When You're Competing

Sagebrush Ranch #4

by April Murdock

Entrepreneur Daniel is enjoying the success he worked hard to gain. His family runs a big ranch and he’d have a place there if he wanted, but his true calling is his coffee shop in town. He knows how to give patrons the best cup of coffee they’ve ever had and building the local coffee scene speaks to his creative side.Megan made a bold decision to open her coffee shop across the street from the most successful one in town. Truthfully, the shop across the street is the only real coffee shop in town besides hers. She’s normally confident but this potential mistake is shaking her up a bit.When these two meet, there’s immediate attraction. But that attraction fades immediately when they find out they’re competitors. Up close and personal competitors. As they each work on being the best, they succumb to stunts that don’t do either one of them good.Local gossip is an enemy they can’t seem to overcome and it’s impossible to not become bitter enemies. But somewhere deep inside, the attraction remains and respect begins to grow. When tragedy strikes, they could pull together. One of them will amaze the other with generosity, but it may be too late to save their budding new love.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author April Murdock loves romance, especially sweet stories that make you sigh out loud. She loves to write stories inspired by people in her life - past and present. She doesn't live on a ranch, but some of her favorite memories are visiting her cousins at their horse farm. And they've been helpful sharing information that sometimes shows up in her stories.

April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy.

Join April's Readers Group and get a free book - Finding Her Cowboy - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kaauknd86j

Reviews

[Justins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel has always longed to work the ranch he grew up on, but being the forth born son, he knows he needs to find a different way to support his family. He now owns and operates the only coffee shop in town. He has put everything into making it a profitable business. When a new store opens up across the street, he is excited until he sees that it is a bookstore that will sale coffee! A small town doesn't need two coffee shops. Daniel will stop at nothing to make sure he is the one who comes out on top!

After spending years in New York helping others start their dream businesses, Megan moves to Montana to be near her cousin and start her own dream. A bookstore, and not just any bookstore, but one that sells specialty coffee and tea! She feels that there are enough people to support both. Too bad that her cousin's brother in law does not share her opinion. But Megan is not one to back down from a fight!

Soo n these two find out the will not only be competing for business, but living under the same roof. Will their competitive natures lead the to destroy each other, or prove they are better together?

April Murdock once again takes us to Sagebrush Ranch. She makes you fall in love with her characters and want to move to her small towns! When You're Competing is the 4 book in the Sagebrush Series and can be read as a stand alone. However, you will enjoy the character crossovers so much more if read in order.

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story watching Daniel and Megan try to out beat each other in this small town as rival businesses. Daniel had invested everything he had into the coffee shop he bought from the previous owner. Being the only coffee shop in town was to his benefit, even though he was barely breaking even. Then he found out that his brother's wife had a cousin that just moved to town. She was opening a book shop that also sold coffee and tea, right across from his store. She may just make it impossible for him to keep his business.

Megan had finally made her dream come true to own a bookstore that also sold tea and coffee. She wanted her shop to be a place where people could hang out and read while enjoying their favorite beverage. She is very competitive and won't let anyone especially Daniel rob her dream. Sure it was uncomfortable staying in the same house with him and her cousin's new family but thankfully it was only temporary.

Megan and Daniel couldn't deny there was chemistry between them and as their relationship started to grow, Daniel began to have other priorities than his business. Would Megan choose her dream over him?

This story was fine as a stand alone but there is overlap of characters and situations that really make it best to read them in order.

I like that there was just a little peak at what's coming next in this series.

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

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooo good!!! From the first time Daniel and Megan the sparks flew. At first it was because Megan was opening a book store with a coffee shop right across the street from Daniel's coffee shop. The town just was not big enough to support two coffee shops. Daniel had owned and ran the coffee shop for years but his real dream was to run his parents farm. Nothing made him happier then being ourside and working on the farm. He loved the time when his brothers needed extra help so he could just step in to help with the job. Megan and Daniel both started rumors that they knew was not true about each others shops. They did this until Daniel's place was vandalized. Someone had painted the wall and egged the place. So here was another mess to clean up and deal with. Megan saw Daniel cleaning up and came over to help him. And their friendship started to grow. From that night on they decided to work together and help each other where they could.

He moved from his parents place to a little cabin in the woods. It was not much but it was home. And they both loved being at the cabin. Megan finally convinced Daniel that he should just sell the coffee shop and do what he really wanted to do, work the ranch. Life is too short to be miserable with what you do everyday. Daniel closed the coffee shop, asked Megan to marry him and a week later they were married. I just love a good Happily Ever After...Don't you?

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I love that this author can write such great stories without any sex scenes or even heavy petting. I appreciate that.

This story is a great addition to the Sagebrush Ranch series. Daniel and Megan are a wonderful couple but they had a rough start. Daniel owns a coffee shop and Megan has moved into town to open a bookstore/coffee shop and it’s right across the street from Daniels coffee shop. Plus, Megan is Gabby’s cousin and Bo (Daniel’s brother) knew about Megan’s store. Daniel decided that he was going to do all he could to make Megan’s store close and Megan decided she was going to do everything she could to make her business the best. They are both stubborn and go through a couple of weeks feuding and then realize there is something there between them. Finally they decide to act upon it and then something happens that ruins their relationship or does it? You’ll have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend all the books in this series.

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

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel owns the one coffee shop in town and although he would rather have a ranch and run it he knows that the oldest son is granted that privilege. Even though he doesn't really enjoy the coffee shop it is what he has determined is his lot in life.
He returns home one night to find a beautiful woman who is Gabby's cousin at the ranch. He is in a really bad mood as he has just gotten word that a bookstore/cafe is opening up across the street from him. He doesn't mind the bookstore but the cafe will be in direct competition with his coffee shop. How could his family not tell him about this? How could his sister-in-law not tell him about her cousin. Why would they do this to him.
The story now continues with Megan and Daniel running into each other, learning that she will be living in his family home, and trying to stay out of each others way. BUT, as we know from other April Murdock books that is not going to be possible and feelings will grow. Lets sit back and enjoy the ride.

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

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the "Sagebrush Ranch" series with Daniel and Megan's story. Megan moved from New York to Rocky Ridge to be closer to her cousin Gabby, which happened to be Bo Reese, Daniel's oldest brother's wife, and open her dream business of bookstore/coffee tea shop. Daniel ran a shop in town that happened to be across the street from where she was opening her's. Daniel learned she was the owner the day she moved to town to live with Bo and Gabby which happened to live at the ranch with the family. Their meeting did not go well obviously which started a turbulent relationship between the two, but they knew deep down there was an attraction there. Daniel's mom such a strong supporting character knowing her children well always able to give such solid advice. An amazing story of self discovery for both Daniel and Megan as individuals.

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

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel and Megan’s story is entertaining with a touch of angst. Competing for business in a small town has them both on edge and on the defensive with each other. There are definitely sparks at most of their encounters, though not all of them are are caused by their tempers or grinding their teeth in frustration. Neither wants to admit their attraction, but everything changes between them when disaster strikes and one of them steps up to help the other despite them being competitors. Both begin to have deeper feelings for the other and the competition seems less important. Their path forward is not without it’s challenges and sometimes obstacles of their own making need to be overcome, but they do find their own happily ever after.

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

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. In fact, until the second or third chapters I didn't realize I had read previous books and remembered the characters. It's also a clean and sweet romance.

Drew has been the only coffee shop in town. He bought the coffee shop from someone retiring because his brother was in charge of the ranch. Megan's cousin had invited her to come live in the town. Megan has always dreamed of opening a bookstore with a coffee and tea area. Can there be two coffee shops in one town? Can Drew and Megan not be at odds with each other?

This is a cute story of two people who are at crossroads with each other. Great characters. I really enjoyed the storyline. It was a quick and easy read.

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

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel opened his own coffee shop because he wanted to make a way for a future family, he would one day have. His heart is in ranching. The shop is barely surviving.
Megan comes to town. She is Gabby's cousin, and she has a passion for this bookstore with a cafe she is opening right across the street from Daniels shop.
Let me say this does not go over very well when Daniel first meets her, and he lets her know he does not approve. He does say some things he later regrets.
they both say things and try to hurt the others business in subtle ways until Daniel books a book reading in his shop that Megan wanted. Things just got worse especially since they had decided to date and see what would come of the relationship.

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

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that April Murdock is one of my favorite authors. I know I can depend on her story lines to be well developed and her characters to be interesting and realistic. This book meets those expectations. Daniel and Megan do not get off to the best start. I have to agree with Daniel that opening a competing business is not a good way to start off, especially directly across the street and when your best friend/cousin is engaged to the competition’s brother. That said, Daniel is a little hotheaded and spouts off when he shouldn’t have but how was he to expect his family to side with the “enemy”. I really enjoyed this book and its conflicts and makeups.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with all the characters that were within. The main two characters that the story follows are Megan and Daniel.

Megan has just moved and is starting her own bookstore and coffee shop in town. Right across the street is a coffee shop that is owned by Daniel. Megan and Daniel become rivals with their business. Each of them try to outdo the other.

This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama throughout. There were a few giggles and laughs within. The ending of this story was surprising and sweet.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You're Competing ~Sagebrush Ranch in Montana #4 by April Murdock
Simply brilliant and an excellent addition to the series. Honestly, I can’t think of a thing I didn’t like about the book. April never fails to deliver a sweet, sizzling romance.As always April has provided a well-written, entertaining, story and I couldn’t put the book down. You will not be disappointed.
I can honestly say that I can recommend this book to all. A fantastic story to go with a brilliant series.

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

[Laura Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You're Competing is a charming love story. The characters are strong willed, but charing. Daniel thought reaching outside of his family's business was the way to grow. He never thought a charming woman would be his competition in his own home town. Megan followed her cousin to Sagebrush Ranch in Montana. She felt is was the perfect place to open her dream business. They both soon find out helping is better than competing.

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

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The competition was fierce between Daniel and Megan, who was his sister-in-law's cousin. He even called her psychotic to her face. He did not know she was the new, proud owner of the bookstore and cafe that was across the street from his Mountaintop Java shop. I really enjoyed their sparring and antics as they became more than enemies. It was such a fun story to read. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from April Murdock! This was a different story line with sweet romance and I loved it. You'll easily fall in love with the characters. They are fun, engaging and determined and really pull you into the their story. A heartwarming journey to love through some healthy competition and rivalry. Wonderful reading that you don’t want to miss out on!.

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

[Karen Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enemies to love story.

When Daniel sees his coffee shop competition/owner at his family gathering he manages to let her know just what he thinks of her. Then he discovers she will be staying with his family. Once they get to know each other they seem to get along better and start developing feelings for each other. A rather bitter dispute causes problems between them. Will a relationship be possible with these fierce rivals?

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lively romance. For most of the book I didn’t really like Megan’s selfish, self-centered attitude but her character had redeemable moments. I thought Daniel handled Megan well and I liked that he sought to find a way to make a positive change, as did Megan after her cousin’s intervention. This is an enjoyable series.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Daniel and Megan’s story. These two go through the whole process from initial antagonism on Daniel’s part, growing mutual attraction, huge argument, to final HEA. Their verbal exchanges are thoroughly enjoyable and interesting.

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

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Series

I so enjoyed Megan and Daniel's story. He thought he couldn't have what he wanted and she was determined to get what she wanted. They were running competing businesses which really complicated them have a relationship but all this makes for an interesting read.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan opens up a bookstore with a cafe across from Daniel’s coffee shop and they try to undermine each other from beginning, with some childish and not so legal moves. But then he realizes he’s attracted to her and wants to help her out but she keeps pushing him to do something else and putting her business above his and their relationship and gets angry with him when he doesn’t.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You’re Competing is a clean, small town, enemies to more romance for Daniel and Megan. This well written book grabbed and kept my attention. These two business competitors needed to figure out what was most important in life and how to follow their dreams. There is a lot of angst in this story, but I enjoyed it enough to read straight through!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan is starting new and before he knows it, Daniel is not liking her. And then things changed and I was really wondering how they were going to make it. I really liked how Megan worked with her cousin/best friend and Daniel had his mom to help him. I really liked this story.

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

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Your Competing

This is the story of a young woman who opens her own bookstore and coffee shop runs into the young man who had just opened his coffee shop across the street. They run into each other and end up together after a variety of activities taking place in their small town. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful small town/western romance.. I loved it.. It is sweet and charming, funny and easy to read..

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

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sweet small-town romance that was a joy to read. Megan and Daniel's story hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go.

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

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Daniel and Megan both run shops in town. Unfortunately, they are competing shops. So, when feelings get real, things become complicated between them. Thankfully, in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.

[Nancy Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this terrific read.

This is an awesome read of Megan and Daniel's up and down relationship until they realized that they love each. It was also very well written along being a page turnet.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter 8 ? stranded cabin would be stocked with fresh bread
Extremely stuborn heroine--it's her way or the highway; until she unddrstands that compromise can/ will be better