Sam Duncan expects to win the ranch challenge that would put a cool fifty grand in his pocket.

Not lacking confidence, Sam works his parcel of land in the competition and is certain his win will be a slam dunk. What he doesn’t expect is that Whitney—the only woman ranch hand at Duncan Ranch—will give him a run for his money. He’s not happy about it and his disdain for her overflows.

Every time he turns around, she’s there. Doing her part and taking the competition seriously.

Whitney Wright works harder than any of the men ranch hands to secure her own future and she’s going to give everything she has to win the ranch challenge.

The chance for her to build up more of a nest egg for her future is a burning need for Whitney. She only has herself to depend on and she simply can’t let herself down. These opportunities come around only once in a lifetime for ugly duckling girls like her.

When she overhears a rude comment Sam makes, she’s hurt. She knows he doesn’t like her but to hear him say such mean things is more than she can bear.

When his curiosity gets the better of him, he tries to find out more about her. Will he learn the secrets Whitney has kept hidden from everyone? Will she finally be able to be the woman she never thought was possible?

Titles in The Brothers of Duncan Ranch series include — A Party Planner for the Cowboy —♥— A Second Chance for the Cowboy —♥— A Rare Beauty for the Cowboy —♥— An Open Heart for the Cowboy —♥—

This is a romance that includes no swearing, no violence, and no sexual content (beyond a few light kisses).

Booksprout ARC

Title:  A Rare Beauty for the Cowboy
Series:  The Brothers of Duncan Ranch #3
Author:  April Murdock
Genre:  Modern Western Romance
Published:  July 26, 2022
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5 stars

A Rare Beauty for the Cowboy is my favorite (so far) in The Brothers of Duncan Ranch series.  I think there are a few reasons for that – the story kept me engaged and for the first quarter of the book, angry, very angry at Sam.  Another reason is this one is fast-paced, the situation moves along at a faster clip than in the earlier stories.  But the actual reason this one is turning into my favorite is Whitney.  She is a firecracker hiding in plain sight.  Her determination against the odds that were not in her favor was what lifted this story for me.  She’s faced a lot in her youth, overcoming situations that built the backbone, the stubbornness, and the wariness that she displays so strongly in A Rare Beauty for the Cowboy.

I was angry with Sam for his attitude and his actions, but more importantly, I was disappointed in him which, for me, carries a far more emotional response than anger.  Even as he was saying hurtful things, and doing the wrong thing for the wrong reason… he knew what he was doing was wrong, and even had internal conversations about it, but time and time again he still reverted back to the “mean boy” mentality.  Eventually, Sam would win me over, somewhat, I could never really root for his happy ever after but for Whitney’s instead.  I know, they’re combined but he really ticked me off and I had a difficult time forgiving him… it happens.

It’s that type of reaction to a story that elevates it for me.  I was completely emotionally engaged in Whitney and Sam’s romance.  I cared that she was constantly battling a man who should have been championing her all along instead of belittling her so he could look good.  Every reader is different, yet I need that engagement with the characters that make them real to me for the length of the story.  And Whitney did that for me.

I do have to admit that I’m looking forward to another brother’s story being told in An Open Heart for the Cowboy this particular brother intrigues me and I need to know what happens.  In all, A Rare Beauty for the Cowboy is an emotionally intense story, one that shows growth for both characters, and brings some familiar faces from this series into the mix as well.  I definitely enjoyed myself back in this world.

*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. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

Available for the Kindle as this series is currently in KU