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King Creek Cowboys #1
Country Heat
When a small-town cowboy falls for a big-city girl, lifestyle differences are the least of their troubles.
As a teenager, Kit Beaumont was homeless in San Francisco, living on the streets with her mom and sister. Now she’s the head chef of an exclusive Los Angeles hotel, but she turns her back on her success to work as a cook on a cattle ranch in the Arizona desert. While trying not to relive old mistakes and her past grief, she holds on tightly to her secrets.
Rancher Carter McLeod knows highly rated chefs don’t take positions like preparing meals for a bunch of cowboys without a good reason. A reason he doesn’t know. His challenge is to keep from falling for the cute blond while he waits for the day she returns to a life where she hobnobbed with celebrities instead of dirt-covered ranch hands.
Kit has no intention of jumping into a relationship with any man, much less her new boss, but she couldn’t have cooked up anything more enticing than Carter.
As feared, this cowboy romance comes to a scorching end when her hidden past comes striding back into her life. And now Carter may never trust her again.
As a teenager, Kit Beaumont was homeless in San Francisco, living on the streets with her mom and sister. Now she’s the head chef of an exclusive Los Angeles hotel, but she turns her back on her success to work as a cook on a cattle ranch in the Arizona desert. While trying not to relive old mistakes and her past grief, she holds on tightly to her secrets.
Rancher Carter McLeod knows highly rated chefs don’t take positions like preparing meals for a bunch of cowboys without a good reason. A reason he doesn’t know. His challenge is to keep from falling for the cute blond while he waits for the day she returns to a life where she hobnobbed with celebrities instead of dirt-covered ranch hands.
Kit has no intention of jumping into a relationship with any man, much less her new boss, but she couldn’t have cooked up anything more enticing than Carter.
As feared, this cowboy romance comes to a scorching end when her hidden past comes striding back into her life. And now Carter may never trust her again.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2016
About the author
Cheyenne McCray
164 books1,760 followersCheyenne McCray fell in love with reading and writing early, deciding in kindergarten that one day she would become an author. Today, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction author who’s sold millions of books worldwide. Having published more than 100 novels and novellas in contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic suspense, she is now also writing cozy mysteries as Deb Ries.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 23, 2020
This was just OK. Very formulaic, with few real surprises, and the big twist was poorly handled.
That said, the characters including the family were well developed , and the H wasn't an alpha-hole.
I'm told some of this author's other books are much better. I'll check one out.
That said, the characters including the family were well developed , and the H wasn't an alpha-hole.
I'm told some of this author's other books are much better. I'll check one out.
June 25, 2016
Meet Kit Beaumont. She’s gone from being homeless and living on the streets when she was a child and teenager to head chef at a prestigious hotel in California to now working as a cook on a ranch in Arizona.
Carter McLeod has his doubts that Kit will be with them long … she is so over-qualified for the position of ranch cook. But once he meets her and tastes what she can cook up, he’s hooked and will do anything to keep her there.
Kit has secrets and she doesn’t want a relationship. Up till now they’ve brought her nothing but pain and heartbreak. But there is something about her tall, dark, handsome boss.
The two of them just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other and Kit is falling hard.
But then her secret walks through the door and all bets are off. Carter may never trust her again.
I am never disappointed by a Cheyenne McCray book. I always get good-looking characters that have obstacles they must overcome to find their way to happiness. Great backgrounds .. in this case, Arizona, which is where I love to live. A man who knows how to be a man … a woman who is successful and doesn’t need a man to make her happy. Explicit intimate moments that add to the story instead of detracting.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Carter McLeod has his doubts that Kit will be with them long … she is so over-qualified for the position of ranch cook. But once he meets her and tastes what she can cook up, he’s hooked and will do anything to keep her there.
Kit has secrets and she doesn’t want a relationship. Up till now they’ve brought her nothing but pain and heartbreak. But there is something about her tall, dark, handsome boss.
The two of them just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other and Kit is falling hard.
But then her secret walks through the door and all bets are off. Carter may never trust her again.
I am never disappointed by a Cheyenne McCray book. I always get good-looking characters that have obstacles they must overcome to find their way to happiness. Great backgrounds .. in this case, Arizona, which is where I love to live. A man who knows how to be a man … a woman who is successful and doesn’t need a man to make her happy. Explicit intimate moments that add to the story instead of detracting.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 30, 2022
Kit is working as a cook at a ranch in Arizona. Carter McLeod is the boss of that ranch. Enjoyed reading this story and liked the main characters too. Of course they get together, they love each other. I liked the build up to the finish, but it felt a bit rushed. Will definitely read #2.
4☆
4☆
November 11, 2024
Im not ashamed, good shit.
July 20, 2020
A little too insta-lust / love for me.
I like the cooking and how Kit was able to bring some style to good old country food. Carter is a big softy and once he lays eyes on Kit, there's no turning back.
The climax and ending were too sudden and everything gets tied up too perfectly.
I like the cooking and how Kit was able to bring some style to good old country food. Carter is a big softy and once he lays eyes on Kit, there's no turning back.
The climax and ending were too sudden and everything gets tied up too perfectly.
Want to Read
January 29, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (1/29/2022)! 🎁
June 9, 2020
Oh my, this book was fantastic! Once I opened this story I was completely captivated. It had everything that makes a wonderful romance…well, romantic, and exciting. It was impossible not to love the main characters – Carter and Kit were perfect and their sizzling attraction and chemistry were hot from the beginning and their romance was so sweet!
Carter was the perfect cowboy - down to earth, fun, kind, strong, honest, and cared deeply for his family and his ranch. He’s turned a year older and contemplating his future when Kit shows up as the new ranch cook. She is overqualified and keeping secrets but she creates magic in the kitchen and their mutual attraction is impossible to deny. The more time they spend together the strong belief Cater has that she is the one. However, one twist of truth and feeling of betrayal could be the end of their whirlwind romance if he cannot see beyond his pain and anger and repair the damage before it is too late.
Kit was sweet-natured, kind-hearted, a wonderful chef and she had a strong independent nature. She also had a rough childhood, growing up homeless with her mother and sister, and had a painful past full of buried secrets she did not share. Needing a change and hoping for some new memories she packs up, leaving LA, and heads to a ranch in Arizona where she has accepted a cooking position. She knew the drastic change would be challenging, but she was up for it. However, a different kind of challenge presented itself after she met her hot-as-sin boss and tried to fight the instant sparks between them. The closer they became, the more questions he asked wanting to know everything about her, and the more worried she became. His only rule, never lie. Well, the slight twist of a story and an omission of fact is not really a lie, right? Especially if it is too painful to revisit the memories and it had nothing to do with her present... or did it? Right when Kit realized she had to come clean about everything if she really wanted a relationship with Carter the situation was taken out of her hands. From the look on Carter’s face, Kit worries that she lost her chance and has destroyed anything good between them forever.
This was a charming story that draws you in from the beginning with the family dynamics, southern charm, delightful characters, great chemistry, drama, and emotions. It was a great story from start to finish.
Carter was the perfect cowboy - down to earth, fun, kind, strong, honest, and cared deeply for his family and his ranch. He’s turned a year older and contemplating his future when Kit shows up as the new ranch cook. She is overqualified and keeping secrets but she creates magic in the kitchen and their mutual attraction is impossible to deny. The more time they spend together the strong belief Cater has that she is the one. However, one twist of truth and feeling of betrayal could be the end of their whirlwind romance if he cannot see beyond his pain and anger and repair the damage before it is too late.
Kit was sweet-natured, kind-hearted, a wonderful chef and she had a strong independent nature. She also had a rough childhood, growing up homeless with her mother and sister, and had a painful past full of buried secrets she did not share. Needing a change and hoping for some new memories she packs up, leaving LA, and heads to a ranch in Arizona where she has accepted a cooking position. She knew the drastic change would be challenging, but she was up for it. However, a different kind of challenge presented itself after she met her hot-as-sin boss and tried to fight the instant sparks between them. The closer they became, the more questions he asked wanting to know everything about her, and the more worried she became. His only rule, never lie. Well, the slight twist of a story and an omission of fact is not really a lie, right? Especially if it is too painful to revisit the memories and it had nothing to do with her present... or did it? Right when Kit realized she had to come clean about everything if she really wanted a relationship with Carter the situation was taken out of her hands. From the look on Carter’s face, Kit worries that she lost her chance and has destroyed anything good between them forever.
This was a charming story that draws you in from the beginning with the family dynamics, southern charm, delightful characters, great chemistry, drama, and emotions. It was a great story from start to finish.
April 1, 2025
Look, if you’ve ever wanted a Hallmark movie with a touch more heat and a lot less substance, Country Heat might be your thing. We've got Carter—mid-30s, rich rancher, absolute husband material. He reads books, washes dishes, probably smells like cedar and good decisions. Kit shows up as the new chef, escaping an ex and harboring a so clearly set up you can practically hear the dramatic music cue.
At first, I was hopeful. Hot picnic scene? Check. Chemistry? Oh yes. But then the pace just… stalled. Like a truck stuck in the mud on a dusty ranch road. We wait and wait for this mysterious secret to explode, and when it finally comes out? A puff of air. A whimper. I’ve had spicier revelations in line at the grocery store.
One character tries to stir the pot, but overall, this is low-conflict, no-scream romance. Which, fine—sometimes you need a palate cleanser after reading about morally questionable men with blood on their hands and knives in their boots. But if you're expecting tension, twists, or anything more than "aww shucks, we're in love now!"—you’re gonna be left hanging.
Cute? Sure. Memorable? Meh. But Carter… call me.
At first, I was hopeful. Hot picnic scene? Check. Chemistry? Oh yes. But then the pace just… stalled. Like a truck stuck in the mud on a dusty ranch road. We wait and wait for this mysterious secret to explode, and when it finally comes out? A puff of air. A whimper. I’ve had spicier revelations in line at the grocery store.
One character tries to stir the pot, but overall, this is low-conflict, no-scream romance. Which, fine—sometimes you need a palate cleanser after reading about morally questionable men with blood on their hands and knives in their boots. But if you're expecting tension, twists, or anything more than "aww shucks, we're in love now!"—you’re gonna be left hanging.
Cute? Sure. Memorable? Meh. But Carter… call me.
October 31, 2021
No, no, no. Not a good book
Three stars, three I’m being generous by giving three, I wanted to give it two, but the last 2 chapters slightly made up for the blandness of the book.
Kit, a person a woman a chef, who had been through a lot as kid, felt so, so bland I couldn’t connect with her….. it felt like this book was a draft, and the author forgot to put in the details or anything really.
The love scenes is so, so bad it’s cringy, like a teenager had written them.
There are a few contradictions in the book, (I don’t like those.)
Carter, he’s the same he felt so flat. There’s nothing to ground him nothing. He does everything right, which is kinda of boring to read. It was far too predictable.
His family are sort of, perfect, I’m sorry, I don’t know anyone who has a perfect family, there’s always tension somewhere, even between the brother’s it sounds stale.
I hope the other 2 books are better. I really, really do because I was looking forward to these.
Three stars, three I’m being generous by giving three, I wanted to give it two, but the last 2 chapters slightly made up for the blandness of the book.
Kit, a person a woman a chef, who had been through a lot as kid, felt so, so bland I couldn’t connect with her….. it felt like this book was a draft, and the author forgot to put in the details or anything really.
The love scenes is so, so bad it’s cringy, like a teenager had written them.
There are a few contradictions in the book, (I don’t like those.)
Carter, he’s the same he felt so flat. There’s nothing to ground him nothing. He does everything right, which is kinda of boring to read. It was far too predictable.
His family are sort of, perfect, I’m sorry, I don’t know anyone who has a perfect family, there’s always tension somewhere, even between the brother’s it sounds stale.
I hope the other 2 books are better. I really, really do because I was looking forward to these.
July 25, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story. I have been a fan of Cheyenne McCray for years now. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Kit has a new job working as a cook at a ranch. She needed a change after she breaks up with her boyfriend. Carter runs a successful ranch and is happy with his life. He is just missing a woman but he is not stressing it. Kit and Carter hit it off. She has some secrets that she knows that she needs to share but she is scared to. Will they be able to work things out.
Kit has a new job working as a cook at a ranch. She needed a change after she breaks up with her boyfriend. Carter runs a successful ranch and is happy with his life. He is just missing a woman but he is not stressing it. Kit and Carter hit it off. She has some secrets that she knows that she needs to share but she is scared to. Will they be able to work things out.
February 17, 2022
3.75 stars
*spoilers ahead*
This was a decent read. I liked that even though Carter and Kit were physically attracted to each other, there was more to their relationship. Carter and Kit were likeable characters as well.
I liked that Carter was understanding of Kit’s situation with Noah and the author didn’t go with the typical misunderstanding break up route. That being said, I think Noah’s arrival and the aftermath could have been explored more, it was a bit rushed. I also think it was weird that Kit never mentioned her ex to Carter.
*spoilers ahead*
This was a decent read. I liked that even though Carter and Kit were physically attracted to each other, there was more to their relationship. Carter and Kit were likeable characters as well.
I liked that Carter was understanding of Kit’s situation with Noah and the author didn’t go with the typical misunderstanding break up route. That being said, I think Noah’s arrival and the aftermath could have been explored more, it was a bit rushed. I also think it was weird that Kit never mentioned her ex to Carter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
Awesome Cowboy book!!
Love a good cowboy romance book and this one didn’t disappoint me!! You have a older beautiful woman who is a brilliant chef and she needs a change of living so she takes a job as chef on a ranch. There she meets the owner of the ranch who is a handsome older man and they fall in love. There is a sweet little twist that will have tears in your eyes also. Beautiful ending to the story!!!!
Love a good cowboy romance book and this one didn’t disappoint me!! You have a older beautiful woman who is a brilliant chef and she needs a change of living so she takes a job as chef on a ranch. There she meets the owner of the ranch who is a handsome older man and they fall in love. There is a sweet little twist that will have tears in your eyes also. Beautiful ending to the story!!!!
February 15, 2022
This was a very sweet read. I was very pleased with how Carter came to his conclusion of supporting Kit; it wasn’t drawn out over many pages, and he did the honorable thing. That felt very in character for him; some books would try to drag out the drama, which wouldn’t feel as natural. The right amount of sentiment and detail went into this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2022
I loved this book! Carter and Kit are a great match except Kit is hiding something and Carter isn’t sure what but he is beginning to fall in love with her so he doesn’t want to rock the boat. The only thing I didn’t like was how quickly the story skipped to the future but it happens sometimes, I will be looking for more in the series.
February 24, 2022
Good cowboy love story
Beautifully written story about finding love. Great characters and the story line is good. Has a HEA! Wished for more from the story line...more on characters and the location.But would recommend this book for your clean romance readers I look forward to reading more from this author.
Beautifully written story about finding love. Great characters and the story line is good. Has a HEA! Wished for more from the story line...more on characters and the location.But would recommend this book for your clean romance readers I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 25, 2022
Good Book
I really liked this book. I thought you put in some very good descriptions of the people and the surroundings. I like the way you write. But most of all, I loved the way he didn't just think about his feelings. He actually cares about her feelings and everything she had been through. I think to be able to get that in the story, was totally Awesome! I see you!
I really liked this book. I thought you put in some very good descriptions of the people and the surroundings. I like the way you write. But most of all, I loved the way he didn't just think about his feelings. He actually cares about her feelings and everything she had been through. I think to be able to get that in the story, was totally Awesome! I see you!
March 2, 2022
Decent cowboy novel
This slow burn didn't light the bonfire, but it was quite sweet and I expected more drama after the big secret reveal. I wasn't that fond of the time jump after reconciliation to newlyweds, it seemed to miss a lot of important conversations about their day to day life that I would have enjoyed reading more than the newlywed paragraph.
This slow burn didn't light the bonfire, but it was quite sweet and I expected more drama after the big secret reveal. I wasn't that fond of the time jump after reconciliation to newlyweds, it seemed to miss a lot of important conversations about their day to day life that I would have enjoyed reading more than the newlywed paragraph.
March 11, 2022
As always a heartwarming read…
I love this heroine. Kit has been through so much and though we get it piecemeal you can tell from the start it weighs on her soul. Carter is feeling his age and is taken by Kit from their introduction, but he’s her employer and off limits. Right? Great falling in love story.
I love this heroine. Kit has been through so much and though we get it piecemeal you can tell from the start it weighs on her soul. Carter is feeling his age and is taken by Kit from their introduction, but he’s her employer and off limits. Right? Great falling in love story.
February 19, 2022
country life
This story was fun to read. The ranch was different from ranches I have been associated with. Having a 4 star chef was a great plus. Very pleasant story.
Read this book.
This story was fun to read. The ranch was different from ranches I have been associated with. Having a 4 star chef was a great plus. Very pleasant story.
Read this book.
February 24, 2022
Sweet story
Kit leaves her well paid career as Head chief & begins working as a cook on a ranch. She & the owner of ranch fall in love.
It's very repetitive at the start of book. We ,as readers, are constantly told that he is her boss. WE KNOW!!!!
Kit leaves her well paid career as Head chief & begins working as a cook on a ranch. She & the owner of ranch fall in love.
It's very repetitive at the start of book. We ,as readers, are constantly told that he is her boss. WE KNOW!!!!
February 27, 2022
Enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book. Loved the instant heat between Carter and Kit. But he’s her boss and he doesn’t get involved with employees. Loved their chemistry. But what secret is she hiding? Thankfully he understands and they get a very happy ever after.
I enjoyed this book. Loved the instant heat between Carter and Kit. But he’s her boss and he doesn’t get involved with employees. Loved their chemistry. But what secret is she hiding? Thankfully he understands and they get a very happy ever after.
March 6, 2022
A little too predictable.
It was a simple, easy read. It wasn’t awful… but it was something that didn’t leave me thinking about it for days, and want to know what else happened to the characters Kit (Kathryn) and Carter.
I really enjoy a western theme, but I have read better unfortunately😢
It was a simple, easy read. It wasn’t awful… but it was something that didn’t leave me thinking about it for days, and want to know what else happened to the characters Kit (Kathryn) and Carter.
I really enjoy a western theme, but I have read better unfortunately😢
May 8, 2022
Hot hot hot
Carter and Kit are almost instantly combustible upon their first meeting! Author Cheyenne McCray actually created a male character who was level headed! A real twist near the end was a great surprise.
Carter and Kit are almost instantly combustible upon their first meeting! Author Cheyenne McCray actually created a male character who was level headed! A real twist near the end was a great surprise.
September 1, 2022
All of Cheyenne McCray books that I have read are great. They all have a story that deals with something in life that happens to a lot of people. Kit Beaumont a chef goes from LA to a cook on Superstition Springs Ranch. Carter McLeod is the owner of the ranch and he is awesome👍 Great read!😁
May 31, 2024
Another e collection read
I'm accidentally reading this series out of order but it's great any way you read it. I worried about Kit and Carter for a couple of pages but true love and truth won out. Well plotted and well edited.
I'm accidentally reading this series out of order but it's great any way you read it. I worried about Kit and Carter for a couple of pages but true love and truth won out. Well plotted and well edited.
October 11, 2025
Nice story.
This story is fast paced. A lot happens due to the story jumping ahead. No great depth so an easy read. It ends abruptly at 84%, the rest is the next book in the series. Seems like an okay series.
This story is fast paced. A lot happens due to the story jumping ahead. No great depth so an easy read. It ends abruptly at 84%, the rest is the next book in the series. Seems like an okay series.
July 22, 2019
Wow
Cheyenne McCray really wrote a good 👍story.One that holds you from the very beginning to the end.The characters are so interesting and real,they have you rooting for them!
Cheyenne McCray really wrote a good 👍story.One that holds you from the very beginning to the end.The characters are so interesting and real,they have you rooting for them!
September 17, 2019
Good read.
February 24, 2020
Nothing like Cowboys!
Great reading. Held my interest to the point of not being able to put it down. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Great reading. Held my interest to the point of not being able to put it down. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 23, 2020
Just loved it....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews