Rough Country

Kate Mercer knows what happens when a powerful man calls control protection.

She came to Bitter Creek to finish the Willow Cut review, protect her name, and leave before the Blackwells could turn a missing record into her problem. Then Wade Blackwell steps into her path: broad-shouldered, quiet, dangerous, and used to having every gate, every hand, and every secret on Blackwater Ranch answer to him.

Wade wants her off his land. Kate wants the truth he is keeping behind locked doors. But when someone runs her off North Ridge Road and makes sure her car cannot leave town, Wade brings her under his roof.

Blackwater is warm, watchful, and full of rules Kate never agreed to obey. Wade feeds her, guards her, and stands too close while the land fight turns violent. The safer he makes her, the harder it is to tell where protection ends and possession begins.

Some men are safe because they are gentle.

Wade Blackwell is not that kind of man.

Rough Country is Bitter Creek, Book 1: a spicy neo-western romantic suspense with a dangerous ranch heir, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers heat, touch-her-and-die protection, ranch-dynasty family loyalty, land-war danger, and a guaranteed HEA. Complete romance. No cheating. No cliffhanger. Adult. 18+.