In theory opposites attract. What happens when they combust? Former Special Forces soldier Ryder Lea is ready to leave combat behind and return to his cowboy roots as a rodeo stock contractor. But before he can hit the open road, he owes a debt of honor in Marietta, Montana—one last promise to his fallen commanding officer. Community service at a local clinic should be simple…until he meets the sharp-tongued therapist who wants nothing to do with him. Edison Martin doesn’t have time for charming cowboys with “aw-shucks” smiles. Her clinic is understaffed, her patients deserve real help, and Ryder reminds her of everything she’s lost. She needs competence, not temptation. But Ryder tackles every task with humor and heart, making it harder for Edi to keep her walls up. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, they’ll have to decide if love is worth the risk—or if some scars run too deep. First published as The Cowboy Charm