Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Book 1 of the Men of the Sprawling A Ranch Series

An on the job accident leaves ranch owner Trey Armstrong with a dislocated shoulder and no recollection of the last few years of his life, including his marriage to the lovely Greta. His mind might not remember her but his body sure does, and despite his lack of memory, Trey finds himself eager to return to the homestead. With his ranch a success and a beautiful, understanding wife by his side, Trey comes to think he's been living the charmed life.

But not all is as it seems. Behind shy smiles and scorching kisses, Greta is hiding secrets that could destroy their rediscovered relationship. When the illusion of his perfect marriage begins to crumble, Trey realizes he can't live in oblivion forever and will have to remember his past in order to salvage his future.

Welcome to the Sprawling ‘A’ Ranch, where the men are as hot as the August sun.

173 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2014

104 people are currently reading
409 people want to read

About the author

Anna Alexander

28 books343 followers
Award winning author Anna Alexander is the author of the Heroes of Saturn and the Sprawling A Ranch series. With Hugh Jackman’s abs and Christopher Reeve’s blue eyes as inspiration, she loves spinning tales of superheroes finding love. Anna also loves to give back and has served on the board for the Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America as chapter president and on the committee for the Emerald City Writers Conference.
Sign up to receive news about Anna's latest releases at http://eepurl.com/Q0tsz

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
121 (46%)
4 stars
87 (33%)
3 stars
35 (13%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Jen_C.
1,112 reviews56 followers
July 10, 2017
Not for me. Ended up skimming. The emotional scenes were 4 star but the other was cringe-worthy for me.

“Trey, it’s not important.”
“It is to me. It’s my job to provide for you, and that means giving you a comfortable bed to rest in.”
“Trey, really—”
“No! Damn it, Greta.” He took a step toward her. She backed up so fast she bounced against the wall. Her body trembled, her eyes widened with fear, yet she was braced for violence that she seemed to expect. Trey stopped short as an icy wave washed over him. Good God. No. No. It wasn’t possible. His throat seized but he forced out the words. “Greta. Have I hurt you?”
Greta’s jaw dropped. “What? No.” She shook her head. “No. You’ve never hit me.” You’ve never hit me.
But he had hurt her. The shaking, the protective stance, the rapid breathing, all screamed it. The knowledge that he had caused this woman harm twisted in his chest like a hot branding iron.

Please, help me out.”
Greta sucked in a breath as if he’d punched her in the stomach. Her eyes clouded with grief as she blinked back tears. “Um.” She swallowed twice and looked everywhere but at him. Trey felt his breathing escalate along with hers as she struggled against an imaginary panic and his oh-shit meter rang again. She had to clear her throat before she found the voice to answer, and even then the sound was rough.


The best course of action would be to say nothing and move forward. Only a pansy would instigate a Dr. Phil moment, yet he couldn’t keep his trap shut. “Can I ask you guys something?”
Colby wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, then tucked it into his back pocket.
“Shoot, boss.”
“Why did you stay on when I was being a jackass?”

“You were right about everything. hurt so badly, and if I lost you, I knew I wouldn’t survive. And I didn’t.” He placed his hands on either side of her face, resting his forehead against hers. “I don’t want to live without you, Greta. Losing you like that was the most painful thing I ever felt, because it was my fault. I stopped living, but without you… Greta, you’re my world.”
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,034 reviews59 followers
August 4, 2014
***ARC from NetGalley given in exchange for an honest review**

3.5 stars. Sweet story packed with emotion.

After having an accident on his ranch, Trey was left with no memory of the last few years of his life. This included having no memory of his wife Greta.

Greta is struggling with the Trey that has come home from the hospital. Her fears that he will remember their past weighs on her yet this 'new' Trey is melting her heart.

As Trey tries to put the pieces back together and running his ranch, secrets come out and Trey and Greta have to find a way to recapture their lost love.

Trey and Greta were both very likeable and their story was full of both heartache but also an overwhelming love that can't be denied.

I really enjoyed this story and felt it moved along at a nice pace. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
June 10, 2015
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

I seldom comment on book covers, but in this case I must say the cover implies the story is pure erotic romance with a light plot line. Well, it is an erotic story, but the plot is hardly thin.

Trey has an accident on his ranch and is found by his best friend, Mark, unconscious. When he wakes up in the hospital, he has no memory of his former life. But, he is married to the beautiful Greta, a woman his body reacts to strongly. Will his brain and heart catch up?

This story is painful and sad in the beginning. Trey is slowly brought up to speed on some developments he has forgotten. But, as time moves on he and Greta begin to reunite on every level. However, Greta is afraid Trey will get his memory back and turn into the man he was before the accident. Trey is a great guy, and we know deep down that he would never want to hurt his wife, would never work his men without showing appreciation, and would never distance himself from life or people.

But, all the evidence in front of him shows that is exactly the type of man he was before that bump on the head erased his memory. Knowing that, he begins to change things, working to repair damaged relationships and win back Greta’s love and trust. But, the reader sits on pins and needles wondering what will happen when the inevitable occurs and Trey remembers what really happened that fateful day of the accident.

Ultimately, I understood how something like this could happen. Couples who have gone through what Trey and Greta have often do not make it in the long run. So, although the chemistry between Greta and Trey sizzles, and I mean it’s scorching hot, it’s the miracle of healing and hope that makes this story so special.

This is not a very long book, but boy does it ever pack a punch. Even if cowboys aren’t your thing, this story is so good, I think all lovers of romance, no matter what your favorite flavor is, will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Tina "IRead2Escape".
1,475 reviews85 followers
September 1, 2014
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5

The Cowboy Way is the first book of the Men Of The Sprawling A Ranch by Anna Alexander. This book gives us the story of the owner of the Sprawling A ranch and the painful, heartbreaking and sweet love between he and his wife. I cried through so much of this book, but was pulling so hard for Trey and Greta to make it.

Trey Armstrong took a nasty fall from his horse and can't remember anything about it. Even worse he can't remember the last several years of his life including his wife and their marriage. It doesn't take long to figure out that things aren't as they should be. He knows all of this can't be easy on Greta but there's more he just can't quite put his finger on what it is.

Greta has given up on her marriage. She loves Trey just as much as she did the day she married him, but she can't continue being the only one that cares. When he gets hurt she comes back to help and quickly learns that he remembers nothing, but more importantly he's the old Trey again. She wants him to remember for his own sake, but the selfish part of her never wants him to remember, so that she can finally have her husband back.

The past destroyed Trey and this accident made it disappear. Who wouldn't want that? I questioned that a lot as I read this book. That second chance wouldn't be worth it if it came at the expense of forgetting those that you love and Trey felt the same way as his memory slowly made it's way back. It was horribly painful to read, but beautiful all at the same time. I can't wait to read more about the cowboys of Sprawling A Ranch. I only hope their stories aren't as laced with pain and loss.

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
July 18, 2014
I loved Trey's reaction to seeing Greta for the first time after waking from his coma, "this woman was his wife? Again, what type of a** would not remember being married to this beautiful woman? God, was he a lucky son of a b****." I just loved his reactions to her, "she was welcome to get into his space as much as she desired. If she wanted to call him 'sweetie,' by all means, yes ma'am. If she wanted to touch his arm, or give him a hug, even press her lips to his followed by those lush curves...yeah, he'd need to pull the reins in on those lecherous thoughts." It's like the amnesia made him a whole new man, "well, that's changing. This is our home and our bed, and we are going to sleep in it like a normal married couple." I loved reading this book, it had cowboys, naughtiness and well cowboys.
Profile Image for Natalija.
1,154 reviews
January 3, 2017
This has to be one of those it's not you, it's me cases because other reviewers seem to have enjoyed the book much more than I did. In short, The Cowboy Way left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I don't understand . The entire scene on the porch and later in the bedroom was all kinds of wrong. Bottom line, I will not be reading any more books by this author.
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,613 reviews44 followers
January 27, 2025
This is the first book by Anna I have read. Trey has woken up in the hospital and he can't remember the last several years. Turns out he has a wife that he can't remember. Things are about to get interesting. He remembers the ranch and the hands. He can tell that there is something his wife isn't telling him. He will need to ask about things and hope that he can peace things together as he remembers. Greta can't believe that she is been given a second chance with Trey. He seems like the old Trey before everything went so wrong. But what happens when he remembers? Trey can't believe he became the man he seems to have become. He has to figure out what happened that led to this. But what if what happened is more than he could handle? Then there is the connection his wife and best friend seemed to have developed. It that what happened? This book was a good read. I look forward to the next one. This book is full of emotion. Great job Anna.
31 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2017
Get your tissues! I loved reading Trey and Greta's story. It is very easy to let a loss stop our entire lives. Anna almost had me thinking we might not get a HEA and that would have been devastating. This is a good, steamy romance. Be aware you'll want to read the rest of the series if you get started.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
September 18, 2021
He woke up in a hospital bed, not being able to remember his recent past. That included his wife and child, and a lot of other situations.
As he gradually got his memories back, or through conversations and his office, he pieced together what had gone on, he realized he had been given a second chance.
This is his story, and well worth seeing what grief can cause.
94 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2017
Loved this story. It was different from the usual story line but had every thing necessary to make it hard to put down until the end. Now I can't wait for the chance to read the next Sprawling A book.
803 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2017
This was a 5 star book that I gave 4 stars to. I gave 4 instead of 5 stars because the build up was huge but when we finally found out what we were building towards, it was a let down. Nothing, we were building towards absolutely nothing. Other than that it was a cute, sweet book.
1,834 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2018
Wonderful romance

This short book is full of everything that a good romance should have. Intrigue all the way through. It has touching moments of sorrow, happiness, and romance. It is such an endearing and compelling story with such a good ending.
Profile Image for Tommie Morris.
206 reviews7 followers
Read
August 24, 2019
The Cowboy way

A good book with a loss of memory after an accident to start it out ! Just gets better & better... you must read this one! Very good author! I have read her books before! Not been disappointed yet .....
Profile Image for Dawn Mast.
28 reviews
April 21, 2021
Forgivness

When things take a turn for the worst,and we shut people out. Finding your way back can be hard and happy all at the sAme time.
2,816 reviews13 followers
February 6, 2025
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
Profile Image for Pansy.
2,203 reviews24 followers
August 31, 2014
Do you remember the movie from back in 1994 starring Woody Harrelson and Kiefer Sutherland called The Cowboy Way? A fun romp with our heroes showing the cops in New York City the “Cowboy Way” of doing things. Well this isn’t it. The only time our hero – Trey Armstrong – leaves the ranch is when he wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past several years.

This was not your nice little light hearted romp on the ranch either. This dealt with some heavy duty emotions. First off, Trey has to deal with why he has forgotten the past several years. It doesn't look like it was so bad. Hot wife. Ranch doing very well. He has finally gotten the fancy pickup he has always wanted. So, why is everyone seem so afraid of him? Why does he look like he has aged decades?

So begins the journey for Trey to find out what happened and who he has become. Not as easy as it sounds, because, although answers may be given, everyone seems to be holding something back. Especially his wife, Greta.

This was a heart wrenching story for me to read. I very much identified with Trey and what he felt. Not so much the memory loss, but the ultimate reasons for the memory loss, and what was happening just before the memory loss. I really don’t want to go into too many details – spoilers and all that, but I will say it was heartbreaking. *wipes a tear*

This is very much an emotional, character driven story. A well written story. The author did an excellent job in expressing all the pathos of this story. Even though I found it a bit difficult to read at times, (it is hard to read when you are crying!) it was well written enough that I had to keep turning the page to see how this was going to be resolved. I heaved a huge sigh of relief when things, mostly, worked out. We are left with a hint of what the next book will be about. Who am I kidding? It’s a sledge hammer over the head type hint! Don’t worry! It is not a cliff hanger and Trey and Greta have found their HEA. It’s another character in the story and I will be looking for the next book to find out what happens with him.

I was provide a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
20 reviews
July 30, 2014
What happens when you awake one day and realize that almost everything you have known, is gone?
Trey Armstrong is a rancher by heart and will always will be. Though one day he wakes up in the hospital after a tragic accident to find out that he only has pieces of his memory left and the one of the pieces missing is that he has a wife.
Greta who always said no to long term. Said no to a man who she thought would change who she wanted to be falls in love with a man who may just do that.
When Greta brings Trey home, she starts to see the man she had once fallen in love with once again. The thought of losing him, she choses not to give him the full story of what happened that could of what she thought caused the accident.
Little by little Trey's memory comes back by little things that sets off triggers. Though during this time period he also discovers another love that has been out there that could very well hurt him and Greta and a long lasting friendship with a very close friend.

