The Cowboy’s Prize

Schmidt (Moonlight Secrets) launches her Sweethearts of the Rodeo series with this sweet and steamy contemporary. Last rodeo season, bronc rider LeAnn “Killer” Keller suffered a disappointing loss in the ring and afterward lost her virginity in a one-night stand with rodeo star Dylan Porter. Now she’s ready to get back in the saddle, this time as one of the few female bull riders. For his part, Dylan is eager to trade bucking bulls for a future running an animal sanctuary. When LeAnn’s sister hires Dylan to coach LeAnn and get her ready for her bull riding debut, he agrees, having never understood why LeAnn ghosted him. The reunited duo has explosive chemistry, but LeAnn’s desire to keep their past hookup a secret and Dylan’s fear for her safety in the ring could get in the way of a relationship. And when a shady rodeo fan decides to game the system to ensure his gambling pays off big, riders’ lives are endangered—including LeAnn’s. Schmidt writes with authority about the rodeo circuit, and her spunky heroine and honorable, dedicated hero will draw immediate love from cowboy romance fans. Readers will look forward to the next installment. (Feb.)