 | JOETTA'S LEGACY Gamblers & Gunslingers Series Book 4 Historical Western Romance Joetta Berk has plans for her future, if only she understood how to fit into society. Her youth produced nothing but ostracization because of her more serious, academic personality. Because of this, she is conducting research to write a book that will help others like her learn how to navigate the rules of society. Caleb Murray, also known as the Raven Devil, notorious gunslinger, has vengeance in his heart and Joetta in his sights. He’s intrigued by the beautiful woman who keeps herself apart from life, has an extensive vocabulary, and endless questions. But when he discovers she’s the daughter of the man he hates most in this world, he decides to use Joetta to destroy his enemy. As he puts his plan into motion, Caleb finds himself falling for the sweet and inquisitive Joetta Berk, but despite his feelings, his cruel intent is revealed. Joetta is shattered and vows to go on without him, to create the legacy she’s always wanted. But Caleb can’t let that happen. Not without him. He will do whatever it takes to win her back, even if that means kidnapping the bride. PURCHASE JOETTA'S LEGACY |
JOETTA'S LEGACY
He grinned. “So, you like dancing now?”
Only if he was her partner. “I believe so. I feel I could hold my own with another fellow.”
Caleb’s brow lifted as their drinks were set before them. “You thinkin’ of leavin’ me for someone more to your liking?”
Her heart leapt into her throat, and she grew instantly fearful that another gentleman might ask. “No,” she replied emphatically.
A beat of silence met her emphatic response, then he remarked, “Only I will do, then?”
Oh! How had he done that? Her cheeks flamed, and she reached for her glass of water. She gulped while he chuckled.
“Don’t you worry, sweetheart. I’m not lookin’ for a different partner, either.”
She set down her glass and met his gaze. The heated promises shining in his eyes ensnared her. My goodness…
What was going on? The opposite sex had never been so attuned to her, yet Caleb Murry, a gunslinger and devil-may-care gambler, acted as if she were feminine perfection. Which she knew she was not.
And not only had his attention been so focused on her, he’d told her he found her interesting. That he liked her.
It couldn’t be true.
He let out a resigned breath. “You’re thinkin’ again. I can see uncertainty in your eyes.”
Heavens! Somehow, he could read her mind, which sent her pulse racing to an almost erratic beat. Anxiety slipped up her spine and made her throat go even dryer. “Why are you bothering with me?” she demanded. “We’re quite different from each other.”
When he opened his mouth to respond, she held up her hand to stop him. “You’ve told me you find me interesting, but I’m not sure I believe you.” Someone jostled her chair from behind, but she paid no mind to the non-threatening interruption. “How can someone like you, like someone like me?”
“Because I do,” he stated firmly.
She shook her head. “That’s not good enough. Do you honestly expect me to believe that I can hold your attention? What do you want? Are you trying to embarrass me? Do you have some sort of bet with a shared acquaintance?”
His eyes darkened with anger, but she continued, determined to get to the heart of his actions. “You’re a gambler and perhaps you’ve found something worth wagering over. What is it, then?” She lifted her chin, refusing to let him escape telling the truth. “My work? Do you want to know what I’m doing so you can use it against me? Or maybe you hoped I would make a fool of myself on the dance floor this evening? Perhaps—”
He stepped closer to her, swiveling her seat so he could press his thighs to her knees. He grabbed her chin between his index finger and thumb, effectively cutting her off.
As silent tension strained between them, the revelry continued, but the noise was unable to drown out the hammering beat of her heart in her ears.
“I’m here,” Caleb ground out, his tone hard and firm, “because I like you.”
She tried to shake her head, but he held fast and continued, “I’m with you and spending time with you because you’re interesting, different, and beautiful.”
It couldn’t be true. He was lying to her for some reason. “I don’t believe you.”
He emitted a frustrated growl, then abruptly pulled her from her seat.
Her feet hit the floor, and she barely had time to get her balance before he threaded her fingers with his in a tight grip and was tugging her away from the bar. She had no idea where he was leading her, but no one was paying them any mind. He took her past the bar, then a collection of billiard tables before kicking open a door and heading outside.
Oh! What had she done? He was angry, and she’d caused it. He was the Raven Devil, and she’d irritated him. What was wrong with her?
The night air surrounded them, and the sweet sounds of singing crickets and chirping frogs did nothing to temper his determined strides or loosen his grip on her.
She tugged, but he held fast. “Let go!”
“No,” he growled.
She dug her feet into the packed dirt path, her heart racing, her thoughts of what was about to happen sending her into a blind panic.
He whipped around and roughly grabbed her to him. “I’m not gonna hurt you. I would never physically harm you.”
As she shoved against his chest, trying to push out of his hold, she choked out, “Why should I believe you? No man has ever—”
“Stop comparing me to the sons-a-bitches who ignored you,” he demanded. “They’re stupid, ignorant bastards who couldn’t see your value.” He cupped her cheek, his shadowed face only inches from hers. “I like you, Joetta. I swear it.”
Tears of buried pain and doubts burned her eyes, but she blinked them away. “You can’t.”
“I do.”
She shook her head. “You’re the Raven Devil and—”
“To hell with that name!” he interjected. “I hate my reputation, and the life I’ve had to lead for over a decade. Can’t you just see me as Caleb Murray? Why do I have to be my profession to you? It’s only getting in the way of our friendship.” He tightened his grip around her waist. “I think you’re amazing. I’ve never known a woman like you.”
His words hurt her, because they couldn’t possibly be true, but how she wanted them to be. “Caleb, I…” She swallowed the lump of pain at the base of her throat. “I just can’t believe you like me.”
He let out a breath. “I do, damn it. I swear it.”
“It’s imposs—”
He took her mouth with his, plundering her lips, holding her to him in a strong embrace.
He grinned. “So, you like dancing now?”
Only if he was her partner. “I believe so. I feel I could hold my own with another fellow.”
Caleb’s brow lifted as their drinks were set before them. “You thinkin’ of leavin’ me for someone more to your liking?”
Her heart leapt into her throat, and she grew instantly fearful that another gentleman might ask. “No,” she replied emphatically.
A beat of silence met her emphatic response, then he remarked, “Only I will do, then?”
Oh! How had he done that? Her cheeks flamed, and she reached for her glass of water. She gulped while he chuckled.
“Don’t you worry, sweetheart. I’m not lookin’ for a different partner, either.”
She set down her glass and met his gaze. The heated promises shining in his eyes ensnared her. My goodness…
What was going on? The opposite sex had never been so attuned to her, yet Caleb Murry, a gunslinger and devil-may-care gambler, acted as if she were feminine perfection. Which she knew she was not.
And not only had his attention been so focused on her, he’d told her he found her interesting. That he liked her.
It couldn’t be true.
He let out a resigned breath. “You’re thinkin’ again. I can see uncertainty in your eyes.”
Heavens! Somehow, he could read her mind, which sent her pulse racing to an almost erratic beat. Anxiety slipped up her spine and made her throat go even dryer. “Why are you bothering with me?” she demanded. “We’re quite different from each other.”
When he opened his mouth to respond, she held up her hand to stop him. “You’ve told me you find me interesting, but I’m not sure I believe you.” Someone jostled her chair from behind, but she paid no mind to the non-threatening interruption. “How can someone like you, like someone like me?”
“Because I do,” he stated firmly.
She shook her head. “That’s not good enough. Do you honestly expect me to believe that I can hold your attention? What do you want? Are you trying to embarrass me? Do you have some sort of bet with a shared acquaintance?”
His eyes darkened with anger, but she continued, determined to get to the heart of his actions. “You’re a gambler and perhaps you’ve found something worth wagering over. What is it, then?” She lifted her chin, refusing to let him escape telling the truth. “My work? Do you want to know what I’m doing so you can use it against me? Or maybe you hoped I would make a fool of myself on the dance floor this evening? Perhaps—”
He stepped closer to her, swiveling her seat so he could press his thighs to her knees. He grabbed her chin between his index finger and thumb, effectively cutting her off.
As silent tension strained between them, the revelry continued, but the noise was unable to drown out the hammering beat of her heart in her ears.
“I’m here,” Caleb ground out, his tone hard and firm, “because I like you.”
She tried to shake her head, but he held fast and continued, “I’m with you and spending time with you because you’re interesting, different, and beautiful.”
It couldn’t be true. He was lying to her for some reason. “I don’t believe you.”
He emitted a frustrated growl, then abruptly pulled her from her seat.
Her feet hit the floor, and she barely had time to get her balance before he threaded her fingers with his in a tight grip and was tugging her away from the bar. She had no idea where he was leading her, but no one was paying them any mind. He took her past the bar, then a collection of billiard tables before kicking open a door and heading outside.
Oh! What had she done? He was angry, and she’d caused it. He was the Raven Devil, and she’d irritated him. What was wrong with her?
The night air surrounded them, and the sweet sounds of singing crickets and chirping frogs did nothing to temper his determined strides or loosen his grip on her.
She tugged, but he held fast. “Let go!”
“No,” he growled.
She dug her feet into the packed dirt path, her heart racing, her thoughts of what was about to happen sending her into a blind panic.
He whipped around and roughly grabbed her to him. “I’m not gonna hurt you. I would never physically harm you.”
As she shoved against his chest, trying to push out of his hold, she choked out, “Why should I believe you? No man has ever—”
“Stop comparing me to the sons-a-bitches who ignored you,” he demanded. “They’re stupid, ignorant bastards who couldn’t see your value.” He cupped her cheek, his shadowed face only inches from hers. “I like you, Joetta. I swear it.”
Tears of buried pain and doubts burned her eyes, but she blinked them away. “You can’t.”
“I do.”
She shook her head. “You’re the Raven Devil and—”
“To hell with that name!” he interjected. “I hate my reputation, and the life I’ve had to lead for over a decade. Can’t you just see me as Caleb Murray? Why do I have to be my profession to you? It’s only getting in the way of our friendship.” He tightened his grip around her waist. “I think you’re amazing. I’ve never known a woman like you.”
His words hurt her, because they couldn’t possibly be true, but how she wanted them to be. “Caleb, I…” She swallowed the lump of pain at the base of her throat. “I just can’t believe you like me.”
He let out a breath. “I do, damn it. I swear it.”
“It’s imposs—”
He took her mouth with his, plundering her lips, holding her to him in a strong embrace.
REVIEWS FOR JOETTA'S LEGACY
"Characters who break the mold have always intrigued me, and this book features two strong individuals who defy stereotypes. Joetta’s academic prowess renders her a social pariah in the late 1880s. Caleb’s sensitivity doesn’t align with his tough, gun-toting exterior or his gambling lifestyle. Although Caleb is known as The Raven Devil, his intentions are not malicious. Caleb respects women and goes out of his way to protect folks in distress. He’s not the scary villain his image and persona might suggest.
When fate— and a healthy dose of curiosity— brings these two unconventional souls together, sparks fly faster than the draw of Caleb’s infamous six-gun. But several issues complicate their relationship. Joetta is unwittingly entangled in Caleb’s searing revenge plot. Meanwhile, Caleb doesn’t fully understand Joetta’s clandestine research project. Love promises to be a bumpy ride for this brazen couple, yet their connection is too strong to ignore.
Joetta’s Legacy is a tale of unlikely love in the Post-Reconstruction Era. It’s also a reminder that vengeance is no match for the power of attraction. In this novel, Caleb grapples with guilt and remorse. He must come to terms with a long-standing grudge. Conversely, Joetta struggles to find her place in an openly hostile (and confusing) environment. She walks on eggshells, concerned she doesn’t fit in and plagued by self-doubt. Although these characters face separate battles, their hearts are united by a genuine desire for a brighter world. And their synergy is off the charts.
This tale transported me to a Western town with rowdy gamblers and pious churchgoers. I got serious Westworld vibes during Joetta’s first visit to a saloon, then swooned over Caleb’s delicate manner when he brought Joetta home. Joetta’s Legacy is sure to dazzle and delight. Perhaps most importantly, it will leave readers feeling deeply satisfied. Because even amid drunken chaos and warring cowboys, love reigns supreme."
-- Amazon Reviewer
"You'll enjoy this ride back to 1870's Texas, heart of the west. What a treat to get to know each of these characters, Joetta and Caleb, from within their own point of view. The author gave me the opportunity to discover the heart of each, and how their personalities were shaped by their circumstances and the challenges life threw in the way. What do you do when the person you've planned for so long to use as a tool for exacting revenge, is so compelling? What do you do when you are a misfit within society? These two characters seem so very different at the start, yet somehow they are drawn to each other. They don't want to give in to their mutual attraction. The more they fight it, the more poignant the story."
-- Amazon Reviewer
When fate— and a healthy dose of curiosity— brings these two unconventional souls together, sparks fly faster than the draw of Caleb’s infamous six-gun. But several issues complicate their relationship. Joetta is unwittingly entangled in Caleb’s searing revenge plot. Meanwhile, Caleb doesn’t fully understand Joetta’s clandestine research project. Love promises to be a bumpy ride for this brazen couple, yet their connection is too strong to ignore.
Joetta’s Legacy is a tale of unlikely love in the Post-Reconstruction Era. It’s also a reminder that vengeance is no match for the power of attraction. In this novel, Caleb grapples with guilt and remorse. He must come to terms with a long-standing grudge. Conversely, Joetta struggles to find her place in an openly hostile (and confusing) environment. She walks on eggshells, concerned she doesn’t fit in and plagued by self-doubt. Although these characters face separate battles, their hearts are united by a genuine desire for a brighter world. And their synergy is off the charts.
This tale transported me to a Western town with rowdy gamblers and pious churchgoers. I got serious Westworld vibes during Joetta’s first visit to a saloon, then swooned over Caleb’s delicate manner when he brought Joetta home. Joetta’s Legacy is sure to dazzle and delight. Perhaps most importantly, it will leave readers feeling deeply satisfied. Because even amid drunken chaos and warring cowboys, love reigns supreme."
-- Amazon Reviewer
"You'll enjoy this ride back to 1870's Texas, heart of the west. What a treat to get to know each of these characters, Joetta and Caleb, from within their own point of view. The author gave me the opportunity to discover the heart of each, and how their personalities were shaped by their circumstances and the challenges life threw in the way. What do you do when the person you've planned for so long to use as a tool for exacting revenge, is so compelling? What do you do when you are a misfit within society? These two characters seem so very different at the start, yet somehow they are drawn to each other. They don't want to give in to their mutual attraction. The more they fight it, the more poignant the story."
-- Amazon Reviewer
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