Land of Enchantment Series by Emma Craig, Alice Duncan

Noah Partridge had a cold, cold heart. The darkly handsome man had suffered the loss of his family and livelihood, and been betrayed by his sweetheart and friends. So he set out alone on horseback to stake a claim in the wind-whipped New Mexico Territory, where he would live out his days on a land as rough and barren as his own soul. Honey-haired Grace Richardson had heart to spare... moreNoah Partridge had a cold, cold heart. The darkly handsome man had suffered the loss of his family and livelihood, and been betrayed by his sweetheart and friends. So he set out alone on horseback to stake a claim in the wind-whipped New Mexico Territory, where he would live out his days on a land as rough and barren as his own soul. Honey-haired Grace Richardson had heart to spare. Despite her husband's death, she and her young daughter had hung on to life in the Southwestern desert, as well as to a piece of land just outside the settlement of Rio Hondo. Although she did not live on it, Grace clung to that land like a memory, unwilling to give it up even to Noah Partridge, who was determined to buy it out from under her. But something like magic was at work in this desert land of mesquite and red rock: a magic that made Noah wonder if it was Grace's land he lusted after, or the sweetness of her body and soul. For he longed to feel her hands stroke his muscled chest, and to believe that her touch held the warmth that would melt his icy heart. less

Cattleman Cody O'Fannin had never shied away from an adventure in his life, so when a high-pitched scream rang out across the harsh New Mexico Territory, he rode straight in the heart of danger, expecting to find a cougar or a Comanche. Instead, he found a scene far more frightening: a woman in the final stages of childbirth... moreCattleman Cody O'Fannin had never shied away from an adventure in his life, so when a high-pitched scream rang out across the harsh New Mexico Territory, he rode straight in the heart of danger, expecting to find a cougar or a Comanche. Instead, he found a scene far more frightening: a woman in the final stages of childbirth. Alone, the beautiful Melissa Wilmeth clearly needed his assistance, and although he would rather have faced a band of thieving outlaws, Cody resolutely ignored his quaking insides and helped deliver her baby. When the infant's first wail filled the air, Cody gazed into Melissa's bewitching blue eyes and was spellbound. How else could he explain the queer tightening in his chest and the sparkles he saw shimmering in the air above her honey-colored hair? Then thoughts of marriage crept into his head, and he knew for sure that both his sense and his courage had deserted him on the same day. But as he got to know the new mother with the engaging smile, he didn't need a crystal ball to realize he hadn't lost his mind or his nerve, but his heart. less

Gambler Elijah Perry was on a winning streak, until he was shot in the leg and feared his good fortune was at an end. Then he awoke to find the straight-laced Joy Hardesty scowling at him and he saw he'd been dealt another tricky hand. And when dreams of a different kind of full house entered his head, he wondered if the gunshot had scrambled his brain... moreGambler Elijah Perry was on a winning streak, until he was shot in the leg and feared his good fortune was at an end. Then he awoke to find the straight-laced Joy Hardesty scowling at him and he saw he'd been dealt another tricky hand. And when dreams of a different kind of full house entered his head, he wondered if the gunshot had scrambled his brain. But as the lovely nurse tended to his wounds, he discovered a free, joyful spirit beneath her poker face, and a straight flush that bespoke an enchanting innocence. There was magic in the air, and Elijah realized that it was not a sleight of hand that had brought him to New Mexico, but Lady Luck herself. As he held the beauty in his arms, he knew that in winning the love of a lifetime, he'd more than broken even. less