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Willow Creek #4
The Rancher
Laurel Montgomery wanted a new life, one that didn't include a man. She'd had enough of their pretty lies and broken promises but one night of reckless abandon weeks before taking a job as the new schoolteacher in Willow Creek would come back to haunt her. The man she thought to never see again turns out to be the father of one of her new students. A man so handsome and rugged he takes her breath away. Too bad she's sworn off men forever. If only the stubborn man would take no for an answer.
Holden Avery was love-struck the moment he saw Laurel Montgomery and cursed himself for a fool every waking minute since letting her walk out of his life. When she turns up in Willow Creek he's handed the second chance he didn't think he'd ever get but thoughts of pursuing Laurel are cut short when a stranger shows up in town. A man who claims to be Laurel's husband.
The happily ever after Holden thought to finally have is plagued with obstacles but he sets off to prove he's the man Laurel wants. Convincing her to give him a chance is nearly impossible but he's waited too long to find her to give up now. One way or the other, Laurel Montgomery would be his wife.
Holden Avery was love-struck the moment he saw Laurel Montgomery and cursed himself for a fool every waking minute since letting her walk out of his life. When she turns up in Willow Creek he's handed the second chance he didn't think he'd ever get but thoughts of pursuing Laurel are cut short when a stranger shows up in town. A man who claims to be Laurel's husband.
The happily ever after Holden thought to finally have is plagued with obstacles but he sets off to prove he's the man Laurel wants. Convincing her to give him a chance is nearly impossible but he's waited too long to find her to give up now. One way or the other, Laurel Montgomery would be his wife.
ebook
First published July 1, 2012
69 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Lily Graison
47 books458 followersLily Graison is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical western romances. She also writes a variety of genres under the name L. R. Grasion. Most all of her stories lean heavily to the spicy side with strong female leads and heroes who tend to always get what they want. On occasion, she can be found penning ‘sweet’ romances with chaste kisses and wholesome values. Ever a romantic, she believes in love at first sight and has a tendency to fall for bad-boy romance heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 3, 2020
3.5 Stars!
This was an enjoyable, read. The beginning was quite different and fun aka Tinder style hook up, 1800s style, LOL. The ending of this novel, however, was somewhat disappointing, with regards to Laurel having a somewhat of a business - arranged marriage.
Sometimes, a gal can never win! :P
This was an enjoyable, read. The beginning was quite different and fun aka Tinder style hook up, 1800s style, LOL. The ending of this novel, however, was somewhat disappointing, with regards to Laurel having a somewhat of a business - arranged marriage.
Sometimes, a gal can never win! :P
January 27, 2014
Finally Holden gets his happily ever after!
Holden is the Avery man who stayed on the ranch. He has been married and has a young daughter to raise. His wife died in childbirth and he has always wanted a house, home and wife. Now he is ready to move on but he can't take up the wild ways of his brothers because he has to think of his daughter and what she may hear
Out of town, he has an unforgettable evening with a lady but when he decides to track her down, she is gone. Luckily, she turns up in town. She is running and from what he isn't sure
Story was draggy in places and her stubbornness is never quite explained, nor are her worries, but Holden definitely carries the story as he is an engaging and extremely likable man!
Holden is the Avery man who stayed on the ranch. He has been married and has a young daughter to raise. His wife died in childbirth and he has always wanted a house, home and wife. Now he is ready to move on but he can't take up the wild ways of his brothers because he has to think of his daughter and what she may hear
Out of town, he has an unforgettable evening with a lady but when he decides to track her down, she is gone. Luckily, she turns up in town. She is running and from what he isn't sure
Story was draggy in places and her stubbornness is never quite explained, nor are her worries, but Holden definitely carries the story as he is an engaging and extremely likable man!
April 22, 2021
Holden Avery comes to the bar to spend the night with a woman before heading to the ranch but he changes his mind when he sees the beauty come through the door. He goes to her room and they have a night together. He heads home the next morning, then backtracks to the hotel but she has already checked. Neither has forgotten that night and both are surprised to find Laurel Montgomery is the new schoolteacher and he is the father of one of her students. He tells her he lost her once but will not again and aims to make her his wife. She has been lied to before and is leery but knows she will never meet nor love a man like Holden Avery again.
She left her fiance Ethan Dearborn IV at the altar. She had tried to end the engagement but her father wouldn't allow it so she ran. He has found her in Willow Creek and sneers at the small town and Holden. He sets fire to the barn but Holden and his brothers and ranch hands got the horses out. She comforts Alex, his daughter, who can't decide whether she likes Laurel or not. She has had her father all to herself and resents Laurel taking some of Holden's time.
