Cover Image: Falling for the Ranger

Falling for the Ranger

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Member Reviews

Molly, an Olympic Gold Medalist went from Media Darling to hot topic for the paparazzi and gossip outlets. Her fall from grace was well-chronicled, and her return to Marietta is both to hide and figure out where she wants to go next. She didn't expect to meet a sexy forest ranger with an ugly dog who really wants nothing to do with her. Or so he thinks.
A fun story with two people looking to start over and find each other in the process, set against the back drop of Marietta and fundraisers for Harry's House. I only wish there had been a little more about Harry's House and the calendar the Men of Marietta (AKA First responders) were posing for.

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Short and sexy with great characters and a beautiful setting - this was fantastic! I'm loving this series!

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Molly comes to Marietta to be with her cousin, to help her get back on her feet, and feel better about herself, due to a disastrous time for her. She meets Todd a forest ranger, who moved to Montana to help his marriage and get away from the city, but instead of helping, his marriage disolved. I was a little shocked because Marrietta's people are normally nice or they tend do give you a chance, yet they seemed to judge Molly, and feel that she has an agenda, and even though Todd falls in love with her, he also judged her. Luckily he realized his mistake before she left. Glad that Bug was included, he helped story.

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Falling For The Ranger is the latest instalment in the Men of Marietta series. This is a short and sexy read which kept me turning the pages. The story revolves around former Olympian and American sweetheart Molly, who is in Marietta regrouping after a very public fall from grace. Former Chicago police officer Todd has left the big city behind to reinvent himself as a forest ranger. After a failed marriage he's not keen to get involved again. These two appear polar opposites - he likes his privacy while she seems to have embraced fame and fortune. It was fun watching them work out their differences and give in to the sizzling chemistry that sprang up from the first.

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There is a line early on in Falling for the Ranger that Molly speaks – I didn’t highlight it so I’m ending up paraphrasing but it’s similar to…”those are real people behind the pictures”. I honestly think that if the idea around that line hadn’t stuck with me that this review might have been quite different. You see, at first Molly is very difficult to like, let alone root for her happy ending. And oddly enough, I think we’re meant to feel that way, for a while at least. Molly is now the result of bad decisions, losing herself in the fame and celebrity-hood of being an Olympic medal winner, and a few personal hard knocks. She doesn’t like herself very much right now – so how are we to like her either. She come to Marietta to visit – that means to hide – with her cousin and her young family while she figures out what to do next with a failed career, no sponsorship, and headline grabbing tabloid pictures haunting her everywhere she goes. She’s got anger management problems, attitude adjustments badly needed… and down deep, she’s scared because up until now her life has been in a pool, in the bright lights of fame. And she’s far from that now.

Todd has ended up in Marietta after leaving the Chicago police force. He needed the difference in life style, unfortunately his wife didn’t. When she miscarried their baby, she was done and gone. He may fool the townsfolk, but there is bitterness and anger there as well as a feeling of why bother again. His job as a forest ranger now fulfills his needs, that and a dog named Bug. He’s about to have his world flipped on him once again by a sassy, attitude rich hiker, one who is definitely living down to her reputation. Could he possibly ever find his way beneath the surface to the true Molly hidden away?

I think one day Molly is going to be one heck of a character in Marietta, once she gets her head screwed on straight. With Todd’s love and the acceptance of the community, I believe that’s possible for her future. By the ending of Falling For The Ranger we only see the beginnings of Molly understanding herself enough to fight for who she truly is… when she discovers who that woman is now, I’d really love to run into her again.

I did enjoy myself with this one. It does take a bit of thinking past the surface, perhaps putting yourself in someone else’s shoes – but I think Molly is worth loving and worth a second chance. I hope you’ll give Molly and this story along with the rest of the series a chance. You might discover something to think about along the way.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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Todd Harris made the move from a big city cop in Chicago to a forest ranger in Marietta, Montana. A slower pace of life is what he was looking for. But, when Olympic gold medalist Molly Cordero comes to town, life gets shook up a bit more than Todd expected.

