A modern Western romance about love, loss, and a woman’s journey to reclaim her strength.
Set against the rodeo world and the Oklahoma prairie, Freedom is a story of resilience, heartache, and self-discovery.
Freedom is a heartfelt women’s fiction romance about love, resilience, and finding the courage to reclaim your life.
In the aftermath of a painful divorce, Cheyenne escapes to Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo, where a chance meeting with Rowdy, a charismatic Oklahoma cowboy, awakens feelings she thought she’d lost forever. When he invites her to his ranch in the small town of Freedom, Oklahoma, Cheyenne takes a leap of faith, leaving behind comfort and certainty for the promise of love.
As their relationship deepens, Cheyenne pours her heart, and her future, into building a shared life shaped by rodeo dreams and the wide-open prairie. But love proves complicated when Rowdy’s flaws surface, forcing Cheyenne to confront the cost of devotion and the danger of losing herself in someone else’s dreams.
Ultimately, Freedom is a story of emotional growth, self-discovery, and the quiet strength it takes for a woman to choose herself, without bitterness, regret, or fear.
Excerpt
Cheyenne tried to make sense of what was going on in her life. She’d loved Ryan and had given her marriage all she had to give. Cheyenne wondered if she could ever love Rowdy like she’d loved Ryan. She said aloud. “It’s just not fair.”
Katie saw the heartbroken look on Cheyenne’s face as she rolled up the Limo window and slid back into her seat. She felt sorry for her friend and wondered if the Las Vegas trip had been a mistake. Katie wanted to see Cheyenne smile again.
The limousine driver drove away from the airport and headed back to the casino. Katie was consumed with wild memories of their whirlwind weekend. She broke into hysterical laughter. She couldn’t stop laughing. Cheyenne laughed, too.
Katie didn’t want to share what had gone on between her and Cody. However, Cheyenne couldn’t hold it in. She blurted out. “I got laid in Las Vegas. It was the best I ever had.” Cheyenne’s heart pounded in her chest. She wasn’t sure if it were love or lust, but she’d had the time of her life. She was convinced that Rowdy was the man of her dreams.
Katie was skeptical. “I’m happy for you but get real. It was a one-night stand, nothing more. You’ll never hear from the cowboy again.”
Cheyenne wasn’t convinced. “It was more than a one-night stand. I know he felt the same way. You’ll see.”
Katie was exhausted. She was ready to go home.
The limousine pulled up to the entrance of the Golden Nugget. The women were greeted by a handsome bellman who helped them from the car. He flirted and gave them a come-hither stare. “Can I buy you gals a drink when I get off work?”
Cheyenne shook her head. “Thanks, but no thanks. No more drinks for me.” Katie stepped to the side as Cheyenne entered the casino ahead of her. Both women were wound up. They made their way through the crowded casino and took the elevator to their floor. Once inside their hotel room, Katie rushed into the bathroom. She cried out as she undressed and turned on the shower. “I need to wash my sins away.”
“I'm sleeping with my sins. I want to remember Rowdy forever. I’m taking a sleeping pill do you want one?” Cheyenne took a pill and washed it down with water. She placed two pills on the nightstand. Cheyenne undressed and fell into bed. She heard Katie yell from the shower. “I’ll take two.”
Cheyenne was dozing when she heard Katie fumble around in the dark. “What are you doing?”
Katie was tired and cranky. “Go back to sleep. I’m looking for my sleeping pills I can't find anything in the dark.”
“Well, then turn on the light. They're on the nightstand next to the lamp.” Thoughts of Rowdy swirled in her mind as Cheyenne fell back to sleep. What a day it’s been.
Katie turned out the lights and crawled into bed. “Good night old friend sleep tight. Tomorrow’s another day. I can’t wait to get out of this town.” Katie heard Cheyenne's soft snoring and smiled. Katie’s thoughts briefly turned to Cody. It was a fun weekend, but she didn’t care if she ever saw him again.
Professional Reviews
Freedom
Freedom is a heartfelt modern Western that blends romance, self-discovery, and the rugged beauty of the American heartland into a compelling and emotionally grounded story.
Cheyenne is a woman at a crossroads—wealthy, newly divorced, and quietly unraveling beneath a polished exterior. A spontaneous trip to Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo introduces her to Rowdy, an Oklahoma cowboy whose life could not be more different from her own. What begins as a chance encounter becomes a turning point neither of them expects.
Waggoner excels at creating authentic characters shaped by experience rather than clichés. Cheyenne’s journey from loneliness and vulnerability toward strength and clarity feels genuine and relatable, while Rowdy embodies both the charm and flaws of a man rooted in land, tradition, and hard choices. Their relationship unfolds naturally, grounded in emotional tension rather than melodrama.
The Oklahoma ranch setting is vividly rendered, serving as more than a backdrop—it becomes a catalyst for healing, reflection, and transformation. Themes of independence, trust, redemption, and the courage to begin again run strong throughout the story.
Freedom will resonate with readers who enjoy women’s fiction with romantic depth, modern Western settings, and emotionally honest storytelling. Anita Waggoner delivers a story that reminds us that sometimes the greatest freedom comes not from escape, but from choosing a life that finally feels true.
An adventure-filled time-travel western. Given a 5-star editorial review in 2020 by the InD'tale Magazine. "The weaving in of actual historical connections between the characters is fascinating. Fans of this genre will love the originality with the a
An adventure-filled time-travel western. Given a 5-star editorial review in 2020 by the InD'tale Magazine. "The weaving in of actual historical connections between the characters is fascinating. Fans of this genre will love the originality with the a