Free Chapters Love In Montana

Date: 9th February 2024, Posted by mollie

Love in Montana, Book three in True Love Series

I hope you enjoy the first three chapters

CHAPTER ONE

Elizabeth Buckley rummaged through her closet, searching for the perfect outfit to wear to the three-day art retreat in Montana. She had been dreaming about escaping the chaos of New York and immerse herself in nature and soothing creativity for months. Ever since her best friend’s brutal betrayal.

As she looked through her clothes, her eyes landed on a vintage jumpsuit from the 60s. It was covered in bold, yellow, and green geometric patterns and hugged her curves in all the right places. Her mother gave it to her as a teenager, and Lizzie had always loved wearing it.

Her mother had been a fun-loving, flamboyant woman with a passion for fashion and the rebelliousness of the 60s. She had dressed Lizzie in bell bottoms and platform shoes, and they had danced around the living room to disco music. Lizzie had always admired her mother’s style, and she had developed a love for fashion herself.

As she slipped into the jumpsuit, Lizzie felt a rush of nostalgia. She missed her mother, even though they had been estranged for years. She wondered what her mother would think of her now, as she was about to feel the fear and go anyway and embark on this new adventure in Montana.

She paired the jumpsuit with cowboy boots and a wide-brimmed hat decorated with roses. She glanced in the mirror and took off the hat. Was it too much? No, she decided, she wanted to embrace the Western lifestyle prevalent in Montana and still be true to herself. She bunched her blonde hair into a messy bun and put the hat back on.

“Time to have some fun,” Lizzie said as she packed her bags. “God knows I need it.” She felt a sense of excitement and anticipation at leaving behind the suffocating familiarity of New York and embracing this new adventure. She walked to her door and glanced around her apartment one last time. “Who knows what will happen? I might even run into a real live cowboy. That would get tongues wagging!

CHAPTER TWO

When she arrived in Montana, Lizzie was immediately struck by the beauty of the landscape. The rugged mountains, the sprawling fields, and the endless azure blue sky. It was a far cry from the concrete maze and neon light pollution of New York.

The art retreat was held in a rustic lodge, and Lizzie felt at home immediately. The other artists were friendly and welcoming, and they all shared a passion for the freedom of expressing themselves creatively. The stunning scenery that surrounded her was a painter’s paradise. Lizzie stood on the deck of the cabin, overlooking the vast landscape that stretched out before her. The sun was slowly setting, casting a warm glow over the sky. It was the place of dreams, Montana Dreams, just like she’d always imagined. The only thing missing, she thought wistfully, was love in Montana—a tall, dark, and rugged cowboy to wrap his arms around her and keep her warm at night.

The next day, Lizzie painted landscapes, portraits, and abstract pieces. She felt inspired by the natural beauty of Montana, and she was grateful for the opportunity to immerse herself in her art without the pressures and distractions of trying to establish her art career back in New York. She needed the break and was determined to make the most of it.

That night, she sat by the campfire with the other artists, swapping stories and sharing their work. It was a magical experience, and Lizzie felt more alive than she had in years.

“Gosh, I’d love to live in New York,” one of the other students said. “There would be endless inspiration everywhere. All those art galleries and everything. Why on earth did you come here?” she said, gesturing to the vast horizon.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the rugged beauty of Montana. So when I saw an opportunity to leave my tiny apartment in Manhattan and take a painting retreat in the heart of cowboy country, I jumped at the chance.” She didn’t want to dredge up the past and tell her the real reason she was fleeing New York.

“Oh, so you’re hoping to fetch yourself a cowboy,” the tutor, Anna-May, said.

“If you see one heading your way, run a mile,” said one of the students. “A cowboy is a man who loves his horse and their freedom more than anything else in the world. They’re born heartbreakers.”

“Cowboys are the ultimate rebels, they live life on their own terms.” agreed Anna-May.

“I guess I must be a cowboy’s dream woman then,” Lizzie laughed. “I like my freedom and independence just like they do. I’m never hitching my wagon to a man.”

Not after what I just survived.

CHAPTER THREE

The following day, Lizzie rose early, just as the sun rose. The beauty was so magnetic that she impulsively decided to go for a short hike through the forest, dancing up the foothills before class. If she timed everything well, she wouldn’t miss any of Anna-May’s lessons.

She thrust a vintage, flowy dress from the ‘60s that her mother had once worn over her head. The dress was covered in bold, psychedelic patterns, and it danced around her ankles as she moved. She knew it wasn’t practical, but she loved it and didn’t plan to walk too far.

She felt a sense of wonder and awe as she climbed the dirt path that led through the forest. The landscape was breathtaking, with vast expanses of sky and rugged terrain. But as she neared the summit, she tripped over her hem, lost her footing, and began sliding down the rocky slope.

Just when she thought all was lost, a strong hand grabbed her. Her heart skipped as she looked at the stranger and saw the tall, ruggedly handsome man in worn boots and a Stetson hat. A cowboy!

“Are you okay, miss?” he asked. His voice was warm and soothing as it would have been if he’d frightened a kitten or a sick foal.

Lizzie nodded, grateful for his help.

“I’m Jack,” he said, offering his hand.

“Elizabeth,” she replied. A jolt of electricity spiked through her palms as she wrapped her fingers over his. “Thank you,” she said, her heart racing with adrenaline as he pulled her to safety.

Jack smiled, revealing a set of dimples that made Lizzie’s heart skip a beat. There was something about him that made her feel safe and secure. It wasn’t just because he had rescued her from danger. It was something else. Something deeper. He had bronzed skin and fair hair that streamed to his shoulders—kind eyes, clear blue, and a face that looked honest. Damn!

“That’s some frock,” he said, raising his hand to shade his eyes as though the psychedelic print was blinding him.

He was teasing her. But for some reason, she didn’t mind.

“Are you one of those—”

“Those what?”

“Those time-travelers my sisters tell me about. Like in one of those books chicks love to read. You’re from another century, and you’ve fallen down a hole and come out in the future.”

“This is the future?” she said, gazing over the ancient landscape. “Oh, then I definitely want to stay. This is a nicer world than the one I just left.”

“Where’s home?”

“New York.”

“What’s a city girl from the 60s doing out here in the mountains?’ he asked.

“I’m an artist.” Lizzie liked the way the words tumbled from her mouth like water flowing over stone. If she affirmed the new path she wanted to pursue her dreams might become her living reality.

Jack cocked his head as his gaze traveled the length of her body. “What, no paints?”

“I’m on an art retreat. Down there,” she said, gesturing to the rustic lodge in the distance.

“Best get you to class on time then. Anna-May’s a stickler for punctuality.”

As Lizzie and Jack walked back down the mountain, she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. His rugged good looks and easygoing charm were irresistible, and she wanted to spend more time with him, but what if it were true? What if he was a heartbreaker? She’d had enough heartbreak and had sworn never to love again. Still, a girl can dream without hitching her cart to a cowboy. She can flirt without getting hurt, can’t she?

I HOPE YOU LOVE THIS EXCERPT! READ LIZZY and JACK’S ROCKY JOURNEY TO TRUE LOVE.

TRUE LOVE. PURE HEART.

Preorder this book through the links below…

AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRR3VDYP

AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CRR3VDYP

AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CRR3VDYP

AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CRR3VDYP

UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/LoveInMontana

iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES: https://books2read.com/u/3JGv9K

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/love-in-montana-1

PAPERBACK AND AUDIO COMING SOON

LOVE IN MONTANA is part of award-winning author Mollie Mathews’ TRUE LOVE STORIES series starring Maverick Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.

TRUE LOVE STORIES
Love In Venice (Mauro and Maggie)
Love in Mexico (Oliver and Ruby)
Love in Montana (Lizzie and Jack)
Love In Sicily (Kate and Gianni)