What do you think?
Rate this book
Falling For The Rancher
Falling for the Rancher
A steamy, small-town cowboy romance featuring an alpha rancher, a strong-willed city girl, and an undeniable love worth fighting for…
Edye Dolson never planned on staying in Texas. She came to check on her sister, not fall for a ruggedly handsome cowboy who pushes all her buttons—good and bad. But Luke Stanley isn’t like the men she’s used to. He’s intense, protective, and knows exactly what he wants. And what he wants is her.
Luke knew from the moment he laid eyes on Edye that she was trouble—the kind that tempts a man to risk it all. She’s independent, stubborn, and completely irresistible. The chemistry between them is scorching, but when trust is shattered, Edye runs, leaving Luke desperate to bring her back where she belongs—in his arms and in his bed.
Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to prove that their love is real. But will Edye take a chance on a cowboy, or will she leave behind the only man who’s ever truly seen her?
🔥 "A swoon-worthy cowboy romance with sizzling chemistry and heart-pounding emotion! If you love strong-willed heroines and rugged ranchers, this book is a must-read!"
🌾 "A sexy, angsty cowboy romance with deep emotions and a strong heroine who doesn’t back down. This story has all the feels!"
💋 "Tension, passion, and one unforgettable cowboy kidnapping—this romance is everything!"
A steamy, small-town cowboy romance featuring an alpha rancher, a strong-willed city girl, and an undeniable love worth fighting for…
Edye Dolson never planned on staying in Texas. She came to check on her sister, not fall for a ruggedly handsome cowboy who pushes all her buttons—good and bad. But Luke Stanley isn’t like the men she’s used to. He’s intense, protective, and knows exactly what he wants. And what he wants is her.
Luke knew from the moment he laid eyes on Edye that she was trouble—the kind that tempts a man to risk it all. She’s independent, stubborn, and completely irresistible. The chemistry between them is scorching, but when trust is shattered, Edye runs, leaving Luke desperate to bring her back where she belongs—in his arms and in his bed.
Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to prove that their love is real. But will Edye take a chance on a cowboy, or will she leave behind the only man who’s ever truly seen her?
🔥 "A swoon-worthy cowboy romance with sizzling chemistry and heart-pounding emotion! If you love strong-willed heroines and rugged ranchers, this book is a must-read!"
🌾 "A sexy, angsty cowboy romance with deep emotions and a strong heroine who doesn’t back down. This story has all the feels!"
💋 "Tension, passion, and one unforgettable cowboy kidnapping—this romance is everything!"
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2025
About the author
Kimberly Smith
180 books34 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 23, 2025
2.5⭐️..the ending was rush for them to be so hot and cold only for there to be something life changing at the end..?!
September 18, 2025
Edye was an extremely infuriating character
This is a series and is best when read in order. I'm not sure how much sense it would make as a standalone.
This is the second book I've read by this author. The author is a talented storyteller and writer. I honestly didn't like this book. I don't like the enemies to lovers tropes, although I understand many people do.
Okay so these are two vastly different sisters, vastly different characters. Edye was an extremely infuriating character for me. I lost interest several times while reading the book and almost didn't finish it. She was so distrusting and seemed to be looking for a fight even when there was nothing to fight. She was dealing with some sort of trauma or warring with herself and we weren't told what was the reason for her lack of trust and toxicity. Talk about holding a grudge against someone for something they did for you. I'm all for flawed characters, they make stories more realistic but she did not have redeeming qualities, she wasn't likeable. She definitely didn't make anything easy for Luke.
I don't think Luke's choice was a good choice but she greatly overreacted. Greatly.
Sometimes the pain we endure is caused by our own actions or reactions. Sometimes we have to learn how to heal our trauma, hurt, distrust before we can love someone else.
While each character was fleshed out very well Edye's backstory for her intensity and anger seem to be missing. Maybe the reader could sympathize with her after understanding her motivations, fears and goals.
After this story, I'm not sure I will continue with the series. This was really difficult to finish.
This is a series and is best when read in order. I'm not sure how much sense it would make as a standalone.
This is the second book I've read by this author. The author is a talented storyteller and writer. I honestly didn't like this book. I don't like the enemies to lovers tropes, although I understand many people do.
Okay so these are two vastly different sisters, vastly different characters. Edye was an extremely infuriating character for me. I lost interest several times while reading the book and almost didn't finish it. She was so distrusting and seemed to be looking for a fight even when there was nothing to fight. She was dealing with some sort of trauma or warring with herself and we weren't told what was the reason for her lack of trust and toxicity. Talk about holding a grudge against someone for something they did for you. I'm all for flawed characters, they make stories more realistic but she did not have redeeming qualities, she wasn't likeable. She definitely didn't make anything easy for Luke.
I don't think Luke's choice was a good choice but she greatly overreacted. Greatly.
Sometimes the pain we endure is caused by our own actions or reactions. Sometimes we have to learn how to heal our trauma, hurt, distrust before we can love someone else.
While each character was fleshed out very well Edye's backstory for her intensity and anger seem to be missing. Maybe the reader could sympathize with her after understanding her motivations, fears and goals.
After this story, I'm not sure I will continue with the series. This was really difficult to finish.
May 9, 2026
***Spoilers***
I’m gonna be honest, this book was meh for me. I really enjoy this series, but Edye really irked me. Her character just read like a child cosplaying at having an adult relationship. I mean I get a premise of the book was that they were playing little games to win each other, but I could not connect with her or really swoon like I wanted to at their romance at all. I think it’s because the author seemed to be trying to frame her as this strong willed, loving caretaker who gave up her life for her siblings and finds love. Okay cool. But she was just childish. Every time she felt slighted she just jumped to conclusions and then went on some high school ish revenge quest, without attempting to communicate or anything. Half the book was Luke holding her down or basically kidnapping her just so she would talk to him. Like what do you mean you overheard something that pissed you off so you run off the night before your sister’s wedding, KNOWING The whollllleeeee ranch is looking for you and ONLY call your sister, who SHOULD be focusing on her wedding day, to tell her to tell everyone you’re fine. Then after showing up LATE to said wedding, spend the whole wedding faking like you’re fine to the point that people notice, which throws off the whole wedding. And don’t even get me started on the ending. Like pretending your going to move in with your ex to “get back” at your best friend and your supposed love of your life because your mad, but it was all a game? Like I said, she just seemed really childish. And not in the cute, angsty, misunderstood type of way. More like she needed to go to therapy and learn how to act like, and communicate like an adult type of way. She’s post menopausal for heaven sake. I would skim over and skip several pages in this book because I just got tired of her. Overall I’d say 3 out of 5 stars. The angst was too drawn out and the ending felt rushed. I read a few of the other books in the series prior to reading this one and loved them. I feel like if I had started with this, I would have given up on this series as a whole. The pace of the book was pretty good, and the side characters in the book where really enjoyable. And ironically, I enjoy Edye and Luke’s story in the other books. If this is your first interaction with this author or this series, start with a different book first. Some of the other character love stories in this series are super juicy, really romantic and totally worth your time.
I’m gonna be honest, this book was meh for me. I really enjoy this series, but Edye really irked me. Her character just read like a child cosplaying at having an adult relationship. I mean I get a premise of the book was that they were playing little games to win each other, but I could not connect with her or really swoon like I wanted to at their romance at all. I think it’s because the author seemed to be trying to frame her as this strong willed, loving caretaker who gave up her life for her siblings and finds love. Okay cool. But she was just childish. Every time she felt slighted she just jumped to conclusions and then went on some high school ish revenge quest, without attempting to communicate or anything. Half the book was Luke holding her down or basically kidnapping her just so she would talk to him. Like what do you mean you overheard something that pissed you off so you run off the night before your sister’s wedding, KNOWING The whollllleeeee ranch is looking for you and ONLY call your sister, who SHOULD be focusing on her wedding day, to tell her to tell everyone you’re fine. Then after showing up LATE to said wedding, spend the whole wedding faking like you’re fine to the point that people notice, which throws off the whole wedding. And don’t even get me started on the ending. Like pretending your going to move in with your ex to “get back” at your best friend and your supposed love of your life because your mad, but it was all a game? Like I said, she just seemed really childish. And not in the cute, angsty, misunderstood type of way. More like she needed to go to therapy and learn how to act like, and communicate like an adult type of way. She’s post menopausal for heaven sake. I would skim over and skip several pages in this book because I just got tired of her. Overall I’d say 3 out of 5 stars. The angst was too drawn out and the ending felt rushed. I read a few of the other books in the series prior to reading this one and loved them. I feel like if I had started with this, I would have given up on this series as a whole. The pace of the book was pretty good, and the side characters in the book where really enjoyable. And ironically, I enjoy Edye and Luke’s story in the other books. If this is your first interaction with this author or this series, start with a different book first. Some of the other character love stories in this series are super juicy, really romantic and totally worth your time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
4.5
This was so dreamy!!!!! I loved every bit of it. It was like waiting on bated breath. The gay best friend aspect was very demur!!! Love love love!!!! Edge finding herself and choosing her life over being the meddling woman in her sister's lives was awe inspiring. Her punishment for the meddling was fantastic!!!!. I wanted to know what her reasoning for having mixed feelings about white men was leading up to. Hope we'll find out by the time the series end. I know we have two more books but I'm hoping to get E and Jebs story too if only in passing. The subtle meet cute was off the charts high maybe friends with benefits to lovers? I also want to know if the meddling will continue....Edye started it with Eli and Rose. Is she going to stay true to her word? I was hoping for a pregnancy trope with the handsome cowboy. Maybe in the next book and if so....I wonder who it could be.
This was so dreamy!!!!! I loved every bit of it. It was like waiting on bated breath. The gay best friend aspect was very demur!!! Love love love!!!! Edge finding herself and choosing her life over being the meddling woman in her sister's lives was awe inspiring. Her punishment for the meddling was fantastic!!!!. I wanted to know what her reasoning for having mixed feelings about white men was leading up to. Hope we'll find out by the time the series end. I know we have two more books but I'm hoping to get E and Jebs story too if only in passing. The subtle meet cute was off the charts high maybe friends with benefits to lovers? I also want to know if the meddling will continue....Edye started it with Eli and Rose. Is she going to stay true to her word? I was hoping for a pregnancy trope with the handsome cowboy. Maybe in the next book and if so....I wonder who it could be.
August 11, 2025
This was a really slow burn.
The story of Edye and Luke started out very promising with genuine sexual tension, but, while I don’t mind a slow burn romance, this one took it to a whole new level. There times I would go days without reading. I even read some samples of other novels before getting back into reading. The dialogue and the humor were so good, but I was really frustrated at times because it was taking so long for Luke and Edye to get to what Edye’s friend E called “slutting”Luke up. I do love a happily ever after, however, this one took the scenic route. Still I gave it 4 stars.
The story of Edye and Luke started out very promising with genuine sexual tension, but, while I don’t mind a slow burn romance, this one took it to a whole new level. There times I would go days without reading. I even read some samples of other novels before getting back into reading. The dialogue and the humor were so good, but I was really frustrated at times because it was taking so long for Luke and Edye to get to what Edye’s friend E called “slutting”Luke up. I do love a happily ever after, however, this one took the scenic route. Still I gave it 4 stars.
June 2, 2026
If You Can’t Take The Heat…Don’t Play Stupid Games
OK, spoiler ahead.
I did not like Edye. I did not like her on a plane. I did not like her on a train. She was a grown woman who played childish games and couldn’t see that the things that happened to her were the result of her games. The writing itself is excellent as always which is why I didn’t grade her low. I’m not gonna grade you low because I don’t like a character….that just means you did your job. Yes, the story was great and well written. The FMC just gave me a headache. I almost didn’t finish the story because of it. Good lord. On to the next story….
OK, spoiler ahead.
I did not like Edye. I did not like her on a plane. I did not like her on a train. She was a grown woman who played childish games and couldn’t see that the things that happened to her were the result of her games. The writing itself is excellent as always which is why I didn’t grade her low. I’m not gonna grade you low because I don’t like a character….that just means you did your job. Yes, the story was great and well written. The FMC just gave me a headache. I almost didn’t finish the story because of it. Good lord. On to the next story….
June 22, 2025
Falling For The Rancher, Book 2
In Book 2 of The Cowboys of Sunset Springs Series, it starts with Edye Dolson arriving at the Stanley Ranch to prevent her sister, LaRiah, from making the biggest mistake of her life. At least that's what Edye, thinks. Until she meets Luke!!!🔥❤️🔥🔥 Awesome read, I love how it flows.
In Book 2 of The Cowboys of Sunset Springs Series, it starts with Edye Dolson arriving at the Stanley Ranch to prevent her sister, LaRiah, from making the biggest mistake of her life. At least that's what Edye, thinks. Until she meets Luke!!!🔥❤️🔥🔥 Awesome read, I love how it flows.
December 5, 2025
1.5 stars
you know I had a thoughtful review laid out, typed up and as soon as I hit post; it disappeared. I'm not writing all that again. so here we go extremely condensed version with no thoughts behind it.
Didn't care for Edye, didn't care for the overall book. The End
Recommended? not really
Buy/Borrow? borrow
you know I had a thoughtful review laid out, typed up and as soon as I hit post; it disappeared. I'm not writing all that again. so here we go extremely condensed version with no thoughts behind it.
Didn't care for Edye, didn't care for the overall book. The End
Recommended? not really
Buy/Borrow? borrow
December 20, 2025
I liked it! I really enjoyed the weaving of Edye and Rose’s stories. We started with Lariah, and then Edye showed up. In the next story, we’ll see how Rose meshes with everyone. The characters had more flesh than the first book, and the plot was thicker, which I really enjoyed. It was a fast read for me, which is rare. Can’t wait for the next one!💜
March 17, 2026
Stubborn Love
Luke never thought he would fall in love. Then came Edye, who rocked his world. Getting her to love him was the true task. Edye was known to hide her feelings. She tried to fight her feelings but Luke managed to break down her walls. The two had undeniable chemistry. Edye made Luke squirm but in the end, true love prevails ❤️🔥
Luke never thought he would fall in love. Then came Edye, who rocked his world. Getting her to love him was the true task. Edye was known to hide her feelings. She tried to fight her feelings but Luke managed to break down her walls. The two had undeniable chemistry. Edye made Luke squirm but in the end, true love prevails ❤️🔥
May 21, 2026
Edye and Luke
Can’t lie, Edye was a handful but as the oldest who became a matriarch, I get it. She was strong and stubborn which is a wicked combination. I’m happy someone was able to break down her walls to show her how much she deserved love. And Luke is definitely a dream guy. Lol
Can’t lie, Edye was a handful but as the oldest who became a matriarch, I get it. She was strong and stubborn which is a wicked combination. I’m happy someone was able to break down her walls to show her how much she deserved love. And Luke is definitely a dream guy. Lol
June 7, 2025
Now this was a page turner
This book does not disappoint. It is a great cautionary tale of what happens when you don't mind the business that pays you or what happens when you truck conspire or manipulate people.
Read these books in order or youwill.be like wait, what!
This book does not disappoint. It is a great cautionary tale of what happens when you don't mind the business that pays you or what happens when you truck conspire or manipulate people.
Read these books in order or youwill.be like wait, what!
June 21, 2025
You did it again
I was ready to go e up on Edye but you turned it around. Edye was not one to play with, I like her. I've already downloaded the third
One so I'm set. Anyone thinking about getting these get them, you won't be sorry.
I was ready to go e up on Edye but you turned it around. Edye was not one to play with, I like her. I've already downloaded the third
One so I'm set. Anyone thinking about getting these get them, you won't be sorry.
June 9, 2026
It started out really well, but I got so infuriated with Edye towards the end!! E and Luke were just doing what they thought Edye would like. I honestly thought that what they were doing, with Luke reading her favorite books to understand what she likes, was really sweet. But DAMN…she definitely overreacted!!! Hiding out all night while the rest of her found family at the ranch was up all night worried sick looking for her??? And then “flipping the script” and making them think that she was moving on with someone else when she was really heading back to Texas towards the end???? GROW UP!! 🙄😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Gitty up love.
Edye went to save her sister from making a mistake, but she arrived at the Stanley ranch and fell in love owner Luke and she decided that it was love all the way.
Edye went to save her sister from making a mistake, but she arrived at the Stanley ranch and fell in love owner Luke and she decided that it was love all the way.
July 15, 2025
Excellent read!
July 7, 2026
It's a great slow-burn, dreamy romance. Edye is stubborn as hell. Perhaps, a bit annoying too. However, Luke and Edye are a great pair. It's a great read!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews