The Maverick and Miss Miller (Matchmaker Mischief Book 1)

Evie Miller is shocked when Jake Hannigan arrives at her doorstep as a mail-order husband—an advertisement her niece placed without her knowledge. Evie has no interest in marriage; she has successfully managed Montaña del Trueno, the Silva family ranch, and raised her late sister's children. Instead of sending him away, she offers him work as a ranch hand. Jake, a former gambler, is hiding from a gambling kingpin in San Francisco and sees the ranch as a safe refuge. He accepts the position despite having no experience with ranching or horses, though he proves to be a quick learner and discovers a talent with horses. As Jake and Evie's friendship deepens, he realizes what a remarkable woman she is and dreads the arrival of other suitors who might win her hand. Jake struggles with his growing feelings for Evie, complicated by the fact that he arrived under false pretenses. When word reaches him that the kingpin is closing in, Jake faces an impossible choice: leave to protect Evie and her family, or risk both their safety and their hearts.