Discovering You

Can she ever trust another “bad boy”?

India Sommers once had the perfect family—until an ex-boyfriend broke in and shot her husband. Not only did that cost her the man she loved, a respected heart surgeon and the father of her child, but she also feels responsible. Charlie died because of the people she hung out with before she had the strength to change her life.

Just after moving to Whiskey Creek with her little girl, Cassia, to start over, she’s learned that her ex-boyfriend’s trial ended in a hung jury. He’s getting out of jail; he could try to find her again. And that’s not all that scares her. She’s extremely attracted to her next-door neighbor, but Rod Amos is the handsome “bad boy” type that’s given her so much trouble in the past. If she got involved with him, her in-laws would sue for custody of Cassia.

India has to keep her distance from Rod—but the more she gets to know him, the more difficult that becomes.

Praise for the Whiskey Creek novels of New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak

“Another Whiskey Creek novel is just what readers need to satisfy their craving for a romance that tugs at the heartstrings.”

—RT Book Reviews on A Winter Wedding, Top Pick

“[This Heart of Mine] had such beautiful details that it captured my full attention—and had me sniffling and smiling while waiting to board my plane.”

—First for Women

“This Heart of Mine is a potently emotional, powerfully

life-affirming contemporary romance that can be read and enjoyed on its own, but it also serves as an excellent addition to Novak’s popular Whiskey Creek series.”

—Booklist, starred review

“Another engrossing addition to Novak’s addictive series.”

—Library Journal on This Heart of Mine, starred review

“Novak’s Whiskey Creek novels are a favorite among romance readers because of their small-town charm… Novak never disappoints.”

—RT Book Reviews on This Heart of Mine, Top Pick

“Once again Novak’s Whiskey Creek springs to life in all its realistic, gritty Gold Country glory as two determined, likable people come to terms with their pasts and give love a chance. This poignant, heartfelt romance puts a refreshing spin on the classic reunion/secret baby theme.”

—Library Journal on Come Home to Me

“One needn’t wonder why Novak is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. Just read Come Home to Me.”

—Examiner.com

“The Whiskey Creek series is an absolute delight and this newest installment is…so satisfying I ran out of superlatives. Brenda Novak outdid herself in Take Me Home for Christmas.”

—Fresh Fiction

“It’s steamy, it’s poignant, it’s perfectly paced—it’s When Lightning Strikes and you don’t want to miss it.”

—USATODAY.com’s Happy Ever After blog

To Kay Myers, who read my very first book

before it ever came out and told me it was good.

Dear Reader,

Dylan Amos is probably my favorite character in all of Whiskey Creek, so it is with great pleasure that I return to his family to write about another one of his sexy brothers. There’s just something special about a family of rugged men who’ve managed to pull together in the face of adversity. The Amoses are tough, able to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. I love that they have a hard edge to them, because, as much as they may not want to admit it, they also have soft hearts (way down deep). I think Rodney rises to the occasion when he meets his beautiful new neighbor, who so desperately needs his friendship and support. Only he would be right for her. I hope you’ll agree.

If you’re just starting the series, don’t worry. The books are written to stand alone, so you won’t be lost jumping in at any point. And if you’d like to go back to the beginning and catch up, I have a list of the books in order on my website at brendanovak.com. There’s even a pdf you can download and take to the bookstore (or use to order online).

Next up, I’ll be veering away from Whiskey Creek for a bit with the publication of The Secrets She Kept, my second Fairham Island book. It’ll be released at the end of July, but if you join my mailing list at brendanovak.com, I’ll send you an email whenever I have a book coming out. At brendanovak.com, you’ll also be able to enter monthly drawings, contact me with comments or questions or join my fight to find a cure for diabetes by purchasing a copy of Love That! Brenda Novak’s Every Occasion Cookbook (with Jan Coad). My youngest son has this disease. Thanks to the support of so many, I’ve been able to raise $2.5 million for the cause so far (which has gone to both JDRF and the DRI).

Best wishes always,

Brenda Novak

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

Dedication

Dear Reader

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13