By the Book Bride: Ryder (A BBW Western Romance) (Matchmaking A Marriage 1) (12 page)
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Authors: Joann Baker,Patricia Mason
Ethan Blackhawk had been blessed with good looks and an abundance of charm. It didn’t hurt that his family was rich as sin, either. He’d always been sure about what he wanted out of life – until one bad dog forced him to take a second look at the woman who could change his mind.
Curvy Susie Peterson had just one wish for Christmas this year—to have her gorgeous boss notice her. Her wish comes true just as she realizes her next-door neighbor, Mark, might be more than best friend material. Is it possible she’s made the wrong Christmas wish?
A COWBOY UNDER HER CHRISTMAS TREE
Brady Donovan had never had a real home until the day he met Lloyd Langley. But it wasn’t the rambling, warm ranch house that made him feel he’d finally found a place to belong, it was Lloyd’s granddaughter, Taylor.
The younger woman was beautiful and selfless, always taking care of others without a thought for herself. When her grandfather died, she had only Danny – her older, reckless brother who wanted to leave and ride the rodeo circuit.
Brady had to make a choice – stay with the woman who held his happiness in her hands, or keep her wayward brother from harm. Fighting his feelings for her, he leaves.
Taylor tried to hate Brady for taking her to his bed, then taking off without a word, but one look at his darkly handsome face told her hate wasn’t exactly what she was feeling. Having him under her roof, even if was only for the holidays, was sorely going to try her resolve to keep her distance. Especially when he was so darn helpful – taking over her chores, keeping her brother in line, and getting her the most beautiful Christmas tree. Then making the most delicious love to her under it.
But he was still going to leave again – wasn’t he?
Curvy, soft-hearted waitress Valentine Brewster is at a crossroads in her life, and she’s ready to take the steps needed for a new life – finding a job as a ranch cook. But, boy did she need some money now, and fast.
She’s had a school girl crush on hard-hearted rancher Gage Forrester since high school. Overhearing he’s lost his cook, she pulls up her big girl panties and – gets herself a temporary job.
She was known for her baking prowess – cakes, pies, candies. But could she convince handsome ranch owner that her talents extended far beyond sweets and three squares a day for his hungry ranch hands?
Gage Forrester had been abandoned again! Once by the woman he’d planned to marry and now by his long-time cook. His hands were about to revolt if he didn’t find a replacement soon. Could the pretty, oh-so-curvy, Valentine Brewster be the answer to his cooking woes? Or would she work her way into more than his kitchen?