For years Callan Carrigan has been her father's right-hand man, so when her dad's will names city slicker Court McAllister the new owner of the Circle C Ranch, Callan feels betrayed on every level. Then she and her sisters find their mother's diaries, hidden from them by their father since their mother's accidental death 18 years ago, and the shocking revelations explain a lot. Reeling, Callan seeks refuge in the local saloon, where it seems no one can reach her until Court offers her a challenge. If she agrees to be foreman at the Circle C for one year, he'll deed the ranch back to her and her sisters. The deal seems too sweet at first - until Callan realizes Court has his eyes on something she protects even more than her family's land: her heart.  

Dani Carrigan has always relied on logic when making important life decisions, but when she discovers she's pregnant - and that there's a chance her baby may be born "not perfect" - logic lets her down. It would help if the baby's father would pop the question, but widowed father Adrian seems more interested in protecting his six-year-old daughter than committing to his new relationship with Dani. The last time she felt this alone and scared was when she was 16 and her mother died, leaving Dani to raise her younger sisters with precious little help from her distant and disapproving rancher father. She felt so inadequate then, but is she any more prepared to be a mother now? Support comes from an unlikely source. Dani always saw her next-door neighbour and friend, divorce attorney Elliot Gilmore, as a charming, handsome, playboy-type. But with each challenge she faces, from pregnancy, to delivery and beyond - Elliot reveals himself a better man than she ever guessed. Is it possible that Elliot hasn't been playing the field - but waiting for her?  

Dispatcher Zak Waller prefers working behind the scenes in the Sheriff's Office of Lost Trail, Montana, but when a newcomer to the sparely populated town is brutally murdered—and the Sheriff is quick to pin the death on an unknown outsider—Zak starts his own private sleuthing. A lot has changed in the past few weeks, including the unexpected homecoming of Zak's former classmate Tiff Masterson. Tiff has her own reasons for wanting to figure out who's responsible for the murder. Since her brother and father's deaths over sixteen years ago, she has believed there is a malevolent force at work in Lost Trail. Maybe solving this crime will give her a chance to prove it.

Carrigans of Circle C, book two: Some love stories have to begin with a falling-out-of-love story.... Mattie Carrigan's been helping her rodeo-cowboy husband, Wes Bishop, run his family's Tennessee walking horse operation since they were married 19 years ago. Blessed with twin daughters who've recently left for college, Mattie is looking forward to this new stage in her and Wes' life. But when she finds a strange key in her husband's jacket, she's forced to admit that Wes has been quiet and distant lately. Turns out he has been keeping secrets. And he's not the only one. Even the rancher next door, Nat Diamond - a friend Mattie could always count on in the past - seems to be holding something back from her. Good Together is for anyone who has ever pondered what it means to be married or had to reinvent her life when one breaks down. It's about having your heart broken but being strong enough to survive and love again.  

A Cowboy With Something To Hide...On the rodeo circuit, B. J. Lambert had plenty of chances to forget about his first love. Back in Coffee Creek, it's impossible. Savannah Moody is as irresistible to B.J. as when they were teens. He'd still do anything for her--except give up the secret he promised to keep.Sheriff Savannah Moody knows B.J. is hiding something. Not his feelings for her--it's obvious to both of them that the attraction is as strong as ever. But she simply can't afford to give in. She has her sister to care for, and the family land, and B.J. might be gone tomorrow. She also has a job to do: to pursue the truth and discover what really happened eighteen years ago when a barn burned and a man died. Even if it costs her dearly....

Murder in a small town is always personal.In the isolated ranching community of Lost Trails, Montana, Lacy Stillman, a rich elderly rancher has died of a heart attack in her own bed. What could be more normal than that? As Zak Waller, dispatcher with the local Sheriff's Office, joins the town in mourning the loss of the community matriarch, some disquieting information makes Zak wonder if Lacy's death was not what it seemed.Meanwhile, Zak's friend Tiff Masterson is overwhelmed by her mother's escalating mental breakdown and her aunt's stubborn denial of the problem. Tiff assumes the root of the problem is the death of her brother and father sixteen years ago. But the real atrocity goes back much further than that. When the truth is revealed in a shocking twist, Tiff's world is turned completely upside down. The ramifications affect many of the most prominent citizens and provide the missing clue to Lacy Stillman's murder.Perfect for fans of the British television film...

If he says black, she says white... Lindsay Fox and Nathan Fisher couldn't be more different. In fact, she knew after her one-year stint with the NYPD, she'd driven her former partner as crazy as he'd driven her. He was even part of the reason she left the force, although she'd never admit that to him! So she's more than a little surprised when Nathan answers her ad for a new investigator. Working together now they discover a delicious chemistry beneath their differences. Could they actually become more than partners? Then they take on the challenge of an unusual case -- one that reminds Lindsay of her own painful past. Her instinct is to push Nathan away. But can she take a bigger risk and let him in?

When Eliza Bramble signs up for the Christmas Mountain Ski package with Marshal McKenzie, owner of Grizzly Adventures in Marietta, Montana, she's looking to escape. Her Bramble B&B Christmas blog has just gone viral, attracting the attention of a two-timing man who hurt her very badly. Getting out of town for Christmas is her only way to find peace. Instead she finds herself trapped on a vacation with a bickering couple and their two spoiled children as well as a young married couple who barely speak to one another. The tension is almost unbearable - and then a blizzard hits, stranding them all in a remote ski lodge for the holidays. Christmas is looking like a write-off until Marshall suggests they make the best of what they have and work together. Eliza is surprised to find that the avid outdoorsman has a special touch with people...and with her in particular. Soon she realizes Marshall isn't fixing just Christmas but her broken heart, too. Carrigans of Circle C Series Book 1: Promise Me, CowboyBook 2: Good TogetherBook 3: Close to her HeartBook 4: Snowbound in MontanaBook 5: A Cowgirl's Christmas.  

After years of tearing up the rodeo circuit--and shirking his family duties-- Colton Hart shouldn't be surprised that his return to Thunder Ranch has been a bit thorny. His plan to put the Harts' prize stallion, Midnight, back into dangerous rodeo competition doesn't help.Colt's stirring up trouble off the ranch as well, especially in Leah Stockton's heart. Recently divorced, Leah is determined to make a new life for her two kids. The last thing she needs is a man who acts like a child himself.And Leah doesn't even know about the biggest mistake of Colt's life. When his shameful secret is revealed, she'll never look at him the same again. But Colt also realizes it's past time he acts like the man Leah deserves...whether she wants him or not.

Going Home Shouldn't Be This Hard…Cassidy Lambert traded in Montana's big sky country for the big-city lights—forever. Until a potentially devastating equine illness threatens her family's ranch, and Cassidy is needed at home to help. She thinks she knows what she wants from life, but the more she's around sexy veterinarian Dan Farley, the more confused she gets.When Cassidy comes back to the open Western landscape Dan loves, she's nothing but a beautiful burr under his saddle. She stomped on his heart once before, and he's not eager for another go-around. But he just can't keep himself away from those green eyes and sweet curves. It's a good thing she'll soon be gone again. Because he can't trust her—or himself—when she's around!About the AuthorCJ Carmichael gave up the glamour of income tax forms and double-entry bookkeeping when she sold her first book in 1998. She has now written over 30 novels for Harlequin, been twice nominated for RWA’s RITA award, as well as Romantic Time’s Career Achievement award. CJ lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her partner, Mike, and the family cat, Penny.  Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.What did it say about her relationship with her family that the person Cassidy Lambert was most excited to see when she got home wasn't a person at all, but her border collie, Sky?Sky had been her father's birthday surprise for her fourteen years ago. Sky was loyal, loving and, most important, uncomplicated. Cassidy knew, no matter what, that Sky would always love her and think she was the most wonderful person on the planet.The same could not be said of her family.Cassidy lowered the driver's side window of her vintage 1980 Ford pickup to let in the warm spring air, then cranked up the tunes as she barreled along the 80 toward home. She knew she should reduce her speed, not only to avoid a ticket but also to prolong the drive, which she was quite enjoying.But she was on a high. After five long years she was finally done with late nights at the library, relentless assignments and tough exams. She'd worked hard to complete the Accounting Master's Program at Montana State University, but she'd done it, and hopefully soon would follow a high-paying job at one of the top accounting firms in Billings.Josh Brown—her friend and would-be boyfriend if she could make up her mind about that—also had plans to move to Billings. Josh had wanted to come with her to Coffee Creek Ranch. He said it was time he met her family."I wouldn't be so anxious if I were you," she'd told him. He thought she was teasing, but she wasn't."They can't be that bad. Look at you. Unless you were adopted?""No such luck." She had her mother's delicate features and the long, lanky body that came from the Lambert side of the family. She had a soft heart—like her father. But was also headstrong and stubborn—like her mom.Yet despite all the family resemblances, she'd always been a misfit. Part of the problem came from being the only girl in a family with three boys—four if you counted her foster brother, Jackson, who'd been with the family since she was nine. She knew it wasn't her imagination that her mother was harder on her than the guys. And her father had treated her differently, too, when he was alive.For one thing, he'd built three cottages by the small lake on their property for each of his sons to live in. But nothing for her.No doubt he'd expected her to one day get married and go live with her husband. But being excluded that way had hurt.And it still did.The boys had been relentless teases, too. They didn't mean to be cruel, but they never cut her a break, either. Even though she could ride as well as any of them, she couldn't match them in strength. And, oh, how they'd loved to taunt her about that. Especially Brock…Tears fogged her vision, and she slid her sunglasses up on her head so she could rub them away. Though almost a year had passed since the accident that had taken her youngest brother's life—just an hour before he'd been about to marry Winnie Hayes—the loss still felt fresh.Brock may have driven her crazy, but she'd loved him, living in hope that one day he'd stop treating her like a bratty little sister and they might become friends.Now they would never have that chance.Cassidy drove over a series of three gentle hills before arriving at the smattering of buildings and the weathered sign proclaiming that she'd arrived at the town of Coffee Creek. She put on her indicator light, intending to stop at the Cinnamon Stick Cafe for some fortification before continuing the last fifteen minutes to the ranch.It was Wednesday morning, the last week of April, an hour before noon. She'd written her final exam the previous afternoon, had spent a night on the town with all her friends, including Josh, then loaded her car for an early departure that hadn't included breakfast.So she was hungry.She angle-parked in front of the pretty cafe that was owned by Brock's former fiancée. Winnie had taken Brock's death really hard and had gone to live at her parents' farm in Highwood immediately following the funeral. Cassidy stayed in touch with her via Facebook and knew that Winnie hoped to return to Coffee Creek eventually. Apparently she'd developed some health issues that weren't serious, but required some time to settle.In the meantime her cafe was being operated by Winnie's best friend—and Cassidy's new sister-in-law— Laurel. Laurel Sheridan had flown in from New York for Brock and Winnie's wedding and had ended up extending her stay to take care of Winnie's cafe while her friend was convalescing. She'd also fallen in love with Corb and the two had been married last September in New York City.Then in March they'd had a baby—adorable little Stephanie Olive Lambert was another reason Cassidy was stopping at the Cinnamon Stick. Hopefully Laurel and the baby would be there.She was dying for a cuddle with her new little niece.Cassidy parked, hopped out of her truck, then paused to stretch her back and her arms. One thing about older trucks—they sure weren't built for comfort. Still, she patted the hood affectionately before heading toward the cafe.A hand-painted sign hung over the door, and two wooden benches promised a place to sit in the sun and enjoy your coffee once you'd placed your order.Inside she was welcomed by the scent of freshly ground coffee beans and the luscious aromas of butter, sugar and cinnamon. She'd come during a lull and the place was quiet. Two older women sat at one of the two booths, engrossed in conversation. Behind the counter, Laurel was softly singing a silly song about hedgehogs. She had her back to the door, busy with dishes, but she spotted Cassidy's reflection in a carefully positioned mirror and broke into a big smile."Cassidy! You're home!" Laurel stopped to scoop up her two-month-old daughter from the playpen. "Look who's here, Steph. It's your auntie Cassidy."Cassidy was already holding out her arms for the bundle. "I hope she isn't making shy yet.""Oh, she's still too young for that. Besides, she's getting used to new faces. We just got back to work last week and I swear our business has tripled. It seems everyone in the area is finding an excuse to drop in for a coffee and to say hello to the newest Lambert."Cassidy listened to all of this with a smile, at the same time noticing how happy her sister-in-law appeared. Pretty, too. Her long red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but it seemed thicker and glossier than ever. And her fair skin was literally glowing.Laurel deposited a kiss on Cassidy's cheek as she handed over her daughter, who had gained several pounds since Cassidy had seen her last."Oh, you're so cute! Look—she has Corb's dimple.""I know. Isn't it adorable? And only on the left cheek, just like her dad."Cassidy sighed as Stephanie cuddled in, soaking up the smooches that her aunt couldn't resist planting on her downy soft head. Her wispy hair was coming in orange. And curly."How are you doing, precious? Do you like working with your mommy in the cafe?"The baby looked up at the sound of Cassidy's voice, and Cassidy was amused to see that she had the Lambert green eyes, as well. Stephanie was staring at her intently, and only when she raised her little hand, awkwardly reaching up, did Cassidy realize she was entranced by the sunglasses that were still resting on her head."She's just started noticing her hands a few weeks ago," Laurel commented. "Sometimes she stares at them for minutes at a time. It's so cute. But here I am, talking endlessly about my wonderful baby, again." Laurel rolled her eyes. "What's new with you? How were your final exams?""They went well, I think. I won't have my marks for a few weeks.""Can I get you a coffee and a cinnamon bun for the road?"Hearing the door open behind her, Cassidy moved out of the way so the newcomer could enter. "You read my mind, thanks.""Make that a double order, Winnie," said a deep voice behind her. "And leave some space for cream in the coffee."Cassidy knew that voice. Slowly she turned, holding Stephanie like a shield between her and the tall, broad-shouldered man who'd just entered the cafe.Sure enough, there stood Dan Farley. The local vet had some Native American blood, which accounted for his high cheekbones, jet-black hair and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Though he'd spoken to Winnie, it was Cas-sidy he was looking at, with cool dislike."Hey, Farley." Darn her voice for coming out so soft and weak. She lifted her chin. "How are things?""Busy."He knew she'd been going to college in Bozeman, and must have noticed the suitcases and boxes in the back of her truck, but he didn't ask about her studies or show any interest in whether or not she was moving back to Coffee Creek. Stepping past her as if she were nothing more than an inanimate obstacle, he made his way to the counter, where he pulled out his wallet.Heck and darn, but the man had a way about him. Cassidy glanced at the two women at the back to see if they felt it, too. Sure enough they both had their eyes on Coffee Creek's sexy vet. One of them pretended to fan her face with her hand. The other laughed and winked at Cassidy.Cassidy didn't wink back.He wasn't that good-looking.She gave him another glance, seeing only his profile and long, muscular build.Okay, maybe he was that good-looking.Still, he probably hated her and she had only herself to blame.Winnie set two coffees in to-go cups on the counter, then bagged them each one of the homemade cinnamon buns baked fresh every day by ex-bronc rider Vince Butterfield. A veteran of the rodeo circuit and a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Vince had licked a lifelong dependence on alcohol and in his sixties had be...