Yes, this story is a romance and that lends itself toward the typical "it's a romance" elements one would expect. However, this story is centered around the element of having three juvenile delinquents who were fostered and then adopted by a widowed rancher named Mac Monroe. One of those three is Finn (Finnean) and this is his featured story. Finn is the youngest of the three and he has grown into a fine man and attorney in a very small town. The love interest to accompany Finn provides interest to this becoming a gripping story that is not only dazzling and keeps your interest but enjoyable as well. This novel, though part of the series, can function as a standalone as well. If you read the previous novels you would understand the family dynamics of the Monroe family better but that is not necessary. Through the plot, we deal with the fact that family is not always what you're "born into" but what are your close bonds. In short, this story is sure to entertain and delight with just the right touch of romance and drama to keep your interest.

Born to Be a Cowboy is the third novel in R.C. Ryan's Montana Strong series and it's the second book in the series I've read. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that it kept me reading until I finished it at 4:30 a.m. this morning, so if there are typos in this review, you'll know why. It was an excellent read and it gets 5 stars from this sleep-deprived reader.

This series centers around the 3 juvenile delinquents, Ben, Sam and Finn, who were fostered and then adopted by widowed rancher Mackenzie (Mac) Monroe, and this novel features the youngest of the three, Finn (Finnean), a troubled youth who grew into a fine man and became a lawyer in their small town of Haller Creek, Montana. One day, a lovely young woman, Jessie Blair, steps into his office with a problem. She was raised on her Aunt Nola's (Nolinda Blair) ranch, in nearby Arvid, Montana, after both her parents died when Jessie was five years old. Nola was her only other living family member, and Jessie's problem is that suddenly Aunt Nola up and married a smooth-talking cowboy, Wayne Stone, and has disappeared, and Jessie hasn't heard from her except for one phone call to let her know that Nola had eloped, barely knew the man she married, and Jessie hasn't heard from her in two weeks, which is highly unusual. When Jessie goes to Nola's ranch, everything is different--the wrangler's are all new hires, the old crew is gone, and Jessie's cherished belongings are in the process of being packed up and shipped away, and no one in local law enforcement believes, as she does, that her beloved aunt is in danger. She hires a local lawyer to look into Wayne Stone's background, and he supposedly had news for her and was headed to meet her, until his fatal hit-and-run car accident just before their scheduled meeting. His briefcase and the papers it contained weren't found at the scene of the accident, or returned to the man's wife, and local law enforcement in Arvid simply won't take Jessie seriously, so she decides to try a lawyer in a nearby Haller Creek, and Finn is that lawyer.

Finn is dazzled by the beautiful young woman who shows up at his office, and she is equally attracted to him, especially since he agrees to look into her aunt's disappearance. Jessie is staying overnight at a local motel, which, in the middle of the night, goes up in flames, and Jessie barely makes it out alive, so Finn brings her to the family ranch, where she'll stay while he investigates her claims of wrongdoing.

Thus begins one heck of a gripping story about the cobbled-together Mackenzie family. Finn's two brothers and the wives they met and married in the 2 previous novels, as well as the ranch hands, Otis and Roscoe, Mac, Finn's mentor, Zachariah, and traveling social worker, Mary Pat, all of whom welcome Jessie with open arms, and simply accept her as one of their own. Jessie, whose only family was Nola, is soon made to feel like a member of this warm, engaging and caring family, as Jessie and Finn join forces to try to find Nola.

When Finn goes to Arvid to investigate Jessie's claims, he's met with the same kind of empty platitudes that Jessie experienced, and when his brakes soon fail and he barely escapes death on a winding moutainside, and then learns that his brake lines were cut, he's all-in on Jessie's belief that her beloved aunt is in dire peril, and that's just for starters. As the danger ramps up, and does it ever, so too does the attraction felt by Jessie and Finn, who tries his best to be noble by not getting too involved with Jessie, since she's his client, but this is a romance novel, after all.

While this novel works just fine as a standalone, reading the previous novels in the series will give you a better understanding of the family dynamic and introduce you to Finn's older brothers and how they found and fell for their wives.

R.C. Ryan was a new-to-me author when I read the second novel in this series, and it wasn't until I learned that, in reality, she's Ruth Ryan Langan, whose novels I've been reading for more than 2 decades, that I understood why her novels grabbed me from the start and never let go--she's a darn good writer and storyteller, and this novel is certainly proof of that. This is above all, one solid, engaging, exciting, dangerous and well crafted novel of romantic suspense, and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. I'm recommending this book and this series because I think you'll enjoy these novels and the characters within them as much as I did.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Jessie knows something is wrong when her normally level headed aunt decides to tell her shes getting married to someone she barely knows on a whim. There is something fishy going on and shes on a mission to getting her aunt back if only anyone would believe her. When she hired Finn Monroe he digs up some things that also don't see right and after a couple of mishaps its might seem like someone doesn't want them to go around looking for the truth.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that there was plenty going on to keep me entertained. It wasn't super over dramatic but there was a couple of mishaps, close calls, and things that were curious to make the wanting to see whats really the truth and what would happen next. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing Finns story and rooting for the two to be together. I loved seeing things unfold as the characters tried to their best to get closer to the truth and finding the aunt before its too late. Overall this was a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.

The third book in the series with the last brother. Finn the lawyer. Opens like the others with a little tidbit about him and how at a young age with Mac he changed, found his way into law. Now a woman Jessie walks into his office and life with a problem know will believe her about. She believes there is something wrong with her Aunt after she married a man that she Jessie had never met, or seen a picture of. All of the long-time wrangles on the ranch are let go with new ones hired, yet she still has not heard from her Aunt. Finn at first is the only person to believe her that there may be a problem, until his brakes go out, a fire at a motel where she is staying, you get the point. When she finally hears from her Aunt it is only to take her name off the accounts and add this man’s name. when Jessie disappears Finn, his brother’s and family know that there is a problem. There were moments that this story dragged for me for some reason, I have read the books before this one so I don’t know why. The ending of this book does it for me. You find out about Mac’s, sister, wife, and son, how they all passed. You also get to see if maybe finally he and Mary Pat might get together. All and all very much worth the read.

Family isn’t always a unit that you’re born into, it doesn’t necessarily need close blood to make up a family – it does require unconditional love, having your back no matter what and the sense of belonging right where you are among people who love you just as you are. Both Finn and Jessie have those types of family. For Finn, he also has his brothers as well as Mac, for Jessie, she has her Aunt Nola and right now no one will believe that her aunt is in serious danger until one small-town lawyer/rancher really listens and understands the bonds she shares with a woman who is Jessie’s complete family. Finn may hesitate on believing there is a true danger, but it’s obvious that Jessie believes that and that’s enough – until even more odd or dangerous things start happening around them and the threat becomes very, very obvious.

BORN TO BE A COWBOY is at times intense, at other times smooth like good whiskey. The balance between the two gave me a story to get caught up in, characters to believe in and a very nasty villain to loathe. If you’ve followed the series, there’s also get the chance to catch up with old friends before sending them off into the sunset. Finn and Jessie simply worked together for me, it was very easy to see them as a couple even when there were some potholes along their journey. Sometimes we make unnecessary sacrifices and we need to know the difference between what might be and what could be before doing that. I’ve enjoyed this series, yet this one could be read on its own and be very satisfying if you haven’t read the earlier titles. I had fun with Finn, Jessie, and their crews and would not hesitate to recommend this story to any Romance reader who loves a good plot, believable characters and a love that is worth fighting for.

*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.*

I liked Finn & Jessie's story and I enjoyed revisiting the entire Monroe family, especially Mac and Mary Pat. I know this is the final book in the series, but I would love to read more about Jessie's Aunt Nola to see what her future holds.

