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  A Real Cowboy Knows How to Kiss

  ISBN 10: 1940968127

  ISBN 13: 9781940968124

  Copyright © 2015 by Stephanie Rowe.

  Cover design ©2015 MJC Imageworks. For more info on the cover artist, please visit www.mjcimageworks.com.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, disseminated, or transmitted in any form or by any means or for any use, including recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the author and/or the artist. The only exception is short excerpts or the cover image in reviews.

  Please be a leading force in respecting the right of authors and artists to protect their work. This is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, organizations, places and events portrayed in this novel or on the cover are either products of the author’s or artist’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author or the artist.

  For further information, please contact [email protected]

  A Real Cowboy Knows How to Kiss

  ***

  A Wyoming Rebels Novel

  Stephanie Rowe

  A Real Cowboy Never Says No

  A Wyoming Rebels Novel

  USA Today bestselling author, Stephanie Rowe, delivers a brand new series set in Rogue Valley, Wyoming, home to the Stockton brothers, a clan of fiercely loyal and honorable men, and the women who touch the hearts of these rugged, loner cowboys.

  ***

  It’s been four years since Steen Stockton has been able to see the sky without having to look through steel bars. Betrayal got him locked up, and it shut down his heart forever…until he runs into the only woman he’s ever trusted, a woman he’s never even spoken to…until now.

  There’s only one person who has ever looked at Erin Chambers as if she mattered, a man she’s never forgotten. She’s come back to Rogue Valley to reclaim herself, not to get involved with a man…especially not the sensual, guarded cowboy Steen has become.

  Can two people with no ability to trust use a magical, unspoken connection from their past to rebuild their hearts, or will the scars of a lifetime of broken dreams and betrayal keep them from finding each other the second time around?

  “Rowe is a paranormal star!” ~J.R. Ward

  ***

  Praise for No Knight Needed

  “No Knight Needed is m-a-g-i-c-a-l! Hands down, it is one of the best romances I have read. I can’t wait till it comes out and I can tell the world about it.” ~Sharon Stogner, Love Romance Passion

  “No Knight Needed is contemporary romance at its best….There was not a moment that I wasn’t completely engrossed in the novel, the story, the characters. I very audibly cheered for them and did not shed just one tear, nope, rather bucket fulls. My heart at times broke for them. The narrative and dialogue surrounding these ‘tender’ moments in particular were so beautifully crafted, poetic even; it was this that had me blubbering. And of course on the flip side of the heart-wrenching events, was the amazing, witty humour….If it’s not obvious by now, then just to be clear, I love this book! I would most definitely and happily reread, which is an absolute first for me in this genre.”Becky Johnson, Bex ‘N’ Books

  “No Knight Needed is an amazing story of love and life…I literally laughed out loud, cried and cheered…. No Knight Needed is a must read and must re-read.”Jeanne Stone-Hunter, My Book Addiction Reviews

  ***

  Praise for Not Quite Dead

  “[Rowe] has penned a winner with Not Quite Dead, the first novel in her new NightHunter vampire series…an action-packed, sensual, paranormal romance that will captivate readers from the outset…Brimming with vampires, danger, resurrection, Louisiana bayou, humor, surprising plot twists, fantasy, romance and love, this story is a must-read!” ~Romance Junkies:

  ***

  Praise for Darkness Possessed

  “A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and characters you won’t soon forget!” - Paige Tyler, USA Today Bestselling Author of the X-OPS Series

  “Stephanie Rowe has really outdone herself! Darkness Possessed is the perfect paranormal. Sexy, dark, and with enough twists to keep you glued to your seat with breathless anticipation. Zach and Rhiannon set the pages of this book on fire!” ~Kerrigan Byrne, International Bestselling Author

  “Darkness Possessed…is an action-packed, adrenaline pumping paranormal romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat… Suspense, danger, evil, life threatening situations, magic, hunky Calydons, humor, fantasy, mystery, scorching sensuality, romance, and love – what more could you ask for in a story? Readers – take my advice – do not miss this dark, sexy tale!” ~Romance Junkies

  ***

  Praise for Darkness Unleashed

  “Once more, award winning author Stephanie Rowe pens a winner with Darkness Unleashed, the seventh book in her amazing Order Of The Blade series…[an] action-packed, sensual story that will keep you perched on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to discover the outcome…one of the best paranormal books I have read this year.” ~Dottie, Romancejunkies.com

  ***

  Praise for Forever in Darkness

  “Stephanie Rowe has done it again. The Order Of The Blade series is one of the best urban fantasy/paranormal series I have read. Ian’s story held me riveted from page one. It is sure to delight all her fans. Keep them coming!” ~ Alexx Mom Cat’s Gateway Book Blog

  ***

  Praise for Darkness Awakened

  “A fast-paced plot with strong characters, blazing sexual tension and sprinkled with witty banter, Darkness Awakened sucked me in and kept me hooked until the very last page.” ~ Literary Escapism

  “Rarely do I find a book that so captivates my attention, that makes me laugh out loud, and cry when things look bad. And the sex, wow! It took my breath away… The pace kept me on the edge of my seat, and turning the pages. I did not want to put this book down… [Darkness Awakened] is a must read.” ~ D. Alexx Miller, Alexx Mom Cat’s Gateway Book Blog

  ***

  Praise for Darkness Seduced

  “[D]ark, edgy, sexy … sizzles on the page…sex with soul shattering connections that leave the reader a little breathless!…Darkness Seduced delivers tight plot lines, well written, witty and lyrical - Rowe lays down some seriously dark and sexy tracks. There is no doubt that this series will have a cult following. ” ~ Guilty Indulgence Book Club

  “I was absolutely enthralled by this book…heart stopping action fueled by dangerous passions and hunky, primal men…If you’re looking for a book that will grab hold of you and not let go until it has been totally devoured, look no further than Darkness Seduced.”~When Pen Met Paper Reviews

  ***

  Praise for Darkness Surrendered

  “Book three of the Order of the Blades series is…superbly original and excellent, yet the passion, struggle and the depth of emotion that Ana and Elijah face is so brutal, yet is also pretty awe inspiring. I was swept away by Stephanie’s depth of character detail and emotion. I absolutely loved the roller-coaster that Stephanie, Ana and Elijah took me on.” ~ Becky Johnson, Bex ‘n’ Books!

  “Darkness Surrendered drew me so deeply into the story that I felt Ana and Elijah’s emotions as if they were my own…they completely engulfed me in their story…Ingenious plot turns and edge of your seat suspense…make Darkness Surrendered one of the best novels I have read in years.” ~Tamara Hoffa, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

  ***

  Praise for Ice

  “Ice, by Stephanie Rowe, is a thrill ride!” ~ Lisa Jackson, #1 New York Times bestselling author

 
“Passion explodes even in the face of spiraling danger as Rowe offers a chilling thrill-ride through a vivid—and unforgiving—Alaskan wilderness.” ~ Cheyenne McCray, New York Times bestselling author

  “Ice delivers pulse-pounding chills and hot romance as it races toward its exciting climax!” ~ JoAnn Ross, New York Times bestselling author

  “Stephanie Rowe explodes onto the romantic suspense scene with this edgy, sexy and gripping thriller. From the very first page, the suspense is chilling, and there’s enough sizzling passion between the two main characters to melt the thickest arctic ice. Get ready for a tense and dangerous adventure.” ~ Fresh Fiction

  “Stephanie Rowe makes her entry into Romantic Suspense, and what an awesome entry! From the very first pages to the end, heart-stopping danger and passion grab the heart. … sends shivers down the spine… magnificent… mind-chilling suspense… riveting… A wonderful romance through and through!” ~ Merrimon Book Reviews

  “[a] thrilling entry into romantic suspense… Rowe comes through with crackling tension as the killer closes in.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly

  ***

  Praise for Chill

  “Chill is a riveting story of danger, betrayal, intrigue and the healing powers of love… Chill has everything a reader needs – death, threats, thefts, attraction and hot, sweet romance.” ~ Jeanne Stone Hunter, My Book Addiction Reviews

  “Once again Rowe has delivered a story with adrenalin-inducing action, suspense and a dark edged hero that will melt your heart and send a chill down your spine.” ~ Sharon Stogner, Love Romance Passion

  “Chill packs page turning suspense with tremendous emotional impact. Buy a box of Kleenex before you read Chill, because you will definitely need it! …Chill had a wonderfully complicated plot, full of twist and turns. “ ~ Tamara Hoffa, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Copyright Page

  Title Page

  Praise for Stephanie Rowe

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Sneak Peek: A Real Cowboy Rides a Motorcycle

  Sneak Peek: Shadows of Darkness

  Sneak Peek: Prince Charming Can Wait

  Sneak Peek: Darkness Possessed

  Select List of Other Books

  Stephanie Rowe Bio

  Acknowledgements

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Steen Stockton took a deep breath as he stepped outside the prison for the first time in four years. He’d forgotten what freedom tasted like, and he was sort of surprised that he even cared enough to notice the blue sky, the lack of walls, and the fact that he owned himself for the first time in too damn long. He’d thought his soul was dead, but the fact he was actually noticing the warmth of the afternoon sun on his face made him think that maybe he was wrong.

  Maybe his soul wasn’t dead. At least, not yet. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing, or not.

  Being dead was easier.

  And now that he was free? He had no idea what to do. He didn’t even want to do anything. He simply wanted to walk away, and he didn’t care where he ended up.

  The long, winding road leading up to the prison was empty, and the parking lot was barren, except for a few staff cars and a shiny silver Mercedes that probably belonged to some hotshot lawyer slumming with the inmates.

  Though he’d been officially sprung today, there had been mountains of forms to go through, so actual freedom had come late in the day. He was nothing but an inmate number to them, and he knew it. They didn’t care how long it took to get him out the door, but since he’d been paroled, they couldn’t keep him inside. Now, he was out.

  His body felt like it had been to hell, and had gotten only halfway back. The walk down the steps felt interminable, but he managed to avoid the temptation of using the cement wall of the prison to support himself. Instead, he inched down the stairs, refusing to use the handrail, refusing to be weak.

  When he’d been lying in that hospital bed a few months ago, he’d been ready to die. He’d made peace with the uselessness of his life, and he was done. But then somehow, some way, something had changed. He had only vague memories of what his brother’s fiancée had said to him when he’d been unconscious, but her words had ripped open something in his gut and dragged him back to the land of the living.

  And now, here he was. It had been only a few months since he’d almost died, a hellish period that had involved post-surgical complications and a second surgery. But now he was finally standing outside the prison he’d never thought he’d leave alive.

  He was sure she’d said something about a woman. What woman? He needed to ask her. He needed to know, because otherwise, the fact he was still breathing made no sense.

  Ignoring the pain from both the stab wound in his left side and the incision bisecting his stomach, he eased down the steps, almost laughing at how out of breath he was. Where was the former star athlete now, eh? The glory days were long past, not that those days had been all that glorious. He knew now they’d just been the setup for the fall.

  He’d made it halfway down the flight of stairs, when a shadow moved across his path. Prison instincts flared up, and he stopped fast, his fists going up for protection as he jerked his head up to see who had cut him off.

  It was a man in a suit, polished shoes, and a perfect white shirt. His dark hair was flecked with gray, and his smooth shave looked like it had been done in a grooming salon. His face had a few lines on it, but they were the kind of wrinkles a man got from too much stress, not from a lifetime in the sun. He studied Steen silently, evaluating him.

  Steen let his fists drop, but his tension didn’t lessen. He didn’t trust men who paid more for their clothes than average people spent on their cars. He never had trusted people that like, and the last five years had made him even more cynical about human nature.

  He was sure the man had never had to fight to save his own life. He almost envied the guy. What would it have been like to grow up having no idea how dirty life could be?

  “Steen Stockton, I presume?” The man’s voice was cultured and precise.

  He knew who he was? Steen’s tension rose another notch, but he hid it, giving only a noncommittal shrug with one shoulder. “Maybe.”

  “They said you were getting paroled today.”

  Steen stiffened, as it occurred to him that the man could be associated with the people who had gotten him thrown into prison in the first place. He immediately raised his chin and relaxed his hands. There was no chance in hell he was going to be goaded into doing anything that could get his ass thrown back in prison. He was done with that. Done. “What’s it to you?”

  The man was unruffled by Steen’s surly tone. “I’ve been waiting all day for you to come out. I wanted to thank you personally.”

  Steen paused at the unexpected answer. “Thank me? For what?”

  The man cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I’ve been remiss. My name is Thomas Smith.” He held out his hand, and Steen reluctantly shook it. No one had shaken his hand in a long, long time.

  “Okay,” Steen said carefully, still unclear what the man wanted from him. He shifted restlessly, wanting to get away from the building that had trapped him for so long. He had no clue where he was going to go, but that didn’t matter. He just wanted to hike down that long driveway and start over.

  No, first he was going to find his brother’s woman, and ask her what she’d said to him to pull him out of his coma. The words in his head wouldn’t connect, and he didn’t like it.

&nbs
p; Thomas raised his brows. “My son is Joe Smith. He goes by Pointer.”

  Steen went still, looking sharply at the man. “Pointer?” He remembered Pointer all too well. The kid had walked into prison skinny and pale, the perfect bait for abuse on his first day. “He’s your kid?”

  At Thomas’s nod, Steen relaxed. Pointer was a good kid, and Steen had known instantly that the younger man came from solid stock. Maybe Pointer wasn’t exactly a kid. He was in his early twenties, but his cushy life had left him too young and inexperienced to face prison on his own. He’d been targeted from the first second he’d stepped in the door, and it was Steen who had met his gaze in that first second. It was Steen who’d seen the fear in the kid’s eyes, as well as the rigid set to his jaw that hid his terror behind a mask of defiance.

  He’d liked the kid instantly. Pointer reminded him of how he used to be, back when he believed that if you fought for what you believed in, you could make it happen. He hadn’t wanted Pointer to lose that look within the first five seconds of being in prison.

  Thomas gestured toward Steen’s left side, which was heavily bandaged beneath his shirt. The knife blade had gone deep, causing injury that his body hadn’t wanted to heal, resulting in a rough second surgery. “I want to thank you for saving his life,” Thomas said.

  “Oh…” That. Steen didn’t want accolades. He didn’t deserve any. He shrugged. “Right place at the right time. Nothing else.”

  Thomas laughed softly, the kind of amused laugh that called Steen on his bullshit. “Pointer said you’d say that, but he knows damned well that he wouldn’t have survived his first day in prison if you hadn’t seen that knife coming for him and stepped in front of the blade to take the hit instead of him. He was targeted because of my work, and I’ll never forget that you’re the reason I still have a son.” He leaned forward, looking at Steen. “I’ve seen the tapes, Steen. I watched your eyes go to that knife, and I saw you decide to step in front of the blade and take the hit that was meant for my son, who you didn’t even know. I know how badly you were hurt, and I know you almost died.”