Lauren’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.
A native Texan, Lauren is an avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan who manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.
13 reasons I'm glad I live in Texas
1 - The best Mexican food in the US
2 - Margaritas in every flavor (mango & strawberry are favs)
3 - Friendly people who smile & speak as you pass
4 - Cost of living
5 - Mild winters (which helps me walk outside year-round)
6 - The annual State Fair of Texas
7 - Fletcher's Corny Dogs & Jack's Fries at the State Fair
8 - Bluebonnets in the spring
9 - Tons of great shopping
10 - Friday night high school football
11 - Talented musicians in every kind of venue
12 - The beaches along the Gulf of Mexico
13 - Close proximity to my family
Ballad Beauty
Western Historical Romance
Soul Mate Publishing
Published: 3/25/2015
After ten years apart, Boston schoolmarm Jenny McShanahan receives a letter from her father instructing her to join him in Texas. She has no idea he’s become a famous outlaw. She arrives to find Sam already gone, but he left instructions for Jenny to hire a guide and rendezvous with him in Nevada.
Texas Ranger Noah Daniel Webster knows Sam because his father was Sam’s longtime partner in crime. When his father is killed during their last big score, Noah requests to bring Sam to justice. Going undercover, he volunteers as Jenny’s escort across the prairie, using her to track her father’s location.
As they journey through rough country, love blossoms—but Noah knows the second he arrests Sam, his betrayal will kill Jenny’s love for him. Should he do his duty as a Ranger, or should he let love rule? The choice Noah makes will change their lives forever.
EXCERPT
“Do you know a Mr. Snake Burton?” she asked.CONNECT with Lauren
“I reckon ‘bout everyone between here and Fort Worth knows Snake,” he said affably, and the crowd chuckled along with him.
“Then could you tell me where I might find him at this hour of the morning?”
“I s’pose he’s up at Miss Lulu’s still.”
“And where might I find Miss Lulu?”
“Oh, you don’t want to go finding Miss Lulu, ma’am. She’s six feet under or better and has been nigh on five, maybe six years now.”
“But Mr. Burton is at this Miss Lulu’s house? Then please show me the way.”
The crowd murmured its disapproval, and she wondered what she’d said wrong.
“I’ll show you where Miss Lulu’s is.”
The throng parted, and her heart caught in her throat. It was the dark-haired stranger with the cold, sky blue eyes. She almost took a step back as he approached then thought better of it. Treat him like Lucinda Smith, the ringleader of the bullies that picked on her in those early days when she first arrived at The Thompson School.
She drew herself up to her full height and raised her chin a notch for good measure. He came toward her slowly, an easy confidence in his gait.
He must be an even six feet, she judged. Muscle hardened his otherwise lean frame. His jet-black hair had a slight wave to it. His complexion was dark, as if he spent most of his time outdoors in the bright Texas sun. Chiseled cheeks and a strong jaw accompanied a sensuous mouth.
But what she focused on now was the small scar. Funny, she hadn’t noticed it before. It ran just above his chin, white against his tanned face. She thought it might be from a knife, based on her experience at the free clinic. She wondered how he’d gotten sliced in such a tender spot.
He paused as he reached her, his hat in his hand. “I can show you. But I don’t think you’ll want to go in.”
Her eyes flashed. “And why not?” she asked in a haughty tone.
“Because Miss Lulu’s is a house of ill repute.”
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