After the fire, she tells Holden she loves him. He tells her he knows and was just waiting for her to realize it. All of his brothers know when they see the way he acts around her. She tells him she will marry her. He had to go to another town to get a ring because Ethan had purchased the only gold one. At the wedding ceremony, they said their 'I do's" when Ethan barges in and objects and says her father will not allow it. Holden asks if she loves him and wants to marry him. He and his brothers take her father and Ethan outside. They return except for Ethan and the wedding ceremony concludes. Holden tells her he made a deal with her father to provide horses to the army and her father will receive a commission. Money is all the man sees.
She left her fiance Ethan Dearborn IV at the altar. She had tried to end the engagement but her father wouldn't allow it so she ran. He has found her in Willow Creek and sneers at the small town and Holden. He sets fire to the barn but Holden and his brothers and ranch hands got the horses out. She comforts Alex, his daughter, who can't decide whether she likes Laurel or not. She has had her father all to herself and resents Laurel taking some of Holden's time.
After the fire, she tells Holden she loves him. He tells her he knows and was just waiting for her to realize it. All of his brothers know when they see the way he acts around her. She tells him she will marry her. He had to go to another town to get a ring because Ethan had purchased the only gold one. At the wedding ceremony, they said their 'I do's" when Ethan barges in and objects and says her father will not allow it. Holden asks if she loves him and wants to marry him. He and his brothers take her father and Ethan outside. They return except for Ethan and the wedding ceremony concludes. Holden tells her he made a deal with her father to provide horses to the army and her father will receive a commission. Money is all the man sees.
January 1, 2024
Laurel and Holden
So good! This book is tied for my favorite I’ve read so far. Found family is such a heartwarming trope and I will admit some of my favorite books use it. Holden really was the perfect guy. I’ve liked his brothers for the most part but there was always something missing. There wasn’t with him. He was just a good man that loved his daughter and wanted to find someone to share his life with. Laurel was also such a breath of fresh air. My major complaints with the previous books- especially Tristan and Emmaline’s- was how one plot point seemed to drag on for no reason. It got so bad I was just hoping something would happen because the repetitiveness was too much.
There was conflict in this book, but there was also movement. It didn’t feel like the characters were spinning their wheels in the mud. Laurel’s fears were discussed and while the problem didn’t go away immediately, it also didn’t halt the story. Laurel and Holden were so good together and I loved every minute of their tale.
So good! This book is tied for my favorite I’ve read so far. Found family is such a heartwarming trope and I will admit some of my favorite books use it. Holden really was the perfect guy. I’ve liked his brothers for the most part but there was always something missing. There wasn’t with him. He was just a good man that loved his daughter and wanted to find someone to share his life with. Laurel was also such a breath of fresh air. My major complaints with the previous books- especially Tristan and Emmaline’s- was how one plot point seemed to drag on for no reason. It got so bad I was just hoping something would happen because the repetitiveness was too much.
There was conflict in this book, but there was also movement. It didn’t feel like the characters were spinning their wheels in the mud. Laurel’s fears were discussed and while the problem didn’t go away immediately, it also didn’t halt the story. Laurel and Holden were so good together and I loved every minute of their tale.
March 8, 2020
Sitting in the bar with a glass of whiskey in front of him Holden looks up and beholds a vision that took his breathe away. Laurel a lady on the run with a hurtful past can only promise one night. Neither can forget the night spent in each others arms in The Rancher. Lily Graison weaves a story that will hold you spellbound, with a magnificent cast of characters who are believable, easy to relate to and who will steal your heart. You'll find yourself falling in love with all of the Avery family and especially little Alex, Holden's young daughter. As Holden is bound and determined to make Laurel his wife, Laurel just can't trust a man enough to say yes. With their passions blazing in this heart pounding story full of drama, action, trials and tribulations with the suspense building and tensions escalate and all the twist and turns makes this one outstanding story!
March 31, 2021
I've been reading the Willow Creek series in order. Although this book is a stand-alone, it also completes more of the story of Holden and his 10 year-old daughter, Alex. Holden, a rancher, has been raising his daughter alone for years, after the death of his wife in birth. Following a very rare one-night stand with a woman in a nearby town, he is surprised to learn that the woman is his daughter's new teacher. Laurel, the new teacher, is embarrassed to find out that she and her also rare one-night stand are now acquainted. Their attraction is undeniable, but can they work out issues that seem to keep them apart?
Lily Graison is a favorite author. Her books are always full of twists and turn, real human drama, and lots of action. The Rancher does not disappoint.