This was a really enjoyable story. I have never read any of the author's previous books but that did not stop me from enjoying this story. I cannot wait until the next story.

From foster care to being adopted and living on a ranch sexy, cowboy lawyer Finn Monroe meets his match when Jessie Blair first enters his office in Haller Creek. This story is full of romance with a family of sexy cowboys. I really liked Finn, a lawyer, who immediately falls for Jessie Blair as she tries to find out what happened to her Aunt Nola, who has gotten married and disappeared.

Jessie is such a strong character that you cannot help but like her independent spunk and the sparks that fly between her and Finn. The love Mac has for his three adopted sons is remarkable and their journey from their breaking into his house until the present day was very emotional.

This book was so full of suspense that I was not sure what was going to happen next or how the story would end. I really enjoyed the epilogue to the story and I cried when I heard Mac's story. What a great romantic suspense. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

This was a really cute story in the Montana strong series and while it can be read as a standalone I think that I would have liked it more if I had read the other two. The mystery and relationship moved very quickly while I don’t mind a fast paced book this one was a bit too fast in the romance for me.

Thank you netgalley and forever publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for a honest review

Montana Strong #3, We are back one last time with the Monroes. It can be read as a standalone but I enjoyed the series as a whole. Finn Monroe a small town lawyer part time cowboy wasn't alway lucky to have this family, after the death of both parents the brothers were split up in foster care where they each had a hard time making each of the boys foulmouthed troublemakers. When they ran away they lucked out and found Mac Monroe's ranch. Mac knew how they felt he gave them a home and taught them what it was like to have a loving home environment. It was also the influence of Zachariah that Finn grew up to be a lawyer.

When Jessica walks into Finns office he knows better than to believe what she says right off the back. Her Aunt, the woman who raised her, is missing. The last she heard from her she had ran off and got married and was going on her honeymoon. That isn't like her Aunt at all for as long as she been with her Aunt she's has been married to her ranch. Then when the PI she hired, a former FBI agent died in an accident right after calling her to tell he he found something she knew her suspicions were right but nobody believed her. Finn wants to believe her something about her story rings true but it isn't until after he does some checking on his own that he fully believes her especially after the motel she was staying at and her rental car catch on fire after talking to Finn. Finn brings her home to the ranch at least there there will be someone with her at all times. But this goes deeper than just Jessica's aunt and Finn stirs up a whole lot of trouble.

I loved the relationship between Fin and Jessica. Finn has a strong work ethic and initially didn't want to get involved with a client but something about Jessica wants him to bend his own rules for once. Jessica feels guilty over what happened to her aunt thinking it never would have happened if she had still been living on the ranch, and now she's willing to risk her own happiness to make sure her aunt is never vulnerable again. Overall, it was a great read. I love R.C. Ryan's attention to detail and her descriptions for me, someone who has never been to Montana, it makes me want to visit all the same time feel like I'm already there while I read it. I love the familial relationship this whole family is wonderful.

What away to end a series, but with a bang. The author did an amazing job and keeping you in the edge of your seat the whole book. I have really enjoyed every book in this series and this book didn’t disappoint. I love how the author took a group of “misfits” and made them family and made them the most important to each other no matter what. I really like Jessie and how she fit with the group but also that she was strong independent and wouldn’t take nothing from no one and no one was going to stand in her way of protecting her aunt. I was not a fan of Chief Tyler I so wanted to reach in the book and strangle him...ugh. There is one sex scene in this book. Overall this book was amazing and hard to put down, I really wish there was more to come, your seriously can’t go wrong with this book or this series.

3.75/5 stars

This is the third book in the series but the first I have read of the series and this author. Each book can be read as a standalone. I liked the book. Jessie and Finn were good characters. They had good chemistry between them. There was romance but it seemed to be more mystery and suspense as they were looking into what happened to Jessie’s aunt.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Born to be a Cowboy is a strong conclusion to the story of the Monroe brothers of Haller Creek, Montana. This installment focuses on youngest brother, Finn, a lawyer. This is a feel good read focusing on family with a touch of sexy and a lot of intrigue thrown in.

The strong cast features Finn and his love interest/client, Jessie, as well as his brothers and adopted family. I enjoyed seeing Finn and the rest of the Monroe clan take Jessie in and help her during her time of need and solve the riddles around her missing aunt.

Author Ryan does an excellent job of blending the intrigue, romantic, and relationship elements of the story so that all of them feel complete without competing with one another. This is a complete stand alone novel, but the story would be a stronger read if the Montana Strong books are read in order.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t work for me. The plot seemed corny and contrived and it really dragged at times. This is the third book in this series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Jessie hires lawyer Finn to look for her Aunt Nola who raised her. Her aunt married a ranch hand and has gone MIA. They way this was written, I expected Snidley Whiplash to be tying the aunt to the railroad tracks and twirling his moustache. The mystery part was a bit over-the-top. It also seemed that the author had to meet a certain word count, so there was a lot of filler. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story. Jessie is worried about her aunt, after a whirlwind of a romance she's married and left on her honeymoon, all without her favorite niece even meeting the man, so she seeks out legal help. After some highly suspicious incidents Jessie is left with just the clothes on her back. Finn was attracted to the beautiful damsel in distress, but he was trying to keep it professional, but she fit into his family so easily. Sexual tension, suspense and great characters make this a very entertaining read.

After a wild youthful period Finn Monroe is now a law abiding citizen as the local attorney. Between running his law practice and working at his family's ranch, his days weren't that exciting until Jessica Blair steps into his office. Jessie believes her aunt is in trouble, and Finn is her last hope. Even though Finn relies on facts rather than feelings he feels it can't hurt to do a little digging.

Jessie knows there is no way her aunt would disappear on an "extended honeymoon" after hastily marrying a smooth-talking cowboy. She knows that something is wrong and is determined to find out what it is. Once she and Finn start poking around it becomes clear someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep them from the truth. But as the danger grows, so does their attraction. With both their lives on the line, Finn will discover just how far he'll go to keep Jessie safe

Finn Monroe is a lawyer/rancher. At one time Finn and his brothers ran wild. No one gave them a chance to turn out good. Mac Monroe became their savior and eventually their dad. Now Finn could go into business anywhere but has chosen to stay close to home. Into his office, Jessie Blair walked in. She wants to hire him to find her Aunt Nola. No one believes her that she fell in love and got married. Finn decided to humor her and ask his investigator to check things out. From the moment they start the investigation, strange things start happening. Everyone is on high alert. With the danger comes an awakening of feelings. Finn wants to remain professional but not Jessie. As more information comes in, the race is on to find not only Aunt Nola but Jessie.

I did not see the end coming.

I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley. This was the third & final book in this series. Finn is the youngest of the three brothers and a lawyer. He’s is also a cowboy on the family ranch. Jessie, the heroine, comes to Finn for help, believing somethings wrong with her aunt. She hasn’t spoken to her aunt in weeks since Aunt Nola married quickly to a man Jessie’s never met. Finn and Jessie go through quite a bit trying to find Aunt Nola. We also get to watch their love story unfold. They both had an immediate spark & try to deny it for sometime. But we all know they get their HEA:)

I enjoyed this book & got sucked into the mystery of “where’s Aunt Nola”! They book also provided us with tying up lose ends from the series as a whole. I recommend reading each book! All in all a great cowboy romance!

This was a adorable little read, but not as i expected. It wasnt as Romantic as i expected. More action and suspense. I gave it a four star.

Another great book from R.C. Ryan! This is the third book in the Montana Strong series. Very good series and I would recommend them. I enjoyed Finn and Jessie's story.