If you like bad-boy heroes, western settings, and a sexy, sassy heroine you will love Jennifer Ryan’s newest Wild Rose Ranch book! Perfect for fans of Diana Palmer, Linda Lael Miller, and Jodi Thomas. One minute down-on-his-luck rancher Austin Hubbard slept soundly, the next, a sassy spitfire dumped a pitcher of water on his head and woke him up—in more ways than one. Hired to help him rebuild … than one. Hired to help him rebuild his ranch, Sonya Tucker ends up helping him put the tattered pieces of his life back together. The capable, all-business accountant is on a mission to get the ranch up and running, but can he convince the temptingly beautiful woman to take a chance on him?
Sonya was dismayed that Austin had lost it all: money, family, respectability. Things she—who’d been raised by her mother at Nevada’s notorious brothel Wild Rose Ranch—only dreamed about. But working with the long, lean cowboy shows her that Austin is honorable to his core. Together they slowly grow to see what the love between them might bring.
But then Austin’s powder keg of a family feud explodes, exposing long-buried secrets, and threatening their new-found love…
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Oh readers, you’re going to love this “down on his luck” cowboy & the “go-get-’em” accountant who doesn’t think they add up… until sparks fly. When Austin’s family feud makes Sonya a target for a villain bent on keeping secrets, Austin knows she’s the love of his life and he’s not about to let anyone hurt her. Good stuff! Check it out.
Wild Rose Ranch girls are back
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
There was some good that came from Wild Rose Ranch and two of them were in Montana. One for a short time, or so the assumption went. The other taken on new enterprises. Making friends and enemies. A Life. This time we get Sonya. Her life was not the simple road that you may have thought it was. It was not just straight forward choices of one. It was a multitude of life circumstance and an less than stellar beginning that lead Sonya to the place she was at in life. She grew strong, fierce and independent. She had one line that she would let no one cross. The love she chose to share and whom to share it with. Sonya was in town for one thing. Protect her sister’s investment. The investment that looks to be in jeopardy if the man she walks up on is any indication of the situation.
Austin was too stubborn to let go of the one thing in the world that truly belonged to him. The twist and turns of the trouble that was coming his way was not expected. You knew from the determination in the other man pursuits that it was so much more to the story of wanting that piece of land and the lengths that he would go through to get it. Teaming up with his best friends girl friend came with added benefits. Aside from the much needed cash infusion, came the clean up and repair of his home, a feisty and beautiful woman, and answers to questions that he had and some that he did not even know he needed to ask. .
Jennifer Ryan had done it again she gave a series that draws you further in with each new addition. She gave you a new couple to root for when you were wanting answers just as much as they were. She threw in the twist just at the right moment. She even added a bit of the crazy for good measure. This was a pleasing read with more coming.
I love Colleen she does a great job with both male and female characters. She bring the to life and give emphasis well to each situations.
I love a good cowboy story.
Restless Rancher is the story of Roxy’s sister, Sonya, and Noah’s best friend, Austin. Austin is down on his luck. He has inherited his grandfathers house and land but has been disinherited by his father. With no money to his name how will he repair the house and purchase animals to make his ranch work? Roxy steps in and offers a partnership using the money from Wild Rose Ranch.
To protect her interest in the ranch Roxy has hired her sister Sonya to act as book keeper. Sonya grew up on the ranch just like Roxy fighting the same prejudices her whole life. Her existence is one derived from violence and abuse. Working with Austin they uncover a family secrets that his father has been keeping for years.
Can Sonya and Austin reveal the truth and save the ranch?
This story was a quick read. Most of the characters were introduced in the first book “Dirty Little Secret” so there was not a lot of need to go in-depth in character development. The chemistry between Sonya and Austin is immediate and intense. I look forward to the next installment.
After being betrayed by his father and his ex Austin Hubbard is at his lowest point. He is drowning his pain in alcohol and hosting himself a pity party for one. With his father dying to get his hands on Austin’s ranch, the one little piece of his grandfather he has left, he knows he needs to something quick or he will lose that too.
Just when he has started to lose all hope a friend steps in to help save his ranch, and she sends her feisty sister to ensure all the house repairs and money side of the business get done right.The moment Sonya Tucker breezes into his life, she turns it upside down. She’s like a breath of fresh air, giving him hope and something to look forward to for the first time in a long time…
Restless Rancher is a story of second chances, survival, and finding the courage to love again. This heartwarming and well penned tale kept me entranced from the first page until the last. It’s eccentric cast of characters drew me into their world and made me feel right at home. The story they told was heartfelt, humorous, suspenseful, dramatic and steamy…. a perfect concoction for a blissful literary escape! If you love small town stories heavy on emotion, suspense, and steam then you are bound to fall head over heels for this one. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Jennifer Ryan’s the Restless Rancher begins with Austin Hubbard down on his luck with a run-down ranch left to him by his grandfather. What he can’t understand why his father wanted the ranch. Refusing to hand over the ranch, his father disinherits him, leaving him without money, family, and respect. Down on his luck, he meets Sonya Turner, a sassy spitfire he finds hot and sexy. As they work together, a smokin’ hot attraction brews between them. Together they face twists and turns of events leading Austin to discover startling truths behind the family feud. I received a complimentary ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Those that have read the first book in this series, Dirty Little Secret, already know all about the Wild Rose Ranch. The author didn’t have to delve as deeply into that part of the story this time around. Yet, if you haven’t read the first book, I feel she gave you enough information to enjoy this story without missing a beat.
Sonya is so no-nonsense, get things done, stay on schedule that even I felt I should be doing more than sitting and reading. She is a force to be reckoned with. And she’s exactly what Austin needs. Although Austin has realized he has to pull himself together and stop wallowing in self-pity, he’s not all the way there yet. Especially after a particularly heinous plot his dad tries to pull on him at the beginning of this story. I can’t blame the guy for floundering, his life has basically imploded over the last year.
There are instant sparks with Sonya and Austin, but both of them are smart enough to think they should explore their chemistry when they have so much to do. Austin is also respectful enough to realize Sonya’s help is a gift and he cannot take advantage of that. But sometimes chemistry trumps will-power. Truly, the relationship between these two is definite insta-love. I’m good with that, they both deserve the support and joy that comes from finding someone you can really count on to have your back.
I enjoyed seeing a different view of the Wild Rose Ranch. In the first book we saw Roxy grapple with an uncaring mother. Sonya’s mom is extremely kind and caring and loves Sonya more than anything. Her story will break your heart. The family that Sonya, Roxy, and their “sisters” who are yet to get their HEAs have made may be unconventional, but their bonds are stronger for the way they’ve come together.
Wow, talk about a bad parent. Poor Austin, he’s such a good guy and has a great capacity for forgiveness but after finding out what his dad is capable of doing, he has to find the strength to do what has to be done. That is where the heroine, Sonya, plays a vital role. It’s also where Austin’s ex has a significant role to play as well.
The theme of good parenting versus bad parenting is highlighted in this novel. It’s messy, at times unconventional, but the difference between the two (good vs bad) is clear and well delivered.
Ms. Ryan created her hero with enough depth, caring and humor, and with a strong moral compass, I found Austin easy to like. Sonya was presented as smart, giving, loyal and who also had a strong sense of family that she made a wonderful partner for the hero. I enjoyed how the author played one off the other, showcasing their strengths and weaknesses in such a way that I was vested in their success.
Secondary characters, like Roxy, Noah, Kelly and June highlighted the theme of family, love and new beginnings. They all were part of an effective supporting cast that enriched the relationship and growing love between Austin and Sonya.
The funny thing about reading this story was my outbursts at key plot moments. My hubby was watching t.v. while I was reading near him. I shouted at the book a few times, “Oh no!” and he thought something bad was happening for real. What?!! What!!?!! -“Oh, you’re reading your book. *heaves a big sigh*. I thought something was really wrong”. I replied, “Well yes, there IS something really wrong, for the hero”. He just rolled his eyes at me. Of course it happened a few more times and each time, my hubby reacted to my reaction and then was disgusted because it was only about a ‘story’. Don’t others realize that to a reader vested in the characters, the crisis points, the suspense and ‘oh my gosh!’ moments ARE real? They wouldn’t be if the author wasn’t good at their craft. Ms. Ryan is very good.
The plot was a solid one, and even though I knew what would eventually happen, the how of it is what made this novel a good read – entertaining, engrossing and worth the time. It had a wonderful happy ever after times two, and a just ending for the man who could be awarded the ‘worst father of the year’ 1st place ribbon. It’s sad actually because there were other options, and any and all olive branches were brushed aside. Having Austin finally and completely happy at the end was so satisfying.
I recommend this book because Restless Rancher is a really good read and Austin and Sonya are worth spending an afternoon with.
This is book 2 in the series that I read and loved it.
I am happy that all sisters are turning out to be strong and smart.
I only read Jennifer Ryan four books,
And loved every one.
This is the first time in reading this author which I really looked forward to getting into this one. Nothing like a good romance with drama to sink you teeth into and have it take you away for awhile. Austin and Sonya will be the one to take you through their story that starts out with a bit of spit to rev the engines. As we see this one growing we also see what begins to simmer and cook. The secrets though that come rolling in shake things up. Feuding will leave casualties but you have to follow this one to see whom they will be.
Restless Rancher gives the story of Austin, who is having a terrible time lately. Sonya isn’t about to let him wallow in self pity though!
Most of the story of Restless Rancher is focused on Austin’s troubles. This creates some drama and mystery that keeps the story moving along briskly. Sonya is one of the most interesting heroines! She was raised on Wild Rose Ranch brothel by her mother. This has made her very strong and self assured. She is a hard working and doesn’t take any BS. Sonya and Austin butt heads at first for sure-Austin has had all the things in life Sonya always wanted and she is not going to put up with his moodiness. It doesn’t take long for Austin to realize how amazing Sonya is though.
Overall, Restless Rancher is a beautiful love story with a touch of mystery and lots of banter. I didn’t read book 1, but I am certainly interested in the other women from Wild Rose Ranch!
This is a wonderful story of heartache, romance, love, and understanding. Your heart will break for Austin as he goes through most likely one of the roughest times in his life. If you’ve read the first book you know a little of Sonya’s background so you’d think the story would be more about what she’s going through. No, it’s mostly Austin’s pain.
It’s one of the things I liked about Restless Rancher. Let Austin deal with the crap and Sonya be there to be the strong one. Love it!
Now I’m not saying that Sonya didn’t have her own issues because she did. I’m just saying she handled them better than Austin who really got the short end.
Poor Austin gets hit from all sides. His life is falling apart, heck, he’s falling apart but thanks to Roxy he has a chance to do something with his sad life. She gives him the means to bring back his grandfather’s ranch and make something of it and himself. At first, he’s slow on the uptake but once he meets Sonya his outlook starts to change.
I like how much they help each other out. They stand for each other even when they barely know one another. Yes, they have a few bumps in the road mostly caused by Austin’s father but they learn to talk about them and understand them.
These two are wonderful to read about and I totally enjoyed their story. I like how it all trued out in the end and how it got there. There are a few surprises along the way that I enjoyed too. I think you will too! Even though you can read this as a standalone do yourself a favor and read Dirty Little Secret first. It’s where both Austin’s and Sonya’s stories start. It’s also a darn good book on its own.
Restless Rancher by Jennifer Ryan is a spectacular western romance. Ms. Ryan has given readers a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. Kudos to Ms. Ryan on the characters in this book, they made this story awesome. Austin has been let down by his father and fiance. Sonya arrives on the scene to give him a hand getting his grandfather’s house livable again, sent to him by his new partner, Roxy. Sonya and Austin’s story is packed with drama, humor, smokin’ hot sex, suspense, action and plenty of unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Jennifer Ryan in the future. Restless Rancher is book 2 of the Wild Rose Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I won a print copy of this book from Goodreads. All thoughts and opinions are my own.