Desperate to find her place in the world, Sara Beth dreams of applying for the Miss Wrangler Montana competition that tours with the rodeo circuit.

Riding horses has become her anchor until a near fatal accident takes more from her than she’d ever willingly sacrifice.

Determined to prove his business training, Johnny seeks out the Rourke family to call in an old favor. When he embroils himself in Sara Beth’s life, he has to prove they’re nothing more than friends.
Seeking independence, both Sara Beth and Johnny lean on each other more and more, until love threatens their friendship. Will they seek out each other or be confused by their dreams?
Can either of them leave their past and embrace their future?

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Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane.

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Excerpt:

Rosie bent at the waist to place herself directly in Sara Beth’s view. “Sara Beth? We know you’re not doing well.” She shook off Michael’s warning hand on her arm. Her voice rose an octave – okay, maybe two. “You don’t do anything but sit here and abuse your chair. I know it’s been three weeks, but come on, you have to try. You have to do something.” She slammed her hands on either of the armrests of Sara Beth’s chair.
Disbelief warred with anger inside Sara Beth. Like Rosie had stolen her ability to breathe, Sara Beth panted louder and harder as she allowed Rosie’s words to enflame her always-present anger. “What would you like me to do, Rosie? Go for a ride? How about a run? I know! I’ll help you plant things in your garden.”
Crossing her arms, Rosie stood, thrusting her hip out. “I’m sick of fighting with you. Michael and I just wanted to know if you needed us to wait until you got better for the wedding or…” She glanced at Michael as if seeking help on the phrasing.
“Or if I don’t think I’m going to get better?” Sara Beth adjusted her gaze to watch the roving winds playing in the leaves along the maple trees at the edge of the property line. “I don’t care. If you wait until I’m better, you’ll never get hitched.”
One more thing they’d be able to blame on her. Sara Beth could only imagine what they talked about when she wasn’t within earshot – which was all the time. They had to bemoan the fact that they had an invalid living under their roof. And the ever-present nurse who didn’t say much, even when sitting behind Sara Beth for hours on end.
“Are you even doing the physical therapy? He comes out but I haven’t seen you doing anything, like trying to walk or… anything.” Rosie checked her watch, turning to glance toward the drive. “He’s supposed to be here any minute. Are you going to sit there and do nothing again?”
But Sara Beth ignored her.
She just shut down. Three weeks of Rosie’s constant nagging had worn Sara Beth down and she slipped into silence when she was done with her sister.
Choking on emotion, Rosie coughed. “Can you talk to me? I need to know what you’re thinking.” And like every time when the sisters fought, Rosie started to cry.
Sara Beth rolled her eyes – the only indication that she even acknowledged Rosie’s presence.