While I was away, I had a chance to review Kate Pearce's THE RELUCTANT COWBOY, available November 29 from Kensington:
After a turbulent childhood, the Morgan brothers went their separate ways, leaving the family cattle ranch and their cowboy days far behind. But now, one by one, they’re being called back home to California. Have they been summoned to save the land—or to start a new legacy?
Chase Morgan high-tailed it away from ranching life as soon as possible. But running a successful technology company can’t erase the memories, or secrets, of his youth. Coming home to help his Grandma Ruth may finally put some ghosts to rest—if he can just get a certain smart, beautiful houseguest out of his business. But getting her out of his head is proving even more difficult…
Determined to save the Morgan ranch, historian January Mitchell has pinned her hopes on the surprisingly rugged, surprisingly likable, and exasperatingly stubborn Chase. Surely his love of this breathtaking, mysterious land runs deep enough that he’ll once again embrace his inner cowboy. Or maybe, despite both of their skittish hearts, she’ll have to find a way to get him back in the saddle…any which way she can.
Ride the horse in the direction it's goin. – Old West Proverb
Chase Morgan relishes his life in San Francisco – he is financially independent in the City by the Bay. He reluctantly returns to his childhood home when his grandmother asks for help. Chase intends to spend as little time as possible in a place which holds painful memories. Yet he needs to investigate a financial transaction on behalf of the Morgan Ranch that is not quite right. He also questions the motives of January Mitchell – a historian living with his grandmother. She gladly helps with the ranch chores – chores he should have been doing all along to ensure his grandmother can keep her beloved ranch.
January believes Ruth can save her historic ranch – and her family’s legacy – by focusing on organic farming and joining the tourist circuit. Her extended stay at Morgan Ranch enables her to complete her thesis and pay off her student loans. January has finally found a place where she feels like it is home only to have her routine – and her suggestions – questioned by the prodigal grandson. Once Chase puts on a pair of cowboy boots, he feels home again. He joins January in the ranch chores and finds himself opening his heart to January, his disjointed family, and even his family’s legacy.
Pearce delivers a heartfelt story of redemption set in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. She delves into western legend that brings together two fated lovers where the heroine loves history and the hero loathes it. The mystery arising from the financial transaction opens a deeper wound among the Morgan family – one that I did not see coming. It sets the stage for the next books in the series for the other brothers to come to terms with the big reveal.
THE RELUCTANT COWBOY captured my attention – I did not want to put the book down. I appreciate how Pearce drew me into the story that teeters on the past glory of the ranch and the small town that struggles to survive. I look forward to reading the next books in the series. As a fan of her alter ego, Catherine Lloyd, who pens the Regency mystery series, Kurland St. Mary’s, I was thrilled to have discovered a new series from this talented author.
I received an ARC from Pearce for an impartial review. Given cowboys are not my go to heroes when choosing a romance to read, this author converted me to Western Romance!
Learn more about the Kate Pearce and Morgan Ranch at themorgansranch.com.
I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about what's been happening with you in the past month.
2. Due to shipping limitations, this giveaway is open to US residents only.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, October 8, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, October 10.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
