The Reluctant Rancher

by Joann Baker, Patricia Mason

Luke Tanner was a hard man with a painful past. It seemed as if every single citizen of Fiddler Creek wanted something from the wealthy rancher. He’d learned early on not many cared to see past his looks and sour attitude and discover the man beneath. So when the generously curved Mary Carter hit him up for a loan to save her fledgling business, he made her a short-term proposition she couldn’t refuse. Only the more time the reluctant rancher spends with the lovely Mary, the more he starts to think about a long-term relationship. Mary Carter had fantasized about Luke Tanner since her first glimpse of the veritable mountain of a man with a perpetual scowl. She’d never been brave enough to approach him until circumstances forces her to seek his help. The Reluctant Rancher is the story of two individuals who have never experienced the soul stirring passion of true love–until they find each other. If you like Diana Palmer, Linda Howard, Leanne Banks, Angela Verndenius, you'll love Joann Baker and Patricia Mason

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Cowboy Romance, Billionaire Romance, Ebooks

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Joann and Patricia are a writing team of two best friends who love to write (and read) stories about alpha males and smart, sassy, sometimes curvy, women.

Reviews

[ina · Rating 3 out of 5]

loveeed but ik this wouldn't be for everyone. thought mmc was a bit immature and got a bit annoyed with how little confidence the fmc had but she was also sometimes relatable. loooved that it was a cowboy romance with a plus size fmc

[Never Stop Reading or Dreaming · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I've read some other books by these authors and honestly I hated them. I'm not sure why I picked this one up but I was pleasantly surprised. Although the book made me feel at times it was an old western book it was still decently done.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Click on Picture to Enter!


Sometimes you just need a good old fashioned romance, you know the kind, where the standoffish, wealthy rancher can’t help but notice the “full figured” and totally capable woman. Of course, she also notices him, but between the two of them, they are too damaged emotionally to actually take the plunge and risk finding true love. The Reluctant Rancher by that dynamic duo, Patricia Mason and Joann Baker is a true romantic’s dream! Luke and Mary strike a deal so Mary can earn some much needed money to start a business. Their interaction is often like oil and water, but they are drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Leave it to Luke’s wise old grandpa to help fan that flame, because isn’t finding true love what life is all about?
These two authors have created a fun, light romance that feels good! It’s so nice to have two “regular” characters, flawed, less than perfect alone, but together have a chance to be something amazing! For me, it wasn’t so much the grand finale at the end; it was the fun on my reading journey to that last page that makes this such a highly recommended book! Who doesn’t like a feisty heroine and a rugged hero with insecurities that need to be kissed out of them?

I received a review copy as part of The Reluctant Rancher Book Tour and Giveaway now at Tome Tender through December 31st!

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was way better then I ever expected for sure. I thought that Luke who started out being portrayed as a hard nosed, uncaring, s.o.b. is really a scared little boy who betrayed those he loved. As for Mary she was a spunky spit fire from the start. Yet, with a huge complex body image & weight issue. She too has been betrayed & bullied about this by those around her. For her putting on a happy face to his scowl seems to work for them until they start to realize just how lonely they are for a true love & a meaningful relationship. They live in Fiddler's Creek where everyone knows each other & helps each other. The town is close & when Mary helps Luke become a part of that all their lives change. Joseph, Luke's grandpa the man that raised him is a sweetheart & a joy to see how he guides all this to come about with either of them knowing. This book was a quick read something along the lines of what 180ish pages, I actually paid for this book for once so my review is harder so you know I liked it.

[Sania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: h is in her 30s and H is 38
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages: No
Was There Descriptive Sex: Yes
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM: No
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup: N/A
Contains Cheating: No
Amount of Sex In The Book: A decent amount.
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this so much! But most of it made no sense: time passed weird; she acted in the beginning that while she hadn't been in love she had dated enough guys even though she is plus sized, but suddenly she is a 32 year old virgin; why did the townsfolk stay beside the levy that was about to break?; she lost her car to the flood, but when the mmc and his grandpa are told she's been in a wreck they say that they had told her to stop driving her crappy car. How can she wreck it if it was lost in the flood?; there were no condoms or birth control mentioned even though he had said that he partook of the ladies that you pay for. There is so much more.

They both stayed in their head for much of the book. When they did interact most of it didn't make sense. He just went on and on about how people were only around him because of his money and he went on and on about his ex wife and the details of his very short marriage were sparse; we are just told that she married him for his money and told him so on their wedding night and he couldn't 'perform'. I couldn't gather if the performance didn't happen before or after she told him the truth; that she was super skinny and overall a bad person, but why marry her? Heck, why even date her if she was so bad. But we aren't told what happened after: did she get any money? How long did it take to do the divorce? Was there a prenup?

I wanted to like them both, but she became a doormat for a guy that had no redeeming qualities and just whined so, so much.

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading 'The Reluctant Rancher' by Joann Baker and Patricia Mason. I thought it was good enough to be made into a movie. I loved the characters and the storyline that takes them through their first meeting and through all of trials and hardship living on a ranch can entail. Luke and Mary are quick to recognize their attraction to each other, but Luke has been hurt by a deceitful first wife who only wanted his money and didn't care for him and Mary Has had life-long self-esteem issues due to her generous curves. She feels that Luke could have his choice of thin beautiful women and doesn't believe that he could be satisfied with someone like her. Luke was abandoned by his parents and left to be raised by his grandfather and then on his wedding night he learns that the woman he thought loved him did not care for him at all which made him unable to physically consummate the marriage. So, even though he knows he could in fact be able to perform sexually with Mary, he has a hard time believing that she could love him without his money. Mary comes to stay at the ranch temporarily to care for Luke's grandfather who is recovering from an injury which Luke will give her a loan to help her nursing clinic when she completes the job. Luke is accustomed to everyone requesting money from him so he thinks Mary will be no different. They both have self-esteem issues to work on but their love for each other strives to overcome them.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luke is portrayed as a gruff older (he's 38) man who can't stand to be around people. Turns out he's been hurt and is trying to protect himself. Mary is portrayed as a woman who thinks she's too tall/big to attract any man. Turns out she's 5'5" tall and curvy. 5'5" isn't that tall for a woman so I had issues with her self-image from the start. They run really hot and cold throughout the entire book. They both say mean things or things that are interpreted to be mean. I don't know how two adults can be so dense which made a lot of the story frustrating for me. Unfortunately, this promising story ended up being disappointing.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Reason to Change -
This was an emotionally challenging romance story, with engaging characters and a wonderful storyline, set in a small town location, that I am really glad I had the opportunity to read. The were steamy encounters and drama-filled moments, as well as some deeply moving scenes, that came together beautifully to make the story a worthwhile read. I really enjoyed reading this story and will be happy to recommend it to any avid romance reader.

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

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable easy read that I was able to read in one sitting.
Great characters; Joseph the sort of grandfather everyone would love to have.
Luke a lonely,jaded rancher that feels the only way to get people to like him is material things. And Mary a loyal sassy female that has finally found home but feels she must move away.
Looking forward to reading more of Joann's and Patricia's books.

[Penelope · Rating 2 out of 5]

weird one. two people too old to be acting this way go from 3 minute enemies to lovers real quick. they had chem but they said and thought the same things over and over again. no real resolution to the author forced separation at end and with a dummy epilogue.

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a fair bit of angst but it ran too hot and cold. Also, 5'5 is not tall.

[bill bruske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book!

