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High Country Ranch #4
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher
In the high country of Colorado, love endures all things, even the solitary way of life in the wilderness.
Maisy Merritt has vowed she’ll never marry a mountain man. Even though she loves the Colorado Rockies and the wild creatures she helps, she hates the way her pa’s mountain-man ways took him away from his family and caused her ma to die of loneliness. Maisy’s ready to start a normal life, and that includes marrying a normal man.
As a trapper and trail guide, Tanner Oakley lives a wandering life. He’s witnessed how hard being alone is for Maisy and her sister whenever their pa is gone, so he’s decided that he’s not husband material for any woman since he’s so restless and unsettled.
Having given up looking for the family he lost long ago, Tanner returns to the mountains and finds Maisy in trouble. As he tries to help her, he only makes matters worse. With Maisy injured and her reputation in shatters, he’s forced to do the right thing and marry her. They resist being together, but maybe marriage is what both of them really want—and need—after all.
Friends to more
Alone together in wilderness
Trapped in a cabin
Shotgun marriage
Abandonment issues
Lost family
*All of the books in the High Country Ranch series are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and the romance is the main focus of the books.
Maisy Merritt has vowed she’ll never marry a mountain man. Even though she loves the Colorado Rockies and the wild creatures she helps, she hates the way her pa’s mountain-man ways took him away from his family and caused her ma to die of loneliness. Maisy’s ready to start a normal life, and that includes marrying a normal man.
As a trapper and trail guide, Tanner Oakley lives a wandering life. He’s witnessed how hard being alone is for Maisy and her sister whenever their pa is gone, so he’s decided that he’s not husband material for any woman since he’s so restless and unsettled.
Having given up looking for the family he lost long ago, Tanner returns to the mountains and finds Maisy in trouble. As he tries to help her, he only makes matters worse. With Maisy injured and her reputation in shatters, he’s forced to do the right thing and marry her. They resist being together, but maybe marriage is what both of them really want—and need—after all.
Friends to more
Alone together in wilderness
Trapped in a cabin
Shotgun marriage
Abandonment issues
Lost family
*All of the books in the High Country Ranch series are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and the romance is the main focus of the books.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
103 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Jody Hedlund
104 books4,712 followersJody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 27, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund was an interesting read for me. I really wanted to like it, as I enjoy her manner of storytelling, and she shone in writing Ryder and Tanner's complex past and how it affected their relationship and view on life. I loved that Tanner was able to make peace with his past and find a forever friend and love in Maisy.
Maisy was such a sweetheart beneath her exterior hardened by a life of loss. She was so tender, as evidenced by Smoke and Roscoe. Smoke was a beautiful addition to the story and really highlighted Maisy's need to care for the wounded and abandoned. She felt she could relate to the abandonment, while selflessly allowing them to make their own way after healing, a move I believe highlighted her own longing for freedom from a life she never chose for herself.
I appreciated that Tanner didn't have a womanizing past, as several of Jody's heroes do have, and I loved that Tanner and Maisy were each other's first loves! With all that being said, and I did really enjoy the storyline (!), I can only give Wrangling the Wandering Rancher three stars, because, despite the wonderful plot, I personally felt the physical attraction and closed door romance was borderline for Christian fiction. I wouln't recommend this book to a teenager, so should I recommend it to others? I know this may be controversial, it is simply a personal conviction of mine.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maisy was such a sweetheart beneath her exterior hardened by a life of loss. She was so tender, as evidenced by Smoke and Roscoe. Smoke was a beautiful addition to the story and really highlighted Maisy's need to care for the wounded and abandoned. She felt she could relate to the abandonment, while selflessly allowing them to make their own way after healing, a move I believe highlighted her own longing for freedom from a life she never chose for herself.
I appreciated that Tanner didn't have a womanizing past, as several of Jody's heroes do have, and I loved that Tanner and Maisy were each other's first loves! With all that being said, and I did really enjoy the storyline (!), I can only give Wrangling the Wandering Rancher three stars, because, despite the wonderful plot, I personally felt the physical attraction and closed door romance was borderline for Christian fiction. I wouln't recommend this book to a teenager, so should I recommend it to others? I know this may be controversial, it is simply a personal conviction of mine.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is book four in the High Country Ranch series, but you could probably pick this one up and enjoy it even if you haven’t read the others. I will point out that Tanner has some important page time in book three, which is his brother’s story, especially toward the end of that one. It sets the stage nicely for the state of mind that Tanner is in when this story begins.
Something I loved about this book was that the main characters were friends who saw each other about once a month, when Tanner would swing by and visit Maisy and her sister. But there was an underlying attraction that had been building the last couple of years and, boy oh boy, these two tried to fight that attraction, but pretty much failed over and over again!
On the surface, their reasons for not pursuing a relationship together made sense. Tanner traveled and didn’t want to stay in one place while Maisy resented that her father and brother-in-law left for long stretches of time. She didn’t want to be married to a man who was always leaving her alone. However, when forced to look deeper, Maisy and Tanner had to evaluate the real reasons and fears that held them back, while trying to decide who or what was most important in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Something I loved about this book was that the main characters were friends who saw each other about once a month, when Tanner would swing by and visit Maisy and her sister. But there was an underlying attraction that had been building the last couple of years and, boy oh boy, these two tried to fight that attraction, but pretty much failed over and over again!
