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Hixon: A Clyden’s Ranch Wiseguys novella
The Clyden’s ranch. Where horses are bred, whiskey is homemade, and a piece of Italian inheritance is thrown into the mix in the form of great food and wiseguys.
Hixon - My father’s sudden death cause unanswered questions, putting not only our family owned ranch at stake but also our lives along with it. Where my sons and I once sworn to protect our country now takes a twisted turn. The balance between law and outlaw is compromised when a dark secret from my father’s past is revealed. This irrevocably causes a change in my future.
Clover - My parents tried to get me out of the mafia world I was born into. Unknowingly I’m thrown right back in which can only mean one thing; there’s no denying nor escaping the blood that connects you to your inheritance. Yet, choices in life will always be my own when it comes to trust and opening my heart.
All that's left is to embrace who we are and what we want in life before death leaves us no chance at all.
Hixon - My father’s sudden death cause unanswered questions, putting not only our family owned ranch at stake but also our lives along with it. Where my sons and I once sworn to protect our country now takes a twisted turn. The balance between law and outlaw is compromised when a dark secret from my father’s past is revealed. This irrevocably causes a change in my future.
Clover - My parents tried to get me out of the mafia world I was born into. Unknowingly I’m thrown right back in which can only mean one thing; there’s no denying nor escaping the blood that connects you to your inheritance. Yet, choices in life will always be my own when it comes to trust and opening my heart.
All that's left is to embrace who we are and what we want in life before death leaves us no chance at all.
- GenresRomance
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
16 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Esther E. Schmidt
199 books1,492 followersEsther E. Schmidt is an USA Today bestselling author who loves to write MC (biker) series, Mafia Romance series, PNR series, contemporary romance series, and more. She's a graphic designer that also loves to write. She released her first series "Areion Fury MC" in October 2015. Esther lives in The Netherlands with her family, three daughters, and a crazy iguana. She loves to write about bad boy Alphas with a heart for only one woman. To make it a bit interesting, that woman needs to be a badass herself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 30, 2023
Absolutely loved it!! Loved Hixon and his boys!! Such likable characters. Clover is a go getter and works hard for what she wants. Her parents have tried to keep her out of the mafia life and sometimes things are just meant to happen no matter what we want.
Hixon and Clover together are even better than they are apart. There isn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. I could’ve read on and on forever!
Hixon and Clover together are even better than they are apart. There isn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. I could’ve read on and on forever!
July 16, 2023
Cute quick read
Stories about a grumpy old man and beautiful younger woman are always good for some great dialogue and hot sexy times. Hixon and Clover are no different.
He’s still mourning the death of his father, the bitterness of his divorce, and taking in cases for the government. He doesn’t have time for a sassy younger woman who’s looking for a job and can cook like a pro. He knows she’s trouble, but he doesn’t care, he can only avoid the siren call for so long. Clover doesn’t know why Hixon is so mean to her, but if his sultry looks and salt and pepper hair are indication, she is willing to overlook his brusque nature to find out if all that sexiness is what he claims it to be. All they have to do is find out who’s sabotaging the ranch, will her parents and brother’s life interfere with hers, and can she get a pet?
This was a cute story..I wished there could have been some more dialogue and info regarding Hixon and his upbringing, Shepherd and Romer’s mother, etc..there was so much more detail that could have taken the story to the next level.
All in all, I enjoyed the story and rolled right into book 2.
Stories about a grumpy old man and beautiful younger woman are always good for some great dialogue and hot sexy times. Hixon and Clover are no different.
He’s still mourning the death of his father, the bitterness of his divorce, and taking in cases for the government. He doesn’t have time for a sassy younger woman who’s looking for a job and can cook like a pro. He knows she’s trouble, but he doesn’t care, he can only avoid the siren call for so long. Clover doesn’t know why Hixon is so mean to her, but if his sultry looks and salt and pepper hair are indication, she is willing to overlook his brusque nature to find out if all that sexiness is what he claims it to be. All they have to do is find out who’s sabotaging the ranch, will her parents and brother’s life interfere with hers, and can she get a pet?
