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Tarnation, Texas #3
Pour me a Drink
His good intentions were lost in her soft curves…
His big mistake was volunteering to help Alaska Kellington and her son. Yet, how could he resist the sweet, innocent appearing woman who had a hidden freak flag that teased his inner bull?
Trouble had a name. Oh, did it ever and it was dressed in worn Wranglers and dusty boots. Arc Colt. Tall, dark, handsome, and confident. The cowboy rode in on his horse, upsetting every wall Alaska had ever erected to protect her and her son. Before she knew it, she was Colt-matized.
She’d been told to never look a gift horse in the mouth, but Alaska couldn’t trust anyone. Growing up in foster homes, tossed around like a Hacky Sack from one bad home to another, until she ran away to live on the streets, had taught her a valuable lesson. A gift never came without a price. When given money and a home in the small-town Tarnation, Texas, the opportunity to plant roots for her son is too tempting to resist. She’s willing to take the risk, even if the stipulation is that she must have the rundown B&B up and running within six months.
Both Arc and Alaska have secrets, some more threatening than others. When she’s arrested in the middle of the summer fest with townsfolk watching, things start to unravel, leaving her vulnerable and feeling like the scared, lost kid she thought she’d outgrown. Can love overcome a tragic past? In the end could every path they’ve walked have led them right where they belong, or did Buzz Colt have a surprising intuition?
Other books in Tarnation, Texas
Hitched (Book 1)
Cowboy's Son (Book 2)
His big mistake was volunteering to help Alaska Kellington and her son. Yet, how could he resist the sweet, innocent appearing woman who had a hidden freak flag that teased his inner bull?
Trouble had a name. Oh, did it ever and it was dressed in worn Wranglers and dusty boots. Arc Colt. Tall, dark, handsome, and confident. The cowboy rode in on his horse, upsetting every wall Alaska had ever erected to protect her and her son. Before she knew it, she was Colt-matized.
She’d been told to never look a gift horse in the mouth, but Alaska couldn’t trust anyone. Growing up in foster homes, tossed around like a Hacky Sack from one bad home to another, until she ran away to live on the streets, had taught her a valuable lesson. A gift never came without a price. When given money and a home in the small-town Tarnation, Texas, the opportunity to plant roots for her son is too tempting to resist. She’s willing to take the risk, even if the stipulation is that she must have the rundown B&B up and running within six months.
Both Arc and Alaska have secrets, some more threatening than others. When she’s arrested in the middle of the summer fest with townsfolk watching, things start to unravel, leaving her vulnerable and feeling like the scared, lost kid she thought she’d outgrown. Can love overcome a tragic past? In the end could every path they’ve walked have led them right where they belong, or did Buzz Colt have a surprising intuition?
Other books in Tarnation, Texas
Hitched (Book 1)
Cowboy's Son (Book 2)
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2019
About the author
Rhonda Lee Carver
121 books351 followersRhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
Be sure to stop over at BookBub to get the latest on updates and sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhond...
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
Be sure to stop over at BookBub to get the latest on updates and sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhond...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 28, 2020
I wasn’t sure I I would continue this series as the first two books were average, at best. I found this book to be an enjoyable read. Arc is a standup hot cowboy. Alaska is an over-protective single mother that hasn’t dated in years.
After a little rocky start, these two begin a sweet and sexy relationship. From Alaska, Arc learns more clues about his father’s contradicting actions, though the mystery of the conditions of his Will still remain.
After a little rocky start, these two begin a sweet and sexy relationship. From Alaska, Arc learns more clues about his father’s contradicting actions, though the mystery of the conditions of his Will still remain.
November 6, 2019
"Pour Me a Drink" is the third book in the Tarnation, Texas series and I wish I could move to Tarnation, they sure have some fine cowboys there. This is the story of Arc Colt and Alaska Kellington, she has just moved to Tarnation, hoping to get a fresh start in life but also a place that her son can call home. Why Tarnation, well Buzz Colt was a former patient of Alaska's and he left her something in his will, with stipulations of course. But Alaska is weary of being given something for nothing, but she thinks that she might give this rundown bed and breakfast thing a try. Arc doesn't trust her in the beginning but slowly she starts getting under his skin. But they both have secrets that can either tear them apart or bring them closer.
If you love romance, cowboys, series, strong alpha men, independent sassy women, then this series is definitely for you. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
If you love romance, cowboys, series, strong alpha men, independent sassy women, then this series is definitely for you. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
August 19, 2020
Arc Colt and his brothers have been “summoned” back to Tarnation, Texas after their estranged dad’s death. Buzz left specific instructions in his will that every son has to marry, live in Tarnation, and work the ranch before a portion of the land is deeded over to them. If one son leaves, they ALL forfeit the land. Oh, and they have 6mths to accomplish these tasks. Arc isn’t happy about being forced to marry, but is trying to make the best of it as he does not want to disappoint his brothers.
Alaska, a single mom and nurse’s aide, has had a rough life. She was bounced around from one foster home to another and vowed to provide a better life for her son than she had. But she hasn’t always made the best decisions and has had to move from one place to another—never staying in one place more than 6mths. When Alaska receives a phone call requesting her presence in Tarnation, Tx, she jumps at the chance to start over. Upon arriving in Tarnation, Alaska learns that Buzz Colt (a former patient of hers) has left her a B&B or money. Alaska can take the money and run or she can use this opportunity to put down roots. Alaska has to remodel the B&B, reopen it, and make a profit. If she does this, it will be hers.
Alaska and Arc both have secrets that could be the end to their beginning. This was an endearing story of second chances—not in love, but in life. Both Arc and Alaska have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life, they just have to take a leap of faith. Arc never imagined himself married with children, but truly enjoys being around Alaska and her son. Alaska is slow to trust and has no role models. When trouble follows Alaska to Tarnation, her first instinct is to run. Will she be able to take that leap and allow Arc to help her? Great addition to the Tarnation series! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Alaska, a single mom and nurse’s aide, has had a rough life. She was bounced around from one foster home to another and vowed to provide a better life for her son than she had. But she hasn’t always made the best decisions and has had to move from one place to another—never staying in one place more than 6mths. When Alaska receives a phone call requesting her presence in Tarnation, Tx, she jumps at the chance to start over. Upon arriving in Tarnation, Alaska learns that Buzz Colt (a former patient of hers) has left her a B&B or money. Alaska can take the money and run or she can use this opportunity to put down roots. Alaska has to remodel the B&B, reopen it, and make a profit. If she does this, it will be hers.
Alaska and Arc both have secrets that could be the end to their beginning. This was an endearing story of second chances—not in love, but in life. Both Arc and Alaska have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life, they just have to take a leap of faith. Arc never imagined himself married with children, but truly enjoys being around Alaska and her son. Alaska is slow to trust and has no role models. When trouble follows Alaska to Tarnation, her first instinct is to run. Will she be able to take that leap and allow Arc to help her? Great addition to the Tarnation series! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
September 27, 2020
Alaska Kellington, a single mom bounced around the foster system from an early age is determined to give her nine year old Son River a better life than she had. But being a single mom and making ends meet is a constant battle.
While working as a nurse’s aide at a cancer center, she meets and befriends the crusty patient Buzz Colt. She never thought that friendship would lead to an inheritance from Buzz just when she needed a change in her life the most.
Her inheritance, a broken down, abandoned B & B in Tarnation, Texas is a far cry from the big city of Chicago where Alaska and River had lived. After living in a big city with all its problems, small town life will take some getting used to and learning to trust, will be an adventure in itself, especially when you carry your secrets with you.
Arc Colt, one of Buzz Colt’s abandoned sons is working the ranch owned by his father with the stipulation that he and his brothers must work the ranch for six months without leaving before they will inherit it.
Both Alaska and Arc have secrets but are drawn to each other even if they find it hard to trust in each other. Their story is both heartwarming and sexy and it made me hate to finish the book.
This was my first book by Rhonda Lee Carver but it sure won’t be my last! I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the books in this series and check out her other books.
Don’t wait to check out these books! You won’t be disappointed!
While working as a nurse’s aide at a cancer center, she meets and befriends the crusty patient Buzz Colt. She never thought that friendship would lead to an inheritance from Buzz just when she needed a change in her life the most.
Her inheritance, a broken down, abandoned B & B in Tarnation, Texas is a far cry from the big city of Chicago where Alaska and River had lived. After living in a big city with all its problems, small town life will take some getting used to and learning to trust, will be an adventure in itself, especially when you carry your secrets with you.
Arc Colt, one of Buzz Colt’s abandoned sons is working the ranch owned by his father with the stipulation that he and his brothers must work the ranch for six months without leaving before they will inherit it.
Both Alaska and Arc have secrets but are drawn to each other even if they find it hard to trust in each other. Their story is both heartwarming and sexy and it made me hate to finish the book.
This was my first book by Rhonda Lee Carver but it sure won’t be my last! I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the books in this series and check out her other books.
