Rodeo Daze Liberty Heights Romance: Liberty Heights Romance

By Elle Druskin

Yahoo! It's the Liberty Heights Stampede! B grade actress Paulette Stone finally has a shot at a great movie role. The catch? Equestrian skills required. Uh oh. Clueless Paulette turns to Jim Kildare for help but Paulette is hopeless. Against his better judgement, Jim imports former rodeo champion Grandma Dixie Sue Kildare. Now Jim can concentrate on romancing Renee Landis, winner of the world's worst first date contests. Fat chance.

Renee does her best to ignore her feelings for Jim while Dixie Sue runs riot in Liberty Heights with her money making schemes and matchmaking. Then there's the ghost haunting LouAnn Freedbush's basement complicated by sister BettyAnn's failure at witch college and her root beer addiction. What does psychic Wayne predict? Who is the ghost haunting LouAnn's house? Can Jim lasso Renee and win her heart?

Come back to Liberty Heights for more fun and romance. Just when you think that town can't possibly throw another surprise your way, it does. Catch up with characters from previous books in the series in the zaniest town where love and laughter rule.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elle Druskin
• Release date: Aug 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201401092

Book preview

Back Cover

Contemporary Romance by Elle Druskin

It’s the Liberty Heights Stampede! Yahoo! B-grade actress Paulette Stone finally has a shot at a great movie role. The catch? Equestrian skills required. Clueless Paulette turns to Jim Kildare for help but Paulette is hopeless. Against his better judgement, Jim imports former rodeo champion Grandma Dixie Sue Kildare so Jim can concentrate on trying to romance Renee Landis, winner of the world’s worst first date contests.

Renee does her best to ignore her feelings for Jim while Dixie Sue runs riot in Liberty Heights with her money making schemes and matchmaking. Then there’s the ghost haunting LouAnn Freedbush’s house complicated by sister BettyAnn’s failure at witch college and root beer addiction. What does psychic Wayne predict? Who is the ghost haunting LouAnn’s basement? Can Jim lasso Renee and win her heart?

Rodeo Daze © by Elle Druskin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or events, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Acknowledgements

For the most part, writing a book is a solitary process. I am fortunate indeed that a Liberty Heights book always provides me with company since the town’s residents are like old friends who amuse and entertain me.

Finally, my thanks to faithful beta readers Crystal Rafuse and Trudi Hagen who have expressed a wish to move to Liberty Heights!

Rodeo Daze

Liberty Heights: Book Five

Animal Crackers

Life of the Party

Hanky Panky

Light My Fire

Elle Druskin

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Book 5

The Liberty Heights Series

Elle Druskin

Night Owl Romance Readers reviews The Liberty Heights series:

Animal Crackers

The Liberty Heights series #1

Elle Druskin brings to life a New Jersey like you’ve never seen before with this feel-good story. Hayley Weaver is a very sympathetic character who is so enjoyable to watch stumble through all of her setbacks. I found myself cheering her on and hoping this would turn out just the way she needed them to. Jake Marx is a fabulous hero, the kind of man all little girls dream of marrying; a kind veterinarian with small town pride and morals. The fact that he is so laid back to her uptightness and that he can laugh about almost anything is just the healing balm she needs for her run of bad luck. I honestly found myself a little envious! I appreciated the nostalgia of this story and that it gave me a whole new view of New Jersey after being inundated with reality tv! I loved the location and I’m hoping to see some of the other residents get their own adventures

https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Paulinemichael-reviews-Animal-Crackers-by-Elle-Druskin

Life of the Party

The Liberty Heights series #2

Zach Resnick is looking to settle down from his nomadic lifestyle and goes back to his childhood hometown. He’s looking for some much needed peace and quiet but he ends up staying in a full house with more distractions than respite. Ellie Marx is his biggest diversion, she turns anything and everything into a reason for a party or celebration and he’s just looking for some peace. Liberty Heights is much as he remembers it with a few very pleasant changes, perhaps it’s time to make some new memories with some old acquaintances.

Elle Druskin returns readers to the almost Rockwellian setting of Liberty Heights where the neighbors are eccentric and while life may not be picture perfect it certainly appears that way. Zach Resnick is a fantastically complicated leading man. He is a man who has seen too much in his career as a successful news correspondent looking to relive the innocence of his childhood and settle into suburban life. He doesn’t want complications and after living his life for so long out of a suitcase who can blame him. It is fascinating to see how he deals with Ellie sneaking slowly into his heart. Ellie Marx is a ball of energy and so kind-hearted that it is basically impossible not to fall in love with her. She goes out of her way to do little things for everyone while planning big things to bring happiness to everyone’s life. She’s just a ball of energy and good will. I enjoyed the first book in this series and it was wonderful catching up with what felt like old friends and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. If you are looking for a great break from the everyday this is a fantastic pick for you as the people of Liberty Height’s leave you with a big smile on your face.

https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Paulinemichael-reviews-Life-Of-The-Party-by-Elle-Druskin

Hanky Panky

The Liberty Heights Series, #3

Elle Druskin immerses her heroine and her readers into the unconventional lives of the residents of Liberty Heights. Dana is fantastic and I loved what a sport she was over her unexpected catastrophe and her even more unexpected marital status. She handles all of the unconventional goings on in this zany neighborhood as if she were a life-long resident. Hank is darn near perfect, I have always loved a man who can make me laugh. And if that wasn’t enough reason for him to capture my heart, the love he has for his family especially his grandmother would have won me over. Grandma is a firecracker and the other eccentric characters left me frequently chuckling out loud. This was the perfect book to read while I was snowed in, just like Dana, however I believe I will read it again and again and cannot wait to relive the adventure while lounging around the pool this summer! I enjoyed the first two books in this series and it was wonderful catching up with what felt like some old friends and family! The people of Liberty Height’s always leave me with a big smile on my face and I cannot wait to visit again.

Looking for her best friend, Dana Fremder finds herself in Liberty Heights after a gas explosion leaves her without a home or job. She is having an awful day and when entertainer Hank Axelrod inundates her with his voice caricatures and sound effects she can’t take it anymore. But when Hank’s Grandma ends up with a concussion and believes Hank and Dana are married, they do their best to act the part for the older woman’s sake. But what happens when make-believe leads to real feelings?

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https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Paulinemichael-reviews-Hanky-Panky-by-Elle-Druskin

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Light My Fire

Article I.  The Liberty Heights series #4

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Elle Druskin once again brightens up any reader’s day by taking them to the fabulous setting of Liberty Heights. Kara Wilson is a sweet heroine who was so easy to relate to and Woody is the perfect hometown good boy. He might seem a little too noble to be true but he has just the right amount of flaws to make him a pleasant hero and a perfect match for Kara and her daughter. I’m wondering where and if I can order my very own Miracle Dress on line and if it will work as many wonders for me. The supporting cast once again just makes the adventure so much more enjoyable.

I’ve said it before but I just have to say it again, I love Liberty Heights and its eccentric residents. You just never know what’s going to happen and I’m always pleasantly surprised and mightily pleased with any events that do take place. If you are looking for a fabulous feel-good read, than this is the perfect choice. I always hate to come to the end of one of these stories, but I cannot wait to see what happens next to the friends and neighbors in one of my favorite small-town settings.

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Can a campaign help Liberty Heights mayor and Fire Chief Woodrow Wilson win the election and the heart of the woman he has been not-so-secretly in love with for years? Young widow Kara Wilson has waited long enough for Woody to make his move, so now she’s prepared to take action herself to make her dreams come true. Can the well-meaning meddling of some interesting locals finally get these two together?

Chapter One

Paulette Stone slammed the phone. Darn it all! Another rejection. It wasn’t fair. She glanced at the cover of a celebrity magazine and fumed.

What do those actresses have that I don’t?

Pansy shrugged and tossed a banana peel in the rubbish bin. Not that Paulette expected Pansy to answer. Not even that famous lady who worked with chimpanzees could make them talk.

So they’ve got Oscars. Big deal. I could get one if I landed the right part. I all but killed myself on those roller skates on that reality show, and what do I have to show for it?

Pansy pointed to the crutches propped against the kitchen table.

Exactly. I’m getting too old for this stuff. Don’t tell anyone I’m thirty-five. My bio says thirty.

A doleful expression shadowed Pansy’s face, the thick lips pursed, and she shook her head. Paulette was still fuming.

I take that pain in the you know what to LA with me, and who gets a television show? Can you believe it? Gertie Finster. And to top it off, everyone around here is married, or almost everyone. I’m supposed to be a movie star, and I haven’t been married once. I should have been divorced at least three times by now.

Pansy hopped off the chair, wandered over to a drawer, and pulled out a pad and pen. She handed them to Paulette.

You’re absolutely right. I’m going to make a list of every casting director I know. Television. Movies. Theatre. Maybe they need to be reminded of all my talent.

A loud guffaw erupted from the chimp’s mouth. Paulette shot her a dirty look.

Let’s not forget who pays for all those bananas.

Pansy smacked her paw on her head.

Yeah, that’s more like it. I’d make a list of eligible men, too, but it’s pretty slim pickings around here. Woody’s married. Just as well, he only had eyes for Kara, same for Mickey and Kate. That Frenchie cousin of Andre is too young for me, and he’s taken. What do you think of that doctor? He’s a nice guy. Easy on the eyes, too. Having a doctor in the family could be good. If I get a part in a medical series, I could ask him lots of technical stuff. I could play a nurse. Medical shows are really big now.

Pansy shook her head. Paulette tightened her lips.

Have it your way. You’re right. He’s too young for me. My luck’s bound to change. All I need is one big break.

Paulette slumped into the chair and picked up the pen. Nothing came to mind. Tears formed in her eyes, and one big fat tear dripped onto the paper. The empty paper. How had it come to this? Thirty-five. Or was it thirty-six? It was getting so she couldn’t remember her real age anymore. Was that a sign of senility? She was washed up as an actress, and no husband to sweeten the disaster. Not even a boyfriend. Heck, not even a date other than publicity outings arranged by public relations. Her life was down the tubes.

* * * *

Jim Kildare hesitated at the front door. All he had to do was ring the bell. Alternatively, he could run away and avoid this ridiculous errand. The problem was Grandma Dixie Sue. Once that woman got an idea in her head, there was no knocking it loose. Jim promised to fulfill her wish, mostly to put an end to her nagging.

He pressed the buzzer, bouncing on the balls of his feet. There were a million things he’d rather be doing than this silly chore. He should be doing the two week load of laundry, or he wouldn’t have any clean socks and underwear by tomorrow. Or, preparing the talk he promised to give at the high school about medical careers. And that crazy lady from the newspaper, Muriel Hinkelfarmer, kept badgering him to write an Ask the Doctor column for the Liberty Heights Chronicle. Good thing Liberty Heights was too small for a cable station, or he’d end up doing a television talk show.

As much as he would prefer to avoid the chore, he couldn’t ignore it. Liberty Heights turned out to be a terrific town and so welcoming. Mayor Woodrow Wilson hadn’t exaggerated. The mayor convinced Jim to move to the small New Jersey town which, truthfully, was more like a village but heaps bigger than his hometown of Boring, Texas. Not that it would take much to be larger than Boring.

He’d even been invited to the mayor’s wedding. Both times, although Jim didn’t think the first one in the hospital emergency room really counted. Woody kept his word and introduced Jim to a load of folks including Gabe DuPont, the French teacher. Kind of wacky but a nice guy, and his English was weird, but they were the same age. The perk being, Gabe’s girlfriend Melody was best friends with Renee Landis. Jim’s heart thudded every time he thought about Renee’s gypsy black hair and sparkling eyes.

The door swung open, and Jim gawked. Holy crap. Either he was working too many shifts at the hospital, or a chimp was standing in the doorway.

Don’t be rude, Pansy, Paulette called.

The actress flounced across the hallway to the door. White teeth gleamed at him in greeting as the door opened wider.

Hi, there. Come on it, Paulette said. She clicked her tongue at the chimp. Pansy, where are your manners? You should invite the nice doctor inside. He won’t give you a needle like Jake.

Jim swallowed hard and followed Paulette. Pansy scampered behind them and plopped down on a toddler chair in front of a flat screen television.

No. You’re watching too many cartoons lately. You go outside and play, Paulette said.

Pansy folded her arms over her chest. Paulette tapped her foot and shook her head. The chimp made a rude noise.

Honestly. I don’t know what’s gotten into you and in front of a guest.

Pansy gave up and disappeared into another room. Jim shook his head. If he hadn’t seen it, he wouldn’t have believed it. Of course, the first time he met Paulette Stone, she’d been wandering around town with an anteater. Maybe a chimpanzee wasn’t all that strange.

Come on in. Want some coffee? Paulette asked.

Jim shook his head. Thanks, but I’ve got an appointment. I came by to ask a favor.

An appointment. Right. A set-up, not even a date. How pathetic was that? He’d finally found a woman he wanted to date, or thought so, and she gave him the cold shoulder. Heat flooded his cheeks.

Why he’d promised to get Paulette’s autograph for Grandma Dixie Sue, he’d never know. He never should have let slip that she lived in his new town. He did know he’d never hear the end of it if he failed to acquire the signature.

I, um, wanted to ask for your autograph, Jim mumbled and forced himself not to grimace.

Paulette flashed him a Cheshire cat grin. Uh-oh. What did that mean?

Of course. I’ll get you a photo and sign it. I always have piles of them around. I had no idea you were such a fan.

Jim squeezed his eyes closed. No, he was not a fan. Paulette starred in the most awful movies imaginable. Cheapie horror flicks. Low budget ridiculous fantasy films. Certainly not his taste—a great western, a riveting historical film. Even some of the more girlie romance movies were infinitely better than Paulette’s cinematic appearances.

It’s not for me, he stammered.

If anything, the grin widened.

You don’t have to be embarrassed, Paulette cooed. I love giving autographs.

Against his better judgment to leave matters alone, Jim couldn’t seem to stop himself. It’s for my Grandma Dixie Sue. She’s a big fan, he added.

The smile deflated. Paulette’s ramrod posture slumped. Ah geez, he didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. He just wanted the darned autograph so he could escape as fast as possible. Gabe and Melody were meeting him for dinner at the Wok and Woll. More importantly, he’d begged Gabe to bring Renee, without telling her how much he wanted to see her. He didn’t want to look pathetic, for Pete’s sake, having to ask Gabe to arrange a date. Not that this dinner counted as a date, but maybe it would lead to one.

"Grandma said to tell you she’s president of the Boring, Texas fan club and especially loved Werewolves in Space," he mumbled, hoping to mollify Paulette. The actress didn’t need to know there were only three members in the club. Considering the population of 247, three wasn’t all that bad.

Without a word, she slunk over to a corner table, tugged on the drawer, and removed a stack of glossy photos. Jim rocked on his feet as she scrawled her signature and handed him the picture.

The photo was a headshot of Paulette pursing collagen enhanced lips for a smooch. The autograph said: To Dixie Sue, one of my most devoted fans. Kisses! Paulette.

Jim clutched the photo and mumbled his thanks. If there’s anything I can do for you, say the word.

Paulette nodded and accompanied him to the door. She shut it just a little too quickly, and Jim nearly tripped on the doorstep. There couldn’t be any doubt that she was disappointed he wasn’t the big fan, but he wasn’t about to lie to get the autograph. Besides, it wouldn’t do any good if she’d written it to him instead of Dixie Sue.

Nearly six o’clock. Maybe if he hurried, he could mail the darned thing and get Dixie Sue off his back, so he could relax and enjoy dinner. Hopefully, with Renee. For one crazy second, he wondered if Paulette had gotten the wrong idea. That there was more than disappointment over the autograph business.

Nah. She couldn’t possibly be interested in him. For one thing, he was too young for her, although that didn’t seem to stop actresses and their liaison of the week. More importantly, his salary had to be miniscule compared to hers. Even lousy movies must pay big bucks. She couldn’t possibly be romantically interested in him. It was totally insane.

With any luck, she’d get another movie offer any second and be out of town. That way, there wouldn’t be any embarrassing encounters. Liberty Heights was small, and there was no way to avoid Paulette if she was around. Yet, despite being a small town, all his conniving