Keeping you up-to-date with me ~ Raine Rochelle

         

  Hello,

The last time I wrote a post for the Cowboy Kisses blog, it was just before I took a trip down south. Unfortunately, on that trip my car was hit by a large lorry. I ended up in hospital with injuries to my back, neck and right leg and my car was written off. The other driver and his vehicle were fine. It’s made it nearly impossible for me to sit at the desk and write for a while, but I’m much better now, thank goodness.

After writing this, I’m about to make the same journey I made back then, so wish me luck!

This has meant that I’m still working on Heartbeat, The Johnsons of Junova book 2, which is the 8^th book in The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series. I’m hoping to release it early in the New Year if I possibly can.

Here’s the blurb from the book, as well as an excerpt – with a pic of Sam Johnson because, hey, who doesn’t like a bit of eye candy: ;)

 

Blurb for Heartbeat

Sam Johnson is the drummer of the band. He likes to keep a steady rhythm both in his playing and his outlook on life. But his heart beats a little quicker when he gets closer to Lydia Felton, the beautiful girl he met at the hospital when his father suffered a heart attack.

But Lydia’s heart has problems of its own. A sufferer of arrhythmia, she has to live her life on an even keel, as any sudden change in her heart’s activity can cause it to accelerate or slow down considerably. It doesn’t stop her falling for Sam, though, despite her family’s concerns.

Despite a catalogue of mishaps and misunderstandings threatening to keep them apart, Sam is determined to win Lydia’s heart. However, when her heart falls into an irregular sequence, will Sam’s love be enough to put her back together?

Excerpt from Heartbeat

Sam checked his phone again as he returned to the paddock, but there was still no news from Lydia. His heart raced knowing that he’d see her in just a couple of hours, and he was desperate to get on his way over to Brightside.

“It won’t be long now, son.” Ron nodded at the phone in Sam’s hand, and he quickly stuffed it into his pocket.

“I was just checking for an update on the train time,” he explained, going straight over to help with the next horse they were working with. “I can’t be late.”

“I’m sure she’ll ring you when she knows something,” Ron replied. “Now, how about climbing on this one? Take him into a steady canter, then I want to see him gallop. His posture was all wrong last time we tried, if you recall?”

Sam nodded. The last time he’d ridden this particular horse it had reared before taking off like a rocket. He sure hoped the beast was in a better mood today.

He mounted the horse and tried to start with a slow trot. Unfortunately, the horse had other ideas. It was very skittish, and threatened to rear up again. Sam kept control and calmed it a little. Then it bucked, causing Sam to hold on for dear life, before it stamped heavily and then raced off around the paddock.

All Sam could do was hold on tight and try to calm the massive beast as it ran around the training field.

“That’s it,” Ron called out to him. “Just ride it out. He’ll get tired and start to behave soon.”

Sam didn’t find his words much of a comfort. How soon was soon? Usually he loved being on a horse, but this animal was bucking and rearing all over the place, making for a very uncomfortable ride.

“Whoa, come on, buddy, settle down.” He kept his tone calm as he continually coaxed the horse to slow down, and eventually it paid off.

He could feel when the beast started to relax a little, and he stroked its mane to pacify him. The horse had given him a good run for his money, there was no denying it, but Sam was relieved when it slowed to a canter, before he could finally get it to stop.

Ron grinned, hurrying over to them. “I think you might have to try that all over again, son. That animal needs showing who the boss is around here, and it sure ain’t him.”

Sam gaped at him before realizing he was just kidding. He closed his eyes with a huge sigh of relief. “Man, you really had me going there for a second.”

“Not as fast as he had you going, son.” Ron chuckled. “He sure is a feisty one. You did well to hold on.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice. I knew if I fell at that speed I’d do myself some serious damage, not to mention run the risk of getting trampled. This boy sure has an attitude on him.”

He climbed down, still holding onto the reins.

