The Rustler's Daughter Gets a Facelift

Hi all! Sorry I've been away so long. Life has been a little crazy lately - some good, some bad. On the good side, I've signed up with Booktrope. They are going to re-release my books with a fresh new look and some updates. First up is my historical western romance, The Rustler's Daughter. It's going to be re-released in August 2015, and I'm happy to share a sneak peek of the cover with you! Thanks to the talented Scott Deyett for this fabulous new look!

When Hannah Miller’s mother dies unexpectedly, she is forced to go live with her father, who she thought was dead. Hannah has high hopes that her father will be happy to finally meet her, but Roy Miller quickly puts Hannah in her place. She is a burden, just another mouth to feed, and an ugly reminder of the wife who left him.

Her father's act of desperation puts Hannah at the mercy of his enemies, the neighboring Scott family. Despite the bad blood between their families, Hannah is immediately attracted to Jackson Scott, but he has his own secrets and feels Hannah would be better off with someone else. When someone else does offer Hannah a way out of her predicament, will Jackson be able put aside his past and fight for the woman he loves?

Excerpt:

          Hannah took a deep breath and wished she had waited in the store. The heat was already making her uncomfortable after only a few minutes in the sun.

          "Well, well, aren't you a pretty thing?" slurred a voice.

          The smell of whiskey and sweat was overpowering, and Hannah wrinkled her nose before turning to see who was talking. She hoped the words were not meant for her. No such luck.

          The man on her left was dirty and smelled as if he lived in a saloon. He hadn't shaved in days or changed his clothes by the looks of them. He leered at Hannah looking her up and down, making her stomach turn. She hoped Mr. Carter would show up soon.

          "Whassa matter girlie? Cat got yer tongue?" He reached out to grab Hannah, but she easily dodged him.

          She looked over her shoulder nervously, expecting Mr. Carter to show up any second, but he wasn't there. Hannah decided it would be best if she ran back into the store for her own safety.

          Before she could make her move, the man suddenly disappeared from her view and was flying backwards. He landed on his back in the street with a loud thump. His face was replaced by a handsome young man who was smiling broadly.

          "Hi!" he said excitedly, tipping his hat. "I'm Lucas Scott. We haven't formally met yet."

          Hannah returned his smile with a beauty of her own. She was both relieved and amused by his obvious appreciation of her. He was every bit as handsome as his brothers, but he still had some growing to do.

          "Why Mr. Scott, I do believe your timing is impeccable." She giggled nervously, still shaken by the drunken man's advances.

          "Hey!" The man yelled from his position in the street.

          Lucas turned around. "Sorry Travis. Didn't see you there."

          Before the man could respond, Matthew Scott came around her wagon and stepped right in the middle of the man's chest before feigning surprise.

          "Travis? What are you doing in the street? I didn't even see you." Matthew winked at Hannah and smiled. "Miss Hannah."

          He tipped his hat. She covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. Both brothers ignored Travis and started to load Hannah's supplies into her wagon.

          Travis got up and fixed his angry gaze on Hannah. "You think that's funny?" he hissed, causing Lucas and Matthew to move in his direction.

          "Enough." That one word sent chills down her spine. Even filled with anger, Jackson's voice made her heart race. He was standing right behind her, so close she could feel the heat from his body over the warmth of the sun.

***

          "I believe you owe the lady an apology, Travis." Jackson was trying hard to keep his anger contained. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to tear Travis apart with his bare hands.

          Seeing Travis leering and grabbing at Hannah had him seeing red. He was almost glad his brothers had reached the man first. Almost.

          Travis looked at the Scott brothers with disgust. Even in his inebriated state, he knew he was outnumbered.

          "Fine. I'm sorry," he spat out, bowing awkwardly in Hannah's direction before stumbling off down the street.

          Hannah nodded gratefully to Matthew and Lucas who both smiled at her before loading the rest of her supplies.

          She turned around to face Jackson. He fought the urge to touch her.

          "Thank you. It seems I owe you and your brothers yet again." Jackson noticed the color heating her cheeks. They were standing closer than was proper, but neither made a move to back up.

          "Are you okay?" Jackson asked, concern filling his eyes.

          Hannah tried to focus. "Yes. I'm okay," she said softly. "I'm glad you showed up when you did though."

          "One of us should go with you when you come to town next time." He said it in a way that didn't invite opposition.

          "Are you offering to come yourself?" Hannah wasn't used to being so bold, but with Mr. Harding's proposal fresh in her mind, she wanted to know where Jackson stood.

          Jackson looked at his brothers who seemed to be just as interested in his answer as Hannah was.

          "I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." Jackson dodged the direct question. He knew he had hurt her, but better he let her down now than break her heart later.