Wren Maxfield helps to run her family’s winery in Gold Valley, Oregon. When she must join forces with a neighboring vineyard to sponsor events, she is more than leery of working with Creed Cooper. She has a love hate relationship with Creed and she would would rather do anything else than be in his presence.

Creed Coopers family vineyard is doing well, but to expand their business they must team up with the Maxfields. As much as Creed wants their vineyard to succeed, he is not looking forward to being around Wren.

Wren and Creed love to spar and argue with each other, but the more they are at odds, the more sparks start flying. When a lustful night ends up with a baby on the way, how will they handle this new twist in their relationship?

I really enjoyed this story by Maisy Yates. It had a spunky, sassy female lead character which I love and gave us the small town, close knit family element which I adore. This is the second book in the Gold Valley Vineyards series, and even though there are characters from the first story are mentioned, Ms. Yates does a brilliant job of filling the reader in on the back story. I am excited for the next book to see what is in store for Gold Valley. Thank you so much to the author Maisy Yates, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

From page one you could tell that this was going to be hate to love, with very intense hate going on. I did enjoy the characters and their interactions, but there were definitely times when I felt there was just a little too much of the discourse. I also enjoyed the family interactions and side characters.

The writing was fast paced and easy to read, the book itself can easily be read in a single sitting as it does suck you right in with the way it starts. I do think that the extreme nature of the characters dislike for each other could be polarizing for some people, but if you like hate to love you'll probably really enjoy this one.

I enjoyed this book. I love enemies to lovers kinda books so this book was right up my alley. Clearly the two had a thing from the beginning it was easy to see it was only a matter of time before they got together and it seemed that night ended up with unexpected consequences and it was interesting seeing how they handled thing. There was things going on in Creeds past that made him make some pushy choices and I really wasn't into it. Then there are things in Wrens family life that makes some of the choices she's made somewhat understandable. If you like the alpha pushy take charge guys, or enemies to lovers kinda book you'll enjoy this book.

Yate’s Claiming the Rancher’s Heir is book two in the Golden Valley Vineyards, and it’s an enjoyable read. It’s what I was needing. We get the cowboy and Christmas, but wait, let’s not forget that it’s also enemies to lovers! My only complaint is I wish it were longer. Now I’m going to have to go grab the first in the series and catch up before the next one comes out!
In Creed Cooper’s words, Wren Maxfield is prissy and stuck up, 'too soft, too cosseted, snobby, uppity, repressed,' but oh, does he hold a torch for her. Reason? She’s the only woman that doesn’t fall for his charm.
Wren doesn’t much care for the likes of Creed. Her exact words are 'arrogant, annoying, infuriating, ridiculous,' and she could go on all-day with words to describe Creed Cooper. Wren’s problem is her thoughts and dreams do not speak the same.
If you’re looking for an addictive, quick, and sexy read, I would suggest this Holiday romance because you can’t go wrong with a story this good.

Wren Maxfield and Creed Cooper each work at their family’s winery, rivals in business. They push each other’s buttons, jabs and sparring just about every time they meet. However, whenever Wren and Creed are in a room together sparks fly! They can say it’s all about irritation and how much they dislike each other, but deep down if they’re being honest there’s a wild, magnetic attraction that’s becoming more and more irresistible. Especially, now that they’re working together on a joint project to attract tourism to the wineries in Gold Valley.

This is very much an enemies-to-lovers romance, and I find them so much fun! The push and pull (as long as it doesn’t get too mean) really amps up the sexual tension! Creed and Wren were smoking hot together, and I loved how the dislike faded into the background once they acknowledged their mutual attraction. The pregnancy-forces-us-together troupe is also a favorite of mine and I loved how determined Creed was to be there for his child no matter what.

These two have to sort through some past personal hurts, mostly Creed, to get to the point where they realize the deep feelings they have for each other. They were desperate for each other even before they found out about the pregnancy.

Claiming the Rancher’s Heir was a thoroughly captivating, quick read. I immediately liked Creed and Wren and was invested in their HEA! Can’t wait for Cricket and Jackson’s story next!

Wren had always looked up to her father and tried to show him that she was worthy when it came to their family’s winery business however his public disgrace has her reflecting both on her life and his. She has come up with a plan to help market the winery but that means working with Creed who may be her nemesis but there is no denying the chemistry between them.

Creed manages his family winery as well so even though he finds Wren infuriating his attraction to her is the one thing he can’t control. When their steamy encounters result in a pregnancy Creed is determined to not repeat the mistakes of the past of that means marrying Wren and being an active father in their child’s life.

The chemistry between Creed and Wren was never the problem but if they are to have a future together Creed must heal from his past and open his heart to the love and future they could have together.

The second in a series but can be read as a standalone book. Although a quick and short read, the book packs a powerful story. Wren and Creed always seem to be at odds with each other, although they each feel an underlying attraction for the other. They just don't know how to deal with the feelings.

Wren's sister comes up with a marketing idea that focuses on wineries in the region coming together for a holiday gala to showcase their offerings. This means Creed and Wren will need to collaborate. Emotions explode with unintended consequences and they need to accept and gave their feelings. It's a story of family trust, and commitment that's worth a read!

Looking forward to Cricket's story in book 3.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

First of all I want to start by thanking Harlequin for providing me with an E-ARC and making me a part of this blog tour !


Disclaimer: I am in no way affected by this my opinions are my own.

Now the good stuff, a Christmas romance ! I am a huge lover of cheesy romance when I am in the mood, I don't want drama (or not much of it) I want feels and a HEA (happily ever after). It contains a couple of tropes that are worth mentioning because this is a fun thing to know, a pregnancy after a one night-stand, a bad at communicating and an enemies to lovers romance. (Now the latter one is my favorite trope, or at least one of them ! and the bad at communication one of my most hated things in books, I hate when things could've been resolved if they had just talked or been honest …)

This is a love story between Wren and Creed, they are both winery owners and despised each other upon meeting one another. They decide however, to put their differences aside when it benefits them in their wineries to work together. There is A LOT of UST (unresolved sexual tension) between them, they can't help but be attracted to each other and between their banter and barbed comments ultimately end up sleeping together. This resulted into an unexpected pregnancy, Creed wanting to stay in the unborn baby's life proposes a marriage of convenience with no-strings attached. As you can imagine their UST which, by the way, did not in anyway get resolved by their sex-capade. As they get to know each other more and more, they begin to fall for each other. They both suffer however from what I will qualify as, lack of healthy communication between people who are (and even if that was not the case) having a baby. Especially Creed, I don't know why author's do this, what is supposed to be attractive in lack of communication which results in misunderstandings... At least everything was resolved and nicely wrapped up by the end of the book.

The sex scene in this book are STEAMY, really like a LOT. I also loved that they had a palpable, evident chemistry, which is not always the case in these type of romances. The author did a really good job at making the romance not be annoying or lacking. It was an extremely entertaining and fast read which is exactly what I wanted this to be. A perfect addition to my Christmas reads of 2020.

I really recommend it, if you are looking for a enemies to lover, Christmas read with an HEA this is for you !
4/5 stars
Bookarina

If you’re looking for some heat on a cold autumn night, this is the perfect book for you. Wren and Creed are an inferno when they’re in the same room. I’ve never been one to understand couples who constantly fight, so I wasn’t sure how this one would play out for me. No worries, their love/hate dynamic was handled beautifully. Just when it seemed it would get tired, their interactions changed subtly. Bit by bit…

This story is marketed as a holiday romance but that’s not how I viewed the book. Sure, it was set in the late fall leading up to Christmas, it just didn’t really focus on the whole holiday thing enough for me to consider it a true holiday romance. I love holiday stories, but I was okay with this story not delving into that too much. It held up fine without having to rely on the Christmas angle. The only issue I had with the timing is there were times throughout the story that the timeline didn’t seem to add up correctly. I’m a stickler for those things, though.

So far, this series has stories that move quickly and carry a ton of heat. I’m loving it! There’s no pussy-footing around. Once Creed and Wren realize their situation, they don’t hold any punches. Well, they hold back their true feelings, but they move ahead at warp speed. I appreciate how they both try to cater to and understand the other while hoping the other doesn’t notice they’re actually being kind. Gasp! Imagine these two actually getting along. Once they realize there is more than sexual chemistry between them, they actually start opening up about their pasts…but still not their true feelings.

The relationship between Wren and her sisters is also intriguing. You just know that when Cricket finds her match there are going to be fireworks. Not to mention whatever the heck is happening with Wren’s mom and Creed’s dad. I am so on board for that story.

Basically, what I’m saying is that this story is a fun, quick, and sexy read. It will get you out of your head and take you on a delightful ride for a while.

So, I am a regular reader of Maisey's. I've enjoyed almost all of her books to this point and the plot line on this one didn't disapoint. However, the pacing was so off. Just when you really get into the characters and the story, it's 70% in and we've fast forwarded months. It was...bizarre and really took me out of the story. The book could have been another 100 pages long and we would have gotten so much more growth from the characters. The ending was so incredibly stunted and the epilogue left a lot to be desired. I was really disappointed in this one.

This was a fun enemies to lovers centered around 2 wineries coming together to help both of their businesses.
They didn't expect their chemistry, or the surprise their chemistry brought them. (I think you can figure out that trope from that sentence.)
It takes place around Christmas time, but despite the cover, I would not call this a Christmas romance.
If you are ok with the trope that shall not be named, then I think you will enjoy this one, as it was done well.

3.5 Stars

Claiming the Rancher's Heir was an enjoyable read featuring an enemies to lovers romance between rival winery owners.

Wren Maxfield and Creed Cooper have hated each other from their first meeting. To benefit both of their wineries, they're willing to set aside their differences and work together. But as they spend time together, the desire hidden under their animosity comes to the surface leading to a night of passion that leads to pregnancy. Creed is determined not to miss a second of his child's life and proposes a marriage in name only. But it turns out remaining detached may be the one thing they can't do.

Wren and Reed's relationship started out with the two hating each other unable to be in each other's presence without trading barbed comments. Ultimately it becomes clear that both of them are responding with hostility in order to hide their attraction to one another. The chemistry between the pair is palpable and the sexy scenes are steamy and very well done. I really enjoy marriage of convenience romances, so I really liked that aspect of their romance. However the trope of pregnant after one night together is one of my least favorites, so I knew going into the book that I wouldn't love that aspect. But I ended up really enjoying Wren and Reed's interactions outside of the pregnancy, so I was mostly able to overlook my dislike of the trope. I will say that initially the pair do have some trouble communicating, more so on Creed's part, but thankfully by book end that was resolved.

Overall despite including a trope I do not like, I still really enjoyed Claiming the Rancher's Heir and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Rancher's Wager, when it releases next year.

I will absolutely read anything from Maisey, no synopsis needed.

I really liked Wren and Creed. They’re both stubborn and sassy and the know how to push each other’s buttons. Oh, and the chemistry is more than apparent. I’m definitely intrigued about Emerson’s story and Cricket seems like a prickly delight.

Plot wise, it was a lot of drama. I would have preferred a bit more talking on the page and less inner monologue, but perhaps that’s just a personal preference. Oh, and I’m super amused that Wren is mentioned several times to have dark hair and there’s a blonde on the cover.

Overall, it was a quick and entertaining read. I could have easily read a full sized story about these two.

**Huge thanks to HQN for providing the arc free of charge**

First, I will admit to being a Maisey Yates fan, and also a fan of both the enemies-to-lovers trope and cowboy romances, so Claiming the Rancher's Heir, the second book in Ms. Yates' Gold Valley Vineyards series, sounded right in my wheelhouse, and it comes as no surprise to me that I absolutely loved it, that I wished it was a longer novel, and it nevertheless gets 5 stars from this reader.

Gorgeous cowboy, Creed Cooper, helps run the family business, Cowboy Wines. They have been competing with the more posh Maxfield Vineyards for years, and Creed's adversary is pretty Wren Maxfield, someone he sees as prissy and stuck up, but someone he's very much attracted to, just as Wren is attracted to the handsome cowboy. As representatives for their two family vineyards, they are planning a joint wine tasting event, and after sniping at each other, these two end up having a very brief, very hot, up against the wall sex session in the wine cellar that neither of them ever expected. They were so hot for each other, they forgot one thing--protection, and Wren, who never thought sex with her former partners was all that interesting, now knows what she's been missing, but she considers it a one-and-done, until she discovers that she's pregnant and Creed insists on marrying her immediately. Wren is no pushover, and the constant sparring with Creed over how to deal with the birth of a child they both want and their long history of disliking one another leads to a lot of soul searching, and Ms. Yates does an admirable job at giving her readers real insight into the psyches of both main characters.

What these two characters don't know about each other is a pretty much everything, and when Wren, who is perfectly willing to give Creed unfettered access to their child without the benefit of marriage, finally finds out why Creed is strongly insisting on marriage immediately (and no, I'm telling you why), she finally begins to understand him and his motivations, and, in the process, discovers the reasons for her own reluctance to marry a man who obviously dislikes her as much as she dislikes him.

Expect a great deal of soul-searching in this novel, something that I've come to expect from Ms. Yates' addictive novels, and yes, there's an HEA ending in your future, but it's the getting there that hooked me from the very start and kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances as much as I do, I think you'll enjoy this one every bit as much as I did.

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

I love books written by Maisey Yates, so I was excited by her newest book, Claiming the Rancher’s Heir. The book was a fast read and I was so glad to be offered it to read. It is the second book in the Gold Valley Vineyards. The second book in a series meant I missed a book, which I will take care of this next week!

Creed Cooper is the head of Cowboy Wines. He is the oldest son and slowly the running of the vineyard has fallen into his lap. He is proud of his brand and works hard. Wren Maxfield runs one of the other vineyards nearby. She has suggested a joint publicity activity for both their vineyards Little does Wren know that Creed has the hots for her and she has the hots for him!