On the surface, their reasons for not pursuing a relationship together made sense. Tanner traveled and didn’t want to stay in one place while Maisy resented that her father and brother-in-law left for long stretches of time. She didn’t want to be married to a man who was always leaving her alone. However, when forced to look deeper, Maisy and Tanner had to evaluate the real reasons and fears that held them back, while trying to decide who or what was most important in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 17, 2024
I absolutely LOVED Tanner’s story! He is such a great guy and his backstory and what type of man it made him touched my heart.
I love how sweet but self-sufficient Maisy is. And even though she is tough, she needed someone, Tanner.
Their love bloomed over the years of friendship and you can see how it was always there even though they themselves didn’t realize it.
It was great seeing his family in the story and yes, I loved how Ryder and Tanner found out about their past.
Looking forward to reading the last book in the series!!! I know it will be just as great as the others.
I love how sweet but self-sufficient Maisy is. And even though she is tough, she needed someone, Tanner.
Their love bloomed over the years of friendship and you can see how it was always there even though they themselves didn’t realize it.
It was great seeing his family in the story and yes, I loved how Ryder and Tanner found out about their past.
Looking forward to reading the last book in the series!!! I know it will be just as great as the others.
October 22, 2024
To say that I'm a fan of Jody Hedlund's writing and stories would be a major understatement! I'm hooked! I have loved everything I've read by her. I love her writing style. I love the settings of her stories. I love the characters and how she gives them flaws and struggles and makes them feel real and shows their hope and growth. I love the friendships and family connections that she writes. I love, love, love the sweet romance and love stories!!! I'm here for it ALL!!! Especially her cowboy and cowgirl stories!
Tanner is a complex character whom we got to see more of his inner struggles in the previous book. I loved watching him in this book. I loved seeing him come to know himself more and to admit more of his own personal struggles and shortcomings. And to admit that he is worthy of love and that he does love someone. I loved watching his heart open more and more to that special someone! And I loved the ending that we were able to see his story come full circle. It made my heart so so so so happy for him and his brother!!! I might have had some tears.
Maisy is a hearty and tenacious and strong young woman. My heart ached for her as the book opened. I had hope for her to find happiness and joy. She does find it. But I kept holding out hope for her immediate family to bring that hope back. She didn't let it stop her. She pulled on her fortitude and strength and kept moving forward and protected and held fast to those that loved her. She's a friend you'd want on your side!
The sweet love story was wonderful! It left my heart happy and very content for Tanner and Maisy. Maisy wasn't afraid to state it like it is and call Tanner out. I loved the nudges and help they received from family. It was so sweet, sprinkled with humorous moments and tender love.
I'm so happy that we get one more book in this series. And I'll be happily waiting to see what will be coming after Clementine's story from this author!!!
Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Forced proximity for these two characters but nothing more than some kisses and a few mild innuendos happen.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Tanner is a complex character whom we got to see more of his inner struggles in the previous book. I loved watching him in this book. I loved seeing him come to know himself more and to admit more of his own personal struggles and shortcomings. And to admit that he is worthy of love and that he does love someone. I loved watching his heart open more and more to that special someone! And I loved the ending that we were able to see his story come full circle. It made my heart so so so so happy for him and his brother!!! I might have had some tears.
Maisy is a hearty and tenacious and strong young woman. My heart ached for her as the book opened. I had hope for her to find happiness and joy. She does find it. But I kept holding out hope for her immediate family to bring that hope back. She didn't let it stop her. She pulled on her fortitude and strength and kept moving forward and protected and held fast to those that loved her. She's a friend you'd want on your side!
The sweet love story was wonderful! It left my heart happy and very content for Tanner and Maisy. Maisy wasn't afraid to state it like it is and call Tanner out. I loved the nudges and help they received from family. It was so sweet, sprinkled with humorous moments and tender love.
I'm so happy that we get one more book in this series. And I'll be happily waiting to see what will be coming after Clementine's story from this author!!!
Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Forced proximity for these two characters but nothing more than some kisses and a few mild innuendos happen.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 30, 2024
Jody Hedlund delivers another exciting story in her High Country Ranch series with Wrangling the Wandering Rancher, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked. I really enjoyed Tanner’s story, and learning more about his background. Maisy was a really fun heroine with lots of spunk and fearlessness. I can’t wait for the next book! 4.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 22, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is a captivating addition to the High Country Ranch series, with a friends-to-more romance that was so enjoyable.
Tanner Oakley, a nomadic trapper, finds himself torn between his love of the wilderness and his growing feelings for Maisy Merritt.
As the daughter of a trapper who was always away from home, Maisy's vow to never marry a mountain man becomes increasingly challenging as she and Tanner are alone together in the wilderness.
I loved Tanner and Maisy. They were a perfect match, and I loved how their relationship began as a lovely friendship. The romance is closed door, but still extremely passionate.
This was an entertaining and heartwarming story that explores themes of family, love, and personal growth.
While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the previous book in the series provides valuable context for Tanner's story.
