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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.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2021
About the author
Cindy Steel
9 books2,277 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 380 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pride and Pranks #1.5
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel
Narrated by Justis Bolding
This is my third book in the Pride and Pranks series but you do not have to read the other books to enjoy this one. This is especially the case since there are only four characters in this novella (if you don't count all the farm animals). Twenty four year old school teacher, Lucy, is spending time with her grandparents and a big storm is imminent. No matter, they are ready, plenty of food and love to go around, although it's a good thing Lucy is there because her grandfather is not feeling well. Once the weather is better, grandmother will get grandfather to the doctor.
There's a knock at the door and it's a handsome cowboy who Lucy hasn't seen in about eight years. Boy howdy, Dusty has sure changed from the pudgy kid he was at fifteen to Lucy's sixteen. And he remembers what Lucy did to him all those years ago and he's not going to let her live it down. These two have great instant chemistry and they are very busy teasing each other. They are like two teenagers with raging hormones but this is a clean, closed door romance so no need to cover your eyes. The story is funny, cute, and silly and just the right length. Justis Bolding narrates and she handles all the antics very well.
Pub September 29, 2026
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel
Narrated by Justis Bolding
This is my third book in the Pride and Pranks series but you do not have to read the other books to enjoy this one. This is especially the case since there are only four characters in this novella (if you don't count all the farm animals). Twenty four year old school teacher, Lucy, is spending time with her grandparents and a big storm is imminent. No matter, they are ready, plenty of food and love to go around, although it's a good thing Lucy is there because her grandfather is not feeling well. Once the weather is better, grandmother will get grandfather to the doctor.
There's a knock at the door and it's a handsome cowboy who Lucy hasn't seen in about eight years. Boy howdy, Dusty has sure changed from the pudgy kid he was at fifteen to Lucy's sixteen. And he remembers what Lucy did to him all those years ago and he's not going to let her live it down. These two have great instant chemistry and they are very busy teasing each other. They are like two teenagers with raging hormones but this is a clean, closed door romance so no need to cover your eyes. The story is funny, cute, and silly and just the right length. Justis Bolding narrates and she handles all the antics very well.
Pub September 29, 2026
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC
September 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook narration was by Justis Bolding. This was my first time listening to her, and I was thoroughly impressed! Even with a single narrator bringing all the characters to life, I never felt as though I was missing out. She gave each character a distinct voice, and I had no trouble following along. Her delivery captured the humor, tenderness, and emotion beautifully, making this such a fun and fantastic listening experience.
Sometimes the sweetest love stories are the ones that find their way back to us, reminding us that a little piece of the past might just be the beginning of something beautiful. And when that unexpected surprise comes in the form of a handsome, flirty cowboy, a Wyoming blizzard, and a second chance at a love that has been quietly waiting all along, it is hard not to fall right along with them.🩵
The Stranded Ranch was such an adorable, charming, heartwarming little romance! Although I've read other books by Cindy Steel, this was my first time reading a book in the Pride and Prank series, and what a delightful experience it was. The books can be read out of order, so I had no trouble jumping right into this one.
I absolutely adored the cozy Wyoming setting, the forced proximity, the playful teasing, the hilarious banter, and the amazing chemistry between Lucy and Dusty. Their romance unfolded at a gradual pace that made their growing feelings all the more special. They already had a strong foundation of friendship and shared memories, so watching those feelings slowly blossom into something more felt incredibly sweet. There was no insta love here, and I was so glad for that.
I especially enjoyed how Dusty helped Lucy feel safe, not just in his presence, but in the possibility of love itself. Lucy tends to get caught up in her own head and overthink things, and I really liked the way Dusty gently helped ease some of her insecurities. There was something so tender about watching her begin to believe that she could feel safe in a relationship. The right person doesn't take away all your fears but makes it a little easier to believe that you are worthy of the love waiting on the other side of them.
And her grandparents! They were such a wonderful addition. They added so much warmth and charm, and I cherished the extra sweetness they brought to Lucy and Dusty's time together.
One thing that stood out to me was how satisfying this novella felt. Sometimes shorter romances can leave you wishing for more time with the characters or feeling as though their relationship hasn't enough time to fully develop. But that wasn't the case here. Lucy and Dusty already shared a history, a friendship, and years of memories, giving their romance a foundation that allowed their feelings to unfold at an unhurried pace. Even though this was a novella, I never felt cheated out of anything. Their story felt full, heartfelt, and wonderfully complete.
This is a clean romance with kissing only, yet it still delivered plenty of swoon-worthy moments, adorable flirting, and butterflies. I found myself chuckling and grinning from ear to ear, completely charmed by these two. And the ending was absolutely perfect!
I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a sweet, feel-good romance that will make you smile, warm your heart, and leave you believing in second chances.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes the sweetest love stories are the ones that find their way back to us, reminding us that a little piece of the past might just be the beginning of something beautiful. And when that unexpected surprise comes in the form of a handsome, flirty cowboy, a Wyoming blizzard, and a second chance at a love that has been quietly waiting all along, it is hard not to fall right along with them.🩵
The Stranded Ranch was such an adorable, charming, heartwarming little romance! Although I've read other books by Cindy Steel, this was my first time reading a book in the Pride and Prank series, and what a delightful experience it was. The books can be read out of order, so I had no trouble jumping right into this one.