The story is one of learning to trust and love. A journey that both main characters need to make independently and as a couple. I enjoyed their battles and how they were able to move forward. A stubborn cowboy is a thing to behold. I love how glitter and homespun found a way to coexist. Claiming the Rancher’s Heir by Maisey Yates was a good read.

A true opposites romance

After their hate-fueled escapades result in an unexpected pregnancy, Creed practically drags Wren by the hair, kicking and screaming, to the altar to ensure he has complete access to their child. Once she understands what the thorn is in this lion's paw, however, she is completely sympathetic and maybe even a little cooperative.

I loved the way Wren stood up for herself, negotiating for her interests even when Creed was ready to steamroll over her every objection. It takes a strong woman to patiently get through to a hardened man like Creed, and Wren was perfect for the job.

Creed sure can come off as an arrogant jerk, but we can immediately see it's because he's been so very hurt in the past, and that hurt is still affecting his decisions and confidence all these years later. He's afraid to want what he wants because he simply couldn't survive the disappointment again.

Their love is tried and tested and ultimately triumphant. The HEA and epilogue were joyously perfect. For a shorter novella, this book packs a whole story in an afternoon's read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Claiming the Rancher’s Heir by Maisey Yates is the second novel in her Gold Valley Vineyards series. For the heroine and hero—Wren and Creed it is hate-at-first sight. However, when they have to collaborate on an event—they cannot deny the intense chemistry between them. However—to build a healthy and authentic relationship, Wren and Creed must navigate personal issues from the past. In this novel, Maisey Yates gives readers another heartwarming story with lots of emotion.

My thoughts
Rating:4
Would i recommend it ? Yes
Would i read more of this series ?yes
Would i read more of this author? Yes
First off i want to say thank you to the publisher
Harlequin Desire- HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada)for inviting me to read and review it as well as the invite to the blog tour and a big thanks to NetGalley as well, because with out them i wouldn't be finding new series to start or to continue with. Now on to my thoughts of Claiming the Rancher's Heir ,is a brilliantly written romance with strong character’s ( that you will lose your heart to, powerful plot line that you can get lost in , as well as beautiful descriptions that come to life and make you feel like instead of reading a book your watching a movie or at least i thought so

Note - this is the draft I sent Booklist (I'm reviewing it for them and it can't be copied elsewhere until publication of course), and it will likely be edited.

FYI I wanted to say that as an adoptive parent, I was so happy to see the point of view of the birth father. This is a wonderful book, and it is fun to see this author's career grow.
Draft sent to Booklist:
A fun holiday romance hits the right trope notes in this sexy enemies to lovers story. Wren argues often with Creed whenever they are together, but when their competing wineries partner for some large events, she can’t stop thinking about him. She also begins to wonder what choices she would have made with her life if her domineering father had not chosen her career. Creed is struggling emotionally from a teen pregnancy, when he sees his child in town but is not able to be a part of his life. When Wren becomes pregnant after a steamy encounter with Creed, he insists on marriage. Wren learns about his past and is determined to make things work for the man she has fallen in love with as well as their child. The anguish of birth fathers is not often featured in fiction, and rarely with this thoughtful skill. Character arcs shine for both Wren and Creed. Fans may want to read The Rancher’s Wild Secret, the first in the series, also to learn more about Wren’s family. -Amy Alessio

I have wanted to try Yates for a while, and I admit I am a sucker for pretty covers, cowboys and holiday themes. This one wasn't really holiday themed except in a quick mention, but was worth a read. This is a second book in the Gold Valley Vineyards series although I did not read the first book, there was enough to fill me in on the Maxfield family secret and Wren's older sister's love story that appeared in book one.

This book was about Wren Maxfield and Creed Cooper. The Coopers and Maxfields are competitor vinters. They have different styles for wines, business and their vineyards. Wren has some self doubt about her life after the secret exposed in book one about her father (it is briefly explained in this book). On the outside she appears as a sassy, fashionable, capable business woman and Creed is her opposite. A cowboy, who kind of involved with his family wine business and farming, hugely alpha and loather of all things Wren and Maxfield family related. Same goes for Wren. She immensely dislikes Cooper. This story is your typical enemies to lover story, but more than I expected. They start to work together planing join wine events for their customers and loathing turns to lust. Steamy yes, but not uncomfortable to read.

Wren becomes pregnant and the two must navigate their relationship, Copper's past with another love and becoming parents. It is a journey that is well worth it in the end. If you are looking for a shorter romance read give this a try, is it a must read, no. But i an interested in reading the next book. Thank you to Harlequin for providing me with a copy for my review via NetGalley.