TAMING THE TEXAN – Jules Bennett
Billionaires and Babies Series
The Rancher's Heirs, Book 3
Harlequin Desire #2564
ISBN: 978-1-335-97124-1
January 2018

Pebblebrook Ranch, Texas – Present Day

Single mom Alexa Rodriguez has barely arrived at the Pebblebrook Ranch Bed & Breakfast for some solo R&R when she goes in search of a horse to ride in the stables. She runs into a sexy cowboy, and it doesn't take her long to realize he isn't a stable hand, but one of the ranch owners. Hayes Elliott agrees to take Alexa on a horse ride around the ranch, but a sudden storm comes up, which has them seeking shelter in his house and forced to spend the night together. With an unexpected attraction simmering between them, one thing leads to another…

Hayes returned from the military with PTSD and has basically kept to himself, so getting involved with Alexa surprises him as much as it does her. She is unlike any other woman he has known, and even if it's only sex between them, he wants to be with her as much as he can. But once Hayes learns that Alexa has a young child, he hesitates, because he has nothing to offer her or her child, at least emotionally. Yet, the sexual chemistry between them burns hot. Is Alexa an addiction he won't want to give up?

While Alexa and Hayes are enjoying themselves with each other, their relationship could be splintered if a secret she's carrying is revealed to him. She knows she needs to tell him the truth, but with his PTSD, his emotions are somewhat fragile. Hayes still has nightmares over witnessing the deaths of his fellow soldiers and others, but being with Alexa helps soothe the pain. However, he still feels inadequate and unworthy of love, even as he's falling for her. Their relationship during TAMING THE TEXAN goes back and forth as they push each other away, only to seek each other's arms again and again. Alexa's first responsibility is her child, and she's not sure if she—and Hayes—are ready to take the next step.

TAMING THE TEXAN is part of The Rancher's Heirs series by Jules Bennett, but it can be read as a standalone for the most part as this tale is all about Hayes and Alexa. After his harrowing experience and injury, Hayes retreated to the ranch to recover and hide away. No one until Alexa has touched his heart, and readers will be rooting for them to find a happily-ever-after together. Of course, how will he react when he learns her secret?

An emotional tale that will pull readers in, TAMING THE TEXAN brings together a couple who thought they may never find love again—or as in Hayes's case—the capability to love. With a few bumps along the way in their path to love, here's hoping everything works out for them. During your next trip to the bookstore, grab a copy of TAMING THE TEXAN.

Patti Fischer