Choose Your Heart
3.5/5
()
About this ebook
For TV and film inquiries: Nicole Resciniti, The Seymour Agency.
"Callie Hutton is one of my favorite authors"
Desiree Holt
USA Today Best Selling Author
Midwife Kerry Mackenzie wants to move on with her life. Her deceased husband's parents expect her to remain true to his memory, but at twenty-four, Kerry's too young to wear widow's weeds for the rest of her life. Eager to start fresh, she takes a job that requires her to move miles from home. But her independent spirit wavers when she's stranded along the way and a handsome cowboy comes to her rescue.
Ranch owner Damian Greer happens upon Kerry perched alongside her disabled car on an Amarillo highway and is instantly attracted to her. He comes from a family that moves quickly on matters of the heart, so when he observes her cool behavior during an emergency, he's pretty sure she's the woman for him.
But with Kerry determined to do things on her own, how can Damian convince her to abandon her plans and give them a chance?
***
Choose Your Heart by USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton is a contemporary western romance with heart, heat and a happy ever after.
Callie Hutton
USA Today bestselling author, Callie Hutton, who has penned more than sixty historical romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mystery books, writes humorous and captivating Regency with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). With a million novels sold and translated into several languages, she continues to entrance readers with her heartfelt historical romances and mysteries. Her Victorian cozy mystery book, The Sign of Death was a finalist in the Simon and Schuster Mary Higgins Clark award in 2022. You can find all of Callie’s books here: https://calliehutton.com/ If you would like to stay in touch and hear about new releases, sales, recipes and a monthly Reader Appreciation giveaway, sign up for Callie’s newsletter here and receive a free book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cp2dlnqahe .
Read more from Callie Hutton
Stephen's Bride Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Daniel's Desire Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5An Angel in the Mail Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Miss Merry's Christmas Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Caleb: The Surprise Brides: The Surprise Brides Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Emma's Journey Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Hotel California Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIn the Still of the Night Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Tumble Through Time Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5A Little Bit of Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Christmas in Manchester Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Choose Your Heart
Related ebooks
Emma's Journey Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Run for Love: Oklahoma Lovers, #1 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Prisoners of Love: Becky: Prisoners of Love, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bride Lottery Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPrisoners of Love: Cinnamon: Prisoners of Love, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPrisoners of Love: Miranda: Prisoners of Love, #4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHis Mail-Order Bride Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWedding the Widow Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Caleb: The Surprise Brides: The Surprise Brides Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5When Comes Forever Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMail Order Bride: The Deaf Bride: Redeemed Western Historical Mail Order Brides, #15 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Daniel's Desire Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5A Warriner To Rescue Her Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHeirlooms of the Heart Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Stephen's Bride Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Baker's Arranged Bride: Coal Valley Brides, #4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Wife By Christmas: Oklahoma Lovers, #4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsContract to Wed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Rancher's Bad-Luck Bride Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsScandal of the Season Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An Earl in Want of a Wife Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTexas Frontier Brides (Volumes 1-3 & A Bride for Hannigan) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Capital Bride: Matchmaker & Co., #1 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5To Yield to a Highlander: The Sutherlands of Dornoch, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Song for the Duke at Christmas Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Temptress in Tartan Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Filly & the Gambler (Book Fifteen of Brides of the West Series) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Widow and the Viscount: The Merry Misfits of Bath, #6 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBrides of Beckham: First Ten Books: Brides of Beckham Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Marriage Deal with the Viscount Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Contemporary Romance For You
Animal Farm Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Ugly Love: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Icebreaker: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It Ends with Us: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hopeless Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The True Love Experiment Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe Someday Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It Starts with Us: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5November 9: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Heart Bones: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Finding Cinderella: A Novella Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wildfire: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Spanish Love Deception: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5All Your Perfects: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Before We Were Strangers: A Love Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wallbanger Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ruin Me Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Confess: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beautiful Disaster: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe Not: A Novella Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Something Borrowed: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Slammed: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Point of Retreat: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Without Merit: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beautiful Bastard Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Swear on This Life: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Finding Perfect: A Novella Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Intense: Erotic Short Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This Girl: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for Choose Your Heart
2 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Choose Your Heart - Callie Hutton
Chapter 1
Kerry Mackenzie wiped sweat from her forehead then kicked the front passenger-side tire.
A flat.Goddammit!
She batted away tears of frustration. This move had been difficult since she’d made the decision to accept the job in Albuquerque. Cody’s parents spent all of last night still trying to talk her out of her decision. Her former in-laws had even promised a new car to replace her clunker if she stayed in Tulsa. But she was determined. Tulsa held too many memories of her deceased husband, and no one seemed able to allow her to move on with her life.
A quick glance at her wristwatch confirmed only an hour or so of daylight. If she could get the few miles down the road to Amarillo, she could send a tow truck back for her car, and spend the night there. Although a modern woman perfectly capable of changing her own tire—thank you very much—the flat spare in her trunk was useless. Another oversight.
Her jaw tightened with determination. She would stick to her plan regardless of how many detours popped up. The time had arrived to start anew—new places, new friends, and her much coveted independence.
Kerry pulled out her overnight case and laptop, then slung the strap of her purse over her shoulder. After locking the car, she slid her cell phone from her pocket. Dead.
Wonderful.
Her groan mixed with the sound of a motor in the distance. She dropped her belongings at her feet, shaded her eyes from the setting sun, and peered into the expanse of highway. A red pickup grew from matchbox size to normal in less than a minute.
Should she wave him down, put her thumb out? Did people even do that anymore? Would she be taking a chance on being raped—or murdered?
Before her brain formed an answer to those questions, the truck swung around, pulled in behind her car, and braked. A slim cowboy in dusty jeans and boots jumped out and sauntered around the front of the truck.
Got a problem, ma’am?
His deep chocolate eyes twinkled with humor. Her stomach did a little dance, but she ignored it. Hot, good looking guys stopping for you on the highway could be dangerous. She had to remember that, and show confidence, forcefulness.
Ah, yes actually. I have a flat tire.
She waved in the direction of the car. And I’m afraid my spare is flat, too.
He favored her with a slow, easy smile, and pushed the brim of his brown Stetson back with this thumb. Not a smart way to travel.
I realize that. But there’s nothing I can do about it now.
She raised her chin and nodded at the highway. Do you know how far it is to the nearest convenience store?
She gestured with her phone. Dead.
He took off his hat, ran his fingers through longish, wavy, dark blond hair, and resettled the Stetson on his head, tugging the brim over one eye. I can give you a lift to the nearest place with a phone, but it’s not a convenience store.
Kerry’s heart sped up. Was this where he helped her into his truck and helped himself to her body? She was no fool. Serial killers were often good looking and charming.
There’s a honky tonk a few miles up the road.
The cowboy’s voice was slow and easy. He rested his hands on his low slung belt, dragging her gaze from his face to the silver belt buckle, glistening with the last rays of the sun, right above… She snapped her head up in time to catch his grin.
He raised his eyebrows. Well?
When she hesitated, he stuck out a hand. My name’s Damian Greer.
He opened the door of the truck with the other. And I assure you, my mama raised me to be a gentleman. You have nothing to worry about.
Don’t they always say that right before they reach for your neck?
Stiffening her shoulders, Kerry gathered her things, then brushed past him to enter the truck. You’re right. I’m sure I won’t have anything to worry about.
Damian settled himself behind the wheel, flicking her a glance. Did you lock up your car?
Yes. It’s all taken care of.
One more thing,
he said as he shifted into gear.
What’s that?
Kerry held her breath.
Is this when he tells me he’s on the way to rob a bank, and I’m going to drive the truck for his getaway? If I don’t cooperate, he’ll shoot me, and leave my sorry, dead ass for the buzzards?
You know my name, but I don’t know yours.
She exhaled. Why in heaven’s name was she so suspicious of everyone?
Kerry. Kerry Mackenzie.
Nice to meet you, Kerry Mackenzie.
He checked his side-view mirror, and then glanced at her. Fasten your seat belt.
Damian pulled away from the crippled blue Chevy tilted to one side on the shoulder of the road. He settled back in the seat and snuck a quick look at Kerry’s hand clenched on her lap. No ring on the third finger, but a paleness where a ring would’ve been. Recently divorced?
For as often as he rode this highway, he’d never run across a woman like her. Humidity had done a number on her short, red hair, turning it into a curly mop. Her hazel eyes and cute button nose with a scattering of freckles fascinated him. No skinny model’s body on his passenger. Her snug denim shorts and plaid, button-down shirt hugged curves he’d love to get his arms around. A combination of siren and adorable kitten. Did she pull her claws out when angry? Or passionate?
Whoa, slow down, boy. It’s only a ride to the nearest phone.
He chuckled. The nearest phone sat in his jeans pocket. Something about his ingenuous passenger brought out the protective mode in him, and made him want to make sure she got to a safe place. The wariness in her demeanor belied the bravado in her voice. Spending a little time with her was an added bonus. He glanced at the dashboard clock. Eight-twenty. She wouldn’t get a tow truck out here until morning, which opened up all sorts of interesting possibilities.
Damian reached over and flipped on the radio, catching the end of Reba’s latest release. Another hot redhead. He smiled. Must be fate after all.
Where you headed?
Kerry shifted in the seat to face him. Albuquerque.
No kidding.
He raised his eyebrows. I have some business there myself in a few days.
Really?
She didn’t look like she believed him so he hurried on. My family owns a ranch, and I have a trip scheduled to Albuquerque to meet with our feed supplier.
He moved his left elbow to rest on the open window, then switched the radio station to silence a very enthusiastic car commercial. We’re having some problems with our cattle, and I want to go over their mixtures. I have a degree in Animal Science. What brings you to Albuquerque?
She started at his quick change of subject. Checking out condos. I recently got a job there.
A slight upward movement of her lips hit him right in the gut.
What kind of work do you do?
His gaze returned to her lap, where her hands had relaxed. But she still hugged the door like she was ready to jump ship.
I’m a nurse and certified midwife.
Impressive.
His attention returned to the road, his fingers tapping out a song on the steering wheel. After a few minutes, he took a quick peek at his passenger. She’d tightened the hold on her purse, tension radiating from her body. He was getting too nosy, making her nervous. She was probably afraid he’d stalk her like some internet loon.
Here we are.
Damian turned the wheel and swung into the parking lot of The Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk. As usual at this time of day, cars jammed the lot. Two girls dressed in short denim skirts and cowboy boots entered the building. Music blared from the old jukebox inside, fading as the door shut.
Situated a couple of miles outside Amarillo, the familiar, weathered wooden building supported a large neon star with a flashing steer riding away from it. Over the years, it had become his home away from home.
This is the closest phone?
Her deep red brows drew together.
Well, no.
He threw the gear shift into park, then tugged the cell from his pocket. "Actually, this is the closest