He’s looking for a marriage of convenience…

With a very inconvenient woman.

To gain control of his grandfather’s ranch, Garrett Hardwell needs a fake fiancée. 

But the deal he offers wedding planner Willa Statler is fraught with complications. Between Garrett’s playboy reputation and Willa’s history as a runaway bride, the rumor mill is working overtime. 

Not to mention Garrett’s best friend—Willa’s overprotective brother—doesn’t exactly know the truth. 

But the greatest threat is their unresolved feelings over a red-hot night they shared years ago. Will their fake engagement be sabotaged by very real desire?

Titles in the Heirs of Hardwell Ranch series include — A Rancher’s Reward —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  A Rancher’s Reward
Series:  Heirs of Hardwell Ranch #1
Author:  J. Margot Critch
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance
Published:  August 23, 2022
Publisher:  Harlequin Desire
My Rating:  4.5 stars

A Rancher’s Reward begins the Heirs of Hardwell Ranch series with the need for a fake fiancée and oh, so many possibilities for Garrett and Willa.  One proud man who sees all the work and love he’s given to the family ranch go up in smoke if he doesn’t marry in order to take over from his grandfather.  One stubborn woman who made the right choice for herself years ago, but now thanks to an ex’s vindictiveness she’s forever mired in rumor and innuendo from her actions… no one sees who is the real villain in Willa’s former relationship.  Both have so much to gain by convincing Garrett’s family and the entire town that they’ve found true love.  Yet, as emotions change they each have so much to lose beyond Garrett’s bid to win control of the ranch.

I easily got caught up in A Rancher’s Reward, it’s an emotional story on several levels but it’s also a second chance for two people who connected briefly in the past to take the risk that what they’re feeling right now could last a lifetime.  Stubborn doesn’t even begin to describe Garrett and he is perhaps blind to what is right in front of him as well.  But my heart really went out to Willa.  She’s faced so much over the years, on her own, and now true happiness is within reach – but she has to trust, to take a risk, and that’s not easy for her.  I have to say that Garrett’s action at the end of their story moved this cowboy into my top ten of heroes… but you need to experience the entire story to know why that was so perfect for this couple.

A Rancher’s Reward is fast-paced, well-written, and pulls the reader into the world with ease.  I laughed, got angry, and misty-eyed at times, and loved watching this couple put aside their barriers and let love win.  I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series, I’m already hooked.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

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