The Rancher's Surprise Deal

by Melissa Senate

A blast from his past 

Might be just what this single-dad rancher needs 

Divorced rancher Carson Black knows his toddler, Timmy, is a handful, but is there really no babysitter in Wyoming who can manage him? He’s verging on desperate when he runs into Evie Dawson—his first love back in high school, and his first broken heart. Despite their history, she’s amazing with Timmy, and desperate times call for desperate, make-a-deal-with-your-ex measures. She wants her family off her back about being single, which means she needs a date to a family wedding. It’s easy to fake a romance—the hard part will come from accepting that they’re not faking after all… 

From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Dawson Family Ranch

Book 1: For the Twins' Sake
Book 2: Wyoming Special Delivery
Book 3: A Family for a Week
Book 4: The Long-Awaited Christmas Wish
Book 5: Wyoming Cinderella
Book 6: Wyoming Matchmaker
Book 7: His Baby No Matter What
Book 8: Heir to the Ranch
Book 9: Santa's Twin Surprise
Book 10: The Cowboy's Mistaken Identity
Book 11: Seven Birthday Wishes
Book 12: Snowbound with a Baby
Book 13: Triplets Under the Tree
Book 14: The Rancher Hits the Road
Book 15: The Cowboy's Christmas Redemption
Book 16: The Rancher's Surprise Deal

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

I'm the New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including my debut, SEE JANE DATE (also available in cute TV movie form to stream). I write emotional, heartfelt romances for Harlequin Special Edition. I've also had two novels published under a secret pen name, but I will happily share if you message me to ask. I also wrote seven Special Edition novels under the pen name Meg Maxwell.

I'm a proud mom and animal devotee who lives on the southern coast of Maine. My 4 2026 Harlequin Special Edition novels include: The Rancher's Famed Triplets and The Cowboy's Surprise Baby, both part of my Dawsons Family Ranch series and both available now. After that: The Maverick's Thanksgiving Family is coming in late October, and The Little Cowboy's Christmas Wish in late November. For more information, visit my website: MelissaSenate.com Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Dawson Family Ranch Romance series, in which rancher, Carson Black, is determined to focus on his 2-year-old, even through his tantrums. But what saves his bacon is Evie Dawson, with whom little Timmy bonds instantly. All because she needs a plus-one at her twin sisters' wedding.

That favor also requires that Evie take care of Timmy on days when his mother can't do so. But what soon transpires is a reawakening of the love Carson and Evie had for each other in high school. But their second-chance seems destined to fail, even though other couples tell their own stories of second chances. Will what Evie and Carson learn from those other stories help to rebind them together into a threesome with Timmy as their son?

[Stacy K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic single-dad + second-chance romance with a cute, chaotic toddler as the matchmaker.

Heartwarming family dynamics, small-town ranch vibes

The “fake date / babysitting deal” setup is fun and leads to believable rekindled chemistry.

[Harlequin Books]

Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Western Romance
Miniseries
Dawson Family Ranch (Book #16)