Willow Springs Ranch Series by L.E. Harner, Laura Harner, Jae Ashley

After six long months in rehab, Navy Veteran Tyler Hardin received his medical discharge and heads west to visit with his mentor and surrogate father, only to arrive minutes after his old friend passes. Ranch owner Cass Cartwright takes one look at the handsome stranger and knows he's in danger of doing the one thing he swore never to do: fall in love... moreAfter six long months in rehab, Navy Veteran Tyler Hardin received his medical discharge and heads west to visit with his mentor and surrogate father, only to arrive minutes after his old friend passes. Ranch owner Cass Cartwright takes one look at the handsome stranger and knows he's in danger of doing the one thing he swore never to do: fall in love. Cass works to convince Tyler to overcome his past and give a relationship with another man a chance, even while someone is working to sabotage his ranch and his one true chance at love. less

Sheriff Holden Titus had organized his fresh start down to the last detail. Except for the part about the bomb that blew his plans all to hell. Now he’s running out of time, without a job, without a home, and struggling to get back on his feet. Literally. Despite the impolite rejection, Drew knows he didn’t have the wrong impression months ago when he asked the sheriff to dance, but he never expected to have Holden’s life in his hands. Literally... moreSheriff Holden Titus had organized his fresh start down to the last detail. Except for the part about the bomb that blew his plans all to hell. Now he’s running out of time, without a job, without a home, and struggling to get back on his feet. Literally. Despite the impolite rejection, Drew knows he didn’t have the wrong impression months ago when he asked the sheriff to dance, but he never expected to have Holden’s life in his hands. Literally. Thanks to some meddlesome matchmaking, the two men are now temporary housemates at the Willow Springs Ranch and Drew is determined to help Holden heal, both physically and emotionally. Even if it means he has to drag the other man kicking and screaming to physical therapy…and out of the closet. In fact, that might be kind of fun. The problem is, Holden doesn’t consider himself in the closet…but not all secrets are created equal. less

Officer Chance Carter is pretty sure he’d still enjoy being on either end of a good ass reaming—just not the one from his supervisor that lands him on an involuntary extended vacation. Another holiday season with nothing to do except visit an old friend. Former hospital corpsman Bryan Mitchell doesn’t feel less than honorable, but that’s what his discharge paperwork states. Now he’s down and out in Kingman, Arizona until the charity of a stranger lands him a temporary job for the holidays... moreOfficer Chance Carter is pretty sure he’d still enjoy being on either end of a good ass reaming—just not the one from his supervisor that lands him on an involuntary extended vacation. Another holiday season with nothing to do except visit an old friend. Former hospital corpsman Bryan Mitchell doesn’t feel less than honorable, but that’s what his discharge paperwork states. Now he’s down and out in Kingman, Arizona until the charity of a stranger lands him a temporary job for the holidays. When two federal employees go missing during a highly controversial wild horse roundup, the two Willow Springs Ranch newcomers are drafted to help in the search, but if rumors of a local anti-government militia are true, Chance and Bryan may be in serious trouble—and from something far more dangerous than their mutual attraction. less

A Willow Springs Ranch Romantic Short Story. Valentine's Day should have been their wedding day, but Ty put a stop to all the foolishness weeks ago. As peace offerings go, a chocolate three-layer cake with buttercream icing isn’t much, but he expects Cass will forgive him. Eventually. Cass has other plans... Also available in the Willow Springs Ranch Series: Ty Hard, WSR #1 Hold Tight, WSR #2 Taking Chance, WSR #3 and coming soon Hanging Chad, WSR #4

For Chad Ollom, landing on the Willow Springs Ranch after his teaching career crashed and burned last year was a lesson in irony, considering he’d sworn off all things related to horses and cowboys after a near fatal fall as a child. Now with a new mission in life, Chad plans to bring critically ill children to the ranch for a special celebration... moreFor Chad Ollom, landing on the Willow Springs Ranch after his teaching career crashed and burned last year was a lesson in irony, considering he’d sworn off all things related to horses and cowboys after a near fatal fall as a child. Now with a new mission in life, Chad plans to bring critically ill children to the ranch for a special celebration. Aging rodeo cowboy Jesse Duran lives life eight seconds at a time, and whether it’s broncos or men, it’s always been get on and get off before anyone gets hurt. When he’s required to take a break from the circuit and ends up on the WSR, the enticing ass of a stand-offish teacher turned contractor might just be enough challenge to keep him entertained for a week or two. As attraction flares, personal boundaries start to crumble, and the lines between seducer and seduced begin to blur. When the series of on-going attacks against the WSR moves from sabotage to arson, Jesse steps up to help, but when Chad is forced to return to his past to face charges, the men of the WSR want to know if Jesse will stick or leave Chad hanging. less

When vegan, peace-loving, social do-gooder Park Williams stumbles across the half-dead cattle rancher who has been sabotaging the Willow Springs Ranch in the name of a homophobic militia group…there’s only one thing to do. Save his life, then share his tent. Waking to find the man’s dick pressed against his ass is just a bonus. Tanner Triplett is in trouble. Not the your-brother-is-a-sociopathic-murderer-and-you’re-his-next-victim sort of trouble... moreWhen vegan, peace-loving, social do-gooder Park Williams stumbles across the half-dead cattle rancher who has been sabotaging the Willow Springs Ranch in the name of a homophobic militia group…there’s only one thing to do. Save his life, then share his tent. Waking to find the man’s dick pressed against his ass is just a bonus. Tanner Triplett is in trouble. Not the your-brother-is-a-sociopathic-murderer-and-you’re-his-next-victim sort of trouble. Not even the your-father-is-trying-to-overthrow-the-federal-government-and-you’re-going-to-jail-for-helping kind of trouble. No…this is the sort of trouble that comes when you wake up with stranger’s dick in your hand. Holy fuck. How is he going to get out of this? A sudden need to run for their lives ought to do it. Determined to make amends, Tanner leads Park to the relative safety of the WSR, where the biggest danger should be from gun-wielding cowboys seeking revenge. Tanner hadn’t counted on sharing a room with the exotically beautiful Park or the danger to his heart when the carefully erected walls protecting his secret come tumbling down. less

When his three-day marriage ends in an annulment, country music sensation Brody Kent finds himself on the run from paparazzi intent on discovering why. Seeking shelter with his old friend at the Willow Springs Ranch might not be his wisest choice, considering the place is crawling with gay cowboys, but he needs someone he can trust and time alone to look for the joy that’s been missing from his music... moreWhen his three-day marriage ends in an annulment, country music sensation Brody Kent finds himself on the run from paparazzi intent on discovering why. Seeking shelter with his old friend at the Willow Springs Ranch might not be his wisest choice, considering the place is crawling with gay cowboys, but he needs someone he can trust and time alone to look for the joy that’s been missing from his music. Although no one should know of his travel plans, before he can make the turn to relative safety, Brody’s run off the road by a rogue reporter determined to get a scoop. A very different cowboy rides to his rescue…and Brody can’t help but wonder, well, a lot of things. The men at the WSR might work hard and play harder, but as the long-awaited Ranch Quest approaches, ranch hand Whit Truman needs to focus on preparing to host the sick children and not the oh-so-sexy voice from his past due to arrive at any minute. Not that the singer would have any reason to remember his brother’s childhood friend. When a desert storm postpones the event by a week, Whit takes some much-needed time off, only to stumble upon the object of his avoidance in a most surprising place. The walking, talking grown-up version of his teenage crush isn’t anything like the arrogant megastar Brody plays onstage—most of the time. That unexpected vulnerability could prove to be Whit’s undoing, as he vows to do everything in his power to protect Brody…if he doesn’t kill him first. less