Anna Alexander kept me so in tuned, that I all I could say was "one more chapter, then I will put the book down for the night". Which that chapter lead into another chapter. I simply could not put this book down. By the time I finsihed The Cowboy Way, I was in tears. Happy and sad tears. Understanding tears. This is a series that will bring that no one can put down. A love story true in true in heart. Read and see how Anna can bring this story to life, keep you in susupense, yet not drag it on.
Profile Image for Flawless Fiction.
2 reviews
July 18, 2014
The Cowboy Way is the first of the Sprawling A Ranch Series. However, it is a complete novel.

I started this book at midnight after a day and night of work. Being still keyed up from work, I decided to start the new book to relax a few minutes before going to bed. At 2 am, I forced myself to put the book down. I was not relaxed. I wanted to keep reading. I woke up at 5 am and went right back to reading.

Trey Armstrong is in the hospital, with a dislocated shoulder and amnesia. Although he doesn’t remember being married, he soon finds out he has a beautiful wife. However she seems to be hiding something. That and other clues make it clear to him that he must remember his past if he is going to have a future with her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was my first time to read anything by Anna Alexander, and I found her to be a skilled and entertaining writer. She incorporated a lot of flashbacks and handled them very well, never leaving the reader confused or frustrated. The characters were all believable and likable. I rarely like today’s heroines, but this one was very likable with just the right mixture of selflessness and strength. The ranch foreman, Mark, was exceptionally interesting, and I’m sure we’ll see him in the next book of the series.

If you enjoy a good romance with a touch of mystery, I’m sure you will enjoy The Cowboy Way. I recommend it and personally, I hope it doesn't take Ms. Alexander too long to get Mark’s story to us.

Profile Image for Sally Wagoner.
19 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2014
Waking up and not realizing what has happened to you or that you're married and have a ranch. This is what happens to Trey in this full story that starts off the series of Men of the Sprawling A Ranch.
This is the first book I have read by Anne Alexander but I am hooked! This is an amazing read, Anne draws you into the story and keeps you hanging just enough that you have to keep reading to find out what is going on. I started this on the weekend while trying to juggle spending time with the family and owe my family a huge apology because I couldn't put the book down. There is a little mystery as to what happened before that makes you wander where the story is headed but I couldn't have been more pleased with the ending, not to say that I need and what more!
Anne gives you just enough information about all the characters in the book to make you want to hear their stories as well.
I cried through half of the book because it was an emotional and strengthening read. To having lost a loved one to the fight to regain his life and love makes you feel every pain and emotion that Trey and Greta feel. I could blubber on about how I loved this book but you NEED to buy and read it for yourself, you won't regret it and will be hooked as I am! Can't wait to hear more about the Men of Sprawling A Ranch!
Author 2 books9 followers
October 12, 2015
After suffering a head injury, Trey wakes up missing the past several years of his life. Discovering his missing pieces made for an interesting, passionate, occasionally painful, but ultimately satisfying read.

I enjoyed getting to know Trey as he got to know himself. Every step of the way seemed a surprise to him, his behavior contradicting the man he was. His one pleasant surprise was his wife, Greta. It was fun to read Trey fall in love with her all over again, even while knowing there was a hidden something he'd yet to uncover.

I enjoyed the author's writing style. Things were written predominantly from Trey's point of view which kept me wondering what else would come up, but occasionally we got Greta's thoughts. The story was an emotional roller coaster but realistic enough to relate to.

My only disappointment was the ending with Mark, but since he's the focus of the next book in the series, I assume we'll find out more later. I'll be sure to pick that one up. I'm happy to have found an author who keeps me captivated from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Sandy Grissett.
262 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2016
This is a great book by Anna Alexander. It starts off with Trey in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder and a mild concussion, however when he wakes up he cannot remember certain things. The nurses ask him questions which be answers correctly until they ask about his wife which he responds that he is not married. To this response there are questioning looks between the nurses and the doctor. They inform him that he is married and she is waiting outside. They ask him if his wife can come in and out of curiosity to see what his wife looks like he agrees. When she walks in all he can think is he is one lucky SOB. When they go back to Trey's ranch he realizes that he must have done something to cause fear in Greta, his wife , she also seemed to be hiding something from him yet he knew he would not be able to get the answers from her. Even the people that worked for him gave him strange looks. Trey realizes that he needs to get his memory back so he can remedy the things he might have caused before his accident.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,190 reviews52 followers
August 5, 2019
Trey is a hot, sexy, alpha or is he? He has no idea who he is.... but the more he finds out, the more he dislikes the man he had become. Can he fight his way back to the Alpha that had swept Greta off her feet and up the aisle? Or has he completely lost his way? He has far more questions than answers.

The more he regains his memory, the more his heart breaks and yours along with him, this book is well written and you feel every emotion with Trey and Greta. The happiness, doubt, fear, heartbreak, trauma, hope, lust and anger, each page sucks you further and further into their history. Greta is drowning under the pressure and secrets, can she hold it together until Trey regains his memory or will she crumble under the stress?

When he finally regains his memory will Trey be strong enough to forgive himself and fight for Greta or will the trauma bury him completely. If he can forgive himself, will he then be able to convince Greta to forgive him too?

I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,353 reviews46 followers
February 11, 2017
Without giving too much away it does not surprise me that grief makes people act strangely.
I have not read a cowboy book in ages and I am so glad this one was recommended to me.
This was a lovely story of real life and how grief and choices can affect everything and everyone around you.
You will not be disappointed in this book
Profile Image for Jayna.
1,267 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2014
When Trey wakes up in the hospital, everything seems normal. Until he realizes that he has lost some of his memory. He doesn't even remember his wife! He begins to remember bits and pieces of the past and realizes that he doesn't like the man he had become. Can he mend all of his broken relationships?

This is a very quick read. Trey and Greta have great chemistry! I would definitely read the remainder of the series. I'm assuming book 2 is Mark's story.

My only negative comment would be the length. It is roughly 150 pages, but the book is larger than a traditional paperback. I would guess it to be about 200-225 pages in standard size. So I wouldn't classify it as a novella, which is good, but still not as long as I like.


I received a copy to review via Goodreads First Reads.
Profile Image for Sam.
342 reviews25 followers
July 26, 2014
So what would you do if you woke up and realised you couldn't remember much of anything? That is how this book starts out.

This was the first time I have the chance to read anything by this author and I was no disappointed one bit. I loved this story line it had me pulled in right from the start. The characters are strong and so very loveable. The emotions that you feel towards the characters are amazing, I laughed, cried and just had a real feel of WTH. For me this book was a fast read and I wasn't able to put it down. I love a story line that makes you feel every emotion and tugs on the story no many others will write about. This novel is well worth the rating and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer DeCuir.
Author 31 books37 followers
September 11, 2014
Warning: Do not start this book until you have plenty of time to devote to reading - because you aren't going to want to put it down. Alexander puts her characters (and her readers) through the emotional wringer. Keep those tissues handy! Trey is the quintessential cowboy, with the swagger, rough language and sexual appetite to match. The only thing he's missing is his memory of the last six years. Greta is the tough rancher's wife, independent, spirited and an amazing cook. Greta and the rest of the men on Trey's ranch are hiding something. It's going to take a lot of courage for Trey to figure out why losing his memory may have been the best thing that ever happened to him.
This is the first book in the series Men of the Sprawling A Ranch - and I, for one, can't wait for the rest.
Profile Image for Sandi Ramirez.
1,864 reviews17 followers
June 14, 2016
What would happen if you lost your memory and had to start over from say 6 years before? Trey has a hard fall to the head and shoulder area and can't remember getting married. Doesn't remember his wife or even the fact that he had a son. Much less things that were going on at his ranch for the past 6 years. Enter Mark, best friends and co manager of the ranch. When Trey's dad passed away Mark and Trey took over running of the ranch and made it profitable.

Trey met Greta at the Harvest Dance and lets says the rest is history. Not all sunshine and roses but history it is. Mark actually met her first since Greta was staying with Mark's sister.

This is one very good book that leads into an even better second book. Grab them both.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.