LITMIR.BIZ

      Healing Horses­—And Hearts

      After seeing Tessa Grant calm his storm-spooked horse, Ethan McClure is impressed. But does the new vet have what it takes to prove her mettle with Ethan’s local horse-rescue group? Ethan can’t deny her healing touch with animals...or her powerful effect on this rancher. But Tessa is busy trying to get her footing after leaving Kentucky to start over in this mountain town. When she learns a family secret that turns her world upside down, Tessa’s ready to push everyone away. Unless Ethan can help her embrace forgiveness—and forge a path to her heart along the way.

      “Here’s the report,” Tessa said, breaking in to his thoughts.

      Ethan’s hand brushed hers when he took the pages. A jolt raced through him, as if he had grabbed a live wire. His gaze flew to hers. Her eyes widened and a startled “oh” escaped her perfect mouth. The surprise in her eyes told him he wasn’t alone in the reaction.

      “Thanks again for your help with William and Kevin.” Her eyes softened with gratitude, making Ethan’s chest tighten.

      “Be careful of Kevin. Despite the charming smile he so easily flashes, he’s a con man. I can’t guarantee he won’t be violent, so if it comes to your life or the horse’s, you’re more valuable.”

      The expression in her eyes mellowed. “Thanks for the warning.”

      Would she thank him if she knew why he knew that truth about Kevin? His past mistakes wouldn’t make a difference in their professional relationship, and apparently that was the only kind of relationship they’d have. Anything else would only lead to disaster.

      LEANN HARRIS

      When Leann Harris was first introduced to her husband in college she knew she would never date the man. He was a graduate student getting a PhD in physics, and Leann had purposely taken a second year of biology in high school to avoid taking physics. So much for first impressions. They have been married thirty-eight years and still approach life from very different angles.

      After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Leann taught math and science to deaf high school students for a couple of years until the birth of her first child. When her youngest child started school, Leann decided to fulfill a lifelong dream, and she began writing.

      She is a founding member and former president of the Dallas Area Romance Writers. Leann lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband. Visit her at her website, www.leannharris.com.

      Fresh-Start Ranch

      Leann Harris