The Maverick

by Cynthia Woolf

Dr. Rachel Bennett thought she’d escaped her past—until her relentless ex-husband tracks her down, threatening not just her but her young son. Despite having hurt her childhood best friend, Nick Kincaid, by leaving Colorado years earlier, she’s out of options, out of luck, and out of time. She turns to the billionaire tech genius, the one man she can trust.


Nick has always loved Rachel, more than just being best friends, and that didn’t dim when he had to watch her marry the wrong guy. But he didn’t grow bitter ... didn’t stop loving her. Determined to keep Rachel and her son safe, Nick whisks them away to his secluded Colorado ranch.


As the danger escalates, so does the tension between Rachel and Nick. Their friendship has always been unshakable, but the growing attraction between them is something neither expected. Nor can they ignore it.


When there’s no place left to hide, will they finally admit the feelings they’ve always fought? Or will their chance at love be lost forever because of a madman’s possessive rage?


A gripping romantic suspense novel about love, friendship, and fighting for a future no matter the risk, no matter the cost.

Genres: Billionaires

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Nick had been best friends since they were five years old. Rachel left Colorado to go to college and they had not been as close as they used to be. It made me so upset that her college professor Greg had taken advantage of a young student, and she ended up marrying him. After a year of marriage she had Jake and then Rachel saw a side of Greg he had not shown before. I hate to hear about men who don’t treat a women right like what Greg did to Rachel, especially in front of their son. After Rachel divorced Greg, she and Jake moved back to Colorado where her family and Nick lived. I was so happy that her and Nick picked up their friendship like they never had been apart. One of the best parts was he had Bailey who was the same age as Jake. There were some scary scenes as Greg had followed Rachel to Colorado. Greg was one scary person. Once again I was happy that she had Nick to lean on. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Pulse pounding terror right from the start. Frantic to keep safe, she bumps into an old friend who is willing and capable to lend a hand knight on a white horse in a cowboy hat. Kidnapping, physical abuse and death surround her as she tries to find out if the love she left is retrievable. Great story!

[Beckie Johnson Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Nick & Rachel's love story, and so will you. Best friends, love unknown, love lost, and now together again. He has saved her many times. Thanks, Cynthia, for writing another great story.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and her eight year old son, Jake, have moved to Denver from NY to get away from her abusive ex Greg. She has a restraining order against him which is valid for Denver but as they move in she can see Greg across the road. Then he tries to break into the house. She calls Nick, best friend since they were little, not realising how much he has changed, and how much her feelings for him have not changed. She doesn't know how he feels though.
They go back to his ranch and meet his daughter, a similar age to Jake, who's really keen to teach him to ride.
Are they safe now? Will Greg leave them alone? What about their feelings for each other?

Another great read in the series from Cynthia.

[Harriet Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
This book has it all!! Suspense, romance, determination, family and resilience. I do want to give a trigger warning of physical abuse.
Rachael is a successful doctor that has overcome many challenges to get to where she is. She’s starting over but doing it happily. Moving back to her hometown to put distance between herself and her ex-husband. All is well as she’s raising her son and getting ready to start her new job. She even gets to reunite with her best friend from grade school. She believes she’s done with her ex. Unfortunately he doesn’t agree!! Will she ever feel that she and her son can be safe??
I really enjoyed this book.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a romance and suspense novel that was heavy on the romance side and not so much on the suspense side. The story was fast paced, and the characters were well suited to each other. The teo characters reunite and things go from there. They handle the obstacles that come their way and end up with their happy ever after.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this friends to lovers romantic suspense for Rachel and Nick in Colorado. They have been friends since kindergarten but after high school when Rachel left to go to college and medical school, they lost touch. They both married other people and each had one child before getting divorced. Rachel had an abusive ex husband who she left in New York to return to her hometown in Colorado. Nick came to her rescue when Rachel's ex showed up and was stalking her. The attempts by the ex kept escalating even after Nick moved Rachel and her son, Jake, to his home with heavy security. The action kept me on the edge of my seat, and I highly recommend it as a thrilling romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Delbora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting and entertaining story to read. It begins with action and ends with excitement. The characters are all believable and all but one lovable. I especially love the way the story continues after what would have been the end in most stories.

I received a complimentary copy of bokk from the author who does not require reviews. Reviews are totally voluntary.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Maverick is book 3 in the Colorado Billionaires series by Cynthia Woolf 4.5 stars

Rachel and Nick have been childhood best friends until life changes their paths. Years later Rachel, a single mother, divorced, moves back home to start over but her controlling abusive ex finds her and the trouble begins. Nick, also divorced and a single father takes Rachel and Jake to the family ranch to protect them but what happens next…second chances, chemistry that never died, action packed and hopefully they find their way back to each other for their HEA…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Daphne Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with great characters, and I really enjoyed this book. Great series.

[Maureen Metcalfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read from Cynthia. However, I did find The Maverick very predictable (after being fortunate enough to read so many of Cynthia’s books). The multi millionaire is just so unbelievably nice, with no bad bone in his body, and the heroine the same. I found it frustrating that they doubted the other persons true feelings for so long. But still a very enjoyable easy read, and I look forward to reading more Cynthia Woolf’s books.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to buy the paperback before the release day for the ebook. Wonderful book. I really enjoyed it.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

After leaving her oldest friend Nick, Rachel goes college. It is there she meets her professor Greg, who lets say is one nasty man, using the young Rachel and the two marry. A year into their marriage Rachel has a son Jake. It is then Rachel sees the true Greg and so divorces him. Going back home with Jake. It is then she picks up her friendship with Nick.
But Greg does not give up easily and wants Rachel back. This man is one nasty human.

True love wins.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really good book. we have a best friend to lovers storyline with a suspenseful ex-husband problem and a protective man to help her feel safe. it was well written, and the storyline flowed effortlessly.

[Anna Marie Leffew · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Maverick*** by Cynthia Woolf

This gripping, action-packed tale kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages late into the night. Nick and Rachel, childhood neighbors and best friends, shared an unbreakable bond—until the day Nick shattered Rachel’s heart by dating one of her most bitter rivals. Heartbroken, Rachel left, while Nick, missing his best friend profoundly, enlisted in the armed forces.

Fast forward years later: Rachel is now a dedicated doctor trapped in an abusive marriage. Mustering her courage, she files for divorce and returns home, seeking refuge and a fresh start.

The twists and turns that follow will pull you in so completely that you won’t want to set this book down.

I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating adventure that promises to leave you enthralled!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOING BACK HOME

The series will take place in Colorado. It is a contemporary romance with a touch of suspense, angst, and eventually romance. Sometimes, it will take time for them to acknowledge their feelings. The story takes place near Denver, at the ranch, where billionaire Nick Kincaid and his daughter, Bailey, live.

Dr. Rachel Foster-Bennett, along with her son, Jake, has moved back to her hometown of Denver, Colorado. She has accepted a position at the local hospital. After her divorce from her abusive ex, she needs a fresh start and a place to raise her son.

Nick Kincaid and Rachel were best friends since Kindergarten, when they were five years old. Life changed, Rachel left, he married and divorced, and is raising his daughter, Bailey. The Kincaid family is in many fields, some crossing over, but they have all made it big—yet they remain down-to-earth

Rachel left for college and never returned. Greg was one of her older professors, and she married her after graduation, but he changed, became controlling, then violent. He never wanted children, and so far, had not hurt Jake, but she knew that was a possibility. She finally got the courage to leave, find a shelter, and get help. Now, she is back in Colorado, but trouble has followed her. The restraining order means nothing to Greg and his obsession.

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. Rachel and Jake thought they were safe leaving New York, but that won’t be the case. Nick learns that Rachel is back and comes to see her, taking her and Jake to dinner, only to come home to her cottage being trashed.

I liked Nick and Rachel together, and despite all the years apart, the chemistry is still present. Both have changed, but when it comes to feelings for one another, they are still there. Jake and Bailey hit it off immediately when Nick takes Rachel and Jake to his ranch to protect them. It is always fun to see two close friends reconnect and discover that the years didn’t change their feelings for one another—if anything, they mean more now that they can move forward.

“No one took what was his, and he’d make sure Nick Kincaid knew who she belonged to if it was the last thing he did.”

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Foster Bennet and Nick Kincaid grew up together in Denver, Colorado. They have been best friends since kindergarten and only parted when Rachel moved away to go to college in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.

During their estrangement, Rachel marries and has a son, Jake, who is eight years old. Nick also gets married and in now the father of an eight year old girl, Bailey. In spite of that, Rachel and Nick realize their marriages are mistakes. Therefore, they divorce their spouses.

Rachel’s husband, Greg, has physically abused here for their entire marriage. Even though she has a restraining order, Greg refuses to follow it. Therefore, Rachel decides that she will only be safe if she moves back to her hometown

When Rick runs into Rachel, they realize their friendship has never ended. At that time, Rachel admits the truth of her marriage, and Nick reveals that he is now a millionaire. He urges Rachel to move onto his ranch for safety. He has loads of computerized security and many men to keep her safe. She refuses until she realizes that Greg will not give up on getting her back.

Both of them have always been attracted to each other, but have chosen not to reveal them. But, they were afraid that, if the romance fails, they might ruin their indispensable, long-time friendship.

Ms. Woolf has created a beautiful, heart-warming romance between two lifetime friends. Readers will fall in love with the loveable, intelligent, caring characters of Rachel and Nick, and with their two mature, precocious and dependable children.

Unfortunately, as their friendship and their feelings grow even stronger, Greg’s dangerous desire to take Rachel back also becomes stronger and more dangerous.

Readers will love the characters, the non-stop action, and the riveting intrigue that takes place in this book!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm-hearted romance, one that any woman who has had Rachel's experience might want, if it were not for the fear engendered by an abusive ex-husband. Rachel is fortunate in that she managed to get away, and there were people who helped her free herself. Regrettably, that is not always the case. Despite having been alienated by her ex from everyone who had ever cared for her, when she needs him most, her best friend from kindergarten days appears on Rachel's doorstep, stretching out his hand to her and Rachel's young son. Nick has never forgotten Rachel, and when he sees that she needs the protection he can offer her, he loses no time in whisking her away. Things have changed since they were small children, but the basic understanding between them remains unchanged. Best friends know and understand one another, but is it enough for happily ever after? Nick gets his answer when he almost loses the woman who makes him whole. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion, bringing together best friends who make up a perfect family. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Paced Enjoyable Contemporary Romance
Nick Kincaid and Rachel Foster-Bennett were inseparable best friends from the time they were five years old. They were not happy unless they were together. Even though they were attracted to each other neither was willing to risk their friendship. Rachel decided to become a doctor because she did not know if Nick could feel for her what she did for him. Slowly they lost touch and married others. Now years later Rachael is divorce and back home. Her abusive ex-husband follows her and her eight year old son back to Colorado determined noone else will have her. He will do anything to prevent that from happening. Nick is not going to lose her again. This is a gripping second chance romance between best friends that has emotion and suspense woven throughout. A quick read with a happy after and perfect epilogue to complete the story.
I voluntariy read an early copy of this book.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends-to-Lovers | Clean | Contemporary Western Romance
Years ago, Rachel walked away from her best friend and married the wrong man. Now divorced and hoping for a fresh start in Colorado, she finds herself stalked by the ex-husband who refuses to let go—and who’s determined to make her pay.
Just when she needs support the most, Nick, the friend she left behind, steps back into her life. They've always shared something deeper than friendship, so why did they let fear and time pull them apart? And now that fate has brought them together again, can they finally risk their hearts?
Nick brings Rachel to the safety of his secluded ranch, but danger is never far behind. As tensions rise, so do long-buried feelings. Will they seize their second chance—or will the past destroy it before it even begins?
If you enjoy clean, heartfelt romance with a western setting and a friends-to-lovers arc, this story might be just what you're looking for.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Cynthia Woolf, and this does not disappoint; this is book three in The Colorado Billionaire Series. If I could give this 100 stars I would! Rachel Bennett and Nick Kincaid have been friends since they were five. While Rachel was in college her Professor, Greg; wined and dined her and married after she graduated. Greg became very controlling and Rachel lost touch with everyone. But the one good thing was her son Jake. Rachel finally divorced and left Greg. Rachel and Nick reconnected out of necessity. Can they be as good of friends as they used to? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Cynthia Woolf!!!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you have a feel-good story that has bad things happening to a main character? That's what the author accomplished with Rachel and her son Jake's story. What they went through, yet still be brave, loving, great examples, & friends to those around them.
Add Nick and his daughter Bailey who have their own pasts and yet still so down to earth, especially with all the $$$ they have.
I love how each parent puts their child first, but not to the point of spoiling them in ways you'd think.
While I knew Nick would do anything to protect Rachel, I was surprised with what happened to Greg - very glad - but still some surprise.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maverick: a sweet contemporary novel with suspense and romance story of Nick and Rachel..He is a billionaire tech genius,single dad and her bestfriend..She is a doctor,a divorcé,single mom with a manipulative and sadistic of an ex..she moved back in her small town with her son away from her abusive ex only he doesn't know the meaning of the word NO and a restraining order and he will do anything to get her back by hook or by crook..Only now she's not alone there is a man who will do everything to save and protect her and her son against heer ex,the man she love for a longest time her best friend..A heartwarming,intriguing,with angst,suspense,action,and second chance romance..

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel and Nick have been friends since kindergarten. Now, they are both grown and on their own. Rachel is a doctor and had married an abusive man. She and her son finally have gotten away and she is returning home. Nick is so happy to see her and is hoping that now they can be more than friends. When Rachel's ex comes after her, Nick will do everything he can to keep Rachel and her son safe. Rachel's ex has put her in the hospital before, now she worries that he will kill her. When Rachel is kidnapped, she knows that Nick will come for her. Will he get there in time?

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have dangerous, abusive ex-husband who doesn’t recognize your divorce or the word “no”, then it certainly would help to have a billionaire best friend who also doesn’t know the word “no” and works only towards your best interest. I always look forward to a new Cynthia Woolf book and this definitely doesn’t disappoint. We get romance, humor, danger, two cute kids, plenty of action, and a few twists and surprises. Now I’m left impatiently waiting for her next book.

[Patti Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Cynthia is one of fave authors. And she did it again. This book touched my heart. Abuse effects all involved. She is a gentle sole. The kids are just too cute. Nick is a doll. He makes you wonder what he is up to next. The thrilling parts come. Bang. Then all the emotions that go with it. I just love this series. No I wait for next book to be done. I highly recommend this book. Heck this author. You will just her too

[Jeanne Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your "person" is also a lifelong best friend since grade school, time apart doesn't diminish the strong bond especially when trouble follows them.
Rachel and Nick lost touch, started families then fate brought both together when Rachel and her son needed help.
Filled with romance, an unstable dangerous stalker and lighthearted family times.
A wonderful read.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful millionaire/doctor romance. Growing up Nick and Rachel were inseparable. As adults they each married someone else. Rachel’s husband is abusive and she ends up back home. There’s suspense, drama, anxiety, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Ms Woolf.

[TRACEY A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Nick & Rachel's love story.

I good story. I thought it was a great book with a compelling storyline.

I really enjoyed the different dynamics in the storyline with its non-stop, edge of your seat suspense.

Can’t wait for more from this author

Recommend

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
In my opinion this is the best of this authors' “Billionaire” series. It grabbed me from the first and I couldn't put it down. I honestly recommend it.