Rough Creek

Known for writing historical romance, Warner kicks off her first contemporary series with this delightful western about an ex-con cowboy working to get his life back on track. Dalton Cardwell served 18 months for a crime he didn’t commit. Upon his release, he returns home to Rough Creek, Tex., and discovers that his parents have sold the family ranch. Dalton seeks employment as a horse trainer at the nearby Whitcomb Four Star ranch. The Whitcomb matriarch, Coralee, agrees to give him a chance, much to the chagrin of her daughter, Raney. Though Raney is skeptical about hiring an ex-con, she’s reluctantly attracted to Dalton. And as Dalton proves to be an asset as a horse trainer and a playful presence around the ranch, Raney warms to him even more, and their mutual interest evolves first into friendship, then into love. Warner (Where the Horses Run) allows her flawed but endearing characters to drive the plot of this convincing, banter-filled romance. Readers will be eager to return to Rough Creek. Agent: Gail Fortune, The Talbot Fortune Agency. (July)