I absolutely adored the cozy Wyoming setting, the forced proximity, the playful teasing, the hilarious banter, and the amazing chemistry between Lucy and Dusty. Their romance unfolded at a gradual pace that made their growing feelings all the more special. They already had a strong foundation of friendship and shared memories, so watching those feelings slowly blossom into something more felt incredibly sweet. There was no insta love here, and I was so glad for that.
I especially enjoyed how Dusty helped Lucy feel safe, not just in his presence, but in the possibility of love itself. Lucy tends to get caught up in her own head and overthink things, and I really liked the way Dusty gently helped ease some of her insecurities. There was something so tender about watching her begin to believe that she could feel safe in a relationship. The right person doesn't take away all your fears but makes it a little easier to believe that you are worthy of the love waiting on the other side of them.
And her grandparents! They were such a wonderful addition. They added so much warmth and charm, and I cherished the extra sweetness they brought to Lucy and Dusty's time together.
One thing that stood out to me was how satisfying this novella felt. Sometimes shorter romances can leave you wishing for more time with the characters or feeling as though their relationship hasn't enough time to fully develop. But that wasn't the case here. Lucy and Dusty already shared a history, a friendship, and years of memories, giving their romance a foundation that allowed their feelings to unfold at an unhurried pace. Even though this was a novella, I never felt cheated out of anything. Their story felt full, heartfelt, and wonderfully complete.
This is a clean romance with kissing only, yet it still delivered plenty of swoon-worthy moments, adorable flirting, and butterflies. I found myself chuckling and grinning from ear to ear, completely charmed by these two. And the ending was absolutely perfect!
I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a sweet, feel-good romance that will make you smile, warm your heart, and leave you believing in second chances.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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 23, 2021
Simply adorable
January 2, 2022
Sort and sweet, but oh so cute! This was the perfect story to start a new year with!
January 2, 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
November 8, 2023
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!
December 31, 2021
4.5 stars
.
This was utterly adorable. Can't wait to read it again.
.
10/13/22: Did not disappoint on 2nd read through.
.
This was utterly adorable. Can't wait to read it again.
.
10/13/22: Did not disappoint on 2nd read through.
September 22, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel is a sweet second chance romance with forced proximity and no spice. The novella follows Lucy and Dusty as they reunite during a big snowstorm when Dusty seeks refuge on Lucy's grandparents' ranch. We follow their story through a snowstorm where they work together while bantering in a super fun way. While I did enjoy the narration a lot, I felt like the book's pacing was a little bit off. It felt like they moved too fast through their feelings but the book was so slow on the character development. I enjoyed myself and I think I will be reading the rest of the stories as I am curious to how their love story will progress.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Cindy Steel for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel is a sweet second chance romance with forced proximity and no spice. The novella follows Lucy and Dusty as they reunite during a big snowstorm when Dusty seeks refuge on Lucy's grandparents' ranch. We follow their story through a snowstorm where they work together while bantering in a super fun way. While I did enjoy the narration a lot, I felt like the book's pacing was a little bit off. It felt like they moved too fast through their feelings but the book was so slow on the character development. I enjoyed myself and I think I will be reading the rest of the stories as I am curious to how their love story will progress.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Cindy Steel for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.
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!
September 23, 2026
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel
Narrated by Justis Bolding
Snowed in novella featuring an anxious, over thinking FMC and a cowboy MMC
Why are both MCs happy that Grandma is drugging Grandpa to keep him asleep without his knowledge
I think Dusty recalls a Kiss they had as teenagers
Narrator made for an enjoyable listening experience
Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Cindy Steel for the ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Narrated by Justis Bolding
Snowed in novella featuring an anxious, over thinking FMC and a cowboy MMC
Why are both MCs happy that Grandma is drugging Grandpa to keep him asleep without his knowledge
I think Dusty recalls a Kiss they had as teenagers
Narrator made for an enjoyable listening experience
Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Cindy Steel for the ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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
June 2, 2025
2026 audiobook reread. The narrator was so good. Even though this is a shorter novella it still packs a punch. The chemistry and tension 🤌🏼 also, the kiss scenes might be some of my favorites!!
Thank you dreamscape and netgalley for this alc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adorable.
The characters that Cindy creates are so dynamic. I like the chemistry and banter between Lucy and Dusty. She’s anxious and he’s steady. They had a history growing up and years later finally got their shot. I appreciate the clean romance, but Cindy’s books never feel like they’re lacking because of the chemistry and emotional connection.
Things I loved:
🥞Making Pancakes
🏓Ping Pong game
❄️Snowmobile ride
👩❤️💋👨Kisses
Thank you dreamscape and netgalley for this alc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adorable.
The characters that Cindy creates are so dynamic. I like the chemistry and banter between Lucy and Dusty. She’s anxious and he’s steady. They had a history growing up and years later finally got their shot. I appreciate the clean romance, but Cindy’s books never feel like they’re lacking because of the chemistry and emotional connection.
Things I loved:
🥞Making Pancakes
🏓Ping Pong game
❄️Snowmobile ride
👩❤️💋👨Kisses
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!
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 18, 2026
Stranded Ranch was such a fun, cozy listen! I ended up listening to the entire audiobook in one sitting because I was enjoying these characters so much.
I loved the winter Wyoming ranch setting, especially with the snowstorm creating that perfect forced-proximity atmosphere. Add in meddling grandparents who are very interested in pushing two childhood friends together, and I was completely entertained. Neither of them is looking for love, but their chemistry is there almost immediately.
I especially loved the teasing and flirting between them. He was so much fun with her, and their friendship gave the romance such an easy, natural foundation. I also laughed so much over her attempts at cooking. She may not have the talent, but good for her for trying! 😂
This is a closed-door romance with childhood friends, a flirty cowboy, plenty of humor, and characters I became attached to very quickly. I would have happily listened to a much longer story about these two because I simply wasn’t ready to leave them or that snowy ranch behind.
Justis Bolding did a wonderful job with the narration. She gave the characters distinctive voices and personalities, and her grandpa voice was absolutely spot-on. The narration added even more charm to an already delightful story.
If you enjoy childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, meddling family members, cozy winter settings, playful chemistry, and closed-door cowboy romance, this is such a fun one to pick up.
I received a complimentary audiobook from the author through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
I loved the winter Wyoming ranch setting, especially with the snowstorm creating that perfect forced-proximity atmosphere. Add in meddling grandparents who are very interested in pushing two childhood friends together, and I was completely entertained. Neither of them is looking for love, but their chemistry is there almost immediately.
I especially loved the teasing and flirting between them. He was so much fun with her, and their friendship gave the romance such an easy, natural foundation. I also laughed so much over her attempts at cooking. She may not have the talent, but good for her for trying! 😂
This is a closed-door romance with childhood friends, a flirty cowboy, plenty of humor, and characters I became attached to very quickly. I would have happily listened to a much longer story about these two because I simply wasn’t ready to leave them or that snowy ranch behind.
Justis Bolding did a wonderful job with the narration. She gave the characters distinctive voices and personalities, and her grandpa voice was absolutely spot-on. The narration added even more charm to an already delightful story.
If you enjoy childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, meddling family members, cozy winter settings, playful chemistry, and closed-door cowboy romance, this is such a fun one to pick up.
I received a complimentary audiobook from the author through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
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.”
October 4, 2026
Stranded Ranch is the first book I’ve read by Cindy Steel. It’s a novella in the Pride and Pranks series, but it isn't necessary to read the other books to understand this one.
Lucy and Dusty have great chemistry as they reconnect after years apart. I enjoyed their banter; basically anything Dusty said held my attention. He's kind and supportive when he realizes Lucy is anxious and needs help. He's what you would expect from a hot cowboy trope.
The story is funny and sweet and leaves you wanting these two to make it work. I hope future books in the series pick up where this one left off.
The audio, narrated by Justis Bolding, released September 28, 2026.
Thank you, Cindy Steel, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
Lucy and Dusty have great chemistry as they reconnect after years apart. I enjoyed their banter; basically anything Dusty said held my attention. He's kind and supportive when he realizes Lucy is anxious and needs help. He's what you would expect from a hot cowboy trope.
The story is funny and sweet and leaves you wanting these two to make it work. I hope future books in the series pick up where this one left off.
The audio, narrated by Justis Bolding, released September 28, 2026.
Thank you, Cindy Steel, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
October 25, 2026
I love Cindy’s book about cowboys! And this series has such good chemistry and banter and this novella is no different! I didn’t want to put this audiobook down!
Snowstorm closing the road and nowhere else to go, Dusty returns to a beloved ranch only to find his childhood crush open the door. Then slam it in his face. I loved the flirty banter between Lucy and Dusty. Meddling grandparents, forced proximity with the snowstorm and power outages find the pair together a lot.
This story takes place over a few days. I wish there were more but it feels like a complete story and not rushed.
This story came out years ago as ebook but now the audiobook has released last month. Thanks to Net Galley and RB Media for the audio alc. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
Snowstorm closing the road and nowhere else to go, Dusty returns to a beloved ranch only to find his childhood crush open the door. Then slam it in his face. I loved the flirty banter between Lucy and Dusty. Meddling grandparents, forced proximity with the snowstorm and power outages find the pair together a lot.
This story takes place over a few days. I wish there were more but it feels like a complete story and not rushed.
This story came out years ago as ebook but now the audiobook has released last month. Thanks to Net Galley and RB Media for the audio alc. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
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!
October 18, 2026
I think this is my second book by Steel, and once again, she had me laughing out loud. I loved the banter between Dusty and Lucy. Her grandparents were adorable too. I had a great time being stranded at the ranch.
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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!
January 31, 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!
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