When Todd signs up for the Men of Marietta Calendar, it opens Molly’s eyes to what a great guy Todd really is. After their rocky start, they learn to let down their guard and allow themselves to trust in love again.

I like reading about flawed characters and how they overcome their issues and find love again. I also enjoyed the banter between Molly and Todd. It made it a fun book to read. The descriptions really brought the story to life and you can’t go wrong with a cute dog in the story either.

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I would give this book 3.5 stars. I liked the book overall, but really didn't like the character of Molly. Not sure what Todd saw in her to be honest, as she wasn't very likeable. My favorite character in the book was Bugs, the chihuahua. He cracked me up. Would still recommend this book, and if you have been reading the series of the sexy calendar from Marietta, Montana then you will enjoy this one.

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I’m really enjoying this “Men of Marietta” series and liked the story of this couple, Todd Harris and Molly Cordero. Both have issues to cope with, but I related more to the hero than the heroine. I thought the hero is a great character, strong, dependable, kind and he’s got some emotional scars for good measure; I didn’t like the temperamental heroine that much (yet, with her fall from grace celebrity issues, I found her a well-developed character, too).
The dialogue is dynamic, the setting breathtaking, as usual in this series, and the side characters interesting.
Now, about the side characters: there’s a figure in this series that really is growing on me and, while reading this book, I was sort of sad and melancholic about him. What a good, upstanding man he seemed to be. I’m referring to the Montana First Responders late friend, Harry Monroe, whose memory is honored with the Harry’s House project and “whom everyone loved”. Well, after reading “Falling for the Ranger” I feel that I love him, too. What a shame he’s dead…

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Molly Cordero had been a media darling after she won gold in the Olympics. Then she made bad choices and fell out of favor. Now hounded by the paparazzi, she comes to Marietta to get away. Todd Harris is a ranger. He came here from Chicago to find a different lifestyle. He's happy to be by himself until he meets Molly. I enjoyed their interactions. They may butt heads but they had chemistry. I wanted them to be able to put the past behind them and find love. It was sweet when Molly made herself vulnerable and told Todd her story. I always enjoy visiting Marietta. This small town is perfect for romance. The characters are interesting and charismatic. The story is an emotional journey. I'm enjoying the Men of Marietta series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read. My comments are my honest opinions.

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Falling for the Ranger is book four in the Men of Marietta. I have loved this series but found it hard to connect with the heroine in this book. In saying that I did like the writing and would like to read more by this author

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Loved this story of two lost souls both with heartbreak in their lives. Todd, is a forest ranger from Chicago. where he was a police officer looking for a better life with his wife to raise their family. His wife decided this was not the place for her though. Molly, an ex Olympic diver, who has decided this was not the life for her, visits her cousin in Marietta to figure out what she wants in life. While Molly is hiking she meets up with Todd and his dog, Bug. They are opposites but soon find there is a mutual attraction between the two. The only problem, Molly is only there for a short time.

Loved this installment in the Men of Marietta. Great banter between Molly and Todd. Oh, and Bug, of so cute. Plenty of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. This is my first book by Kaylie, and will not be my last, love her story telling.

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Kaylie Newell is a new author for me, with Falling for the Ranger being the first book to be written by her for me to read. I found her style to be expressive while also being straightforward, making it easy to read. It was just about a couple I didn’t especially like together.

I had trouble seeing Todd and Molly together. Todd hid his heart behind his rough and tough attitude which I understood. I liked him in spite of it. It was Molly that I had trouble with. She definitely came across as a diva, aided by her much-used arsenal of sarcasm paired with manipulative charm. I know her cousin wanted people to see the wonderful person that she saw in Molly but I didn’t. With Todd’s past, I wanted him with someone kinder and less self-centered. On a brighter note, I loved Bug. He was a wonderful addition to the story.

Not my favorite of the Men of Marietta Series but I would still try another Kaylie Newell book.
4+ Stars for the writing
3 Stars for the characters
3.5 Stars overall
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

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Rating 3.5/5

This is a good addition to the enthralling romances in the ‘Men of Marietta’ series. Each story features one of the men who are to be featured on a calendar to help raise funds for Harry’s House, an after school safe haven for children being developed to commemorate a popular firefighter who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident whilst trying to help an elderly couple. All of the men involved are first responders and many, like Todd, aren’t that keen on being photographed!

Todd Harris moved from duty as a police officer in Chicago to Marietta, becoming a forest ranger. He’s much happier with the change of pace and lifestyle even though his wife left and divorced him. Now he’s settling in well - or he was until he discovered Molly Cordero out hiking. Molly is staying with her cousin whilst she re-thinks her life and avoids the paparazzi. She was a golden girl, a much publicised Olympic diver who has slipped from grace, taken a serious dive into the depths and isn’t sure what she’ll do when she re-surfaces. She has a lot of thinking to do and the hunky Ranger is just going to complicate things! Their attraction is mutual though both resist because of their back stories. Their journey to their HEA involves much drama, turmoil and even a life-saving dive off a cliff!

This is a good addition to the series, though there is less mention of the calendar and the other people involved in it than in any of the other stories so far. The author brings both main characters to life, warts and all! The couple seem an unlikely pairing and I really disliked the heroine at times as she seemed very self-centred, egotistical and combative for much of the story. In contrast, Todd is an endearing gentleman in the true sense of the word, one who is struggling to trust after his wife's departure but perhaps only someone like him could help ground Molly. The setting description as superb and the town is also brought to life in the vivid writing. It is another heartwarming story in this brilliant series.

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion after reading the story.

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Kaylie is a new author for me. She gave us a good story line. I had a hard time trying to put this book down. This is about two people who have changed their lives. It is hard. Todd was a policeman and just couldn't bare it to work in it's atmosphere anymore. He winds up in Marietta and joins the Rangers. He can stay away from people that way. Molly was an Olympian diver. She was never told 'no' until she crumbled and went to visit her cousin Becky in Marietta. Major Spoiler. Todd is divorced. Major Spoiler! Molly is hiding from her crash. She has lost almost everything. Becky keeps her in line. Lou is the safety rope for Todd. This is a teary story so keep tissues close. This is a mature read. I liked this story. I hope you enjoy reading this book! Don't let it get away! You won't regret it! I volunteered to read and review this book.

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Tule Publishing cannot pump these out fast enough for me. This has become an addictive series. Each set up has its own personality but also is tied to the characters of the town and new love. The series works on so many levels... and I look forward to more.

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Despite loving the idea of this series, so far it’s been a bit hit and miss for me, and this latest installment was sadly a miss. Mostly because of Molly and my complete inability to like her, but I also felt that Todd’s visceral reaction to fame would have made more sense if there had been even the slightest explanation for it.

Let’s deal with Molly first. The darling Olympian who turned from America’s sweetheart into a laughing stock because she smashed up her boyfriend’s guitar in public. My problem with her was that I had no sympathy. She seemed childish and petty and self-absorbed as she pouted over her troubles, which she also appeared to have brought mostly upon herself. I think I was supposed to connect her mildly bad behaviour with grief over her mother’s death, but the book does little to play up this angle and it just didn’t work for me. Especially because she spends all her time lusting after Todd, regardless of the situation. Her only redeeming quality was her love for Bug.

Todd was okay, I suppose, in a grumpy, wild man of the woods kind of way. He had a bit of romantic angst in his past, which made him wary of Molly, and a real hatred of publicity. It was so strong, in fact, that I expected some bad experience in his past. Sadly not, he just hated it on principal… or something, I’m not sure.

All of which left me rather uninterested in the romance. There is definitely attraction between them, but I wasn’t convinced by anything deeper. Molly comes across as too shallow most of the time for someone as deep and brooding as Todd. Throw in the fact that she gives absolutely no real thought for her future and it was understandable that Todd – who has planted himself firmly in Marietta – was wary of her intentions. Which in my opinion never really get resolved, leaving the whole thing firmly in a HFN territory, and even that felt tentative.

So in all this one wasn’t for me. Maybe if there had been more about the calendar, Harry’s House or what Todd actually does all day, I might have liked it more. But if you like your heroes broody and aren’t bothered by pushy, mildly narcissistic heroines, then you may enjoy this. I’m still interested in seeing where this series heads next, but I’ll probably approach the final book with a bit more caution since it’s the one I’ve been most interested in since the start.

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4 "Mr. Tall, Dark, and Aloof." Stars

Kaylie Newell is an author who I'm already familiar with and, having read her paranormal romances, I was looking forward to seeing what her contribution to the Men of Marietta series would bring.

"...once I get you in that room, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop."

Centralising around forest ranger, Todd, who's traded patrolling the streets of Chicago for a more sedentary life patrolling the Montana wilderness, and Molly, one-time Olympic diving champion and poster girl, we're given an enemies-to-lovers romance with a couple who have a tenuous chemistry to say the least.

"Too bad she had the temperament of a rattlesnake with the tongue to match."

Todd and Molly aren't going to be a couple who work for everyone: Todd can come over as brusque and unapproachable and Molly has a confrontational and stubborn streak--hence why their chemistry is on the tenuous side. Yet for me that worked as underneath the icier exteriors are two people who've shut themselves off as a coping mechanism.

"You’re not my type."

This is one of those occasions when I think the story would have benefitted from being that bit longer because for the first half, Molly and Todd's feelings for one another don't run particular deep, and there were aspects that I felt needed more depth: both these characters have pasts that have left a lasting mark and whilst we know what they are, it felt like there was more.

"You’re too perfect for the damaged girl."

Overall though, Falling for the Ranger was an enjoyable read, with a couple who I enjoyed together and Kaylie's writing style was simply lovely with appreciated humour sprinkled throughout. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series plays out in the final book, Burning with Desire.

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2.75 stars

This is the first time for me to read Kaylie Newell and the story she presented was quite interesting. A former Olympic diver who fell from grace and seeking refuge in her cousin's home in Marietta met the broody, grumpy, divorcee forest ranger. It would take more than Marietta's close-knitted community to bring these two together.

Unlike the first two in the series, the Harry's House calendar project wasn't too pronounced here. Todd and Molly had their own issues to deal with. Todd's was clear enough for me; Molly's though - it's more assumption on my part because even from own POV she didn't clearly mention her professional fall from grace. Even the repeatedly mentioned guitar bashing incident wasn't so clear on the reasoning.

"Don't believe everything you read. There's a real person behind those stories, you know."

The interesting part was, I think this is the first time for me to see people of Marietta not being as open-hearted to new comer and instead took what they saw on media as face value ...until a certain deed done close to the end of the book. I find this as quite a disheartening aspect of the story.

The romance between Todd and Molly also wasn't convincing; they felt swift and stilted to me. The only cute thing involving them was when Bug - Todd's dog - involved. I was also unimpressed with the way the plot peaked up and more so how it finally resolved, as if there's still stuff left unsaid. Personally, I think this book need some sort of epilogue to tie up the loose end and - perhaps - showed the couple more settled and truly together. But that's just me. *shrugged*


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Ms Newell adding her flair to this heartwarming series was spot in creating the same emotional touch that has been seen throughout the series. Under this author's creative interpretation, the heartbreak Todd and Molly experienced was overwhelming at times. Perhaps it was the dedication which broke my heart, played a part in that, giving me particular interest in Todd's character. The writing once again brought to life the town and its characters.

With so much emotional heartbreak, the humor was refreshing...case in point Molly's description of Bug:

"She couldn’t resist his little face, all squished up and looking like he’d fallen out of an ugly tree to hit every branch on the way down."

There was the perfect mixture of emotions and humor that gave believability to Todd and Molly's experiences. As each of the men's stories are added to the series, the emotional investment grows as well.

I'm anxiously awaiting to next installment that I'm sure will add another layer of emotions to the series.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

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Falling For the Ranger is the fourth book in The Men of Marietta series written by author Kaylie Newell. Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the advance copy. I absolutely love this series.

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