Book Title: HARD AS A ROCK COWBOY (Rocky Road Ranch, Book 2)
Character Name: Brody Dunn
The twenty-seven-year-old cowboy dressed in a pair of jeans, blue checked buttoned shirt, and brown cowboy hat that shows very little of his sun-streaked brown hair, sits back in the lounge chair by the pool at the Rocky Road Ranch. He’s broader than the average cowboy, making me think he may work out in addition to his ranch chores. He appears relaxed, and as I discover, is quick to smile.
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
“It started of great!” His first wide grin appears. “I’m one of four brothers. Growing up on a cattle ranch is fun…at first. Then one of my brothers died when I was seven, and it really messed with my other brothers’ heads because they were there. I didn’t lose my equilibrium until I was twelve and my mother, my champion, died of COPD. It totally wrecked me. I lost all motivation except to pursue my calling as she encouraged me to do. But it’s taken a while for me to figure out what that is.”
What was your greatest talent?
A big smile appears and his blue eyes light up. “If you ask the people in Four Peaks, they’d tell you my greatest talent is my trick riding skills. My best friend, Nash, would tell you it’s my ability to charm anyone to my way of thinking.” He grows serious. “But I think I have a knack for reading wildlife. I’m going to pursue a career as a wildlife manager for the State of Arizona. That’s my calling.”
Significant other?
A soft look comes into his eyes. “That would be Hannah Kingsley. She’s the most educated, most sweetest, kindest, and stubbornest woman I’ve ever known. Mom would have loved her.” He shakes his head. “Hannah taught me more about myself than I ever knew.”
Biggest challenge in relationships?
This elicits a bark of laughter.
“Dad. He’d my biggest challenge with relationships. We’re like oil and water. Everyone else, I get along with just fine. Maybe it’s because I’m more like mom, where Dad’s mini-me is my oldest brother, Tanner. He’ll get the ranch one day.” Brody shrugs. “I don’t care. I’m done with ranching. I put my life on hold for nine years to help with the ranch, and I’m finally free.”
Do you have any enemies?
“Not sure. Our family and the Haydens have been at odds our whole lives, but this year my dad and Bill Hayden have started mending fences. Me and my brothers get it, especially because Mandy Hayden is married to Tanner now. I’m just not sure if the Hayden brothers get that things have changed.”
How do you feel about the place where you are now?
The smile is back. “I’m in a great place. I have an amazing woman, a smart dog, and I’m about to start my training for the job of my dreams. Things haven’t been this good since mom passed.”
Can you tell us more about your dog?
“Yes. Her name is Cami. She’s great.” The smile disappears completely, and I get a glimpse at what he’s like when angry as his brows lower. “I found her in the desert. Some asshole, pardon my language, from up north just abandoned her in that heat. She’s a Great Pyrenees. They have a double coat for cold weather! She was so starved that she’d tried to get into our birthing pen to eat cow feed. When I found her, she was a brown matted mess of fur and bones.” He stops and takes a deep breath. “She’s mine now. She’ll never have to worry about eating again. She’s very smart.” His smile is back. “She’s learning to track and knows a dozen commands already.”
What do you do for a living now, since you’re not yet a wildlife manager?
“I promised my dad I’d help out on the ranch until the end of the year. My class doesn’t start until January. Right now, I do the usual, muck out stalls, move cattle, fix fences, which is boring. But we’re turning this place into a dude ranch, so my tasks have been a lot more varied lately. Anything from marking a riding trail, to building a target practice area, to moving furniture into the new clubhouse.”
Greatest disappointment?
“That would have to be my mother passing.”
Greatest source of joy?
“Hannah.” He grins. “And Cami.”
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
“I like to go to Boots n’ Brew to have a few and enjoy the dancing. They have great live bands.”
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
“That would have to be my one-track mind. When I set a goal, I have blinders on toward everything else. I miss a lot when I do that. Almost lost Hannah because of that particular failing.” He grimaces.
What keeps you awake at night?
“When I was younger, it was wondering if there was something more I could have done for my mom. When I was older, it was figuring out what I was meant to do and how to get off the ranch. Now, it’s not a damn thing.” His big grin is back.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
“I’d have to say my brother, Jackson. He just came home from his deployment, with a baby, no less! He’s not in a good place and won’t talk to us. I need to figure out how to get him to open up…to anyone.”
Is there something that you want for yourself or for someone important to you?
“I’m in a great place now. Clear riding ahead, if you know what I mean? But for my brother, I want him to be himself again.” Brody rubs the back of his neck. “I just don’t know how to help that happen.”
What is in the way?
“Jackson’s all up in his head. Tanner is too busy with the new opening. Mandy is helping Tanner and is also still giving my dad therapy, and Hannah’s planning our wedding.” His grin is back. “So it’s up to me to help Jackson. That’s my goal, and as I told you, when I set a goal, I do everything I need to in order to reach it.” He nods confidently, obviously expecting success.
Thank you for talking with me. I appreciate you taking the time. He rises from his seat.
“My pleasure, ma’am. Anytime you want to take me away from chores to talk about myself, I’m happy to oblige.” His laughter fills the empty pool enclosure as we move toward the house.
Rocky Road Ranch #2
She’s the only thing standing in the way of the life he’s always wanted…
Brody Dunn is anxious to start his training as a wildlife manager and begin his new career away from Rocky Road Ranch. His father has agreed to release him from his promise to work on the ranch if he can convince the neighbors to sell their land.
When he discovers that the granddaughter of the elderly couple who owned the land has inherited it, and better yet, has lived in the city her entire life never knowing the land existed, he’s sure it will be easy getting her to sell.
Hannah Kingsley is shocked yet thrilled to discover she owns land in Four Peaks. Though it’s nothing but desert and an old casita, it’s all hers. Besides, it even comes with a knowledgeable and handsome neighbor! What could be better?
It doesn’t take long for her to realize Brody wants her to sell right away, yet the more she learns about her property, the town, and him, the more she knows this is the place for her. And just maybe, Brody’s the man for her as well. But can she get him to see what’s right in front of his nose, or will his one-track mind be his downfall?
Romance Contemporary | Romance Western [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: January 28, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of sensuous romance inspired by the classics. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the literature she loved while reading her favorite romance authors. It wasn’t long before she decided to marry her two first loves. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides a steamy read with a “whole lotta story.” Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.
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