ALW's Official Website The Wild Rose Press Category:  Romance Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Type: Fiction Pages: 116 Copyright: November 19, 2008 Actress Stella Ridge returns to Wayback, TX to heal and discovers that the only place she can possibly find solace is in the arms of silent cowboy, Judd Black: Wayback's blackest heart. America's Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family's ranch. The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again. She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood. Excerpt “I love the way the air feels here,” she murmured, watching the fire in the sky take its sweet time burning out. “I love how it tastes.” Her companion didn’t speak. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall figure leaning against the fence. She turned her head when he didn’t reply. A stunning zap of electricity surged through her. Judd had taken his hat off, revealing his thick crop of black hair, and was holding it between his hands draped over the fence line, elbows braced on the rail. His boot was propped on the lowest. His eyes squinted against the bright display, trained on the sun’s showcase. Beside him, sitting dutifully was an adorable mutt. The man was an enigma. It got to her. That pleasant burning sensation began to swell within her again. He straightened, catching her stare. She didn’t look away. Remembering how he’d raced with her over the field that afternoon, how he’d ridden that mean bull at the rodeo, she thought he must like challenges. Her admiration for him peaked. She liked a challenge, too. His brows rose as she stepped to him. Interest instead of astonishment filled his complex eyes. She came to a halt with the dog between them. “What’s with you, Judd?” she asked, punching just enough challenge into the question. “Didn’t Apache Jim ever teach you any manners? Didn’t anyone ever tell you how rude it is to stare?” Something welled beneath the interest. Amusement. A sharp breath escaped her as she watched his eyes smile at her, crinkling up at the corners. She was the astonished one. Her body froze up when he reached out with one of those hard, wide-palmed hands. If she could’ve moved, she wouldn’t have stepped back. His fingertips brushed over her damp hair, from her brow back over her crown. She fought against the urge to close her eyes, sigh and melt. Her scalp tickled under his light touch. His fingers combed through the ends of her tresses and repeated the motion, slower the second time through. She gripped the rail next to her, afraid she’d sway. The amusement in his eyes had faded. They’d lifted to the scars she’d left exposed by combing her hair back from her face. His thumb traced the smooth, jagged line, tracing it to the corner of her eye. She tried to read his face. The tender moment between them intensified. The tingles deepened. Though she wanted to turn his attention away from those imperfections on her face, she drew comfort from his whispering touch. His eyes darkened. There was anger there now. He was angry she’d been hurt. Her heart picked up pace, welcoming his fury. She allowed her eyes to close. Her blood was singing, warming skin chilled by the nightly breeze. She could hear him breathing, just barely. Edging closer, she reached up to touch him. Her fingers found the chords of his upper arm. They wrapped around them, gripping them for support. His fingertips found the scar by her mouth and began to trail down the angled mark. Her eyes popped open, fixed on his and her breath seized when he touched the very corner of her mouth. His fingers lingered, eyes tracing the line of her lips. She wanted his mouth to do the same. She waited breathlessly, heart thudding hard between them.

The Romance Studio
Stella Ridge went home to Wayback, Texas after a high-publicized accident virtually ended her movie career. The notoriety was more than she wanted to deal with. She hadn’t been home in almost two decades. Her father and two brothers still ran Ridge Range and she knew she would be welcomed back with open arms. The concerns she had about her father’s health problems just solidified her desire to return home. On her way home she stopped at the rodeo and came face to face with Judd Black whom she left without saying goodbye.
Judd and Stella had a past but he expected no future. The fact that her younger brother, close friend of Judd’s, was aware of his love for his sister was never discussed. Judd very seldom even spoke. His dog was blind and usually the two of them were alone and quietly went about their daily activities. The underlying tension with Stella’s oldest brother didn’t help matters.

Ms. Amber Leigh Williams has taken up the ongoing saga of Wayback, Texas. This latest book about the goings on in this small town is as good as the previous ones. I love the characters and the up close look at the Ridge and Black families was emotional. The tensions and conflicts with others made the couple seem even more real. The sensuality was super charged and dynamic. I could not put this book down. It was mesmerizing to read.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to everyone.

--Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio


Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction
This story soon develops a fast pace and gallops along taking the reader from one event to another. The romance that develops between Judd and Stella is real believable. The other characters are believable too and the story kept me pinned to my seat while I gobbled it up. I love Judd. He appealed to me from the outset and he is absolutely gorgeous. I'm not a great Western/cowboy fan myself but this story went a long way towards converting me. Ms Williams has a good writing style; polished and confident, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Definitely recommended."

Marguerite Arotin, author
Stella Ridge discovers that home sweet home and the arms of a strong, quiet cowboy are just what she needs to get her life and heart going again in Amber Leigh Williams’s fantastic Wayback tale- Blackest Heart. With a wonderful cast of supporting characters, including Stella’s adorable brothers, Stella and Judd will warm your heart and make you believe in the wonder of sweet homecomings.