Bücher veröffentlicht von Kara O'Neal

Echols, Texas, 1883Katie McCord bears much weight on her shoulders-single-handedly running her family's business, McCord's Confectionery, and caring for her three younger siblings. And her little shop is in trouble, which forces her to seek help from her brother, Johnny McCord, a notorious gambler living in New Orleans, or lose everything. Rowdy Denton might be a gambler working for Johnny McCord, but one look at Katie's sweet innocence tugs at the ache and guilt in his heart. For his peace of mind, he's determined to get her out of the opulent hotel and brothel kept by her brother and back to the little town in Texas where she belongs-far away from Rowdy. When Johnny refuses to sell his share to Katie, he sends Rowdy to her hometown to cause her further trouble. But, instead, Rowdy finds himself working as her hired hand and helping her keep everything together. Katie knows Rowdy has another purpose for being in Echols. He works for her brother, after all, and is a gambler himself. So, why is he helping her? When she discovers the answer to her question, she races back to New Orleans, prepared to make the biggest gamble of her life.

San Antonio, Texas, 1878Joetta Berk has plans for her future, if only she understood how to fit into society. Her youth produced nothing but ostracization because of her more serious, academic personality. Because of this, she is conducting research to write a book that will help others like her learn how to navigate the rules of society. Caleb Murray, also known as the Raven Devil, notorious gunslinger, has vengeance in his heart and Joetta in his sights. He's intrigued by the beautiful woman who keeps herself apart from life, has an extensive vocabulary, and endless questions. But when he discovers she's the daughter of the man he hates most in this world, he decides to use Joetta to destroy his enemy. As he puts his plan into motion, Caleb finds himself falling for the sweet and inquisitive Joetta Berk, but despite his feelings, his cruel intent is revealed. Joetta is shattered and vows to go on without him, to create the legacy she's always wanted. But Caleb can't let that happen. Not without him. He will do whatever it takes to win her back, even if that means kidnapping the bride.

Houston, Texas, 1882After her father's death, Olivia Sullivan finds there's no money, and she's now the caretaker for her four younger sisters. In an instant, her comfortable life has disappeared, and now she spends twelve hours a day bent over a sewing machine in a boutique she used to patronize.Kane Tucker lives life by his rules. Work is a waste of time. Nights were meant to be enjoyed with whiskey, cards, and women. But when he discovers Olivia Sullivan is stuck toiling day in and out, he can't help but want to assist his childhood friend.Olivia wants nothing to do with Kane, especially since he fosters a careless and frivolous way of life. She has no time for fun though he insists on it. And when a mysterious gentleman comes calling, telling Olivia that she must pay off the astounding debt her father owed him, her situation becomes even more dire. Only the mystery of an amethyst necklace can save her and her sisters now, and while she goes on the hunt for treasure, Kane is right there beside her, stealing her heart and changing her mind.

Waxahachie, Texas, 1883Felicity Capwell Archer had no idea she'd married a thief and a killer. And even though she's the one who turns him in, people still think she helped her former husband steal and is now hiding the money. To protect herself from the repercussions and attacks, she hires Butch Wilder. Gambler. Gunslinger. And a giant who hides a heart of gold.Butch Wilder grew up on the streets of New Orleans, learning how to fight, how to gamble and how to use a Colt .45 with deadly precision. When Felicity begs him to protect her family, she's too damned pretty and too intriguing to turn down. Determined to avoid any emotional attachments and to keep it purely professional, Butch takes the job. But he finds himself sitting down to nice meals, walking her children to school and being part of a family for the first time. Only by finding and returning the stolen loot can Felicity and her daughters ever truly be safe. Following clues she deciphers from her former husband's letters, Felicity and Butch travel to the outlaw-infested Hell's Half Acre. It's madness, but Butch will do anything to protect Felicity. Even if it means his life.

Houston, Texas, 1882Cora Lee Walsh. The Angel of the Acre-Hell's Half Acre-never intended to be a professional gambler. But her wealthy grandmother hadn't wanted her, and, at fifteen, she was abandoned by the Tucker family who'd taken her in as their ward. She had no other choice than to make vice her life. Now, the eldest son of the Tucker family is on her doorstep, asking for an audience. Graham Tucker loved Cora to distraction, and when she ran away, it destroyed him. Twelve years later, he's been ordered by Iona Evans, Cora's grandmother, to bring Cora back to Houston. He'd rather chew glass. But Iona owns half his business, and she's willing to sell her shares to him if he's successful. Graham takes the deal. When Cora and Graham meet again, they both fight old feelings. And Graham finds himself across the betting table from her, making a wager he can't afford to lose. But more threatens the pair, and Cora finds herself needing Graham. Can she trust him? The young man who'd abandoned her? Or will she find herself a victim...again?

Houston, Texas, 1899Everleigh Camden has upset her mother. She has chosen a profession over marriage. But Everleigh intends to get hitched someday. She just wants some experiences before she settles down, which includes being the secretary to an attorney, and using her winnings from nightly poker games to form the anonymous, charitable persona, "Bets Gamble". However, when a new partner joins the law office, he brings his unwelcome ideas and shocking orders to help him catch the Shooter Creek Bandits.Wade Bennett, sour on marriage and orderly to a fault, moves to Houston with the intent of catching the gang who murdered his brother. Everleigh Camden's investigative abilities are exactly what he needs to help his quest. He does not need, however, to contend with the alarming attraction he feels toward her. Nor does he have time to refine the sass and vinegar she frequently exudes. Everleigh's charms soothe the rips in Wade's heart, and as they conduct their search, it becomes impossible to ignore his feelings. But villains abduct Everleigh and force her into the game of her life, possibly causing Wade to lose everything he holds dear.

Pike's Run, Texas, 2018Jessie Townsend is done with love. She has her family shop, Main Street Antiques, to run, and her sweet father to look after. She has plenty to keep her busy and fill the void her ex-fiancé left when he broke her heart. Wyatt Davis, part owner of the Swinging A ranch, is feeling his age. He's thirty. Still young, but...too old for the life he used to live. He's done with one-night stands, with drinking all night and staying out until morning. Which irritates him. But what's a cowboy to do when he begins to change? Go after Jessie Townsend, that's what. But she's not interested. Which is a helluva thing. Because Wyatt's pretty sure he's in love and wants a "forever home"...with her.

Pike's Run, Texas, 1891Delilah Davis has all she could want-a loving family and freedom to do as she pleases. Nothing has ever disrupted her world. That is, not until a tall, dark and stand-offish wrangler is hired to work on her family's ranch. Killian Blake irritates Delilah's sunshine life, and she's determined to show him that she's more than capable of handling herself. Detective Killian Blake of the Pinkerton Agency must go undercover on the Swinging A ranch to solve a thirteen-year-old murder. Once hired, he expected to be dealing with cowboys. He hadn't counted on investigating a family with bonds thicker than frozen molasses. And to make matters worse, there's a beautiful, wild and headstrong female dogging his steps, and cracking the ice around his heart. The closer he gets to Delilah Davis, the more he wants to keep the family secrets. But fate has other ideas…

Pike's Run, Texas, 1881Sherry Forrester has her life just as she wants it. No attachments. No pressure from her parents to marry. A little bit of money and the freedom to be the lady she desires. When a stranger rolls into town, mysterious and gorgeous, her interest is piqued. Sherry swore she wouldn't give away her heart, but she longs for one night of passion, and the newcomer is perfectly capable of supplying that.Texas Ranger Luke "Rip" Calhoun is hoping for a few diverting weeks in Pike's Run. Along with promising to help the local sheriff catch a wily garter thief, he looks for challenging card games, good whiskey and a willing woman. When Sherry Forrester catches his eye-who wouldn't want her after stumbling upon her skinny dipping?-he does the hardest thing ever and waits for her to choose him to warm her sheets for a night. And only one night. For Luke made a long-ago vow never to let love ensnare him.But what neither plans on is the hand of fate changing their paths…

Pike's Run, Texas, 1875Strong-willed and independent, Alice Parker is certain she's meant to be a school teacher. She accepts her first position in Pike's Run, ready to mold the minds of young children, but unprepared to deal with her attraction to Sheriff Conner Lonnigan. If the board finds out she's tumbled into his embrace more than once, she would be fired.Sheriff Conner Lonnigan is awed by Alice Parker. He falls for her almost immediately, but the demands at home forbid him from marrying. Conner's duties as sheriff control his days, and his mother's panic attacks control his nights. He doesn't have the freedom to devote himself to Alice, but that can't stop him from pursuing her anyway.Alice and Conner fight their love for each other, but the wants of the heart become too much to ignore. As they battle the demands of their jobs, the couple finds that ultimate fulfillment can only be found in each other's arms.

Pike's Run, Texas, 1877After Eulalie Miller was left at the altar, her younger sisters, Susannah and Lucy, pledge to never forsake her, not suspecting the vow would label them "Spinster Sisters". Neither did they realize Eulalie would become so formidable, the male population would be too scared to darken their doorstep.But, while Eulalie makes it her mission to protect her sisters from men, she can't stop Brady Callahan, the saloon owner, from turning Susannah's head. Nor can she keep Harold Dawson, recently widowed, from stealing Lucy's heart. And when Richard Morrison comes calling for Eulalie, expecting courtship, marriage, and her love, Eulalie's world is turned on its axis.As the "Spinster Sisters" tumble into romance, the people of Pike's Run might have to seek a new title for them. One of distinction and hope…The Miller Brides.

Pike's Run, Texas, 1875Emma Prescott, determined and selfless, flees from wealth and her murderous father, wanting the love and forgiveness of poor cotton farmer, Kyle Lonnigan.Although Kyle refuses to forgive her for her part in his father's death, Emma stays and works her own farm. Over the next several months, Emma proves to Kyle she is not the spoiled girl he remembers.Emma's sudden re-entrance into Kyle's life only conjures long-buried painful memories. Kyle does his best to avoid her, needing to keep the pain at bay, and stopping her from reminding him of their last moments together before bullets shattered their world. But, he is unsuccessful. The love he denies is too strong, and soon Emma and Kyle are tumbling headlong into the past and passion.

Nebraska, 1878When Jane Lonnigan refused to marry him, Frank Dawson got the hell out of Pike's Run and joined the army. As he took risk after risk, hoping someone would put him out of his misery, he consequently rose in ranks. Now he's a First Lieutenant stationed at Fort Robertson, a crack shot, and the main communicator to the Chipsa tribe.Frank broke Jane's heart when he refused to wait for her to complete her education. Still, as she embarked on her journey to becoming a teacher, she couldn't stop loving him. Her first teaching post is for the children of Riley Creek, the town Fort Robertson protects.When Frank realizes Jane has become a fixture of the settlement he is a part of, he sets out to guard himself from being twice a fool. But as life swirls around them, Frank can't help but return to her again and again.A mistake causes Frank to hurt Jane and make her believe all hope is lost. She runs home, needing the welcoming arms of her family. When Frank learns what he's done, he realizes he's been a fool. He races after her, intent on winning her back. Can he mend her heart and have her as his wife? Or has he ruined everything?