“That’s all you’d need today, to wind up at the dang hospital.” Ron grimaced. “What about that poor girl of yours?”

“That’s what worried me,” Sam admitted. She hadn’t been far from his mind all day, and he was determined he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of him picking her up from the station later. He’d already ordered a beautiful bouquet from the florist in Brightside, which he’d collect on his way.

At that thought, he reached for his back pocket. His blood ran cold as he quickly checked the other, not finding his phone in either.

“My cell phone.”

Ron frowned. “I saw you put it into your right-hand pocket earlier.”

“It’s gone. It must have happened when the horse reared.”

“I’ll take him back. You have a good look around. It has to be here somewhere.”

Sam felt his heart hammering as he hurried back to where he’d started, scouring the field on his way. Then he saw it. Or, at least, part of it. Lying in the muddy snow. As he’d feared, it must have slipped out of his pocket while he’d been grappling with the horse.

He picked up the remains and stared at the state of it. Ruined. Just like his chances of seeing Lydia again.

*  *  *

I hope you enjoyed a little preview into the new book. There’s still time to catch up on the rest of the series before its release, if you haven’t already read them.

Until next time, thank you for all your support.

Take Care,

Raine  x

LIST OF LINKS – Raine Rochelle

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRaineRochelle/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/raine-rochelle

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20913677.Raine_Rochelle

Newsletter:   https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ghw7shi5rz

The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NCHVJGQ

A Newsletter Freebie! ~ Raine Rochelle

 

Hello,

If we’ve met before it may be that you’re a reader of my latest series, The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch, and, if so, I hope you enjoyed it and left me a review. I’m currently working on the follow-on series, The Johnsons of Junova, and am writing the second book in the series, Heartbeat.

However, I’m aware that you may have never heard of me or my books, so I’d like to introduce you to my FREE BOOK which you can get simply by signing up to my newsletter HERE. Don’t worry; if you find it’s not for you then you can easily unsubscribe—no hard feelings.

The Father, The Son and the Bottle of Rum is a standalone novella, telling a story of healing and forgiveness. It also has a smattering of humour, as do all my stories—reading is fun, after all! I hope you’ll give it a chance.

Here’s a little about it:

The wrong kind of spirit causes a massive headache for the Lamberts of Charity Creek

The Father…

John Lambert, pastor and founding member of the church of Charity Creek is a proud man; well-respected by his parishioners. But he hides a dark secret.

The Son…

Joe Lambert is a successful carpenter with his own business. When his mother asks him to come home to help mend the church roof he doesn’t hesitate. But should he?

The Bottle of Rum…

Homeless and destitute, Leah Bailey seeks shelter from a storm in the church of her hometown, Charity Creek. Warmed only by a couple of blankets, some hassocks and the dregs of a bottle of rum, she curls in the corner while the storm rages on. When a tree crashes through the roof of the building she escapes injury, but not the wrath of the pastor who finds her.

Just why is the old man so bitter? And what is the underlying problem between him and Joe?

Will Leah be the catalyst that heals father and son, or will she just widen their rift?

I hope you enjoy it!

Raine

LIST OF LINKS – Raine Rochelle

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRaineRochelle/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/raine-rochelle

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20913677.Raine_Rochelle

Newsletter:   https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ghw7shi5rz

The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NCHVJGQ

 

Traditional Publishing versus Self-Publishing ~ Raine Rochelle

courtesy City of Boise

This is a subject which often comes up among authors, and is often discussed at large writing events. Amazon has now made it easier than ever to self-publish, which can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage for many reasons.

With no gatekeeper in place, such as an agent or publisher, it is possible to just write a book and publish it straight away. Of course, if the job is to be done properly an author will want to hire at least one proofreader, a qualified editor and a cover designer. I personally prefer to also add to the mix a formatter, too.

Self-publishing used to get a bad rap for producing sub-standard material, but most authors now agree that it is only fair (both to the reader and to the author’s reputation) to spend money on expert help in order to release a book which they can be proud of.

The cost of author services can vary greatly, but a general rule is that you get what you pay for, and who doesn’t think their author brand is something worth investing in? Although I am well on my way to getting my editing qualifications, I still hire an editor for my books, as it is often harder to notice one’s own mistakes.

As the author of over 40 novels, in different genres and three different pen-names, I’m what’s known as a hybrid author, meaning that some of my books have been traditionally published and some I self-publish. In all honesty, I don’t think I would ever have had the confidence to self-publish without first taking the traditional route. I have signed contracts with four publishers now, and each have their own ways of doing the job, which means I have a lot more experience than I ever would have had if I’d only ever self-published.

Traditional publishers will usually pay for several rounds of edits, formatting and cover design, all of which can save an author a heap of money. They also take a large percentage of the royalties to cover said costs, and make most of the decisions about your work’s presentation, price and format. Marketing and advertising are more often the responsibility of the author, nowadays, especially outside of the ‘big five’ publishers. However, if all you want to do is write, this may be the ideal route for you.

Self-publishing requires a much broader skill set. As well as knowing your craft and audience, you will need to negotiate your own deals with proofreaders, editors, cover designers and formatters. Marketing and advertising are crucial in order to make any money from your work (and to pay those you hire to present it) and you will be required to organise your own signing obligations and expenses. The pay-off here, though, is that you can set your own price for your book, have sales when you want to (though be mindful if you enrol your books in KDP), decide where and how you prefer to sell your work and in which formats. You can even give away free copies of your book if you want to!

There is a lot to consider, but mostly it comes down to the author and how they wish to run their business.

Raine

Learning the craft ~ Raine Rochelle

 As you may know, my sweet cowboy series is self-published although I have been traditionally published for several years in a different genre under another pen name. The reason I wanted to go it alone with my cowboy stories is that I wanted more control over the look and feel of the books, as well as the price, marketing, etc. 

I have been to all the Self-Publishing Live Shows in London, and this year was no exception. I love the atmosphere at these events, and the chance to meet other authors from all genres and just talk about everything concerning books. The experts on stage gave out brilliant advice and were full of ideas for improving our author businesses as well as our writing. As usual, I came home brimming with enthusiasm and a plan to put into action all that I’d learned. 

One of the biggest takeaways for me this year was that my covers for The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch might be ready for a makeover. 

Other books of clean, sweet cowboy romances tend to have more scenery and less emphasis on people on them, which is something I hadn’t noticed until it was very kindly pointed out to me. To this end, the first thing I plan to do is to change the covers of, at least, the first three books in the series. 

Don’t get me wrong; I love the covers I have. I hadn’t realized though, that I wasn’t adhering to reader expectation. Readers have their own ideas of what the cover of a book in a particular genre should look like, and it seems I may have overlooked this. In this business we are all learning constantly, and aiming to keep up to date with current trends and opinions. I have already contacted my cover artist and asked her to design some other options for me, and I’m excited to see what she comes up with. 

I’d love to know your opinion on this if you could leave a comment below. Do you think my covers convey the sweet, clean cowboy romance genre or are they too different to be included with other books of their ilk? I’d really value your input, and thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Until next time take care and stay safe

Raine x

Introducing Sam Johnson from The Johnsons of Junova ~ Raine Rochelle

Greetings!  

The second book in The Johnsons of Junova series, Heartbeat, is still a work in progress, but I thought it would be a good time to meet the main character, Sam Johnson. To that end, I’ve had a brief interview with him to give you an idea of the sort of guy he really is:

For such a handsome cowboy, Sam doesn’t come across as the most confident guy in the coffee house. He gives me a shy—but totally breathtaking—grin as he nears the table where I’m enjoying a cup of tea. I watch him pick up a shawl that has fallen from an elderly lady’s chair, and his smile isn’t lost on her as he hands it to her. Arriving at our table, he removes his hat before reaching out to shake my hand. His manners are impeccable, and I hide a gasp as he takes the chair opposite me.

