A Fresh Start

      After the loss of his family in a tragic accident, Ryan Malloy has been given one last chance to change his life. His boss sends him to Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico, to run his ranch, but unfortunately, Ryan’s troubled attitude lands him in hot water with the locals, especially the ranch’s manager, Lianne Ward.

      Deaf since birth, Lianne has never let her disability define who she is. But, she’s yet to meet a man who treats her as an equal. Ryan seems different…that is, when they’re not butting heads over the ranch’s new school for disadvantaged boys.

      Forced to work together, Lianne and Ryan discover an unexpected attraction beneath their quarreling. But will Ryan’s painful past drive them apart…permanently?

      Business, Lianne reminded herself as he led her to the dance floor.

      But how could she think about that when Ryan had his arm wrapped around her? He shifted the hand he held around her waist.

      “You okay?” he asked.

      She had come here tonight to show him—and everyone—how well she could handle herself. How could she let him think she couldn’t manage something as simple as a dance?

      “No problem,” she said, looking down, using the sight of his broad, solid chest to help her focus.

      His fingers moved restlessly at the small of her back. Slowly, she raised her gaze.

      He smiled.

      She had no control over the way her heart fluttered at that moment. She wanted him to smile that way again, for her alone.

      But if he did, she would never be able to resist…anything.

      Business. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and inhaled the delicious scent of his aftershave.

      Ryan stopped moving. Lianne opened her eyes and glanced up at him. He was smiling down at her again.

      Business…or pleasure?

      Dear Reader,

      With every book I write, I’m like a proud mama wanting to tell you how wonderful and special the hero and heroine are and how much they deserve their happy ending. That has never been more true for me than with this story.

      Despair over a family tragedy has left Ryan within inches of losing his job, his reputation and his self-worth. All he has—all he is—rides on one last chance for redemption…but there’s one woman standing in his way.

      As a deaf woman caught between two cultures, Lianne has faced challenges throughout her life. When she’s blindsided by someone she trusts, she’s determined to prove herself—even though it means rebelling against her new boss.

      With a little help from the folks of Flagman’s Folly, these two people who are absolutely wrong for each other could make a perfect match. But first, they’d have to let down their guards. Are they willing to take the risk? I hope you enjoy finding out!

      I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at P.O. Box 504, Gilbert, AZ 85299, or through my website: www.barbarawhitedaille.com. I’m also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/barbarawhitedaille and Twitter: twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille.

      All my best to you,

      Barbara White Daille

      Rancher

      at Risk

      Barbara White Daille

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest, where they don’t mind the lizards in their front yard but could do without the scorpions in the bathroom.

      A writer from the age of nine and a novelist since eighth grade, Barbara is now an award-winning author with a number of novels to her credit.

      When she was very young, Barbara learned from her mom about the storytelling magic in books—and she’s been hooked ever since. She hopes you will enjoy reading her books and will find your own magic in them!

      She’d also love to have you drop by and visit with her at her website, www.barbarawhitedaille.com.

      To anyone who steps to the music

      of a different drummer.

      I hope that’s you!

      And, as always, to Rich.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Chapter Nineteen

       Excerpt