Rebel Cowboy

Helm’s first Big Sky Cowboys contemporary sizzles with romantic tension. Montana rancher Mel Shaw will do whatever it takes to keep her family’s ranch from falling apart; her disabled father and irresponsible brother can do little to help her, so she looks elsewhere for funds and support. NHL player Dan Sharpe offers her $20,000 to help rebuild the ranch his grandparents left him. Dan knows nothing about ranching, and Mel has little patience for the man who is accustomed to having women adore him. As Mel assists Dan with his unusual idea of starting a llama ranch, she slowly opens up to him about her innermost fears and hidden sorrows, but she still struggles to believe that she could or should allow anyone to get close to her. Dan must decide whether to take one last shot at redeeming his reputation in hockey or take a chance on a future in Montana. Helm delves into the depths of her characters’ emotions, revealing their foibles and making them incredibly human. With plenty of sexual tension and scintillating love scenes, this romance is a true page-turner. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Jan.)