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Pride and Pranks #1.5
Stranded Ranch
Her past came back to surprise her. But her past is now a flirty hot cowboy so...
I wasn't sure why I gave up a week in the Bahamas with friends to visit my grandparent's home in Wyoming.
In January.
But one phone call to the ranch to check-in was all it took.
It didn't matter that the worst storm to hit Wyoming in years was upon us. I needed to be there. I just didn't know why.
But a road closure and a surprise knock on the door brought back sweet memories from my past. And perhaps a handsome cowboy for my future.
And I can't help but think that the unexpected is often the best surprise of all.
I wasn't sure why I gave up a week in the Bahamas with friends to visit my grandparent's home in Wyoming.
In January.
But one phone call to the ranch to check-in was all it took.
It didn't matter that the worst storm to hit Wyoming in years was upon us. I needed to be there. I just didn't know why.
But a road closure and a surprise knock on the door brought back sweet memories from my past. And perhaps a handsome cowboy for my future.
And I can't help but think that the unexpected is often the best surprise of all.
Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2021
131 people are currently reading
1948 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Steel
7 books1,763 followersCindy Steel was raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. She grew up singing Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire songs at the top of her lungs and learning to solve all of life’s problems while milking cows and driving tractors—rewriting happy endings every time. She met and married a handsome Idaho boy and is the proud mother of two wild and sweet twin boys. Which means she is also now a collector of bugs, sticks, rocks, and slobbery kisses. She loves making breakfast, baking, photography, reading a good book, and staying up way past her bedtime to craft stories that will hopefully make you smile.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
April 8, 2022
About that kiss...
I love stories where 2 people just click. Not instalove - more like a feeling of being able to be who you are together, & it's not just ok, it's like you both share the same world.
That's how it was for my husband and I. We didn't really know each other well, we'd just worked together a few times, but when we started dating, it felt like we'd always known each other. He never even formally proposed, we just knew we were going to be together forever. Instead about 2 months after we began dating, we just started talking about when would be the best time to get married.
Lucy is a worrier - something else I could relate to - but when she finds a friend from the past at her grandparents' door hoping to get shelter in a snowstorm, she enjoys a playful ease with him that she's never experienced with a guy before.
Still, Lucy can't see the point of risking heartbreak when their forced proximity will be fairly short in duration, & they both live in different places.
The story is pretty quick at just 12 chapters, but doesn't leave you feeling shorted. The premise is credible, engaging & the flirty dialogue is entertaining. Like all of this author's books to date, I enthusiastically recommend it!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
I love stories where 2 people just click. Not instalove - more like a feeling of being able to be who you are together, & it's not just ok, it's like you both share the same world.
That's how it was for my husband and I. We didn't really know each other well, we'd just worked together a few times, but when we started dating, it felt like we'd always known each other. He never even formally proposed, we just knew we were going to be together forever. Instead about 2 months after we began dating, we just started talking about when would be the best time to get married.
Lucy is a worrier - something else I could relate to - but when she finds a friend from the past at her grandparents' door hoping to get shelter in a snowstorm, she enjoys a playful ease with him that she's never experienced with a guy before.
Still, Lucy can't see the point of risking heartbreak when their forced proximity will be fairly short in duration, & they both live in different places.
The story is pretty quick at just 12 chapters, but doesn't leave you feeling shorted. The premise is credible, engaging & the flirty dialogue is entertaining. Like all of this author's books to date, I enthusiastically recommend it!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
December 27, 2021
Simply adorable
January 2, 2022
Sort and sweet, but oh so cute! This was the perfect story to start a new year with!
September 19, 2024
This was seriously the cutest thing, and I was grinning so big the entire time! 🥰
There’s something so sweet about feeling comfortable & relaxed with another person even when you’ve been apart for ages. Someone who makes you feel safe to be yourself without overthinking every word and interaction… Somehow you just… click. 🥹
There’s something so sweet about feeling comfortable & relaxed with another person even when you’ve been apart for ages. Someone who makes you feel safe to be yourself without overthinking every word and interaction… Somehow you just… click. 🥹
December 21, 2021
Cindy Steel is so good at writing chemistry! I absolutely love the way she writes relationships. I'm looking forward to her next novel this spring.
January 3, 2023
Very cute little story but I didn't vibe with the cowboy setting as much as I did the first book in this little collection. Will still read more from Cindy Steel!
January 3, 2022
This was the BEST way to kick off the new reading year!
I absolutely adored this! It was sweet and swoony and took me back to my Cowboy romance phase! (Well, maybe “phase” isn’t the right word… cause I still love it 😂)
Is there anything better than a “snowed in” romance?
Answer: No, no there is not!
This was short and just so easy to read in one sitting! I really felt like I was there in that Wyoming winter storm, with no power, no water and only a fireplace (and a Hot Cowboy) to keep me warm! Which is a hard feat seeing as I am in Florida and winter here is… not really wintery…
I just love Cindy Steel’s writing and she is now a for sure an auto-buy author for me! Now I just need to read, “That Fine Line”!
I also really appreciated the anxiety rep that was in here. I struggle with anxiety and overwhelming thoughts and doubts exactly like was described for Lucy. It was so relatable and really made my heart squeeze a few times for her. The way Dusty handled it too when she confided in him was so sweet and just made me fall harder for him!
I just have so much love for this novella and I can’t wait to read it again and again! 😍
Extra things I loved:
Gluten-Free Pancakes
Ping Pong
“I am not left-handed!”
The bet
The kissing and almost kissing
Snowmobile ride
Chocolate pie
I absolutely adored this! It was sweet and swoony and took me back to my Cowboy romance phase! (Well, maybe “phase” isn’t the right word… cause I still love it 😂)
Is there anything better than a “snowed in” romance?
Answer: No, no there is not!
This was short and just so easy to read in one sitting! I really felt like I was there in that Wyoming winter storm, with no power, no water and only a fireplace (and a Hot Cowboy) to keep me warm! Which is a hard feat seeing as I am in Florida and winter here is… not really wintery…
I just love Cindy Steel’s writing and she is now a for sure an auto-buy author for me! Now I just need to read, “That Fine Line”!
I also really appreciated the anxiety rep that was in here. I struggle with anxiety and overwhelming thoughts and doubts exactly like was described for Lucy. It was so relatable and really made my heart squeeze a few times for her. The way Dusty handled it too when she confided in him was so sweet and just made me fall harder for him!
I just have so much love for this novella and I can’t wait to read it again and again! 😍
Extra things I loved:
Gluten-Free Pancakes
Ping Pong
“I am not left-handed!”
The bet
The kissing and almost kissing
Snowmobile ride
Chocolate pie
October 13, 2022
4.5 stars
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This was utterly adorable. Can't wait to read it again.
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10/13/22: Did not disappoint on 2nd read through.
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This was utterly adorable. Can't wait to read it again.
.
10/13/22: Did not disappoint on 2nd read through.
January 16, 2023
This was a really cute romance and I really enjoyed it. One thing I enjoy about Cindy’s books is the western twists. I love reading romance that feels more local to me! The grandparents were adorable and it was fun to have a small cast of characters.
I was pulled out of the book a little when the word “spaz” was used. I can see why it may seem acceptable to some people, but today it is seen as derogatory/ableist and it just seemed unnecessary!
Overall, it was a really cute story. My first intro to a cowboy romance!
I was pulled out of the book a little when the word “spaz” was used. I can see why it may seem acceptable to some people, but today it is seen as derogatory/ableist and it just seemed unnecessary!
Overall, it was a really cute story. My first intro to a cowboy romance!
December 5, 2023
I really wanted to like this one but I found that I couldn’t get I to it until about 50% in.
3 Stars
3 Stars
December 29, 2021
This was a great novella! I love a good snowed-in read and thought the banter had some good angst. I enjoyed both characters though occasionally got frustrated with Lou. And suuuper appreciated a realistic ending for such a short timeline. Brought everything together at the end.
I look forward to the next novel that's full length!
I look forward to the next novel that's full length!
February 14, 2024
#1.5 in the series!
{closed door}
How is this a novella!? I felt like it was such a complete romance without being rushed. I love this couple. 🥹 I might be biased because Dusty reminds me of my husband (minus the cowboy thing) but that’s beside the point. And as someone who has recently had to go gluten free, I really enjoyed those little quirks in the story. ❤️❤️ Just an adorable snowed in, romance.
Two favorite moments:
“It just has to be long enough to convince you to fall in love with me.” Without warning, a smile burst across my face like a beam of sunshine. I covered my mouth with my hand before he pulled it down. “No…I worked hard for that. I want to see it.”
“What are you so scared of?” His voice was soft as his eyes bore into mine. “You.”
{closed door}
How is this a novella!? I felt like it was such a complete romance without being rushed. I love this couple. 🥹 I might be biased because Dusty reminds me of my husband (minus the cowboy thing) but that’s beside the point. And as someone who has recently had to go gluten free, I really enjoyed those little quirks in the story. ❤️❤️ Just an adorable snowed in, romance.
Two favorite moments:
“It just has to be long enough to convince you to fall in love with me.” Without warning, a smile burst across my face like a beam of sunshine. I covered my mouth with my hand before he pulled it down. “No…I worked hard for that. I want to see it.”
“What are you so scared of?” His voice was soft as his eyes bore into mine. “You.”
March 27, 2023
Fast and Cute!
This was a short story with teenage friends reconnecting as adults during a storm on Lucy’s grandparents’ ranch. I loved the teasing and flirting! After living in northeast Wyoming for five winters, I really appreciated the setting and that I’d never had animals to take care of.
The main story takes place over two to three days, which made me really wish there had been an epilogue.
This was a short story with teenage friends reconnecting as adults during a storm on Lucy’s grandparents’ ranch. I loved the teasing and flirting! After living in northeast Wyoming for five winters, I really appreciated the setting and that I’d never had animals to take care of.
The main story takes place over two to three days, which made me really wish there had been an epilogue.
March 21, 2025
GIVE ME DUSTY BENNETT RIGHT NOW!!! A flirty cowboy MAN with pretty eyes and muscles YES PLEASE. Full of communication and assurance. I loved this book with everything in me and need more dusty In my life. A real one would be nice too😏🤭😉
December 21, 2025
I’ve now read every Cindy Steel book she has to offer😭 I love her books. They’re all so cute and this one did not disappoint. She does such a great job at capturing that small town cozy feeling. This one they’re snowed in at her grandparents ranch in Wyoming. I loved it.
December 9, 2022
Another stellar read by Cindy Steel! If you enjoy rom coms and haven't read any of Cindy's books, you are missing out! Stranded Ranch is short and sweet but it is packed with laugh out loud moments, witty banter, and romance that will make your heart swoon. And Lucy's grandparents are just adorable! If you're looking for a quick and fun read, you should definitely check this one out!
September 7, 2022
What a fun book. Lucy decides to visit her grandparents in Wyoming, when a blast from the past , comes in a near blizzard.
April 11, 2022
Set during a snowstorm on a ranch in Wyoming, I knew I was going to love this forced proximity romance! Cindy Steel writes delicious banter, and this was no exception.
Eight years has passed since Lucy has seen childhood friend Dusty Bennett ... and now the grownup cowboy is at the door needing shelter. For being a novella, I'm amazed how it managed to still have a slow burn feel. The lingering attempts of a first kiss were so good! And Dusty was such a charmer, effortlessly teasing Lucy at any chance. Simply needing to push back on her overthinking tendencies, I loved the calmness Dusty provided Lucy.
With the blizzard adding all sorts of complications on the ranch, the story also had a slight element of suspense. My eyes were glued to the pages!
Eight years has passed since Lucy has seen childhood friend Dusty Bennett ... and now the grownup cowboy is at the door needing shelter. For being a novella, I'm amazed how it managed to still have a slow burn feel. The lingering attempts of a first kiss were so good! And Dusty was such a charmer, effortlessly teasing Lucy at any chance. Simply needing to push back on her overthinking tendencies, I loved the calmness Dusty provided Lucy.
With the blizzard adding all sorts of complications on the ranch, the story also had a slight element of suspense. My eyes were glued to the pages!
February 2, 2023
This was a super cute novella set in January in Wyoming on a ranch during a snowstorm.
It’s been eight years since Lucy has seen her childhood friend, Dusty, and that long since she quickly kissed him out of the blue and then ran away. Lucy is visiting her grandparents ranch and a big snowstorm hits. The first night a cowboy shows up at the door seeking shelter and it’s none other than Dusty himself! With the power out the two are forced to spend some quality time together. Will sparks fly during this snowstorm?
Cindy Steel has quickly become one of my favorite romcom authors. Her books have the best banter and the flirting in her books is 🔥🔥!
If you are looking for a kissing only, cute romcom novella then definitely check this one out!
It’s been eight years since Lucy has seen her childhood friend, Dusty, and that long since she quickly kissed him out of the blue and then ran away. Lucy is visiting her grandparents ranch and a big snowstorm hits. The first night a cowboy shows up at the door seeking shelter and it’s none other than Dusty himself! With the power out the two are forced to spend some quality time together. Will sparks fly during this snowstorm?
Cindy Steel has quickly become one of my favorite romcom authors. Her books have the best banter and the flirting in her books is 🔥🔥!
If you are looking for a kissing only, cute romcom novella then definitely check this one out!
June 1, 2022
This makes my third Cindy Steel book, which I think just leaves one more before I've read them all. This one's just as good as the others! But one of the best parts? Grandpa has Celiac disease! One of my girls does, too, and it was just...cool to see it in a book!
The one caveat I have for this is that you may not want to read it right after you've lost 2 grandparents. I shed some tears while thinking of them and reading. Other than that, though, I was smiling and laughing all the way through. Mentally, I was in a blizzard, and it was a bit of a shock to let in the dogs when it's a humid 80° at 11:30 pm.
Highly recommend this, and I'm excited to read her last one!
The one caveat I have for this is that you may not want to read it right after you've lost 2 grandparents. I shed some tears while thinking of them and reading. Other than that, though, I was smiling and laughing all the way through. Mentally, I was in a blizzard, and it was a bit of a shock to let in the dogs when it's a humid 80° at 11:30 pm.
Highly recommend this, and I'm excited to read her last one!
January 6, 2023
This novella was a really sweet and fun read. Sometimes novellas feel too short, but I think this one used the time really well and it was a great fit for a novella. Lots of enjoyable banter and breaking down walls. The grandparent element was so tender. I love how even with the short timeline this story didn’t feel like the instalove that often bothers me in stories. It felt like the meshing together of two people when things just click and don’t feel hard. It actually reminded me a lot of my experience falling in love with my husband.
May 18, 2025
This was probably one of the best novellas I’ve read. Dusty was amazing and it was fun having the whole story through Lucy’s POV who I didn’t know before this story.
Gosh, I love Dusty! Now I feel like reading That Fine Line again just so I can catch moments with Dusty pre-adult Lucy. I know that’s not a word but I’m making it so.
Gosh, I love Dusty! Now I feel like reading That Fine Line again just so I can catch moments with Dusty pre-adult Lucy. I know that’s not a word but I’m making it so.
April 8, 2022
Super super cute! I enjoyed everything about this. It’s and charming novella. Fun setting, likable characters, swoony & flirty romance! I read it at the beach which was the complete opposite of the winter setting of the book! 😂 Highly recommend!
Content G
Content G
September 3, 2022
Absolutely adorable! Romcom fans, this is a MUST READ!
January 12, 2025
“Goodness, the man could flirt like it was his career and here I was—the rookie, part-time hire.”
“The Lord must have heard my prayer to send us a storm so I could see a young handsome cowboy around here again. Lucy must have been praying to.”
* Aww her grandparents are the best!
* Oh man, I love him already
* I am cackling
* Not the pancakes!
* Aww I love how well they just get along
* I feel her anxiety in my soul
* Not them Princess Bride-ing each other! 😂
* Oh my gosh, yes. I love good sleepover vibes
* I’m kicking my feet and giggling over here
I love, love, loved this story! Cindy writes the best winter, snowed in type of stories. And actually just the best stories in general.
But I loved Lucy and Dusty! I related a lot to Lucy and how she worries about everything. And I loved getting to see her find that connection that just made things so natural. Those people are the best kinds of people.
And Dusty is just so sweet and charming. Curses, it makes me want to find a hot cowboy to love! 😂 But I loved how patient he was with Lucy and his obviously obsessed he was.
And her grandparents? I’m in love with them. Especially her grandma. Her grandpa is my grandpa and it almost made me tear up reading about all the similarities and thinking about how much I love my grandpa and will miss him someday when he’s gone.
Do yourself the biggest favor and read this one if you haven’t yet.
Ps. I usually don’t like novellas at all, but if Cindy Steel writes it, you know it’s going to be incredible no matter the length.
“The secret ha that when you’re with the right person—the person who helps you be the best version of yourself—the relationship will feel very different than all the rest.”
“…there’s nothing wrong with you, Lou. I’d say you’re dang near perfect.”
“The Lord must have heard my prayer to send us a storm so I could see a young handsome cowboy around here again. Lucy must have been praying to.”
* Aww her grandparents are the best!
* Oh man, I love him already
* I am cackling
* Not the pancakes!
* Aww I love how well they just get along
* I feel her anxiety in my soul
* Not them Princess Bride-ing each other! 😂
* Oh my gosh, yes. I love good sleepover vibes
* I’m kicking my feet and giggling over here
I love, love, loved this story! Cindy writes the best winter, snowed in type of stories. And actually just the best stories in general.
But I loved Lucy and Dusty! I related a lot to Lucy and how she worries about everything. And I loved getting to see her find that connection that just made things so natural. Those people are the best kinds of people.
And Dusty is just so sweet and charming. Curses, it makes me want to find a hot cowboy to love! 😂 But I loved how patient he was with Lucy and his obviously obsessed he was.
And her grandparents? I’m in love with them. Especially her grandma. Her grandpa is my grandpa and it almost made me tear up reading about all the similarities and thinking about how much I love my grandpa and will miss him someday when he’s gone.
Do yourself the biggest favor and read this one if you haven’t yet.
Ps. I usually don’t like novellas at all, but if Cindy Steel writes it, you know it’s going to be incredible no matter the length.
“The secret ha that when you’re with the right person—the person who helps you be the best version of yourself—the relationship will feel very different than all the rest.”
“…there’s nothing wrong with you, Lou. I’d say you’re dang near perfect.”
January 5, 2023
BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Lucy is visiting her grandparents’ ranch for a week when a huge snowstorm hits. The snowstorm closes the roads and causes Dusty Bennett to have to bunk with Lucy’s grandparents until they are cleared. Lucy hasn’t seen Dusty since she was 16 years old when she hastily kissed him and fled. While they spend time together doing chores on the ranch, Lucy and Dusty form a quick connection. But what happens when the storm is over and the roads are open?
I really liked Dusty (and Jake) in That Fine Line, so I was excited when I saw that this was Dusty’s story. Dusty was such a flirtatious cowboy and I loved how his boldness made Lucy bold. Lucy can be an anxious overthinker, who hasn’t seen a second date because she overanalyzes and worries about everything. But with Dusty, she was free. There were still times where she worried about things, but you could see her leaning into her flirtatious side and going with her heart more.
I thought Lucy and Dusty had great chemistry and flirty banter. I feel like there is such a fine line with writing a good novella because they are so short, everything is pretty much Insta love (which isn’t my favorite). But Dusty and Lucy had been friends as kids and I enjoyed watching them build on that connection as adults. This is cute quick read that you can finish in a snow day!
4⭐️
🚪Closed Door Romance
I really liked Dusty (and Jake) in That Fine Line, so I was excited when I saw that this was Dusty’s story. Dusty was such a flirtatious cowboy and I loved how his boldness made Lucy bold. Lucy can be an anxious overthinker, who hasn’t seen a second date because she overanalyzes and worries about everything. But with Dusty, she was free. There were still times where she worried about things, but you could see her leaning into her flirtatious side and going with her heart more.
I thought Lucy and Dusty had great chemistry and flirty banter. I feel like there is such a fine line with writing a good novella because they are so short, everything is pretty much Insta love (which isn’t my favorite). But Dusty and Lucy had been friends as kids and I enjoyed watching them build on that connection as adults. This is cute quick read that you can finish in a snow day!
4⭐️
🚪Closed Door Romance
May 21, 2023
This novella was cute. It's not life changing, but it is a sweet snowed in story.
Lucy visits her grandparents on her school's break and gets caught in a blizzard. Who shows up but her old crush and current hottie cowboy, Dusty? While stranded together, sparks will fly between these two but can they make it work when they live totally separate lives?
There wasn't much to this story, but it was a cute read. Lucy has a bit of anxiousness that adds a bit of depth to the book, but there just wasn't time to explore it. Dusty was harder to get to know since we didn't have his point of view. He's super flirty, but doesn't have much development besides that. I did like their chemistry, although I do wish there was a touch more steam. I think that Cindy Steel might do really well in the YA genre. Her books often have that vibe for me.
Lucy visits her grandparents on her school's break and gets caught in a blizzard. Who shows up but her old crush and current hottie cowboy, Dusty? While stranded together, sparks will fly between these two but can they make it work when they live totally separate lives?
There wasn't much to this story, but it was a cute read. Lucy has a bit of anxiousness that adds a bit of depth to the book, but there just wasn't time to explore it. Dusty was harder to get to know since we didn't have his point of view. He's super flirty, but doesn't have much development besides that. I did like their chemistry, although I do wish there was a touch more steam. I think that Cindy Steel might do really well in the YA genre. Her books often have that vibe for me.
February 14, 2024
Book 27 of 2024
I loved this little winter interlude for one of our favorite cowboys, Dusty. He was such a fun character in the first book, and I loved seeing him get his own little story here. Reading the Author’s Note first helped, because it gave context to the entire story. You can tell that @CindySteel is an Idaho girl herself, and that she takes situations from real life and puts them into her books. I would have never thought about “cattle motels” in Wyoming for cowboys and cattle that are driving across the state. I absolutely love this concept, and how people know each other through this community, and how Dusty and Lucy “know” each other, but meet all over again…. AND there’s forced proximity, so….. you had me at hello @CindySteel. I can’t wait to keep reading this series!
Rating – three stars
Format – kindle unlimited (audiobook unavailable)
I loved this little winter interlude for one of our favorite cowboys, Dusty. He was such a fun character in the first book, and I loved seeing him get his own little story here. Reading the Author’s Note first helped, because it gave context to the entire story. You can tell that @CindySteel is an Idaho girl herself, and that she takes situations from real life and puts them into her books. I would have never thought about “cattle motels” in Wyoming for cowboys and cattle that are driving across the state. I absolutely love this concept, and how people know each other through this community, and how Dusty and Lucy “know” each other, but meet all over again…. AND there’s forced proximity, so….. you had me at hello @CindySteel. I can’t wait to keep reading this series!
Rating – three stars
Format – kindle unlimited (audiobook unavailable)
June 6, 2023
I enjoyed this novella giving readers the story of a side character, Dusty, from the Pride and Pranks series. This was really a heart-warming, quick read, with nicely developed characters who really just had me wanting more page time with them. The story was sweet and wholesome--even in the forced proximity setting and is a nice compliment to the series as a whole.
November 17, 2025
I really appreciate how each of the characters in this series have quirks that real people deal with. Lucy isn't a sporty, hot, confident girl. She has difficulties that Dusty so wonderfully helps her with. it was very sweet.
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