Wellspring

Name: Wellspring
Author: Nicki Bennett

79 pages

When Erick von Hellerman sails from Prussia to Texas, he leaves behind an estate, a title, a fortune, and the rigid expectations of society in the hope of finally taking control of his life. But Texas has rules of its own, and he’ll have to learn to play by them if he wants the life–and the love–of his dreams.

Raised by the Comanche and still struggling to adapt to life in the white man’s world, ranch hand Cade Webster has learned the hard way not to expect good things in his life. Then, on an errand to Galveston, he’s intrigued to see Erick calm a panicked horse on the docks. Since Cade’s foreman is looking for a new bronc buster, he offers to let Erick accompany him back to Wellspring Ranch, a haven for misfits and outcasts, despite his doubts that the European dandy knows what he’s getting himself into.
Watching Erick adapt to hunting for food, sleeping under the stars, extreme weather, and unfamiliar predators convinces Cade that he just might make a cowboy after all. But a corrupt sheriff and a potential range war put their growing attraction—and their very lives—at risk.

“Wellspring delivers a big thumping historical cowboy romance with all the tropes and a brawling, sprawling vibe. With every saddle creak, hot breeze, and hard glance the book brings to life an entire living, working ranch outfit in 19th century Texas. It’s a slow-burn, worlds-collide western, serving up plenty of frontier feels with queer swagger. These aren’t stick figures, but complicated adults wrangling with love, vulnerability, and identity in a world that doesn’t make space for them.”

Damon Suede, author of Hot Head

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