#1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller returns to Stone Creek with a classic tale of two strangers running from dangerous secrets
The past has a way of catching up with folks in Stone Creek, Arizona. But schoolmarm Lark Morgan and Marshal Rowdy Rhodes are determined to hide their secretsâand deny their instant attraction. That should be easy, since each suspects the other of living a lieâ¦.
Yet Rowdy and Lark share one truth: both face real dangers. Such as the gang of train robbers heading their way, men Ranger Sam OâBallivan expects Rowdy to nab. As past and current troubles collide, Rowdy and Lark must surrender their pride to the greatest power of allâundying love.
Praise for #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Linda Lael Miller
âMiller tugs at the heartstrings as few authors can.â
âPublishers Weekly
âThis is a delightful addition to Millerâs Big Sky series. This author has a way with a phrase that is nigh-on poetic, and all of the snappy little interactions between the main and secondary characters make this story especially entertaining.â
âRT Book Reviews on Big Sky Mountain
âMillerâs down-home, easy-to-read style keeps the plot moving, and she includesâ¦likable characters, picturesque descriptions and some very sweet pets.â
âPublishers Weekly on Big Sky Country
âAfter reading this book your heart will be so full of Christmas cheer youâll want to stuff a copy in the stocking of every romance fan you know!â
âUSATODAY.com Happy Ever After on A Lawmanâs Christmas
âMillerâs attention to small details makes her stories a delight to read. With engaging characters and loveable animals, this second story in the Creed Cowboys trilogy is a sure hit for the legions of cowboy fans out there.â
âRT Book Reviews on Creedâs Honor
âA passionate love too long denied drives the action in this multifaceted, emotionally rich reunion story that overflows with breathtaking sexual chemistry.â
âLibrary Journal on McKettricks of Texas: Tate
âThis is Western romance at its finest.â
âRT Book Reviews on The Man from Stone Creek
âStrong characterization and a vivid Western setting make for a fine historical romance.â
âPublishers Weekly on McKettrickâs Choice
Dear Reader,
Iâm so excited youâre back in Stone Creek again! A Wanted Man is the story of two passionate people with secrets to keep. Rowdy Rhodes appeared very briefly in The Man from Stone Creek, and the first time he walked onto the stage of my mind, I knew he would have his own story. Rowdy is a fascinating enigma, an outlaw with honor, a fugitive with courage, a teller of truth whose whole life is basically a lie. Lark Morgan, the woman he didnât plan on meeting, let alone loving, is guarding dangerous secrets of her own. So come along with Rowdy, Lark and me on a journey to Stone Creek as it was in the turbulent early years of the last century.
I would also like to tell you about the scholarship program that I financeâLinda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, awarded to those seeking to improve their lot in life through education. You can find more information on my website, www.lindalaelmiller.com.
Also, be sure to look out for a brand-new book coming in June, the start of a fresh trilogy set in Parable, Montana. Big Sky Summer is the story of Walker Parrish, handsome rodeo cowboy turned stock contractor, and Casey Elder, a fiery redheaded country and western singer. The secret theyâre keeping will either bond them forever at the heart, or drive them apart. I canât wait for you to mosey on back to Parable and step into their world!
Happy reading!
For Shaun Bleecker, who identifies so strongly with Rowdyâperhaps because heâs a hero, too.
1
Stone Creek, Arizona Territory
January, 1905
ROWDY RHODES LEANED BACK in the whorehouse bathtub, a cheroot jutting from between his teeth, and sighed as he waited for the chill of a high-country winter to seep out of his bones.
Jolene, an aging madam with pockmarked skin, three visible teeth and a bustle the size of the Sonoran Desert, sloshed another bucketful of steaming water at his feet. âI done seen everything now,â she told him, her eyes narrowed in lascivious speculation as she studied Rowdyâs submerged frame. âAinât nobody never brought a dog to my bathhouse before.â
Pardner, the old yellow hound, sat soaked and bewildered in the tub next to Rowdyâs. Heâd gotten pretty scruffy on the long ride up from Haven, the dog had, and Rowdy meant to take him for barbering next. They could both do with a haircut, and Rowdy was itching for a shave.
Pardner was just plain itching.
âAlways a first time,â Rowdy said, drawing on the cheroot and then blowing a smoke ring.
Jolene lingered, probably hoping to do less-hygienic business, but willing to settle for whatever conversation might come her way. âItâs one thing, you payinâ for clean water for yourself, but I donât see how as it makes a difference to the dog.â