Up-tight English schoolteacher Rebecca Wade moves to Texas, leaving behind an unhappy past. When she meets bad boy rancher, Jed Monroe, she immediately disapproves of his carefree ways. Can the Texas rancher bring out the simmering passion hidden within Rebecca? Or will she be too scared to let go?
Twenty-eight year old, English schoolteacher Rebecca Wade moves to Texas, leaving behind an unhappy past. Keeping herself to herself, she vows to steer clear of men.When she meets bad boy rancher, Jed Monroe, the father of one of her pupils, she immediately disapproves of his carefree ways, and irresponsible attitude. With Jed working on her house, in exchange for his daughters extra tuition, Rebecca is determined to stay aloof. But how can she remain detached, when just the mere sight of Jed Monroe, causes the sexual woman within her to emerge? Jed has only one thing on his mind, and that's Rebecca. The ice maiden has lit the touch paper inside him. He will stop at nothing until she becomes his. Can the Texas rancher bring out the simmering passion within Rebecca?
Excerpt
He laughed, his brows drawing together as he studied her. “And what type are you?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been told I’m too cold. What type would you suggest? Ice queen? Ice maiden?” She began sweeping the shards of glass into the dustpan with exaggerated movements. Anything to keep herself from looking at him.
“Who told you that?”
“My ex-fiancé.”
“I see.”
“No, I don’t think you do. My father was a vicar. A preacher, if you like. I’ve got plenty of hang-ups that would make you unhappy.”
“Is that why you came to America? To escape your father?”
Lifting her head from her task, she stared at him. His piercing gaze held her captive. It was all she could do to keep breathing. Surely he was the most attractive man she’d ever seen? “My father’s been dead for two years now. I came to America to leave the humiliation of rejection behind. I don’t wish to add any more.”
“So you’d rather reject me, Rebecca, than have some fun?”
“I’m sorry. It’s for the best.” All her emotions surfaced as she put the brush and pan to one side. She would always be a failure where men were concerned. She’d hoped to leave the past behind her, but she just didn’t seem to have the courage to make that final step. The idea that she would be a disappointment to any man scared her the most. She just couldn’t deal with the humiliation again.
“What are you frightened of, Rebecca?”
“I’m not frightened.” She moved out of his reach. “How about some apple pie?”
“Instead of you, you mean? I don’t think you’re taking anything I say seriously.”
Without warning he pressed her hard against the kitchen table. Taking her hands in his, he pinned them down on either side of her. His gaze focused on her mouth, her own eyes unable to ignore the pure masculine presence of him. The hard contours of his chest, so close and overwhelming, made the breath seize in her lungs in a short, sharp gasp.
He leaned forward, his warm breath fanning against her neck as he whispered softly in her ear. “I see I’ve got your attention, Rebecca, because you’ve sure as hell had mine these past few weeks.”
“Jed.” He felt so incredibly sexy standing right up against her. His heat soaked through the dress she wore. His male scent pervaded her senses like nothing she had known before. “Believe me, I’m the complete opposite to you.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen you looking at me when you think I don’t notice. There’s a connection between us. You want me, just as much as I want you.”
“You are mistaken.”
“Uh-uh.” He brushed his lips against her cheek, his mouth nuzzling her soft skin as he tasted a line to her ear. Pressed back against the table, her hands pinned beneath his, she could barely move. It excited her like never before. “Truth be known, you’d like me to take you here, on this table, right now, and fuck you senseless.”
The image and the language he used shocked and startled her. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Jason had never been as crude as that. Trouble was, Jed turned her on far more than Jason ever could. Maybe Jed was right. Maybe she was more like him than she realized.
Only a few base words wouldn’t begin to change a whole lifetime of concealment. To allow Jed in, she would have to let her defenses down, and she just wasn’t ready to do that. She liked her safe little world. That way she wouldn’t disappoint herself or anyone else.
“As I said, Jed. You are mistaken. Now let me go.”
He stared at her for a moment. “Very well.” Then he leaned in and whispered low against her ear. “You may fool everyone else. You may even fool yourself, but you can’t fool me. Maybe you need a man like me, rather than that dickless wonder back in England. I bet your father approved of him.”
She looked sharply at him. He’d hit the nail on the head. “He did.”
“Well, darlin’, he would never have approved of me.” With that, he moved away and went back outside, leaving her feeling incredibly empty. Jed had given her plenty to think about.
Professional Reviews
5 Hearts The Romance Studio
What a wonderful Sunday read! After reading another of Jan Bowles’ books, I was anxious to read this one. It definitely did not disappoint me. This is a provocative book about an English woman transplanted into Texas society. Her writing style captivated me previously. It only grabbed my attention more completely with this book.
Rebecca Wade, 28, left England for the unknown area of Avery Grove, in Central Texas, after her rejection. Her fiancé dumped her one month before the wedding because he said she was frigid. As the daughter of a bitter preacher, she wanted a fresh start.
Jed Monroe had an eight-year-old daughter, Annie, who was a student of Miss Wade. She had learning problems and told her teacher she served her Pappy’s dinner every night. Rebecca was furious that, at eight, she was required to cook for her grown father. The arrangement he made with Miss Wade to repair her old home. In exchange she would tutor Annie.
Ms. Jan Bowles has presented us with another work that gave me insight into her writing abilities. This main couple could not have been more opposite. However, the chemistry was sweltering. The arousing sensuality was a wonderful page-turner. I did not stop until I had completed the book.
Her secondary characters were pivotal even though not often present. The affects of their inputs into the lives was more prevalent. I admire Bowles’ ability to tell an expressive, explosive storyline with a great background of beautiful country.
I highly recommend this book for anyone, except the too-young. I’m sure that adults will fully appreciate her writing talent.
Brenda Talley - The Romance Studio
4.5 Stars Manicreaders
Reviewer: Cheryl
Rebecca Wade is the new teacher for Avery Grove in Central Texas. Rebecca needed a change after being dumped by her fiancé. She is starting to regret her choice as Texas is no place really for a woman on her own, especially when nothing is going her way.
Jed Monroe has tried to raise his eight year old daughter, Annie right. It hasn’t been easy, since his wife and Annie’s mother passed away during childbirth. Jed meets the new teacher Rebecca. He has to admit that she is easy on the eyes. Rebecca informs Jed that Annie is struggling in school and needs some extra lessons. Jed and Rebecca make a deal…in exchange for Jed helping fix Rebecca’s home, Rebecca will tutor Annie. Annie may not be the only one needing some schooling. Jed has a few things to teach Rebecca.
Branded by the Cowboy Rancher is book two of the Cowboy Bad Boys by Jan Bowles. This book can be read as a standalone novel. I am really enjoying this series. If you like cowboys, strong women, and romance then you will like Branded by the Cowboy Rancher. Rebecca and Jed make a great couple. Jed may be rough around the edges but he has a heart of gold. Annie was so cute. She seemed so much wiser beyond her eight years. Another rip, roaring, fantastic read from Ms. Bowles.
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