No More Dice

A Town Without Pity #7

by Sandy Appleyard

Some angels wear cowboy hats. Some villains wear poker faces. Home isn’t always where the heart is…and sometimes it isn’t only the good that die young.

Luellen was raised by her uncle and aunt, in a God-fearing home, with little sentiment for life and love. So, the young girl grows up feeling like she’s a freak for being emotional at the drop of a hat, and for her pronounced reticence. People stare at her and spread rumors about the orphan girl who doesn’t grow up to be a regular Texan woman. What is wrong with Luellen is something only one person knows, but the why is the part that a dear friend figures out in time.

Hawk is a grouchy, overworked, stubborn rancher, who has been left to tend to the ranch with his last two brothers, who, in his opinion, are about as useless as tits on a bull, as Texans put it. This, after his two best ranch hands leave; his older brother to move away and start a new career, and his younger brother to help at a ranch in the same town as the older brother. Hawk is hated by many for his fiery temper and loose cannon attitude, until the day someone leaves a secret treasure in his mailbox…shortly after he nearly attacks that someone.

It takes days for Hawk to see what only her best friend has seen for years. But he can’t do anything about it without betraying Luellen’s trust. Chance takes over and the one thing that has haunted Luellen since her parents’ death…disappears. But can she grow up to love and live life the way she deserves? And will a serendipitous gathering save the lives of others? Find out in ‘No More Dice’, a beautiful, heart-wrenching love story that brings together two characters from previous books, and ties in the story arc with two other couples who fell in love earlier in the series. Don’t miss book seven!


HEA (Happily Ever After)
Ranch romance
Cowboy romance
Friends to lovers romance
Physical abuse (non-descriptive)
Mild violence
Medium heat
Course language
Cliffhanger ending

197 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2021

About the author

Sandy writes in several genres, however romance, inspirational fiction and suspense are her favourites.

As a working writer, Sandy squeezes writing time in during breaks (extended ones if the boss isn't watching ;). Happily married since 2004, Sandy resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario with her husband, two daughters, and two furbabies.

For more information, book links, contact information and blog posts, see her website www.sandyappleyard.com or visit her on Twitter @sandyappleyard

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in A Town Without Pity Series and it is Luellen and Hawk's story and omg it is a must for and what a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Hawk works hard on the family ranch and he has no time for anything else in his life. Luellen lived with her aunt and uncle after her parent's died when she was younger and now she has her photography which enables her to hide behind it as she is a loner and keeps to herself but she also has a love of all animals. Luellen has been though so much in her life and she has also suffered with something that she never talks about but when she meets Hawk she feels a connection to him which is something that she has never felt before. Hawk and Luellen are so perfect together in every way and he seems to see the pain that she hides behind and he is so gentle with her but still encouraged her and you see through this book how much Luellen grows more confident and it just melts your heart to actually see someone love her for who she is and I found myself hoping that they would eventually get a chance of being together and having a happy ending. I absolutely love this book and I couldn't put it down and it was a real page turner and totally addictive. This is an amazing series and I can't wait to read more books in the future. Sandy Appleyard is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two polar opposites find a way to forge a life together. Hawk is rough, tough and intimidating. Luellen (Lu) is shy, demure and tries hard to blend into the background. She is pint sized whereas Hawk is tall and broad shouldered. No one would pick them to be a couple, but they actually make a wonderful couple. Lu’s childhood has made her feel like a freak or an outsider, and she does her best to not draw attention to herself. She is loyal to the aunt and uncle who raised her (though she should have left them in the dust as soon as she turned eighteen), and she has a big, compassionate and soft heart. Her photography is her outlet, her way of connecting to the world. One photograph ends up drawing Hawk into her life. Hawk is grumpy and rude to say the least. But somehow, shy pint-sized Lu softens his heart and then steals it away. She turns him into a fierce alpha protector, a man who would turn himself inside out for her. He gives her the strength to see herself in a different light, where she is no longer a freak or outsider, but rather a treasured member of his family. Her childhood is tragic, but Hawk shows Lu that it does not define her. Their love story is beautiful, inspirational and enthralling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luellen was raised by an aunt and uncle who did not show any affection toward her, after her parents died while she was still a baby. Hawk works a ranch where his temper has lost him workers and two brothers who went off to find their own futures. The angry rancher and the timid girl start a relationship that calms him and gives her a different view of life and love. The characters get stronger and have more self esteem as the story progresses. The storyline brings family and friends together with weddings, babies, and new relationships. Loved how Lu reacted with the new baby that her best friend just had. The ending was great and what a lead-in to the next book. I am sure hooked on this group.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some angels wear cowboy hats. Some villains wear poker faces. Home isn’t always where the heart is…and sometimes it isn’t only the good that die young.

A fast paced read and a slow burn romance keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. The characters are enjoyable, fun to get to know and easy to love. The story flows smoothly from page to page and holds your interest from beginning to end. A great read when you're looking for a good book to get swept up in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheryl Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read by this author.
I have read a few of her books now and never have I been disappointed with any of the books at all.
The story just flowed for me from the start to the finish.
All the characters worked so well together and I had a fantastic connection with them all as well.
I never found any spelling mistakes or any holes in the plot of the story.
I can truly recommend this book to others that are over the age of 18+

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawk is a hardworking and often times cranky rancher. Luellen is a hardworking and shy photographer who has had a bit of a rough life. When Hawk chases Luellen away from his family’s ranch he hears from Lisa that Luellen works for and is married into the family. Lisa tells Hawke that he should apologize to Luellen and he decides to do just that after receiving a beautiful photo of his mothers favorite horse that Luellen had taken. Wonderful characters, well written romance with some intrigue and mystery moments.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding What They Need . . .

Luellen was raised by her uncle and aunt where love and emotions were not expressed. Her life was difficult, feeling odd and as if she never belonged. When she meets Hawk, there is a connection like she has never experienced before. He is bitter and angry and stressed, yet feels protective of her. Has she found someone who can help her gain confidence and love her for the person she is? Can she calm his anger so they can both find happiness?

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Appleyard writes some great stories. I can do with the sex and profanity though. She puts a lot of thought into her books and comes up with something unique in each one. This particular book has abuse. Hawk was always very gentle and caring with Luellen. Loved how bold and confident she got through the book. Also nice catching up with the rest of the family.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! love Luellen and Hawk... this is their story... a fast paced slow burn drama... Luellen wishes to belong... she has never felt it... her uncle and aunt raised her when her parents died... they show no love to her... Hawk is angry...mean ... and a son of the gun...how can two people so different be happy together ? cliff hanger...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh book in the A Town Without Pity series a another well written story in this series. This is Luellen and Hawk's story,I enjoyed seeing this story come together. There is a cliff-hanger, I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Sandy Appleyard; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is seventh book in the Town without Pity Series; the story is about Luellen & Hawk and continues with characters from previous book. It ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Sandy. Had me from the start.
My heart went out to Lu who has obviously had an extremely hard life both physically and emotionally.
But finally finds someone who cares and sees behind the broken bird she is.
Like all her previous stories I would highly recommend.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read that was interesting and well developed. The chemistry and interaction between the characters is outstanding. I was absolutely hooked right from the beginning to the end.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. Good characters. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy keeps you engaged and invested in her characters. Hawk is mean and stubborn and when he sees Lu he scares her off. Later she sees a kinder side to him and they begin a friendship that has him wanting to protect her. This is a great addition to the Town Without Pity Series and I highly recommend it.