today’s book: A Baby on His Doorstep by Leigh Riker
We are moving right along on our summer-long Road Trip Reads Giveaway where we will be visiting all 50 states on the pages of recently released books. Because road trips are always better with friends – and books – right? So grab your fave snacks, a cold soda or bottled water, an upbeat playlist and let’s head west, to where my husband is from!
today’s stop: Kansas
A BABY ON HIS DOORSTEP by Leigh Riker
SERIES: Kansas Cowboys #11
GENRE: Contemporary Romance (Clean & Wholesome)
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Heartwarming
RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2023
PAGES: 256
In this scene from A Baby on His Doorstep, town veterinarian Max Crane and Rachel Whittaker, a widow who has been helping him care for the baby, have been talking about the growing local gossip (she is living in his house):
He cleared his throat. “Maybe there’s another way. What if we use those rumors to our advantage, let people think we’re romantically involved after all?”
Rachel blinked. “I don’t know what you’re saying.”
“Engaged,” he said, forcing the word out. “You and me. That will quiet the gossips. Plus, with a ring on your finger, this town will really have something to talk about. Before you know it, they’ll be planning our wedding. So let them. What do you think?” He added, “It’s not as if there’s nothing there. I mean, we did kiss—once. Of course, we wouldn’t have to repeat that. This would be a fake engagement….”
Rachel was staring at him. “Max, I—I don’t know. This makes sense in a way, but do you want people to start planning an event, believe we’re in love…then, maybe when Averill [the baby’s mother] comes back, we split up? Everyone in Barren will feel sorry for you, and they’ll hate me. I do like you, Max, and you make some good points. But—”
Please, he thought. He could sense her weakening. “We can make this work. We can worry about afterward later.” He gazed at Rachel until she finally smiled. “Yes?” he asked.
“This is strange, but okay,” she murmured. “Yes.”
As if to seal the deal, and surely not because he simply wanted to, Max enfolded her in his arms. When he bent his head to kiss her, she didn’t resist. He liked this kiss even better than he had their first. Pretend, or not.
Leigh Riker, A Baby on His Doorstep
© 2023. Used by permission.
affiliate links used
Leigh Riker can’t imagine anything better than having a good romance novel to read–unless it is to write one! When not writing or thinking about writing, this award-winning author also likes to garden, play the piano, travel and try to learn Spanish. At home in the Southeast with her husband/hero and their mischievous Maine Coon cat for inspiration, she is at work (of course) on a new novel. Please visit her at leighriker.com.
Leigh Riker is offering a print copy of The Reluctant Rancher & Last Chance Cowboy (the first two books in the Kansas Cowboys series) plus some other fun goodies to one of my readers! (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? What makes you want to read A Baby on His Doorstep by Leigh Riker? Have you ever visited Kansas?
I have been to Kansas. I’d like to read A Baby on His Doorstep because it sounds like a sweet story.
It sounds like a very sweet and comforting kind of story, which I like.
I haven’t been to Kansas.
I have never visited Kansas. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Love the storyline. Lived in kansas for 4 years.
May have visited friends there, in Kansas, years ago, when we travelled a lot years ago across the US while on “furlough”, since my parents were Christian missionaries for over 36 years in Paraguay. Am interested in reading this story, as it sounds so intriguing. Would love to win a print copy! Thanks for the opportunity!
A captivating and lovely story. I haven’t visited Kansas.
Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I have never been to Kansas. I love reading baby stories. Thanks for your great generosity.
sounds like a fun one, never visited
I live in Kansas. I was born here, lived several other places, and am back home to stay. I’d like to read A Baby on His Doorstep because it sounds interesting and is set in my homestate.
I have never visited Kansas. Sounds like a good read.
The fake engagement is always a fun trope because we know the couple will start to have feelings for each other.
Yes, I visited Kansas once many years ago. Adorable baby cover.
It sounds a good read. I’ve been to Kansas
I like the sound of the story. I have only driven through Kansas.
Though I’ve never been to Kansas, my dad is from there, and he is a cowboy. Lol
Our daughter lived in Wichita for a few years so we visited Kansas often.
Sounds really good
Have not visited Kansas… I love books like this one!
A book about a workaholic veterinarian sounds interesting. Yes, I have family in Kansas and visited a few times when I was young, it was hot and flat.
The book looks like a terrific read. Thanks for your great generosity.
Never been to Kansas and a new author for me!
yay for discovering a new author!
I have been at the border of Kansas but didn’t visit! These books look like great reads!
right? I can’t wait to read them!
You are a new author for me but after reading the excerpt I want to read this book-this reminds me of the movie 3 men and a baby-thanks
I am a sucker for a cute baby and that book cover made me want to read this story before I’d even read the synopsis and excerpt. I have never been to Kansas but I am looking forward to visiting vicariously by reading this book and series
I have never been to Kansas. The surprise baby makes the book sound very interesting!