Nicki Bennett

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

Read more...

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a widowed Earl must be in want of a wife—or so Marcus Stanthorpe’s grandmother believes. Marcus had done what was necessary to ensure an heir, but now has no patience for his grandmother’s matchmaking. Spending the holidays with his friends, his son, and his valet, William Haworth, brings him enough contentment.

But when a family emergency calls Haworth to London, Marcus’s contentment reveals itself to be fickle. Suddenly he realizes how much William has come to mean to him. But William has never indicated he shares Marcus’s preferences. Can the comforts of the holiday season bring two lonely men joy?

Read more...

When Mason gets caught in a blizzard on his way home for Christmas and ends up in a snowdrift, the outlook is grim—until a handsome trucker appears, offering shelter, companionship, and a tow in the morning.

Tate has never been anyone’s idea of a hero. He’s been on the road most of his adult life, with few ties to people and even fewer to any particular place. Now, after one steamy night in the cab of his truck, all that changes. Suddenly he has a sweet, intelligent guy who can’t get enough of him, who invites him to spend New Year’s with his family… who already feels like home. But Tate’s job keeps him on the road for weeks at a time. Can he really build something permanent?

Portions of this novella appeared in the short stories Weathering the Storm, Coming Home, and Tying the Knot, published by Dreamspinner Press in 2009. 

Read more...