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Duke Ranch
For Him
Love is selfish, something to be put on hold as death comes knocking. Or maybe it shouldn’t. Grief stricken, Tenley Mayn moves home after graduating from vet school to live with her parents. Her father is dying of cancer and she has agreed to help take care of him and her mom in his final days. She begins work at the only veterinarian clinic in their small town and meets a strange cowboy that the town seems to have forgotten. As a plot to hurt his cattle and eventually destroy his family unfurls, Tenley is thrown into a whirlwind adventure of love and loss. Trying to balance the impending demise of her father and a new relationship with someone shrouded in mystery, she finds herself torn between being loyal to her father and the truth behind Weston’s jaded past. Others see him as a monster while Tenley knows him to be the opposite. Can they figure out who’s trying to kill his cattle before it’s too late? Or will the rumors behind Weston keep Tenley from ultimately saving the ranch and realizing her true feelings for him?
This book contains no explicit content.
This book contains no explicit content.
225 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2023
265 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 5, 2023
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review, thank you to the author :)
- - -
I'm an honest reviewer, so I'll keep the thoughts I had while reading this real.
In short, we follow Tenley, a young vet who moves into a small western town to live with her parents and to help with her father, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Expect, she doesn't actually have to help with anything because the father was just a plot device to get her there but lets not focus on that.
Tenley meets our mysterious cowboy during the first few pages in a very quick and random setting. I was promised a grumpy cowboy, but instead I got this man named Weston who keeps either chuckling and flirting or randomly snaps at the mc for no literal reasons? There was no actual characterisation on his part, the time that was spent on describing his eyes could've been used to build him an actual solid personality. (Also, I'm confused. One moment his eyes are described as piercing blue cyan, and the next midnight blue. Last time I checked, midnight blue is a very different shade of blue than something like cyan?)
I want to also bring up how absolutely weird Tenley's family & friends are. Why is every single one of them so obsessed with her dating life and why is everyone trying to pair her up with some random men? Lets not forget how her mother is so enthusiastic to hook her up with someone generally known as the town's biggest player and yet shaking at the sight of one rumour about the mmc who has saved the girl more than once.
I did not enjoy the writing. It was fast paced and there was so much stuff crammed into one page. There wasn't too much effort put into the description of the scenes and neither was there any emotional depth in them. I felt like I was tossed into three places during one page and the scenes changed at absurd pace. Overall the book was packed with too many cliché tropes, slamming against my face chapter after chapter with no further exploration in any of them.
I was originally going to give 2 stars but the ending was so absurd I simply couldn't. I have spoken 😔🙌
- - -
I'm an honest reviewer, so I'll keep the thoughts I had while reading this real.
In short, we follow Tenley, a young vet who moves into a small western town to live with her parents and to help with her father, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Expect, she doesn't actually have to help with anything because the father was just a plot device to get her there but lets not focus on that.
Tenley meets our mysterious cowboy during the first few pages in a very quick and random setting. I was promised a grumpy cowboy, but instead I got this man named Weston who keeps either chuckling and flirting or randomly snaps at the mc for no literal reasons? There was no actual characterisation on his part, the time that was spent on describing his eyes could've been used to build him an actual solid personality. (Also, I'm confused. One moment his eyes are described as piercing blue cyan, and the next midnight blue. Last time I checked, midnight blue is a very different shade of blue than something like cyan?)
I want to also bring up how absolutely weird Tenley's family & friends are. Why is every single one of them so obsessed with her dating life and why is everyone trying to pair her up with some random men? Lets not forget how her mother is so enthusiastic to hook her up with someone generally known as the town's biggest player and yet shaking at the sight of one rumour about the mmc who has saved the girl more than once.
I did not enjoy the writing. It was fast paced and there was so much stuff crammed into one page. There wasn't too much effort put into the description of the scenes and neither was there any emotional depth in them. I felt like I was tossed into three places during one page and the scenes changed at absurd pace. Overall the book was packed with too many cliché tropes, slamming against my face chapter after chapter with no further exploration in any of them.
I was originally going to give 2 stars but the ending was so absurd I simply couldn't. I have spoken 😔🙌
September 6, 2023
Small town feel good romance.
This is definitely a cute romance story to give you the warm and fuzzies along with certain fits of wanting to chuck your phone (I'm looking at you Rosemary!) as well as a few tears along the way. If you're looking for a romance with a swoon worthy, where can I get one of my own cowboys, (cassidy and weston 🤤) then this is definitely the book for you! Atkinson did an amazing job with the writing and keeping my interest throughout this entire book.
This is definitely a cute romance story to give you the warm and fuzzies along with certain fits of wanting to chuck your phone (I'm looking at you Rosemary!) as well as a few tears along the way. If you're looking for a romance with a swoon worthy, where can I get one of my own cowboys, (cassidy and weston 🤤) then this is definitely the book for you! Atkinson did an amazing job with the writing and keeping my interest throughout this entire book.
September 9, 2023
So I love finding new authors and such on TikTok thru the Booktok community. This author kept posting little vids with parts of the story, the way authors do, all over my FYP. The nerve of her...
I don't normally go for just contemporary romance as a genre. However, I ate this up. All the parents annoyed me (not uncommon for me) Tenley and Weston were so dang appealing. The slight dance they had going, gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I saw a review stating that this should be labeled YA. I disagree. YA is anything under 18. Both main characters are full adults. I believe they felt that due to the lack of smexy time and curse words, made this YA. This is simply a friendship/love story and should be read with that expectation.
This was a good palate cleanse of murders and mayhem that I normally read. Looking forward to the Christmas story.
I don't normally go for just contemporary romance as a genre. However, I ate this up. All the parents annoyed me (not uncommon for me) Tenley and Weston were so dang appealing. The slight dance they had going, gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I saw a review stating that this should be labeled YA. I disagree. YA is anything under 18. Both main characters are full adults. I believe they felt that due to the lack of smexy time and curse words, made this YA. This is simply a friendship/love story and should be read with that expectation.
This was a good palate cleanse of murders and mayhem that I normally read. Looking forward to the Christmas story.
August 9, 2023
Took me forever to read this because of life but omg this book! I’m so glad I read this! I am more of a dark romance person but this book changed my mind about reading contemporary romances! Slow burn romance, rugged cowboys, small town, ranch life, medical family hardships, finding love, found love. This book had it all without the dark twisted story line lol. It was so beautiful and I loved every moment! I had to grab a few tissues toward the end but omg I want to move to Montana damn it! This book gave me butterflies of happiness and hope. Please read this! I loved it if you couldn’t tell.
September 8, 2023
This was a much needed sweet palette cleanser!
This slow burn has you shipping Tenley and Weston.
Weston is book boyfriend goals, it's got protective, only smiles for one girl, dark broody damaged vibes. He is a hermit, a man who has a bad name in the town. He chooses to hide instead of hearing the whispering voices calling him a monster.
Tenley is a good girl, she puts her family first, works hard, she has always wanted a love like her parents but with her father dying of cancer it's on the backburner, everything fun is. Until she meets Weston, she see's beyond his scars, and he makes it his mission to make her live for once.
This book was sweet and a binge read. It's a PG book so for those wanting a break from the steamy, or like more plot than smut, this one is for you ❤️
This slow burn has you shipping Tenley and Weston.
Weston is book boyfriend goals, it's got protective, only smiles for one girl, dark broody damaged vibes. He is a hermit, a man who has a bad name in the town. He chooses to hide instead of hearing the whispering voices calling him a monster.
Tenley is a good girl, she puts her family first, works hard, she has always wanted a love like her parents but with her father dying of cancer it's on the backburner, everything fun is. Until she meets Weston, she see's beyond his scars, and he makes it his mission to make her live for once.
This book was sweet and a binge read. It's a PG book so for those wanting a break from the steamy, or like more plot than smut, this one is for you ❤️
August 25, 2023
I am normally a fan of more spicier books, but this is a must-read!!! I loved the slow burn. I was ugly crying towards the end. This is my first cowboy romance, but I'll tell you now it won't be the last. I loved the mystery of finding out who was trying to hurt the cattle. I loved the characters and the storyline was fantastic! For everyone that wants a great story with no spice and no bad language... THIS IS FOR YOU!!!
September 10, 2023
just wow
This book was so good !! Just wow speechless 😶!!! Soooo sooo good . Just wow ! Need more can’t wait 😊
This book was so good !! Just wow speechless 😶!!! Soooo sooo good . Just wow ! Need more can’t wait 😊
September 8, 2023
I liked this book, a cozy read! I liked the slow burn, and the relationship between the two main characters.
September 6, 2023
most heartfelt read
This book deserves infinity/10. The characters are so beautifully written and the story unfolding had me laughing out loud, worried and happy tears streaming down my face. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
This book deserves infinity/10. The characters are so beautifully written and the story unfolding had me laughing out loud, worried and happy tears streaming down my face. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
September 7, 2023
Amazing book!
Love this story! This is very well written. I love Tenley and Weston! I can't wait to read more about them. I also can't wait to see more from Cassidy and this family! Amazing!
Love this story! This is very well written. I love Tenley and Weston! I can't wait to read more about them. I also can't wait to see more from Cassidy and this family! Amazing!
September 6, 2023
4.5 ⭐
As soon as I started reading, I didn't put this book down! I binged it in one sitting! The romantic tension kept me turning the pages, definitely a slow burn. The setting is beautiful and the writing let me picture all of it in my head. Add in some mystery, adventure, danger and emotion to tug on your heartstrings...this book has it all!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I started reading, I didn't put this book down! I binged it in one sitting! The romantic tension kept me turning the pages, definitely a slow burn. The setting is beautiful and the writing let me picture all of it in my head. Add in some mystery, adventure, danger and emotion to tug on your heartstrings...this book has it all!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
For Him was something a little bit different from the usual cowboy romances that I have read. If you hoping that it has spice in it. There isn’t any. But having a nice clean slow burn romance is always a nice change of pace.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can’t wait to read future books from R.L. Atkinson’s.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can’t wait to read future books from R.L. Atkinson’s.
September 6, 2023
I was sent this book as an ARC read so this is an honest review 🫡
For Him is a cute little Western Romance that I would actually classify as a YA romance book in my opinion. The author takes great care to make sure there are no bad words used and the book is generally light and fluffy. There is also NO spice(author does mention this in the beginning of the book) and it’s a slow burn! So if you like cutesy romances, this may be for you!
I read a LOT of dark romance so it was nice to have a change of pace. This book was easy to pick up and jump into within a few pages. I did struggle with feeling ‘whiplash’ the first few chapters between the MC’s, but I was able to push past it and continue reading.
I do feel like the plot of the locoweed was lost a lot during the story and became kind of a background story. I do think this could’ve been a bigger plot line and gave more room for character development.
Overall, the book is pretty fast paced in terms of plot line but slooow in terms of romance. If you enjoy fast paced books, definitely check it out! I’ll be sending this to my sister to read 🥰
For Him is a cute little Western Romance that I would actually classify as a YA romance book in my opinion. The author takes great care to make sure there are no bad words used and the book is generally light and fluffy. There is also NO spice(author does mention this in the beginning of the book) and it’s a slow burn! So if you like cutesy romances, this may be for you!
I read a LOT of dark romance so it was nice to have a change of pace. This book was easy to pick up and jump into within a few pages. I did struggle with feeling ‘whiplash’ the first few chapters between the MC’s, but I was able to push past it and continue reading.
I do feel like the plot of the locoweed was lost a lot during the story and became kind of a background story. I do think this could’ve been a bigger plot line and gave more room for character development.
Overall, the book is pretty fast paced in terms of plot line but slooow in terms of romance. If you enjoy fast paced books, definitely check it out! I’ll be sending this to my sister to read 🥰
September 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
December 12, 2024
The writing felt very juvenile , like a 14 year old trying to write about grown up stuff. Like the slow burn idea and quick pace of the book but it just didn’t work here for some reason. She gets almost attacked by a bear, almost dies in ice, and shot at all within the last like 1/3 of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
I enjoyed the plot and loved the characters but a few things kept me from giving it 5/5⭐️
I was annoyed after the hundredth time Tenley’s mom kept trying to set her up or kept insisting she date. I have read moms like that before but this one was just over the top. I think it could have been removed a fee times and the point still would have hit home.
I’m a dual POV girl and wish this was dual POV. Weston did get a few chapters but would have lived more! Book 2 is mostly his POV which is nice but would just preferred even pov in both books.
Some of the wording/writing bugged me. Normally I can get past it but in this duet.. I couldn’t.
No spice romance and it was overall a good read. No spice doesn’t bother me. Sometimes I prefer a clean romance and this one was really good. I did enjoy Tenley and Weston’s story.
I loved Weston’s character and seeing his character develop. I’m a sucker for the town outcast and to see if they come around to discover that they can be loved too. Tenley is perfect for him!
Kindle unlimited
I was annoyed after the hundredth time Tenley’s mom kept trying to set her up or kept insisting she date. I have read moms like that before but this one was just over the top. I think it could have been removed a fee times and the point still would have hit home.
I’m a dual POV girl and wish this was dual POV. Weston did get a few chapters but would have lived more! Book 2 is mostly his POV which is nice but would just preferred even pov in both books.
Some of the wording/writing bugged me. Normally I can get past it but in this duet.. I couldn’t.
No spice romance and it was overall a good read. No spice doesn’t bother me. Sometimes I prefer a clean romance and this one was really good. I did enjoy Tenley and Weston’s story.
I loved Weston’s character and seeing his character develop. I’m a sucker for the town outcast and to see if they come around to discover that they can be loved too. Tenley is perfect for him!
Kindle unlimited
March 23, 2024
For Him by R.L. Atkinson is an equally heartwarming and heartbreaking story of finding love while preparing for loss. This is my second time reading this book and it was just as captivating as the first time keeping my attention and reading through all in one day. While this book deals with a lot of mentally and emotionally heavy events and themes (check the triggers) it is, in my opinion balanced and with reason. The characters in the book both primary and secondary are so vibrant and written with so much depth and dimension. Some are written with trauma and some are not and the contrast makes the differences even more stark. While the story appeared to be a western romance with small town dynamics and family relationships there was also mystery and suspense. The mystery and thriller elements led to a fast paced and more dramatic story. As this is my second reread of this novel I can’t recommend it enough.
June 5, 2024
I absolutely vibed with Tenley and her family responsibilities. She was a strong character. I also really liked the dark and brooding Weston. This is more closed door than steamy which was a refreshing change. Great excitement towards the end.
All the parents were obnoxious and there was a real opportunity there. I wanted more animals and cowboy action. Also the obsession with Tenley getting a boyfriend was strange. She’s becoming a veterinarian, she’s got a lot on her plate. Trigger warning for sick parent.
Nice setup for Cassidy in sequels. This was sweet with nice banter. The annoying bits are easily overlooked.
All the parents were obnoxious and there was a real opportunity there. I wanted more animals and cowboy action. Also the obsession with Tenley getting a boyfriend was strange. She’s becoming a veterinarian, she’s got a lot on her plate. Trigger warning for sick parent.
Nice setup for Cassidy in sequels. This was sweet with nice banter. The annoying bits are easily overlooked.
February 15, 2025
amazing
Well this was a whirlwind!! I experienced so many emotions reading this story.
Heartbreak for Tenley and her father. Heartbreak for Weston after his accident and the years that followed.
I laughed at several of Weston and Tenley’s interactions.
The sheets had me cackling with Keaton coming in lol !
I wasn’t expecting so many moments that made me gasp.
I loved the mystery and watching Weston & Tenley become friends and then more !! A wonderful Closed Door Romance!!
Well this was a whirlwind!! I experienced so many emotions reading this story.
Heartbreak for Tenley and her father. Heartbreak for Weston after his accident and the years that followed.
I laughed at several of Weston and Tenley’s interactions.
The sheets had me cackling with Keaton coming in lol !
I wasn’t expecting so many moments that made me gasp.
I loved the mystery and watching Weston & Tenley become friends and then more !! A wonderful Closed Door Romance!!
September 7, 2023
I was expecting some slow dramatic book and I stead I got sucked in from the beginning and didn't have a chance to feel anything except what the book told me to. I laughed and got angry and cried and... oh how beautiful! I adored this book! Both characters are so strong and driven in their own way. I couldn't help but love them!
October 28, 2023
This book is all about the slow burn. There isn’t anything spicy in the story, but the sweetness of the relationship/romance building is perfection. I bought this book after seeing the author’s tiktoks, and I’m so glad I did. I’m not even a cowboy romance kinda person, but this book might have changed that.
December 30, 2023
A Real Cowboy Romance
This was a really sweet cowboy romance. This is the story of Weston and Tenley. I absolutely melted when Tenley messages him to tell him she needs him 💕💕
The trials that they must endure to be together is a lot. Cassidy is a great character and I am sure he will get his own novel soon.
This is a wonderful HEA.
This was a really sweet cowboy romance. This is the story of Weston and Tenley. I absolutely melted when Tenley messages him to tell him she needs him 💕💕
The trials that they must endure to be together is a lot. Cassidy is a great character and I am sure he will get his own novel soon.
This is a wonderful HEA.
August 6, 2023
This was so good! I was hooked from the start! I love how at the beginning you didn't know which brother she'd choose. Nice chemistry, embarrassing moments, and suspense mixed in. And some nail biting, intense moments. Loved it all! Great characters!
September 10, 2025
Tissues Needed
Oh what a lovely book. I laughed and cried. This was a great read. I enjoyed from beginning to the end. I blubbered through the ending. I’m glad there was a happy ending.
Oh what a lovely book. I laughed and cried. This was a great read. I enjoyed from beginning to the end. I blubbered through the ending. I’m glad there was a happy ending.
December 1, 2023
A super sweet story, my romance loving heart ate this up!
December 1, 2023
Nice Comfort Read
A good quick, romantic stand alone! Great book to curl up on the couch with a blanket or two on a rainy day, delivered what I was looking for.
A good quick, romantic stand alone! Great book to curl up on the couch with a blanket or two on a rainy day, delivered what I was looking for.
February 1, 2024
I am new to R.L. Atkinson's books and each one i've read has such heartfelt emotions. When you want to get in your feels, read this or any of hers!
February 2, 2024
Gotta love a good cowboy romance! Definitely a good palate cleanse after reading a few suspense, mystery, murder books. Well written and had a few curve balls in their that I didn’t suspect.
March 15, 2024
tear jerker
I freaking love these books!!!! I guess I need to move to Montana to find me a Weston! Love love love!!!!
I freaking love these books!!!! I guess I need to move to Montana to find me a Weston! Love love love!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews