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Alexander Ranch #1

Alexander Ranch

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I tried not to look at the men so that I could focus on keeping my movements silent. I certainly did not want to be detected. It was impossible, however, to keep my eyes completely off the terrifying drama unfolding before me. I was certain they planned to kill the man and I had no way of helping him. The best I could do was get to safety and call the police. I had slunk my way to the left of them and was right alongside the river now. I crept along keeping a wary eye on the men. I don’t know whether I gasped, screamed, or made a sudden movement, but suddenly both sets of eyes of the evil men turned towards me just as the shot sounded. I ran as fast as I could, ignoring the ripping pain in my side, and jumped off the edge into the rushing water below.

178 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2013

9 people are currently reading
356 people want to read

About the author

Marla Josephs

11 books33 followers
Marla Josephs leads a busy life in Northern California with her husband and children. When everyone in the family isn't working or studying hard they are traveling and playing hard. She is an avid reader, and post reviews of her favorites on a review site with other reviewers, http://thenextgreatreadbookreview.blo...

Now that her kids are older, she is very excited to be able to finally put her writing front and center. She's released several books in her Alexander Ranch series. She also adding to her Reluctant series.

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5 stars
45 (38%)
4 stars
42 (35%)
3 stars
21 (17%)
2 stars
7 (5%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle "Chelle" Thompson.
429 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2015
WOW!! I was completely drawn into this story on the very first page. If work, kid, and life had not decided they wanted me to actually do something I would never have been able to put this book down. Let me say even when I did have to put it down I still thought about it and could not wait jump back into it. This is a fast pace story that keeps you wanting to see what is going to happen next. Now I cannot wait to jump into the next book.
Profile Image for Angela Huntley.
Author 1 book4 followers
June 13, 2014
What a captivating story! I kept think I knew where the story was going and every time I would get caught up in a twist or turn in the plot. Marla Josephs had me from chapter one. I literally could not stop reading. A wonderful summer read!!
Profile Image for Jill.
27 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2016
I won this book through GoodReads First Reads Giveaways

The book has the potential to be good. It has a solid foundation, but it needs work. I do not like saying negative things in reviews but I need to explain the two stars. This is to be constructive, to help, not to be negative :(

If I were in a store or looking for a book on-line I would never reach for a book with this cover on it. First impressions are critical in sales, it draws people in and the cover of the book looks like someone used a computers paint program to make a .bmp. It does not have to have a model, just something that looks ranch-like, could even be a photo of a field of grass or an empty barn to better represent what is inside the book. If it is a drawing, it needs to be able to be recognizable And needs a high resolution image so it does not look weird when enlarged. First impressions are essential to drawing in customers.

I like the basic story but it took most of the first part of the book to establish a relationship with the two main characters then in the end it was just dropped and nothing happened. The book talked more about the problem between them and used the problem of the crime to get them together so there should have at least been a conclusion to their relationship either they had none or they got together. It was disappointing after spending so much time on them that it was just left hanging.

The crime was okay but kind of blah. There were really good parts but there were a lot of parts that felt like it was just thrown in to remind us that the crime was what the book was about. In the final confrontation, it discussed them coming to her rescue then . . . nothing. They didn't even say if it was resolved, the reader had to assume it was from the fact that she no longer needed protection. How was it resolved? what happened to the bad guys? Who were they? Where did they operate out of? Are there more?

In the end it felt like we had spent so much time setting the story up that there was not enough time or enough pages for an ending. It has potential and it is a good story but it just needs a little tweak here and there to make it great.

One place in the book (can't remember the page) the word should have been "sense" and it had the word "since". Things like that are hard to find when editing because they are actual words and not misspelled but it throws some of the readers off a little. There are enough characters for there to be sequels so there should have been more to the story between Jordon and Lela and an explanation of what happened when they rescued her from the bad guys.
Profile Image for Amelia Fields.
80 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2015
Excellent read. I thought this writer is so creative in this book. I was floored by all the wonderful content. It was very well done. I was baffled at first as to where she was going with this character but she unfolded the main character and all the other ones with the skill of a seasoned writer. Brava! I don't know how long Marla Josephs has been writing but I feel she can't but get better and even better. She's started out with a bang! I loved this book and am currently reading the next one in this series.
Profile Image for Lorraine Loveit.
Author 19 books51 followers
March 31, 2014
This book was very surprising, a real page turner.

