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The Prime Cut Beef Series
Second Rise Ranch: A Steamy Why Choose Western Romance
She thought leaving was the hardest part.
She was wrong.
Hazel Hayes has spent years becoming someone she barely recognises. Controlled, silenced, and shaped into the perfect version of what someone else wanted her to be.
Leaving was never part of the plan… until staying became impossible.
With nothing but the clothes on her back and fear at her heels, Hazel runs.
Straight into the one place she swore she would never return.
Montana.
Second Rise Ranch.
A place built by three men who understand danger, loyalty, and what it means to protect something worth keeping.
Caleb, steady, grounded, and impossible to ignore.
Grant, watches everything… including her.
Luke, offers a kind of quiet kindness she doesn’t quite know how to trust.
They see more than she wants them to.
They recognize the truth she is still trying to hide.
And they are not walking away.
Second Rise Ranch is a steamy why-choose romance featuring three protective cowboys, a heroine learning to reclaim her life, and a found family that proves love doesn’t have to be earned… only chosen.
She was wrong.
Hazel Hayes has spent years becoming someone she barely recognises. Controlled, silenced, and shaped into the perfect version of what someone else wanted her to be.
Leaving was never part of the plan… until staying became impossible.
With nothing but the clothes on her back and fear at her heels, Hazel runs.
Straight into the one place she swore she would never return.
Montana.
Second Rise Ranch.
A place built by three men who understand danger, loyalty, and what it means to protect something worth keeping.
Caleb, steady, grounded, and impossible to ignore.
Grant, watches everything… including her.
Luke, offers a kind of quiet kindness she doesn’t quite know how to trust.
They see more than she wants them to.
They recognize the truth she is still trying to hide.
And they are not walking away.
Second Rise Ranch is a steamy why-choose romance featuring three protective cowboys, a heroine learning to reclaim her life, and a found family that proves love doesn’t have to be earned… only chosen.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
About the author
Angie Nel
6 books7 followersAngie Nel writes small-town romance stories that feel like home, filled with cinnamon-sweet mornings, stolen kisses, and the kind of quiet love that grows when you least expect it.
Originally from a tiny town herself, Angie knows the magic of close-knit communities where neighbors become family and love blooms in the most ordinary moments.
She now lives in a sleepy English village with her childhood sweetheart, now husband, and their two spirited boys. When she’s not writing or wrangling her children, you’ll find her baking story-fuel treats and dreaming up her next fictional town.
Angie is the author of the Rosewood Hollow Series, a heartwarming and steamy romance collection set in the west of Ireland. If you love emotional reads, second chances, found family, and cozy charm, you’re in the right place.
Sign up for bonus scenes and love letters from Rosewood Hollow on her website.
Originally from a tiny town herself, Angie knows the magic of close-knit communities where neighbors become family and love blooms in the most ordinary moments.
She now lives in a sleepy English village with her childhood sweetheart, now husband, and their two spirited boys. When she’s not writing or wrangling her children, you’ll find her baking story-fuel treats and dreaming up her next fictional town.
Angie is the author of the Rosewood Hollow Series, a heartwarming and steamy romance collection set in the west of Ireland. If you love emotional reads, second chances, found family, and cozy charm, you’re in the right place.
Sign up for bonus scenes and love letters from Rosewood Hollow on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 1, 2026
This book was given to me as an ARC here is my honest and voluntarily review.
This is the second book in the series and it didn’t disappoint I really enjoyed the book Hazel’s story is heartbreaking from the beginning her past trauma and abuse , her fears and the tension is raw and emotional. The ranch isn’t just a setting it becomes a place of healing, where broken people learn they deserve more. Luke, Caleb and Grant they all bring something different to her life . The romance is a slow burn, but it works perfectly . Can’t wait for book 3 .
This is the second book in the series and it didn’t disappoint I really enjoyed the book Hazel’s story is heartbreaking from the beginning her past trauma and abuse , her fears and the tension is raw and emotional. The ranch isn’t just a setting it becomes a place of healing, where broken people learn they deserve more. Luke, Caleb and Grant they all bring something different to her life . The romance is a slow burn, but it works perfectly . Can’t wait for book 3 .
March 30, 2026
Second Rise Ranch is not your usual romance. The heroine doesn’t meet a hero on page one. Instead we follow Hazel as she struggles to find yourself after she decides to leave an abusive relationship. The chips are stacked against her. Too many memories, a battered body, a lack of trust follow her when she ends up on the ranch she grew up on and left years before. Her journey back to herself is the core of the book. She reunites with her sister who welcomes her back with no judgment or regrets, and their relationship reflects the best of sisterhood. She also meets three different men who step up to the plate to protect her.
I liked this story because it feels true to itself. Writing about abuse isn’t easy. Hazel does not wallow in her misfortune. She rarely feels sorry for herself. The author does an amazing job of capturing all the nuances of feelings that pull you into her story and encourage you to root for her. You watch her grow. Let go of fear and anger. Appreciate she now has the freedom to make her own choices.
The story takes place in Montana, and again, the author captures the setting beautiful, making it almost a character in the story. The wide vistas, the mountains, the fresh air, the home cooking, and even the horses are brought to life. As the reader, I could see myself there. If the setting were a painting, I would love to step into it and live there.
Two more points that I have to mention. One is that this story is also about someone rich and powerful who wants what he wants and comes after the heroine to bring her back. That reality in the story builds tension—keeps the heroine in hiding and keeps the reader wanting to know what will happen.
The other point is that Second Rise Ranch is also a steamy and sexy story, but the author handles it with grace and sensitivity, sending the strong message that we can recover from abuse.
Second Rise Ranch was a good read. I was interested enough in Hazel and how she comes into her own. The characters are unique and well written. I especially liked the cook at the ranch, Mary, who embodies hard work and family values.
All in all, I would recommend this story if you like western style stories with strong heroines who embrace a relationship that skirts outside the basic norms. 5 stars.
I liked this story because it feels true to itself. Writing about abuse isn’t easy. Hazel does not wallow in her misfortune. She rarely feels sorry for herself. The author does an amazing job of capturing all the nuances of feelings that pull you into her story and encourage you to root for her. You watch her grow. Let go of fear and anger. Appreciate she now has the freedom to make her own choices.
The story takes place in Montana, and again, the author captures the setting beautiful, making it almost a character in the story. The wide vistas, the mountains, the fresh air, the home cooking, and even the horses are brought to life. As the reader, I could see myself there. If the setting were a painting, I would love to step into it and live there.
Two more points that I have to mention. One is that this story is also about someone rich and powerful who wants what he wants and comes after the heroine to bring her back. That reality in the story builds tension—keeps the heroine in hiding and keeps the reader wanting to know what will happen.
The other point is that Second Rise Ranch is also a steamy and sexy story, but the author handles it with grace and sensitivity, sending the strong message that we can recover from abuse.
Second Rise Ranch was a good read. I was interested enough in Hazel and how she comes into her own. The characters are unique and well written. I especially liked the cook at the ranch, Mary, who embodies hard work and family values.
All in all, I would recommend this story if you like western style stories with strong heroines who embrace a relationship that skirts outside the basic norms. 5 stars.
April 19, 2026
4⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
Small town. Three hot cowboys. Why choose? Need I say more?
This is the second book in the series, and I really enjoyed it. It follows Hazel, who is on the run from her physically abusive fiancé. With nowhere else to go, she returns to the home she fled as a teenager. Now owned by her sister—who takes her in despite years of no contact—Hazel finally has a place to land. Fearing her fiancé might come looking for her there, her sister arranges for Hazel to stay at a neighboring ranch run by three ex-military cowboys, trusting they’ll be able to keep her safe.
Enter Luke, Caleb, and Grant—protective, patient, and exactly what Hazel needs. They give her the space to heal, never pushing, only supporting. As she settles into ranch life, she begins to regain her strength, helping out with daily work and learning self-defense to rebuild her confidence. Of course, the chemistry between them is undeniable—and all three men want her… and aren’t afraid to share.
I loved this one. It’s a seriously spicy read, but it also handles the heavy topic of domestic abuse with care. I’m already looking forward to book three.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Cowboy Romance
➳❥ Why Choose
➳❥ Small Town
➳❥ Healing
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Survivor FMC
➳❥ Spice
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“She is beautiful. Not in the way men usually mean it, like beauty is something to take. More like it is something that exists even after the world tried to ruin it.”
"Trust isn't something you hand over because someone says the right words."
“Running through the next steps in my head. Food. Space. Quiet. And making damn sure no one ever makes her flinch like that again.”
“And then I realize something important.
I feel safe. Safe. This vulnerability, this raw nakedness, feels like freedom, not fear.”
“You look like you are exactly where you belong."
April 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book way more than I expected to. From the very beginning, I felt pulled right into Hazel’s story. You can just feel how broken down she is from everything she’s been through, and it honestly made me root for her right away. Watching her slowly start finding herself again at Second Rise Ranch was one of my favorite parts. It wasn’t rushed. It felt like a real journey, and I stayed completely invested the whole time.
The part about Athena was one of my favorite parts, as I have always been a horse person myself. I instantly loved the cook, and then you have these three amazing men. WOW! Each one brought something different, and I loved that. Caleb felt like that steady, dependable one you know you can lean on. Grant had that intense, watchful vibe that kept things interesting. And Luke? He was just so sweet and patient, it melted my heart a little. I liked how they all saw Hazel for who she really was, even when she didn’t see it herself.
Yes, the steamy parts were definitely good (no complaints there at all), but honestly, the story itself is what really kept me hooked. Not just the romance, but also about healing, trust, and learning you’re worthy of love without having to earn it. That message really stuck with me.
This is a great book. Easy to get into, hard to put down, and full of emotion along with the heat. If you like strong women, protective men, and a good “found family” kind of story, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The part about Athena was one of my favorite parts, as I have always been a horse person myself. I instantly loved the cook, and then you have these three amazing men. WOW! Each one brought something different, and I loved that. Caleb felt like that steady, dependable one you know you can lean on. Grant had that intense, watchful vibe that kept things interesting. And Luke? He was just so sweet and patient, it melted my heart a little. I liked how they all saw Hazel for who she really was, even when she didn’t see it herself.
Yes, the steamy parts were definitely good (no complaints there at all), but honestly, the story itself is what really kept me hooked. Not just the romance, but also about healing, trust, and learning you’re worthy of love without having to earn it. That message really stuck with me.
This is a great book. Easy to get into, hard to put down, and full of emotion along with the heat. If you like strong women, protective men, and a good “found family” kind of story, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
March 30, 2026
Second Rise Ranch honestly surprised me in the best way. I went into it expecting a steamy romance, which it definitely delivers, but what really stood out was how emotional and healing the story felt. Hazel is not just thrown into a romance for the sake of it. She is coming from a place of real pain and fear, and you can feel that in the way she reacts to everything around her. Watching her slowly learn how to feel safe again is what made this story hit for me.
The three men at the ranch are not just there to be love interests. Each one brings something different to the table, and together they create this strong sense of protection and stability that contrasts beautifully with what Hazel has been through. The found family aspect really shines here and gives the story a lot of heart.
The pacing leans more toward a slow build, which I actually appreciated because it lets the relationships develop in a more natural way. If I had one small critique, it would be that I wanted even more depth with each of the guys individually, but their dynamic as a group still works really well.
Overall, this is a mix of emotional healing, strong chemistry, and a cozy but intense ranch setting. It is steamy, yes, but it also has a lot of heart behind it, which made it stand out for me.
The three men at the ranch are not just there to be love interests. Each one brings something different to the table, and together they create this strong sense of protection and stability that contrasts beautifully with what Hazel has been through. The found family aspect really shines here and gives the story a lot of heart.
The pacing leans more toward a slow build, which I actually appreciated because it lets the relationships develop in a more natural way. If I had one small critique, it would be that I wanted even more depth with each of the guys individually, but their dynamic as a group still works really well.
Overall, this is a mix of emotional healing, strong chemistry, and a cozy but intense ranch setting. It is steamy, yes, but it also has a lot of heart behind it, which made it stand out for me.
April 9, 2026
Reading Second Rise Ranch (2026) felt like a breath of fresh air. The story focuses on Hazel and her journey toward peace after a difficult past. The connection she builds with the men on the ranch provides a sense of security that is heartening to follow. The bond between the characters creates a protective environment. This dynamic makes the setting feel like a true home. The chemistry remains present throughout the pages, but the focus on emotional recovery gives the book real substance. The slow development of the relationships makes the story feel grounded. It is nice to see a plot where trust is earned over time.
This book left me with a sense of calm and hope. I felt a strong connection to the idea of finding safety in unexpected places. The way the characters care for one another brought a smile to my face. It is a relief to read a story where the protagonist finds a group of people who offer unconditional support. The ranch setting feels inviting and warm. I finished the final chapter feeling satisfied and light. This story serves as a reminder that healing is possible with the right people by your side. It is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys a tale about resilience and the strength of a found family.
This book left me with a sense of calm and hope. I felt a strong connection to the idea of finding safety in unexpected places. The way the characters care for one another brought a smile to my face. It is a relief to read a story where the protagonist finds a group of people who offer unconditional support. The ranch setting feels inviting and warm. I finished the final chapter feeling satisfied and light. This story serves as a reminder that healing is possible with the right people by your side. It is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys a tale about resilience and the strength of a found family.
March 30, 2026
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was such a cozy, emotional read that really pulled me in. Hazel starts fragile and carrying a lot of trauma, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the story. Watching her find her strength and come into her own was one of my favorite parts. The guys were everything you want in a why choose romance… strong, protective, and a solid support system around her. Caleb, Luke, and Grant each brought something different, but together they created this safe space that Hazel needed. The story dives into emotional struggles and relationship development in a way that feels real and engaging. And the ranch setting? It added such a warm & calming backdrop for Hazel’s journey of healing and for the connections she builds with the guys.
This was such a cozy, emotional read that really pulled me in. Hazel starts fragile and carrying a lot of trauma, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the story. Watching her find her strength and come into her own was one of my favorite parts. The guys were everything you want in a why choose romance… strong, protective, and a solid support system around her. Caleb, Luke, and Grant each brought something different, but together they created this safe space that Hazel needed. The story dives into emotional struggles and relationship development in a way that feels real and engaging. And the ranch setting? It added such a warm & calming backdrop for Hazel’s journey of healing and for the connections she builds with the guys.
April 2, 2026
I was giving this book as an ARC
I just want to say how amazing this book is, it was written so well and I enjoyed reading about the fmc and mmc’s story from start to finish. Angie Nel has outdone herself once again.
I just want to say how amazing this book is, it was written so well and I enjoyed reading about the fmc and mmc’s story from start to finish. Angie Nel has outdone herself once again.
April 14, 2026
Story 3.75⭐️ Spice 3.25🌶️
Angie, what do you have against contractions? Will a “don’t” be the end of the world? The lack of contractions really throws the cadence off. There’s not a lot of building to the relationships. It’s basically just Insta love.
Angie, what do you have against contractions? Will a “don’t” be the end of the world? The lack of contractions really throws the cadence off. There’s not a lot of building to the relationships. It’s basically just Insta love.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews