you.”

“I think I understand. You want to make sure I don’t get the wrong impression just because we…”

“Exactly.” He sounded so relieved she nearly smiled.

“No worries, then. We’re two adults. Our coming together was completely consensual.”

“You came to me for help. Instead, I took advantage of you. And God help me, I still want you.”

***

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Extract Copyright ,

I know the people in my latest book, The Rancher’s Return. I suspect you do, too, or someone like them. Kaitlyn Nuhn is beautiful and sexy. On the outside, she appears to have it all. Except her looks have only been a curse to her. She has recently escaped a rich and powerful man who was holding her prisoner. The experience has scarred her on the inside, and she doesn’t know if she will ever be able to love again.

The hero, Reed Westbrook, is also scarred. He was sent to prison for three years for killing his own brother, a crime he did not commit. When he finally gets out on appeal, he tries to build a new life, haunted by the knowledge that his brother’s real murderer might never be caught.

And then Kaitlyn shows up on his doorstep telling him she knows who the killer is.

The Rancher’s Return is a roller-coaster book of emotion and danger. I enjoyed giving two wounded people their own happily-ever-after. I hope you enjoy reading their story!

Karen Whiddon

The Rancher’s Return

Karen Whiddon

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KAREN WHIDDON started weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at eleven. Amid the Catskill Mountains, then the Rocky Mountains, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty surrounding her. Karen lives in north Texas and shares her life with her hero of a husband and three doting dogs. You can email Karen at KWhiddon1@aol.com or write to her at PO Box 820807, Fort Worth, TX 76182. Fans can also check out her website, karenwhiddon.com.

Once again, to the fine folks at Legacy Boxer Rescue, Inc. Volunteering and helping to save dogs’ lives, get them healthy and find a forever home is an experience that brings another layer of meaning to my life. Thank you for all you do. ( savetheboxers.com)

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text In the small town of Anniversary, Texas, pure evil will find you… The night rancher Reed Westbrook makes love to Kaitlyn Nuhn, his life ends. While in the throes of passion, his brother is murdered…and Reed becomes the prime suspect. When Kaitlyn, his solid alibi, vanishes, Reed goes straight to prison and becomes a scourge of the town. Finally released, Reed lives under the radar, until Kaitlyn reappears claiming she was held prisoner by the real murderer, a man so powerful he’s virtually untouchable. This killer will stop at nothing to eliminate Kaitlyn, and only Reed can protect her. The electrifying attraction that drove him to near-madness is still as powerful as ever. And the walls he’s built around his heart are in danger of crumbling.

Introduction “Why are you really here, Reed?” “I wanted to make sure you were all right. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I… Oh, hell.” His mouth covered her, his kiss hungry and hot as he pulled her up against him. Then, just as abruptly as the kiss had begun, it ended. His expression fierce, he looked away. “No. That’s not why I came here. Actually, I came to apologize to you.” “Apologize for what?” “For that. For what happened before.” Ah, now she understood. “You don’t have to—” “I do. You deserve better. Kaitlyn, all your life, men have manipulated you. They wanted to own you. I will not do that to you.” “I think I understand. You want to make sure I don’t get the wrong impression just because we…” “Exactly.” He sounded so relieved she nearly smiled. “No worries, then. We’re two adults. Our coming together was completely consensual.” “You came to me for help. Instead, I took advantage of you. And God help me, I still want you.” ***

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Extract Copyright , I know the people in my latest book, The Rancher’s Return. I suspect you do, too, or someone like them. Kaitlyn Nuhn is beautiful and sexy. On the outside, she appears to have it all. Except her looks have only been a curse to her. She has recently escaped a rich and powerful man who was holding her prisoner. The experience has scarred her on the inside, and she doesn’t know if she will ever be able to love again. The hero, Reed Westbrook, is also scarred. He was sent to prison for three years for killing his own brother, a crime he did not commit. When he finally gets out on appeal, he tries to build a new life, haunted by the knowledge that his brother’s real murderer might never be caught. And then Kaitlyn shows up on his doorstep telling him she knows who the killer is. The Rancher’s Return is a roller-coaster book of emotion and danger. I enjoyed giving two wounded people their own happily-ever-after. I hope you enjoy reading their story! Karen Whiddon

Title Page The Rancher’s Return Karen Whiddon www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author KAREN WHIDDON started weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at eleven. Amid the Catskill Mountains, then the Rocky Mountains, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty surrounding her. Karen lives in north Texas and shares her life with her hero of a husband and three doting dogs. You can email Karen at KWhiddon1@aol.com or write to her at PO Box 820807, Fort Worth, TX 76182. Fans can also check out her website, karenwhiddon.com .

Dedication Once again, to the fine folks at Legacy Boxer Rescue, Inc. Volunteering and helping to save dogs’ lives, get them healthy and find a forever home is an experience that brings another layer of meaning to my life. Thank you for all you do. ( savetheboxers.com )