The Reluctant Rancher – Leigh Riker – Book Review

In this book we meet the Reluctant Rancher, Logan Hunter, and Blossom Kennedy who is pregnant and running from a bad situation.

THE RELUCTANT RANCHER by Leigh Riker

Publication Date: January 19, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Romance
Length: 368 Pages
Purchase: Amazon 
Story Rating: 4/ 5
Romance Rating: 3/5

Howdy, I recieved a copy of this book from the author/ publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Description:

She can’t stay for long. She just needs a place to hide. Now. Pregnant and on the run, Blossom Kennedy jumps at the opportunity to work as a caregiver to an injured, elderly rancher. While she tends to the man, his handsome grandson takes over at the Circle H. Logan Hunter is tough, loyal and a wonderful father to his young son. But Blossom needs a port in a storm more than she needs love, and soon enough she’ll be moving on. Unless she’s somehow stumbled into the exact place she and her unborn child are supposed to be…by Logan’s side.

Review:

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.

The Reluctant Rancher 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.

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