Two hours outside of Boise, Idaho, is a sign that reads, “Welcome to Stallions and Studs.” In the four stories corralled together in this collection, read about the cowboys who work the ranch and the men who come there to live out their cowboy fantasies. Riding, herding cattle, rodeoing along with moonlit trail rides, snuggling by a camp fire, and rolling around in the hay are just some of the activities available to the guests seeking to lasso themselves some cowboy fun. And for a few, if they’re lucky, a whole lot more. Contains the stories: Shoulda Been a Cowboy: Charlie Bradley, enthralled with cowboys, chooses a dude ranch for his summer vacation. There he meets Wade Connors who, in addition to being his riding instructor, romances Charlie as his playmate of the week. What happens when Charlie’s week ends and he has to return home? Back in the Saddle Again: Mack MacIntyre has left his life as a cowboy behind. For 35 years he’s been a devoted husband, father, and businessman far from his roots in the west. One day that old life, in the form of Seth Buchanan, comes knocking on his door. Seth has a dream. Does Mack have the courage to share in it? Rodeo Cowboy: Lex Cunningham and Trent Boxwood ride rodeo together. Lex hopes Trent’s friendship can be turned to something more, but when he acts on signs that Trent is interested, Trent rebuffs him. Why? Will Trent overcome what stands between them? Reining In Rio: The single life is just fine for Rio Cody. His motto is monogamy is monotony. However, at a local horse show he meets someone who may turn that notion inside out. But Mark Wembly is not at all Rio’s type and is a pain in the butt to boot. Will Rio continue to ride alone, or will Mark rein him in?

Stallions and Studs Box Set

Rio and Mark spent the rest of the day together. After riding out to mend fence, Rio worked Zeus in the arena. Mark watched and commented on how well Rio should do on the Quarter Horse circuit that winter. It only served to remind the cowboy that Mark wouldn&rsquo;t be there&mdash;he&rsquo;d be back at school in New York.


They went on the sunset trail ride with Sonny, Alan and John, had dinner together in The Chuck Wagon restaurant, and danced in The Watering Hole saloon. That night they slept in Rio&rsquo;s room once again.


Thursday came and went all too quickly. The final team penning lesson had gone well and Rio was confident they would do well at the rodeo the next day. Once more they found excuses to spend as much of the day together as they could.


Lex came up to Rio as the cowboy was graining the horses during evening barn chores.


&ldquo;So?&rdquo; Lex asked with a smile.


&ldquo;So? So what?&rdquo; Rio replied, knowing full well what Lex was implying.


Chapter 99