Brazen: a sensual, historical western romance

by Carol Burnside

Because of a secret not hers to tell, spinster Rachel must marry quickly, and Angus is the first man who comes to mind. He’s a hard worker and strong. She’s seen him eyeing her and senses hunger in his gaze. Rachel goes to Angus, the local blacksmith, alone at night and asks him to marry her.

Although eager to accept her brazen offer, Angus is suspicious, thinking it's some kind of prank and she's been put up to this to embarrass him. After all, what would a lady like Rachel want with the likes of him? His work is hot and dirty, and his lineage doesn’t exactly have the pedigree ladies look for.

When he realizes she’s sincere, his heart won’t let him refuse her, but even the road to a quick, convenient marriage isn’t smooth. Angus keeps his feelings for Rachel hidden. After the ceremony, Rachel finds a distance she can't bridge…until tragedy strikes.

Will they ever find the courage to declare their love, or will their stubborn need to protect their hearts prevail?



This book is first in series and is a standalone.

Other titles by this

Sweetwater Springs series

A Suitable Wife

Her Unexpected Family

His Small Town Princess



Tropical Heat (all standalone novellas)

Sunset Beach Sizzle

Return To Paradise



Other Standalone

Fake Fiance For Christmas

Nobody’s Baby

Heart 2 Heart (a short story collection)

Home for Christmas (a FREE short story & sample chapters)



Crainesian series (writing as Annie Rayburn):

Insight (short story)

Phantoms & Fantasies

Bittersweet Obsessions



Check Carol/Annie's website for an up-to-date list of titles available, excerpts, and more.



Reviews say Carol's books

"Highly captivating!" "intriguing and a wonderful read" "Emotional and heartwarming" "Engaging!" and "Great reading!"

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

“Sizzling romance with heart and humor.”

Carol is an award-winning author of contemporary, small town romances with serious sizzle and usually a generous dose of southern charm. She enjoys a second-chance-at-love story with her husband of over forty years.

A native Texan, Carol's love of travel, coupled with a history of living in her share of small towns and metropolitan areas, gives her a broad range of settings to choose from. She admits that as long as she has her hubby and dogs with her and a generous supply of sweetened tea, she can write almost anywhere, even in their RV.

Writing as Annie Rayburn, she produces alternate reality, soft sci-fi and lite paranormal erotic romances featuring Crainesians, a humaoid race of people living here on Earth.

While Carol/Annie enjoys the adoration she receives from her three spoiled dogs, what she really loves is hearing from her readers. Visit her at www.CarolBurnside.com for excerpts, review snippits, news and more about her irresistible characters.

Happy reading!