Western Heat: A Spicy He-Falls-First Romance

West Line Ranch #1

by Caroline Richardson

A fish-out-of-water story about a New York City chef who inherits a ranch, discovers a family he never knew, and finds unexpected love with a fiercely loyal woman.

For fans of western romance superstars like Lyla Sage and Elise Silver.

New York City chef Jake West had it all, but a few strokes of a pen meant no more marriage. No more restaurant. No more big city lifestyle. Then he receives a letter explaining that his long-estranged father, Brett, has died, and he needs to return to the Canadian ranch he left as a child. Jake expects to go, sign more papers, and return to the city and rebuild his future.

Instead Jake learns that Brett’s left the ranch to him—and only him. Things might have been hot in his restaurant’s kitchen, but that’s nothing compared to what he faces now: a family he didn’t know existed, and a property he doesn’t want. Tanner and Brady, his half-brothers, don’t want him around. And while his stepmother, Peony, welcomes him, there’s Liz, Peony’s daughter. She’s not a West, but her loyalties lie with the family, not an outsider.

However, as Jake settles into the rhythms of the ranch, he wonders if he’s finally found something that’s been missing in his life—especially as he and Liz grow closer. At first, it’s just attraction, but when a sudden kiss ignites a heat in both of them, they can’t ignore this raging inferno. Maybe Brett West knew what he was doing when he summoned his eldest son back home–and gave him a chance to change his life forever.

Readers who love a spicy “enemies-to-lovers” romance combined with family drama will want to add this to their “to be read” shelves.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Western Romance, Cowboy Romance

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Caroline Richardson swung a leg over a horse at the age of four, forging a passion and love for horses that eventually became her first career. She has galloped racehorses, show jumped and evented, herded cattle, and ran her own stable for many years. Now, Caroline writes that world into her books, revisiting a way of life that has fundamentally shaped who she is today.

Caroline grew up just outside Perth, Ontario, Canada and now calls the Nation’s Capital Ottawa home. These days, instead of spending summers on a horse, she travels with her husband and two teenage children in their RV, exploring and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Find her on social media as @carolinerichardsonauthor on popular platforms, and @mustangsabby on Wattpad.

Reviews

[Liz Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had so much potential, and there were definitely moments I enjoyed, but the romantic spark just never fully caught fire. I kept waiting for the banter, tension, and slow buildup that makes a romance feel irresistible, and it just wasn’t there.

The side plots were better than the romance. Watching Jake reconnect with his family and step into his role on the ranch was genuinely engaging. But Liz didn’t feel as developed, and her character came across a bit unfinished as the FMC. It was disappointing because while the side plots were engaging, I felt there was too many different things happening. This also felt about 85-100 pages too long. It was starting to drag at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[meg *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

this was cute. the romance fell a little flat for me in this though. i just didn't believe it to be fully believable if that makes sense? just idk, not enough tension and i'm a fool for playful banter and that was lacking.

the FMC also felt like she had more potential but fell a little short. i enjoyed the MMC tho and getting to know him and so on.

[Marie-Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 ⭐
What a great surprise! I honestly enjoyed this book so much. I was very invested in the plot the whole time. I just HAD to know what would happen with the ranch and the whole family.

I loved Liz's relationship with her brothers. The bond that they shared felt so deep and precious. Tanner really pissed me off with his attitude in the beginning, but the way his relationship with Jake slowly built up made it all worth it. And Brady 🥹 Loved him so so much and I hope his book is next because I'll be coming for it 👀

That being said, I feel like there was so much focus on the plot that we did lose a bit of the romance. I loved Jake and Liz together, I just wish we had more!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the West Line Ranch series, and I honestly picked it up for the cover. I am so glad I did because once I started, I could not put it down.

Jake is coming off a complete life reset. He has just sold his restaurant in New York, finalized a divorce, and then gets called to Canada for the reading of a will. That is when he finds out his estranged father has passed away and left him a family ranch he never knew existed. On top of that, he learns he has two half brothers who had no idea he existed either, instantly putting all of them in an impossible situation.

Liz is the stepsister to Jake’s newly discovered half brothers and has been part of the ranch and their family dynamic long before Jake ever shows up. She becomes the bridge between the brothers as they try to navigate the shock, tension, and fallout of their father’s secrets. From the moment Jake arrives, the two of them are thrown together simply by circumstance, whether they want to be or not.

These two danced around each other until they could not anymore. The chemistry was there from the start, even when everything around them was messy and complicated. I loved the quiet moments between them just sharing a meal, having small conversations, or finding brief calm in the middle of family chaos. Their connection felt natural in those little scenes, even when the bigger picture kept pushing them apart. There was a lot happening in this story, but those moments grounded it for me and kept me invested.

If you love cowboy romance with family drama, forced proximity, and slow building tension that eventually takes over, this one is worth picking up. It is a solid start to a new series and definitely left me curious about what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley and W by Wattpad Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, W by Wattpad Books and Caroline Richardson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This should have been a DNF so it’s my fault for pushing through. I was trying to see potential in the storyline and wanted to see if it materialized but I think the writing and style just wasn’t for me.

These men grunt and groan more than they speak. A lot of talk about tempers and aggression.

The chemistry wasn’t there for me. All the characters and relationships felt pretty flat.

This book will connect for some readers, unfortunately it wasn’t for me.

[julia]

Unfortunately this one is a dnf

The book was advertised as dual pov but it was also in third person, which was confusing. I’m not sure if it’s the writing or third person but it was pretty hard to catch whose pov was i reading.

The overall plot is definitely weird but, i guess, for a book it works. I just can’t think about Liz and Jack getting together and then going to a family dinner where everyone is related to both Liz and Jack. I read around 20% and I’m just not enjoying it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the arc.

[megs · Rating 2 out of 5]

first of all, thank you to netgalley for the ARC to review.

personally for me, i think the story felt a bit a flat. i didn’t really connect to the characters and sadly wasn’t invested in their story. i wasn’t keen on the writing style either unfortunately.

i wouldn’t have said it was ‘enemies to lovers’. i think it would have benefitted with a bit more tension and build up for the main couple.

sadly, this book wasn’t really for me which is a shame because i usually love a cowboy romance.

[Emily Linde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cowboys
Small Town Romance
Family Drama

There is so much promise here and some really enjoyable aspects but where was the chemistry? Unfortunately the romance part of this book fell flat for me. There was not enough banter, tension, or chemistry building up to make it believable enough to really devour.

I did really enjoy the subplots - watching Jake get to know his family and take over the ranch but Liz had nothing to her and felt half baked as an FMC. A little disappointing because there really is so much potential here and I loved the plot and everything that was trying to be achieved, the execution just wasn’t quite where I would’ve wanted it to be.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long, tedious, and with characters that, all things considered, I'm not interested in continuing to follow. A hundred pages less would certainly have benefited the novel.

Lungo, noioso e con dei personaggi che tutto sommato non mi interessa continuare a seguire. Un centinaio di pagine in meno avrebbero giovato sicuramente al romanzo.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Western Heat is the first book in the West Line Ranch Series. This book follows our MMC Jake as he navigates a new season in his life. He is recently divorced, sold his restaurant and just founded out that his estranged father passed away. The later throws him for a loop because he is required to be Canada to for the reading of the will.

Once he arrives in Canada he is in even more turmoil. He finds out he has 2 half brothers who never knew he existed. Plot twist his dad leaves the entire family ranch to Jake. Of course this causes tension between the brothers, but Liz our FMC is able to create a middle ground for the brothers.

Liz is our FMC who the step sibling to Jake’s half brothers. She’s sassy and independent. Both her and Jake have an instant connection to one another other.

This book had so much potential, but it fell a little flat for me. There was a lot going on in the book and at times I had a hard time keeping up. The story line had many different subplots. The romance for me just didn’t hit. Liz and Jake had good spice, but their relationship itself felt a bit forced.

Thank you Net Galley and Caroline Richardson for the advanced copy.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Western Heat is a small town romance with a sprinkle and I mean a sprinkle of romance. The story wasn't well developed but I felt it never really went anywhere and the character development fell flat. It also felt like we kept going in circles about Brett not being upfront about Jake being his child to the others and there was more focus on him there shouldn't have been. Early on I understand but to still have conflicts being brought up by the characters showed that there wasn't much movement in the plot over the first 1/3 of the book.

The brother was angry (for far too long). The interactions between Liz and Jack were good but fizzled out for me. Overall, Western Heat has the bones for a great small town romance novel but it could use some seasoning (added character depth and layers to the overall characters might have pulled me in further.

Western Heat was okay but nothing to write home about.

[Lindsey Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying—Western Heat totally took me by surprise in the best possible way. I went into it hoping for a good romance with a little cowboy flair, and what I got was a story that was heartfelt, steamy, and surprisingly emotional. Caroline Richardson delivers all the charm of a classic western romance but with characters and a story that feel fresh and modern.

The book is set in a small western town that practically leaps off the page. Richardson does a fantastic job with the setting—it’s dusty, hot, and alive with that tight-knit, everyone-knows-your-business kind of atmosphere. But it’s never cliché. The town feels like its own character, which adds so much to the overall feel of the story. If you’ve ever daydreamed about slow country living, horses, and wide-open skies, this book will absolutely pull you in.

Now let’s talk about the romance—because wow. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable from the start. You get that delicious slow burn where both characters clearly have feelings for each other, but neither wants to admit it (at least not right away). And when things finally do heat up—pun intended—it’s completely satisfying without being overdone. There’s just the right balance of tension, tenderness, and heat.

One thing I really appreciated is how well-developed the characters are. They’re not perfect, and that’s exactly what makes them so relatable. There’s emotional baggage, past heartbreaks, and personal growth woven into the love story, which gives the romance a depth that a lot of books in the genre sometimes miss. These are two people figuring out life—and love—on their own terms, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

Richardson’s writing style is easygoing but vivid, and she knows exactly when to slow things down and when to turn up the intensity. The pacing is spot-on—never dragging, but not rushing through the important emotional beats either. I found myself reading late into the night more than once because I just needed to see what would happen next.

In short, Western Heat is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger), and lose yourself in its pages. It’s charming, sexy, emotional, and full of that rugged western energy that makes you believe love can bloom even in the hottest, most unlikely places.

If you're into romance with a western twist, strong character development, and writing that tugs at your heartstrings without being overly dramatic, Western Heat is 100% worth your time. I really loved this book, and I already know I’ll be recommending it to my fellow romance readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for allowing me to read this book early!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love a cowboy romance, but Western Heat fizzles not sizzles.

Recently divorced and having just sold his restaurant, Jake West’s life as a NYC chef is at a crossroads. Then, he receives news that the father he never knew has died and he must go back to Canada for the reading of the will and to deal with some legal stuff. At the will reading, he meets two half-brothers he didn’t know he had and learns their father left the whole ranch to Jake. While the family and their lawyer try and find a legal loophole, Jake must stay on the ranch and run it. Indefinitely.

There is potential in the story, and there were moments I enjoyed, but overall just didn’t enjoy my time reading it. All of the characters felt very one dimensional. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. And the first 50% - 55% was a continued rehashing of the same arguments and disagreements again and again. Much of the drama felt like it was drama for drama’s sake instead of adding character development or moving the plot forward. Instead of sitting down and talking like adults, these emotionally stunted men (Tanner, mostly) would walk off in a huff and not talk about it until the next time their triggered emotions were set off again. They all need both therapy and anger management courses, stat.

What especially fell flat was in the relationship between Jake and Liz. Liz, in general, had no growth in the story or purpose for being there other than that this is marketed as a romance, so the MMC needed an FMC. She could have been anyone and the story wouldn’t have changed. I felt like the build up to them getting together was mostly implied instead of being shown and I didn’t really feel any tension or spark between them. There was no fun banter or a will they won’t they back and forth. Just suddenly they are knocking boots. And when it came to the spice, it was rather lackluster and clinical, with no emotional depth.

The best part of the story was Jake connecting with his family. But even that felt like it was left unfinished. We find out he is related to a side character, and then she and the family members she mentions are never brought up again. His mom is missing (??) but he seems unconcerned with this. This book was probably 75 pages too long, but still left loose ends.

I see the potential in this story, but it just did not come together for me. I could maybe be interested in a story with Tanner or Brady, but hope the writing and editing would improve for any future installments.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited to dive into this book after reading the blurb - a "fish out of water" story where it's the male main character inheriting a ranch and having to learn the ropes all while integrating himself into a family he never knew he had, combined with the promised "enemies to lovers," romance. Unfortunately, for me, the writing and story did not deliver on the promise, and if I hadn't been signed up for it as an ARC I would have set the book aside and not finished it. As it was, it was a struggle to make it through.

The spark wasn't there for me with the romance between Jake and Liz - Liz especially didn't really have any growth during the book, and there wasn't really any tension, banter or build up between the two of them to gain the "enemies-to-lovers" designation. They went from barely interacting, to falling into bed with one another and it all felt like a stretch. In fact, all the characters felt fairly one-dimensional and weren't fleshed out enough to make me invested in their stories and outcome.

The biggest turn off for me was the cave-man/Neanderthal-esque toxic masculinity portrayed by Jake and Tanner throughout the book. It was an insane turn off when Jake yelled at the cook for literally no reason, or Tanner would storm off and not discuss things as a rational adult, especially considering how often these events happened, and the excuses other people made for them. The moment Jake snapped at Liz, and then we saw her thoughts about how it was *HER* fault that she made him angry enough to yell at her?! That's a huge nope for me, and that line of thinking continues to perpetuate violence, toxic masculinity and abuse in relationships. I could potentially understand those traits *if* the author then showed the characters going through a huge amount of growth throughout the story, but that didn't happen either. Their appalling behavior was excused, and forgiven, and it left a really bad taste in my mouth when all was said and done.

I think the author's writing style of telling the reader things versus showing us had a lot to do with the lack of depth for the characters and plot, and why the romance fell flat for me as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Western Heat is the first book in Caroline Richardson’s West Line Ranch series. Jake West has been a successful chef and restaurateur in New York City. With the fickle tastes of New Yorkers the rich food offered by his restaurant is no longer in vogue so he has just sold the business. Now, sleeping on his friend’s sofa with the ink completely dry on the divorce papers, Jake is at a crossroads when he is contacted by a lawyer in his small hometown near Calgary. The packet includes notification that his father, who he hasn’t seen since he was three, has died and he is requested to come back for the reading of the will. With a plane ticket provided and time on his hands, Jake travels back to western Canada and to the West Line Ranch to meet a family he didn’t know existed and learn about a father he had been taught to despise.

The family Jake would meet also knew nothing about him. In fact, his two half brothers, Tanner and Brady, didn’t know anything about Jake until right before he was contacted to come for the reading of the will. His stepmother, Peony, welcomed Jake with open arms while her daughter Liz was more reserved and his brothers were downright hostile, especially after learning that Jake is to be left everything. In fact, the will is written such that if Jake doesn’t accept his inheritance and live on the ranch for one year, the property is to be auctioned off to a charity.

Having no desire to stay on the ranch but not wanting to rob his brothers of their heritage, Jake asks the lawyer to seek a loophole. Meanwhile, Jake will do what he knows best and cook for the family and crew, slowly finding more reasons to stay than to leave.

This was a very well written book with a plot line that takes the reader on a heartfelt journey as old secrets are revealed and new relationships are forged. The characters are so well developed and the descriptions of the setting make it feel like you are there. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it. I also look forward to the future books in the series.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


La muerte de Brett West, dueño del West Line Ranch, deja un vacío imposible de llenar y una familia marcada por la incertidumbre. Sus hijos Tanner y Brady han dedicado toda su vida a mantener la tierra y el ganado, convencidos de que serían ellos quienes continuarían con el legado. Liz, la hijastra de Brett, también ha crecido en ese mundo, trabajando hombro a hombro con ellos, aunque siempre con la sensación de ser casi parte de la familia.

Pero todo cambia el día de la lectura del testamento. El abogado revela un secreto oculto durante décadas: Brett tuvo otro hijo, Jake, fruto de una relación anterior. Jake no solo existe, sino que ha sido nombrado heredero absoluto del rancho. Un desconocido de Nueva York, chef de prestigio pero recién divorciado, de repente se convierte en el dueño legal de todo por lo que Tanner, Brady y Liz han luchado.

La llegada de Jake es como un huracán. Tanner no puede perdonar la traición de su padre, Brady intenta mediar entre la furia y la resignación, y Liz se debate entre la lealtad hacia su familia y la creciente atracción que siente por el recién llegado. Jake, por su parte, se enfrenta al peso de un legado que no pidió y al desafío de ganarse un lugar en un mundo que le resulta completamente ajeno.

En medio de disputas legales, tensiones familiares y el calor sofocante del verano en las praderas, surge una chispa inesperada entre Liz y Jake. Una chispa que podría unirlos… o convertirse en la causa definitiva de la ruptura entre los West.


__


Me cayó mal Brett; sentí que fue una traición hacia sus hijos el hecho de dejarle todo a Jake. Sí, sé que después la situación se arregla, pero en ese momento fue injusto. Tanner siempre fue quien trabajó hasta el cansancio para sacar adelante el rancho, y que al final no le dejara nada me pareció mal.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[The Sewist's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 3
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 18, 19, 25, 32, 36
❤️‍🔥 Swoon Factor: 2.5
📚 Tropes/Themes:  City /country, found family, grief, healing, starting over, forced proximity, finding yourself, family secrets/drama 
👀 Dual POV 3rd person 
💔 Triggers: mentions of parental death, divorce, mentions of cheating

💬 Well, if you're looking for a book with a lot of family drama, then I def recommend this book. Woooooo so much drama. Honestly I think it was almost too much? Especially for Tanner- who is not even the MMC 😅

The story started out strong- I was really drawn in by the plot of Jake discovering he had a whole family his mom had kept from him (Literally the found family trope 😂). 

It was cute at first, but about halfway through it started feeling a little sluggish. There wasn't much character growth, and I didn't really see much relationship build up between Jake and Liz either. I didn't feel any chemistry between them. 

I could also do with less about how grumpy Tanner is and more about Jake (again family drama- it almost seemed like it would've been better if Tanner was the MMC)

Like the cow thing could've been more drawn out to add some dimension to the story, or focused more about Jake's/Liz's back story, but it was mainly centered on Jake and his brothers.

It feels unfinished so I'm guessing this is setting up stories for Tanner and Brady? (it would be criminal to not do Brady's story and explain everything 😩)

Idk this read didn't end in a high note, I skimmed the last 20% or so and I'm glad it's over, but the story itself has good bones. Maybe family drama just isn't my jam. 

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Western Heat was not the typical ranch owner meets love of life, cowboy romance.The story had a subplot, which distracted from the romance in my opinion.
Liz/FMC- stepdaughter of past ranch owner, made to feel as an outsider
Jake/MMC- estranged son of past ranch owner, chef in big city
The story is different in that the ranch owner(Brett) died(off page) with numerous secrets. He left his second wife(Liz's mom) a widow, and two grown sons( from first deceased wife). Brett's will cannot be read until an estranged son( from old girlfriend) is present and no one was aware of Jake. He hasn't been on the ranch in thirty years and lives in a big city. Brett has set up his estate that all 100% of ranch related properties go to Jake. Of course, Brett's two sons who have worked the ranch their entire lives, widow and Liz are shocked.
Jake doesn't want to own the ranch, live out in the country or have anything to do with these strangers he just met. Of course he stays, if only to find a way to nullify the will. He and Liz get close and a romance ensues.
The book concludes with Jake finding a possible clause to be able to transfer the ownership to the brothers he never knew. As I mentioned previously, the love story is overshadowed by other secrets of Brett's. Unresolved issues such as one of his boys with his first wife was not fathered by him, why was Jake chosen as the only owner of his beloved ranch operation. he married his second wife hinted that they had an arrangement for their marriage, and why Brett never made Liz feel as if she was part of the family and belonged on the ranch once he married her mother.

[charmette.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of Western Heat sounded interesting, but the plot fell flat for me. Jake, a successful chef in New York City, finds out that he has inherited a cattle ranch in Canada from his estranged father. He travels there and discovers lots of family drama, romance and a new path in life.

This book is categorized as romance, but the relationship between Jake and Liz was my least favorite part of the story. From their initial attraction to the end of the story, I read more than felt their connection. Their relationship lacked chemistry, affection and banter. It felt extremely surface level.

The book is focused on the aftermath of the ranch’s patriarch Brett’’s sudden death. His long-lost son Jake is given full ownership of the ranch, and the other two sons, the widow and her daughter are given nothing. After that bombshell, there are many other secrets revealed and lots of drama and conflict between the characters. The twists and turns of the story kept me interested in the book, but the story also felt haphazard and sometimes hard to follow.

I think this book could have been shortened quite a bit, and the plot simplified to make the storyline flow more smoothly. A more developed and layered romance would also improve this book considerably.

Thank you to Caroline Richardson, Wattpad Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lynsey Spedding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Western Heat is a Canadian western saga that blends cowboy romance with a strong focus on family drama. When Jake is summoned to the ranch of his recently deceased and estranged father, he discovers he has inherited it—much to the dismay of the sons who had lived there all along. Secrets unravel as Jake meets Liz, his stepsister (not related by blood), who is also unaware of his existence. Their developing relationship, set against the backdrop of family tensions, betrayal, and unexpected inheritance, creates both emotional depth and plenty of drama.

Richardson explores themes of what makes a family, and how people can connect even in the face of adversity. The story is more centered on family secrets and interpersonal dynamics than pure romance, though the connection between Jake and Liz adds a tender layer. The romance is open-door but not overly spicy, making it a lighter read compared to authors like Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage.

While it was enjoyable to watch Jake and Liz fall for one another, some readers may find themselves wanting a little more from their romance. Still, if you’re looking for a western with plenty of drama, secrets, and a touch of romance, Western Heat is a solid pick.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake West is a newly divorced, recently out of a job NYC chef, who discovers that the father he never knew has passed away and left him his ranch in Canada. In order to keep the ranch in the family, Jake must now relocate and become a part of a family he’s never met: two half-brothers and his father’s wife’s daughter, Liz, a horse trainer.

This story had great potential with a NYC chef starting over on a ranch and navigating some complex family dynamics. While the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously which was at times confusing, there were still aspects I really appreciated. I liked both Liz and Jake separately, and appreciated both their individual development, but could not connect to them as a couple. They lacked the tension and emotion I was hoping for. I did really appreciate Jake trying to adapt to the ranch, as opposed to trying to make the ranch fit him. And the found family aspect really shone through, adding warmth and heart to the story!

Overall, this is a reverse cowboy romance (she’s the horse trainer) with some family dynamics, a lovely ranch setting and finding where you belong. Readers who enjoy a low angst romance with found family vibes will enjoy this one!

Thank you to Caroline Richardson and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Savannah Botkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inheriting a ranch you didn’t know existed? Drama. Falling for someone you weren’t supposed to? Even better.


⭐️ 3.5 stars

*** May contain a few spoilers, but nothing major!***

This country romance had all the right ingredients: small-town drama, a secret son from New York who suddenly inherits the family ranch, and a bunch of twists and turns that kept me hooked. When the father passes away and leaves everything to the son no one knew existed, things get real messy real fast. The story follows all the ups and downs as the rest of the family tries to get the ranch back, and there’s a nice mix of emotion, tension, and surprises along the way.

There’s also a romance subplot that starts off as a “no strings attached” situation but slowly turns into something deeper. I really liked watching that relationship grow. The found family vibe throughout the book was one of my favorite parts, and it gave the story a lot of heart.

I will say, I wish there had been more banter between the characters to break up some of the heavier moments. And there were quite a few spelling and spacing errors, though that didn’t affect my rating.

Overall, it was a fun read with a great mix of family drama and romance and that shocking twist near the end definitely caught me off guard!

[Mahnoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This book was good and has a compelling plot, but ultimately it left me wanting more heat in the romance. We follow New York City chef Jake, who’s forced out of his comfortable city life after a divorce and job loss, only to inherit a ranch in Canada, a setting I personally absolutely love and could totally picture as a perfect, cosy autumn read.

The setup of the story was great, how he discovers half of the family he never even knew about, and then when he meets Liz. The build-up was solid, but where the novel fell short was in the core romantic relationship between Jake and Liz. It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance, and I was just hoping for a bit more playful banter, stronger tension, and chemistry. It felt a little rushed, especially when the sudden kissing moment happened.

The spicy romance level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, so if you’re looking for that in a book, this one definitely delivers!

However, Western Heat has a beautiful plot with plenty of family drama, making it a great choice if you enjoy stories about unexpected inheritance and self-discovery, which I really did enjoy in this book. So, if you’re like me and are more interested in those themes than the romance itself, then this one’s for you!

[Sheri Strba-Brozovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fish-out-of-water western romance follows New York City chef Jake West, whose life implodes just as he’s summoned back to the Canadian ranch he left behind after his estranged father’s death. Expecting a quick trip, Jake instead inherits the ranch outright—and a family that doesn’t want him, including hostile half-brothers and a fiercely loyal step-sister figure, Liz, who sees him as an interloper. As Jake adjusts to ranch life and long-buried family truths, sparks fly with Liz, turning tension into undeniable attraction. Blending enemies-to-lovers chemistry, family drama, and a big-city-meets-cowboy setting, this story delivers heart, heat, and the possibility of a second chance at belonging and love.

Wow, this book goes deep. While Jack and Liz are the main characters and their love story is beautiful, at its core this is a book about family—the West family. Every character is filled with emotion, and those feelings are portrayed incredibly well. You truly feel the pain, love, and laughter alongside them. The character growth is especially impressive, with no stone left unturned. I appreciated that we were given meaningful closure for Jack, Liz, and Peony. I really enjoyed this book and sincerely hope to see more stories come from this world.

[Sarah Gries · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, big thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Caroline Richardson for the ARC! Always happy to read a cowboy romance.

Western Heat is exactly what it sounds like—hot cowboys, small-town drama, and enough steam to fog up your Kindle. If you’re a fan of Elsie Silver or Layla Sage, you're gonna feel right at home here.
The chemistry between the main characters? Absolutely there. The spice level? Let’s just say you might blush a little if you’re reading this in public. It hits all the cowboy romance checkboxes: rugged charm, emotional baggage, and that one horse that seems to understand everything.

That being said, I did find the middle a bit slow, and I wanted more from the characters beyond their, well, extracurricular activities. I kept hoping for some deeper emotional development or more time spent exploring the ranch life and side characters. Tt’s a fun, easy read if you're looking for something spicy without too much heavy lifting.

In conclusion, Western Heat is a solid pick if you want a steamy cowboy romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Grab a drink, find a comfy chair, and enjoy the ride.

Cheers!

[Storm · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 35%

I really tried with this one, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.

The story felt very flat overall—there was no chemistry between the main characters, no real tension, no banter, and no heat. The plot itself had potential, but the emotional connection simply wasn’t there. By the time I found myself skimming whole pages around the 30% mark, I knew it was time to DNF.

As this was an ARC, I also want to note that there were many spelling and grammatical errors throughout, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story.

Jake, the MMC, actually had more chemistry with the elderly cook than he did with the FMC, which kind of says it all. The relationship between the main couple felt implied rather than developed, and when things finally happened, it felt abrupt and unearned rather than emotionally satisfying.

I usually love a cowboy romance, so this was a disappointing miss for me—but I can see where the story could have worked with stronger editing, tighter pacing, and more focus on character development and romantic tension.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Audia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jake West is called to his father's ranch for the reading of Brett West's will, Jake is shocked to learn he has inherited everything. He doesn't even remember his father, so why would he leave the ranch to him? Jake also discovers that he has two brothers, Brady and Tanner. There is also Brett's wife, Peony, and her daughter, Liz.

I loved this book and the characters. This is a wonderful cowboy, found family story. Jake is a chef from New York and knows nothing about running a ranch. Tanner is angry about the will, and Brady is the calm one who cracks jokes and tries to fix things. Some of the conversations between him and Liz had me laughing. Peony is so kind to Jake and loves Tanner and Brady like they are her own.

There are sparks between Jake and Liz immediately upon meeting each other. Liz has her guard up where love is concerned, and Jake tries to break down her walls.

Can everyone come together to keep the ranch going and maybe become a family? I am hoping that the author is planning on writing books for Tanner and Brady. It would be amazing to see who comes into their lives to help them heal.

[Jadee Mattheis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐ Review – Western Heat by Caroline Richardson

Western Heat was a quick, steamy western romance that definitely delivered on spice. The chemistry between the main characters was immediate and intense, and if you’re picking this up for the heat factor, it won’t disappoint.

However, the relationship felt a little too insta-love for my taste. The emotional bond developed very fast, which made it harder for me to fully connect with them as a couple.

I also wasn’t totally sold on the step-sibling dynamic. It added an element that felt more awkward than compelling at times and pulled me out of the story a bit.

Another thing that brought my rating down was the number of unanswered questions. Plot points like who tried to steal the cows and the backstory surrounding Brady’s dad felt important but never fully resolved, which left the ending feeling slightly incomplete.

Overall, it’s a spicy, fast read with strong attraction and western charm, but the rushed romance and lingering loose ends made this a 3-star read for me.

[Ashlee Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a cowboy romance, with some family drama mixed in this one is a must read. Okay... truthfully maybe a lot of family drama, banter and suspense with some spice mixed in.

After the passing of the matriarch of the family, The West Brothers, Tanner and Brady, along with their step sister, Liz and step mom Peony, find out their father hid many secrets. The biggest secret of all, a long lost half brother. That knowledge might be the just be the tip of the iceberg in the West family drama that unfolds.

Jake is a city boy who knows nothings about being a cowboy and running a ranch, is suddenly immersed into a life he's never known. Full of people he's never met, who want nothing to do with him, all because of a father's final wishes. A father he never knew and was told wanted nothing to do with him.

I loved getting to deep dive into this family as they all learned to navigate these uncertain waters together, and maybe find a happy ever after for them all in the end. This story kept me on my toes until the very end, with all the twists, turns and secrets that were revealed.

[Paige Rothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️ - 3.75 if you want to be specific!

Western Heat had all the makings of a cozy small-town love story — a big-city chef inherits a family ranch, discovers unexpected roots, and finds himself falling for a woman who’s as stubborn as she is loyal.

I loved the setup and the family dynamics most of all. Watching Jake try to rebuild connections and find his place in a world completely opposite from his own was really enjoyable. The writing was easy to read, and the western setting had charm and heart.

That said, I did wish for a little more spark between Jake and Liz. Their romance felt sweet but didn’t quite have the tension or slow-burn build that I usually love in this trope. Still, Western Heat delivers a warm, heartfelt read with strong family themes and a touch of cowboy flair — perfect for readers who like clean, feel-good romances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.