The Reluctant Rancher

First things first, I loved this book. I didn't think I was going to, but I did. I know, I know. You're wondering why I would bother reading a book I didn't think I would enjoy. That came down to one thing and one thing only, the cover. I grew up on a farm with horses and cows and cats. This cover reminded me of home. Plus, I have a soft spot for books that take place on a farm or a small town. 

Now, let's start at the beginning. Right in the first chapter of this book, you see Logan holding a kitten. Yep, that's right. The first chapter and I was already in love with the guy. Stop judging me - there's nothing sexier than a big strong man holding a kitten. Well, maybe a big strong man vacuuming or washing dishes... but a man and kitten, top five for sure. Ok, moving on. 

At first I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Blossom and Logan. It was understandable they were both still struggling to get over their last relationships. As the booked moved on they talked, spent time together, started to build trust. But, things were so up and down and back and forth for both of them. I had no idea if they were in love or tolerating each other until they could escape. The more I thought about it though, the more sense it made.

Putting myself in their shoes, I wouldn't have been enthusiastic about having feelings for anyone either. 
I loved seeing Blossom and Logan when it was just the two of them. This was a slow-burn, but it was all very sweet and wholesome. The couple connects on an emotional level which is important. Aside from a couple stolen kisses, there's no physical intimacy in the book. 

I don't usually like reading books with children involved. Not that I have a problem with children or anything they're just so far removed from my life it's hard to relate. With that said I wanted to read about a farm romance more than I didn't want to read about children. The thing is, judging by the description, I thought Logan's son would have been a much bigger part of the book than he did. 

Leigh Riker developed several characters on the pages of this book. I fell in love with both Logan and Blossom but I think I also developed feelings for Olivia, Sam, and even Nicky. They were all wonderfully written characters I couldn't help but care about. 

This was a well written and engaging book. It was long. I wouldn't get into this one expecting to finish it in an evening. I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a clean wholesome love story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Blossom is on the run, and gets a job as a caretaker at a ranch in Kansas. A fairly good book, and I liked the characters, but a lot of different things are left hanging. For example, the issue with Logan's brother is never described well, and the same with Logan's ex-brother in law and Shadow, Blossom's boss. Still though, I enjoyed the story and liked Blossom and Logan together, but more details, and more development of the climax of her ex's showdown would have made a much stronger book. Would still recommend if you want a quick and fast paced romance.

The Reluctant Rancher, by Leigh Riker is an entertaining contemporary western romance and a part of the Harlequin Heartwarming collection.

Logan Hunter has reluctantly returned to the family ranch, after his grandfather was injured. Logan is determined to leave Circle H as soon as possible and return to his job as a pilot. The ranch has too many memories, including the dissolution of his marriage and losing custody of his son. To help with his grandfather, Logan hires Blossom Kennedy, who is on the run from an abusive fiance. Blossom isn't planning to stay long, yet she needs somewhere to hide, especially with her unborn baby.

Logan is stubborn, yet protective of Blossom and his family, and he's reluctant with ranching and still dealing with past memories. While Blossom is hesitant and struggling to stand on her own, she's determined to be independent and care for her unborn baby. Even though both Logan and Blossom have trust issues, due to previous relationships, they slowly act on their mutual attraction. However, their personal concerns and future plans differ, which causes slight problems with their working relationship. In the story, there's an adorable kitten causing mischief and Logan's son is precious and entertaining.

It's the first book in Kansas Cowboys series. Even though it's a standalone book, I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy to discover the outcomes for the interesting secondary characters.

The Reluctant Rancher is recommended and geared towards those who enjoy reading clean, heartwarming modern ranch romances.


Note: I received this book from Harlequin and NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Reluctant Rancher was like time travel for me.  When I was growing up, I can remember searching my grandmother's bookshelves for something to read. Her had a few classics, but mostly they were filled with Essie Summers, Emile Loring, Betty Neels, and all those Harlequin writers who wrote about the plucky, woman-in-distress who needed an honorable hero in the form of a rancher/doctor/businessman to rescue her from her circumstances.  I loved those books; that's probably why I'm still a sucker for those types of books even now.

This is a sweet read; it's clean, the characters are people who you'd probably like in real life, with good pacing throughout most of the story. Besides, it's about a cowboy and who can resist that?

I think the theme here is trust - it takes time for trust to develop, and it's hard to develop trust when you've been so emotionally and physically wounded by love in the past. Seeing Logan and Blossom develop in their relationship was perfect for me to read about on a rainy day, curled up with a fleece throw over me. It's the kind of book that leaves a person with a smile. Recommended for all, even your grandmother.