Thanks to Jody Hedlund for the gifted copy!
Tanner Oakley, a nomadic trapper, finds himself torn between his love of the wilderness and his growing feelings for Maisy Merritt.
As the daughter of a trapper who was always away from home, Maisy's vow to never marry a mountain man becomes increasingly challenging as she and Tanner are alone together in the wilderness.
I loved Tanner and Maisy. They were a perfect match, and I loved how their relationship began as a lovely friendship. The romance is closed door, but still extremely passionate.
This was an entertaining and heartwarming story that explores themes of family, love, and personal growth.
While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the previous book in the series provides valuable context for Tanner's story.
Thanks to Jody Hedlund for the gifted copy!
April 23, 2025
3.5/5
It was good, but I didn't like it as much as the other ones.
It was good, but I didn't like it as much as the other ones.
October 16, 2024
This book has only affirmed my belief that Jody Hedlund’s books are absolutely amazing and
This book had so many complex emotions. It is also proof that it is almost impossible to build a new relationship when there are so many repressed emotions. Both Tanner and Maisey had to learn to let go of the things weighing them down and holding them back in order to not only move forward in life, but be happy. They were also able to gain peace with the circumstances that led them to their current places in life.
This is another fantastic story in this series. It was so fun to see how a friendship is the best foundation for a great relationship. These two had great banter and I loved their interactions, they are comfortable with each other.
Also this book answered a huge question about some of the characters from this series and I am so happy it did. It also realize how and why some of the characters are the way they are.
I really loved this book so much and it is a great addition to this amazing series. I cannot wait, and yet am so sad, for the last book to be released.
I received an eARC from the author, a positive review was not required, but happy given. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had so many complex emotions. It is also proof that it is almost impossible to build a new relationship when there are so many repressed emotions. Both Tanner and Maisey had to learn to let go of the things weighing them down and holding them back in order to not only move forward in life, but be happy. They were also able to gain peace with the circumstances that led them to their current places in life.
This is another fantastic story in this series. It was so fun to see how a friendship is the best foundation for a great relationship. These two had great banter and I loved their interactions, they are comfortable with each other.
Also this book answered a huge question about some of the characters from this series and I am so happy it did. It also realize how and why some of the characters are the way they are.
I really loved this book so much and it is a great addition to this amazing series. I cannot wait, and yet am so sad, for the last book to be released.
I received an eARC from the author, a positive review was not required, but happy given. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is the fourth installment in the amazing High Country Ranch series keeping alive the saga of the Oakley siblings—Maverick, Clarabelle, Ryder, Tanner, and Clementine. I have been waiting expectantly for Tanner’s story since the series started. I was not disappointed and read it in one sitting! Set in Colorado in the late 1800s, the captivating plot twists and turns as Tanner seeks to help Maisy as she encounters adverse circumstances in the mountain wilderness. Tanner and Maisy (even with all her stubbornness) are endearing as individuals and as a couple. Their friends-to-more romance is intense, but clean, with off the charts chemistry. Both have emotional baggage and must heal from wounds from their pasts before they can make their relationship work. I love Tanner and Maisy’s journey, the very satisfying ending, and hints for Clementine’s story which will conclude the series. This book and the series have my highest recommendation.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is about moving forward and letting go of the hurts of the past. Maisy is kindhearted and bold. It is fun to see how she is not afraid to speak her mind and go after what she wants. The way her father treated her mother, her sister, and her with his absenteeism is terribly sad and makes for a unique situation for a character to come from. The critters were a heartfelt addition to the story. Smoke's almost human like care for Maisy added a lot of excitement and heart. Conversely, Maisy’s Father’s stalwart self-centered nature was so severe that even though you didn’t like him, you could appreciate the intensity this strong personality added to the tale. Even though it was hard for Maisy to live way up in the mountains, the hard, rustic setting made for an adventurous and beautiful place to set a story. Tanner is still working on letting go of the questions of his past. While he pauses the search at the beginning of the story saying that he is moving on, he has a lot more personal growth to go through before he can really take the next step forward. Tanner’s care for Maisy is, for the most part, admirable. Their feelings take them both by surprise and build with intensity because of the deep bond they already have. This book focuses a lot, borderline too much, on their attraction to each other. I really appreciate the sizzle between characters, but in this case, there were instances when there were other things going on that probably should have been prioritized over the tingly feelings they get when they look at each other. While it is realistic for feelings of attraction to pop up in inconvenient circumstances, less exposition on these feelings at certain points when the other plot points were more intense would have felt more balanced. Additionally, I went into this story thinking it was going to be about Tanner’s journey as he travels across the US seeking his long-lost family and the trail of breadcrumbs with interesting discoveries that he follows along the way. This was my own assumption, and it has no bearing on what route the plot actually took. I only note this because if anyone else has this thought coming into the book, it would be good for them to redirect their expectations. All this to say, I lived for the last two chapters of the book. The ending was so touching. I am so glad these chapters were included. It really brought everything from the last two books together and made for a moving scene that answers questions and gives these characters a sense of completion. Maisy and Tanner had a sweet, romantic conclusion to their tale. Tanner big gesture was a good one and made for a moment in the book that really shone. Their future looks bright, and I hope to see a glimpse of where life has taken them in the next book. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2024
Wow! Every book in this High Country Ranch series is a favorite. I loved Wrangling the Wandering Rancher! This is a swoony, friends to more romance with close proximity & sizzling kisses. I was so excited for Tanner’s story & it did not disappoint! I raced through the pages & couldn’t get enough.
Tanner Oakley’s a trapper who enjoys wandering in the wilderness. Not wanting to subject a wife to his nomadic tendencies, he’s sworn off marriage. His world is turned upside down when he returns from investigating his origins & finds his friend Maisy, a fellow trapper’s daughter, all grown up & in need of his help.
Maisy Merritt’s tired of being subjected to her father’s whims as he frequently abandons her in search of his next quest. She loves caring for the animals around her especially her pet wolf Smoke. When she’s rescued by her longtime friend & neighbor, her vow to never marry a mountain man becomes harder & harder especially when the attraction between them flairs to life.
I loved Tanner & Maisy! Their romance is one of my favorites of the series. I enjoyed watching their attraction bloom in a close proximity setting. Maisy’s a strong, bold woman & it was fun seeing her discombobulate Tanner. Tanner’s history is complicated. His past hurts & not knowing much about his parents who were killed when he was very young causes him to have a wandering spirit. I loved seeing him put his past to rest & finding love with Maisy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Maisy’s love of animals & especially Smoke. He becomes a lovable character himself & added a sweet component to the story. There were several surprises along the way & I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. It’s a fiery, kisses only romance with all the feels without the spice. Though it’s part of a series it can definitely be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the previous book in the series to fully understand Tanner’s story. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
Tanner Oakley’s a trapper who enjoys wandering in the wilderness. Not wanting to subject a wife to his nomadic tendencies, he’s sworn off marriage. His world is turned upside down when he returns from investigating his origins & finds his friend Maisy, a fellow trapper’s daughter, all grown up & in need of his help.
Maisy Merritt’s tired of being subjected to her father’s whims as he frequently abandons her in search of his next quest. She loves caring for the animals around her especially her pet wolf Smoke. When she’s rescued by her longtime friend & neighbor, her vow to never marry a mountain man becomes harder & harder especially when the attraction between them flairs to life.
I loved Tanner & Maisy! Their romance is one of my favorites of the series. I enjoyed watching their attraction bloom in a close proximity setting. Maisy’s a strong, bold woman & it was fun seeing her discombobulate Tanner. Tanner’s history is complicated. His past hurts & not knowing much about his parents who were killed when he was very young causes him to have a wandering spirit. I loved seeing him put his past to rest & finding love with Maisy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Maisy’s love of animals & especially Smoke. He becomes a lovable character himself & added a sweet component to the story. There were several surprises along the way & I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. It’s a fiery, kisses only romance with all the feels without the spice. Though it’s part of a series it can definitely be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the previous book in the series to fully understand Tanner’s story. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
October 26, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher, by Jody Hedlund, is the fourth book in the High Country Ranch series. As a western, historical romance set in the late nineteenth century in the mountains of Colorado, its pages are brimming with adventure, drama, family, courage, heartache, and love. From the compelling first pages to the satisfying conclusion, this well-written story offers plenty of surprises. Featuring a friends-to-lovers trope, this book is genuinely memorable and entertaining.
Page after page, this novel abounds in descriptive details, pivotal settings, and vivid characterizations. Within this book, a secluded mountain cabin, wooded trails, a horse ranch, and a small town make up the settings of this story. These locations supply the essential backdrops for the characters in this novel as they contend with hardships, identify their insecurities, challenge their fears, grieve, and grow. These characters are vulnerable and sympathetic, and as the story unfolds, their motivations, choices, and actions grow increasingly moving and thought-provoking. The novel becomes quite meaningful as the plot expands with scenes of peril, misunderstandings, courage, compassion, resiliency, hope, trust, and second chances.
With its successful blend of history, sweet romance, adventure, and heart, Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is truly endearing and irresistible. It is a special novel and a pleasure to read. Not only do I recommend it, but I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher/author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Page after page, this novel abounds in descriptive details, pivotal settings, and vivid characterizations. Within this book, a secluded mountain cabin, wooded trails, a horse ranch, and a small town make up the settings of this story. These locations supply the essential backdrops for the characters in this novel as they contend with hardships, identify their insecurities, challenge their fears, grieve, and grow. These characters are vulnerable and sympathetic, and as the story unfolds, their motivations, choices, and actions grow increasingly moving and thought-provoking. The novel becomes quite meaningful as the plot expands with scenes of peril, misunderstandings, courage, compassion, resiliency, hope, trust, and second chances.
With its successful blend of history, sweet romance, adventure, and heart, Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is truly endearing and irresistible. It is a special novel and a pleasure to read. Not only do I recommend it, but I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher/author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
September 25, 2024
Thank you to the author for the ARC of Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is book four in the High Country Ranch series. It can be read as a standalone, but there are some spoilers from the previous books. I would recommend reading them in order because they’re great books and quick reads.
One thing I’ve enjoyed about reading this series is that they’ve all taken place in different settings at some point in the story but then connected with the central location of High Country Ranch. In this book, a lot of the story takes place in the mountains out in the wilderness or in a small cabin. I really enjoyed reading about this different location.
The romance in this book was full of passion, and I loved how Tanner and Maisy complemented each other. They started off with friendship first, and then their love for each other built on that foundation.
Maisy was a very independent woman, and I admired her strength and perseverance through so many difficult situations. Tanner still had some issues from his past that needed to be addressed, and I was so happy to see him work through those problems.
Besides the great main characters in this story, I also really liked the addition of Smoke, the wolf that Maisy rescued as a pup. Smoke was very protective of Maisy, and I liked how he looked after her.
Overall, I would recommend this book! It was fun, exciting, and such a quick read that I finished in two days!
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is book four in the High Country Ranch series. It can be read as a standalone, but there are some spoilers from the previous books. I would recommend reading them in order because they’re great books and quick reads.
One thing I’ve enjoyed about reading this series is that they’ve all taken place in different settings at some point in the story but then connected with the central location of High Country Ranch. In this book, a lot of the story takes place in the mountains out in the wilderness or in a small cabin. I really enjoyed reading about this different location.
The romance in this book was full of passion, and I loved how Tanner and Maisy complemented each other. They started off with friendship first, and then their love for each other built on that foundation.
Maisy was a very independent woman, and I admired her strength and perseverance through so many difficult situations. Tanner still had some issues from his past that needed to be addressed, and I was so happy to see him work through those problems.
Besides the great main characters in this story, I also really liked the addition of Smoke, the wolf that Maisy rescued as a pup. Smoke was very protective of Maisy, and I liked how he looked after her.
Overall, I would recommend this book! It was fun, exciting, and such a quick read that I finished in two days!
October 23, 2024
This story didn’t grab my attention at the beginning, but I have never read a Jody Hedlund book that I didn’t love, so I knew I had to keep reading. And of course, I was not disappointed. The story just got better the more I read and I got to the point of loving it! This is the fourth book of the series and although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading them in order. They are so good and worth reading. So we’ve learned a little bit about Tanner and previous books. He and his brother Ryder were orphans with no knowledge of where they come from or what their names were. Tanner had become a loner and would wonder the wilderness trapping. He knew a few people that had homesteads scattered about. One of those was Cleveland Merritt and his family, his two daughters and son-in-law. Cleveland and his son-in-law were quite often gone, trapping and hunting for long periods of time. Maisy the youngest daughter had raised a wounded wolf from a pup, and that wolf was her protector. When Tanner came across Scout (wolf) but he couldn’t find Maisy. He knew there was something wrong. This is just the beginning of a very captivating story. There is lots of drama, tender moments and swoony romance. These stories are closed door romance, with heart palpitating kisses and no foul language. The characters are so ridiculously in love, but are too stubborn to give into happiness. Which makes for an Intriguing story. I am looking forward to Clementine’s story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 15, 2024
I am loving this series and I was excited to start this one too. It was a lovely addition to the series. Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch. It was interesting to finally get to read Tanner’s book.
Tanner and Maisy were so cute together and I loved their connection. They were such good friends who deeply cared about each other. Their friendship quickly moved into more as they spent time together.They both had a lot of hurts to work through before they were able to make a relationship work though.
Tanner was searching for a family and he had to figure out if he could make Maisy his family. He was so sweet and he truly loved Maisy. Maisy was stubborn and strong. I liked her independence but also how she learned to trust Tanner. Maisy had to learn that not all men will leave like her Pa.
The romance was a bit more passionate than I was expecting but it was still closed door. The characters were engaging and I wanted to see how Maisy and Tanner would end up together. The plot was interesting and the ending was lovely.
I really enjoyed Wrangling the Wandering Rancher and I would definitely recommend it!. I am so excited for the next one. Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is a closed door historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Tanner and Maisy were so cute together and I loved their connection. They were such good friends who deeply cared about each other. Their friendship quickly moved into more as they spent time together.They both had a lot of hurts to work through before they were able to make a relationship work though.
Tanner was searching for a family and he had to figure out if he could make Maisy his family. He was so sweet and he truly loved Maisy. Maisy was stubborn and strong. I liked her independence but also how she learned to trust Tanner. Maisy had to learn that not all men will leave like her Pa.
The romance was a bit more passionate than I was expecting but it was still closed door. The characters were engaging and I wanted to see how Maisy and Tanner would end up together. The plot was interesting and the ending was lovely.
I really enjoyed Wrangling the Wandering Rancher and I would definitely recommend it!. I am so excited for the next one. Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is a closed door historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
October 21, 2024
Facing tragedy and in need of rescue when she’s left alone in the wilderness by her father, Maisy begins to see her friend and redeemer, Tanner, through new eyes. As they wade through the waters of a changing relationship and the struggles of living deep in the Colorado woods, can they make their love for one another make sense, or are they better off going their separate ways?
This friends-to-lovers story was a bit of a tough one for me. I normally enjoy friends-to-lovers, forced proximity and age gap tropes, and there were certainly parts of the story that I appreciated, like Maisy’s take-charge personality and the wholesome conclusion to Tanner and Ryder’s past. And thankfully, there is a happy ending.