This was the first book I have read of these authors and it will not be the last! I was so intrigued by the story and the love shown it was a beautiful story. Thank you!!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I have a cowboy like Luke Tanner?! Oh me Oh my! Well ok see, there is Mary, she is in need of a loan for her small business.. but she can't get a loan from the bank or the Small Business Association.. So Mary decides to go ask Luke for a loan.. thing is..She has a HUGE CRUSH ON Mr. Luke Tanner.. Luke.. is a grumpy rancher who thinks people only want him for his money.. he's been scorned by a woman before, and he only uses women when he wants a little somethin' somethin' ...Mary is not too confident in the other sex because she's a little on the heavy side and thinks they only want teeny tiny wafer like women.. (What do I think ? Baby say it loud and say it proud! "I am a sexy woman who's got curves and can use 'em better than
any stick female out there") shoot I love my curves ;) but Mary appreciates Luke and Luke's body ..don't believe me ? read! "WITH GENUINE FEMININE APPRECIATION SHE REALIZED THAT LUKE TANNER WOULD STAND AT LEAST SIX-FOOT FOUR IN HIS STOCKING FEET. HIS SHOULDERS WERE BROAD AND STURDY, THEIR HUGE MASS EMPHASIZED BY THE FLANNEL-LINED DENIM WORK JACKET HE WORE. HIS LARGE SIZE MADE HER, MARY CARTER, FEEL SMALL AND DAINTY. A PATCH OF DARK, CURLING HAIR PEEKED OUT FROM THE NECKLINE OF HIS BLUE PLAID WESTERN SHIRT AND HER STOMACH QUIVERED AT THE TANTALIZING GLIMPSE OF HIS PERMANENTLY SUN-DARKENED CHEST. HER GAZE FELL, DRINKING IN THE SIGHT OF STRONG, MUSCULAR LEGS. WHITEWASHED JEANS CLUNG LOVINGLY TO EVERY MALE SINEW. EVEN THOUGH HIS WAIST COULD NEVER BE CALLED SLIM, IT WAS IN PERFECT PROPORTION TO HIS SIZE. TO MARY, HE WAS A FINE LOOKING MAN. " MMMMMM-MMMM -MM and he has Green Eyes! oh boy! I don't care how rough he thinks his looks are! I loved the sassy-ness of Mary and how Luke reacted to her! I can't forget Joseph, Luke's adorable grandpa! Luke is attracted to Mary's quirkiness, he just loves riling her up! "NOW LISTEN HERE, MR. TANNER.." "SIMMER DOWN, SWEETHEART. I WAS ONLY HAVING A BIT OF FUN. MY GRANDFATHER TOLD ME YOU'RE A GREAT COOK." " WELL, YOUR 'BIT OF FUN' WAS AT MY EXPENSE AND I DON'T LIKE IT," SHE SNAPPED. HE'D BEEN GONE FOR FOUR DAYS AND SHE'D BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HIM AGAIN. "THE NAME'S LUKE." HE PLACED THE HAT ON HIS HEAD THEN BENT DOWN TO WHISPER IN HER EAR. "I CAN'T SAY I CARE MUCH FOR JOGGING, BUT THIS SUIT IS A BLESSING TO ANY MAN'S MORNING" Cowboy say what now??? Let me go get a jogging suit on! Jeez if that's all it takes?! Where is that hubby of mine?? hehe.. This story has a dash of a scorned man, a dash of a self-conscious woman, a dash of a meddling granddaddy, A BIG DASH of steamy cowboy sex, and a dash of love <3 ..Loved the short read and Recommend the book to everyone to put you in a good mood! I give it 5 stars!

[Angelique · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you amazing authors who have realized that a plus sized female MC does not a bad MC make. I love all these fantastic books that have all these fabulous woman that are bigger than a toothpick and owning it. (What give you the idea that I myself am plus sized - heehee).

Mary is a nurse. She loves looking after people but in order for her to do that she needs a loan. And unfortunately for her (and fortunately for us) she cannot get one from the bank and the only place left to go is the rude, reclusive, red-hot rancher Luke Tanner. Luke is the richest man in Fiddler's Creek and tired of feeling like the local ATM, but when beautiful Mary knocks on his door he sees a mutually beneficial opportunity. Striking a deal with this curvy lady leads to Mary moving onto the ranch for 2 months to look after his grandfather.

You know how you see those not so perfect looking people (you know - us every day folks) that look so happy together. You know how you hardly ever come across a book where these people find each other. Search no further. Luke is rugged. He is rude. He is really not handsome. But to Mary he is perfect. And together they make the perfect couple.

I loved their instant chemistry. Not love, no insta love nonsense for this reluctant rancher, but chemistry. It was well written and easy to read. It had me reaching for my ice water on more than one occasion. Both the MC's and all the supporting characters were really fun especially Luke's grandfather Joseph. I always love reading about spunky old men that always know better then their younger counterparts.

It was a fun, fast read that sometimes felt like it jumped at places but I think this just lent a more authentic feel to Luke and Mary's emotions.

[Michelle Bowman / We Love Kink .com · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

From Importuning….To Love!

The Reluctant Rancher is a loving story written especially for true romance readers.

The authors Joann Baker & Patricia Mason outlined the perfect scene where the two main characters meet, are forced into cohabitation and in doing so, discover true love. This enjoyable story is set in a small town in the state of Wyoming on a ranch. (which always makes for a sensual read) But the most gratifying thing about reading this book is the fact that the main characters are not Barbie and Ken clones……..Yeah!!!!!!

Mary Carter and Luke Tanner needed something from one another. Mary needed money to keep her nursing service open and Luke needs help with his elderly grandfather. Un admittedly, what these to really need is companionship and someone to staid off those lonely nights. Mary is not the typical young, waif beauty that can have any man in town. No, she’s a real woman, with a full figured body. And like most women, she suffers from the negative emotional diffident that occurs from delusive female images portrayed in mass media. Similarly, Luke is not your run of the mill suave and handsome millionaire. His looks and debonair ways has yet to draw hoards of women to his bed nor caused others to want something more from him than a handout. The fact that these two characters carry realistic emotional baggage made this romance hard to put down.

From their first meeting a knowing awareness arises within them but neither Mary nor Luke believes themselves worthy of true love. So the two allow fear to prevent them from seeking a relationship with one another. The authors entwined the lives and insecurities of these characters providing the readers with clear insight into their developing love. Just what you want in a romance, so don’t miss out on this passionate love story.

*reviewed by Lourdes

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seemed all over the place to me. Mary, the heroine, is a nurse. Luke, the hero, is a rich rancher. Mary owns some nursing business. She apparently has six part-time nurses working for her (in a town with a population of 782) and needs a loan to keep the business in business. She can't get a loan from the bank and she hasn't heard back from the small business association (uh... follow up with them??), so she decides to ask Luke for a loan.

Luke is super gruff and grumpy because he thinks people only want him for his money. So, Mary shows up on Luke's ranch to ask for a loan. Luke tells her that he'll give her the loan if she cares for his grandfather for the next month (he broke his arm). He'll pay her a salary during that month period, etc.

So, Mary leaves her nursing business for an entire month and never checks in on her employees or the business itself. She doesn't seem like a responsible business owner. She's also overweight. It's stated in the beginning that she has experience with men - she knows from personal experience that some men are fine with a little extra weight on a woman. She's portrayed as being confident and sassy and at peace with her body. And then she frets throughout the entire book about her weight and what Luke thinks. She also turns out to be a virgin.

Luke runs hot and cold. He's supposedly damaged because he married once and he couldn't consummate his marriage because his wife faked loving him until his wedding night and then she came clean with the fact that she only married him for his money. She also said a bunch of hurtful things to him, but no real detail is given about it. That I remember, anyway. But, she apparently didn't get any of his money. So, that didn't really make sense, but he's super damaged over it.

Anyway, I just didn't care for these two together. Or apart. Oh well.

[*P · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star review

In this book we meet Mary Carter, an ex-military kid, who is finally a finding a place she can call home, Fiddler Creek. Due to business struggles and lack of funds, she finds herself going to the anti-social but richest man in Fiddler Creek, Luke Tanner, oh yeah, and she has always had a crush on him. Now Luke's hard exterior came from years of feeling used by others only wanting him for his money, and from an ex-wife that left him right after their wedding.

Mary, having low self-esteem due to her fuller figure, never feels she could have a chance at the loan or love with Luke, who himself is not an Adonis. But a need at Luke's ranch, and her need for the money, forces the pair together. After some flirting, some bickering, and indeed some misunderstandings, the two find out they may just be what the other has been looking for.

The Reluctant Rancher was a cute, quick read that I was able to finish in just one evening. The Wyoming scenery created in the story sounds beautiful. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the sizzle between the two characters in this story as I felt too much time was spent with Mary talking about her insecurity regarding her size, which was mentioned repeatedly throughout the story. Likewise, Luke seemed to have almost too quick a turnaround in his feelings for Mary. Despite this, it was an enjoyable read with a HEA and no cliffhanger.

Thanks to Monster Book Promotions for a copy of this book in exchange for a review

[BBMoreB ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read in a single sitting, this beautifully written romance is a delightful read. I loved the combination of characters; Luke’s surliness and Mary’s independence made for interesting scenes. The authors did an amazing job of weaving realistic insecurities into the characters backstories. Both Luke and Mary have a lot to overcome; neither believe in finding that special someone and living HEA. It was both heartbreaking and compelling to watch their story unfold. 

Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.

[Darlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reluctant Rancher

Luke was a very rich rancher in Fiddler Creek. He was bitter over the fact he felt most people wanted something from him or pretended to like him because he was rich. He tried marriage once only to find out on his wedding night she only married him for his money.

Mary was a plus sized nurse who came to Fiddler Creek to set up a mobile nursing business. Needing a loan to help her til her business got on her feet she turns to Luke when the bank turns her down. Mary does not consider herself attractive because of her weight.

Both have feeling for each other, however due to their respective hangups they fight them.

It was an enjoyable read.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

DNF @23%

The h is supposed to have accepted herself and loves her body, and the H even thinks that she walks with confidence, but she keeps having "oh, woe is me!" thoughts about how the skinnier girls get all the guys. The H is supposed to be rough hewn, rawboned and not that great looking, but he thinks that even though the h isn't svelte, she could still be considered attractive. Me: I'm outta here! As someone who is overweight, this is not the type of book that I want to read, with people who are only giving lip service to being comfortable with and realistic about what their bodies/faces look like.

[Ruby Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Rancher(BBW Western Ro...

Luck was a man that pride was hurt but Mary came into his life with good and happiness in her but she was going to take Luck's orders she new who she was but lean with his hard headed ways.I'm happy they finally found love and happiness.Thank you Ruby Miller.

[Hot Reading Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. Luke is a wealthy man who seems to think people only desire him for his money. Mary is bbw who thinks no man could really want her for herself because she not stick thin. He pushes her away, she runs away, they make love, misunderstanding, happy ending for all.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Luke, hard-nosed rancher, who really is scared of being hurt again. Then there's Mary, plus-size nurse, who has self-esteem problems due to her weight. Basically I relate to Mary too well, and it broke my heart to read about Luke's heartaches over his parents and ex-wife.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable light romance. She was curvy and tall, he was rugged and rich, both were full of insecurities, a perfect match.

[Rumpled Sheets Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow...

[Robin Brown tearman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to who ever found the first cowboy!

I know what Mary's feelings are as I'm a fluffy girl to. Way to go and get your cowboy! Luke wow....you can save me anytime lol

[Robin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love bbw

Im bbw wish I could find everlasting love like in the stories of read love this keep writing them please

[Tina kleimann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I loved this book it was the best book I have read in a long time..it was the first time reading this author and I plan to look for.more books by this author .....

[Kim Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reluctant Rancher

I loved this book. It was a short but sweet light hearted story. I would highly recommend that you read it. Enjoy I did