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The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim: The Men of the Delta O Ranch
Oh...my...darling...
With everyone else on the ranch busy, it's up to me and our new herdsman to head into the hills to round up the strays that have wandered out of bounds before they get rustled by the unsavory neighbors on the other side of the property line.
Except, my brother didn't bother to tell me that "Clem" was short for "Clementine" when he mentioned the new hire.
Now I'm stuck in close quarters with a woman that hates my guts; a curvy goddess with a sassy mouth and an attitude that has my body aching to show her who's in charge out here. Clementine warns me that she can't be claimed, but I'm going to prove that I'm the man who's up to the challenge.
* * *
Welcome to Slow River Valley and the historic ranches that made men rich when their search for gold in the nearby mountains didn't.
You'll find the men here are as rugged as the land their cattle graze in, with loyalties-- and rivalries-- that run as deep as the river that defines this valley.
Protective, possessive, totally obsessed, the men of Slow River Valley know what they want when they see it and won't be swayed from claiming what's theirs. A woman who wins the heart of one of these cowboys can count on getting her ride into the sunset with a happily ever after that stands the test of time.
Set in the same world as the Moonshine Ridge Mountain Men series; The Slow River Valley Ranches books contain a lot of insta-love, some swearing, some steamy scenes, zero cheating, and a lot of swoon-worthy happy endings. They're interconnected with recurring characters but can be read as stand-alones in any order.
With everyone else on the ranch busy, it's up to me and our new herdsman to head into the hills to round up the strays that have wandered out of bounds before they get rustled by the unsavory neighbors on the other side of the property line.
Except, my brother didn't bother to tell me that "Clem" was short for "Clementine" when he mentioned the new hire.
Now I'm stuck in close quarters with a woman that hates my guts; a curvy goddess with a sassy mouth and an attitude that has my body aching to show her who's in charge out here. Clementine warns me that she can't be claimed, but I'm going to prove that I'm the man who's up to the challenge.
* * *
Welcome to Slow River Valley and the historic ranches that made men rich when their search for gold in the nearby mountains didn't.
You'll find the men here are as rugged as the land their cattle graze in, with loyalties-- and rivalries-- that run as deep as the river that defines this valley.
Protective, possessive, totally obsessed, the men of Slow River Valley know what they want when they see it and won't be swayed from claiming what's theirs. A woman who wins the heart of one of these cowboys can count on getting her ride into the sunset with a happily ever after that stands the test of time.
Set in the same world as the Moonshine Ridge Mountain Men series; The Slow River Valley Ranches books contain a lot of insta-love, some swearing, some steamy scenes, zero cheating, and a lot of swoon-worthy happy endings. They're interconnected with recurring characters but can be read as stand-alones in any order.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2025
About the author
Rocklyn Ryder
95 books268 followersRocklyn prefers her romance reads to be short, cute, and dirty; low drama and a little over-the-top: extra points for growly, alpha heroes with beards.
Originally from the farms and ranches of Central California, Rocklyn grew up in the lap of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Those small towns will always be home, but Rocklyn was born to roam.
These days she spends her days exploring America's back roads in her camper trailer, writing steamy happily-ever-afters while looking for internet.
Follow Rocklyn here, on Amazon, find her on social media, or drop by the website (rocklynwrites dot net) and keep in touch when you join the (mostly) weekly newsletter and never miss updates on what's in the works-- and what's working and not in a life full of adventure and shenanigans.
***
And what do I read? Total smut, the kind with over-the-top chemistry that gets characters to lose their minds and their clothes as soon as possible-- they can work out the kinks on the way to happily ever after later!
Originally from the farms and ranches of Central California, Rocklyn grew up in the lap of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Those small towns will always be home, but Rocklyn was born to roam.
These days she spends her days exploring America's back roads in her camper trailer, writing steamy happily-ever-afters while looking for internet.
Follow Rocklyn here, on Amazon, find her on social media, or drop by the website (rocklynwrites dot net) and keep in touch when you join the (mostly) weekly newsletter and never miss updates on what's in the works-- and what's working and not in a life full of adventure and shenanigans.
***
And what do I read? Total smut, the kind with over-the-top chemistry that gets characters to lose their minds and their clothes as soon as possible-- they can work out the kinks on the way to happily ever after later!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 25, 2025
"... thinking about putting a ring on that woman and chasing her around the house for the next forty or fifty years."
The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim is the first book in the Slow River Valley Ranches series. I was so happy to dive into this first book and the new world of sexy hot cowboy and cowgirls. This story finds Clementine being hired as the herdsman for the Delta O ranch in Slow River Valley. The ranch is owned by the four O'Leary brothers and this story is about Gunner, the second oldest of the brothers. Clem grew up on a ranch but her father did not include her in inheriting the ranch and instead gave it to her two brothers. But he did leave her some money, for a dowry, which she put to good use going to school to get her degree. Since graduating she has worked hard moving around to different opportunities working as a seasonal hand. She finally gets her break when she is offered and accepts the position of herdsman on the Delta O, the largest cattle operation in the valley. She is determined to work hard, build her resume and follow her passion. The thing is that she was hired by the oldest brother who ran off the ranch ten years ago to Houston. So when she finally meets Gunner it is like two prickly cactus' trying to shake hands and the pricking just continues. Gunner is not too pleased that Clem turns out to be Clementine, and then his bodies reaction to her makes it even more of a hard time for him. These two have a whole lava field of hot and steamy passion that is smouldering under the surface. That is until a run in with a skunk will put them under the same covers and then things get interesting.
I loved this new story and the new world. The banter between Clementine and Gunner was well written and had me laughing. She is not a "wall flower" in the least and not afraid to kick some butt, which Gunner loves and finds so sexy. I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see who finds their love next.
The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim is the first book in the Slow River Valley Ranches series. I was so happy to dive into this first book and the new world of sexy hot cowboy and cowgirls. This story finds Clementine being hired as the herdsman for the Delta O ranch in Slow River Valley. The ranch is owned by the four O'Leary brothers and this story is about Gunner, the second oldest of the brothers. Clem grew up on a ranch but her father did not include her in inheriting the ranch and instead gave it to her two brothers. But he did leave her some money, for a dowry, which she put to good use going to school to get her degree. Since graduating she has worked hard moving around to different opportunities working as a seasonal hand. She finally gets her break when she is offered and accepts the position of herdsman on the Delta O, the largest cattle operation in the valley. She is determined to work hard, build her resume and follow her passion. The thing is that she was hired by the oldest brother who ran off the ranch ten years ago to Houston. So when she finally meets Gunner it is like two prickly cactus' trying to shake hands and the pricking just continues. Gunner is not too pleased that Clem turns out to be Clementine, and then his bodies reaction to her makes it even more of a hard time for him. These two have a whole lava field of hot and steamy passion that is smouldering under the surface. That is until a run in with a skunk will put them under the same covers and then things get interesting.
I loved this new story and the new world. The banter between Clementine and Gunner was well written and had me laughing. She is not a "wall flower" in the least and not afraid to kick some butt, which Gunner loves and finds so sexy. I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see who finds their love next.
January 20, 2025
This is book one of the author’s new Men of the Delta O Ranch series and let me tell you, Clem (short for Clementine), the FMC, is one feisty, kickin’ butt and takin’ names, no effs given, ball bustin’, woman! No delicate flower, she doesn’t shrink back when she sees something she wants, she goes after it…even when that something is her boss and she knows it’s a mistake. In her defense though, she’s never seen a man like Gunner…I mean, that butt…in those Wranglers!!!
The last thing Gunner expected when he rode out to meet Clem for an overnight camp was for “Clem” to actually be Clementine, a curvy knockout that brought to mind way too many fantasies for him to feel for an employee. Who’s he kidding? She’s his, she just doesn’t know it yet!
Although this is a new series, it exists in the same world as the Moonshine Ridge series and, like those men, Gunner fell hard—obsessed and possessive and determined to claim Clem as his own and isn’t that why we crave these hot little reads this author is so famous for? Wishing we could find our very own obsessed mountain man? (Hand raised) I do!! 5 stars!!!
I received a copy of this book for free but this is my honest opinion.
The last thing Gunner expected when he rode out to meet Clem for an overnight camp was for “Clem” to actually be Clementine, a curvy knockout that brought to mind way too many fantasies for him to feel for an employee. Who’s he kidding? She’s his, she just doesn’t know it yet!
Although this is a new series, it exists in the same world as the Moonshine Ridge series and, like those men, Gunner fell hard—obsessed and possessive and determined to claim Clem as his own and isn’t that why we crave these hot little reads this author is so famous for? Wishing we could find our very own obsessed mountain man? (Hand raised) I do!! 5 stars!!!
I received a copy of this book for free but this is my honest opinion.
January 23, 2025
The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim by author Rocklyn Ryder is the first book in her new series, The Men of Delta O Ranch.
Gunner O'leary is the second oldest of the O'leary brothers and is the acting ranch manager since his father passed away.
Clementine is a well-trained, educated female foreman. Discriminated against by her own family because she's a female, shes been forced to look elsewhere to find employment worthy of her experienxe level. Hired by the youngest 2 O'leary brothers, she receives a job as a herdsman on the Delta O Ranch.
Gunner's first realization that their new herdsman "Clem" is a female is when the two are assigned the duty of repairing some fencing and bringing home wandered cattle. Can he control his basic urges he immediately feels towards her and keep their relationship strictly professional?
This book is short, sweet and steamy in all the right ways. Rocklyn Ryder is the queen of writing instalove short stories and The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim has all the depth and evokes plenty of "feels" necessary to warm a cold winter's night. A fun read that from start to finish is about a 2 hour investment.
Gunner O'leary is the second oldest of the O'leary brothers and is the acting ranch manager since his father passed away.
Clementine is a well-trained, educated female foreman. Discriminated against by her own family because she's a female, shes been forced to look elsewhere to find employment worthy of her experienxe level. Hired by the youngest 2 O'leary brothers, she receives a job as a herdsman on the Delta O Ranch.
Gunner's first realization that their new herdsman "Clem" is a female is when the two are assigned the duty of repairing some fencing and bringing home wandered cattle. Can he control his basic urges he immediately feels towards her and keep their relationship strictly professional?
This book is short, sweet and steamy in all the right ways. Rocklyn Ryder is the queen of writing instalove short stories and The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim has all the depth and evokes plenty of "feels" necessary to warm a cold winter's night. A fun read that from start to finish is about a 2 hour investment.
January 20, 2025
This short novella is the first book in Rocklyn Ryder's new series. New location but the same signature characters, large handsome men, who know the woman they want to spend the rest of their life with at first sight. The woman, mostly curvy (like the author?) may be shy at first, but not Clementine, the heroine in this book. While she had been raised on a ranch, doing all the work that it required, her father left the ranch to her two brothers and gave her a dowry of $50K. She used that to get a degree that would open the doors for her to get job elsewhere. She was hired by Ranger, the oldest brother, even though he left the ranch 10 years ago and the Delta O has been run by Gunner, second oldest since the death of their father. One look at Clementine and Gunner is toast. Quick and funny.
I actually like a little romance, and falling into bed at first meeting, doesn't do it for me, which is why the Matchmaker series is still my favorite. As part of the author's review crew, I read an Advanced Reader's Copy. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.
I actually like a little romance, and falling into bed at first meeting, doesn't do it for me, which is why the Matchmaker series is still my favorite. As part of the author's review crew, I read an Advanced Reader's Copy. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.
January 31, 2025
i read this book as part of a arc program. This is a book in the Slow River Valley Ranches series. In this book, Gunner owns a ranch with his brothers and Clem was recently hired. Gunner was planning to retrieve some cattle and repair a fence on their property. Gunner planned to take Clem with him and spend a few days up the mountain. What Gunner didn't know was that Clem is a woman and he is struck with an instant love when he sees her, but he also knows she is off limits because he is one of her bosses. Clem grew up on a ranch and has more than proven herself working across the country after her own father refused to let her operate the family ranch. So she is happy to have been hired on the Delta O. When she meets Gunner, she is instantly attracted to him, but she doesn't want to risk her job, only it is going to be impossible to fight the attraction. I really liked this book. I liked Clem, she was smart and sassy and stood up to Gunner. I think Gunner needed a woman just like Clem. This was a great story, it was quick and steamy. Another good one.
January 24, 2025
All Clem ever wanted was to prove to the Alpha men in her world she was just as competent running a ranch as the men. Her first real chance at the Delta O, and she is unexplainably attracted to one of her new bosses. Gunner realizes that Clem is his forever, but he has to show her he respects her skills without running roughshod over her independence.
A wonderful new series with Alpha Cowboys and strong minded woman that try to not fall for the smooth talking cowboys. Love at first sight, and sparking heat that makes you crave for more. I love reading Rocklyn stories. I volunteered to read a copy of this book and read it front to back in one sitting.
A wonderful new series with Alpha Cowboys and strong minded woman that try to not fall for the smooth talking cowboys. Love at first sight, and sparking heat that makes you crave for more. I love reading Rocklyn stories. I volunteered to read a copy of this book and read it front to back in one sitting.
January 28, 2025
A great start to a new series with Gunner, one of the owners at Delta O ranch and Clementine, the new herdsman on the ranch. Clem is more than capable to do any ranch hand job, she grew up on a ranch but her family never saw her as capable, so she left. Gunner is not expecting a woman to help him with the fence, he’s taken aback and watches her ride off, with him following. All alone, eating by the fire, camping till the job is done, the attraction is undeniable.
A great short steamy read that will leaving you smiling. Clem, a woman tough as nails and Gunner, who worships the ground she walks on.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A great short steamy read that will leaving you smiling. Clem, a woman tough as nails and Gunner, who worships the ground she walks on.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
January 21, 2025
It’s hate… and lust… at first sight for these two coworkers, and a simple retrieval mission goes all kinds of sideways when everything that can go wrong does. But one thing can go very, very right for Clem and Gunner. Will they survive all their close encounters of the animal kind to discover that all their feelings of animosity are just hiding much warmer feelings towards one another? That was so much fun. I only wish we had longer with these characters. Bring on the next book!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
January 22, 2025
Wide open spaces and cowboys! Welcome to the Delta O Ranch where we meet Gunner O'Leary, ranch manager of his family's homestead situated in Slow River Valley and the newly hired herdsman, Clem.
After the initial surprise of finding out his brother hired Clementine to help with maintaining and rounding up stray cattle, among other things, they set out to handle the issue while getting a better understanding of each other. Lots of fun and instant attraction.
Great introduction to this new series and love those cowboys!
After the initial surprise of finding out his brother hired Clementine to help with maintaining and rounding up stray cattle, among other things, they set out to handle the issue while getting a better understanding of each other. Lots of fun and instant attraction.
Great introduction to this new series and love those cowboys!
January 23, 2025
A fast read, romance novella between two take charge characters that share a love of the land. Being dismissed from her family legacy for being female, Clem has to work harder to achieve her dreams and prove she is more than capable. Although taken by surprise at first, I loved how Gunner was able to acknowledge Clem's ability as well as be protective. Due to book length, this is a case of instalove. But as the author did a fantastic job developing the characters, it was easy to see the relationship developing quickly.
January 26, 2025
A new, quick read cowboy series.
Gunner O'Leary is heading out to retrieve some stock with the new herdsman on the Delta O ranch. He is surprised to find that Clem is short for Clementine. Clem was raised on her family's ranch but her father left the ranch to her brothers. She has good qualifications but it has been difficult to get a good job. She doesn't want to risk her job by giving in to the attraction between Gunner and her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Gunner O'Leary is heading out to retrieve some stock with the new herdsman on the Delta O ranch. He is surprised to find that Clem is short for Clementine. Clem was raised on her family's ranch but her father left the ranch to her brothers. She has good qualifications but it has been difficult to get a good job. She doesn't want to risk her job by giving in to the attraction between Gunner and her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 19, 2025
Exciting and entertaining contemporary cowboy and ranch romance. The characters of Clem the head herdsman and Gunner one of the ranch owners. Clem has worked hard to overcome prejudice against a woman doing a “man’s” job. Gunner isn’t happy that she’s been hired but he quickly takes a shine to her. I enjoyed this story and recommend reading it. I look forward to reading future books by Ms Ryder.
January 23, 2025
Great story, good chemistry. I liked this book. I love the characters and their stories. I always love books from Rocklyn Ryder and her instalove romance. The reason I gave four stars instead of five was because I didn’t like the country twang in the conversation lol. Just a personal preference. Clem and Gunner were so different but they just clicked. Clem being a woman in a man’s world and Gunner seeing her for her true self. I received an ARC of this book and am happily sharing my review.
February 5, 2025
Loved
Really enjoyed reading Gunner and Clem's story. It was the perfect light hearted insta-love story that I needed. These two were meant to be, but Clem makes Gunner work a little harder for it as she's not one to back down easily. So excited to continue on with this series and read more about the other O'Leary brothers.
Really enjoyed reading Gunner and Clem's story. It was the perfect light hearted insta-love story that I needed. These two were meant to be, but Clem makes Gunner work a little harder for it as she's not one to back down easily. So excited to continue on with this series and read more about the other O'Leary brothers.
January 22, 2025
A fun and short insta-love story. I really liked Clem as a kickass FMC. No wilting wallflower here. Gunner was the appropriate growly alpha MMC. This author’s stories are always an enjoyable way to pass a lunch hour.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
January 23, 2025
Slow River Valley Ranches book 1
Gunner is the brother with his feet on the ground at the family Ranch, while his brother is in the office. It would have been nice if he knew beforehand that Clem is a girl.
Gunner is the brother with his feet on the ground at the family Ranch, while his brother is in the office. It would have been nice if he knew beforehand that Clem is a girl.
April 18, 2025
Fun Banter
An evenly matched couple the boss and the female ranch hand. Great fun banter, ranch work and settling who’s the boss. An accident fixes more than fences and the HEA will make you swoon!
An evenly matched couple the boss and the female ranch hand. Great fun banter, ranch work and settling who’s the boss. An accident fixes more than fences and the HEA will make you swoon!
June 18, 2025
All Because of a Skunk
What started as separate sleeping arrangements changed when a startled skunk sprayed his bedding. Then all bets.were off! Loved the banter, humor and romance. Reminded me of her "Moonshine Ridge" series. The best part is the HEA.
What started as separate sleeping arrangements changed when a startled skunk sprayed his bedding. Then all bets.were off! Loved the banter, humor and romance. Reminded me of her "Moonshine Ridge" series. The best part is the HEA.
March 7, 2026
Good story with a couple good spice scenes but it was very short. I like a quick read but this was to short, it slipped past a lot of the story that could have made this a 4 ⭐️ if it has been longer.
January 23, 2025
Oh, my darlin’
Clem is Clementine, a tough and sassy ranch hand.
Gunner thought Clem was an old guy, not someone who he’s totally into but who he’d ostracized with his ‘tude.
Recommend.
Clem is Clementine, a tough and sassy ranch hand.
Gunner thought Clem was an old guy, not someone who he’s totally into but who he’d ostracized with his ‘tude.
Recommend.
January 23, 2025
Great book. Grumpy cowboy who meets his match in the saddle and in life. Looks like a very good series.
I received a copy from the Author and this is my honest review.
I received a copy from the Author and this is my honest review.
May 9, 2025
Loved it.
January 22, 2025
Arc review for a honest review in my own words on a book I read. When Clementine meets her other boss gunner o'leary sparks fly . what a adorable story.
February 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. It was entertaining and fun to read. I enjoyed the ranching part of things. This one definitely has some instant attraction and some instalove as well though Clem is a strong personality and not willing to just back down either. She has had to fight for what she wants and after being left out of inheriting the family ranch she is more determined to get her shot and prove herself. So the prickly vibes are out in full force for both Clem and Gunner and it was definitely interesting watching them deal with the attraction and chemistry they had with that all going on. Things definitely didn't go easy and with some forced proximity it pushed things along and got things moving. The story was a quick read and fun and entertaining. I loved the new area and the cowboys and cowgirls in Slow River as this is set in the same world as Moonshine Ridge.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews