A Gamble on Love and Revenge in the Wild West. A dangerous bet in a poker game earns CLAY HOLT the one thing he didn't need: the beautiful, indentured young woman owned by J. Talbot, a bully of a saloon keeper at the edge of the Oregon Trail. Clay intends to set KIERIN MCKENDRY free but an ambush and battle with Talbot's men leaves him badly injured. Kierin rescues him right back, helping him escape to his departing wagon train, where she pretends to be his new wife. She nurses Clay back to health, but as the days pass, despite his grumpy reluctance to go along with her ruse, they can't ignore their growing feelings for each other. Lines blur between deception and desire but Kierin can't risk her heart to a man consumed by avenging his wife's murder. And she's bent on finding her worthless father who sold her for a ticket to the California gold fields. But will a thousand perilous miles together ignite the bond between her and Clay or simply blaze a trail for Talbot, who will kill to have what's his? AWARDS: Best First Historical, Romantic Times REVIEWS: "...lively plot, believable characters and exciting adventures with a sensual love story." ~Marilyn Dickman, Romantic Times WILD WESTERN HEARTS, in series order Holt's Gamble Renegade Bride Renegade's Kiss Chase the Fire ABOUT BARBARA ANKRUM: Bestselling author Barbara Ankrum was a successful commercial actress until her love of romance novels led to a publishing contract. Years later, she still believes in happy endings and feels very lucky to do what she loves, with her husband, two cats and one scruffy, unrepentant dog at her side.