Cathy McDavid - The Bull Rider's Valentine

FOREVER HIS VALENTINE

It may be the most romantic time of the year, but Valentine’s Day just brings up bad memories for Nate Truett. Because on that day six years ago, Ronnie Hartman turned down his marriage proposal and broke his heart. Ever since, he’s avoided the holiday—and her—completely. Now he’s returned to Mustang Valley, Arizona, for one last chance to set things right.

Ronnie hasn’t forgotten that awful day, or why she turned down Nate’s proposal, but six years is a long time. Seeing how easily the former bull rider fits back into her life is...interesting. As he is welcomed with open arms by her family, Ronnie realizes one thing. Whatever his reasons for coming back, she can’t avoid him, or the past, anymore...

“You could have called.”

He laughed out loud. “When? Before I hit town? You can’t possibly be referring to six years ago. I called you plenty after you walked out on me. Remember? You didn’t answer. Not once.”

She stiffened. “Why are you really here, Nate? And I want the truth.”

“Relax, will you? I’m just helping out a family friend. Nothing more.”

“Fine.”

She appeared unconvinced. Then again, he didn’t believe himself, either.

Concern for Samantha might have been the reason he’d initially agreed to his mother’s request. But now that he’d arrived in Mustang Valley, he was suddenly determined to find out what he’d done to Ronnie that was so terribly wrong.

She wasn’t the entire reason his life had gone from bad to worse to rock bottom, but losing her had surely launched his downward spiral.

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction 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 Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

Some years ago, I lived not far from a Western saloon and restaurant with a small rodeo arena built behind it. The saloon’s bull-riding events were a popular weekend attraction, and people would come from hundreds of miles away to both watch and participate. Now, bull riding isn’t a sport I would ever attempt, even on an amateur level. I do, however, enjoy watching it—and always cringe when the cowboys are thrown.

I had it in the back of my mind for a long, long time to write a book that included a version of this saloon and restaurant with it’s locally famous bull-riding events. The chance finally came with The Bull Rider’s Valentine—my first-ever book with a Valentine’s Day element. Nate Truett, a down-on-his-luck cowboy, lands a job as bull-riding manager. His former girlfriend (and love of his life) happens to be in charge of the barrel-racing events. She’s also the one who walked out on him six years ago after his botched Valentine’s Day proposal.

Ronnie is the last single Hartman sister to find her happily-ever-after. For me, taking her and Nate from hearts broken to hearts healed was a rewarding journey. Thank you for sharing the ride with us.

Warmest wishes,

Cathy McDavid

Facebook.com/CathyMcDavidBooks

@CathyMcDavid

CathyMcDavid.com

The Bull Rider’s

Valentine

Cathy Mcdavid

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Since 2006, New York Times bestselling author CATHY MCDAVIDhas been happily penning contemporary Westerns for Mills & Boon. Every day, she gets to write about handsome cowboys riding the range or busting a bronc. It’s a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice. Cathy shares her Arizona home with her own real-life sweetheart and a trio of odd pets. Her grown twins have left to embark on lives of their own, and she couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.

To Pamela, Libby, Connie and Marina.

You not only challenge me to better my writing with

your thoughtful and insightful critiques,

you are my dearest friends.

Your love and support are gifts I truly cherish.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text FOREVER HIS VALENTINE It may be the most romantic time of the year, but Valentine’s Day just brings up bad memories for Nate Truett. Because on that day six years ago, Ronnie Hartman turned down his marriage proposal and broke his heart. Ever since, he’s avoided the holiday—and her—completely. Now he’s returned to Mustang Valley, Arizona, for one last chance to set things right. Ronnie hasn’t forgotten that awful day, or why she turned down Nate’s proposal, but six years is a long time. Seeing how easily the former bull rider fits back into her life is...interesting. As he is welcomed with open arms by her family, Ronnie realizes one thing. Whatever his reasons for coming back, she can’t avoid him, or the past, anymore...

Introduction “You could have called.” He laughed out loud. “When? Before I hit town? You can’t possibly be referring to six years ago. I called you plenty after you walked out on me. Remember? You didn’t answer. Not once.” She stiffened. “Why are you really here, Nate? And I want the truth.” “Relax, will you? I’m just helping out a family friend. Nothing more.” “Fine.” She appeared unconvinced. Then again, he didn’t believe himself, either. Concern for Samantha might have been the reason he’d initially agreed to his mother’s request. But now that he’d arrived in Mustang Valley, he was suddenly determined to find out what he’d done to Ronnie that was so terribly wrong. She wasn’t the entire reason his life had gone from bad to worse to rock bottom, but losing her had surely launched his downward spiral.

Dear_Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction 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 Epilogue Extract Copyright , Some years ago, I lived not far from a Western saloon and restaurant with a small rodeo arena built behind it. The saloon’s bull-riding events were a popular weekend attraction, and people would come from hundreds of miles away to both watch and participate. Now, bull riding isn’t a sport I would ever attempt, even on an amateur level. I do, however, enjoy watching it—and always cringe when the cowboys are thrown. I had it in the back of my mind for a long, long time to write a book that included a version of this saloon and restaurant with it’s locally famous bull-riding events. The chance finally came with The Bull Rider’s Valentine—my first-ever book with a Valentine’s Day element. Nate Truett, a down-on-his-luck cowboy, lands a job as bull-riding manager. His former girlfriend (and love of his life) happens to be in charge of the barrel-racing events. She’s also the one who walked out on him six years ago after his botched Valentine’s Day proposal. Ronnie is the last single Hartman sister to find her happily-ever-after. For me, taking her and Nate from hearts broken to hearts healed was a rewarding journey. Thank you for sharing the ride with us. Warmest wishes, Cathy McDavid Facebook.com/CathyMcDavidBooks @CathyMcDavid CathyMcDavid.com

Title Page The Bull Rider’s Valentine Cathy Mcdavid www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author Since 2006, New York Times bestselling author CATHY MCDAVID has been happily penning contemporary Westerns for Mills & Boon. Every day, she gets to write about handsome cowboys riding the range or busting a bronc. It’s a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice. Cathy shares her Arizona home with her own real-life sweetheart and a trio of odd pets. Her grown twins have left to embark on lives of their own, and she couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.