Despite the story being quite predictable, I enjoyed this book so incredibly much and am looking forward to reading more by this author and more books set in this world, seeing this one is part of a series in which every book is inter-connected - Love this and cannot wait to dive into the other books hopefully soon. 

The characters were extremely loveable to me and I loved the developed romance. The minor characters were a wonderful addition and the author's writing style had me engaged from beginning till end and left me craving more. This is a wonderful romance to pick up anytime and definitely if the synopsis already 'speaks to you'. 

A perfect romance to pick up anytime that is just overall really sweet, well developed and with a well balanced out amount of Steam too! Enjoyyyy

I read this one as a standalone, since I haven't read the other books in the series. Talk about a tortured hero, Leo Reed is battling some demons and not looking to subject any woman to that. But of course there is something about Kaydee that Leo just can't resist. Kaydee isn't looking for a relationship either, which makes the feelings on both sides a little inconvenient. I really do enjoy when this is the case, because as the characters fight their feelings they just get more attached and have to overcome themselves to get their HEA. I'm glad I picked this one up. Thank you to Entangled Publishing for offering a second chance look at this book.

This is your typical quick read romance. The author brushes on heavy optics but doesn't go into depth.


*********************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from Net Galley.****************************

This book is a charming romance where the main characters find more than love in each other. Leo is an army ranger who deals with the aftermath of something that happened on tour. Kaydee is so used to move from place to place that she thinks herself incapable of commitment. Yet, their growing attraction and support will prove themselves wrong.

This story is sweet in many ways. The characters are relatable and wear their heart on their sleeve. Even if Leo's arc feels more developed, I enjoyed reading about Kaydee. The only thing I would say (and quite frankly, I'm not sure how to say this without a spoiler - so please stop here if you don't want to know) is that I was a bit disappointed because of the synopsis. What I thought would be the catalyst ends up being the whole story. I think the synopsis says too much and takes some of the mystery away from the story.

Apart from that, it was a sweet romance between two characters with great chemistry. The way they heal with each other is wonderful. It's definitely a great read.

The Army Ranger’s Surprise

Leo Reed return from his tour of duty with PTSD, and he went to At Ease Ranch to get help coping.  He now works construction, bringing in money to repay those who helped him in his time of need.  He seems to be a quiet man, who works things out in his own head before acting.  

Kaydee was a military child and she determined not to get into a relationship as she grew up, because she rarely stayed in one place more than a few years.  Now she is staying with her grandfather (just down the street from Leo’s grandmother), helping him for the next few years.  But, she fully believes her moving regularly makes her a poor girlfriend.  Meanwhile, she’s working in her friend’s salon as a hairstylist and with her outgoing personality, she’s a direct opposite to Leo.  

Leo feels Kaydee is far too good for him, and she feels she isn’t right for a relationship.  These two both consider these aspects ad nauseum, while still having sex and noticing their mutual attraction.  

Meanwhile, I found the 2 grandparents were more entertaining than their internal decision-making! Lol. Overall, a fairly enjoyable read.

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is you. Former Army Ranger Leo Reed has been struggling but is doing much better. Part of the reason is the sunshine Kaydee Wagner brings into the room each time he sees her. Can he allow himself to reach for that light?  This story will tug at your heart and make you think. I felt Leo’s struggles to my very bones. I loved this outstanding tale of love and redemption

The Army Ranger's Surprise is the fifth book in The Men of At-Ease Ranch series by Donna Michaels. I have not read any other titles in this series, but this can easily be read as a standalone. There are some references and interactions with previous characters from previous books in the series, but I did not feel lost when reading.  I only felt a little lacking in knowing Leo’s past actions getting him to the current point.

A quick, sweet read about two lost souls who don't want to give into their feelings due to their past. They will have to learn how to trust one another and let go of their past to have a future with one another.

Leo Reed has made a lot of mistakes in his life. Like many veterans, he had some difficulty adjusting to civilian life after combat and all that does to a man’s psyche. Because of At Ease ranch, he’s back on track and eager to prove himself to the people in his life that supported him through his trials and troubles. A relationship is the furthest thing from his mind, however he can’t keep his eyes off his grandmother’s sexy neighbor.

Kaydee Wagner knows a bit about Leo’s struggles. She’s been admiring him from afar and keeping things in the friend-zone whenever she sees him across the street helping his grandmother. Since she relocated to a duplex in Texas, next door to her grandfather, she’s becoming more open to have a little fun with the “hot guy across the street.” Being an Army brat, she doesn’t get herself tied down to anyone or any place anyway.

Well of course things don’t go according to plan for either of them. Leo had convinced himself its better to keep his emotions in check because he didn’t want to reveal his past struggles to his lover. Kaydee has her own reasons for not pursuing anything long term with anyone. But she finds Leo is worth breaking her rules for.

This novel reminded me of why I love romance novels. It is sexy, sweet and heartfelt. The characters are grown ups with grown folk problems. Their concerns and issues are relatable but don’t drag you down. This is my first book in this series and my first book by this author. While it’s billed as a stand-alone novel, I’m intrigued by the other characters and the world they inhabit enough to start the series at the beginning.

Donna Michaels' The Army Ranger's Surprise is the newest in the Men of the At-Ease Ranch series and it is adorable! I especially love the grandparents in this book. They certainly make the book!

This was the final book in her series and I loved it.  It had smoking hot romance, great humor and a bunch of wonderful characters.  This book can be read as a standalone book.  I know this because I have not read the other books and I was able to get into the story without any issue.  I will definitely be reading the other books in the series as this one was awesome!

This is the fifth book in this fabulous series but reads as a standalone. I just loved Leo and Kaydee's book she is an army brat who is living with her grandad she struggles with being shy and forming friendships due to all the moving she did as a child. Leo has been struggling since leaving the military but after a lot of help and therapy is finally turning thing around. These two meet when he visits his grandmother and they bump into each other. These two were cute together but neither acted on it, to begin with a super read I really enjoyed it

This was my first book in the series. Although this is part of a series I had no problem reading this one without being lost. I really loved the idea of a ranch for returning vets who are damaged whether physically or some emotionally. There is more than enough backstory told for you to how  the vets are having to deal with issues beyond their control.

Leo is one of those vets having been an Army Ranger who is keeping an eye on his grandmother while his mother is out of town. Kaydee is Leo's grandmother's neighbor who helps out when she can. Of course it helps that her grandfather like Leo's grandmother as well. While both Kaydee and Leo like each other they keep their distance until they don't.  The whole story was well written and sweet. Leo and Kaydee couldn't have been more perfect for one another and their grandparents who simply awesome!

Former Army Ranger Leo Reed  volunteers to to help Kaydee Wagner at her grand fathers and the adventure begins.  Part of the Men of At-ease ranch series, this book does not disappoint. 

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks . Opinions are entirely my own.

A well balanced romance between the sweet and sobering. The story was an easy read with humor laced throughout a thought provoking dialog. It’s nice to see that Leo finally found his HEA. 

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

So much emotion! Donna Michaels writes the best cowboy and military romances. I highly recommend this book, along with every other book she's written.
Leo and Kaydee have such a beautiful connection. I loved their journey and the group of family who surrounds them. Veterans are very dear to me and I feel that they have gotten a great representation with these books.

Donna Michaels has created a cast of characters that just keep growing more and more lovable with each book she writes. They are always one of them books that you pick up and fine it impossible to put back down and this one was definitely one of them.  I totally loved “Army Ranger with Benefits” and I totally fell in love with this one just the same. Absolutely recommend to all book lovers out there

Kaydee Wagner doesn’t like staying in one place too long. She’s just moved in next door to her grandfather and is already counting down the 2 years until she can move out again. The biggest bonus to her most recent move is the grandson of a neighbor, former Army Ranger Leo Reed. 
This is the second book in this series I’ve read. I really enjoyed the other book so I thought I’d try it. I was familiar with Leo from the other book so I was interested in reading his story. It was decent enough. The thing that affected the rating was unfortunately was their interactions with their friends. They seem more like teenager conversations rather than people of their ages and it really annoyed me. 
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Received in exchange for a honest review.
Enjoyed Leo’s story to forgiving himself, letting go and falling in love.
Leo was torturing himself over what happened in his past. He couldn’t let go and blamed himself. He felt that he destroyed everyone who got close to him. He was starting to change but still had moments of self doubt and self destruction. He was really hard on himself as well which added extra pressure to him. In reality Leo was a sweet, caring, hard working man who was struggling with letting go. He helped others and cared about what happened to them. He put them before himself but he never saw this. He only saw his failures and what he perceived as being destructive to others.
Kaydee was a wonderer. She didn’t let anyone get close but she was so sweet and loving. She accepted people and saw that they made mistakes and didn’t judge. When Leo comes into her life via his grandmother living next door, her world changes. She sees a kind man but one haunted by demons. She sees someone trying to find his way but also she sees Leo for Leo not his past but just as Leo.
The attraction is the elephant in the room for them but they don’ t act right away. They dance around-she because she feels she won’t be there long and him because he feels he will ruin her. When he starts to help fix up her grandfather’s place is when they can’t fight the attraction anymore. When this happens wow the fireworks are explosive. They have a intimate relationship in many ways. He begins to become his old self and his friends are thrilled. He wants more for himself but also he feels calm and is willing to fight his demons inside to have more with her. She feels settled and happy. Her mind doesn’t want her to wonder anymore. 
they give us a nice journey where we see love win and Leo find a way to live life and let go of the demons. That isn’t to say he doesn’t have a moment of panic but his friends, family and a patient Kaydee help. The story is sweet, sexy fun and romantic full of friendship, love and family.

The perfect conclusion to a wonderful series. The Army Ranger's Surprise is the book I've been waiting for since the very start of this series. Leo's transformation over the five books of the series has been inspiring and it's been so easy to root for him as the other warriors of the At East Ranch have landed their HEAs.

Kaydee and Leo meet as they are both helping take care of their grandparents. Leo is driving into Dallas on a weekly basis to watch over his grandmother as his parents are out of town and Kaydee has moved right next door to her grandfather to watch over him as he has trouble driving at night. It was so sweet to see Leo, our troubled soldier, care so deeply for this family and take care of his grandmother. 

Kaydee is the perfect match for Leo. Together they challenge and support each other unreservedly. It doesn't hurt that one of my all-time favorite tropes popped up at the end of this book. 

My favorite book of this series, thus far, was In a Ranger's Arms. However, I liked The Army Ranger's Surprise just as much, if not more, than the original installment of the series. This book was certainly a 100% satisfying ending to a wonderful, heartwarming series.