First Step Forward

Pro-football player Cooper Lowry is off the field and into some troublein the form of a very alluring, very free-spirited apple orchard owner named Whitney Reedin the first installment in Liora Blakes all new Grand Valley series.After eight seasons playing pro-football, Cooper Lowry knows all the right answers. Is he stubborn, short-tempered, and impatient? Yes. Are jersey chasers more trouble than theyre worth? Absolutely. Has he ever imagined a life beyond the game? Nope. Cooper has built an enviable careerthe result of staying focused, working hard, and keeping his head on straighteven as his body takes the brunt. So when a hard hit during a Sunday home game leaves him in a dazed heap on the field, its nothing more than another day at the office. The only thing thats different about this Sunday is a chance encounter with a certain fascinating, beautiful free-spirited woman. And some sternly-worded instructions from his coach to take a little time off and give his body the TLC it cravesbefore he does lasting damage. Whitney Reed is a few months away from losing the organic fruit orchard she bought three years ago in the tiny town of Hotchkiss, Colorado. At the time, she was just looking for a place to get lost. Instead, she found a home, somewhere she could finally put down roots. Now foreclosure is knocking on her dooralong with a grumpy, gorgeous football player who might be just what she never knew she needed. A charming love story for romance and sports fans alike, First Step Forward is a sexy, heartwarming romp perfect for readers of Jennifer Probst, Kristan Higgins, and Julie James.