But overall, I really struggled with the tragedy of loss and abandonment in the story, and I felt that the romance was almost too explicit to be labeled as Clean Romance. While I often enjoy Hedlund’s fantastic ability to write a blush-inducing kiss or two into her story, this novel had me squirming uncomfortably several times even when the characters weren’t kissing. It’s not a book that I would recommend to a teen or anyone seeking a cleaner story, but for those okay with a little more detail and a sad beginning, this may be a book that hits the spot.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This friends-to-lovers story was a bit of a tough one for me. I normally enjoy friends-to-lovers, forced proximity and age gap tropes, and there were certainly parts of the story that I appreciated, like Maisy’s take-charge personality and the wholesome conclusion to Tanner and Ryder’s past. And thankfully, there is a happy ending.
But overall, I really struggled with the tragedy of loss and abandonment in the story, and I felt that the romance was almost too explicit to be labeled as Clean Romance. While I often enjoy Hedlund’s fantastic ability to write a blush-inducing kiss or two into her story, this novel had me squirming uncomfortably several times even when the characters weren’t kissing. It’s not a book that I would recommend to a teen or anyone seeking a cleaner story, but for those okay with a little more detail and a sad beginning, this may be a book that hits the spot.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is book # 4 in Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series. The scene is set when Maisy’s father and brother-in-law go trapping, leaving Maisy to care for her sister who is quite pregnant. The baby dies at birth and Nelly is dying from complications from the delivery. Desperate, Maisy risks leaving her sister at home to find help. Climbing down a treacherous snow-covered trail, she falls over an embankment and lands on a ledge just below where she was hiking. Her friend, Tanner, finds her and takes her back to her home where she learns Nelly has died.
Next is one of my favorite parts of Jody’s books. The attraction between Tanner and Maisy bursts into flame when Maisy kisses Tanner when he is trying to comfort her. Jody is gifted at building up the tension between a couple without making the reader uncomfortable and this scene is Jody at her best. She keeps the story moving quickly as Maisy and Tanner work their way through a series of events that lead to the resolution of Tanner and Ryder’s story as well as a delightful ending. I highly recommend Wrangling the Wandering Rancher. I would suggest reading the first three books, but for you to get what’s happening in this one, you will definitely need to read book 3 – A Wife for the Rancher. Both are well worth the read. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Next is one of my favorite parts of Jody’s books. The attraction between Tanner and Maisy bursts into flame when Maisy kisses Tanner when he is trying to comfort her. Jody is gifted at building up the tension between a couple without making the reader uncomfortable and this scene is Jody at her best. She keeps the story moving quickly as Maisy and Tanner work their way through a series of events that lead to the resolution of Tanner and Ryder’s story as well as a delightful ending. I highly recommend Wrangling the Wandering Rancher. I would suggest reading the first three books, but for you to get what’s happening in this one, you will definitely need to read book 3 – A Wife for the Rancher. Both are well worth the read. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
November 18, 2024
I was so excited to get my hands on this book! Tanner is such a unique guy, and I couldn’t wait to dig in to his story. Hedlund kept me turning pages way too late into the night, and I loved every minute of it. MeetingTanner in the other High Country Ranch books, I knew it was going to take someone special to be his other half. Maisy is just that. She fights for those she loves with everything she has, and Tanner could sure use someone like that. Not knowing who his biological family is has weighed on him for quite some time. Deciding he’s turned over every leaf with no success, he finally returns home, only to find Maisy needs his help. Trouble seems to have found her, and Tanner would do anything to help his long time friend. Sparks will fly, both the good kind and the bad kind. Will Tanner and Maisy see what’s right in front of them before it’s too late?
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance. Hedlund is a master at weaving just the right amount of suspense and romance into her stories, and I can’t get enough. If you haven’t read one of her books yet, you are in for a treat, and there’s plenty more where that came from. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance. Hedlund is a master at weaving just the right amount of suspense and romance into her stories, and I can’t get enough. If you haven’t read one of her books yet, you are in for a treat, and there’s plenty more where that came from. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 15, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund is book four in the High Country Ranch series. I picked this story up and did not set it down until the very end. Maisy and Tanner are explosive, and I was here for it!! While they have been friends for years, Tanner returns from an extended trip and realizes Maisy is all grown up. There is so much chemistry between these two! Every interaction is like playing with fire because they are both as stubborn as they are in love. Neither will admit or concede because of their own fears and experiences. All their bantering and ribbing was well paced and just showed the level of affection between them. Very few characters have as much palpable energy as these two and it made the story an enjoyable read. There is plenty of drama and action and I have to say, I adored Smoke and the element he brought to the story. I experienced the full gamut of emotions with these two: laughing, smiling, crying, cheering, sighing, and being vexed. The kisses though, woo wee! Yes, they are clean, but boy do they heat things up! I absolutely recommend this for lovers of clean, historical fiction with a lot of emotion and even more romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
September 24, 2024
It's finally Tanner's turn! We got to know Tanner's brother, Ryder in the previous book (High Country Ranch #3 and if you haven' t read it - highly recommend it!) and I was excited to get to read Tanner's story. We also get to meet Maisy Merritt, Tanner's neighbor who is a stubborn, kind and caring, yet also kind of wild. (she has a pet wolf!) Sadly, life has made her a bit hard, but beneath her tough exterior is someone who just wants to be loved and be normal. The two instantly click (you can totally see that they are perfect for each other), but both of them are determined that they wouldn't make a good match. Throughout the story you see them both fight their attraction to each other and while it's a closed door romance, the romance was a bit much at times (LOTS of kissing, but nothing beyond that). Overall, I loved the characters and the addition of Smoke (Maisy's wolf) was awesome. Oh and the ending was perfect!! I gave the book 4 stars overall because while the storyline and characters were great, the romance was a bit too much for me.
I was given this book to read and review - all opinions are my own.
I was given this book to read and review - all opinions are my own.
October 22, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund captivated my attention with this tale of hidden affection. The bantering couple go back and forth with their "I will never..." lines assuring themselves they want to form a future around avoiding repeating their hurts of the past.
While Tanner has been away, Maisy uses his absence to affirm her belief that he is just like her dad, leaving those he cares about for extended periods of time without regard to their feelings. While she is capable of living an independent remote life, she simply doesn't want to do it alone.
Tanner longs for ties to the family he lost as a young boy and searches to find them at the cost of pushing those he loves away.
While Maisy and Tanner get along like biscuits and jam, Tanner won't open up to the possibility of a future when he thinks he is not what Maisy needs.
This story contains a lot of spice, yet still maintaining a closed door romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest option.
While Tanner has been away, Maisy uses his absence to affirm her belief that he is just like her dad, leaving those he cares about for extended periods of time without regard to their feelings. While she is capable of living an independent remote life, she simply doesn't want to do it alone.
Tanner longs for ties to the family he lost as a young boy and searches to find them at the cost of pushing those he loves away.
While Maisy and Tanner get along like biscuits and jam, Tanner won't open up to the possibility of a future when he thinks he is not what Maisy needs.
This story contains a lot of spice, yet still maintaining a closed door romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest option.
February 6, 2025
As a child, Tanner, along with his brother, Ryder, was adopted by the Oakley family. He has spent his adult years restless and searching for a place to belong. He lives a solitary existence as a trapper and trail guide in the high country, believing his lifestyle would not be fair to a woman.
Maisy Merritt's father is a mountain man, gone for long periods of time. She has watched her mother and sister slowly die from loneliness. Maisy has vowed to have a normal life in town, not in an isolated cabin married to a man with wandering ways.
When Smoke, a wolf Maisy has rescued, comes looking for him, Tanner finds Maisy alone and needing help. Staying with her at the cabin, Tanner and Maisy begin to wonder if there can be more than friendship between them.
Wrangling The Wandering Rancher is the fourth book in the High Country Ranch series by Jody Hedlund. I liked Tanner's story and how dependable and loyal he was. It was nice to see him have peace with his past. I loved Smoke and Maisy's bond.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
Maisy Merritt's father is a mountain man, gone for long periods of time. She has watched her mother and sister slowly die from loneliness. Maisy has vowed to have a normal life in town, not in an isolated cabin married to a man with wandering ways.
When Smoke, a wolf Maisy has rescued, comes looking for him, Tanner finds Maisy alone and needing help. Staying with her at the cabin, Tanner and Maisy begin to wonder if there can be more than friendship between them.
Wrangling The Wandering Rancher is the fourth book in the High Country Ranch series by Jody Hedlund. I liked Tanner's story and how dependable and loyal he was. It was nice to see him have peace with his past. I loved Smoke and Maisy's bond.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
May 23, 2024
I enjoyed the story of the second adopted Oakley son, Tanner, and Maisy, the daughter of a mountain man. Tanner was a mountain man himself, always on the go and unwilling to settle down, just like Maisy’s father. Maisy was determined to never fall in love with and marry a man like her father. Tanner was convinced that he was unsuited for marriage because of his wandering ways. When faced with life and death situations, they both found themselves with their backs to the wall and not knowing which way to turn. Somehow, Tanner seemed to be nearby when Maisy needed help. I loved the role that Smoke, the wolf Maisy had rescued at a young age, played in the story. The wolf clearly was deeply attached to her and looked out for her. The action and suspense, with romance and faith woven in, made for an especially exciting story. I was delightfully surprised by the ending. I think you will be also. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
November 30, 2024
I've read reading the authors books for years and her books are automatic reads for me. I love everything about them, her writing style, the setting and the characters. This is Tanner's story, the second adopted son. The previous book had his brother's story.
The book has a beautiful western setting. Maisy doesn't want to get married all the mountain men she knows leave, including her father and her sister's husband and she doesn't trust it not to happen to her.
Tanner hasn't found a woman worth staying around for but he's out to prove it to Maisy she's the one for him and he's staying despite her hesitation.
I love when a question from another book is answered and the book had a very satisfactory wrap up, a totally unexpected one at that. Faith filled and inspirational this clean western romance is one I can highly recommend.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The book has a beautiful western setting. Maisy doesn't want to get married all the mountain men she knows leave, including her father and her sister's husband and she doesn't trust it not to happen to her.
Tanner hasn't found a woman worth staying around for but he's out to prove it to Maisy she's the one for him and he's staying despite her hesitation.
I love when a question from another book is answered and the book had a very satisfactory wrap up, a totally unexpected one at that. Faith filled and inspirational this clean western romance is one I can highly recommend.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2024
This is the 4th book in the High Country Ranch series but can be read as a standalone book.
This is Tanner’s story.
Tanner is working on coming to terms with his past at the beginning of the book he pauses his search for more information about his past only to find out everything by the end of the book,
Maisy who faces her sister’s sickness and death while her father and brother and law are away and she finds herself in need of rescuing while going for help.
Both Maisy and Tanner begin to see their friendship in a new way.
This book has action, suspense, adventure and some romance woven in makes for a wonderful story. I was surprised at the ending.
Looking forward to the last book which will tell Clementine’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
This is Tanner’s story.
Tanner is working on coming to terms with his past at the beginning of the book he pauses his search for more information about his past only to find out everything by the end of the book,
Maisy who faces her sister’s sickness and death while her father and brother and law are away and she finds herself in need of rescuing while going for help.
Both Maisy and Tanner begin to see their friendship in a new way.
This book has action, suspense, adventure and some romance woven in makes for a wonderful story. I was surprised at the ending.
Looking forward to the last book which will tell Clementine’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
October 30, 2024
Wrangling the Mountain Man has so many things that I enjoy in a story. Multi-faceted characters, a beautiful western setting, and the hardships and dangers that are inherent to the Colorado mountains in 1879. There is also the beloved friends-to-more trope that Hedlund does so well! Maisy wants a home and a man who will always be there, but Tanner can't be confined to one place. They both want different things until...one heart speaks and the other listens!
This is a beautiful story of love, acceptance, and compromise that's punctuated by swoon-filled kisses and undeniable chemistry. You will be captivated by Maisy and Tanner's Western romance.
I received a copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I invite you to read my full review @ https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
This is a beautiful story of love, acceptance, and compromise that's punctuated by swoon-filled kisses and undeniable chemistry. You will be captivated by Maisy and Tanner's Western romance.
I received a copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I invite you to read my full review @ https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
November 1, 2024
Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund is the fourth book in the High Country Ranch series and a definite must read if you love sweet inspirational historical romances.
Maisy Merritt has sworn off mountain men because they bring nothing but heartache and loneliness to those they leave behind when they go off wandering in the wilderness, but when trapper and trail guide, Tanner Oakley finds Maisy injured and needing his help, he ends up just making things worse while ruining her reputation as well. Now the only thing he can think of doing to fix things is to marry her. Maybe marriage is just what both of them needed.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Maisy Merritt has sworn off mountain men because they bring nothing but heartache and loneliness to those they leave behind when they go off wandering in the wilderness, but when trapper and trail guide, Tanner Oakley finds Maisy injured and needing his help, he ends up just making things worse while ruining her reputation as well. Now the only thing he can think of doing to fix things is to marry her. Maybe marriage is just what both of them needed.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
November 3, 2024
What a great novel – I loved Maisy and Tanner! Their friends to romance story combined with such sweet characters made for a great read. Maisy may have a tough exterior, but she is kind and compassionate. Tanner is such a great guy. Although this story stands well on its own, I think you get a better understanding of all that Tanner is by reading the first books in this series, especially book three just before this one. Their romance is sweet and spicy, characteristic of the closed-door romance of Jody Hedlund. The characters felt real and authentic and I particularly loved the family interactions in this novel. With talented writing, a fun historic Western setting, and the sweet blossom of romance, this novel really has it all! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 14, 2024
This is the fourth book in Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series. If you haven’t read the first four books, I highly recommend at least the third one, A Wife for the Rancher, since it tells the story of twin to this book’s main male character. Tanner and Maisey’s story is full of plot twists, swooniness, and love trying to do what’s best for the other. Both of them need to deal with some issues in their past in order to move forward, and their growth and maturing is handled well. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the last one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #WranglingtheWanderingRancher
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #WranglingtheWanderingRancher
September 18, 2024
If you’re looking for a clean book with a loooot of sizzle, then this is the book for you!! If you’re not a fan or lots of kissing, and desire… well you’re missing out 🤭
So many kisses, and so much chemistry! I love a good shot gun marriage book and of course Jody is amazing at writing that trope!
I loved getting to know Tanner and Maisy, learning all of Tanner and Ryder’s story, and watching their friendship blossom into something more. They were definitely made for each other. Both had to change their view on mountain life and on relationships. As always it ends with a satisfying, and sizzling HEA.
It was neat to see how the other Oakley siblings are doing, except Clarabelle, I’d love to see her come back for a visit!
So many kisses, and so much chemistry! I love a good shot gun marriage book and of course Jody is amazing at writing that trope!
I loved getting to know Tanner and Maisy, learning all of Tanner and Ryder’s story, and watching their friendship blossom into something more. They were definitely made for each other. Both had to change their view on mountain life and on relationships. As always it ends with a satisfying, and sizzling HEA.
It was neat to see how the other Oakley siblings are doing, except Clarabelle, I’d love to see her come back for a visit!
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