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Tension quickly turns to temptation in Bluebell, Montana, between a single dad and his nanny in this steamy age-gap, brother's best friend, small-town cowboy romance by Ann Einerson.

One minute, I’m living a peaceful life at Silver Saddle Ranch, and the next, Jensen—my brother’s best friend—returns to town for the summer with his five-year-old son and moves into my guest room. Not only are we sharing space, but I’ve agreed to be Caleb’s nanny.

The problem? Jensen’s little boy quickly wins my heart, and his dad isn’t far behind with his big-city charm.
Between a steamy Ferris wheel ride and romantic late-night chats on the porch swing overlooking the Montana skyline, my heart quickly becomes his.

I want to be the place where Jensen lays his hat, but he’s not looking to trade in his custom Italian suit for dirty cowboy boots.

But what happens when they leave the ranch at the end of summer…

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2025

1126 people are currently reading
40872 people want to read

About the author

Ann Einerson

11 books1,242 followers
Ann Einerson is the author of enchanting contemporary romance novels that will keep you hooked until the very last page, complete with heroes who fall hard and the heroines who keep them on their toes. She believes sometimes the best family is the one we find, curiosity is good for the soul, and a good book isn’t complete without banter.

You can find Ann surrounded by her ample supply of sticky notes ready for inspiration and ideas. When she’s not writing, Ann enjoys spoiling her chatty pet chickens, listening to her dysfunctional playlists, and going for late-night treadmill runs. She lives in Michigan with her husband.

Follow Along Online:
Newsletter Signup → http://anneinerson.com/newsletter-signup
Website → www.anneinerson.com
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5 stars
1,591 (34%)
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48 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,217 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,601 reviews1,875 followers
August 23, 2025
4.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Silver Saddle Ranch #1
Setting ~ Montana
Publication date ~ July 11, 2025
Publisher ~ self
Est Page Count ~ 345 (35 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ small town, billionaire, single dad, boss/nanny, age gap, brother’s best friend, slow burn, roommates to lovers, some steamage, no drama!, found family

Author content warning: explicit sexual content, profanity, mention of cancer, mention of foster care, mention of parent's death, and mention of absentee parents. I'll add: mention of adoption and gambling addiction.

Jensen (32) & Briar (24)
Jensen is shocked to learn he has a 5 year old son named Caleb from a one night stand. Sadly Caleb’s mom has passed from cancer and he has been unable to speak since. Not knowing the first thing about parenting he contacts his mother figure from his past for advice and she suggests they leave NYC for the summer and spend it in Montana on the ranch, so off they go to stay in a cottage with Briar.

I’m not super big on single dad books because I feel like I’m going to get mad because he’s going to deny it, cause a big stink and I’ll hate him for it. But this is not the case at all here. What I loved the most is how there was no doubt in his mind to question the paternity and how he was all in from the moment he got the phone call. He was so patient and loving throughout, and I just loved him so much! Swoon material for sure.

"Fatherhood is downright humbling and the greatest adventure I've had the honor of experiencing.

Briar is not only sharing her house, but agrees to be the nanny. Her and Caleb’s bond was so special and really heartwarming. With a silly goat named Ziggy to play with he slowly comes out of his shell. He was really a perfectly well behaved 5 year old, just how I like my kids in romance reads. His grief was believable and handled with care.

Overall, I lovedy love loved it! Yahoo for great banter, great chemistry and great side characters. My only complaint is that there is some repetition with inner thoughts and lots of Wrangler jeans talk, but nothing else really bugged me.

A fabulous start to a new series, which will follow Briar’s brother’s, Heath and Walker. I hope we see more of Briar's friends, Charlie and Birdie because they were delightful, as were Mama Julie and Pops.

PS ~ loved the cameo from another book character giving a little update on his life.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Profile Image for naz .
446 reviews897 followers
July 21, 2025
This book was perfect for those of you who love a city boy going back to his roots 🌾 which is a small-town family ranch and the reason for his return is that he just found out he has a 5-year-old son grieving his mom.

MY HEART SQUEEZES 😭. Oh, and did I mention that Jensen hires a nanny for his son, who just happens to be the same woman staying with them for the entire summer? 👀

The tension and attraction were there from the start 🔥 I love when it’s obvious from the beginning how attracted they are to each other, but they tiptoe around it because they don’t really know what they’re feeling, and this book had the eggshells coming left and right!!! I also loved how the tension finally broke (the “making him jealous” mini trope 👏)

I’d describe this book as a perfect palate cleanser because it has a simple plot and story, but will still pull on your heartstrings 💔 especially with a 5-year-old trying to navigate his grief.

For those of you who love cowboys 🤠 TRUST ME this book delivers and don’t even get me started on the Wrangler jeans and the cowboy hat 🤤

The spice was very good (though I did cringe a couple of times, but that’s just personal preference 😂)

Either way, it was fun, and I enjoyed it hope you do too! 💛

tropes
🌾 small town romance
🌾 single father x nanny
🌾 cowboy romance
🌾 he falls first-ish


⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱。ꪆৎ ˚⋅
a girl in need of a cowboy/small town romance leeeet's gooooo 🤠
Profile Image for madi.
287 reviews562 followers
August 6, 2025
dnf @ 62%
maybe i'm the problem ☹️💔

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

𐙚⋆°。⋆♡ pre-read ♡⋆°。⋆𐙚
⤷ joni recommended this to me and the way she described it made it sound so cute 🤭 single dad x nanny 😋
Profile Image for joni ౨ৎ .
438 reviews383 followers
August 5, 2025
𐙚⋆°。⋆♡ 4.5 stars
she’s the type of beautiful that doesn’t ask for attention, but demands it.


arc review 💌
release date: july 11

⁀➴ tropes
🌻 single dad x nanny
🤍 8 year age gap
🌻 brother’s best friend
🤍 no third act breakup
🌻 small town
🤍 dirty talking cowboy

⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆ now playing:
you look like you love me – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)

ᝰ.ᐟ initial thoughts
if you're looking for a cute summer romcom full of banter and laughs, this is the book for you. ziggy the goat fainting every time he saw jensen?? elite.
i didn’t expect to enjoy this so much—but this was pure summer vibes and soft romance.

༘˚⋆𐙚。⋆ plot
funny, sweet, and satisfying in a low-stakes, heart-melting kind of way.
no third act drama, just growth, goats, and a cowboy who knows what he wants.

⋆. 𐙚 ˚ the characters

briar
soft and nurturing without losing herself. the way she showed up for caleb—loving him like her own before even being with jensen—completely melted me. she radiates steady love, patience, and quiet strength.

briar deserves the very best, and I intend to spend my life showing her how much I love her — with every touch, every word, and every action.


jensen
gruff but gentle. guarded, but once he opens up? it’s over. he’s the kind of man who doesn’t say much—but every word means something. protective, possessive, and absolutely done for briar.

he's the perfect balance of commanding passion and gentle passion, leaving me satisfied and cherished in ways I've never felt before.


side characters
ziggy the goat was the unexpected star of the book. genuinely had me wheezing.
and caleb?? such a sweet, quiet presence. their little trio was perfect.

⋆˚꩜。 the couple
their connection was immediate but never rushed. everything about them felt natural—like they'd already been choosing each other long before anything actually happened.
so much tenderness between them.

you’re it for me, briar halstead, and i was a fool to think this was just a summer fling.

there is nothing i want more than for the three of us to be a family.


⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆ final thoughts
a perfect read for when you want something warm, funny, and a little spicy without the emotional destruction.
sweet, sexy, and sincere in the best way.

༘˚⋆𐙚。⋆ overall
low drama, high heart. this gave me everything i love in small-town romance—cowboys, banter, slow-burn sweetness, and so much love.

꒰ ⚠︎ ꒱ trigger warnings:
⤿ adoption (briar is adopted)


✧ thank you to ann for having me on your arc team!!! <3 ✧



mwah,
joni 🤍




🌻┆𐚁 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
heard amazing things about this author and i can't wait to read this one, the cover is so cute-sy and i'm lowkey in my age-gap era rn so why not 🤭 this has single dad which is one of my favorite tropes ever so hoping this delivers!!!!

⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 july 12


thank you so much to ann for letting me be on your arc team!!!
Profile Image for The Sewist's Bookshelf .
494 reviews89 followers
July 8, 2025
⭐ 4
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy chapters: 20, 21, 24, 28, 30
📚 Tropes/Themes: single dad, forced proximity, boss x employee, forbidden relationship, brothers bestie, city/country, nanny X single dad, no strings attached, just for the summer, coming home
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: foster care, parental abuse, abandonment and death, mentions of: adoption & gambling addiction

💬 This was such a sweet, emotional and swoony story 🥹 It's low stakes and low angst which is perfect for me right now and it had so many of my favorite tropes: cowboy romance, single dad, brother's bestie. It was a really enjoyable read and made me tear up in several places at the end because ugh it was just so heartwarming.

However, what kept this from being a 5⭐ for me is that the writing was a little repetitive. The MCs continually referred back to their fears and observations about their relationship, Caleb, the farm, the future, etc and after a while I kinda wanted to yell at them WE GET IT 😂 I know it's needed to build tension/drama in the story but personally it was too often.

Along with that the fact that Briar is adopted just sorta cast a pall over the story for me, unfortunately. Hopefully one day authors will include adoption when listing triggers, but I did appreciate that the story mentioned allowing Caleb to make the choice if he wants her to adopt him in the future.
Profile Image for Jenn (The Book Refuge).
2,672 reviews4,503 followers
July 11, 2025
Welcome to Silver Saddle Ranch! Ann Einerson starts off her newest series with what she does best: a Single Dad and a nanny! The story is much more than that of course, but I was so excited to give this one a try.

Wrangled Love starts off with Jensen, a successful businessman, discovering that he has a 5 year old son. His one-night stand who was the boy's mother has died and left him (Caleb) to a surprised Jensen. He immediately jumps into dad-mode and takes his hesitant and silent son back to his roots: Silver Saddle Ranch in Bluebell, Montana.

When he moves in with his best friend's sister, Briar, she becomes his nanny for the summer. I really loved how everyone wanted to help Jensen with Caleb and they were all so sweet with him.

Jensen is only planning to stay for a while and let Caleb get used to him. Yet the longer he stays, its harder to remember why he ever left. And Briar makes the decision to move back to the city seem almost impossible.

This was sweet, sexy, and romantic. I really loved how both Jensen and Briar were with Caleb and I loved watching the boy come out of his shell. It had me tearing up multiple times. It was also awesome to see Jensen slip back into his cowboy boots and jeans. It didn't take long at all.

I think was a great start to a new series and I look forward to more.

4 Stars
3 on the spice scale

*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
Profile Image for Tabatha (tab.talks.books).
515 reviews
July 10, 2025
* 4⭐️3🌶️
* Jensen, a CEO who returns to his hometown of Bluebell, Montana after learning he has a 5-year-old son named Caleb. Faced with the challenges of sudden fatherhood, Jensen moves into a cottage on his best friend's family ranch, the Silver Saddle Ranch. Sharing the cottage is his best friend's sister, Briar, who eventually becomes Caleb's nanny. Caleb's loss of his mother has left him selectively mute, and both Jensen and Briar are instrumental in helping him cope and find joy in life. 
* Read if you like: single dad x nanny, steamy, age gap, brothers best friend, small town, cowboy romance, found family
Profile Image for Gayane♡.
368 reviews
July 26, 2025
What a great book. I loved this story. I felt that the characters were so chill the entire time. No drama, no banter, and no 3rd act breakup.

Plot: Jensen lives in NY owning his own business he built from the ground up. One day he gets a call that changes his entire world. Jensen decides to move back to the small town he once grew up in, to help his now son heal. He and his son become roommates with Brair whose family owns the ranch. Jensen and his son are only there for the summer, but when feelings between the two start to form, they need to be careful to not get hurt. 💖

Tropes:
Small town
Ranch girl
Single dad
Nanny
Age gap (8yrs)
Profile Image for lianna.
198 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2025
[arc review]

i loved the little things in this book. like briar's rubber duck collection and the animal heists and caleb playing with farm animals. i think that's what made this book so freaking adorable and i can't get over those bits.

i want to give caleb the biggest hug because he's only five and he's already had it rough. but he's so strong and i could feel that he was so at peace in silver saddle ranch. he was quickly welcomed by everyone and honestly him and ziggy were the stars of the show for me. he loves every single animal he meets.

jensen took on the role of being a dad IMMEDIATELY after finding out caleb was his son. he did not want that little boy to suffer more than he already has. jensen was terrified, but he was so patient with caleb and he's done an amazing job in this book. briar is the perfect girl for him. she sort of just knew how to get caleb out of his shell and took on the role of his nanny with almost no hesitation. every interaction she had with caleb was heartwarming. and briar and jensen together were mature, despite their age gap. they communicated and decided together how to best proceed with their relationship while putting caleb first.
Profile Image for Sienasummerrreads.
622 reviews349 followers
October 26, 2025
This story follows Jenson, who runs a highly successful tech company in New York. But his world is turned upside down when he discovers he’s the father of a five-year-old boy. Now, he’s returning to his hometown the place he once ran from. There’s one family that always treated him like one of their own, and now he’s staying at their Silver Saddle Ranch for the summer. He moves into a cottage with his best friend’s younger sister the girl he hasn’t seen in ten years. The stay is only meant to last the summer… but could this trip bring him back to his roots for good?

This was a cute story I loved the found family dynamic. It was also great to see Dawson, a lawyer from Ann’s other series Aspen Grove, make an appearance.

The story starts with Jenson, who, needing support with Caleb, decides to return to his hometown and stay on the ranch a decision that turns out to be the best one for Caleb’s grief and healing. Briar was all in from the beginning, eager to help both Jenson and Caleb. She was so good to them and helped Jenson realize what a true home could feel like. The dates, sneaking around and the banter between Jenson and Briar was fantastic.

In New York, he had just been working and coming home to an empty house, but going back home gave him a renewed sense of purpose and clarity about what he truly wanted.

It was just an enjoyable story overall, and the spice was great!

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 347
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: First Book In The Silver Saddle Ranch Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Single Dad, Nanny, Cowboy, Age Gap (8yrs), Secret Child, Forced Proximity, Chemistry, Banter, Jealousy, Foot Massage, Mute Character, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Eyes On Me, Impact Play, Ferris Wheel Scene, Kitchen Scene and Outside Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Profile Image for jordan.
361 reviews103 followers
July 11, 2025
4.25 STARS

I love Ann's writing so freaking much!! I fell in love with her writing with the Aspen Grove series and those fluffy romances.

I thought this one was also going to be on the same lines but oh boy this one gave more. It had more *grunts* to the story and I WAS TOTALY HERE FOR IT!!

If you want a cowboy, age gap, single dad x nanny fun story then you NEED to pick this one up.

(arc review) - OUT NOW!!
Profile Image for Liz | Bookslizreads90 .
427 reviews112 followers
July 10, 2025
Tropes-
Single dad x nanny
Brother's best friend
Age gap
Small town
No third act breakup

✨️Thank you to Ann and Luna Literary for the ARC for my honest friend! This book had all the best vibes. I loved the small town feels. I was in tears from laughter at times (She kidnapped a chicken 😂🤭 and the text message strings) and other times from heartbreak. This book had the best banter. The chemistry between Briar and Jensen was amazing. Throw in the sweetest little boy, and what more can you ask for? 🥹 I can't wait to read more of this series as it comes out. If you love a good vibes, small town book, I'd definitely recommend you give this book a read!
Profile Image for Shana .
406 reviews69 followers
July 13, 2025
4⭐️ | 2.5🌶
This is sweet. I loved how everyone just immediately embraced Caleb... and Jensen. This was bittersweet and wholesome. I loved the found family and the healing. Thank you to luna literary management for the arc.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,804 reviews1,450 followers
July 7, 2025
Wrangled Love is a single dad x nanny, brother’s best friend, age gap (24, 32), cowboy, small town romance! It’s the first book in the Silver Saddle Ranch series by Ann Einerson and such a cute intro to the town and characters.

Jensen is a CEO who leaves it behind to go back to his cowboy roots after getting a call that he has a 5-year old son. Caleb came from a one-night-stand Jensen had years ago and he finds out about Caleb after his mom passes away. I adored how Jensen immediately jumps in and wants to be there for his son. Jensen takes Caleb to the place he always felt most at home himself growing up—Bluebell, Montana.

Jensen has the best memories of his time at Silver Saddle Ranch and he and Caleb are welcomed with open arms and a place to stay. Now he’s sharing a home with his best friend’s sister, Briar, who look after the cabins for the ranch. Briar becomes super close to Caleb immediately and slides right in to a nanny role as well. I liked seeing how protective she is of Caleb, who is not speaking after his mother’s passing. Jensen and Briar feel chemistry right away and decide to give in “just for the summer”. All the friends, found family, side characters, and pets (Ziggy the fainting baby goat, Nugget the rescued chicken) were so fun and I can’t wait for the rest of the series.

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

CW: mention of cancer, mention of foster care, mention of a parent’s death, mention of absentee parents
Profile Image for all.the.smut.things.
627 reviews483 followers
July 14, 2025
so cute

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️.5

Ann Einerson is my comfort author.

Her stories never fail to put a smile on my face and make me swoon. The ways she writes her characters just always leaves me a little bit emotional and makes me believe in happy ever afters.

Jensen and Briar are absolute and total perfection. They are perfect for each other and perfect for Jensen’s son Caleb who comes into his life unexpectedly.

✨ Small Town
✨ Surprise Child
✨ Single Dad x Nanny
✨ Age Gap
✨ Brother’s Best Friend

This story is everything I love about small town romance and single dads. Jensen and Caleb’s story was just as important as his and Briar’s and I loved watching the three of them become a family.

I couldn’t put this one down, it has all the sewing, little angst and just the best sense of found family. Ans also the side characters were A++ and one of the things I love about small town romance!

And I’m never going to say no finalize on a Ferris wheel or a cowboy hat scene so there is that!
Profile Image for Katie Beasley.
698 reviews87 followers
July 27, 2025
This was a really sweet book about realizing that your passions in life might be different than what you thought they were. I liked the chemistry between these two, and the buildup was done perfectly. There is really nothing like the buildup in a relationship that shouldn't be. I liked the whole nanny situation that turned into more. I liked how much these two helped each other. They were selfless with each other. They both wanted the other to succeed. Jensen was coming to the ranch concerned and a little defeated. He had just found out that he had a son that he didn't know about. A son who is so deep in his grief for his mom that he is non-verbal. Briar is in a good place in her life, but she is kind of stuck. She is working so hard to save for her dream non-profit. She hasn't been able to figure out how to balance both. There two were just made for each other. They found each other at the right time.

Jensen's whole world has changed. He has just found out that he has a son that he never knew he had. One that is non-verbal due to the tragic death of his mom. Jensen is so out of his depth here. He decides to go back home to Silver Saddle Ranch. That is where he found himself as a young man among people who were encouraging and supportive. He couldn't imagine a better place for him and Caleb to be. Which is how he has found himself sharing a cabin with his best friend's little sister, Briar. The girl he last knew has grown into a beautiful woman. A woman who is comfortable on the ranch. Who doesn't look at him like he doesn't know what he is doing as a dad. Who helps him through this struggle of a life change. A woman who makes him feel things he shouldn't feel. Especially now that she is helping with him in the afternoons. But he can't help it. The way she looks at him makes him feel deserving. Like a man among all the chaos that is his life now. So when the opportunity presents itself he kisses her. And it feels right. When they spend the night together, it feels like forever. But he is supposed to be going back to New York at the end of the summer right? But how can he leave now that the longer he is here the more he realizes that this is the lifestyle he wants for him and Caleb. He wants the easiness of it with the slow pace. He wants to wake up with Briar there. And now that Caleb has opened up and started talking again, he knows his future is here. He just hopes that Briar is on the same page.

Briar doesn't know what to expect when she is asked for Jensen and his son Caleb to stay with her for the summer. She hasn't seen Jensen in years. But when she sees him, it's like he has gotten better looking with age. And he seems so lost. His whole life has changed now that he has a son who is struggling. So Briar decides she will be there for him how she can. She will help him with Caleb. She will ease the load as much as she can. She will encourage them to grow closer as a dad and son should be. All the while she is trying to ignore the butterflies that Jensen gives her, but man is it hard. Because now he is looking at her like he wants her. But that can't be right? She is his best friend's little sister. He is only here for the summer. This is all such a bad idea. But when they kiss it just feels RIGHT. So after fighting it a little longer, they decide that they will be thing for the summer. They will enjoy each other's company but not tell Caleb yet. And how he treats her is unlike anyway she has been treated before. How he makes her smile. How he helps her towards her goal with her non-profit. The way he recognizes that she doesn't NEED help but he still WANTS to help her. This all feels so freeing. It's so wonderful but now she has big feelings. Feelings she thinks need to be discussed. So when he tells her that him and Caleb aren't leaving it feels like a dream.

This was such an easy read. I liked the build up of the spice. And the spice itself was wonderfully creative- Jensen had a HOT mouth on him let me tell you. I liked how everyone grew in this one. Jensen realized what was important to him- not the money but the people around him. Briar realized that she was ready for a family. And Caleb found healing in his new family. I also loved the side characters and can't wait for them all to fall for each other. Looking at you Charlie and Heath. And maybe a story for Connor the horse trainer with the tatted arms anyone?? Definitely recommend this for a sweet, spicy city boy remembering his cowboy roots!

Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
Profile Image for Chiara^•^.
438 reviews118 followers
July 11, 2025
Wrangled Love by Ann Einerson
4,25/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️

This is the first book in this series, and I have to say, it was a great read. I've recently read a few books featuring the surprise dad trope, and I fell in love with it, so I was thrilled to discover this book has that trope too. The story revolves around Jensen, who leaves his small town at 18 to get away from his traumatic childhood. Fast forward to now, he’s a successful businessman, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he finds out he has a five-year-old son named Caleb, who just lost his mom. Caleb is going through a tough time and doesn't want to talk, so feeling at a loss, Jensen decides to return to his hometown, hoping that a change of scenery might help Caleb heal. He ends up staying with Briar, his best friend’s sister, who steps in to help him care for Caleb.

Briar is a sweet, hardworking, and kind-hearted girl. When her mom leaves, she gets adopted by the Halsteads. At first, Briar is a bit unsure about having Jensen and Caleb living with her, but once she sees how much they need support, she jumps right in to help. I appreciated that even though Jensen and Briar know each other from childhood, there’s no awkward crush situation because of their eight-year age difference—it makes everything feel more relatable. They start as friends, slowly getting to know one another while trying to help Caleb feel comfortable enough to open up.

Their romantic relationship develops naturally, and I loved witnessing their journey as they fell in love. I loved how Briar's older brothers are supportive of them! Instead of the classic “our sister is off-limits”, they’re protective but in a respectful and fun way, and I enjoyed how they teased Jensen. One of the most touching moments was when Caleb finally spoke again. That moment was so special, and it brought tears to my eyes!

The girl gang in this story is fantastic too! I loved their friendship and how each of them has a distinct personality. The book is filled with so many funny moments, swoon-worthy scenes, heartfelt emotions, and just the right amount of spice. Overall, this was a fantastic start to the series! I was surprised when I found out who the next couple would be—it was unexpected, and I can't wait to dive into their story!
Profile Image for Maria.
96 reviews86 followers
July 10, 2025
What to expect:
🌻 Dirty Talking Cowboy
🤠 Single Dad x Nanny
🌻 Spice on a Ferris Wheel
🤠 Age Gap (24/32)
🌻 Brother’s Best Friend
🤠 No Third Act Breakup
🌻 Small Town Charm

I feel like stealing Janice’s line from Friends because—Oh. My. God! This book is every-freaking-thing! 🫶🏻

Ann Einerson is a new-to-me author, and I just know I’ll be devouring her backlist. I already found Dawson and Reese’s story, but let’s be honest, I’ll probably end up reading all of her books.

Wrangled Love delivers even more than the stunning cover promises: think late-night conversations, deep family bonds, a fainting goat, and hilarious group chats.

Jensen’s life gets turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and yet he’s all in from the start. From the moment Jensen learns about Caleb, his love is immediate and unwavering. It’s clear his world now revolves around that little boy.

And then there is Briar, whose strength, kindness, and caring soul had me rooting for her from the beginning.

Neither of them had it easy growing up, but they had the Halstead family in their corner—and oh boy, do I love that family. Mama Julie and Pops are the kind of fictional parents you wish were real: steady, loving, and impossible not to adore.

I got emotional more times than I can count, but I also laughed so hard I had to bury my face in my pillow because yes, I was reading at 5am and couldn’t really laugh out loud! 😂

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the epilogue! I had to stop and pull myself together because I was full-on ugly crying.

Now, it’s time for my silly little rant (you knew it was coming and you were eagerly waiting for it): Jensen… he likes… pineapple on pizza. There, I said it! Thankfully, our girl hates it, so I guess the balance is somehow restored.

Oh, and I can see where Charlie and Heath’s story might go. I like it already. 👀

Thanks to the author and @lunaliterary.management for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💌
Profile Image for NJS Reads.
261 reviews32 followers
July 11, 2025
This book was so cute and I loved every second of it.

Jensen is a CEO of a big tech company in New York. When he learns that he has a five year old son, Caleb, he packs up and goes back to his hometown, Bluebell in Montana. Jensen and Caleb move into a cottage with his best friend’s sister, Briar. To help Jensen juggle with his new found fatherhood and running his company, he asks Briar to be Caleb’s nanny. Caleb has been struggling with the passing of his mother and hasn’t spoken since. Both, Jensen and Briar are wanting to work together to help him grieve and find some joy again.

I loved Briar and Caleb relationship. The way he was drawn to her from the beginning was so sweet. She was so protective of him from day one and she was everything he needed at that time.

There was so much chemistry and tension between Jensen and Briar. The way they fought their attraction as they wanted to put Caleb first. But when they stopped fighting it, the sparks were flying and the spice was spicing!

The found family aspect of this story was on point. I loved everything about the Halstead family. All the friends, side characters and pets (Ziggy the fainting goat and Nugget the reduced chicken). Loved them all.

Also, can we talk about the moment Caleb spoke. That was so heartwarming and beautiful. 🥹🥹

I am looking forward to the next book in this series next year! Thank you Ann for the E-ARC of Wrangled Love. All the stars.

- Single Dad x Nanny
- Small Town
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Age Gap
- No Third Act
- Steamy Romance
Profile Image for Anais Rosa.
392 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2025
Wrangled Love is book one in the Silver Saddle Ranch series, and I devoured it!

What can you expect?
🏡 Small-town romance
👨‍👧 Single dad x nanny
📈 Age gap (24/32)
👨‍🌾 Brother’s best friend
💬 Dirty-talking cowboy
🎡 Spice on a Ferris wheel
🚫 No third-act breakup

4.5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

📚 Synopsis
Briar’s peaceful life on the ranch takes an unexpected turn when her brother’s best friend, Jensen, returns to town for the summer with his five-year-old son—and moves into her guest room. As she steps in as Caleb’s nanny, her heart slowly falls for them both. Between porch swing confessions and Ferris wheel kisses, Briar dreams of forever. But when summer ends, will Jensen choose the ranch… or the city?

💭 My Thoughts
Let’s start with the fact that he calls her “Sugar”—and yes, I swooned every single time. 😮‍💨
Jensen finds out he has a five-year-old son and is suddenly thrown into fatherhood. Lost and unsure, he calls his best friend for help and decides to return to the town he swore he'd never come back to—for his son, he'd do anything. Caleb, grieving the loss of his mother, has stopped speaking, which makes things even more difficult. With no space at the ranch during the busy summer, Jensen and Caleb move in with Briar, his best friend’s sister.

What I loved most about Jensen is that he didn’t just show up—he put in the work. He read every book he could find, attended therapy with Caleb, and truly tried his best to become the father his son needed. He felt out of his depth, but he never stopped showing up, and that made him even more lovable.

Briar manages the cottages and other duties around the ranch, but she’s more than just capable—she's patient, nurturing, humble, and has a heart of gold. From day one, Caleb feels safe with her. Helping care for him only strengthens her dream of opening a center to help children who’ve been through trauma, like Caleb.

Caleb is such a sweet little boy. Though he’s grieving his mom, we slowly see him open up, enjoy his time on the ranch, and begin to heal. I loved how even Ziggy the goat helped bring out his personality!
Meanwhile, Jensen is juggling his life as the CEO of a tech company and trying to reconnect with the cowboy he used to be. With Briar’s support, he trades his suits and slacks for boots, flannel, and a cowboy hat—and it fits him perfectly.

Briar and Jensen? Perfect for each other. There’s something about the way they understand each other without even speaking. Their connection is deep, and their chemistry? Off the charts. Despite the age gap, Briar is incredibly mature for her 24 years. And though Jensen sees her as off-limits, their flirty banter and smoldering looks lead to one unforgettable kiss that changes everything.

Their relationship becomes a bit of a secret—but mostly for Caleb’s sake. They’re respectful and careful, always putting Caleb first, which made me admire them even more. And that moment when Caleb starts speaking again? I legit almost cried. It was beautiful and emotional—Jensen had been struggling with feelings of inadequacy, and that breakthrough was so moving.

The romance? So tender and swoony. Jensen does all the little things—like setting up sweet picnic dates—and shows his affection in thoughtful, quiet ways. And the spice? Whew. Ferris wheel scene. Dirty talk. Cowboy charm. Yes, please!

🤠 Final Thoughts
This book is the perfect mix of heartfelt emotion, low-angst comfort, sweet family dynamics, and steamy cowboy romance. If you’re looking for a feel-good love story with just the right amount of spice, this one is a must-read. I’m already hooked on this new series and can’t wait to see what’s next at Silver Saddle Ranch!

Huge thanks to Ann Einerson and her team for the advance copy! I absolutely loved it. 🤍
Profile Image for The Love Librarian.
728 reviews1,364 followers
August 16, 2025
Wrangled Love was so cute and the perfect story to showcase how family is not always the one you’re born into!

Jensen needed all the support he could get after finding out about the son (Caleb) he never knew existed. His surrogate family, including the heroine, Briar, stepped right up to the plate and helped not only Jensen adjust to fatherhood, but also were so patient in helping Caleb adjust to his new living situation. Both Briar and Jensen came from rough home lives, so they knew the value in how love can bloom within a found family unit. I loved that Briar welcomed the two of them into her home as roommates and stepped up as Caleb’s summer nanny so they could still be on the family ranch while also having room to grow their father-son relationship. Briar was instrumental in encouraging both of them to open up. Naturally, the intimacy of the time Briar and Jensen spent together quickly developed into a romantic nature. I ate it UP.

Jensen appreciated Briar and made sure to show her at every turn. They were perfect for each other. The author’s development of their individual characters and their pasts made their love feel much more special.

Between the cute moments with Caleb, Briar’s girl crew, and meeting the rest of the Halstead crew, I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Things to Expect: surprise single dad/nanny, small town, city boy turned cowboy, roommates, small age gap (8 years), ranch life style, brother’s best friend, no 3rd act breakup, great friend group, found family/adopted family

Trigger Warnings: mentions of cancer, foster care, parental death, and absentee parents
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett.
241 reviews12 followers
July 5, 2025
3.5⭐️
2🌶

This was such a cute read but I'm not even gonna lie... I got a little bored. 😬 There was absolutely no drama at all so if you're looking for a fluffy single dad romance with an adorable 5 year old boy and a hilarious fainting goat then you'll love this! I still enjoyed it though. I loved the found family vibes and the girl gang chat cracked me up.
Profile Image for Anca A.
476 reviews38 followers
July 12, 2025
#Review: *Wrangled Love* - Ann Einerson - ARC [18+]
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️

As always, it's such a pleasure to read anything by Ann Einerson. So grateful to be part of her content team! Thank you for this early copy!

Jensen had the most mind-blowing surprise. He found out that he had a kid, which was going to stay with him, after his mom lost the battle with cancer. But how can Jensen handle his new status as a father when he knew nothing about raising a kid. Especially one which was deeply traumatized by the lost of his only family he knew. So, Jensen's only solution was to go back to his hometown, because there were people who could help him with his situation. There he will find more than he could've imagined and one young lady will make him loose his head🤭.

This story had so many layers and I loved every one of them! The situation of Caleb, Jensen's son, was super emotional, being that traumatized that he didn't even wanted to speak. It was hard for him to come out of his shell, but all those people close to him would help him enormous in his development. Jensen and Briar have known each other from childhood but they haven't seen one another since then. So, it was a shock for both of them too see themselves all grown up and the sparks instantly appeared. One specifically scene was so darn hot and risky, bringing the temperatures high🔥🥵. The good vibes were brought by Briar's friends and siblings and a super cute goat, named Ziggy, who was super hilarious for the way he reacted when he saw Jensen😂.

I had a blast while reading this book, loving every single detail of it. It was sweet, cozy, emotional, but at the same time, it had a hotter side, which intertwined so well in the whole story🤭. I love Ann Einerson's books, which are always recommend to readers who love a little spice in their books.

#AgeGap
#SingleDad
#ReturningToHometown
#Billionaire
#SmallTown
#BrothersBestFriend
#CowboyRomance
#Spicy
#NoThirdActBreakup
Profile Image for Jen Altman.
484 reviews66 followers
July 11, 2025
Where to even begin with this absolute gem? It’s no doubt earned the spot as my favorite Ann Einerson book! This story was everything I could have wanted and more. A cowboy romance full of heart and steam, but what absolutely knocked this story out of the park though is the phenomenal portrayal of the found family trope. Packing some serious emotional depth, this book had me all in my feels. What I wouldn’t give to travel to Bluebell, Montana!

The story kicks off when Jensen, after a heartbreaking tragedy, learns he has a young son. Not sure where to turn, he packs up and heads back to his roots in Bluebell, returning to the ranch and the loving embrace of the Halstead’s. This true blue found family was always there for him as a kid, despite his rough upbringing. While Briar always had a crush on Jensen growing up, the last thing on her mind is falling for her brother’s best friend, but even she couldn’t predict how him and his son would steal her heart. ♥️

Witnessing Jensen and Briar realize they are soulmates was so unbelievably beautiful, but the relationship between Jensen’s son, Caleb, and Briar was something truly heartwarming to experience. The deep bond these two built as Caleb learned to come out of his shell brought tears to my eyes. Keep the tissues handy with this one!

It wouldn’t be a small town romance without charming and eccentric resident side characters. Briar’s friend group was just adorable! Their antics and group chats added fun and humor to a sometimes deeply emotional story. I found myself laughing out loud at their secret animal rescue adventures. I can’t wait to go back to Bluebell and hopefully experience more of their stories!
Profile Image for Nicole  D'cruz (kiwinikilovesreading).
433 reviews27 followers
December 30, 2025
Ann continues to writing the most amazing romance books and her first cowboy romance book was SOOO GOOD! No notes! Perfection! Briar and Jensen were so good together! Also the spicy moments!! hehe read to find out more! Overall a great book! Cannot wait to see whats next from Ann.
Profile Image for Dul.
432 reviews257 followers
July 16, 2025
Jensen is a busy businessman who discovers he has a 5-year-old son named Caleb. When the boy's mother dies, Jensen brings his quiet little boy back to Montana to live on the family ranch. There, he stays with Briar, his best friend's 24-year-old sister. Briar agrees to help take care of Caleb during the summer, and she quickly becomes like a second mom to the little boy - not just sharing her home, but opening her heart to both father and son.

What I really liked was how Jensen never questioned if Caleb was his son. He just accepted it right away and tried his best to be a good father. He was so kind and patient with the boy.

Jensen only wants to stay for a short time, but the longer he's there, the harder it becomes to leave. Briar makes him want to stay forever. Briar is caring and patient with Caleb. She helps him feel safe and loved after losing his mother. You can see how much Briar cares about both the boy and his father.

The story was warm and romantic. The two main characters had great chemistry together. Being a dad completely changed Jensen's life, and you could see how much he grew as a person.

I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly. I'm excited to read more books in this series!

Thank you for the ARC 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Rebecca .
131 reviews
August 9, 2025
4🌟
This book is exactly what I needed to get me back into reading. And there was no third act break up🙌.
Profile Image for Nicole Mahar (nikkijean.reads).
97 reviews15 followers
July 9, 2025
⭐️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 for GR)

"𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒃, 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒍𝒚."

Saddle up, because 𝙒𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 is a beautiful ride. While it’s undeniably a romance, at its heart it’s a story of healing. It gently reminds us that it’s okay to hurt in moments of loss and disappointment, but it’s just as important to lean on the ones we love to help us find joy on the other side.

Jensen and Briar were such a lovely pairing. I especially appreciated how their strengths complemented each other and how the usual roles were quietly subverted. This story may come with a cowboy, but it is just as much a cowgirl’s tale.

Caleb’s story plays out gently in the background, complementing Jensen and Briar’s relationship rather than competing with it. As a mother, I found myself deeply moved by his moments of growth and vulnerability, and I appreciated how naturally his storyline was woven into the heart of the book.

Einerson continues to shine when it comes to her side characters. I absolutely loved the banter between Walker and Heath, the passionate quirks of Birdie, and of course, the steady, warm presence of Mama Julie.

Wrangled Love is the first installment in the Silver Saddle Ranch Series and will be available on Kindle Unlimited and in Paperback on Amazon.

If you're a fan of cowboys, single dads, small-town settings, character crossovers, or a good brother’s best friend romance, you’ll want to make space for this one on your shelf.

⚠️ Mentions of cancer, foster care, absentee parents, adoption, gambling addiction, and parental death.
Profile Image for Katie Thayer.
323 reviews39 followers
July 14, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Wrangled Love
By Ann Einerson

“She’s trouble wrapped in denim and sass, and I’d be smart to keep my distance. I have enough going on without lusting after a woman I have no business ogling—especially with jealousy gnawing at me when my son looks at her like she strung up the stars just for him.”

“I mean it when I say there’s no one better suited to be Caleb’s nanny. He deserves the best, and that’s you. I’ll beg if that’s what it takes.”

“I never thought I’d be someone who’d swoon over a man in glasses. Then Jensen showed up looking like a sexy nerd wrapped in sin. The stacks of parenting books scattered around the cottage only make him more irresistible.”

This book is full of sadness, finding your inner strength, the village that rally’s around you to lift you up and has a dash of spice. Jensen and Briar’s story is so much bigger than just the two of them. It’s about Caleb, Jensen’s son, and being there for him after he loses his mom. We see Caleb going through the stages of grief and Jensen being there supporting him. Once Jensen decides to go back to his roots to Bluebell, Jensen and Caleb are greeted with the family that has always been there. What Jensen and Caleb needed to heal and Briar being the one to bring Caleb comfort and find joys in life. Bluebell shows not only Jensen and Caleb but the read also to enjoy the simple things in life. t’s such a sweet book full of so many feelings!

Tropes:
Single Dad x Nanny
Age Gap
Brother’s Best Friend
Cowboy Romance
Small Town

Spice starts at: 54%🌶️

Spice: 2.5/4🌶️
Stars: 4/5⭐️

Available on Kindle Unlimited July 11th
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