Amanda Renee - Wrangling Cupid's Cowboy

FALLING HEAD OVER BOOTS!

Farrier Delta Grace has a strict rule about not getting involved with clients. Rugged ranch owner Garrett Slade is exactly why. The attraction between them is instant. He’s also her biggest client and the epitome of complicated. A widowed father of two, he’s moved back to Saddle Ridge, Montana, for a fresh start.

Despite her better judgment, Delta can’t stay away from Garrett or his kids. And it’s not long before her heart melts completely, along with her rules. However, when life deals Delta a devastating blow, she needs to distance herself from Garrett—their family has already experienced too much heartache. All is not lost, though, because with Valentine’s Day around the corner, love may actually conquer all!

“Do you want to get married?” Kacey asked.

“Uh.” Her eyes widened. “I’m not dating anyone, so I can’t get married.”

Good save, Delta. He picked up his mug of coffee and took a sip.

“I thought you were dating Daddy.”

Garrett began to choke.

“Are you all right?” Delta smacked him on the back.

He continued to cough for another minute before waggling his finger at Kacey. “Delta and I are just friends.”

“But you bought her that gift.”

“That wasn’t a gift,” Delta corrected. “The shoeing stall is for work.”

“And you were hugging before.”

Garrett didn’t blame his daughter for being confused. Between dinner at Harlan’s and everything else she’d witnessed, even he had a bit of trouble distinguishing what was and wasn’t where Delta was concerned.

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the third book in my Saddle Ridge, Montana, series. You’re about to read a story I’ve wanted to write for a couple years. While I originally had envisioned it in my Welcome to Ramblewood series, it was a much better fit for Garrett Slade and Delta Grace...two characters who continually nagged me until I told their stories.

Sometimes our lives change in the blink of an eye and we do our best just to survive. Other times those changes drive us toward something we never imagined we’d have. Garrett and Delta have already dealt with some major devastation and are still struggling to come to terms with their losses. While their fresh starts are already under way when they first meet, their worlds will once again shatter before they can find happiness. Saddle Ridge, Montana, has never seen a love tested more fiercely. Cupid definitely has his work cut out for him in this holiday tale of hope and family.

I hope you enjoy reading this Valentine’s romance. Feel free to stop in and visit me at amandarenee.com. I’d love to hear from you.

Happy reading!

Amanda Renee

Wrangling Cupid’s Cowboy

Amanda Renee

www.millsandboon.co.uk

AMANDA RENEEwas raised in the Northeast and now wriggles her toes in the warm coastal Carolina sands. Her career began when she was discovered through Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. When not creating stories about love and laughter, she enjoys the company of her schnoodle—Duffy—camping, playing guitar and piano, photography and anything involving animals. You can visit her at www.amandarenee.com.

For my superagent,

Pamela Harty of The Knight Agency.

Thank you for your unwavering faith,

support and guidance.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text FALLING HEAD OVER BOOTS! Farrier Delta Grace has a strict rule about not getting involved with clients. Rugged ranch owner Garrett Slade is exactly why. The attraction between them is instant. He’s also her biggest client and the epitome of complicated. A widowed father of two, he’s moved back to Saddle Ridge, Montana, for a fresh start. Despite her better judgment, Delta can’t stay away from Garrett or his kids. And it’s not long before her heart melts completely, along with her rules. However, when life deals Delta a devastating blow, she needs to distance herself from Garrett—their family has already experienced too much heartache. All is not lost, though, because with Valentine’s Day around the corner, love may actually conquer all!

Introduction “Do you want to get married?” Kacey asked. “Uh.” Her eyes widened. “I’m not dating anyone, so I can’t get married.” Good save, Delta. He picked up his mug of coffee and took a sip. “I thought you were dating Daddy.” Garrett began to choke. “Are you all right?” Delta smacked him on the back. He continued to cough for another minute before waggling his finger at Kacey. “Delta and I are just friends.” “But you bought her that gift.” “That wasn’t a gift,” Delta corrected. “The shoeing stall is for work.” “And you were hugging before.” Garrett didn’t blame his daughter for being confused. Between dinner at Harlan’s and everything else she’d witnessed, even he had a bit of trouble distinguishing what was and wasn’t where Delta was concerned.

Dear_Reader Dear Reader, Welcome to the third book in my Saddle Ridge, Montana, series. You’re about to read a story I’ve wanted to write for a couple years. While I originally had envisioned it in my Welcome to Ramblewood series, it was a much better fit for Garrett Slade and Delta Grace...two characters who continually nagged me until I told their stories. Sometimes our lives change in the blink of an eye and we do our best just to survive. Other times those changes drive us toward something we never imagined we’d have. Garrett and Delta have already dealt with some major devastation and are still struggling to come to terms with their losses. While their fresh starts are already under way when they first meet, their worlds will once again shatter before they can find happiness. Saddle Ridge, Montana, has never seen a love tested more fiercely. Cupid definitely has his work cut out for him in this holiday tale of hope and family. I hope you enjoy reading this Valentine’s romance. Feel free to stop in and visit me at amandarenee.com . I’d love to hear from you. Happy reading! Amanda Renee

Title Page Wrangling Cupid’s Cowboy Amanda Renee www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author AMANDA RENEE was raised in the Northeast and now wriggles her toes in the warm coastal Carolina sands. Her career began when she was discovered through Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. When not creating stories about love and laughter, she enjoys the company of her schnoodle—Duffy—camping, playing guitar and piano, photography and anything involving animals. You can visit her at www.amandarenee.com .

Dedication For my superagent, Pamela Harty of The Knight Agency. Thank you for your unwavering faith, support and guidance.

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

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“I know women love shoes, but isn’t this taking it a little too far?”

Delta lowered a freshly shod horse’s hoof to the ground and straightened to acknowledge the lame wisecrack. She half expected to find a cocksure ranch hand looking to score. Instead, a rugged cowboy with deep maple-brown eyes and hair to match rested casually against the work truck she’d parked in the Silver Bells Ranch’s wide stable entrance.

“Garrett Slade.” He took a step toward her and extended his hand. “I’m the ranch’s new partner. My brother Dylan has told me you’re the best farrier in the state. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”