Review posted on my blog: www.ReadingObsession.com

3.5 stars

This book is “sweet and clean” there is no on-page sex and no harsh cursing. If f-bombs and sex bother you, there is nothing to worry about here.

I enjoyed the story in this book. I liked the way that Logan and Blossom developed their relationship slowly, and I liked that there was enough drama to keep it interesting. Sam was a fantastic side character who added a lot to the story but didn't overwhelm it.

The only thing that made this a 3.5 star read is the ending. This book was a substantial read, but the ending felt rushed and far too perfect to be even remotely realistic. ***MAJOR SPOILERS TO THE END OF THE PARAGRAPH*** After all of the money and effort that Ken put into finding Blossom, into staking his ownership claim on Blossom, there is no way he would just give up on her *and his child* (another human he could possess) because a couple of ranchers – men that he would arrogantly see as beneath him in every way - threatened him? I didn't buy that for even one second. Although I enjoyed the happily ever after, I didn't buy that their lives were suddenly just going to be peaceful and happy go lucky while Ken was still out there, no doubt steaming about the fact that his flesh and blood heir was out in the world being raised by a rancher.

Again, the story was really good, right up to the end. I liked Blossom and her way of interacting with everyone in the book. Logan was the kind of flawed-but-likable character that I really enjoy reading about in a romance novel. He was gruff and grumpy, but he was also loving and sweet. And Sam was amazing - I found him totally charming from start to finish.

I requested a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under absolutely no obligation to write this review.

The Reluctant Rancher fell a little flat for me. I wanted more then there was I think it was rushed and emotions were left out. I liked it but I could not come to love it. leigh Riker is a good rider but i wish she would have given me more.

Blossom Kennedy is on the run from her abusive fiance" in Philadelphia. When she found out she was pregnant, she needed to escape the abuse she had been living with. She finds herself in Kansas working as a caregiver to the elderly cowboy, Sam, who owns the ranch. His grandson, Logan, has come back to help his grandfather since he broke his leg and suffered a concussion.

Blossom is only planning to be at the Circle H ranch for a short time before she moves on again. She is always looking over her shoulder expecting that her fiance, Ken, has discovered where she is hiding.

There is some good character development with this story with secondary characters. The pace is realistic and it is an easy and enjoyable read. The story is clean with no foul language of sex scenes. It is a sweet romance about learning to love and trust again.

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Reluctant Rancher by Leigh Riker is the story of Blossom Kennedy and Logan Hunter.
Blossom is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. When she get the job to take care of Logan's grandfather who hurt himself she quickly goes forward to help. Logan is a divorced dad with a little boy but his ex wife is making it hard for him. There is a great attraction between Blossom and Logan but can Blossom and her unborn baby be safe with Logan? Logan finds out that Blossom has more than just herself to be worried about.
A really great heartfelt story!

The Reluctant Rancher is a well romance. I enjoyed the plot and the ranch setting as well as the author ‘s writing. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good romance.

I can't really say much about this book. It kept my attention but only because I wanted to see the final scenes for the inevitable conflict between Logan and Ken. Aside from that I didn't really like it. Too drab with an overused plot.

I do not recommend this. I rated it three stars because it kept my attention.

This book moves very slowly...I just couldn't get into the plot. I also felt that there wasn't much chemistry between Blossom and Logan. This book just didn't hit it out of the ballpark for me...

First book in Kansas cowboys series in which Logan and Blossom must find a way to have faith in New love. Enjoyed these characters and setting. Will be looking for the rest of the series.
E-book from net galley and publishers with thanks.Opinions are entirely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was a nice read. I did enjoy it. I like that the book has dual POVs. It helps me to understand a character better. The relationship between Blossom and Logan seems a little slow for me and felt a little rushed at the end. It was an enjoyable story and I look forward to the other two books in the series.

Sweetly sexy, emotionally engaging, small town charming romantic journey filled with secrets, danger and slow burning passion.

Blossom Kennedy is sassy, sweet, pregnant and on the run from a horrible ex. Logan Hunter is rugged, loyal and a amazing father to one sweet little boy. When his elderly father is injured on his ranch Logan steps in to help out around the ranch and hires Blossom to take care of the household chores (only she is not so great at it, but desperately needs a place to hide). Greatly enjoyed this sweetly thrilling romantic journey in this sweet small town.