
Title: Embracing Hope (Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose Book 5)
Author: Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb:
Isaac had always been told “never mix business and pleasure,” but how can he resist when Hope teases him into forgetting the rules and his dark streak?
After a tragic event forced wounded soldier Isaac Markum into early retirement from special ops, he’s content with working his family-owned ranch and staying out of the limelight. Until, he’s expected to oversee the merger between Markum Farms and Sagebrush Rose Ranch. From the start, he’s been against the merger, so as far as he’s concerned, it’ll never happen. However, a chance encounter with a Rose might change his mind and melt his icy heart.
Things are falling apart at Sagebrush Rose. Sam Rose has demanded that his daughters marry. He’s revealed that he has cancer, and when a ranch hand is killed on the property, the patriarch and his family are under scrutiny. Markum Farms is second-guessing the merger. The last thing Hope wants is to play an agreeable host for some brooding cowboy with a reputation of being a bad boy to secure the transition. And then there is the minor detail that she had a one-night fling with him. It’s a long story she doesn’t want her father to hear.
Someone lurking in the shadows wants to stop the merger at all costs. As mayhem rises in Sagebrush Pine, so will the chemistry between Hope and Isaac. They both have steel walls for protection, but where there’s a spark, there’s a blaze, and the fire will consume them.
If you love small-town stories packed with emotion, steam, and a splash of suspense, you’ll love the Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose series. This is the last book in the series and will lead readers down a trail of forbidden romance and healing.
Excerpt:
Isaac schooled his expression as he watched the enticing sway of Hope’s bottom as she marched out of her father’s office in a huff. Once they were at the end of the hallway, she pivoted and faced him, her expression dull and her lips pursed.
“What sort of game is this?” She tilted her chin.
“Game?” Although he'd totally fucked up by sleeping with a Rose daughter, he couldn’t deny that a part of him had perked up when he saw her. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me, Hannah? Or is it Hope?” When she’d walked out of the motel room that morning, he’d had no idea that he’d ever see her again. Probably a good idea when he’d woke up straddling her during one of his panicked dreams. Most women would have run away, but she had spunk. She’d simply looked at him like this happened regularly.
Her eyes slanted. She didn’t appear any happier to see him.
She crossed her arms over her waist. “It’s Hope, Isaac. Or is it Lance? I’m a little confused myself.”
“My name’s Lance Isaac Marcum. Everyone has always called me Isaac, or Markie in the military.”
Her expression soured. “I’m sure that works out splendidly when it comes to sleeping with women,” she said in a hushed tone.
“Now isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? As I recall you were there too, ma’am.” His eyes darkened.
"Is this part of your strategy? Sleeping with me to make the Roses view the merger more favorably? It certainly gives you a little leverage if things don't go as planned, doesn’t it? I'm curious about your intentions.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle. Was he really hearing this right? “Just to clarify, you were the one who approached me at the bar. You didn’t share your last name or your real first name, so how was I supposed to know you’re a Rose? Isn’t that a lovely surprise?”
He could almost see the thoughts sparking in her eyes. “It’s entirely possible someone mentioned me, or perhaps you did a little detective work and discovered what I looked like.”
“If I would have asked, yes, but I didn’t. And I didn’t know until moments ago, when Sam mentioned it, that you’re going to be a key player in this merger.”
“Are you really going to claim this was just a coincidence? That our paths crossed and we enjoyed an amazing night together by chance?” She laughed, but it had a raw edge.
“Could it be the other way around? Maybe you recognized me and thought your charming allure could improve the situation in your favor.” He journeyed his gaze down her beautiful body.
Her eyes sparkled as she stared back at him in disbelief. “And why would I do that? You need Sagebrush Rose more than we need Marcum Livestock.”
“Lady, you should do your detective work.” he ground out through clenched teeth. “Sagebrush Rose is lucrative but has gone down in revenue by twenty percent. Marcum Livestock has doubled its revenue this year, making us the number one growing cattle business in the state of Texas.”
She tapped the toe of her boot as if she imagined it was his head between her and the floor. “Obviously, you have no clue what you’re talking about. We have more than doubled our livestock this last year.”
“You mean in horses, right? It can take years for that investment to turn a profit. You’ve probably spent at least a million on horses, and how much have you made back in the last six months? Let me guess. Zero. Cattle ranching earns an ROI almost immediately. Why is your cattle livestock down by a fourth?” He saw the uncertainty in her eyes. “You can’t answer that, can you? And this is why a smart person once said, don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“After the loss of two of our breeding horses, we did suffer a loss in profit, but our sires are widely reputable and turn a profit. To make money one must spend money. Have you heard that from a smart person too?”
He didn’t know whether he should be angry or amused. “I’m sensing you might be experiencing some regret after last night.” Unfortunately, he had not one iota of regret. He’d been thinking about her since. He needed to stop that right away and get his head back on straight.
“I don’t live in regret, cowboy. I learn from my mistakes and never repeat them.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/embracing-hope-cowboys-of-sagebrush-rose-book-5-by-rhonda-lee-carver
What’s your favorite part about being a romance author?
My favorite part about being a romance author is creating worlds of love, romance and happily ever afters. And especially making fans happy and touching their lives.
Here’s my tip to add romance to your love life:
My tip is to always just be yourself with your partner. Don’t ever feel like you can’t be cheesy if the moment strikes. Love without rules can be the most pleasurable one.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs February 1 – 28, 2025
Drawing will be held on March 1, 2025.
Author Biography:
Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
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