This was a cute story..I wished there could have been some more dialogue and info regarding Hixon and his upbringing, Shepherd and Romer’s mother, etc..there was so much more detail that could have taken the story to the next level.
All in all, I enjoyed the story and rolled right into book 2.
May 31, 2023
Good read but......
This author is a favorite of mine and I love her writing style. Having said that, this particular book could have used a prologue to prepare her readers for this new series. There were a couple of times that incidents were introduced out of left field that made me wonder if I had missed part of the story.
I didn’t love Hixon but I did like Clover and his sons and that was enough to keep me reading until the end. Despite my confusion over parts of this book, it won’t keep me from reading Shepard’s story.
This author is a favorite of mine and I love her writing style. Having said that, this particular book could have used a prologue to prepare her readers for this new series. There were a couple of times that incidents were introduced out of left field that made me wonder if I had missed part of the story.
I didn’t love Hixon but I did like Clover and his sons and that was enough to keep me reading until the end. Despite my confusion over parts of this book, it won’t keep me from reading Shepard’s story.
June 10, 2023
Hixon & Clover
Hixon is grumpy, strong and raised his boys right. Clover comes tumbling into their lives and Mr. Grumpy is non to happy about it, but his boys couldn't be happier. Clover is a strong women who gives as good as she gets. I never expected the major plot twist and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Hixon is grumpy, strong and raised his boys right. Clover comes tumbling into their lives and Mr. Grumpy is non to happy about it, but his boys couldn't be happier. Clover is a strong women who gives as good as she gets. I never expected the major plot twist and I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 11, 2023
Possible series??
I really hope we get Shepard and Romer's stories. There's one thing that I absolutely hated in this book that was what happened to the two dogs I don't think it was necessary to give in detail how they died, IMO. Other then that one thing I hope this goes into a series.
I really hope we get Shepard and Romer's stories. There's one thing that I absolutely hated in this book that was what happened to the two dogs I don't think it was necessary to give in detail how they died, IMO. Other then that one thing I hope this goes into a series.
June 18, 2023
Loved It!
Hixon and Clover are both strong, smart, a little bit damaged, and together they strike sparks off one-another.
This novella has a great balance of heart, romance, heat, action and mystery. I’m definitely adding this one to my favorites folder to reread in the future! 💯
Hixon and Clover are both strong, smart, a little bit damaged, and together they strike sparks off one-another.
This novella has a great balance of heart, romance, heat, action and mystery. I’m definitely adding this one to my favorites folder to reread in the future! 💯
May 30, 2023
Hot, hot, hot
Another smash hit by this awesome author. This cowboy, mafia, lawman story begins a new journey through this authors talented mind. The story had me hooked from the beginning. So good, can't wait for the next book!
Another smash hit by this awesome author. This cowboy, mafia, lawman story begins a new journey through this authors talented mind. The story had me hooked from the beginning. So good, can't wait for the next book!
May 31, 2023
Love it
The grumpy rancher gets his woman.
This pair are great together. I love his grump and her sass.
Some great secrets come to light along the way.
Hoping for the sons' stories soon.
The grumpy rancher gets his woman.
This pair are great together. I love his grump and her sass.
Some great secrets come to light along the way.
Hoping for the sons' stories soon.
June 1, 2023
another great start
I just love that Esther’s books keep me reading till I get to the end. There’s love, angst, sexy time, and a whole in between but in a ‘get to the point’ kinda way.
I just love that Esther’s books keep me reading till I get to the end. There’s love, angst, sexy time, and a whole in between but in a ‘get to the point’ kinda way.
June 12, 2023
Great story!
Such a great story. Hixon and Clover were a fun couple. I loved how strong and independent, Clover was. Her relationship with Hixon's sons was a delightful added bonus. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
Such a great story. Hixon and Clover were a fun couple. I loved how strong and independent, Clover was. Her relationship with Hixon's sons was a delightful added bonus. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
August 22, 2023
Hixon & Clover
I really enjoyed this story! There was a bit I didn't really like toward the middle, but overall Hixon & Clover's story made me smile! And I'm intrigued by where the overall story & family will be headed in the next books!!
😍😍😍
I really enjoyed this story! There was a bit I didn't really like toward the middle, but overall Hixon & Clover's story made me smile! And I'm intrigued by where the overall story & family will be headed in the next books!!
😍😍😍
June 1, 2023
Excellent
Great book. Good characters and plot along with some good twists and turns plus action and suspense. A very enjoyable book. Looking forward to more from this family.
Great book. Good characters and plot along with some good twists and turns plus action and suspense. A very enjoyable book. Looking forward to more from this family.
June 3, 2023
Hixson: A Clyden's Ranch Wiseguy novella
Cowboy, grumpy Dad, ranch, horses, mafia - this book has it all - intertwined into a captivating story... Consider this book a "MUST READ"
Cowboy, grumpy Dad, ranch, horses, mafia - this book has it all - intertwined into a captivating story... Consider this book a "MUST READ"
June 7, 2023
Great start to new series!
Cowboys, horses, whiskey making, wiseguys, mafia and family secrets make for page burning read! I can't wait for the next book!!!
Cowboys, horses, whiskey making, wiseguys, mafia and family secrets make for page burning read! I can't wait for the next book!!!
June 8, 2023
What an amazing start to a new series! I love Hixon and his boys, throw in the sassy Clover, and some mafia, it's perfect! I can't wait for more in this new series!
January 28, 2024
Great
I hope to see what happens with the whole family and watch them grow. Hope the family ends up with more books.
I hope to see what happens with the whole family and watch them grow. Hope the family ends up with more books.
June 12, 2023
I LOVE a good grumpy/sunshine set of characters. But when you throw in an age gap, some different twists and steam? Woooo weeeee you get a heck of a good story!
Hixon - I loved his solid dedication to his family. It wasn't just that he was a jerkface for no reason. He had stuff in his past that shaped him into the grump master he became. When you get past that exterior, you see the deep love he has for his boys. He's capable of more than just the hardened man so many see. Not to mention he's freaking hot! I mean, have you seen the cover? I loved his ability to be the strongest one in the room in the midst of pure chaos.
Clover - I love how she has this quiet strength about her. She doesn't need to bust in and be the boldest person in the room. Instead, she walks in, takes it all in, and gets down to business. Whether that's putting a grumpy rancher in his place, finding solace in the animals, or throwing herself into creating a space for herself regardless of her own person upheavals. She's had a rough go and being at the ranch gives her that chance to start over.
I wasn't expecting the interesting twist that happens! I loved it and the fact it sets up the next 2 books so easily. Such a fantastic read!
Hixon - I loved his solid dedication to his family. It wasn't just that he was a jerkface for no reason. He had stuff in his past that shaped him into the grump master he became. When you get past that exterior, you see the deep love he has for his boys. He's capable of more than just the hardened man so many see. Not to mention he's freaking hot! I mean, have you seen the cover? I loved his ability to be the strongest one in the room in the midst of pure chaos.
Clover - I love how she has this quiet strength about her. She doesn't need to bust in and be the boldest person in the room. Instead, she walks in, takes it all in, and gets down to business. Whether that's putting a grumpy rancher in his place, finding solace in the animals, or throwing herself into creating a space for herself regardless of her own person upheavals. She's had a rough go and being at the ranch gives her that chance to start over.
I wasn't expecting the interesting twist that happens! I loved it and the fact it sets up the next 2 books so easily. Such a fantastic read!
June 1, 2023
This is the first book in a new series by Esther. Hixon and his sons work on his family’s ranch. With the recent death of his father Hixon is now in charge of things. There are lots of question about things going on at the ranch and his father’s death. Clover is starting over after a bad break up. She winds up at Hixon’s ranch for a job. Things don’t go smoothly at first. Hixon doesn’t trust easily especially women. His ex hurt him bad. There is something about Clover and it just frustrates Hixon even more. They come to an agreement about things. Maybe that will be enough. But then things get even more interesting. Hixon is approached by someone he hates with a clue about what might be going on with the ranch and his father’s death. Clover agrees to help draw the man out. What Hixon didn’t expect is his reaction to seeing the man interacting with Clover. She is meant to be his, he knows this now. Now he just needs to protect her and hope that he hasn’t drawn into the spot light. But there is more to Clover than Hixon knows. This was a great start to this new series. I can’t wait to read more books about these characters and see where things go. Congrats on another fantastic job Esther. As always, I wish these characters were real, so I could be friends with them. Esther is a must read author for me.
June 5, 2023
Hixon is an amazing read that I absolutely love. Hixon and Clover have such great chemistry and the storyline is amazing. This book is action paced and I hope to see more of the awesome characters.
May 24, 2023
OMG, did this book ever take a turn this reader wasn’t expecting. Hixon is the start of a new series by Ms. Schmidt and if this story is anything to go by, this series is going to be a must have. It’s a fast-paced storyline that will keep you on your toes and wonderful characters that you can’t help but root for. Hixon and his sons, all former servicemen, now live on the family ranch/distillery. But when mysterious things start happening around the place, Hixon knows they need help. In walks Clover. A happy woman who speaks her own mind and doesn’t take Hixon’s gruff. She is a vet who has lived/worked on her parent’s ranch until they recently moved back to Italy (little do the guys know she is a mafia princess). After a bad breakup with her boyfriend, she now needs a job and a place to live. Hixon and Clover butt heads and their banter kept me in stitches at times but their chemistry is unmistakable.
Grab up this novella and get in on the ground floor. Just remember to hang onto your hat because you’re going to be in for a ride full of twists, turns, thrills and laughs and this reader can’t wait for book 2 in the Clyden’s Rance Wiseguys series.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
Grab up this novella and get in on the ground floor. Just remember to hang onto your hat because you’re going to be in for a ride full of twists, turns, thrills and laughs and this reader can’t wait for book 2 in the Clyden’s Rance Wiseguys series.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
May 29, 2023
Hixon and Clover were strong, both have been through stuff in their lives but they were opposites and from the moment they met, they met they were drawn to each other in a way yet, Hixon is rough around the edges, he didn't know at the moment that he actually needed someone like Clover in his life, she brought out a better side to him. Their path wasn't easy but they were so made for each other, their chemistry was off the charts, it's sizzling, they were great together. I enjoyed this story, it's great. I'm looking forward to reading more. Esther E. Schmidt did a wonderful job on the story, it was written well. I'd suggest reading it.
Thank you, Esther E Schmidt. Wonderful work :)
Thank you, Esther E Schmidt. Wonderful work :)
May 30, 2023
Esther has done it again!!! This amazing new series had me hooked from the beginning to the end! Hixon with his sons runs a ranch as well as consultants for the government. Clover is in need of a job and was sent to Clyden’s ranch. Hixon try’s to send her away after his son offers her the job but she stands her ground. Between their witty banter, steamy chemistry and the twist & turns you won’t be able to put this book down. Can’t wait for Shepherd’s book next.
May 30, 2023
Crap what a book. It was great. The characters are so likable and later easy to understand their feelings.
Hixon is set in his old ways and doesn’t want to change or make room for anyone to be in his life. He had a bad marriage and has two boys who followed in his footsteps to the military.
Clover has had a crap few days and just needs a place to regroup and level out. She is told about a job on Hixon’s ranch. The fireworks start as soon as they meet, but it also covers up the sexual tension between them. They argue and come to the realization that they are actually liking each other.
There is trouble on the horizon and Hixon and his sons and they take out the trash, and in the end now become the Head of the Mob in their area.
Clover and Hixon finally admit that they love each other and have a future full of life, love and happiness.
Hixon is set in his old ways and doesn’t want to change or make room for anyone to be in his life. He had a bad marriage and has two boys who followed in his footsteps to the military.
Clover has had a crap few days and just needs a place to regroup and level out. She is told about a job on Hixon’s ranch. The fireworks start as soon as they meet, but it also covers up the sexual tension between them. They argue and come to the realization that they are actually liking each other.
There is trouble on the horizon and Hixon and his sons and they take out the trash, and in the end now become the Head of the Mob in their area.
Clover and Hixon finally admit that they love each other and have a future full of life, love and happiness.
May 24, 2023
I woke up to the surprise of having this book on my kindle and what an amazing start to this new series! I loved the whole premises of this book, it had suspense with twist and turns as well as a hot and steamy relationship between the two main characters. I was not expecting the way this book turned out it was that good! Hixon is a horse rancher living with his sons until Clover shows up needing a job. The sparks started flying off the pages between Hixon and Clover. Both have past issues with relationships but we’re able to see that they were made for each other. Hixon was grumpy at times but I loved his protectiveness over Clover once he allowed himself to get over his past. Clover is sassy and fierce especially when she knows what she wants. The one liners and banter in this book was great I could stop laughing at certain points. The relationship between Clover and Hixon’s sons was great. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
May 31, 2023
Hixon swore to never love again, so when Clover shows up on the ranch, his sons help him run he is in for quite the ride. I love how this little mafia princess takes to the ranch and how, in turn, these cowboys get the craziest ending. I can't wait for more stories from the Clyden Ranch.
May 26, 2023
Hixon and Clover held my attention from the start. The banter, the chemistry and the determination had me captivated and entertained right to the end. The tension between these two is intense right from the very first moment they meet and it radiates off the pages. Their story has you on the edge of your seat and at times holding your breath. This fast paced novella is filled with passion, drama and characters that hold your heart.
May 22, 2023
I just received this book this morning ( Monday May 24) and I sailed through it. It's one of those books that just captivates you. You can't put it down because your curiosity has got the best of you. They're tons of action and oh what the hecks!
Hixon is the head of his family ( his father just passed) ,he has two sons. When Clover shows up asking for a job, Hixson's first reaction is Oh hell no! She's spunky and funny, with a heart of gold.
I love her one liners and come back. Many times she had me grinning from ear to ear 😀. Hixon is sexy, and dang it I want a Hixon. Bossy and oh so alphaly.( So not a word, but hey roll with it). Excellent characters and such a fantastic story. Absolutely 5 or more stars...
Hixon is the head of his family ( his father just passed) ,he has two sons. When Clover shows up asking for a job, Hixson's first reaction is Oh hell no! She's spunky and funny, with a heart of gold.
I love her one liners and come back. Many times she had me grinning from ear to ear 😀. Hixon is sexy, and dang it I want a Hixon. Bossy and oh so alphaly.( So not a word, but hey roll with it). Excellent characters and such a fantastic story. Absolutely 5 or more stars...
May 26, 2023
Hixon is book 1 in the new series A Clyden’s Ranch Wiseguys written by the talented author Esther E. Schmidt. Sexy cowboys & Mafia princess, Wow sparks fly and the chemistry between Hixon and Clover is off the charts.The story line has drama, action, surprises, twists, hot cowboys, steam, secrets, the Mob, romance and big decisions. Can't wait for book 2 in The Clyden’s Ranch Wiseguys series, Shepherd's story!!!
June 12, 2023
This is the beginning of yet another superb series! Hixon is a man with many talents and has his hands in many pots. He is also a grumpy man not interested at all in a woman. He has lost his father to strange circumstance and now Clover shows up wanting a job. They have a grand adventure and realize they can't live without each other. Now I'm ready for his 2 sons stories!
May 23, 2023
Love this series
Hixon and clovers intense emotional heartstopping broken insta love story
All the feels
Ready for more
Need Sheperd
Hixon and clovers intense emotional heartstopping broken insta love story
All the feels
Ready for more
Need Sheperd
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews