Rancher Under the Mistletoe: A Flirty Holiday Western Romance

Kingsland Ranch #4

by Joanne Rock

A Christmas homecoming takes a blazing turn when the woman he left behind comes back into his life! Only in USA TODAY bestselling author  Joanne Rock ’s finale to her Kingsland Ranch series!

He left the past behind…but the passion was never truly gone.

Clayton “Clay” Reynolds is only staying at Kingsland Ranch through the holidays. Despite his half brothers' acceptance, bitter memories make him feel like an outcast. But seeing the love he left behind, veterinarian Hope Alvarez, has stirred up more memories—like the searing desire she ignited in him…and the letter telling him they were through.  

The aching hunger Clay and Hope both feel is as potent as ever. But neither is willing to trust the other until Clay discovers his past choices were not what they seemed…

From Harlequin  Passionate and provocative stories featuring rich, powerful heroes and scandalous family sagas.

You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance , part of the Kingsland Ranch 

 Book 1: Rodeo Rebel
Book 2: The Rancher's Plus-One
Book 3: Alaskan Blackout
Book 4: Rancher Under the Mistletoe

Genres: Westerns

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

Reviews

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book to the "Kingsland Ranch" series with what an outstanding conclusion in Clay and Hope's story. Hope was the local veterinary for the Silent Springs area, but Clay had met her just before she graduated veterinary school three previously when he had the blow-up with Duke and left town. He left her behind too. She was by no place a stranger to picking up the pieces of being left alone as during her undergraduate studies on Christmas Eve her mom and then boyfriend were coming to pick her up at college when they were killed in an auto accident so Clay leaving town without a word added to her abilities to rebound. She had learned to be a strong, independent woman managing to finish school on her own. The one saving grace about her time with Clay was that no one knew about it so she had never had to explain anything to her friends. His brother, Quinton had found Clay in Alaska convincing him to come home to settle things with his brothers after Duke's death. She worked a lot at the ranch, and she only hoped she would be able to avoid seeing him, but that was not possible. Neither one was looking forward to seeing the other one, but they ran into each other the moment Clay drove onto the Kingsland Ranch. They soon discovered the chemistry between them was overwhelming no matter how hard they tried to fight it. Clay did not plan on staying in town past five weeks. His brothers insisted on stacking the deck against him by asking him to help Hope with her gala to raise funds for a new veterinary clinic, and he worked as the ranch manager while he was there. They wanted to fully entrench him into the lifestyle while he was there again. Actually, it was a life that he was rather good at always coming up with solutions on the fly. He was a multi talented man able to do many things.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rancher Under the Mistletoe is the fourth book in the Kingsland Ranch series by Joanne Rock. It is a totally wonderful holiday romance in a western setting.

Although this is book four of a series and concludes the series, this one will still work as a standalone book. I've only read books three and four, and I only picked up book three because I remember enjoying books by Joanne Rock years ago. In fact, we met Clayton in book three, when Quinton went to wild Alaska to find his brother - he found both his mother and love.

This book brings the last of the Kingsley brothers to the family ranch, where the legitimates sons decided that there half brothers deserved equal shares in the family estate. Clayton finally gives in to the request of his three half brothers and ends up back in the Montana ranch where he grew up. The problem is though, he also meets the woman he's heart he broke a few years earlier.

There is plenty of chemistry between Hope and Clayton. They are both exceedingly strong characters, so while they have more than enough independence, they do work well together. It was a misunderstanding that tore them apart years earlier, but now they need to build trust before they can fully realise their feelings and commit to each other.

This was a fun romance, although there is plenty of emotional drama as Hope and Clay sort themselves out. It was satisfying to see the four brothers back together again and it was just really nice to see them all get the love and happiness they deserve.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in The Kingsland Ranch series and it is Clay and Hope’s story and also the final book in this series. Clay and Hope have history as they were in love only for it all to fall. Hope is a veterinarian and has moved forward with her life after heartbreak but now Clay has returned for the holidays turning her life upside down because she wasn’t ready to see him again after so many years. Clay has eventually given in to his brother’s and has arrived to spend the holidays with them before returning home so imagine his surprise when he sees Hope again after everything that happened. Can a bit of Christmas Magic bring Clay and Hope back together so that they can communicate, trust and get a second chance of happiness and a future together or s it too late for them to reconcile. The chemistry and attraction between Clay and Hope is still as strong as ever even though they have been apart for so but as they are perfect for each other you find yourself hoping that they can eventually work through everything and be together and happy again. Wow what a way to end this absolutely brilliant series and I can’t wait to what this author writes next.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to romantic fiction, Joanne Rock never fails to bring her A game and with her latest, Rancher Under the Mistletoe, she has penned another swoon-worthy tale I couldn't bear to put down.

Kingsland Ranch is the very last place Clay Reynolds wants to be in. He is only staying for the holidays and despite his half-brothers' best efforts, he still feels like an outsider. Seeing Hope Alvarez, the love he had left behind, brings to the surface feelings he has never quite forgotten. However, it is not just their sizzling attraction Clay remembers, but the letter she had written to him telling him they were through!

Succumbing to temptation quickly proves inevitable. But can Clay and Hope give their romance another try when their past continues to come between them?

Rancher Under the Mistletoe is a sizzling, emotional and intense contemporary romance from Joanne Rock's talented pen where the pages simply turn themselves. A gem from a hugely talented storyteller, Rancher Under the Mistletoe by Joanne Rock is an absolute must for category romance fans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Clay Reynolds comes back to Kingsland Ranch after he was tracked down by his brothers, the last person he expected to see was Hope Alverez. The girl who didn’t want him or did she. Hope is shocked to see Clay and when circumstances keep throwing them together, the spark that was always there won’t go away and despite Clay’s vow to leave after the holidays, Hope will give her heart away a second time.

I love Clay and Hope. They tried so hard to fight their passion for one another, even though they both knew they had no future together. The magic of Christmas and family and friends help see that they should be together. This book will put you finding that special someone to kiss under the mistletoe for sure and bring you lots of wonderful holiday feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Kingsland Ranch series. You can read it as a standalone but it is connected to the other books. The final Kingsley brother has come home but he doesn't plan to stay. Clay has spent years ignoring his family, his father Duke Kingsley cut him out of the will like he never existed. Hope is a veterinarian. She thought the relationship she had with Clay years ago was going to be it for her but he up and left the state without a word ignoring her attempts to contact him. Clays in town again and attraction is as strong as ever but Hopes afraid she'll get hurt again since Clay has no plans to stick around. Their story is a steamy second chance romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this emotional story of Clayton’s difficult relationship with his father, Duke Kingsley, who treated him badly and left him out of his will. His half brothers want to share the inheritance with him as they all had difficulties with their father. Clay has come home but intends to walk away from the inheritance and go back to Alaska after his 5 weeks on the ranch. That is until he comes face to face with Hope Alvarez, the woman he had an affair with 3 years ago who broke up with him by a letter. A wonderful storyline of past hurts, miscommunication, true meaning of family, chemistry and trust issues but also deep feelings that are rekindled.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

A fitting reunion as the final black sheep returns home to Kingsland Ranch! Joanne Rock brings the last brother home in this fast paced journey of healing and acceptance. I wanted a little more from the brother reunion, but the reconnection between Clay and Hope was spot on. I really enjoyed this series as a whole and loved the way Rock wove drama into romance and family love to make for a scintillating series with heartwarming characters and attention grabbing passion.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a family burdened with rift that has to be overcome as each brother finds their forever love and heals their heart.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rancher Under the Mistletoe by Joanne Rock is the last of the Kingsland Ranch series. This one is about the brother who didn’t want to come home, Clayton Reynolds. When he agreed to return home, he didn’t expect to run into the one woman he can’t forget, Hope Alvarez. He’s the wildlife expert that got away but when wolves show up on her ranch, he’s the one person that can safely relocate them. They end up spending time getting to know each other and resolving old issues. Another great story from Joanne Rock.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a second chance and this pair had so very much baggage needing to be unpacked, both as individuals and from their time as a couple. I loved seeing Clay and Hope get the chance to do just that. It killed me to discover that so much of their heartache was the result of a misunderstanding, so it was really good to watch them work through those issues. I also loved that this brought all the Kingsley sons together, finally; giving them the opportunity to become the family they always dreamed of.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay ran away from his relationship with Hope and ghosted her so I can understand why she would be reluctant to invite him back into her heart again. Clay’s father sounds like a winner with all his manipulations. I wouldn’t want to be around that either. Both Hope and Clay love animals and their jobs are interesting. She has a little too much stubborn pride and he tends to jump to conclusions too quickly. Misunderstandings and lack of open communication could ruin their second chance but I was rooting for them to succeed.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope and Clay once had a good relationship but misconceptions and misunderstandings broke them apart. Now the last brother is home and all the past problems need to be ironed out, including the ones with Hope. Can they finally work through things and get back together? Will he stay on at the ranch or leave again? Great characters and lots of obstacles to conquer. The storyline kept you on the edge up to the very end. Loved their chemistry and backstories. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll ache and swoon over Clayton and Hope’s second chance romance!
Clayton may be a lone wolf due to his father’s treatment where he was never good enough, but he does know how to run Kingsland Ranch and deal with the prey on a ranch. Hope has high goals for her vet clinic thanks to the upcoming gala, but working with Clayton to make it happen opens a can of worms that can’t be forgotten. Will the two work through their past to find their happily ever after? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series and brings a second chance holiday romance between Clayton and Hope. The author takes you into their lives when he returns home to mend fences with his brothers and Hope. She brings drama and romance along with the love of family. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific heartwarming story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay Reynolds, the final Kingsland brother finally returns to Montana in this final Desire title by Joanne Rock. I was torn between racing through to see what happened and how everything wrapped up and savoring every single second of this last Desire by one of my favorite authors. I settled for a balance and Rock did not disappoint. The perfect end to this series and the best end for a beloved series.
4.5 stars

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get to learn more about Clayton. He has come home for six weeks to speak d time with his brothers.

The first person he sees is Hope. The girl that broke his heart.

They are both angry.

The brothers have Clay working the ranch. He also helps Hope with some vet work.

Will they be able to get over their psst and their lives to be a couple? With some brotherly love it may just happen.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Joanne Rock; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fourth book in the Kingsland Ranch Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Hope & Clay.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Alaska for your job you love but, when hidden secrets have kept you away from your home ranch and add in a nasty dead father well things can be misunderstood and may take years to correct and the roads are never straight on the way to an HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with plenty of drama and a few twists that help tell the story. Great characters to follow along on this journey. Romance is sometimes hiding around the corner and is quite unexpected. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

He went off the grid

When he ghosted her. Hope is a talented vet who runs into her ex, Clay when he’s back in town for five weeks.

Clay believes Hope ended things via a dear John letter and is bitter about it.
These two have one little letter to sort out that imploded their affair three years ago.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rancher Under The Mistletoe is a second chance western romance between Hope and Clay. The couple had been in a relationship years early until Clay walked away from their love. This well written book has great characters, misunderstandings, mistrust, and steamy passion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

RANCHER UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Joanne Rock is the fourth in her Kingsland Ranch series, about the Kingsland siblings.

Veterinarian Hope Alvarez and rancher Clayton Reynolds enjoyed a passionate relationship several years ago before a sudden and devastating breakup. Neither is ready to see the other when Hope is now planning a fundraiser on his family’s property, family he has barely been able to bring himself to acknowledge he’s truly a part of.

Joanne Rock brings Clay and Hope to life in sweeping Desire fashion, and they find their way past their old hurts and concerns, with the help of family and friends who help push them in the right direction. A lovely holiday read.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A very good second chance romance for Clay and Hope. It took three years to clear up misconceptions and a little help from his brother for them to finally get together.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance story that boldly speaks it's truth. Rancher Under the Mistletoe strikes out at the heart. Rock blurs the lines of heartache and hope with enchanting results. Clay and Hope are reminder that love is not always a fairytale, but happily ever after is worth fighting for.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really the perfect way to close out this series. Clay and Hope's second chance at love gave me plenty of feels and tugged mightily on my heartstrings. Drama, emotion, heat and heart are a powerful combo that hits hard.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great way to end this series and bring closure to all of the brothers. I loved the chemistry between Clayton and Hope as well as their relationships with the others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope and Clayton were in a relationship years earlier but things didn't work out. He's back at his family's ranch where she is planning a fundraiser and she is not happy to see him again. There is still chemistry between them but can they work their way past what happened before they broke up?

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth story in the "Kingsland Ranch" series and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone one. It is about Hope and Clayton. It brings the final brother home to the ranch. Hope and Clay have a history but can they get a second chance? I enjoyed how the story develops and unfolds.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series and each book gets better, I enjoyed the story and the characters Clay and Hope are great together. a wonderful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Gibbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Clay and Hopes story as well as book four in the series. An amazing second chance romance with amazing chemistry. A must read, especially the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.