• Home
• My Books
• Coming Soon
• About Me
• Blog

Branded by the Texas Rancher Cowboy Bad Boys # 2

He laughed, his brows drawing together as he studied her. "And what type are you?"

 

"I don't know. I've been told I'm too cold. What type would you suggest? Ice queen? Ice maiden?" She began sweeping the shards of glass into the dustpan with exaggerated movements. Anything to keep herself from looking at him.

 

"Who told you that?"

 

"My ex-fiance."

 

"I see."

 

"No, I don't think you do. My father was a vicar. A preacher, if you like. I've got plenty of hang-ups that would make you unhappy."

 

"Is that why you came to America? To escape your father?"

 

Lifting her head from her task, she stared at him. His piercing gaze held her captive. It was all she could do to keep breathing. Surely he was the most attractive man she'd ever seen? "My father's been dead for two years now. I came to America to leave the humiliation of rejection behind. I don't wish to add any more."

 

"So you'd rather reject me, Rebecca, than have some fun?"

 

"I'm sorry. It's for the best." All her emotions surfaced as she put the brush and pan to one side. She would always be a failure where men were concerned. She'd hoped to leave the past behind her, but she just didn't seem to have the courage to make that final step. The idea that she would be a disappointment to any man scared her the most. She just couldn't deal with the humiliation again.

 

"What are you frightened of, Rebecca?"

 

"I'm not frightened." She moved out of his reach. "How about some apple pie?"

 

"Instead of you, you mean? I don't think you're taking anything I say seriously."

 

Without warning he pressed her hard against the kitchen table. Taking her hands in his, he pinned them down on either side of her. His gaze focused on her mouth, her own eyes unable to ignore the pure masculine presence of him. The hard contours of his chest, so close and overwhelming, made the breath seize in her lungs in a short, sharp gasp.

 

He leaned forward, his warm breath fanning against her neck as he whispered softly in her ear. "I see I've got your attention, Rebecca, because you've sure as hell had mine these past few weeks."

 

"Jed." He felt so incredibly sexy standing right up against her. His heat soaked through the dress she wore. His male scent pervaded her senses like nothing she had known before. "Believe me, I'm the complete opposite to you."

 

"I don't think so. I've seen you looking at me when you think I don't notice. There's a connection between us. You want me, just as much as I want you."

 

"You are mistaken."

 

"Uh-uh." He brushed his lips against her cheek, his mouth nuzzling her soft skin as he tasted a line to her ear. Pressed back against the table, her hands pinned beneath his, she could barely move. It excited her like never before. "Truth be known, you'd like me to take you here, on this table, right now, and fuck you senseless."

 

The image and the language he used shocked and startled her. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Jason had never been as crude as that. Trouble was, Jed turned her on far more than Jason ever could. Maybe Jed was right. Maybe she was more like him than she realized.

 

Only a few base words wouldn't begin to change a whole lifetime of concealment. To allow Jed in, she would have to let her defenses down, and she just wasn't ready to do that. She liked her safe little world. That way she wouldn't disappoint herself or anyone else.

 

"As I said, Jed. You are mistaken. Now let me go."

 

He stared at her for a moment. "Very well." Then he leaned in and whispered low against her ear. "You may fool everyone else. You may even fool yourself, but you can't fool me. Maybe you need a man like me, rather than that dickless wonder back in England. I bet your father approved of him."

 

She looked sharply at him. He'd hit the nail on the head. "He did."

 

"Well, darlin', he would never have approved of me." With that, he moved away and went back outside, leaving her feeling incredibly empty. Jed had given her plenty to think about.

 

CLICK HERE FOR AN EROTIC ADULT EXCERPT OVER 18'S ONLY

 

 

You May Like Some Of My Other Books

 

 

Professional Reviews

• The Romance Studio Review
  5 HEARTS: "What a wonderful Sunday read! After reading another of Jan Bowles' books, I was anxious to read this one. It definitely did not disappoint me. This is a provocative book about an English woman transplanted into Texas society. Her writing style captivated me previously. It only grabbed my attention more completely with this book. Rebecca Wade, 28, left England for the unknown area of Avery Grove, in Central Texas, after her rejection. Her fiance dumped her one month before the wedding because he said she was frigid. As the daughter of a bitter preacher, she wanted a fresh start. Jed Monroe had an eight-year-old daughter, Annie, who was a student of Miss Wade. Ms. Jan Bowles has presented us with another work that gave me insight into her writing abilities. This main couple could not have been more opposite. However, the chemistry was sweltering. The arousing sensuality was a wonderful page-turner. I did not stop until I had completed the book. Her secondary characters were pivotal even though not often present. The affects of their inputs into the lives was more prevalent. I admire Bowles' ability to tell an expressive, explosive storyline with a great background of beautiful country. I'm sure that adults will fully appreciate her writing talent." -- Brenda, The Romance Studio.
  
• Just Erotic Romance Reviews
  5 STARS: "This contemporary romance with western flair is an enjoyable, romantic and erotic read. I loved every minute of Branded By The Texas Rancher. At first, Rebecca is reserved and fearful that she's a cold lover but as the story continues, she blossoms into a well-rounded woman. Jed is an alpha male to the extreme. He isn't afraid of telling it like it is. The sexual chemistry between the characters is downright hot. Jed is all alpha male and it's felt throughout their sexual encounters. The plot revolves around the love affair these two have and there is just enough conflict to feel real and genuine. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Branded By The Texas Rancher for those readers who want a warm, erotic and romantic story." -- Francesca Hayne, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
  
• Manic Readers Review
  4.5 STARS: "Branded by the Texas Rancher is book two of the Cowboy Bad Boys by Jan Bowles. This book can be read as a standalone novel. I am really enjoying this series. If you like cowboys, strong women, and romance then you will like Branded by the Texas Rancher. Rebecca and Jed make a great couple. Jed may be rough around the edges but he has a heart of gold. Annie was so cute. She seemed so much wiser beyond her eight years. Another rip, roaring, fantastic read from Ms. Bowles." -- Cheryl, Manic Readers
  
• Romance Junkies Review
  4 BLUE RIBBONS: "This was a really fun read and will touch the heart of single parents, as it does delve into the perils of dating and making love with a child underfoot. I love how Jed is subtly dominate and Rebecca is allowed to remain herself even as he does wicked things to her in the bedroom. You can feel the emotions of the relations and the scenarios that come up are dealt with in a very real way. With all of this combined I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cowboys in tight blue jeans or proper English schoolteachers who need to learn to live just a little bit."-- Maree Schuler, Romance Junkies
  
  
• The Romance Reviews
  4 STARS: "Jan Bowles sure knows how to write an erotic romance! BRANDED BY THE TEXAS RANCHER is a hot erotic romance that set my heart rate soaring. The author knows how to blend the sensual content with the right amount of plot to make the story not only erotic but interesting, and I couldn't put it down. The plot was gripping and realistic. I liked the way the author handled the fact that Jed was a single father. He never neglected his duties as a father, and little Annie did provide some obstacles in their relationship just as it possibly would in real life. I think that added a dose of reality to the book that made it that much more enjoyable. I felt that the relationship was a bit rushed in the end, but that didn't detract from the story for me at all. So, realistic plot, great characters, including a sexy alpha cowboy (YUM), and very hot sex. I don't think I could ask for much more. I've enjoyed all of the books I've read by Jan Bowles so far, and I look forward to reading more of her in the future!" -- Rho, The Romance Reviews