Navy SEALs Cliff “Snides” Snyder and Ryan “Rhino” Matthews have been moving comfortably in each other’s worlds for two decades. Best friends since attending BUDs twenty years earlier, and despite playing for different teams, they’re often accused of acting like an old married couple—much to their amusement... moreNavy SEALs Cliff “Snides” Snyder and Ryan “Rhino” Matthews have been moving comfortably in each other’s worlds for two decades. Best friends since attending BUDs twenty years earlier, and despite playing for different teams, they’re often accused of acting like an old married couple—much to their amusement. Assigned to shore duty for his final tour before retirement and without Ryan to anchor him, Cliff’s restlessness leads him to a local club and hands-on research that leaves him in a compromising position and a witness to murder—signaling the abrupt end of his Navy career. Needing a place to lay low and lick his wounds, Cliff visits his old friends at the Willow Springs Ranch while he considers making cowboy his new job title. After six long months on deployment, Rhino returns to San Diego—only to discover Cliff’s gone dark and the unlikely words ‘poor judgment’ hanging in the air. Despite the offer of a prestigious assignment, Ryan opts to track down his best friend first and finds him at the WSR…along with more questions than he ever expected. With the most coveted orders for a SEAL dangling, twenty years of service under his belt, and Cliff determined to move on without him, decisions must be made. Ryan is certain he has the perfect solution going forward, but Cliff knows he must face the fallout of his actions alone—and the one thing he’s determined to do is protect Ryan from making the biggest mistake of his career—even if it costs Cliff everything. You know what they say—the only easy day was yesterday. less

Alejandro ‘Hoss’ Cartwright’s dreams of working for an elite professional rodeo—but his trip up the career ladder is cut short when he’s accused of mishandling the prize money. His one-step-in-front-of-the-lawman exit runs out of rope in west-of-nowhere, Arizona, and a next of kin call is made to a brother who didn’t know of Hoss’s existence. Without resources and trust in others at an all-time low, Hoss must find a way to clear his name before he can start over—from scratch... moreAlejandro ‘Hoss’ Cartwright’s dreams of working for an elite professional rodeo—but his trip up the career ladder is cut short when he’s accused of mishandling the prize money. His one-step-in-front-of-the-lawman exit runs out of rope in west-of-nowhere, Arizona, and a next of kin call is made to a brother who didn’t know of Hoss’s existence. Without resources and trust in others at an all-time low, Hoss must find a way to clear his name before he can start over—from scratch. The last thing he needs is man trouble—especially a man with relationship problems. Characterizing his near escape from a psycho-stalker ex-boyfriend as an opportunity for a fresh start, Joseph Shelborne heads to the Willow Springs Ranch to take on a renovation job that can best be described as CPR. Working and living off the grid should keep him out of sight long enough for his past to fade and his heart to heal. The last thing Joe wants is more man trouble—especially a man with legal problems. What a man wants and what a man gets are two different breeds, especially once revenge and retaliation rear their ugly heads. With bullets flying and fires burning, is either man ready to risk falling in love? less

Since receiving a medical discharge from the Navy, Tyler Hardin has found a home, a job, and a life partner at the Willow Springs Ranch. Most of the time, things couldn’t be better. Except when they could. Like whenever Ty manages to ditch the day in, day out drudgery of housework and cooking and find something more useful to do around the ranch. When an old friend calls with an opportunity to make a difference in a kid’s life, Ty doesn’t think twice. He’s all in... moreSince receiving a medical discharge from the Navy, Tyler Hardin has found a home, a job, and a life partner at the Willow Springs Ranch. Most of the time, things couldn’t be better. Except when they could. Like whenever Ty manages to ditch the day in, day out drudgery of housework and cooking and find something more useful to do around the ranch. When an old friend calls with an opportunity to make a difference in a kid’s life, Ty doesn’t think twice. He’s all in. Years ago, Cass Cartwright made his lover a co-owner of the Willow Springs Ranch, and it’s still the best decision he’s ever made. A ranch runs on its stomach, and Ty’s cooking skills keep all the ranch hands happy. As partners of the heart as well as the land, they always see things eye-to-eye. Except when they don’t. Issues once thought settled–like marriage and raising children–have a nasty way of coming back to life at the most inopportune moments. With one man craving change in his life and the other desperate for stability in their relationship, a fourteen-year-old boy could be the fresh start they both need. Or the beginning of the end.  The WSR series can best be enjoyed when read in the following order 1 - Ty Hard 2 - Hold Tight 3 - Taking Chance 3.5 - Ty'd Down (Free short story) 4 - Hanging Chad 5 - Park's Lot 5.5 Kismet & Cartwheels (Continues the story of Park and Tanner in a non-WSR setting. Can be read as a stand-alone) 6 - Whit's End 7 - Cliff's Edge 8 - Save a Hoss 9 - Ty'd Up less