Nevada Bounty Series by Margaret Madigan

Nevada is no easy place for a woman, especially for Beth Caldwell, a gambler's widow with an independent streak. When she refuses to marry the local cattle baron-who wants to add her land to his empire-Beth ends up with a powerful enemy. But it's not until she finds a handsome outlaw hiding in her barn that her trouble really begins. Isaac Collins survived the Civil War only to find himself the scapegoat for stagecoach robbery and murder... moreNevada is no easy place for a woman, especially for Beth Caldwell, a gambler's widow with an independent streak. When she refuses to marry the local cattle baron-who wants to add her land to his empire-Beth ends up with a powerful enemy. But it's not until she finds a handsome outlaw hiding in her barn that her trouble really begins. Isaac Collins survived the Civil War only to find himself the scapegoat for stagecoach robbery and murder. With nothing left to lose, he gambles everything on revenge...and barely escapes with his life. He stumbles back to Beth's place, and as she nurses him back to health something tender and heated grows between them. But in Nevada, sometimes everything can ride on one high-stakes game of chance...and Beth's rejected suitor will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. less

Lydia Templeton teaches other people’s children, but dreams of having a home and family of her own. Plain and mousy, she protects her heart and relies on herself, accepting that she may never find a place where she really belongs. Emmett Wilder served as a Civil War battlefield surgeon. After the war he dosed himself with plenty of alcohol to forget the blood and violence... moreLydia Templeton teaches other people’s children, but dreams of having a home and family of her own. Plain and mousy, she protects her heart and relies on herself, accepting that she may never find a place where she really belongs. Emmett Wilder served as a Civil War battlefield surgeon. After the war he dosed himself with plenty of alcohol to forget the blood and violence. Unfortunately, drunk doctors make mistakes, and Emmett's no exception, so now he travels the country selling homemade medicinal tonics and trying to outrun his demons. Keeping to himself he can’t hurt anyone else and he likes it that way. But Emmett owes a favor to Lydia’s brother, Randall, who decides it’s time to collect. After their mother dies, Randall sends Emmett to Nevada to find Lydia and bring her home to Nebraska. Along the way Lydia and Emmett tangle with train robbers, natives, and an accidental marriage only to find that Randall is the worst enemy of all. As Lydia journeys across the country with Emmett, she’s forced to face her worst fears and deepest desires, discovering along the way that her real strength comes from Depending on the Doctor. less

After her father and older brother die, Ruby Jackson is left to support herself and her remaining family. But the employment available to women isn’t good enough. So Ruby cuts her hair, changes her name to Ray, and dresses as a man to get a better job. What she finds when she takes a position at a Virginia City silver mine is a handsome man who complicates her plans, and steals her heart. Miles Collins manages a silver mine in Virginia City... moreAfter her father and older brother die, Ruby Jackson is left to support herself and her remaining family. But the employment available to women isn’t good enough. So Ruby cuts her hair, changes her name to Ray, and dresses as a man to get a better job. What she finds when she takes a position at a Virginia City silver mine is a handsome man who complicates her plans, and steals her heart. Miles Collins manages a silver mine in Virginia City. He’s one of the most eligible men in town, but has a reputation for being gruff and distant. He’s a sworn bachelor, until he bumps into Ruby Jackson on the sidewalk, and suddenly marriage doesn’t look so bad. As Miles court Ruby, she faces a dilemma; tell Miles about Ray and risk losing him, or make Ray disappear and hope Miles never finds out. Before she can decide, they’re called to the Montana Territory to help an old friend survey a new mine property, and along the way Miles discovers Ruby’s secret. Miles is betrayed by Ruby’s lies, and Ruby’s hurt by Miles’ thoughtless rejection. Can they reconcile their differences and find the love they both desire more than anything? less