Cover Image: Rich, Rugged Rancher

Rich, Rugged Rancher

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Rich, Rugged Rancher is the second installment in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance. This story was interesting and refreshing. The characters were well developed and I was able to connect with them. I loved Fee Martinez’s character she made the story funny. Then there is Clint Rockwell he was an interesting character he was very serious but at the same time charismatic. He had some issues that he needed to resolve in order for him to be happy in a relationship. I know that he felt incomplete but that was how he thought of himself. There were people out there looked up to him because of how far he had come in life. He needed to quit making so many excuses on why he couldn’t be happy and stop thinking about how others may perceive him. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

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Rich, Rugged Rancher by Joss Wood is a sexy and exciting ranch set romance and the second of the multi-authored Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series. You can't book this book down.

Clint is an alpha male. Even though life has dealt him a rough hand. Then you introduce Fee and they clash like you wouldn't believe but the chemistry is enough to light the page on fire.

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RICH, RUGGED RANCHER pits two characters together who have nothing in common but chemistry. Seraphina “Fee” is a reality TV star, and Clint is a wealthy rancher. He’s also a disabled war veteran but doesn’t like anyone to see his disability or talk about it. When their two worlds collide in his small town in Texas, sparks fly.

Fee seems to understand Clint like no one else, and he doesn’t know what to do about this beautiful lady’s caring. He’s been burnt by his mom and a former girlfriend and thinks he likes being alone. Fee is open to all new experiences and doesn’t fit her perceived persona. When there’s a disaster, Fee is right in the middle of things no matter where Clint would rather she be. There are hot and heavy moments, both emotionally and sexually.

The plot has a few story lines going on that come together nicely. I liked the imagery of the ranch, and the small town vibe is well done. This is the second book in the TEXAS CATTLEMAN’S CLUB: INHERITANCE series. Even though I didn’t read the first book, I look forward to reading more in this series (although each book is penned by a different author.)

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I think I’m going to enjoy this new series! In this story, a reality television series is being filmed in the town of Royal. There are several female stars for this series, including the divorced widow of a local rancher who has left his ranch to her rather than his grown up children . . . . Some of the filming is taking place on that ranch and that is where Clint Rockwell first encounters them. He’s a local ranch and oil well owner, a veteran who lost a leg in a hostile, heroic encounter but is now determined to get on with his jobs and not to have any relationships with people other than working ones. Well, that’s what he thought until he first met Fee Martinez, another of the reality stars and one who was so engrossed in watching him she accidentally rode into his parked truck! The relationship which develops between these two is the main plot line in the story, though there are others interwoven through the story that will, I presume, be developed further in future stories in this series. It is a story of two straight talking folk finding that their conversations ignite passion between them. Can they resist? She’s only in town for the filming – is this going to be a one-night (or more) stand then bye? He’s been let down by all the women in his life since his amputation, can he learn to trust her and should he?

This is a steamy romance with great characters, some laugh out loud moments and some emotional ones, too. There are fires to be fought literally and figuratively, secrets to be uncovered and the walls around hearts to be broken down in this brilliant start to a new series and it has me hooked – I want to know what happens next in the family drama regarding the inheritance and the relationship involving the lawyer and another of the reality stars. I really enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

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4 1/2 STARS!

A delightful unexpected romance! Joss Wood brings us the delectable second book in the new Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance series and continues unraveling secrets surrounding Blackwood Hollow Ranch. I absolutely loved this book, but it did feel like the choice of these two characters as the second book instead of one of the Blackwood siblings pushed the mystery to the back burner somewhat. I'm looking forward to continuing the series soon!

Rancher Clint Rockwell is a really solid guy and was a joy to get to know. He lost his leg in the Army and while he has prospered greatly in his physical healing, circumstances after he returned home led him to close off emotionally. Meeting Fee seems to be just the healing balm he has been needing.

Seraphina Martinez is tired of the reality show glitz that she's been surrounding herself with and feels really alive for the first time in a long time when she meets and trades wit with Clint.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a bit of scandal, a bit of glitz and a whole lot of heart in their romance.

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Clint Rockwell was every bit the Rugged Rancher and Seraphina Martinez is a Reality Show spitfire with a carefree spirit. At first glance, these two seem like a reckless pair. The story begins with Clint, at the request of the dying friend helping maintain the Blackwood Ranch and in comes cast and crew of a reality TV show.

During his stint in the service Clint received an injury leaving him disable. As he recovers, the rejection he receives from those he thought he could count on, iced his heart and he has been on a crusade to proof himself worthy as a man ever since. This handicap has left no room for love or happiness and now he is determined to stop this tornado name Fee. The attraction is immediate with this couple, even though he tries fight it, the heart has its way. I enjoyed the journey between these two and felt they were a good match.

Great read! Treat yourself to this one, you will love the banter and steamy scenes with this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Desire for the opportunity to preview this title.
#RichRuggedRancher #NetGalley

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This is a complex story touching on some tough subjects in a way rarely tackled in romance. I was curious to learn how a Harlequin traditional line I’ve been reading on and off since I was 14 would handle a disabled main character.

I’m of two minds about the portrayal, though mostly on the positive side. While he has a prosthetic leg, and serious mental issues deriving from encounters during his recovery, at the time of the story, he is almost fully capable. Mentions of advanced technology not available to every person with a disability, and situations where the prosthetic can’t assist, indicate he’s not an example of the norm, which helps. Representation is important, but since we don’t see his recovery process, the extent of how his amputation physically affects his daily life is largely glossed over. There’s a scene in the end that improves this, but you must take my word because I won’t spoil it.

Mentally, as I mentioned, Clint is a mess. This makes him a successful romantic character rather than an overly perfect one. To the outside viewer, he’s incredible: a man who lost a leg in the military who comes home to run the large family ranch, very physical job, and command the local volunteer firefighters. He also hires veterans for ranch hands, giving them a way to support their families and job skills they can take elsewhere. Inside, though, he’s decided his injury has made him repulsive. He withdraws from society, finding solace in the animals on the ranch until the sexual tension with Fee proves impossible to ignore. Even before Fee, though, Clint has been an active part of the community, using his skills and wealth to help. He only withdraws once the work is over and the town wants to celebrate.

I really liked Fee. She is opinionated and outspoken as promised, but she lives up to her traits in action as well as words. When trouble arrives, whether to a friend or in the form of a deadly fire, she doesn’t hesitate to jump in and help. Even better, she listens when those with more knowledge set limits or correct her misunderstandings. She isn’t arrogant, just determined. Nor does she back off when she sees someone else talking themselves down, standing up for the people she cares for even when they won’t. It’s a powerful vision of the female main character in romance because she is strong and assertive without being invulnerable, a delicate balance that’s hard to achieve.

The characters are what make this book so enticing. The point of view even rests on characters important to the series, but not primary in this book, allowing the larger story to advance. I found the way the greater tale is matured and teased fascinating in a series written by multiple authors. This story engaged me enough to provoke speculations such as who is the bastard son they’re trying to find. I have to read on to find out if my guesses are accurate, something I’m not used to in these types of series that tend to be more stand-alone. Speaking of which, I also want to see more of the other characters, especially those who became more well-rounded through borrowing the microphone in the later chapters.

On a technical level, the dialog is wonderful, full of sass and double entendre. There are detailed, open door scenes true to the Harlequin line, and interestingly, both main characters did not believe in the long term at the beginning. The backstory to support these attitudes comes in long internal monologs that could have been data dumps but avoided this by carrying through the character’s personality and voice, so I enjoyed reading them.

Despite my concerns with Clint’s portrayal supporting false beliefs about disability, I understand the limitations of a traditional romance novel as the forum for a disabled main character. I feel the author did a good job capturing the mental difficulties and the influence of other people’s reactions, especially within the framework.

The main characters, and many of their friends, were complex and fun to spend time with. The attraction between Fee and Clint is tangible, as is why they both think anything long term is impossible. This book was well worth my reading time.

P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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The second book of Texas Cattleman's Club is interesting and sets the bar really high.

Clint and Seraphina are really great. An ex-militar and a reality TV star together? As impossible as it may sounds, they worked very well are and made for each other.

Clint has a tortured soul with scars (he has an amputated leg, in fact) from his military service that he can't let go. Seraphina, a latina that is judged by the stereotypes, is a woman who doesn't makes ties with nobody and nowhere. Together, the have a chemistry that a lot of people wanted in real life (yes, I'm talking about sex!), But, mostly, the have great souls and deserved to love and being loved. Seraphina heals Clint and he makes her a better person.

Also, what I liked about this book is that we can see what's going on with the other characters involved in the series. The Inheritance issue has a great argument that keeps the reader's attention.

Great reading to start the year. Funny, intense, with deep moments and very well written. Highly recommended, I can't wait for the next book!

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This one started and ended well. I haven't read book one but I didn't feel like I lost to much of the story and this one works well as a stand alone if you ask me. The characters were fabulous and everyone worked well together. The romance had great chemistry and I couldn't put it down.

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Can't wat to read more from this author.

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I was invited to read and review RICH RUGGED RANCHER written by Joss Wood and readily agreed to do my attention whetted by the description. After all who doesn’t like tough, larger than life cowboys – I know I do. But the best part was meeting Joss Wood and the opportunity to read her newest book. RICH RUGGED RANCHER is my first foray into the world created by Joss Wood and certainly won’t be my last.
One of the root problems addressed in RICH RUGGED RANCHER is the ongoing feud amongst the Blackwood siblings and their father’s widow Miranda. No one really understands why Buck left everything to Miranda especially Blackwood Hollow, essentially considered home and rightful inheritance of the three children. The air is thick and angry as reality show Secret Lives of NYC Ex-Wives production company descends on Blackwood Hollow. The feud is the basis for the latest story line. TV reality shows seem real but everyone acknowledges that it is scripted – however – the feud is real.
The stars of RICH RUGGED RANCHER are Clint Rockwell and Seraphina Martinez, affectionately known as Fee. Clint suffered physical and emotional injuries during his days as an Army ranger. His military experience left him with a basic distrust of people – especially women. Clint lost part of his leg in a helicopter accident but it was more people’s reaction to it that dwarfed his self-confidence and erected a wall to protect him from hurtful words or looks.
To the townspeople Clint was their local hero and they respected his need for privacy. Perhaps too much so. Clint was becoming a loner now except for workers at his Rockwell Ranch and oil business. But as a good neighbor Clint took his responsibility to oversee his neighboring ranch Blackwood Hollow seriously.
So when the widow Miranda Blackwood arrives with her reality show cast and crew Clint is forced to interact with a strange species who have no knowledge of ranching or work for that matter. Clint is convinced this group of actors and staff won’t be anything short of a nuisance.
And then Clint meets Fee. Sassy, stubborn and smart Fee is probably one of the first women who has been able to hold her own with this taciturn cowboy. And as they say – let the games begin.
Clint is practically anti-social and definitely anti-female with good reason. So he is not looking for any kind of contact with Fee. Fee has lived her life starting with childhood as a nomad. Her family moved at times twice in a year. This life style prevented Fee from developing long term friendships and certainly with no place to call home.
Royal is so not Fee’s idea of a place for a city girl like herself and yet there is undeniably something that touches her deeply. Not just this rugged tough cowboy who can’t see past his disability but the town itself. Home is where your heart is – could Royal fill that void for Fee.
Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance is a series of books each penned by a different author. RICH RUGGED RANCHER is Joss Wood’s contribution to the series. RICH RUGGED RANCHER is filled with Joss Wood’s signature sexy, sassy characters but it is her snappy dialogue that keeps you turning the pages. Keep your eyes open for the next. There will be one published each month in 2020.

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Hot! This is a very engaging story. It pulls you in and you can't put the book down. Just when all seemed to be doom and gloom there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Clint and Fee. She is an uptown girl with her own reality television show. He is ex military special forces with a bad attitude after loosing a leg in an attack. Can they make it work? Read to find out. You won't be disappointed.

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