The Gem — Beth Williamson

Life gives you what you want. But you have to fight for what you need.

Charlie Chastain is an oddity, and it doesn't bother her a bit. Her life in Ft. Laramie-hunting game, up to her elbows in carcasses, stitching hide clothing-suits her independent spirit. So what if she's not a great beauty like her sisters? No one will force her into society's mold, much less a dress. But to say she is completely happy would be a lie-and no one understands that better than the only man in her life she trusts. Elijah Sylvester. Aside from serving as the fort's resident fix-it man, Eli has spent a lifetime fighting bullies who consider him stupid, a throwaway. He fights his feelings for the woman who makes his heart hammer, but considers him nothing more than a friend. When Charlie's restless feet send her off on a new adventure, Eli saddles up so she doesn't go unprotected. But their trip takes a dangerous turn and suddenly the hunters become the hunted. And by the time Charlie realizes how much Eli means to her, it could be too late.

Warning: Contains a cussing, stubborn, trouser-wearing woman who knows how to use a gun, and a gifted man who knows how to load, prime, and fire up her heart. Could inspire a need to purchase chaps. Hey, we won't judge.