“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” he says, with sincerity in his gorgeous eyes.

I assure him that he hasn’t, and the waitress brings him a coffee before I start with the questions.

So, you met Lydia at the hospital where your father was being treated following his heart attack. Was she a patient at the time?

He nods, a dreamy look emanating from his whole face. “Yes. She has arrhythmia, which means that her heart doesn’t keep the usual, steady rhythm. At the time she’d just been helping her family move house to Brightside and may have been overdoing things a little. Her heart was beating too fast so she’d been taken in while they monitored it and observed her.” With a little laugh he adds, “Though they didn’t observe her all that well as she kept sneaking off the ward whenever she wasn’t wired up to machinery. She said she got bored and went off to explore the rest of the hospital.”

What first attracted her to you?

He laughs, looking a little sheepish. “She’s very beautiful. But I was really taken by the way she was so upbeat about everything. So positive. We got talking and she really made me feel quite optimistic about my dad, who’d had a recent heart attack, as you probably know. She even made me laugh at times when I thought my whole world was about to come crashing down on me. Dad didn’t make a lot of progress at first, and the family were all real concerned about whether he’d pull through.”

How did Lydia cope with her own health situation?

Sam gives me an incredulous look. “The same way she copes with everything—with positivity. She’s lived with her condition all her life, but it’s just recently that it’s started to become a problem. She knows her family worry about her, but she wishes they wouldn’t fret so much. Lydia’s a sensible girl; she takes her meds regularly and tries to live a healthy lifestyle. The last thing she wants is to be treated any different from anyone else. She doesn’t see arrhythmia as an illness or anything, it’s just something she lives with.” He smiles. “She’s amazing.”

Is she ‘the one’?

He beams. “You’ll have to find that out for yourself. Love never runs smoothly, but I will say that’s she’s an incredible and very understanding woman. You can’t help but love her.”

 

Looks like we’ll have to wait for the release of Heartbeat to find out more, but I hope this gives a little insight into the guy himself. I’ll let you know as soon as I have a launch date organised.

Stay safe and well until next time,

Raine

The Johnsons of Junova is a continuation of The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch that can also be read as a standalone series.

Book 1 in the Series, Heartstrings is available HERE.

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Greetings ~ Raine Rochelle

 Hello,

I hope this finds you well. At such a tumultuous time, it’s good to be able to lose yourself in a good book, whether it be reading or writing one.

I’ve been working on Book 2 of The Johnsons of Junova, Heartbeat, which is Sam Johnson’s story. Sam is the drummer in the band, and, despite his instrument of choice, is one of the quieter members of the family.

Often in the shadow of his older brother Kurt, Sam has always hankered to be more like him. He even dyes his hair to look a little more like him, but in his own story he discovers that he just needs to be himself.

Sam has fallen for a girl he met at the hospital while visiting his dad recently. But things don’t go too well for him right from the beginning as this excerpt shows:

He mounted the horse and tried to start with a slow trot. Unfortunately, the horse had other ideas. It was very skittish, and threatened to rear up again. Sam kept control and calmed it a little. Then it bucked, causing Sam to hold on for dear life, before it stamped heavily and then raced off around the paddock.

All Sam could do was hold on tight and try to calm the massive beast as it ran around the training field.

“That’s it,” Ron called out to him. “Just ride it out. He’ll get tired and start to behave soon.”

Sam didn’t find his words much of a comfort. How soon was soon? Usually he loved being on a horse, but this animal was bucking and rearing all over the place, making for a very uncomfortable ride.

“Whoa, come on, buddy, settle down.” He kept his tone calm as he continually coaxed the horse to slow down, and eventually it paid off.

He could feel when the beast started to relax a little, and he stroked its mane to pacify him. The horse had given him a good run for his money, there was no denying it, but Sam was relieved when it slowed to a canter, before he could finally get it to stop.

Ron grinned, hurrying over to them. “I think you might have to try that all over again, son. That animal needs showing who the boss is around here, and it sure ain’t him.”

Sam gaped at him before realizing he was just kidding. He closed his eyes with a huge sigh of relief. “Man, you really had me going there for a second.”

“Not as fast as he had you going, son.” Ron chuckled. “He sure is a feisty one. You did well to hold on.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice. I knew if I fell at that speed I’d do myself some serious damage, not to mention run the risk of getting trampled. This boy sure has an attitude on him.”

He climbed down, still holding onto the reins.

“That’s all you’d need today, to wind up at the dang hospital.” Ron grimaced. “What about that poor girl of yours?”

“That’s what worried me,” Sam admitted. She hadn’t been far from his mind all day, and he was determined he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of him picking her up from the station later. He’d already ordered a beautiful bouquet from the florist in Brightside, which he’d collect on his way.

At that thought, he reached for his back pocket. His blood ran cold as he quickly checked the other, not finding his phone in either.

“My cell phone.”

Ron frowned. “I saw you put it into your right-hand pocket earlier.”

“It’s gone. It must have happened when the horse reared.”

“I’ll take him back. You have a good look around. It has to be here somewhere.”

Sam felt his heart hammering as he hurried back to where he’d started, scouring the field on his way. Then he saw it. Or, at least, part of it. Lying in the muddy snow. As he’d feared, it must have slipped out of his pocket while he’d been grappling with the horse.

He picked up the remains and stared at the state of it. Ruined. Just like his chances of seeing Lydia again.

 

As always, things are never that easy for the Johnsons, are they? I’ll keep you updated with the progress of the book—and Sam and Lydia’s relationship.

In the meantime, take care of yourself,

Raine

 

The Johnsons of Junova is a continuation of The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch that can also be read as a standalone series.

Book 1 in the Series, Heartstrings is available HERE

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited

New Release ~ Raine Rochelle

 As promised, Heartstrings, The Johnsons of Junova Book One, has just been released, and I’m pleased to say I’m already working on the next book in the series.

Heartstrings is Tyler Johnson’s story, the eldest brother and lead guitarist of the group. He finds his heart pulled in all directions as he tries to build a name for the band, restore the fortunes of the family ranch, and keep his family as well as his relationship with Sasha from falling apart.

Here’s a little about it:

If only heartstrings were made of elastic!

What should have been great news about The Johnson Brothers seems set to tear the family apart - as well as the band.

Tyler’s been working really hard to raise his brothers’ group’s profile and fortunes but it seems another local band, The Kennedy Cowboys, has other ideas. The rival band also has their sights set on the headline position at Countryfest, the largest country music festival in the area. Would the Kennedy’s really resort to underhand tactics to land the gig for themselves, or is it someone much closer to home that’s trying to ruin their chances?

When Mick Johnson becomes dangerously ill, the dire state of the Johnson Ranch suddenly becomes apparent. The only people who can help are the Devereaux brothers, billionaire cousins to the Johnson boys, but Dad would never agree to accept anything from them. In his absence, is it right to do whatever they can to save the ranch, or would Mick see it as a betrayal, and disloyal of his sons?

And when Tyler’s girl, Sasha, gets a visit from her ex, are his hopes of a happy future with her about to be shattered?

With so many factors tugging at his heartstrings, Tyler doesn’t know which way to turn. But when Dad doesn’t seem to be improving, he realizes he needs to figure it out—fast.

 

Heartstrings is available HERE.

I hope you check it out and would love to know what you think.

Take care,

Raine

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited

2023 Goals ~ Raine Rochelle

 Happy New Year! I hope you’re as excited as I am to welcome another year full of possibilities and opportunities.

Although January always seems such a long, cold month, I enjoy looking forward to the chance to try again at reaching the goals I didn’t quite manage to achieve last year, and to make new plans for the months ahead.

One of my aims for 2023 is to write and publish The Johnsons of Junova series, which is a spin-off from The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch and The Brides of Brightside Ranch.

On that note, I’m pleased to give you the first glimpse of the cover of Book 1 in the series, Heartstrings, which was designed by the very talented Kay Maszek of Maszek Designs. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Heartstrings is due for release on 26^th January and will be on pre-order very soon.

I hope you’re making your own plans for 2023, and hope it’s a year full of hope and health for all of us.

Take care,

Raine

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited

A Free Story ~ Raine Rochelle

 Hello!

With the recent resurgence of Covid-19 in the UK, I’ve been kept very busy with my day job for our National Health Service. This has meant that I have been unable to complete my latest book, Heartstrings, the first book of The Johnsons of Junova series. Unfortunately, it looks like it will not be released until the New Year. Apologies to anyone waiting for it.

In the light of this, I have made the very first book of The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch FREE for this weekend (2^nd – 4^th December). I hope this will give readers the opportunity to either start, or re-acquaint themselves with the series ahead of the additional 4-part mini-series.

Here’s a little about it:

A great deal? Or just a great deal of trouble?

Chase Devereaux can easily recognise a good deal. Everything about Primefields – including its name – seems perfect. So why does the brunette beauty with lovely big eyes at the real estate agent’s appear to deter him from buying it?

Rachel Brown loves her job, but is aware that her over-made-up and under-dressed colleague, Cindy Skeritt, dislikes her. Her suspicions grow as she notices whispered conversations and surreptitious looks between Cindy and the manager.

When the handsome cowboy asks about the property Cindy will clearly do anything to close the deal.

Rachel discovers the tragic secrets behind Primefields and tries to warn Chase. But he seems to ignore her. And is still determined to buy the place.

Could he be in on the conspiracy? Does he really make his money from other people’s misery?

Something tells Rachel that’s not the case. And no amount of bullying or blackmail will stop her from getting to the truth.

https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B08NCFP5R4

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Busy with Edits ~ Raine Rochelle

 

Hello there. I’m still busy with edits for Heartstrings, the first book in the Johnsons of Junova series.

Developing Tyler Johnson’s character has been real fun, and I’d personally love to meet the guy in person!  Not only is he gorgeous, he’s also very kind and caring. Being human, though, he does have his flaws. His confident and happy-go-lucky attitude allows me to add a little humor to his personality, but it can be a little misplaced if he’s not careful. Here’s an excerpt which I hope shows more of his character, as his kiss with Sasha is rudely interrupted by another man…

 

Sasha tore away from the kiss and spun her head round to see a familiar face staring back at her. Her heart sank.

“Vincent? What are you doing here?”

It wasn’t the man she used to know at all. Not in appearance, anyway. Nor demeanor. The Vincent Jennings who she’d dated for two years before he’d dumped her wore expensive clothes, had expensive haircuts and always smelled of expensive after-shave. This guy looked—and smelled—like he was living on the streets.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he growled back.

He didn’t look as angry as she’d first thought, more… horrified. He didn’t have the confidence of the guy she remembered, and seemed confused and hurt. Something must have gone terribly wrong in his life for him to end up like this. But it made no sense that he’d suddenly show up in Brightside.

“I live here,” she replied, aware of the other customers going quiet as they listened to their conversation. “I moved out here a couple of years ago, after we broke up.”

“You left me?” His saggy, red eyes now looked wide with devastation.

She shook her head. “No, you left me, if you recall? For that other girl. Lacey, wasn’t it?”

His face clouded over as he was clearly trying to compute what she was saying.

“You know this guy?” Tyler asked, clearly bemused.

She nodded. “This is my ex, Vincent Jennings. He’s from Sundown.” She turned back to the guy standing in front of them. “Vincent, this is Tyler Johnson, my boyfriend.”

Vincent’s jaw dropped. “Your boyfriend?”

“That’s right, buddy,” Tyler stood up, towering over the other man. “So what brings you to Brightside?”

As if his height wasn’t intimidating enough, Tyler stared at the guy, who appeared to be trying to take it all in. Tyler put his hands on his hips during the few minutes of silence that passed before saying, “I believe I asked you a question.”

Vincent frowned. “I was looking for Sasha. She’s my girl.”

Tyler snorted. “Not any more she ain’t, buddy. She’s mine now. So why don’t you take your bag full of mixed-up memories and leave us alone? You have no business here.”

Sasha put her hand to her mouth. She certainly hadn’t expected that sort of reaction from him. “Tyler… I think…”

He turned back to her, his eyebrows raised in disbelief. “You want him around here?”

“Well… no… but…”

“You heard the lady,” Tyler said, facing Vincent again. “She doesn’t want you here. Now I suggest you…”

“I suggest you mind your own damn business,” Vincent snapped. “This is nothing to do with you.”

“Oh, I’d say it’s got everything to do with me when you’re here to stir up trouble for my girl.” Tyler spoke through gritted teeth. “Now, are you gonna go or do I have to call the sheriff?”

“No need, Tyler.” Doug Sandler’s voice could be heard as he made his way through the crowd that had gathered to watch the spectacle. “I was here anyhow.”

“Great.” Tyler gave a satisfied smirk which shocked Sasha to the core. He folded his arms, staring at Vincent.

“You new in town, son?” the sheriff asked, eying Vincent curiously. “I don’t reckon I’ve seen you before.”

Vincent looked panic-stricken and Sasha’s heart went out to him. He nodded silently.

“Sheriff, this is Vincent Jennings. He’s from Sundown. We went out together a few years ago. I think he came to see me,” she offered.

“You invited him here?” Doug asked with a frown.

“No. We haven’t been in touch for years. But he wasn’t causing any trouble. We were just talking.”

The sheriff raised his eyebrows, then turned back to Vincent. “You got some ID on you, son?”

Vincent frowned. “No.”

“Any money?”

Vincent shook his head slowly.

“Then how were you planning to get back to Sundown?”

Vincent shrugged.

“You’ve been drinking, and you’ve got nowhere to go for the night. I think it’s best you come with me, son.” Doug immediately cuffed him, much to Vincent’s dismay.

“Sheriff, I don’t think you need to do that.” Sasha was appalled, her heart thumping hard.

“Anyone who’s been drinking is unpredictable,” Doug told her, firmly. “I’m not taking any chances. He’ll be safer in the cell than on the streets in that state. We can sort out the whys and wherefores in the morning.” With that he led Vincent through the bar to where his car was waiting outside.

Sasha sat down, her mind whirling.

“That was your ex?” Tyler sat next to her, chuckling. “Well, I have to say, I’m glad your taste in men’s changed. The guy’s a wreck.”

Sasha bristled. “He wasn’t like that back then.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it, darlin’. You had me worried for second there.” He grinned, shaking his head as he reached for his beer.

“I’m going home.” Sasha picked up her purse and stood up.

Tyler shot to his feet, staring at her. “What? Why?”

“If you don’t know, then you’re definitely not the man I thought you were, Tyler Johnson.” Her lips were tight as she spoke. “In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if I really know you at all.”

She took a step but he rounded on her.

“Now, look, darlin’, I don’t know what I’ve done wrong here, but we can’t sort it out unless we talk about it, can we? Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you another drink? Then you can tell me what’s on your mind?” His voice was calm and more than a little patronizing to her ears.

“No, thank you. I’d rather go home. Alone. Now, if you’ll please move out of my way, it would be good not to cause another scene around here. I think these good folks have had enough drama for one night, don’t you?” She took the opportunity to take a step past him as he gawped in surprise.

 

It’s never all plain sailing in the Johnson household, but you’ll have to read the book to see how Tyler gets out of that one! I’m hoping to release it around Christmas time if I possibly can. I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the series in the meantime.

Take care,

Raine

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited