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Brides with Grit #1
Rania Ropes a Rancher
Rania Hamner and her family emigrated from Sweden fourteen years ago to work on a Texas ranch, working cattle and herding them up the Chisholm Trail. Something in her life on the trail caused her to doubt her worth, and her ability to trust a man enough to become his wife. Once the family buys a homestead in Kansas, she meets a rancher who begins to make her believe she can trust and fall in love after all.
Rancher Jacob Wilerson noticed Rania last year when she rode drag behind a herd of longhorns—right down Main Street of Ellsworth, Kansas. He’s been waiting for her family to return this spring with another Texas herd to the booming cowtown, because he hopes to rope her into staying permanently on his ranch—the way she had already roped his heart.
When Rania's past attacks with new danger, she decides to fight for all she's worth because she realizes she wants to be with Jacob forever.
When Jacob realizes Rania is in danger, he rushes to save her, whether or not she still loves him, hoping to rope Rania—his heart—once more, as she has roped his.
Rancher Jacob Wilerson noticed Rania last year when she rode drag behind a herd of longhorns—right down Main Street of Ellsworth, Kansas. He’s been waiting for her family to return this spring with another Texas herd to the booming cowtown, because he hopes to rope her into staying permanently on his ranch—the way she had already roped his heart.
When Rania's past attacks with new danger, she decides to fight for all she's worth because she realizes she wants to be with Jacob forever.
When Jacob realizes Rania is in danger, he rushes to save her, whether or not she still loves him, hoping to rope Rania—his heart—once more, as she has roped his.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
501 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Linda K. Hubalek
115 books276 followersLinda Hubalek had written over fifty books about strong women and honorable men, with a touch of humor, despair, and drama woven into the stories. The setting for all the series is the Kansas prairie which Linda enjoys daily, be it being outside or looking out her office window.
Her historical romance series include Brides with Grit, Grooms with Honor, Mismatched Mail-order Brides, Rancher's Word, and the Clear Creek Legacy. Linda's historical fiction series, based on her ancestors' pioneer lives include, Butter in the Well, Trail of Thread, and Planting Dreams.
When not writing, Linda is reading (usually with dark chocolate within reach), gardening (channeling her degree in Horticulture), or traveling with her husband to explore the world.
Linda loves to hear from her readers and loves to know what they'd like to see her write next. Visit her website at www.LindaHubalek.com to contact her or read about all her books.
www.Facebook.com/lindahubalekbooks
Her historical romance series include Brides with Grit, Grooms with Honor, Mismatched Mail-order Brides, Rancher's Word, and the Clear Creek Legacy. Linda's historical fiction series, based on her ancestors' pioneer lives include, Butter in the Well, Trail of Thread, and Planting Dreams.
When not writing, Linda is reading (usually with dark chocolate within reach), gardening (channeling her degree in Horticulture), or traveling with her husband to explore the world.
Linda loves to hear from her readers and loves to know what they'd like to see her write next. Visit her website at www.LindaHubalek.com to contact her or read about all her books.
www.Facebook.com/lindahubalekbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 23, 2019
Rania Ropes a Rancher by Linda K. Hubalek is the first book in the historical romance Brides with Grit series. Each book of this series has different characters which means they all could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
Rania Hamner and her family immigrated from Sweden and have started a new life in the U.S. Rania and her family had been working in Texas herding cattle at a ranch when Rania was attacked by one of the other ranch hands leaving her in fear for herself and family. Leaving that life Rania and her family settle in Kansas where Rania meets Jacob Wilerson.
Now what I didn’t expect picking up a “clean romance” set in the late 1800s was finding that rape would be involved and that the angst and conflict of the story would become whether that victim was worth marrying. There was zero romance or chemistry really shown between the couple and it really was rather frustrating to have Jacob more upset over what happened that Rania who has to live through it. Needless to say this one just really didn’t work for me.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Rania Hamner and her family immigrated from Sweden and have started a new life in the U.S. Rania and her family had been working in Texas herding cattle at a ranch when Rania was attacked by one of the other ranch hands leaving her in fear for herself and family. Leaving that life Rania and her family settle in Kansas where Rania meets Jacob Wilerson.
Now what I didn’t expect picking up a “clean romance” set in the late 1800s was finding that rape would be involved and that the angst and conflict of the story would become whether that victim was worth marrying. There was zero romance or chemistry really shown between the couple and it really was rather frustrating to have Jacob more upset over what happened that Rania who has to live through it. Needless to say this one just really didn’t work for me.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 14, 2016
++SPOILERS++
Meh. 2.5 stars
Not great, not terrible, for a freebie.
The writing was ok, but the romance was seriously lacking, especially for a clean read where one would expect more sweetness to make up for the lack of sex.
There was little to no build up to the romance, instead the author chose to elaborate on the secondary characters which took away from the MC's time together.
I didn't feel connected to the heroine and the hero either. Their characters were bland and lacked personality.
.
The story was ok, but should have been longer.
The pace was pretty good with decent conflict, but agin the antagonist's motives were weak.
It was free and relatively safe. I wouldn't recommend it and I'm not interested in reading more by this author.
Safety
Hero-I think virgin, but we don't know. No past mentioned
Heroine-Experienced - was raped. not detailed
Cheating-No
OM/OW-No
Abuse-No
Adultery-No
Cursing-No
Rape-Yes not detailed
sex-No. kisses only
Miscarriage-no
HEA/ILY-Yes
Marriage-Yes
Baby-yes but is the rapists
Meh. 2.5 stars
Not great, not terrible, for a freebie.
The writing was ok, but the romance was seriously lacking, especially for a clean read where one would expect more sweetness to make up for the lack of sex.
There was little to no build up to the romance, instead the author chose to elaborate on the secondary characters which took away from the MC's time together.
I didn't feel connected to the heroine and the hero either. Their characters were bland and lacked personality.
.
The story was ok, but should have been longer.
The pace was pretty good with decent conflict, but agin the antagonist's motives were weak.
It was free and relatively safe. I wouldn't recommend it and I'm not interested in reading more by this author.
Safety
Hero-I think virgin, but we don't know. No past mentioned
Heroine-Experienced - was raped. not detailed
Cheating-No
OM/OW-No
Abuse-No
Adultery-No
Cursing-No
Rape-Yes not detailed
sex-No. kisses only
Miscarriage-no
HEA/ILY-Yes
Marriage-Yes
Baby-yes but is the rapists
July 6, 2024
Linda Hubalek’s “Rania Ropes a Rancher” is an exceptional historical romance set in the Kansas frontier. Rania Erickson, an indomitable immigrant, faces the challenge of managing her farm alone until rancher Lucas Swenson offers a partnership that transforms their lives.
The novel shines with its vivid portrayal of frontier life, blending rich historical detail with a compelling love story. Rania and Lucas are captivating protagonists whose chemistry and character growth drive the narrative beautifully. Hubalek’s evocative writing brings the hardships and triumphs of homesteading to life, making this a deeply immersive and heartwarming read.
Rating: 5/5 stars
The novel shines with its vivid portrayal of frontier life, blending rich historical detail with a compelling love story. Rania and Lucas are captivating protagonists whose chemistry and character growth drive the narrative beautifully. Hubalek’s evocative writing brings the hardships and triumphs of homesteading to life, making this a deeply immersive and heartwarming read.
Rating: 5/5 stars
January 2, 2020
2 stars. Review to come
May 5, 2015
This is a terrific story.
The setting is Kansas during the era of huge cattle drives. Cowboys and cows were common sights on the streets of towns near rail heads.
Jacob and his family have lived there for several years. He runs the family ranch for his mother, his sister and himself. His brother Adam is town sheriff and his brother Noah owns the ranch next to the family ranch.
Rania is the daughter of a Swedish family who have moved cattle north for several years and now are planning to settle in Kansas and start a ranch of their own. The parents have gone back to Texas to finish everything there. Rania, her twin sister Hilda and their brother Dagmar are staying in Kansas to start their new lives.
Jacob falls in love with Rania and the feeling is mutual. They have been acquainted with one another for some time and now there is the opportunity to get to know one another better.
Both Rania and Jacob are from strong families who love and respect one another. This story is about family loyalty. It is also an illustration of the difficult life settlers faced when they started new lives in the West.
Rania has faced danger and survived but her fears still influence her life. Jacob is ready to settle down and make a family with Rania. There are hurdles to overcome before that can happen.
This plot is interesting and holds the reader's interest.
Rania and Jacob are strong characters. As things progress, we see how the difficulties will be overcome and both Rania and Jacob will find their happy ending.
If you enjoy American history this is a book that will hold your interest. There is mystery and romance and a well defined picture of life on the frontier.
I received a copy of this book from the author in the hope that I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The setting is Kansas during the era of huge cattle drives. Cowboys and cows were common sights on the streets of towns near rail heads.
Jacob and his family have lived there for several years. He runs the family ranch for his mother, his sister and himself. His brother Adam is town sheriff and his brother Noah owns the ranch next to the family ranch.
Rania is the daughter of a Swedish family who have moved cattle north for several years and now are planning to settle in Kansas and start a ranch of their own. The parents have gone back to Texas to finish everything there. Rania, her twin sister Hilda and their brother Dagmar are staying in Kansas to start their new lives.
Jacob falls in love with Rania and the feeling is mutual. They have been acquainted with one another for some time and now there is the opportunity to get to know one another better.
Both Rania and Jacob are from strong families who love and respect one another. This story is about family loyalty. It is also an illustration of the difficult life settlers faced when they started new lives in the West.
Rania has faced danger and survived but her fears still influence her life. Jacob is ready to settle down and make a family with Rania. There are hurdles to overcome before that can happen.
This plot is interesting and holds the reader's interest.
Rania and Jacob are strong characters. As things progress, we see how the difficulties will be overcome and both Rania and Jacob will find their happy ending.
If you enjoy American history this is a book that will hold your interest. There is mystery and romance and a well defined picture of life on the frontier.
I received a copy of this book from the author in the hope that I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read
May 14, 2015Rania comes from a Swedish family. Jacob lives in Kansas and has seen Rania a few times and was glad to see her back. He runs across her horse and Rania who has passed out. He helps her up and see that she is having a woman issue that she does not want her brother and sister to know about.
Jacob takes her to his house for his mom to help her. His mother knows she is in the family way. The sad part is Rania knows as well but no one else knows. She is sacred to tell Jacob what happened on the on the trail. After a few days she tells Jacob she is pregnant but he storms off thinking she has willingly loved another man. She fights as she knows she wants Jacob. It takes his mom talking to him and revealing some secrets of her own for Jacob to come around.
This is a great start to the Brides with Grip series. The author did a great job and I am looking forward to book 2.
Jacob takes her to his house for his mom to help her. His mother knows she is in the family way. The sad part is Rania knows as well but no one else knows. She is sacred to tell Jacob what happened on the on the trail. After a few days she tells Jacob she is pregnant but he storms off thinking she has willingly loved another man. She fights as she knows she wants Jacob. It takes his mom talking to him and revealing some secrets of her own for Jacob to come around.
This is a great start to the Brides with Grip series. The author did a great job and I am looking forward to book 2.
December 27, 2014
Kansas homesteader Rania has a troubled past, so when she meets neighbor Jacob who takes an interest in her, she can’t act on her own attraction. He’ll spurn her if he learns her secret. But she can’t turn away his help when she needs it, and they face a dire threat together that strengthens their bond. This first title in the Brides with Grit series is a sweet historical romance that will provide a few hours of pleasant escape and will leave you looking for the sequel.
June 14, 2015
Fast, easy read. It was a little predictable but the characters were good and pretty realistic. There's action, drama and a bit of mystery. I enjoyed how the animals were included but find King's story a bit far-fetched in some places.Pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
March 14, 2016
Jacob noticed Rania in town when her family brought a herd of cattle to ship on the railroad. Jacob decided then that she would make a good wife.
October 21, 2016
A nice enjoyable read. Loved it
It's nice to read something so good. I look forward to reading more in this series. Nice clean afternoon reading. Thank you
It's nice to read something so good. I look forward to reading more in this series. Nice clean afternoon reading. Thank you
August 16, 2016
Good read. Clean, there was some violence, mostly a memory but still there for possible triggers.
June 13, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
I tend to want the whole picture when I start on a series or new to me author’s works, I had picked up the first book in the Grooms With Honor series and realized that I needed to start back a bit further to the Brides With Grit series since there is a strong connection between the two. There is a good deal of world building in Rania Ropes A Rancher, which I expect in the first book of any series. We will meet family, friends and some people who will be heading to town, and that makes for a lot of people to be introduced. I did not find it overpowering and each introduction into Rania and Jacob’s story felt quite natural and blended very easily.
Rania is a strong character who is beaten down by an event that has and will continue to change her life. She and Jacob had noticed each other the year before but nothing more than glances and smiles passed between them. There were some “if onlys” in Rania’s mind, but she cannot go back and change anything now. Jacob is also a strong, if somewhat stubborn character. His openness in falling in love with Rania is sweet and charming – and if he disappointed me a bit for a time, well, that’s human nature, especially in that time period. Jacob’s mother, Cate, is such an amazingly strong woman, and both Jacob and the reader will come to understand just how strong she truly is. There is danger to be faced in Rania Ropes A Rancher, some chuckles to be had as well and certainly the feeling of loving families is at the core of this romance. I enjoyed this world, and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the families in the Brides With Grit series. If you enjoy Western Historical Romance then I believe you’ll love this one, too. A story doesn’t have to be ‘hot off the presses’ to be enjoyable and this series certainly sets the tone for what is to come.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I tend to want the whole picture when I start on a series or new to me author’s works, I had picked up the first book in the Grooms With Honor series and realized that I needed to start back a bit further to the Brides With Grit series since there is a strong connection between the two. There is a good deal of world building in Rania Ropes A Rancher, which I expect in the first book of any series. We will meet family, friends and some people who will be heading to town, and that makes for a lot of people to be introduced. I did not find it overpowering and each introduction into Rania and Jacob’s story felt quite natural and blended very easily.
Rania is a strong character who is beaten down by an event that has and will continue to change her life. She and Jacob had noticed each other the year before but nothing more than glances and smiles passed between them. There were some “if onlys” in Rania’s mind, but she cannot go back and change anything now. Jacob is also a strong, if somewhat stubborn character. His openness in falling in love with Rania is sweet and charming – and if he disappointed me a bit for a time, well, that’s human nature, especially in that time period. Jacob’s mother, Cate, is such an amazingly strong woman, and both Jacob and the reader will come to understand just how strong she truly is. There is danger to be faced in Rania Ropes A Rancher, some chuckles to be had as well and certainly the feeling of loving families is at the core of this romance. I enjoyed this world, and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the families in the Brides With Grit series. If you enjoy Western Historical Romance then I believe you’ll love this one, too. A story doesn’t have to be ‘hot off the presses’ to be enjoyable and this series certainly sets the tone for what is to come.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
April 3, 2019
This was a good clean read. Enjoyed reading it. The focus is on Rania Hamner and Jacob Wilerson. He is smitten with her the first time he sees her. She's tall and she can work a ranch including working and herding cattle with the best of them, man or woman. Just the kind of woman that Jacob has been looking for. She is the twin sister of Hilda who has never had a problem finding men who are interested in her. When she finally runs into a ranch hand named Narker who shows an interest in her and gives her, her first kiss. At first he nice and treats her respectfully; but then he shows his true intentions raping her and threatening her family's lives if she tells. She tells no one; but she is pregnant. She isn't showing. And Jacob begins showing an interest in her and treating her for better than anyone including Narker treated her even before he turned evil. He has an interest in courting her with intent to marry. However, when she starts to confide in him. He doesn't wait to hear the whole story and storms off in anger. After talking with his Mother and finding out she had, had a similar experience. He then works at trying to get a second chance. Through a number of trials they finally he finally makes amends to the point where he accepts him back. Even though there are some serious parts to the story. There are some heartwarming parts to the story as well. Linda Hubalek is definitely a great storyteller. I felt that the book was well written and finished well. I have read other books from this author and hope to read more. Looks like a very good series.
October 26, 2016
Love of family
Jacob had seen Rain a ride I not town a year before he finally met her. He knew he lived her the first time he saw her. When her family moves to Kansas he knows he going to marry her. However Raina has a secret. He actually comes up in her when she has fainted and fallen off her horse. He brings her home and his mother learns her secret. She had been raped by a cowhand and wax pregnant. She told Jacob's mother that after the first time he continued to violate her and she gave in because he threatened to kill her family. When Jacob learns she is pregnant he thinks the worst of her and runs from her wit you letting her explain. His mom tells him what happened to Raina and he goes looking for her. The events that happen after this leads to a happy ending, but you have to read the book to find out what happens. A very good story that is a quick read.
Jacob had seen Rain a ride I not town a year before he finally met her. He knew he lived her the first time he saw her. When her family moves to Kansas he knows he going to marry her. However Raina has a secret. He actually comes up in her when she has fainted and fallen off her horse. He brings her home and his mother learns her secret. She had been raped by a cowhand and wax pregnant. She told Jacob's mother that after the first time he continued to violate her and she gave in because he threatened to kill her family. When Jacob learns she is pregnant he thinks the worst of her and runs from her wit you letting her explain. His mom tells him what happened to Raina and he goes looking for her. The events that happen after this leads to a happy ending, but you have to read the book to find out what happens. A very good story that is a quick read.
June 4, 2017
Tania Ropes a Rancher
A nice clean story. It was unusual for some one to fall for some one and to decide she is the one,for him before actually meeting her. Rania was afraid she wasn't worthy because of her unfortunate condition. Luckily Joshua listened to his met her. I gave,it 4 stars
A nice clean story. It was unusual for some one to fall for some one and to decide she is the one,for him before actually meeting her. Rania was afraid she wasn't worthy because of her unfortunate condition. Luckily Joshua listened to his met her. I gave,it 4 stars
November 21, 2017
Wild flowers and lilac toilette water
With cowboys, horses, an evil villain and a pretty girl in distress, this is a perfect story. I love this book, and have just read it for the second time. Linda Hubelek writes a great western historical romance. She knows her history, and she knows clean romance.
With cowboys, horses, an evil villain and a pretty girl in distress, this is a perfect story. I love this book, and have just read it for the second time. Linda Hubelek writes a great western historical romance. She knows her history, and she knows clean romance.
February 28, 2018
5 Star
Frontier Prairie Romance
This is a great story with a many-layered plot that is far from the norm. It is a sweet western romance filled with realism. All of the characters rang true and life-like. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
Frontier Prairie Romance
This is a great story with a many-layered plot that is far from the norm. It is a sweet western romance filled with realism. All of the characters rang true and life-like. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
September 13, 2017
Ok
It was an okay book. It would have been better if it had been a bit longer. One annoyi gmthing was that the writer gave a man a female name. Dagmar is a name for girls....the meaning of the name is dag=day mar=maiden...which means a Swede wouldn't name a son Dagmar.
It was an okay book. It would have been better if it had been a bit longer. One annoyi gmthing was that the writer gave a man a female name. Dagmar is a name for girls....the meaning of the name is dag=day mar=maiden...which means a Swede wouldn't name a son Dagmar.
November 27, 2017
Rania Ropes a Rancher
A delightful and very well written book. I recommend it to anyone who wants a good time reading. This was the first of the series and I can imagine it would be good to continue.
A delightful and very well written book. I recommend it to anyone who wants a good time reading. This was the first of the series and I can imagine it would be good to continue.
March 19, 2018
Another Pleasant Feel-good Story.
Happily ever after meets mid West cowgirls and cowboys. Thrills. Treats. Triumph. Happy Endings. Looking forward to reading more from Linda K Hubalek.
Happily ever after meets mid West cowgirls and cowboys. Thrills. Treats. Triumph. Happy Endings. Looking forward to reading more from Linda K Hubalek.
May 2, 2019
This is a review for books 1-4. I have fallen in love with this series and just haven’t been able to stop and do reviews. So I will just say I have enjoyed the reads and like the character growth in the series.
September 18, 2021
Good clean read
Everything is not always within our control. The violence experienced by Rania and Jacob's mother were endured in order to protect their loved ones from danger! Examples of strong pioneer women.
Everything is not always within our control. The violence experienced by Rania and Jacob's mother were endured in order to protect their loved ones from danger! Examples of strong pioneer women.
March 11, 2017
it was OK for a freebie. I like the Swedish culture add. but I feel it went to fast and ended really quickly.
May 31, 2017
My Musings
This is an enjoyable and believable romance with engaging characters. For a short book, there is good character development. Happy 📚!
This is an enjoyable and believable romance with engaging characters. For a short book, there is good character development. Happy 📚!
January 21, 2018
I loved this engaging story of a strong woman who is not afraid to be loved and cared for by a sweet man. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
May 27, 2018
Lovely
I really enjoyed the Sweden traditions. I thought the way Jacob gave Tania the Sweden tradition gift was so lovely
I really enjoyed the Sweden traditions. I thought the way Jacob gave Tania the Sweden tradition gift was so lovely
August 17, 2018
I read it
The story plods along, it is a sweet romance with hints of darkness and woman's vulnerability no matter how gritty they may be.
The story plods along, it is a sweet romance with hints of darkness and woman's vulnerability no matter how gritty they may be.
January 14, 2019
Mistakes
I recommend this story. It's a family that comes from Texas to start a new life . I enjoyed this book.
I recommend this story. It's a family that comes from Texas to start a new life . I enjoyed this book.
July 8, 2019
Fun, clean romance
I really liked this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
It kept my attention so much that I read it straight through.
I really liked this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
It kept my attention so much that I read it straight through.
August 5, 2019
Short but packs a punch
A very intense beginning to what promises to e a very good romance series. Sweet couple and a great happy ending. Best of all, the dog lives!
A very intense beginning to what promises to e a very good romance series. Sweet couple and a great happy ending. Best of all, the dog lives!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews