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Pine Ridge Ranch #1
Miss Magnolia's in a Mash
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Nash Whitlock seems to have misplaced his fiance—and he needs one quickly. Who better than the woman he crashed into on the staircase?
Full synopsis coming soon!
Full synopsis coming soon!
- GenresContemporary
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reader’s Notes:
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
*Point Of View:* Magnolia & Nash
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* there are two uses of variations of the ‘a’ word for donkey
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
–in the beginning of the story a character’s relative is practically on their deathbed (they get better though!)
-it’s mentioned that a character’s parent passed (15 years prior)
-there are 2 mentions of a character not wearing pants (no further description)
Review:
This book was so much fun! I loved Magnolia & Nash’s meet cute and the situation they find themselves in soon after! It was great seeing them both attracted to each other but knowing next to nothing about each other while trying to fake a relationship. I loved getting to know Nash’s grandfather and how lively he was! I loved that he and Magnolia hit it off right off the bat and that she didn’t mince words when talking to him. I loved seeing Nash want to protect Magnolia from anything that could harm her, no matter if it was his family members or the rough looking guys she befriended that hung around outside her apartment building. And I loved that Magnolia didn’t really want anything from Nash, she just honestly loved providing his grandfather with the hope she would be pretending to represent. One of my favorite scenes (besides the ending) was when Magnolia’s mom got to meet Nash over the phone and he wouldn’t let Magnolia end the call!
I can’t wait to find out what will happen between Bliss & Zeke!
Summary:
Magnolia has a big heart and when she’s asked by a distraught man to pretend to be his fiance for his dying grandfather, she doesn’t think twice about accepting. She didn’t think it would last more than the day with how the old man was declining, but surprisingly he begins recovering and attributes his good health to Magnolia. Prolonging her ruse as Nash’s fiance seems like the best idea in order to keep the man on the mend and brings Magnolia into a whole new world of family drama. Not to mention she’s been slowly growing feelings for Nash despite their relationship being fake. But does he want something real with her too or will he just be letting go of her once his grandfather fully recovers?
Nash grew up outside of his money-grubbing extended family’s reach as a kid and now having to deal with them as an adult is akin to torture. He’d much rather be back home on the ranch. But with his grandfather’s declining health and Nash’s love for his grandfather at the forefront of his mind, he can’t just stand by and see him waste away around those who’d love to see his grandfather’s passing for the inheritance it’d gain them. And when his grandfather’s dying wish is to meet the fiance Nash forgot to inform him had left him, Nash can’t let him go without fulfilling it. So Nash does the unthinkable and asks a woman he just met if she’d play the part for him. And oddly enough she accepts. But when real feelings interact with their fake relationship as they extend their agreement when his grandfather miraculously starts getting better, Nash wonders if he could have found someone that truly loves him…
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
*Point Of View:* Magnolia & Nash
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* there are two uses of variations of the ‘a’ word for donkey
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
–in the beginning of the story a character’s relative is practically on their deathbed (they get better though!)
-it’s mentioned that a character’s parent passed (15 years prior)
-there are 2 mentions of a character not wearing pants (no further description)
Review:
This book was so much fun! I loved Magnolia & Nash’s meet cute and the situation they find themselves in soon after! It was great seeing them both attracted to each other but knowing next to nothing about each other while trying to fake a relationship. I loved getting to know Nash’s grandfather and how lively he was! I loved that he and Magnolia hit it off right off the bat and that she didn’t mince words when talking to him. I loved seeing Nash want to protect Magnolia from anything that could harm her, no matter if it was his family members or the rough looking guys she befriended that hung around outside her apartment building. And I loved that Magnolia didn’t really want anything from Nash, she just honestly loved providing his grandfather with the hope she would be pretending to represent. One of my favorite scenes (besides the ending) was when Magnolia’s mom got to meet Nash over the phone and he wouldn’t let Magnolia end the call!
I can’t wait to find out what will happen between Bliss & Zeke!
Summary:
Magnolia has a big heart and when she’s asked by a distraught man to pretend to be his fiance for his dying grandfather, she doesn’t think twice about accepting. She didn’t think it would last more than the day with how the old man was declining, but surprisingly he begins recovering and attributes his good health to Magnolia. Prolonging her ruse as Nash’s fiance seems like the best idea in order to keep the man on the mend and brings Magnolia into a whole new world of family drama. Not to mention she’s been slowly growing feelings for Nash despite their relationship being fake. But does he want something real with her too or will he just be letting go of her once his grandfather fully recovers?
Nash grew up outside of his money-grubbing extended family’s reach as a kid and now having to deal with them as an adult is akin to torture. He’d much rather be back home on the ranch. But with his grandfather’s declining health and Nash’s love for his grandfather at the forefront of his mind, he can’t just stand by and see him waste away around those who’d love to see his grandfather’s passing for the inheritance it’d gain them. And when his grandfather’s dying wish is to meet the fiance Nash forgot to inform him had left him, Nash can’t let him go without fulfilling it. So Nash does the unthinkable and asks a woman he just met if she’d play the part for him. And oddly enough she accepts. But when real feelings interact with their fake relationship as they extend their agreement when his grandfather miraculously starts getting better, Nash wonders if he could have found someone that truly loves him…
Review of advance copy received from Author
“His eyes are locked onto mine, and something in his eyes gives me butterflies. This is not good. Someone’s microexpressions shouldn’t have the power to make your heart skip a beat.”
When finished reading Charlie Takes a Chance, I scoured the internet to find Nash and Magnolia’s story, because I knew I NEEDED it in my life. I was so sad to find out it hadn’t been written yet. So, as you can imagine, I was beyond excited to get the chance to read it and it did not disappoint!!
Nash literally runs into Magnolia while trying to escape their office bulling when the fire alarm goes off. Layer, when Nash needs to produce his fiancée to his dying grandpa, Magnolia steps in. Little do they know she will be just what the doctor ordered and when Grandpa makes a miraculous recovery, Nash and Magnolia find their lives more intertwined than either of them planned on!
Ahhh!! I loved these two!! They had such great chemistry and fun banter! I loved Grandpa Alexander and his meddling! 😏 I loved how he called her Miss Magnolia. I loved her stress baking (since I often do the same thing!). I loved how Magnolia was down to earth and not phased by the Whitlock’s money or family drama. I loved how protective Nash was and his heart of gold. I loved their trip to Pine Ridge and the way it fit into their future. And, of course, I loved watching them fall in love and realize their feelings for each other.
Favorite quotes:
“She already means so much to me. How is that possible? We’re practically strangers. I don’t have the right to give input into her life. But I’d love nothing more than to take care of her and make her life easier for her. Especially when I’ve put her in this impossible position.”
“There’s no way I can walk away from the fake engagement without some feelings for him.”
“Your dreams are your own. And they’re all good things. If it makes you happy, then that’s good enough. If people have enough time to talk down about your life’s dreams… then it means they're not busy chasing their own.”
When finished reading Charlie Takes a Chance, I scoured the internet to find Nash and Magnolia’s story, because I knew I NEEDED it in my life. I was so sad to find out it hadn’t been written yet. So, as you can imagine, I was beyond excited to get the chance to read it and it did not disappoint!!
Nash literally runs into Magnolia while trying to escape their office bulling when the fire alarm goes off. Layer, when Nash needs to produce his fiancée to his dying grandpa, Magnolia steps in. Little do they know she will be just what the doctor ordered and when Grandpa makes a miraculous recovery, Nash and Magnolia find their lives more intertwined than either of them planned on!
Ahhh!! I loved these two!! They had such great chemistry and fun banter! I loved Grandpa Alexander and his meddling! 😏 I loved how he called her Miss Magnolia. I loved her stress baking (since I often do the same thing!). I loved how Magnolia was down to earth and not phased by the Whitlock’s money or family drama. I loved how protective Nash was and his heart of gold. I loved their trip to Pine Ridge and the way it fit into their future. And, of course, I loved watching them fall in love and realize their feelings for each other.
Favorite quotes:
“She already means so much to me. How is that possible? We’re practically strangers. I don’t have the right to give input into her life. But I’d love nothing more than to take care of her and make her life easier for her. Especially when I’ve put her in this impossible position.”
“There’s no way I can walk away from the fake engagement without some feelings for him.”
“Your dreams are your own. And they’re all good things. If it makes you happy, then that’s good enough. If people have enough time to talk down about your life’s dreams… then it means they're not busy chasing their own.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
It all starts with a fire drill… 🚨 Magnolia and Nash literally collide on an office building fire escape and almost tumble down eight stories 😳 Instead, he steadies her, holds her hand, and she cracks jokes all the way down—an unforgettable meet-cute that sets the tone for everything that follows.
When their paperwork gets mixed up and Magnolia loses her boss’s important documents, she’s fired on the spot. Enter Nash… who conveniently forgets to mention he owns the building 👀 and comes from a very wealthy family. After a messy breakup with his gold-digging ex, he needs a favor: his grandfather is in his final days and wants to meet Nash’s fiancée.
So… fake dating it is 💍
Magnolia agrees to play the part for two weeks, but what starts as a business arrangement quickly turns into something more. And honestly? The grandpa storyline 🥹💛 absolutely stole my heart. His connection with Magnolia was one of the sweetest parts of the book.
Now, I’ll be honest—I am burned out on fake dating. There have been SO many lately, and the trope can feel repetitive and overly convenient. I almost skipped this one… but Carina Taylor is an auto-read author for me, so I gave it a shot.
And I’m glad I did.
✨ Magnolia is hilarious, genuine, and refreshingly not motivated by money
✨ Nash is peak swoony hero energy
✨ The banter and friendships (especially with Piper!) add so much charm
This is a clean romance (no spice beyond kissing, no swearing), making it perfect if you’re in the mood for something light, wholesome, and feel-good 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
A sweet, cozy read on Kindle Unlimited—especially if you still have room in your heart for one more fake dating story 😉
💬 Favorite Carina Taylor book? Mine is Clean Out of Luck!
#Bookstagram #RomanceReads #CleanRomance #FakeDatingTrope #KindleUnlimitedReads #CarinaTaylor #BookReview #CozyReads #RomanceBooks #BookLovers
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
This was so fun! I love reading Carina Taylor’s books because they are often low stress with lots of laughs. Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash is a part of Carina Taylor’s Pine Ridge Ranch series. The story sounded interesting so I was excited to read it!
Magnolia was a breath of fresh air. She was just living life to its fullest. She was trying to find her place and figure out her dreams. I love how she seemed to genuinely cared for people Although she didn’t know Nash well, she was willing to help him out. I loved her interactions with Nash’s grandpa and how she just wanted to live a quiet life.
Poor Nash, he was feeling the weight of his family’s expectations and he wanted to do what was right. He kind of roped Magnolia into the fake relationship but he didn’t have any malicious intent. I loved seeing him grow and find himself as he spent time with Magnolia.
Their romance was so sweet and I loved their easy relationship. They became friends but ended up falling in love as they spent time together. They were faking a relationship to help Nash’s grandpa but they ended up loving being together. The book was just the perfect pick me up.
I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash is a closed door romantic comedy.
I received a complimentary copy
This was so fun! I love reading Carina Taylor’s books because they are often low stress with lots of laughs. Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash is a part of Carina Taylor’s Pine Ridge Ranch series. The story sounded interesting so I was excited to read it!
Magnolia was a breath of fresh air. She was just living life to its fullest. She was trying to find her place and figure out her dreams. I love how she seemed to genuinely cared for people Although she didn’t know Nash well, she was willing to help him out. I loved her interactions with Nash’s grandpa and how she just wanted to live a quiet life.
Poor Nash, he was feeling the weight of his family’s expectations and he wanted to do what was right. He kind of roped Magnolia into the fake relationship but he didn’t have any malicious intent. I loved seeing him grow and find himself as he spent time with Magnolia.
Their romance was so sweet and I loved their easy relationship. They became friends but ended up falling in love as they spent time together. They were faking a relationship to help Nash’s grandpa but they ended up loving being together. The book was just the perfect pick me up.
I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash is a closed door romantic comedy.
I received a complimentary copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Magnolia trabaja en una oficina donde lo más emocionante suele ser sobrevivir a su jefa, hasta que un día todo se sale de control cuando suena la alarma de incendio. En medio del caos, termina chocando con un desconocido en las escaleras y casi cae varios pisos. Ese momento que pudo ser un desastre termina siendo el inicio de algo inesperado.
Nash aparece justo a tiempo para salvarla, y aunque el susto es enorme, la conexión entre ellos es inmediata. Lo que empieza como un accidente se convierte en una situación cada vez más extraña, con secretos, mentiras improvisadas y decisiones que ninguno de los dos planeaba tomar ese día.
Ella solo quería salir del edificio y volver a su rutina, pero en cuestión de horas pierde su trabajo, se mete en problemas y termina aceptando algo que suena completamente loco. Él por su parte, carga con sus propios conflictos familiares y una urgencia que no le deja mucho espacio para pensar bien las cosas. Ambos se ven arrastrados a una mentira que ninguno esperaba fingir. Y mientras todo avanza demasiado rápido, la pregunta es si lo que empezó como un accidente puede convertirse en algo real o si todo se va a desmoronar tan rápido como empezó.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Nash aparece justo a tiempo para salvarla, y aunque el susto es enorme, la conexión entre ellos es inmediata. Lo que empieza como un accidente se convierte en una situación cada vez más extraña, con secretos, mentiras improvisadas y decisiones que ninguno de los dos planeaba tomar ese día.
Ella solo quería salir del edificio y volver a su rutina, pero en cuestión de horas pierde su trabajo, se mete en problemas y termina aceptando algo que suena completamente loco. Él por su parte, carga con sus propios conflictos familiares y una urgencia que no le deja mucho espacio para pensar bien las cosas. Ambos se ven arrastrados a una mentira que ninguno esperaba fingir. Y mientras todo avanza demasiado rápido, la pregunta es si lo que empezó como un accidente puede convertirse en algo real o si todo se va a desmoronar tan rápido como empezó.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again Carina Taylor has proven that she is, in my opinion at least, the absolute queen of banter and sass... because the back and forth between Magnolia and Nash? Oh my goodness, it was so good. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud right from their very first, rather awkward, meet-cute. Followed by a fake engagement to a basic stranger to please a dying grandfather... who then makes a miraculous recovery!? Clearly, the laughs didn't stop with their first meeting. There was so much to love about this one: the family drama (seriously, so good), the chemistry, the friendships... I was here for absolutely everything this story had to offer. And let's not forget Alexander, Nash's grandpa, who really is another star of this story. I mean, I loved the romance between Magnolia and Nash wholeheartedly, but I'm always a sucker for a quirky grandparent character and Alexander fit the role perfectly... I just loved him and his relationship with both Nash AND Magnolia... I won't give anything away, but trust me, you'll definitely want to experience this one for yourself. If you're looking for your next great laugh out loud romcom, Carina Taylor never disappoints! This one is a must read, for sure!
Miss Magnolia's in a Mash is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Miss Magnolia's in a Mash is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this book! I’m already a huge fan of Carina Taylor’s writing, and this story reminded me exactly why. Her books are always fun, engaging, and full of heart, and this one delivered all of that and more.
I’m a total sucker for a fake engagement trope honestly, anything fake relationship related gets me every time and this story did it so well. Watching the characters navigate their pretend relationship while all the real feelings start sneaking in is one of my favorite things, and this book nailed that tension and chemistry perfectly.
The characters were lovable, the story kept me hooked, and I found myself smiling so much while reading. It had that perfect mix of humor, romance, and those swoony moments that make you not want to put the book down.
The best part? This is just book one in the series! I’m so excited knowing there will be more stories coming because I definitely want to spend more time in this world.
If you love fake engagements, charming romance, and authors who know how to pull you into a story, you’ll definitely want to pick up Miss Magnolia’s in a Mess. I can’t wait for the next book! 📚💛
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this book! I’m already a huge fan of Carina Taylor’s writing, and this story reminded me exactly why. Her books are always fun, engaging, and full of heart, and this one delivered all of that and more.
I’m a total sucker for a fake engagement trope honestly, anything fake relationship related gets me every time and this story did it so well. Watching the characters navigate their pretend relationship while all the real feelings start sneaking in is one of my favorite things, and this book nailed that tension and chemistry perfectly.
The characters were lovable, the story kept me hooked, and I found myself smiling so much while reading. It had that perfect mix of humor, romance, and those swoony moments that make you not want to put the book down.
The best part? This is just book one in the series! I’m so excited knowing there will be more stories coming because I definitely want to spend more time in this world.
If you love fake engagements, charming romance, and authors who know how to pull you into a story, you’ll definitely want to pick up Miss Magnolia’s in a Mess. I can’t wait for the next book! 📚💛
March 25, 2026
If you asked me to pick a favorite character… I don’t know if I could. Because on one hand you Magnolia and her wit and humor (I feel like I saw some of own brain on the page in her!) and then you’ve got Alexander and his meddling, persnickety, old-person charm.
Oh, the banter! I loved how both Magnolia and Nash gave as good as they got. They didn’t bite their tongues, and they were such good sports — I mean, Magnolia with the horse back riding — the woman is fire!
This story is most definitely a slow burn, I might’ve told them to hurry and just kiss a few times — what can I say, I love some good kisses! Once the physical side of their chemistry kicked in it went full blast, and was just perfect!
If you’re in the mood for some fake dating, meddling grandpa story full of humor without spice or swearing, this is the book for you!
Huge thanks to the Emily’s and to Carina for my early copy!
Oh, the banter! I loved how both Magnolia and Nash gave as good as they got. They didn’t bite their tongues, and they were such good sports — I mean, Magnolia with the horse back riding — the woman is fire!
This story is most definitely a slow burn, I might’ve told them to hurry and just kiss a few times — what can I say, I love some good kisses! Once the physical side of their chemistry kicked in it went full blast, and was just perfect!
If you’re in the mood for some fake dating, meddling grandpa story full of humor without spice or swearing, this is the book for you!
Huge thanks to the Emily’s and to Carina for my early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this fake fiance book quite a lot! Magnolia and Nash are a cute couple, and their relationship with Nash's grandfather is so sweet! This book is the first in a series chronologically but actually the second book the author has released from the series and it was fun to read it knowing where some of the things were going having already read book 2. (absolutely fine, probably better even, to read this one first). I read an early copy from the author, I look forward to the rest of the world getting this book soon!
Review of advance copy
I loved Magnolia! She was funny, blunt, a bit sassy and so kind. Nash had a bit of growing up to do, emotionally. He was a bit too hot and cold and it frustrated me. However, he was a sweetheart and I loved how much he cared for his grandfather. This is book one in the Pine Ridge Ranch series, though it did come out after book 2. I was excited to read this one after being introduced to Magnolia and Nash in Charlie takes a Chance and wondered what their story was.
It could use another quick edit though, as there were some contradictory parts, some missing info, and a few typos.
It could use another quick edit though, as there were some contradictory parts, some missing info, and a few typos.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This isn't the first book I've read that is this particular trope, but there were some aspects of it that seemed very unique to this story. I enjoyed the overall plot of the story. I especially enjoyed the meet cute and Magnolia's sass. Overall it's a pretty cute story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
cute!!! loved the banter between the two! carina is great with adding humor and sarcasm to books and i just enjoy it so much! I loved the fake engagement plot in this as well!
I did receive an advanced copy and this is my honest review
I did receive an advanced copy and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the friend dynamics in this sweet romcom! I love the sassy witty banter! I know that a Carina Taylor novel will make me laugh out loud and this sweet story was fantastic!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
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