The outlaw - jennifer millikin

Bestselling author Jennifer Millikin delivers an emotional small-town romance about a misunderstood man and the woman who can set him free.

Theres a thin line between being a hero and a villain, and Im well aware I walk right down the middle of it.

My reputation precedes me, even when Im making a bad choice for the right reason.

This is how I wind up in the back of a police car late one night.

My infamous last name keeps my record clean, with a single caveat: community service at a ranch recently purchased by Jo Shelton.

I think Id rather go to jail than serve time with the woman who has made it clear she cant stand me, even though we used to be friends.

Despite the tense atmosphere and how she keeps me at arms length, I show up every day, ready to work.

Quickly I learn a valuable lesson: while its difficult being around someone I dont like, its far more difficult being around someone I find myself intensely attracted to, but cannot have.

Because Jo, the woman whos driving me crazy with her quiet strength and beautiful face, is in a relationship.

With a man who, Id like to point out, is not out there getting his hands dirty on his girlfriends ranch.

Possession is 9/10ths of the law, and as far as Im concerned, Im currently in possession of Jos time and attention.

One day, the unexpected happens.

Her blue eyes pierce my callused exterior, seeing deep down into a wound I work hard to hide.

Its in this moment, and so many that follow, that I become certain theres no hope left for me.

Im in love with Jo, and Im desperate to show her Im someone worthy of her love in return.

Lucky for me, nobody rises to the occasion quite like an outlaw.