Everybody knows a real cowboy doesn’t back down from a challenge—even when that means playing the part of devoted husband to your wayward estranged wife so she can collect her inheritance…

This real marriage-turned-fake relationship tale is destined to delight fans of Jennifer Ryan and Caryolyn Brown!

Cowboy Max Romero is a married man—even if he hasn’t seen his bride since their impulsive Reno wedding. When the seriously sexy Brit Phoebe Creighton-Smith suddenly shows up in his life again, the last thing he expects is a request to play man-and-wife in front of her family. But it sounds like a challenge to the mischievous Max, who offers Phoebe one in return—give up proper English etiquette for riding the range like a real rancher’s woman.

Phoebe is willing to rope a stallion, if it means she can convince her grandmother to release the trust fund she’s entitled to after marriage. She’ll just have to pretend that her deliciously brawny “husband” isn’t tempting her to total abandon every minute of every day—and night. But just when the heat between them crackles into a blaze, Phoebe’s snobby clan forces Max to make a choice, he knows he’ll risk everything to convince her that with them, true love is a sure thing . . .

Kate Pearce is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her unconventional heroes and her joy for subverting romance clichés. Born and raised in England, she acquired a degree in history and barely escaped from the British Civil Service alive, before deciding to write full time. A member of RWA, she writes novels in several genres for Kensington, Penguin Random House UK, Rouge Romance, Carina and Cleis Press. Along with being a voracious reader, Kate loves trail riding “Western style” with her family. She can be found online at KatePearce.com and on Twitter @Kate4queen.