Lily Graison is a favorite author. Her books are always full of twists and turn, real human drama, and lots of action. The Rancher does not disappoint.
July 7, 2017
A Great Story
As with the other books in this series, author Lily Graison doesn't disappoint. I love how the Avery family is so close and Lily has a way of bringing the reader in to the family and the wonderful town of Willow Creek. I only wish books were rated like movies so a reader would know what to expect.
As with the other books in this series, author Lily Graison doesn't disappoint. I love how the Avery family is so close and Lily has a way of bringing the reader in to the family and the wonderful town of Willow Creek. I only wish books were rated like movies so a reader would know what to expect.
May 4, 2021
Holden and Laurel
This is a story that will make you want to scream at Laurel that she needs to wake up and smell the roses! Holden loves her from the moment they met and Laurel feels the same but won't admit it. She is running scared from her past. When she finally gives in to her feelings magic happens. Beautiful story.
This is a story that will make you want to scream at Laurel that she needs to wake up and smell the roses! Holden loves her from the moment they met and Laurel feels the same but won't admit it. She is running scared from her past. When she finally gives in to her feelings magic happens. Beautiful story.
May 23, 2019
The Rancher
I've enjoyed all the stories about the brothers that came 1st BUT, I just knew that Morgan was my favorite from the beginning. Ms Graison hasn't disappointed me. Morgan's story was the best of the brothers. Now for the rest of the Willow Creek Series.
I've enjoyed all the stories about the brothers that came 1st BUT, I just knew that Morgan was my favorite from the beginning. Ms Graison hasn't disappointed me. Morgan's story was the best of the brothers. Now for the rest of the Willow Creek Series.
August 20, 2017
Another hit
The characters in this series continue to be appealing and draw you into the story. Good book for a rainy day.
The characters in this series continue to be appealing and draw you into the story. Good book for a rainy day.
August 23, 2017
Happy Reading
Good read! Really enjoyed this series. Would recommend everyone to read this book. Well worth the read. Have fun reading!
Good read! Really enjoyed this series. Would recommend everyone to read this book. Well worth the read. Have fun reading!
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars
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August 30, 2012
DNF - 1 Star
I was in the mood for a western and this one sounded good. It was pretty cheap on B&N; $3. I read the GR reviews and they sounded good. A new author to me, so here we go.
Well, the premise was good. I read to the 50% mark and the book just kept going over and over and over the same stuff. We never made any progress, but were filling up pages. We had a man who bought a lady a drink in a saloon. By the end of the evening they had a passionate encounter. They each went their separate ways, but ended in the same place. He has a ranch outside of town and lives with his 10 year old daughter, she is the new "schoolmarm". He wants to start their relationship and can't get her out of his mind. She doesn't. She has something to hide and keeps people at arms length. When they start to move in on her emotions, she picks up and moves on....
So, most of the book is taken up with him advancing and she pushing back, with a bit of interaction with the 10 year old. And on, and on.
Just never picks up any momentum. It started good, but at the 50% mark I couldn't stay engaged anymore. So, can't say I enjoyed it and probably won't read anymore of the series. This is actually book four, but appealed to me [blurb] better than the other three [3].
I'm still interested in reading a good western...
I wasn't too Happy Reading this one ... bored mostly, but you may have a different experience. If so, I'm very happy for you.
I was in the mood for a western and this one sounded good. It was pretty cheap on B&N; $3. I read the GR reviews and they sounded good. A new author to me, so here we go.
Well, the premise was good. I read to the 50% mark and the book just kept going over and over and over the same stuff. We never made any progress, but were filling up pages. We had a man who bought a lady a drink in a saloon. By the end of the evening they had a passionate encounter. They each went their separate ways, but ended in the same place. He has a ranch outside of town and lives with his 10 year old daughter, she is the new "schoolmarm". He wants to start their relationship and can't get her out of his mind. She doesn't. She has something to hide and keeps people at arms length. When they start to move in on her emotions, she picks up and moves on....
So, most of the book is taken up with him advancing and she pushing back, with a bit of interaction with the 10 year old. And on, and on.
Just never picks up any momentum. It started good, but at the 50% mark I couldn't stay engaged anymore. So, can't say I enjoyed it and probably won't read anymore of the series. This is actually book four, but appealed to me [blurb] better than the other three [3].
I'm still interested in reading a good western...
I wasn't too Happy Reading this one ... bored mostly, but you may have a different experience. If so, I'm very happy for you.
October 21, 2012
The Rancher by Lily Graison
Willow Creek Series Book 4
Holden Avery is the one Avery who actually wanted a wife. His wife died ten years ago and he missed having someone to talk with and to help raise his daughter, Alexandra. One night in Missoula gave him a new hope that there was someone out there for him. Problem was how he’d ever find her again.
Laurel Montgomery was a woman on the run. Her last night of freedom found her in a saloon and meeting a handsome man. She may never forget that night or the man she met. She was about to start a new life as a school teacher and wanted one last reckless night before having to toe the line and live her life as a spinster. Only she found quite a surprise when she had to talk to the parents of one of her unruly students.
The Avery boys found love in the most unexpected places. Poor Holden was the only one who really wanted to find it and when he finds the perfect woman...she's surly, rude and don't want him. The Avery’s are known for their stubbornness and they don’t take no for an answer either. Another exciting book in this historical western from Lily Graison. I love the way she brings all the brothers, their wives and their expanding families back into each additional book.
**Sexual situations
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
Willow Creek Series Book 4
Holden Avery is the one Avery who actually wanted a wife. His wife died ten years ago and he missed having someone to talk with and to help raise his daughter, Alexandra. One night in Missoula gave him a new hope that there was someone out there for him. Problem was how he’d ever find her again.
Laurel Montgomery was a woman on the run. Her last night of freedom found her in a saloon and meeting a handsome man. She may never forget that night or the man she met. She was about to start a new life as a school teacher and wanted one last reckless night before having to toe the line and live her life as a spinster. Only she found quite a surprise when she had to talk to the parents of one of her unruly students.
The Avery boys found love in the most unexpected places. Poor Holden was the only one who really wanted to find it and when he finds the perfect woman...she's surly, rude and don't want him. The Avery’s are known for their stubbornness and they don’t take no for an answer either. Another exciting book in this historical western from Lily Graison. I love the way she brings all the brothers, their wives and their expanding families back into each additional book.
**Sexual situations
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
January 4, 2014
OMG, I am still in love with the Willow Creek people and the Rancher just adds more people for me to love. Its fantastic.
Laurel Montgomery wants a new life, one that doesn't include a man. She has had enough of pretty lies and broken promises. She takes a job as the new schoolteacher in Willow Creek but has one night of reckless abandon before starting the journey to Willow Creek. The reckless night comes back to bit her on her ass. The man she thought never to see again happens to live in Willow Creek and has a daughter at the school.
Holden Avery was love-struck the moment he saw Laurel Montgomery. He cursed himself for letting Laurel walk out of his life. So when Laurel turns up in Willow Creek, he is giving the second chance he never thought he would get. He decided to pursue Laurel until a stranger shows up claiming to be Laurel's husband.
Is the man Laurel's Husband? Does Holden get his happy ever after? Can he convince Laurel he is the man for her? Read the book to see!!!
I would recommend this book and this whole series.
Laurel Montgomery wants a new life, one that doesn't include a man. She has had enough of pretty lies and broken promises. She takes a job as the new schoolteacher in Willow Creek but has one night of reckless abandon before starting the journey to Willow Creek. The reckless night comes back to bit her on her ass. The man she thought never to see again happens to live in Willow Creek and has a daughter at the school.
Holden Avery was love-struck the moment he saw Laurel Montgomery. He cursed himself for letting Laurel walk out of his life. So when Laurel turns up in Willow Creek, he is giving the second chance he never thought he would get. He decided to pursue Laurel until a stranger shows up claiming to be Laurel's husband.
Is the man Laurel's Husband? Does Holden get his happy ever after? Can he convince Laurel he is the man for her? Read the book to see!!!
I would recommend this book and this whole series.
December 31, 2013
Well, I’ve finished another story in this series and I see I’ve only one more to go before the end. I will be sad when it ends as I really have enjoyed this series. This story about Laurel was a humdinger because it reminded me of myself when I was younger, being afraid to go after what I wanted instead of what other people wanted for me, and ending up in some sad places. And I dearly loved Holden, a hero who just wouldn’t give up, no matter what, on the woman he loved. Wow, what a combo!
February 10, 2023
Loved it so much!!
September 4, 2012
Awesome book!!!!!
July 31, 2013
Great story sad it came to an end but it was confirmed all Avery men happen to be really a very rare item!
Now to the last in the series so far - His Brother's Wife.
Now to the last in the series so far - His Brother's Wife.
February 9, 2023
This might be my favorite in the Willow Creek series, but they have all been great books. I love all the Avery men! I highly recommend the book series!
October 2, 2014
Love it, couldn't get enough. A book I will read again and again.
June 4, 2017
Ahhh, Holden. father, romantic, widow, all stubborn Avery man. love him. Laurel, headstrong, independent, destined to be Holden's.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews