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Rough Heat

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He says my life is in danger. But when I’m in his arms, it's my heart that's at risk.

I’ve sworn off men. Turns out I’m a lousy judge of character. My last boyfriend did his best to ruin my life.
Back then, I was on my way to becoming a big star. Now I’m starting over. Dead broke and desperate enough to take the leading role in a low-budget Western set in the Arizona desert. In July.
So far it’s been a disaster. My co-star is a jerk. I hate the unrelenting heat. And although he’s smoking hot in low slung jeans and a black Stetson tipped low over his face, I can’t stand real-life cowboy Jackson Kane, my co-star’s stunt double.
Kane is arrogant and dismissive, ignoring me except when we have a scene together. I can’t figure out why he keeps showing up as the star of my naughtiest night-time fantasies.
When he claims someone is out to kill me and drags me off to a ghost town in the middle of nowhere, I’m forced to face reality. This cowboy is not who he said he was.
Maybe the person I’m in danger from is him.
I was doing just fine - until she came along.

I had enough drama to last a lifetime as an Army Ranger. Babysitting a pampered movie star was the last thing I wanted to do.
But when an old Ranger buddy needed my help I couldn’t say no. D.A. Rick Grimes said a drug lord had ordered a hit on an actress who’d agreed to testify against him. Rick asked me to go undercover and guard her until she appeared before the Grand Jury.
Being near Cass Neely got me hotter than the Arizona sun. But as a client she was off-limits. When an enemy attack forced us to go on the run, I discovered a woman with brains, guts and a heart as big as the desert sky at night behind the prim prickly widow she played on screen. A woman a cowboy could fall in love with.
Convincing her to trust a man she barely knew with her heart was gonna be a whole lot harder than keeping her alive.
Rough Heat is Book One in USA Today Bestselling author Kallista Dane’s Rough Ranger series. It’s a stand-alone novel with a headstrong heroine, a smoking hot cowboy and a guaranteed HEA.

Cass and Kane first appeared in Cassandra’s Cowboy, a novella in the bestselling anthology Cowboys For a Cause. Their story has been expanded into this full-length book.

Publisher’s Rough Heat is a steamy romance with elements of graphic sex and spanking. If these subjects offend you, please don’t buy this book!

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2020

24 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

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Kallista Dane

45 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Reads Romance.
993 reviews11 followers
December 4, 2020
Cass is an actress whose career took a nosedive when she refused to be taken advantage of by a Hollywood big deal producer. He ruined her reputation and she could not find work. Finally, her agent found her work on a Western film. She was desperate enough to take any role at that point,. The filming is done in Arizona's Sonoran desert.
Kane is her co-star's stunt double. When her co-star is in an accident, Kane steps in and plays the role so production is not completely shut down. When there is an attempt on her life, Kane, a former Army Ranger, spirits her across the desert, and explains to her that he is there to protect her. Immediately, there is something between them.
Back in Los Angeles, she was tapped to testify for a Federal Grand Jury, and the DA is looking to take down the drug dealer who supplied the producer with drugs. That dealer has put a hit out on her. Kane can keep her safe better than the Feds, and he proves it more than once.
She testifies for the Grand Jury, and she is in more danger than ever.
When she finally is safe, he wants to make her his wife. They have a lovely HEA.
There is plenty of action in this book, and two people who guard their hearts after being hurt are absolutely relatable. This is the first in the series, and I am really looking forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,147 reviews
December 12, 2020
I’m a huge fan of cowboy romances and this one was an excellent read. My first book by this author but won’t be my last. Cassandra was a popular and famous actress on the rise when she was black listed by her lover a famous sleazy director who tried to pimp her out to an investor for funding of a new movie. She refused to do what he wanted and stormed out of the luxury hotel. Fearing she would go public he spread rumors that she was a drug addict and alcoholic. Offers dried up for her and she finally agreed to do a western because she desperately needed the money. Kane was hired to go undercover as a stunt double for the male lead to be her bodyguard and protect her from a contract that a drug lord had put on her when she went to the DA’s office to report how the director had used her and where he was getting his drugs. A very intriguing storyline that is fast paced, packed with action, passion, suspense and plenty of drama. The chemistry between the characters was hot, intense and entertaining. Loved both the alpha hero and the strong determination of the heroine. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandy Kelly.
1,253 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2020
Cass is an actress who has been blacklisted by someone she should have been able to trust. Now she is trying to get her life back on track, even if it means taking less than stellar parts. While she is shooting on location she meet's Kane. She thinks he is just a stunt double, not realizing that he is there for another reason. Kane is working undercover as a favor to keep Cass safe. He thought he was going to have to deal with an uppity actress, he certainly doesn't expect to be attracted to her or to actually like her. But when things start to happen, now he has to make sure she is safe and hope they can become more.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be my last! The characters are likable and they are both kinda snarky which I really enjoyed. They have chemistry although I felt like it happened really fast. The suspense was enough to suck me in. My only drawback-I wish it had been longer! I definitely wanted more story to it but even with it being shorter, definitely an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Karen.
553 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2020
If you like stories that feature a strong female character, an alpha male, drama, great world building, humor, and a happily ever after, this book is for you! The detailed description of the desert southwest of the USA is spot on. You can almost feel the extreme heat, glaring sun and the dusty sand. The characters are well developed and the chemistry between them is off the charts hot! I especially love stories that feature military veterans who have survived hell and are able to find their happily ever after. Oh yeah, the spanking scenes are great too!

