THE INVENTOR'S HEART

“You don’t want to stay here with me? Why?” Alex tried to calm his rising anger, but hurt at her obvious want to escape him overruled his will. “You prefer to be caught under the mistletoe and kissed by every fellow in town?”

Julia reared back. “I want no such thing!” she declared, trying to tug her hand free of his.

He would not let go. “Could’ve fooled me. Fitzsimmons practically had you off your feet. And Hollister is married and lingered entirely too long when he grabbed you.”

With force, she tried to yank free, but he was having none of it.

“It’s just a game,” she argued with a scowl. “I didn’t plan it, and I can’t control how any of the men kiss me.” She lifted her chin. “Besides, it’s all in good fun.”

Fun? Every embrace had torn him inside out. “None of them should have touched you. You’re my friend.”

“What does that mean?” she asked, her voice rising. “I belong to you?”

He almost shouted the affirmative, but he controlled the overwhelming feeling of possession. Instead, he kept quiet, not knowing how to explain his statement.

“You’ve been gone for five years, and I have other friends. Am I supposed to sit on a shelf waiting for you to come home?” She glared up at him.

Was she considering stepping out with someone? Jealousy roared inside him. “You think another man is better for you than me?”

“Emmet might have swept me off my feet, but at least he paid attention to me, at least he seemed to be interested in me, at least—”

Unable to take her compliments of another man a second longer, he yanked her forward and slammed his lips on hers. As desire engulfed him, he plundered her mouth, snaking an arm around her waist and pulling her up against him.

She moaned, and the sound spurred him on. He shoved his tongue inside, demanding she open for him, needing to prove that he was the man she wanted. He turned her and shoved her up against the wall, and she let out a whimper as she ran her fingers through his hair.

A shudder went through him, and he drank from her, never wanting to let her go. How had he not understood that her arms were his safe place? Why hadn’t he ever realized his best friend could set him on fire? His heart pounded hard, echoing in his ears and making him sing with life.

"It’s always a treat to read a story from Kara O’Neal’s heart-warming, family-oriented Pike’s Run series. Her talent for drawing vivid descriptions of people, places and things draws the reader in immediately. And as always, she reaches deep down to tackle human issues and emotions with a realism and common sense. With The Inventor’s Heart, we meet an intrepid heroine who suffers with dyslexia but doesn’t let that keep her back from her music and her life. As well, this reader anyway, learned more about the mysteries of electricity. A twofer. Who could ask for more? On a scale of 1-5, The Inventor’s Heart deserves a 5."

-- Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

​"I've thoroughly enjoyed this romance! Julia and Alex grew up together and share a sweet past and memories. But Julia has always harbored special feelings for the absent-minded, driven, and brilliant Alex. The way this story unfolds is wonderful. These characters were different from each other and from most that I read. (especially Alex). Kara O'Neal has written an enchanting romance in The Inventor's Heart and luckily there are more set in the town of Pike's Run."

-- Amazon Reviewer

MAGGIE'S SONG

The memory of his arms around her came back like a speeding train. His strength, his solid but gentle hold had melted her, made her yearn like she never had before. His embrace had been the haven she’d searched for, the home she’d always wanted.

How had this happened? How?

And how could she have encouraged him? She had no business letting him believe she was available, no right to engage his affections. She was a cruel, cruel person.

She opened her eyes at the sound of slow, heavy footsteps on the road. A lump formed at the base of her throat, and she knew Pete walked down the lane. She had to apologize. And…explain. Oh, God.

Before she could lose her nerve, she hurried around the side of the house.

He drew up short when he saw her, the lines of his face filled with caution, with confusion.

“Hello,” she rasped.

He swallowed and nodded.

What had she done to him? How could she have upset this wonderful man? She simply had to apologize. “May I speak with you?” Her tone grated with pain.

Worry flashed in his eyes, and perhaps a little fear, but he followed her when she turned to go behind the house.

What to say? What to tell him? The truth. It had to be the truth. Would he keep her secret? Would he understand? Would he…be hurt?

With her hands clenched into fists, she stopped near the laundry line and looked at him. He stood several paces away, his arms loose at his sides. Those strong and powerful arms had held her, sheltered her, given her feelings she’d never believed she’d have again.

Why had she allowed this to happen? Even if she hadn’t hurt him, she had hurt herself. Perhaps this was her penance—finding a man who might be all she’d ever wanted but couldn’t have.

She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

His face softened.

“I shouldn’t have run away.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but she held up a hand, stopping him.

“I also…shouldn’t have…gone to the creek with you.”

Questions rose in his eyes. And sadness. He looked like a lost puppy. Oh, what had she done?

“Why not?” he murmured, hesitant.

“Because I…I’m not a-available. For c-courting.”

His shoulders slumped, and he lowered his lashes.

A rip rent her heart. Tell the truth. Tell him why. Tell him you want to be with him, to get to know him, to kiss him a second time. And a third.

But she kept quiet, fear making it impossible to find any ounce of courage. For while he deserved to know her reasons behind her explanation, she had a greater obligation to Iris. Bordersville was the perfect place for Iris, and Pete might not keep her secret, and the people might turn away from Maggie when he told them she was married. She couldn’t risk it.

“I guess it’s too soon for you,” he ground out with his gaze still on his boots.

“Y-Yes. I…” But she couldn’t say anymore. The lies twisted in her stomach, making bile burn at the base of her throat.

He lifted his head and forced a small smile. “I understand, Maggie. We can still be friends, though, can’t we?”

His sweetness made the tear in her heart widen. “I’d like that,” she managed to respond through the sobs threatening to choke her.

He hooked his thumbs around his suspenders and pulled them close together, making the muscles in his arms and chest bunch. “All right then. I guess I’ll head on home. See you tomorrow night?”

She nodded, unable to speak for the tears welling inside.

​After a dejected tip of his hat in goodbye, he left the yard, and he was unaware that he took her dreams, her wishes and her heart with him.

"This is a great story. Comfort and family at its best despite the villain. The song created by Pete and Maggie speaks volumes for community and family."

-- Amazon Reviewer

THE CHRISTMAS BRIDE

When Truly reached the foyer of the hotel, people hastened about, all with things to do and places to go. She had no such joy. Pain pressed on her breast, making it difficult to breathe. At what point would the knife in her back and heart stop twisting?

She blinked, clearing away threatening, hated, vile tears. No more. Never again.
Before entering the dining room, her gaze caught on Alfred Taylor. He stood at the desk, his head bowed over a ledger. His suit coat molded to his broad shoulders. His vest hugged his torso. His brown beard couldn’t hide the angled jawline.

He was a gorgeous man.

When he looked up, she averted her eyes and quickened her steps. What did his handsomeness matter? Henry had been attractive. Beautiful, really. Which had been one of the problems.

A waitress led Truly to her usual table near the French doors that led to one of the verandahs. The fire blazed in the hearth near the entrance, brass sconces hung from the white, oak paneling, linen covered all the tables, while china and crystal gleamed in the light streaming through the many exits to the luxurious porch.

Truly didn’t need to see a menu, but she took one anyway. Did the employees of the Royal Hotel wonder why she, a single female with no escort, was still here? Did Mr. Taylor wonder?

She hoped not. But…if he did, would he pry? Would he tell her she needed to move on? How long could someone stay in a hotel?

Pike’s Run had a boardinghouse, but she’d been so comfortable she hadn’t wanted to move. And she felt hidden here. There was so much activity she got lost in the shuffle. Well, rather, she hoped she got lost.

After ordering oatmeal, biscuits and coffee, Truly sat with her hands folded in her lap.

A man approached her table. He doffed his hat and smiled. “Ma’am, may I keep you company?”

She opened her mouth to refuse, but before she could, Mr. Taylor appeared.

“McClain?”

The gentleman frowned. “What is it?”

Mr. Taylor jerked his head toward the foyer. “I’ve got some information to pass along to you.”

With an irritated expression, Mr. McClain excused himself and strode toward the exit.

Before following his guest, Mr. Taylor locked gazes with Truly. A gentle light shone from his warm, brown eyes. He gave her a polite nod.

Surprise moved through her as he left. Had he interfered only to protect her from whoever Mr. McClain was?

Perhaps his heart was as perfect as his face and form.

But she wouldn’t determine the answer. Because it didn’t matter.

MR. PIERCE'S HERO

Set up: Corinne is showing Jonathan her secret rose garden. She is worried because her mother has discovered its existence and plans to take control of it.
 
“You did all this?” Jonathan asked, amazement rushing through him.

She nodded, a blush staining her cheeks.

Even standing amidst the evidence of her talent, modesty enveloped her. He couldn’t help the slight smile that formed. “It’s magnificent.”

“Thank you.”

Should he venture into her world and help her? If he did, he feared the safety of his heart. Still, he couldn’t hold back. “And you can’t let your mother do…whatever it is you suspect she will do.”

His words made dismay flit across her lovely features. He wished he could recall what he’d said, but it was the truth.

“I know,” she replied, her voice hoarse with feeling. A moment of silence passed. “You’re quite sure it would be illegal?”

Ordinarily, he’d be irritated someone questioned his expertise, but he understood why she asked. “I am.”

She fidgeted with her skirt while her teeth worried at her lower lip.

The punishment she gave it made him want to cup her cheek to stop her. Then he’d run his thumb over her mouth and soothe her. Maybe kiss her. Maybe back her up against--

Hell. He had to remove himself from her presence. She was too damned dangerous.

“Would you…”

“Yes?” he prodded.

“Would you perhaps…come with me to speak to the sheriff?”

He shouldn’t. For one important reason. But…

“Do you really believe your mother won’t desist if you tell her it would be trespassing?”

She nodded her head slowly.

Damn it. Who was this Beulah? “Yes, I’ll go with you.”

"This addition to the Pike's Run series showcases the world that Kara O'Neal has built by bringing in the cast she's established in the previous books in the series. The development of Beulah was perfect."

-- Amazon Reviewer

"A well-written, delightful read with a strong heroine and a sexy, caring hero. The descriptions about Corrine’s garden were so vivid I could almost see and smell it. I loved that there was also a suspense angle that kept me engaged and turning pages. Highly recommend!"

-- Goodreads Reviewer

​"Every time I read a Pikes Run novel the words melt away and I've returned to the town. I feel like I know everyone and I can't wait to see what's new in their lives. Mr. Pierce's Hero was a pleasure to read. Once I started I didn't want it to end."

​-- Goodreads Reviewer

DESTINY'S SECRETS

​“Hello, Charlotte,” Ben answered, taking a step toward her. “Can we talk?”

She fidgeted with her fingers and bit her lip.

His discomfort with her sister and his brother watching them didn’t stop him from continuing. “Please,” he pleaded. “Just a couple minutes. I…” Whatever else he needed to say got stuck in his throat. Charlotte had him all wound up, strung tight and needing just a moment in her sweet aura.

“All right,” she acquiesced softly.

Relief slammed through him. He walked toward her, and she turned on a heel, heading down the hall to the
kitchen.

The moonlight shining through the window above the sink bathed the dark room in a silver glow. He wished he’d brought a lantern in order to better see her face. Quiet settled around them, and he cleared his throat. “Did…Did you have a good time?”

“Yes.” She leaned against the counter, putting several feet of space between them.

“You weren’t scared?”

“I was.”

His mouth tipped up at the corners. “But you went anyway?”

“Yes.”

He tried to imagine her sitting in a saloon and couldn’t wrap his mind around it. “What’d you do?”

She pushed her hands behind her back. “Played cards.”

“Poker?”

“Yes. The owner found us spots, and we used some of Jo’s money. I only played two hands because I wasn’t comfortable betting.” She waited a beat. “That’s not a game someone should learn while using someone else’s coins.”

He had no reply and ached to move closer to her. He wished he could gather her in his arms. The last several hours had been pure torture, and his pulse raced at finally being in the same room with her.

“I also drank some whiskey.”

Her statement had him gaping. “Really?”

She didn’t expand and asked a question of her own. “Is this what you wanted to speak to me about?”

“No, I…” How in the hell did he begin? Why bring this up when she so obviously wanted to avoid it? But he couldn’t handle a chasm in their friendship. Even though he might not see her after Tuesday, he had to fix the tension between them.

“I’m sorry for what I did,” she blurted. “I shouldn’t have done it, especially without asking for permission.”

Permission? Her sweetness punched him in the gut. Before he could respond, she went on.

“I have feelings for you, Ben. Strong ones. I didn’t want you to know because I’m very aware I’m not a lady you’d ever be interested in, but I don’t want to hide my regard anymore.” She pushed away from the counter. “I love you.”

His breath caught at her honesty. Her courage.

“You’re probably confused because I was engaged only a short time ago, but…” She shook her head. “I didn’t love him. Not like I should have. I agreed to marry him to give my family some happiness after the death of my mother.”

Her words came with authority, shocking him into further silence.

“You came into my life, and you dazzled me. You’re so kind,” she said with reverence. “So caring. So…handsome. I’m glad I met you. I don’t regret losing my heart to you, but it’s going to take some work to get it back, and I need your help with that.”

What did she want of him?

“I need space. Distance.” She took a moment. “I’d appreciate it if we just said goodbye now.”

Already? Rebellion reared its head like a fire-breathing dragon.

When she said no more, he realized she waited for his agreement. How could he give her what she wanted?

But why would he hesitate? Her request should be easy to grant. He understood it. Respected it.

“Ben?” she prodded.

“Yes,” he rasped.

“Yes? You’ll honor what I’m asking?”

The hopeful, grateful note in her tone was like a knife to his heart. “Of course.”

Even in the darkness, he easily detected the slump of her shoulders. “Thank you.”

He couldn’t respond. It was impossible.

She shuffled forward a few steps, and he sensed her looking at him expectantly.

“So,” he uttered. “This is goodbye, then.”

“Yes.”

He heard her heartache, the tears she tried hard to hold back. He didn’t want this. He couldn’t lose her already.

“Goodbye,” she said softly, her voice breaking.

He swallowed. “Goodbye.”

One second more, then she swept past him, and he quaked with the force it took to keep from yanking her into his arms. He didn’t turn as she walked out of his life.

"Until this story Andrew and Ben were almost one entity. I thought of them as completely identical, physically and in character. I loved the way they were developed into individuals in this installment of the Pike's Run series."

-- Amazon Reviewer

"I've enjoyed all the Pike's Run series. This one had twists and turns and at times made me laugh. Even though I knew good would win over evil, it was still surprising how we got there."

​-- Amazon Reviewer

THE COWBOY'S EMBRACE

He would come back soon. He would. He wouldn’t leave her here.

Lily assessed the park with its strong oaks and maples and winding packed dirt paths. She bit her lip and worked hard not to cry. She was a big girl. She was eleven, and he’d asked her to be brave while he was gone.

As she hid in the shade, she sank down to the grass, huddled against a trunk and hoped no one noticed a frightened, stranded, black girl. Where was he? What was taking so long? He only went to find food for them.

Morning turned into noon. People came. Some to eat their lunches on blankets they spread on the ground. Others to walk the picturesque paths. She pulled her knees into her chest and buried her nose in her dirt-caked pinafore. It had been yellow once. A pretty color as bright as the sun.

As she rocked back and forth, she prayed. She repeated over and over the words her mother had taught her. With her eyes clamped shut and her lips moving without ceasing, she implored to Heaven for Deacon to return.

But hours passed. Faces swam before her, asking her questions, giving her food. She couldn’t answer the nice strangers. Just gazed down the path, hoping, waiting, her heart dying.

Where are you? Please come. Please come back.

She silently begged to see his familiar form, dressed in overalls and a threadbare work shirt, coming around the bend to carry her away. But he didn’t come. And the kind people didn’t leave. They took her home with them, and Lily didn’t argue, even though their pale skin struck uncertainty in her heart. She couldn’t think. Deacon, she grieved.

​And his name was the pained whisper on her lips every night, the perpetual cold ache in her heart…that could never be filled.

"Enjoyable story. Love the entire Pikes Run series!!!"

-- Amazon Reviewer

"Every time I return to Pikes Run I feel like I’m returning home and visiting old friends and meeting new ones. I love Lily and Deacon. They deserve their happy ending."

-- Goodreads Reviewer​

THE RANGER'S VOW

Luke caught a flash of pale skin as someone arced beneath the water. His breath stilled when the figure broke the surface, revealing a woman about twenty yards from him swimming to the opposite bank. Luke froze, careful not to move a single muscle lest this be a dream and he woke.

All he could see of the woman was her head as she glided away from his side of the creek. Was she naked? He glanced toward the other side and discovered clothes folded on a rock. He could determine the colors, and white peeked between light blue fabric. He knew plenty about women’s garments, and most of their underthings were white pieces of angelic sweetness. Which meant the lady enjoying the water was as bare as could be.

A smile tugged the corners of his lips, but before he could be accused of peeking more than he already had, he dismounted and used his horse to hide her from his view. At the moment, he couldn’t pull Zeus away for anything, so Luke was stuck until the animal decided he was finished. Of course, Luke didn’t want to leave. While he couldn’t see, and hadn’t seen a damn thing, it was nice being near a woman who courted risk and went skinny dipping.

Hell, there was nothing between her and that water. Not one stitch. His mind conjured all sorts of images as the sounds of her body cutting through the stream reached him.

When a screech met his ears, he knew she’d caught sight of the drinking horse and perhaps its owner’s legs. He let out an exhale and waited for the outburst.

“Who’s there?” she cried. “You get out of here.”

​He should, but he wouldn’t. He was never more grateful for his stubborn mount. “I can’t, ma’am. My horse has a mind of his own.”

“Ha! A gentleman would find a way.”

He used his bandana to wipe his brow as he remained hunched over in order to keep hidden. “A man has to take care of his horse, ma’am. Can’t survive without him.”

There was a splash. Had she left the creek—or hit the surface with an irritated hand?

“A convenient excuse so you can spy on me.”

He chuckled. “Ma’am, I can’t see, and didn’t see, one thing, I assure you.”

“You assure me? And what good is that? I don’t even know who you are.”

Damn, but he wished he could look at her. “Nope, you don’t.”

A silent moment, then, “That’s it? You aren’t gonna tell me your name?”

“You gonna tell me yours?”

“Not on your life. Why would I let some drifter know who I am?”

“Drifter? Is that what I am?” He’d been called worse.

“Well, how would I know?”

“Then why’d you call me that?”

Zeus lifted his head, looking toward the lady who shared his creek. Luke kept himself from pushing the horse’s nose back to the water in order to prolong this moment normally only possible in nighttime fantasies. Of course, in his dream the lady usually invited him in.

“Would a gentleman spy on a woman as she bathed?”

“If he’s smart, he would.”

“Ha! So you did peek.”

He grinned and watched a grasshopper jump over the toe of his boot. “I admit I looked, but it’s just my luck I couldn’t see anything. You’re too far away.”

Zeus snuffled then turned his head toward his master. He blinked at Luke as if he wondered what the hell the woman was doing skinny dipping in his drinking water. Luke stroked the black then exhaled. He’d have to leave this sprite.

“I feel sorry for you that you didn’t manage to see anything,” she continued, her tone without an ounce of pity. “I don’t mind telling you I’m as pretty as a picture.”

He laughed outright. “I’ve no doubt of that, ma’am, and I can promise you my mind paints a perfect image, so don’t you fret.” He tugged on Zeus’ reins.

She made a noise that was half-laugh, half-disbelief.

​He left the idyllic setting, Zeus following behind him. A smile stayed on his lips as he mounted up once he was out of her line of sight. What a damn fine welcome.

"This is the first story I read by Kara O'Neal and I loved it! I was intrigued by the story of a Texas Ranger and a garter bandit. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for the good guy to over come the bad guys. But most of all I rooted for Sherry and Luke to find love. There's never a dull moment in this story. I'm anxious to read more of Kara's books."

-- Amazon Reviewer

"Kara O'Neal outdid herself with this addition to the Pike's Run series. I loved the witty dialogue and the silly antics if the townspeople."

-- Amazon Reviewer

"The Editor's Kisses by Kara O'Neal is a wonderfully crafted, historical friends to lovers story at a time in history when women were fighting for equal rights in voting and having a say in politics, and one woman's determination to speak out about changes that were needed. In the process, she fell in love with her long-time friend and the new editor of the town's first newspaper. I enjoyed reading the book, and now debating which of the other books written by Kara that I should pick up next."

-- Amazon Reviewer

"Constance's relationship with her sisters is beautiful, and I loved her frank attitude. Kara O'Neal is building a community of characters in Pike's Run that is both beautifully diverse."
​
-- Amazon Reviewer

LOVE'S REDEMPTION

He paused. His chest tightened. He’d waited a long time to see her, had wondered if he ever would.

Years ago, she’d wrapped him around her little finger, and he’d grown so attached to her, he’d thought about moving to Tennessee to be with her. But then she had stopped writing. To say it had hurt would be an understatement. But he hadn’t been angry. He could never be angry with her. Never. And now she was back and near. It was too tempting.

After taking a deep breath, he moved forward then went through the screen door. Even though it gave a loud creak, she didn’t turn. Did she know it was he who stood behind her?

The light breeze ruffled her skirt. Her long, velvety hair grazed the small of her back. An ache centered in the pit of his stomach. He’d missed her. And now she was here. “Hello, Willa.”

"I've been waiting for this story since the moment I met these characters in a previous book, and I'm not disappointed. Lonnie is such a sweetheart. He is patient and kind and gives Willa all the time she needs to deal with her past demons. And poor Willa. That girl had to go through a lot in her life, but she's strong and someone you definitely will root for. This story was so suspenseful I couldn't put it done. Very well written and a joy to read. Definitely recommend."

-- Amazon Reviewer

"I loved this book in the series. The story was beautifully crafted. I especially loved how it tied in all the characters from the previous books and refreshed me in their journeys."
​
​-- Amazon Reviewer

LOVE'S PROMISE

“You haven’t fallen?” Thomas blurted.

Cora turned. A wry expression played at her luscious lips. “Do I look like I’m hurt?”

She looked like a tempting piece of lemon candy, ready to be sucked everywhere and anywhere. “Can’t say as you do. And I haven’t seen Doc runnin’ in your direction, so I guess you’re all right.”

A blonde eyebrow arched with superiority.

He couldn’t have her leave all saucy and sassy. “So far,” he added.

Her lips pinched. “Mr. Miller, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were issuing a challenge.”

Finding solid ground, he said, “Obviously you don’t know better.”

Her spine went rigid. “So you are challenging me?”

He made no comment. Just enjoyed her feistiness rearing its head.

“Wanna bet on it?” she dared him.

Intrigued, he couldn’t help but lean toward her. “I might be talked into a small wager. What have you got in mind?”

“If I win, and I don’t kiss the floor of our bakery, you have to wear a sign that says you’re a ballerina in your free time.”

The wager was so outlandish, laughter rumbled in his chest. A woman who infuriated him had never made him laugh before. “I’m up for that, I suppose. And if I win…” He stroked his chin. Many ideas came to mind, but none of them were gentlemanly. “You have to wear a sign that says I’m the handsomest man in town.”

An eyebrow arched again. “Having trouble convincing people of that on your own, are you?”

He doubled over with hilarity. What an adorable creature she was.

She set her hand on the knob. “You have a nice day, now.”

PURCHASE LOVE'S PROMISE
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