Lilliana’s ties to the Duncan family are strong. Losing her mother at a young age affected her deeply and she’s compensated for that loss by clinging to her women friends. The Duncan wives love her dearly and protect her when necessary.

Pete’s been away at school and life at the ranch has gone on without him. He’s come home to be the ranch veterinarian and he wants to contribute as much to the ranch as his older brothers do.

When Pete sees Lilliana at the family gathering, he wonders why she’s there. He wishes she hadn’t been invited. But more than that, he wishes she wasn’t so pretty. It would be easier to keep on disliking her if she wasn’t quite so perfect.

Lilliana has no idea why Pete’s so cold to her. She doesn’t even know him. He’s been away at school for years so why is being so rude now?

These two keep being thrown together and the sparks fly between them. They can’t get along, but the attraction is annoyingly present.

Will either of them ever be bold enough to figure out how to get past the animosity and embrace all the ways they’re connected?

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:  An Open Heart for the Cowboy
Series:  The Brothers of Duncan Ranch #4
Author:  April Murdock
Genre:  Modern Western Romance
Published:  September 15, 2022
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5 stars

I found myself waiting for Pete’s story as we learned bits and pieces about the youngest brother who’d gone off the ranch to veterinarian school and I wasn’t the least bit disappointed in his story. Oh, sure, I was a bit disappointed in his reaction to one overheard comment… but in the long run, that hurt him just as much as he hurt Lilliana with his attitude without explanation.  I suspect that An Open Heart for the Cowboy is bringing The Brothers of Duncan Ranch to its conclusion – it’s been a good run with realistic, fun, believable stories throughout.

I adored Lilliana.  Yes, she does have a strong-opinioned voice, but she’s also true to herself and loyal beyond measure.  Her family and friends know how to take her comments in the manner they were meant for that, after all, is Lilliana’s way.  Unfortunately, Pete did not have that foreknowledge and he judged her quite harshly for his interpretation of a comment she made about his brother, Sam to his soon wife-to-be, Whitney.  Extreme awkwardness was the result for Lilliana for she had no clue as to why Pete acted as he did around her.  And, eventually some embarrassment for Pete when he got the real story behind that overheard comment.

It was enjoyable watching this couple deal with each other and fall for each other in spite of that very rocky start.  An Open Heart for the Cowboy is a tender, funny, exasperating romance that kept me engaged throughout.  I loved catching up with all of the brothers and their wives with the feeling of bringing this series full circle… with a few additions.  I had a very good time in this world and would definitely recommend the series.  I would suggest reading in order if at all possible for the stories do build on or have some information concerning the previous ones… but you do what works best for you.

*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.*

Available for the Kindle as this series is currently in KU