Ranchers Steady Heart: Small Town Ranch Romance

by Olivia Kay

Apparently one viral marketing photo is all it takes to launch a full-scale marriage malfunction. Who Knew?

Five years in, and my cowboy still makes my heart skip, and my eye twitch.

Caleb Briggs is all grit, no chatter, and deeply allergic to social media. Which is unfortunate, because I accidentally turned him into Ironwood Bluff’s Hot Cowboy of the Year.

One second I’m scanning the ranch for harmless marketing pictures, and the next his smoldering muscles are everywhere. Now half the county wants to sponsor his abs, and my sexy-hot husband is suddenly trending.

Meanwhile I’m juggling two kids, mild panic attacks, community gossip, and a husband who still looks at me like I’m the only woman on the planet… when he’s not muttering about “that dang picture.”

Somewhere between the chaos, the teasing, and some very effective bedroom negotiations, I start falling for him all over again.

But when my accidental fame monster starts pulling us apart, one awful question hits

Did I save our marriage… or accidentally turn my husband into everyone’s favorite cowboy snack but mine?

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Valerie Dix · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC review: I received the ARC from author and promised to give an honest review. The story line was a good one, that's why I gave it 2 stars. I just couldn't give any more than that. This will probably upset a few people, but I just didn't like the characters. The whole story lacked the meat and potatoes of a true romance and there was no back ground of any kind. It bored me more than anything and I had to force myself to even read it all. I've read a lot of romances in my 50+ years and this one I don't consider a good romance. The only meat and potatoes of this one was the sex scenes and there is a better way to have that without all the graphic details. I'm sorry, though this may be a good book for everyone else, it's just not for me, so I can't recommend it like I normally would. So sorry!

[Brenda Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this one as an ARC to review. This was an enjoyable book to read. My biggest complaint is that no timeline is ever given at any point in the book. As you're reading, you can tell time has passed based on certain phrases, but it would've been much easier to read if the amount of time passed had been listed. Other than that, I enjoyed the story. The characters are relatable and not perfect. They aren't given much of a backstory, if any bu that didn't really bother me. The family dynamic is interesting, showcasing a big ranch family. And the spicy parts were just enough to stay interesting without going overboard or detracting from the story. Overall a quick, good read for me. Not sure I'll continue with others in the series as it just didn't hold my interest as much as other books.

[Laura Shostak · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Read: Ranchers Steady Heart by Olivia Kay is a steady look into ranch life, where family, friendship, and loyalty are held sacred and tested by Mother Nature and Big Corp. The author paints a vivid picture of rural living with likable characters. The themes of perseverance and devotion to family is heartfelt and draws you in.

That said, the pace is slow. At times the plot moves more like a routine day on the ranch rather than a developing narrative, which may challenge readers looking for more momentum. Overall, this is a gentle read that will appeal most to those who enjoy character driven stories and realistic portrayals of ranch life. Its focus on family, loyalty, and enduring love gives it a warm grounded charm.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Caleb and Jenna’s story.
Caleb and Jenna have been married for the past 5-years, and they juggle running the ranch with two children. When Jenna takes a harmless marketing picture of Caleb, half the country wants to sponsor his abs.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, loyalty, making choices, communication, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

One candid moment featuring her hot husband cowboy Caleb literally puts their small ranch on the map and into a maelstrom of commotion.
I app resolved what Jenna was doing but I did think she was jumping in without really contemplating the consequences of her promises.
I really wanted someone to barbecue Travis and tell him to take a hike.
The message of the book is loyalty, steadfast endurance, and belief in family.
The nest scene was toward the end with what Ellie makes for Caleb.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book just pulled me in from the start. One hot cowboy rancher and a wife that uses his photos media to put the ranches name on the map.
Caleb is a man that adores his wife Jenna and their children.
I loved how this book, the connection between husband and wife, family and community.
Such a great read that will make you feel good and wanting more. Great characters even Travis who is a complete pain.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rancher’s Steady Heart” by Olivia Kay

-A heartfelt ranch romance showing the highs and hardships of married life and ranch life under public scrutiny. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Caleb is a devoted cowboy husband, while Jenna’s choices bring growth, conflict, and community change. Rich ranch details, strong family bonds, and a message of loyalty and integrity make this a feel-good read.

Love the cover! Hot romantic cowboy!

[Debbie Tinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rancher's Steady Heart is a brilliant story of love, the challenges of ranch life, complications that arise unexpectedly but strong family relationships, loyalty, love and persistence can prevail and together as a family they can overcome anything. A truly heartwarming story exhibiting the true power of love, trust and loyalty. I received a free ARC copy of this book and voluntarily give this honest review of this story.

[Gail G Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Kay Small Town Ranch Romance bk 3

Books 1-3 I rate each as a 5 star book. The characters are hard working, family whether blood or not. Children and animals create laughter.
Troubles come and go, greed tries manipulation. Each book has a HEA ending.
I hope you take a chance on Olivia Kay and her Family Ranch stories, I’m pretty sure you will enjoy them. Good reading to you.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb and Jenna's heartwarming story is about ranch life and family dynamics that are put to the test. It is a well written book along with inspiring characters that connected me with them and had me in their corner all throughout especially when Caleb's picture goes viral and the drama begins.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family is everything. Marriage is ups, downs, conflicts, disagreements, chaos and love. Doing what is right for your family is most important. Never take a shortcut to integrity. Love can conquer all.

[T.Albada · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author lets you experience community and ranch life in the way she is writing about it.
It's a hard life,and sometimes you loose communicating with your husband.
But in the end everything that counts is family
Great story

[Nikki Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: This book shows how hard a rancher’s life can be. From storms to missing cattle, Caleb and Jenna always stayed true to themselves and their marriage/life.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt story of rekindled romance in the midst of running a family business. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author!