Don’t wait to check out these books! You won’t be disappointed!
August 14, 2020
This is a sweet, romantic and intense love story. Alaska has been on the move her whole life, moving from one foster home to another until she ran away at 15. Then having to repeatedly move after her son was born. When she is summoned to Tarnation to be given an inheritance from a man she briefly knew while working as a nurses assistant, she's not sure how to feel about it, or the conditions of the will. She first sees Arc at the diner she and her son River stopped at when she arrived in town, then he rescued them when her car died. Arc noticed her at the diner, but didn't think too much about her. Until he asks God to send him someone who would marry him, and almost hits Alaska while she waved him down. He was suspicious of her at first, wondering how she got his heartless father to give in a B&B and money, but becomes less so after knowing her for a few days. Alaska needed Arc and Tarnation even more than Arc needed her. The stranger she allows to stay at the B&B throws everyone a curve ball or two, and we learn a little of what made Buzz tick. I love this series, each story is better than the last, and all of the characters find a place in your heart.
November 15, 2021
Far from the scheming seductress Arc Colt labeled her sight unseen, single mother to energetic but lonely nine year old River, Alaska Kellington, the sixth beneficiary of Buzz’s will arrives in Tarnation with $5 to her name and no clue why she was summoned. While working as a nurses’ aide, Alaska befriended Buzz when he was a patient participating in a study.
Alaska’s inheritance, if she’s brave enough to take it on, includes a bed and breakfast. Accepting that challenge would help her fulfill the promises she’s silently made to herself and her son from the second she found out she was pregnant but fear causes the hesitation. The last thing Alaska needs is Arc Colt and his insinuations while looking over her shoulder.
Rating: 3.75stars
Alaska’s inheritance, if she’s brave enough to take it on, includes a bed and breakfast. Accepting that challenge would help her fulfill the promises she’s silently made to herself and her son from the second she found out she was pregnant but fear causes the hesitation. The last thing Alaska needs is Arc Colt and his insinuations while looking over her shoulder.
Rating: 3.75stars
September 24, 2021
Finding a home in Tarnation
This is the most touching of this series. I so wanted Arc and Alaska to find happiness together. And for River to have the home he deserved. Arc likes recreational sex but never intended to have a real relationship or consider marriage.. Alaska was raised in foster care and her relationship with River's dad was toxic. She left him when she became pregnant and has been running ever since.. A chance to have a real home brought them to Taxation and a chance meeting with Arc caused them both to reconsider their outlook. The more I read about Tarnation the more I would like to visit. Each book adds more characters and more interest.
This is the most touching of this series. I so wanted Arc and Alaska to find happiness together. And for River to have the home he deserved. Arc likes recreational sex but never intended to have a real relationship or consider marriage.. Alaska was raised in foster care and her relationship with River's dad was toxic. She left him when she became pregnant and has been running ever since.. A chance to have a real home brought them to Taxation and a chance meeting with Arc caused them both to reconsider their outlook. The more I read about Tarnation the more I would like to visit. Each book adds more characters and more interest.
August 14, 2020
All she wanted was a better life for her son, better than she had.
Alaska has been given a chance of a life time. Will she take it?
After running yet again, could she trust what was before her? She had learned long ago that you can't trust anyone.
Arc wasn't the marrying type. So to have a stranger , who just happened to share the same DNA, demand he get hitched, didn't settle well. But this was the stipulation in order to keep their ranch.
I love this series. I can't wait for the next one. The characters are amazing. Chemistry between the two are off the chart.
Alaska has been given a chance of a life time. Will she take it?
After running yet again, could she trust what was before her? She had learned long ago that you can't trust anyone.
Arc wasn't the marrying type. So to have a stranger , who just happened to share the same DNA, demand he get hitched, didn't settle well. But this was the stipulation in order to keep their ranch.
I love this series. I can't wait for the next one. The characters are amazing. Chemistry between the two are off the chart.
June 15, 2021
Arc Colt is harboring some raw feelings against the father who left and is forcing his hand in after his will is read. Feeling stuck and that he’s running out of time to meet the stipulations of his Fathers will he asks god to send a wife his way. Alaska Kellington has had a rough life in foster care and desires stability for her and her son. When she receives a call to meet with the attorney for Buzz Colt she makes her way to Tarnation, Texas. This is a very well written story of finding love when you really weren’t looking.
August 14, 2020
Alaska (love the name) is a single mom trying to make a better life for her son. When she is at her breaking point, she receives a break in the form of a letter from a lawyer in Tarnation, TX. When she arrives she finds a way out of her situation. She has a choice to make, and with the help of Arc and the friendly town, she works on the best possible solution for her and her son.
Great love story and love the characters. Can't wait for the next story in the series!!
Great love story and love the characters. Can't wait for the next story in the series!!
October 5, 2020
“Pour Me a Drink”(Tarnation,Texas Book 3)
Another great book by Rhonda Lee Carver! A continuation of the books about the five brothers who only get this ranch and each keep their own if they all marry within six months.This brother meets a down on her luck woman with her school age son who just inherited a B&B from the his father,without knowing why.It goes on to prove love does conquer all and everyone needs someone.
This is very good and I hope you enjoy it
Another great book by Rhonda Lee Carver! A continuation of the books about the five brothers who only get this ranch and each keep their own if they all marry within six months.This brother meets a down on her luck woman with her school age son who just inherited a B&B from the his father,without knowing why.It goes on to prove love does conquer all and everyone needs someone.
This is very good and I hope you enjoy it
September 15, 2021
Arc and Alaska's Story
My favorite book in the series (so far). A woman who hasn't stopped running long enough to trust anyone and a cowboy who never planned to have a wife and children may just find that there may be some surprises in their futures. This story kept me reading long past bedtime.
My favorite book in the series (so far). A woman who hasn't stopped running long enough to trust anyone and a cowboy who never planned to have a wife and children may just find that there may be some surprises in their futures. This story kept me reading long past bedtime.
April 9, 2022
Another great read
Oh this one was so good cannot wait to see what's in store for the last two brothers I am sure that when all five of the brothers come to the end they may just discover what their father's last wishes were for them all even though he left them with no contact for many years before he passed and than up turned each and everyone of these wonderful cowboys lifes
Oh this one was so good cannot wait to see what's in store for the last two brothers I am sure that when all five of the brothers come to the end they may just discover what their father's last wishes were for them all even though he left them with no contact for many years before he passed and than up turned each and everyone of these wonderful cowboys lifes
August 18, 2020
Wonderful addition to the series. I've been on a Rhonda Lee Carver binge read ever since I finished it.
The story of a woman with a lot of baggage and a man with some heavy issues of his own. They're striving to overcome and achieve their HEA will keep you turning the pages to the very end.
The story of a woman with a lot of baggage and a man with some heavy issues of his own. They're striving to overcome and achieve their HEA will keep you turning the pages to the very end.
June 15, 2021
Excellent read
As I get into each story they pull me in deeper. Well written with engaging characters and a really good storyline. Hope we find out why buzz was the way he was and did what he did.
As I get into each story they pull me in deeper. Well written with engaging characters and a really good storyline. Hope we find out why buzz was the way he was and did what he did.
September 9, 2021
Alaska and Arc
Alaska took care of Buzz when he was ill, and somehow made a difference in his life. He left her money and a B&B. She meets Arc, one of his sons and a spark is ignited. Both have issues, but love wins !!
Alaska took care of Buzz when he was ill, and somehow made a difference in his life. He left her money and a B&B. She meets Arc, one of his sons and a spark is ignited. Both have issues, but love wins !!
September 26, 2021
A good read
I really enjoyed this story about Alaska, Arc and River. It's a sweet romance of two people who never planned for happily ever after and were pretty sure they'd never have one.
I really enjoyed this story about Alaska, Arc and River. It's a sweet romance of two people who never planned for happily ever after and were pretty sure they'd never have one.
August 11, 2020
I have sufficiently swooned by another Colt cowboy. Arc was just as alluring as the rest. I love each book in this series and this healing heart romance was perfect! Book gifted to me.
September 10, 2021
I liked this one better than the second one, but did a tiny bit of skimming when I didn't connect with the writing. Interesting plot and characters. More steamy than the previous two.
September 18, 2021
Great series
I've enjoyed all of these books. This one was a bit more spicy than the previous two, so beware if that's a problem for you. But its a good read!
I've enjoyed all of these books. This one was a bit more spicy than the previous two, so beware if that's a problem for you. But its a good read!
September 27, 2021
Good
I am not saying that you have an argument about was that e. S to say the best thing is that was
I am not saying that you have an argument about was that e. S to say the best thing is that was
December 14, 2021
Ending too fast!
Like the 2 previous, the ending was too fast! It needed a little more story. The plots are good and interesting.
Like the 2 previous, the ending was too fast! It needed a little more story. The plots are good and interesting.
July 15, 2022
Love a cowboy
This series is so good. Enjoyed the! all. Great lessons in life and love. Christian faith. Can't wait for the next one.
This series is so good. Enjoyed the! all. Great lessons in life and love. Christian faith. Can't wait for the next one.
August 8, 2022
the end needs a little work and I still see some editing issues with wording. But overall the quality is improving.
March 15, 2024
Better than books one and two. Would recommend you read in sequence.
February 12, 2025
⛔️(in notes)
October 9, 2025
wow!
I’m so ready to read the next in the series. I highly recommend any of Rhonda’s books. All I can say is NEXT!
I’m so ready to read the next in the series. I highly recommend any of Rhonda’s books. All I can say is NEXT!
October 20, 2019
I am loving these Tarnation, Texas books. The Colt brothers both biologic and step are definitely having issues with the stipulations set by their father Buzz's will and trying to get along.
However, Buzz did something else in his will and now we get to meet Alaska and her son. For the record, not Buzz's.
Alaska hasn't had it easy and after getting a letter from Buzz's lawyer Roe Robins she had some decisions to make. The letter stated she would have to travel to Tarnation for the details. After an altercation with her landlord Alaska and her son River make the journey.
As he did with his son's Buzz put stipulations on his 'gift'. The B&B that could become her home had to be up and running plus showing a profit in six months. Alaska wasn't sure she could do it, but she would definitely think about it.
When her car dies on the road on the way to the property she meets Arc Colt. Although she had seen him in the diner she didn't know who he was.
As the lawyer had said the B&B needed work and a thorough cleaning. Arc found himself volunteering to assist, at least with the roof.
There is definitely chemistry between these two and that attraction only grows. We learn of an interesting legend surrounding a cliff and a tree as well.
Just a touch of suspense, a lot of romance and sizzle make this a book I didn't want to put down.
However, Buzz did something else in his will and now we get to meet Alaska and her son. For the record, not Buzz's.
Alaska hasn't had it easy and after getting a letter from Buzz's lawyer Roe Robins she had some decisions to make. The letter stated she would have to travel to Tarnation for the details. After an altercation with her landlord Alaska and her son River make the journey.
As he did with his son's Buzz put stipulations on his 'gift'. The B&B that could become her home had to be up and running plus showing a profit in six months. Alaska wasn't sure she could do it, but she would definitely think about it.
When her car dies on the road on the way to the property she meets Arc Colt. Although she had seen him in the diner she didn't know who he was.
As the lawyer had said the B&B needed work and a thorough cleaning. Arc found himself volunteering to assist, at least with the roof.
There is definitely chemistry between these two and that attraction only grows. We learn of an interesting legend surrounding a cliff and a tree as well.
Just a touch of suspense, a lot of romance and sizzle make this a book I didn't want to put down.
February 21, 2020
Too short
This was a good story but lacked a proper ending. More like a novella. These brothers are manipulated into choosing a bride to save their ranches.
This was a good story but lacked a proper ending. More like a novella. These brothers are manipulated into choosing a bride to save their ranches.
October 16, 2019
There is nothing better than having a man around that can do just about anything! Alaska Kellington finds herself in Tarnation, Texas with an opportunity that just seems to good to be true. Alaska doesn’t have much choice in her life right now other than to see what happens with this opportunity. Alaska has her son to think about and knows anything is worth making sure her and her son have a roof over their heads and can live in peace. Alaska finds herself in a B&B for the next 6 months and apparently it comes with a handy cowboy helper.
Arc Colt already has enough to think about after his dad left him and his brothers with an ultimatum for the next 6 months. He’s not about to be the brother to lose it for everyone, but it sure is making him think about things. Arc falls upon the new tenant of the farms B&B down the road and can’t seem to leave her alone. Arc finds himself wandering over there to help her fix things whether she likes it or not.
Rhonda Lee Carvar does and AMAZING job and reaching for the heart strings of her readers and you can’t help but fall in love with the story. I know I’ve said this before, but not to often can you come across an Author that is so good at writing to grab her readers and make her stories relatable. This is a MUST READ!
Arc Colt already has enough to think about after his dad left him and his brothers with an ultimatum for the next 6 months. He’s not about to be the brother to lose it for everyone, but it sure is making him think about things. Arc falls upon the new tenant of the farms B&B down the road and can’t seem to leave her alone. Arc finds himself wandering over there to help her fix things whether she likes it or not.
Rhonda Lee Carvar does and AMAZING job and reaching for the heart strings of her readers and you can’t help but fall in love with the story. I know I’ve said this before, but not to often can you come across an Author that is so good at writing to grab her readers and make her stories relatable. This is a MUST READ!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews