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Roughing It with the Rancher: A Marriage of Convenience, Road Trip Romance

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She's the best of the worst luck I've ever had and my only hope for saving the family ranch. But there’s a catch…

Reese Gunner
As the unluckiest of unlucky men, I shouldn’t square up to the Craps table at the Heirloom Rose. But I'm out of options.

The last-ditch effort to save my family’s ranch looks bleak until a stunning blonde walks past the table, blowing on my dice.

The ensuing winning streak is one for the ages ... and my golden-haired, good-luck charm isn't about to let me forget it.

Esmeralda Caldwell
If the handsome rancher thinks he’s walking out with half my winnings, he’s got another thing coming.

Angry words and empty threats transform into a proposition the ringless gambler can’t refuse—a trip to the on-site wedding chapel as collateral.

What I'm really after? Access to his ranch, the starting point for a road-trip treasure hunt with sky-high stakes and a glittering prize ... if we survive.

Standalone. HEA guaranteed. No cliffhangers—just sizzling heat, fast-paced action, and one unforgettable treasure hunt.

Love Along Route 14 showcases 13 steamy romances from some of your favorite instalove authors! This series is packed with secret billionaires, MC, cowboys, celebrities, and enough combustible instalove to make her heart (and your Kindle) melt.

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Engrid Eaves

56 books46 followers
I publish short, sweet, and steamy romances featuring gruff alpha male protectors and the headstrong, curvy girls they fall head over heels for. My heroes may have painful pasts, but they always find forever with their soulmates.

Sexy, satisfying, heartfelt happily ever afters guaranteed! If you’d like to stay in touch or get your next delicious cowboy mountain man / curvy girl romance fix (and who doesn't?), follow me!

Website: www.engrideaves.com
Newsletter: www.engrideaves.com/contact/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@authorengrideaves
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EngridEavesAuthor/
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Email: engrid@engrideaves.com

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
1,220 reviews10 followers
July 11, 2025
Cursed treasure brings great rewards.

Reese Gunner is on the verge of losing his ranch because of the roll of dice at the craps table. Five generations have tended to that ranch, but he's the one to cause its demise. A ten-year drought, wildfires, government issues, and problems with his cattle have the bank ready to start the foreclosure procedure on the ranch.

He spots a woman wearing a tan jacket with long fringe running down the back walking across the room. Even on the edge of losing everything, he stops to think of insults concerning the ridiculousness of the jacket.

Odds and common sense tell him he should walk away before he loses even more money, but he has no common sense left. Just before he's ready to throw the dice, the woman in the fringed jacket blows on the dice. Miracle of all miracles, he's a winner! Two more winning throws earn him enough to finally have the sense to walk away with his earnings.

Esmeralda is a treasure hunter, and she's been hunting for Reese Gunner, although she had no idea what he looked like. He has no social media accounts, and she also couldn't find any news stories with his picture. She's on a short deadline, and he owes her something for bringing him some good luck!

She learned about treasure hunting from her grandfather. He's certain the stolen, fabled El Cortez treasure from Mexico is buried on Reese's land. But her grandpa's health has declined, and he's in a nursing home and requires 24/7 care. A developer is itching to buy Reese's property and pave all of the land. Before Grandpa dies, she must find the treasure!

She's had nothing but bad luck since starting on this journey. He's had bad luck for years. But somehow their attraction to one another seems real. It's love, true love, but a lasting true love? Time will tell.

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
5,985 reviews90 followers
June 27, 2025
He married a stranger to save his land. She married a rancher to find buried gold. Neither expected to fall hard.

Reese (H) is out of time. His family's Nevada ranch is crumbling under debt, drought, and pressure from developers. One desperate night at a casino, a streak of luck, and a bold woman with a hidden motive, changes everything.

Esmeralda didn’t plan on falling for the man whose land hides a centuries-old secret. She came chasing treasure, not love. But one fake marriage, a near-death barn collapse, and a desert road trip later, she's all in.

Together, they unearth more than gold. Between buried maps, ghost towns, and a cursed sinkhole, their biggest risk isn’t the treasure, it’s each other. As things heat up and walls fall, Reese and Esmeralda must decide what matters most: what they came for, or what they’ve found.

Both Esmeralda and Reese start out guarded and driven by personal missions. She is focused on finding a treasure to help her grandfather, and he is desperate to save his family's ranch. Over time, they grow more emotionally open, learning to trust not only each other but also themselves.

Their relationship shifts from mutual suspicion to reluctant partnership, then deepens into genuine love built on shared risks, emotional honesty, and hard-earned respect. ‍

A steamy, opposites attract, cowboy, road trip, small town, treasure hunt romance, exploring love, trust, redemption, fate, family legacy, perseverance, adventure, healing, and sacrifice. It's about what you hold onto when everything else falls apart, and the risk of choosing someone over everything you came for.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
6,857 reviews31 followers
July 4, 2025
His Forever Angel -
Reese’s desperation led him into a situation that he never expected to be in, but fate brought an angel into his life when he really needed it, which turned his bad luck into a winning streak. Esmeralda was only looking to gain access onto Reese’s ranch to fulfil her grandfather’s wishes, but she soon found herself making a deal that changed the trajectory of her life. The agreement was meant to be on a temporary basis, but the sparks between them ignited into a volcanic level attraction after a dangerous incident led to steamy encounter.

Reese and Esmeralda found themselves working together closely to solve the mystery she had been investigating and after a bit of research, he realised he knew the location they had been searching for. Unfortunately, Reese’s run of bad luck continued after they found the treasure, but this time it affected Esmeralda too. Luckily, just as Reese and Esmeralda were about to give up, they were saved, which gave them the opportunity to get back on track towards their chance at a happy life together.

This story is filled with excitement, an intense connection, angst, suspense and a mystery that had me totally hooked from the first page. If you are looking for a romance novel riddled with heat and mystique, that will keep you ardently turning the pages to see if the characters succeed at their goals, then grab a copy of this book and entertain yourself for a few hours.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brandi Jackola.
159 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2025
Esmeralda and Reese meet in a casino, where she “gives” him some luck by blowing on his dice at the craps table. He wins big, which is something of a relief to him, as his ranch is failing, and he needs the money to keep the place from being razed by developers.

Esmeralda thinks she’s entitled to half of the winnings (quite the gamble, really), and though Reese is already gone for this beautiful mystery of a woman, he’s not parting with any of the money.


So, of course, they get married.

There actually is a reason for this; Reese explains that he will pay her back after the ranch starts making money again, but she wants guarantees, so she’s the one who proposes marriage. And off we go on an adventure of love and hidden treasure.

This book isn’t what I expected, and that’s not a criticism. I really enjoyed how Reese was all in with Esmeralda, even though she kept treating their union like a contract instead of a love connection. There are reasons for her wanting the money, but you’ll have to read the book to find out, because I’m not going to spoil everything.

I do appreciate that Esmeralda does come around to Reese’s way of thinking pretty quickly. She found something, a treasure she didn’t expect, and it changes her life.

Two people came together, both looking to save their futures, and ended up creating one together. ‘Nuff said.
1,141 reviews
July 11, 2025
Reese is about to lose his ranch. He’d been playing craps at the casino all night and was about out of luck. Esmeralda had been watching him play and when all hope was about gone she tells him he just needs some good luck. She blows on the dice and walks away. What does he have to lose, she looks like an angel to him. He throws the dice and wins big. One more big win and he can save the ranch and just like that he wins again. Quickly he gathers up his chips and heads to the cashier. Esmeralda approaches him and demands her half of the winnings, since she was the one to bring him luck. He’s captivated with her, but thinks she’s a scammer and maybe in cahoots with the casino to steal his winnings. When she realizes who he is, she really wants to get to know him. She’s been looking for a treasure and needs to get access to his ranch. She proposes he marry her as collateral and when the ranch is back in the red, he will share the winnings and then they can get a divorce. Reese has no intention of letting her go, he’s fallen head over heels for this woman. A cute storyline with interesting characters and a storyline filled with crazy happenings as the two search for the treasure.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,417 reviews69 followers
July 31, 2025
Roughing It with the Rancher is part of the multi-authored Love Along Route 14 series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, marriage of convenience, he falls first and hard, road trip, curvy girl gets her cowboy romance. Esmerelda is a smart, sassy, and curvy treasure hunter from Oklahoma. Reese is a hunky rancher and cowboy down on his luck from Nevada. He ends up at the casino trying to win enough money to save the family ranch. He is losing terribly until Esmerelda offers him some luck. He turns things around only for her to demand half of the winnings. He needs all the money for his ranch right now but says he will pay her when he can. She proposes a marriage of convenience for access to his land and the money she feels she is entitled to. He agrees because he is already in love with the feisty beauty. This was such a fun read filled with hot chemistry, snarky, flirty banter, and a great HEA. Throw in a treasure hunt and an Elvis wedding and you have quite the story. Reese was such a sweet, sexy, and romantic guy. I loved how he was determined to have a real marriage from the beginning. And Esmerelda was a hoot. I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,622 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2025
Roughing it with the Rancher is wildly fun over the top entertainment from start to finish! Down on his luck ranch owner Reese meets treasure hunter Esmeralda in an unconventional way, and the adventure begins! I really didn’t like her at first, but oh man Reese fell instantly and HARD! His character is so much fun, from his up front and honest personality to his willingness to do anything for the woman he loves and the old school manners? Swoon!!! Esmeralda grew on me and really redeemed herself as the novel progresses and her heart opens to the man who clearly will do anything for her. Their wild adventure hits several unexpected twists and turns, with amazing supporting characters and dangers without any true villain or third act breakup (I’m not a fan of those), which kept elevating the plot to next level awesome. This duo is unlike any other couple that author Engrid Eaves has written, and I am so here for it. I loved this one from start to finish!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,777 reviews11 followers
June 28, 2025
If you're a fan of whirlwind romances and high-stakes adventures, this story delivers both with charm and heart. At its core is a sizzling lust-at-first-sight connection between Reese and Esmerelda, whose impulsive marriage of convenience quickly turns into something much deeper. Their undeniable chemistry makes every scene crackle with tension and warmth, pulling the reader into their emotional journey. What begins as a rash decision turns out to be the best choice they could have made, both for themselves and each other. As the plot unfolds, a cursed treasure adds a layer of intrigue, ultimately finding its rightful place—bringing the story full circle with a satisfying, happily-ever-after ending.
Romantic, fast-paced, and laced with a touch of mystery, this book is a delightful escape.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,263 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2025
Not much travelling along Route 14, but there definitely was Love Along Route 14. And it was funny and entertaining.
When Esmeralda, highly independent girl and his newfound Angel and good luck charm enters casino, he saves novice player and desperate rancher who wants to save his ranch.
It seems that they both desperately needs each other for their luck and marriage of convenience seems good solution on a such lucky day.
Loved funny parts of this story - cursed treasures, matchmaking radio, alien watchers and ghost hunters mariachi.
And of course, wonderful characters and their instalove romance fast and steamy. They are perfect for each other and those all turns and twists just show it them clearly and soundly. Loved this story from the very beginning to the very end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,460 reviews
August 5, 2025
Esmerald that has encountered Reese at the gambling table and notice that he has put his farm up as collateral. She has made the choice to intervene and blow on the dice. She is his now lucky charm. This adventure was funny, dangerous, and really bad mojo. A treasure map to ease all their woes. But Reese believes he already found his treasure going thing is is that she's not ready to accept it. But their romance is just as dangerous as the twinkie dinks that keep happening during this read. Excitement? Yes. Is it paranormal? It sure does look like it. How many sinkholes can you find in a cemetery that is big enough to swallow a long horn Cadillac? You'd be surprised. Absolutely loved the read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Praline 99.
969 reviews8 followers
July 12, 2025
Cowboy romance.
Reese is a down-on-his-luck cowboy, but he decides to go gambling to save his family ranch. After a night of losing, his luck changes when a beautiful woman blows on his dice. However, he didn't expect to end up married to this woman.
Esmeralda is a young woman looking for treasure to celebrate her grandfather's quest at the hospital. She didn't expect to meet the owner of the ranch where his treasure would be found in a casino, nor to be married to him.
Will Reese and Esmeralda have a beautiful romance, or will bad luck haunt Reese….

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.5k reviews47 followers
July 18, 2025
A roll of the dice

Roughing It with the Rancher by Engrid Eaves is part of the multi-author Love Along Route 14 series. This very entertaining story captures your attention from the start and keeps it glued to the pages until the end. It finds two people who come together for very different reasons, and find something unexpected before it is all over. Esmeralda Calder and Reese Gunner cross paths at the gaming tables in the Heirloom Rose casino. What happens next is an exciting and delightful book that you can get lost in for a few hours.
2,294 reviews21 followers
July 11, 2025
“Roughing It with the Rancher” by Engrid Eaves

-This story blends angst, heat, and a dash of mystery amidst the Nevada desert backdrop. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Reese marries a stranger to save his ranch; Esmeralda wants buried treasure, not love. Their fake marriage turns real amid danger, secrets, and smoldering chemistry.
A short, adventurous romance about risking it all for love and legacy.
1,802 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2025
Esmeralda and Reese
Instalove, full of drama, adventure, treasure hunt, realistic, cursed treasures, good luck/bad luck, steamy, and happily-ever-after.
Reese is about to loose his ranch. Emerald is on a treasure hunt that happens to be on Resse's ranch. A whole lot of crazy coincidences, tall of good luck and bad luck, anda quick marriage makes this a interesting story to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,886 reviews30 followers
July 10, 2025
Reece had lost everything at the casino until his lucky charm Esmeralda walks in and he wins back his money plus some. She convinces him to help her find a stolen Mexican treasure only to find so much more than expected with each other.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,241 reviews33 followers
July 10, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Reese and Esmeralda's luck changes once they meet and the deal they make. They quickly fall in love. The treasure hunt that brings them together is successful in a way. However I think their greatest treasure is the love they found with each other.
Profile Image for laura.lovesreading.
1,074 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2025
A wonderful story with a couple, who come in each other’s life unexpected, but fate knew it better and they find what they searched in each other.
Opposites attract find spice, healing, trust, secrets and a road trip, that is changing things forever.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Didi.
1,787 reviews
July 12, 2025
Reese has almost lost it all when a beautiful good luck Angel changes his life. Cute storyline filled with adventure, chemistry, secrets, danger, humor, fake to real, sizzle, curses and the treasure of love. Quick enjoyable romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
117 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this romantic tale. Always a great read for the Engrid Eaves fans. This was a great story filled with adventure and twists. I was not expecting the story to go as it did. So was great for keeping you guessing all the way through.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenia Tortora.
1,047 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2025
Reese was at the end of his rope when Esmeralda came along. Now they’re hitched and on a journey fraught with mystery and danger while navigating their intense chemistry. It’s fun and engaging story with a sweet and steamy HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Val.
231 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2025
Treasure
This is a wonderful story of changing your luck and find your treasure. Reese has had nothing but bad luck for years. His luck changes when he meets Esmeralda. She has been treasure hunting for years. Together they find the treasure and realize the real treasure is their love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,233 reviews11 followers
July 24, 2025
A bad streak, broken by a lucky lady’s breath. Loved her audacity, always playing an angle, until she falls deep down the path to loving Reese. Enjoyed their adventures, and even more the realization of what could happen if the treasure stays with them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,797 reviews
July 12, 2025
Reese never expected to find his good luck charm at a casino. Esmeralda was there to find him and look for buried treasure on his land. They enter a marriage of convenience. Enjoyed their journey to finding more than either expected. Received a free copy.
2,301 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2025
I loved This addition to the series, Each book by different authors, Reese and Esmeralda are wonderful characters, I was engaged from the beginning. A page turner.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Francheska .
821 reviews
July 14, 2025
Reese’s family ranch is crumbling under debt , pressure from developers and issues w drought .
Esmeralda comes to his land to break down a centuries old secret .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
324 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
A short cute story about an impulsive choice that turns out to be the best partnership. A community is introduced with all its quirks.
Profile Image for Louise.
417 reviews7 followers
July 11, 2025
Roughing it with the rancher is a standalone story.

I loved every second of it. Could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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