The action started right from the beginning and then it escalated. Marla Josephs kept dropping hints throughout the story, to keep the reader guessing what was to come.

I was disappointed when the end came - I know there must be a sequel coming - please!
Profile Image for Andrea.
54 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2014
I loved this book! I enjoyed not knowing if the Alexander family were good or bad. I like a book that keeps me guessing and doesn't spell everything out! I am glad there are 2 more books in this series, and there were unanswered questions at the end of this book. Still not sure if Jordan is a good guy or not, and that's ok with me. Well done, Marla Josephs!!!
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,889 reviews
January 23, 2018
Layla interrupts a would-be murder & runs for her life, but she’s shot during her escape. She wakes up in a cabin with Jordan taking care of her. Layla has a gift...she can read minds...and she senses that she’s safe w Jordan. The next day, Daisy comes to get Jordan and they realize that Layla was the one who distracted the would-be killers of their cousin, Ethan. Now they need to protect Layla from the bad guys. Daisy, Ethan & Jordan are all part of the Alexander Agency...a security company that operates out of a farm. Since Layla is a vet tech, they use that as a cover to keep her protected at the ranch. Over the next few weeks we feel the chemistry between Layla and Jordan and feel that there is more to this group than meets the eye. When Layla is attacked by a ranch hand, they have to come clean...turns out that they’re not exactly human. They’re Drainers and Healers...and seems that Layla is a Telepath. Will the Alexanders be able to save Layla from the evil Drainers? Will anything develop between Layla and Jordan? Lots of action in this book...it was awesome!! Jordan is swoon-worthy...all broody and stuff...lol. Now I need the next book in the series to get more of Jordan and Layla!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
January 26, 2016
•••I listened to the Audible Audio Edition of this book•••



I loved this performance! Jaime Lamchick was very expressive and conveyed a lot of nuance to the characters I might have missed by reading instead of listening. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to start listening to the next one :)


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In The Wrong Place At The Right Time


This series must be listened to (or read)in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to listen to Into Thin Air!



Lela has a special gift that she keeps secret from everyone (even her big brother who she lives with) ... She can feel other people's emotions and intentions and even sometimes read their inner thoughts. When she is out for some fun in the sun hiking she accidentally stumbles on three men... Two have guns and are threatening another on his knees. When one of them shoots, she gasps and turns to run away. They shoot at her and she jumps into the river allowing the current to take her away. When she emerges she sees a strange man sitting at the river bank. Is she saved? Or is he another of the men she just escaped? Will he help her?


Jordan feels drawn to the woman who so mysteriously appeared before him out of thin air. He only knows he must help her! He takes her back to the cabin and tends to her injuries the best he can. What makes her so important to him? Will he be able to help her? Or will he accidentally harm her? Where did she come from? How was she shot?


A heroine not interested in love and completely out of her depth meets a reluctant hero who doubts his ability not to be a villain in this quirky paranormal series filled with many other strong characters and lots of secrets!


***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy paranormal mystery action adventures with lots of intrigue and a bit of reluctant romance :)
Profile Image for Steven Freeman.
Author 68 books80 followers
April 19, 2014
In “Alexander Ranch,” narrator Lela describes the transformation of a brief solo camping trip into a weekend of terror. Witnessing the near-execution of an unknown man, she narrowly escapes the would-be executioners but is wounded in the process. The victim’s family, owners of the Alexander Ranch, takes her in for both recovery and protection. While she spends time on the ranch, she learns more about her benefactors and herself, knowledge that will irreplaceably change the course of her life.

Lela has a sharp, crisp voice which works well for the first-person narration. Young and ambitious, she sees no need for a man in her life and instead has focused on her career. The change wrought by her association with the owners of the Alexander Ranch, however, casts her into a state of confusion that seems reasonable, especially considering the protagonist’s early-twenties age.

The pace of the story moves along briskly and keeps the reader turning the page. Therefore, avoid my mistake: don’t start this book late in the evening, or you’ll end up with a case of sleep deprivation after deluding yourself with the excuse, “well, just one more chapter…”
A minor failing is the rather abrupt ending to the book. However, I’m happy to see it ended with the presumption of delivering a sequel, so this is not a significant quibble.

If you’re game for a face-paced romantic adventure in which nearly all the characters possess some type of super-human characteristic, I recommend Alexander Ranch for a fun read.
Profile Image for Sunshine Somerville.
Author 16 books111 followers
May 16, 2014
This was a nice, quick, paranormal/romantic read. I’m glad I didn’t know anything about the story going into it – Lela starts by taking a nice day off to hike in nature while thinking about the stresses at her job as a vet, then suddenly there’s something clearly odd about her, and then WHAM it jumps into intense action. The plot was easy to follow and kept me interested. The characters were all believable despite their subtle paranormal abilities, and the relationships between each of the characters was probably the strongest aspect of the story. Lela, Jordan, Daisy, Ethan, etc. care about each other, and it was fun to listen in on their banter. Lela, as the reader’s eyes into this story, is a completely relatable young woman who tries to react as bravely as possible when confronted by bewildering circumstances. There aren’t exactly a lot of twists in this story, but it’s clear the author is establishing the scene now for more to come from these characters.

The first part of the story reads a bit rough at times with an occasional goof, but I didn’t notice many more as I read on, partly because the story was so engaging.

Definitely worth a read, and it's nice and short.
1,098 reviews19 followers
August 8, 2015
A refreshing change of pace. This book has paranormal elements to it, but not with the in your face kind of way of many books currently available. While it started a little slow for me, it picked up as I got into the story and wanted to know what happened next and what was what. I really liked Lela and how she thinks things through. I like both Jordan and Ethan, so I'm on the fence with what I want to happen in the area of romance. Daisy was a light-hearted character than balanced out the brooding coming from Jordan. Logan and Grace were a cool couple and I'd like to know more about their relationship and the possibilities it allows between two different typepes of humans. I'm also hoping to read more of Lela's brother, Blake. There is enough action and romance to keep the book an intrresting read while leaving you pondering the depths of some situations.

137 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2016
Just finished listening to Alexander Ranch and loved it! After reading some of the reviews, I thought that I might want to wait until all 3 of the books were out because some of the reviewers said it was a cliffhanger. ( I really like to wait and read them all together!) But it really wasn't. Yes, I wanted to see where the relationship went, but the story line ended. The mystery was solved. Now I can't wait to see what happens with Lela and Jordan and the other characters in the book. I especially liked that the characters were "special." Just a touch of the paranormal. This story was fast paced and kept me listening. Also the narrator was really good and very easy to listen to. I look forward to listening to the next 2 books in the series.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
February 1, 2016
I loved this book in as it is different from anything else I have read. Kayla is out for a walk and senses something. She looks around and sees someone trying to kill a man. Knowing she can't save him, she takes off and the "killers" chase after her. I can't tell you much more as it will spoil the book. However, there is a lot of mystery involved in how these two people survive to tell the tale. This is book one in a series, and even though they are standalone books, I believe it is best to read them in order. The author kept me enthralled throughout the book.
Profile Image for Erin.
9 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book! I loved all the characters and how they reacted around each other, especially the banter between Lela and her brother Blake.
I was hoping for more of a connection with Jordan and Lela than what I felt, but I am really excited for the next book to see where they end up, as well as the rest of the story.
This was a nice and quick read, and I found myself hiding my Kindle under my desk at work just so I wouldn't have to wait to finish it.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
February 15, 2016
Lela is a vet and is being stalked when Jordan comes to her rescue. The Alexanders and Lela team up to solve the mystery and prevent her death.

I was given an advanced copy for an honest review. This is book 1 of the Alexander Ranch series by the author. WOW I loved this book and the series.
Profile Image for Patti Hesington.
52 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2018
Wonderful Series Start

It too me a day to read this book and I can't wait to read the rest of series. I want to learn more about the Alexander family, and to see if Lela and Jordan do get together. I loved reading this and look forward to reading more books by Marla.
4,374 reviews28 followers
April 5, 2014
Good

this was a well written book and it definitely holds your interest.the story is full of fast moving excitement and relationships.
Profile Image for Patti Hesington.
52 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2017
This book is the beginning of a very interesting series. All of the characters each play a part in the series and the first couple Lela and Jordan are adorable, I can't wait to read more
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,935 reviews22 followers
October 17, 2017
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I always do my reviews according to my expectations (not in comparaison with other books). In this case, the book exceeds my expectations. This book is excellent. This author should be better known!

This is my first Marla Josephs's book and it will not be the last. Her writing is rhythmic and refreshing. The narrator is excellent. This is a paranormal suspense. I love all the characters, but more specifically, of course, the main characters Lela and Jordan ! I hope that we'll have the opportunity to know more about the other characters in the next books. This is a series of three books, and a spin off, so make sure you get the other books in this series!
Profile Image for Eniko.
533 reviews14 followers
November 5, 2017
AUDIOBOOK edition

A good start to the series, the story was entertaining, easy flow, fast paced, quite intense at times, kept me listening well into the night. Love how the two main characters, Lela and Jordan were drawn to each other despite their miscommunications at times when I wanted to knock them on the head LOL and then when they finally did, the chemistry is big, well matched couple. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
My first listen from Ms. Lamchick, smooth voice, great pitch, made the story enjoyable.
2,634 reviews
October 10, 2018
Well this made a refreshing change - a love story with an unusual supernatural element!! Brilliantly written with strong characters and a fully developed sub culture of unusual Supers!!
It had me gripped from the first word and wouldnt let me go. Not Im addicted!!
Bring on book two!!
Must read!!
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,400 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2017
Another great book by Marla Josephs. This story sucks you in from the beginning and keeps you there until the end. I love the way this series has started and will definitely be continuing with it to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews102 followers
December 8, 2016
Terrific

What a wonderful story that is about super humans but felt like you were reading a good romantic suspense novel. And each of the people invoked were well developed.
Profile Image for Victoria Bizer.
12 reviews
April 14, 2019
Something new in the either

Wasn't sure where this book was heading but was pleasantly surprised with the twists and look forward to the surprised she comes up with next time.
Profile Image for f p.
369 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2023
I didn’t like the mmc or the fmc
it was repetitive
I really hope she doesn’t end up with the guy
2.5
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
May 15, 2014
This is a very touching story about Jordan and Lela who are attracted to each other. This books shows us so well how different men and women think. How action can be taken wrong, misleading, misunderstood. It reminds us to communicate with others so there are no misunderstanding, not only in friendship but with those we love. I found this book to be interesting, I have not read anything from this author. For me it had a slow start but still kept my interest. Once the pace picked up I was hooked. I thought this was going to a suspense read but it is more of a paranormal which I have not read a lot of. When I read she could feel the heat from the fingers I knew something was up. I was very surprised to see just what all was there.

“Alexander Ranch” is about a lady vet asst who is taking a much needed break from work. She takes the weekend off going on a camping trip. When she decides to take a walk in the woods she gets more then she bargains for. Walking into a scene straight from hell, where a man is being beaten and ready to be shot. She knows she is of little or no help, the best she can do is run for help. She must have made a noise and the bad men turn to her, they shot her and she is off running. The only place for her is the river, she jumps, goes under why the bad men are shooting at her. It is all she can do but to save herself. When she finally gets to a place she can get out she sees a man, is he there to killer her? She falls, he caught her, takes her back to his cabin and this is where the story begins.

Jordan and Lela both have many secrets which they hide well. Heck everyone seems to have a secret to hide but Lela brother. Neither wants the other to know because they are afraid the other will think the worse of them. There are a lot of very bad men that are out to get Lela for stopping them killing the man she saw being beaten. Jordan who saved her now becomes her protector along with his family. Alexander Ranch holds many secrets that will have to come to light before the bad man can be taken out. To tell anymore would give the story away, so I will leave you with my thoughts below:

I thought this was an easy read with a slow start, there are times you feel you are right there with the characters. Your heart starts pumping and you feel like shouting watch out. I did feel there were areas that were redundant and could have been cut out. The story really has no ending and I felt it could have ended with a little more information. Its ending will lead into another book and has a great place to start. I would have liked to have some completion with Jordan and Lela. For me this was not a good cliffhanger and for that I will give it a 4 star. The author got my attention enough that I am looking forward to reading “Into Thin Air (Alexander Ranch, # 2)”. I found this book to be full of surprises along with a lot of action pack to hold your interest. Don’t get me wrong this was a lovely read and I totally enjoyed it, others have loved the ending. I just have major issues with cliffhangers. I recommend you giving this a read, be ready for a few surprises along the way which I am sure you will totally enjoy.
Profile Image for kgagnon.
2,397 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2016
This thrilling mystery romance had me guessing what was happening at every turn. It opens with Lela waking up confused, in pain, and overhearing a strange conversation about her and how she saved someone on her walk in the woods. As Lela wakes up, two people she didn't know, Daisy and Jordan, explain to her what had happened. Things are said by not only them but by Lela that have you question what the meaning is behind what isn't being said. A few days later Lela is able to return to work only to find out she is being sent to work at Alexander Ranch where she again meets Daisy, Jordan and others. Lela enjoys working there and likes the new friends she makes. But as strange events happen, is Lela really safe there? Will the chemistry she feels around Jordan keep her heart safe as well? This is a fast paced mystery about who might be after Lela, about strange powers Lela and others may possess, and the confusing attraction between Jordan and Lela. The narrator, Jaime Lamchick did a great job drawing me into each scene and her inflections were spot on as well as her voice changes for each character. I am looking forward to listening to the next book in this series and find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Audio Audits.
197 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2016
My review is for the audiobook version of this book.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room, the cover art for this audiobook is horrible and it’s a shame, because as horrible as it is, the exact opposite is true of this wonderful story and since most people buy with their eyes, this little gem of a book, I’m certain, gets overlooked. (Drops mic) Okay on with my review.

All Lela Charles wants is to spend some alone time enjoying the great outdoors, but fate, it seems thinks Lela needs a little bit of excitement, and she stumbles upon 3 men in the forest, one of them on his knees, the other two with guns in their hand. When a fight between the men ensues, Lela quietly beats feet to find help, but not quiet enough and soon Lela’s in a fight for her life as well! Fortunately for her, she gets some unexpected and unwanted help from the Alexander clan.

I absolutely loved this cat and mouse thriller which throws in a touch of the paranormal. The Narrator Jaime Lamchick did a good job voicing the characters in this 5 plus hour audiobook and the production quality was excellent.

This is the first audiobook in the series and I look forward to listening to the next book in the series

This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!
Profile Image for Bette.
3,316 reviews23 followers
February 17, 2019
Highly recommend visiting Alexander Ranch!!

Alexander Ranch Series: Alexander Ranch, Book 1

By: Marla Josephs
Narrated by: Jaime Lamchick

Loved my 1st visit to Alexander Ranch & can’t wait to return.

Great story, great characters, even though I listened to the Audiobook I will still say the term “Page-turner” truly applies. The story grabbed me right from the start and held my interest to very end. Marla Josephs created a great story here, a wonderful mixed bag of paranormal, romance & mystery. I loved all the main characters and am looking forward to learn more about them in my next visit to Alexander Ranch. Thank you Marla Josephs for a Great Read!!

Jaime Lemchick is mega talented, she does a wonderful job narrating the story and bringing the characters to life. She performed the voices of all the different characters, switching back & forth effortlessly in a perfect flow. Thank you for a great listen!
Profile Image for Twoina.
7 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2014
Alexander Ranch is a fun summer read kind of book about people with unusual abilities meeting and learning about each other. I enjoyed it but I had some problems with it, too. Such as the main female character being a beautiful woman but pretty much clueless about men, and not seeming to want to find out more about the abilities of the new friends who are protecting her from the bad guys, and leaving behind a weapon (that just sort of magically appeared when she needed it) when a bad guy carried her away. Also, this author could use a good proof reader. There were so many misspellings and wrong words that it became distracting. You can't just rely on spell check for everything. Hopefully she will get better the more she writes.
But, as I said, it was a fun read and I enjoyed it...mostly.
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