The Rancher

The Rancher by Julia Justiss, book one in her McAllister Brothers series, was an enjoyable, sweet, heartwarming tale of ranch and small town life. Duncan McAllister has worked hard to make the family ranch profitable, so he can buy back the portion of land hard times forced them to sell a decade ago. When the owner of that land unexpectedly dies leaving the land to his city-based daughter, Duncan believes the opportunity to regain his land has finally arrived. CPA Harrison Scott escaped to her daddy’s Hill Country ranch after her business partner boyfriend ran off with an intern and all of their clients. Her father’s sudden death leaves her floundering, trying to figure out what to do; rebuild her professional career or keep the ranch, her father loved, going. Despite his offer to buy her, Duncan agrees to help Harrison learn the ropes of ranching. Though it started out as just being neighborly, Duncan and Harrison find themselves attracted to one another as they work together. This magnetic attraction grows, the more time they spend together, setting off sparks and fireworks. Duncan finds himself falling her, wanting her more than the land; now to convince her of this. After recently being betrayed, it is going to take a touch of magic and a grand gesture for Harrison to believe him. Ms. Justiss wrote a sweet, heartwarming tale of ranch and small town life filled with strong magnetism, sizzling chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Harrison and Duncan a chance at forever love. I highly recommend The Rancher to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

An engrossing novel, this story kept my interest from the opening chapter. One could only feel for Duncan McAllister as he sees the land that had belonged to his family for so many years, being taken over by someone else, albeit a good steward of the ranch. When his neighbour suddenly dies and his number-crunching daughter takes over the property, Duncan feels sure that she won't be sticking around. Unfortunately, he manages to anger her when he makes his approach, not realising that she is dealing with far more than her father's death. Harrison has been betrayed by the man she thought would be her partner for life, and Duncan's offer knocks her off-kilter. However, when she is caught in a tricky situation, it is Duncan who comes to the rescue. Dealing with the prickly rancher's daughter makes for interesting times, but Harrison comes to realise that under the cowboy hat there is a good man who willingly looks out for his neighbour, that is until a snake in the grass stirs up trouble. This well-written Western romance has a good plot, keeping one entertained throughout and the novel closes on a happy and romantic note. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a fun story. Duncan was trying to balance his love of his land, the desire to repurchase what had been sold, and his feelings for Harrison. Her past had her running for a place she always felt comfortable and found a desire to work the land and love it. Misunderstanding almost kept these two apart. With the strength to believe what they knew of each other to be true, they found their way to a happy ending. I loved the sweetness of Harrison, felt her pain of rejection, and admired her determination. Duncan was so protective of Harrison, and he had such a big heart even when he thought he would lose his dream. I recommend this story and look forward to the next in the series. I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.