I received this book from the author at Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Since I rely heavily on reviews to make decisions about purchases, I will never lie or over exaggerate my opinion. There is nothing worse than seeing a bunch of 5 star reviews and realizing the book is full of errors or just plain bad and not worth my hard earned money!
212 reviews
November 29, 2020
Cass is an actress trying to work her way back up the Hollywood food chain after being blacklisted by a scorned director. Shooting on location in the desert under the unrelenting Arizona heat, Cass is both intrigued and annoyed by her co-star’s stunt double, especially after he spanks her while filming a scene.

Kane is working undercover to protect Cass as a favor to his D.A. friend. His initial appraisal of Cass as yet another spoiled actress undergoes a quick revision after he spends time with her on the set. When one “accident” too many threatens Cass, Kane quickly takes charge, removing her from danger and secreting her away at his home.

Both characters are likeable, their relationship grows in a believable way, there’s just the right amount of action, and the HEA is perfectly done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
December 13, 2020
Cass and Kane met on the set of a movie. She was the star and he was the stand-in for the co-star, who had been injured. When she decides to testify against her ex-Director, Dryden, her world falls apart from both his damaging lies and the bad guys he was involved with. Now the bag guys have a hit on her and WITSEC does not seem to keep her safe. Kane gets her away and protects her until the trial and also on the steps of the courthouse. He has military background and is part of a Ranger group. Suspense is constant throughout this story, but also romance gets them very heated as they spend two months on his ranch. He won't commit to anything until the bad guys are done for and she is feeling like she found her future. The ending is perfect with tradition, family and friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jan.
2,080 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2020
This is not your typical western. Kane is an ex ranger helping out a friend. Cass is the damsel in distress. I the beginning of the story you are whisked away into a story but this is no movie and things get real real fast. Cass is being stalked by a man she doesn’t really know. Kane is there to protect her. The descriptions of the scenery is breath taking. All the Spanish style and the ranch were so vivid in the mind. But this is a story about a woman standing up for herself and fighting back. Cass was able to open her heart again and found strength and love. Kane was the Ranger and Rancher. He protected Cass and showed her beauty and love. I’m sure we will read more about the other Rangers’ in coming books.
4,330 reviews27 followers
December 4, 2020
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Cass is a struggling actress that is filming in the desert. She also has a hit that has been put out on her because of her upcoming testimony. Kane was hired to be her unseen bodyguard, to keep her protected at all cost. Two problems arise, he begins to fall for her and she has no idea who he is. This job just became really complicated for him. They have an attraction that grows by they have to stay alive to find their happy ending. I enjoyed the writing and characters in this story. It had humor and heat on top of the suspense and danger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,249 reviews15 followers
December 9, 2020
Cass is an actress who has been hurt and she is leery of men, the last one really left her in a bad way. Jackson Kane is doing a friend with an old army rancher budy turned DA to watch Cass until she can testify. She does not like him at first. He cannot like her because she is his assignment. Then something happens and they go on the run. Getting her to trust is hard. They make the best of their time together. I loved how Cass had so many facets to her character and how Kane was not what he appeared to be either. This is a great story with action and feelings and intrigue. Loved this book. Hope there is more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
507 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2020
So I'm not going to lie. I like this authors PNR the best and can't wait for more, but I did enjoy this cowboy book too. Kane is a very yummy cowboy. And I really liked that this author showed how Cass really immersed herself into her acting and really loved doing it. But she didn't get to become a big star because of a really bad man with way too much power.

I didn't read the original but I am glad I got to read this longer version. I really enjoyed where the book takes you and the characters were very cute together in my opinion. So if you like yummy cowboys who are alphalicious I definitely recommend this one.
324 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2020
It is the first time I read a contemporary novel by the author. I am used to her sci-fi books. I am glad for the change. Sweet story with lovable characters. Not much on the dark side. The only glitch is that I felt the hero ( hence the book) is shattered between two worlds: cowboys & military. I wished the author focused on one of them instead of giving the hero a double personality which is not easy to maintain. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it and made me want to read more of the contemporary books for the author. When is the next book in the series?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenny.
309 reviews
December 13, 2020
Cass and Kane first appeared in Cassandra’s Cowboy, a novella in the Cowboys for a Cause anthology. The novella has been expanded into this full-length story.

I read the novella story in the anthology previously & just kept feeling the whole time that I was reading the same story again. You do get more background and depth with this full length story along with a bit more of their story with a HFN ending. I would not have read this if I knew in advance this was previously a novella as I don’t think there was enough here to justify reading the story twice.

I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,947 reviews18 followers
November 26, 2020
Now as a retired Ranger, Kane is pulling bodyguard duty at the request of a fellow Ranger. Cass, who is to testify before a grand jury, has had a hit put on her life. What starts out as work suddenly turns personal and becomes a beautiful love story. There is danger all around and Kane is hurt but as in any great romance, love wins out. I loved the story, it is well written, has a hunk of a hero and a HEA. I would recommend this as a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,264 reviews33 followers
December 1, 2020
I have to say that this was a pretty good read even though I really not care much for contemporary read especially a western one at that. Also this was a pleasant surprise by this author I'm used to reading her PNR. Both characters are likable, and seeing their relationship grows in a believable way was a bonus, add in the right amount of intrigue, suspense, and action you have a helluva read. I received a free copy via Booksprout as always my review as totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
4,720 reviews39 followers
December 3, 2020
A good romantic suspense/thriller.
My oh my this was a good romantic suspense/thriller wonderful writing by Kallista Dane. I had a hard time putting the book done! Set in Arizona the weather is not the only hot things in the piece. The chemistry between Kane and Cass was great! It is not all that because Cass really is in danger and that plays well in the story. If this is your kind of book this is one you should really check out a brilliantly written book plain and simple. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Karly Wise.
301 reviews25 followers
December 6, 2020
This book is perfect for fans of Badass Female heroines, sexy cowboys, amazing character and world building, smutty scenes, and witty sarcastic humor. Cass is an actress, left with no job offers but a old western movie in the middle of the Arizona desert. Kane is an ex Ranger who was sent to protect her by an old friend. They started out hating each other, who would have thought being stranded together in a ghost town would have changed that?
I received this book as a free ARC copy via Booksprout but I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Foodiegirl.
1,033 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2020
After being black listed by her former boyfriend, Cass is now struggling with her career as an actress, unaware that a hit has been put out on her until accidents start on the set. Kane is a stand in for the lead actor, and undercover bodyguard to protect her. With a sudden attraction the job of staying becomes a life changing experience for Cass and Kane. Filled with humor, spanking, suspense and intrigue this book leads us on quite an adventure that keeps you caught up in the story. Another excellent read by Kallista Dane.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,648 reviews82 followers
January 7, 2021
★ Undercover cowboy steals her heart - sweet and sexy read ★

—>>> With her heart and movie-star career left a burning mess, Cass has no choice but to take what roles she can. Her talent shines to Kane, her injured co-star’s stunt stand-in for her next scenes, but when she is suddenly the focus of someone’s deadly interest, Kane does what he needs to do to keep her safe. The only thing is, Cass is not what he had expected when he agreed to do this favor for his good friend, and now he is having trouble letting her go. Sweet and sexy read - looking forward to the rest of the series!
2,313 reviews26 followers
January 20, 2021
Oh wow is this book good!! I loved the combination of western and suspense in this book. Cass is an actress who is in danger so Kane is undercover on her movie set to keep her safe. The scenes for Cass and Kane together are SO HOT!! I love the growth of the characters and their relationship through the story. Also I love the way that Kallista writes Cass getting into character. It’s so unique and really cool. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
December 8, 2020
I'm used to reading Sci-fi from Ms. Dane but this was a nice surprise. Kane is hired to go undercover to protect Cass. She's an actress and is in danger. The chemistry between these two was really good. I loved the banter between them because Cass is not one to back down which really makes Kane want to turn her over his knee. Can he keep her safe? And when the danger is over, will they be over also? This is the first book in a new series and I'm looking forward to more books.
3,250 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2020
Wild Wild West

I think one of my favourite parts of this book was the story within the story. Don’t get me wrong, Kane and Cass were hotter than the desert sun together, but the movie storyline with Annabelle was completely engrossing as well. There’s cowboys and Army Rangers a plenty to save the day and make you swoon, plus strong women that make this novel more than a bit of fluff. What a great story!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,516 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2020
Love a good "B"-grade movie and this quick and dirty story about Cass and Kane falls into that category. A down on her luck actress, the bodyguard assigned to protect her (without her knowledge) and the multiple murder attempts defeated while still winning the movie award. Spanking scenes, dramatic rescues and overwrought emotions. Very entertaining reading.
5 reviews
November 30, 2020
Great story and a fun read. The best component is the character development. The story flows well and is compelling. I love the characters - a strong, determined, self-driven leading female, and an strong male character who appreciates a strong woman. Block off time to read in as few sessions as possible. You won't want to put it down.
* note I received an advanced review copy.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,593 reviews22 followers
December 5, 2020
What a great story. Exciting, emotional, suspenseful, intriguing, surprising and much more. She is a blacklisted actress. She is taking lower budget films trying to work her way up again. He is an alpha male who is working undercover on the film. He is really an agent. Someone comes after her and he takes her away to hide. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for Debra Soehner.
1,275 reviews10 followers
November 29, 2020
Jackson Kane is a bodyguard working undercover to protect Cass who is an actress in a lot of trouble. She is a witness in a court trial and someone is out to get her. Great romantic heat and mild bdsm.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
218 reviews
December 4, 2020
Kane & Cass

A pleasant steamy romance with an element of light BDSM - spanking.
I do recommend the book to readers looking for something different. Well crafted and characters that stand out.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
December 12, 2020
A Western Romance, Rough Rangers series book one a well written story that held my interest throughout. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
346 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2024
Cowboy Romance

I don't usually read romance but a friend told me about this series ...now I'm hooked. A goid story line with just the right amount of hottness. I'm ready for the next one.
Profile Image for Nate.
24k reviews19 followers
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed Kane & Cass's book. It was an entertaining read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
391 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2020
OMG Love the suspense through it all, shows that true love is worth working for no matter what comes around.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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