Taking Charge

Lone Star Burn #4

by Ruth Cardello

Lucy Albright never wanted her family’s Texas ranch, but now it’s in foreclosure. She’s already lost so much she can’t bear the thought of losing one more thing. Lucy learned the hard way not to accept help from a man when there are strings attached, so she’ll do whatever it takes to save the ranch on her own terms—even if that means launching an online business marketing high-tech sex toys.

Ranch manager David Harmon has a reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if she refuses his help, down-and-out Lucy is the kind of woman he’ll do anything to protect. And while David may not know much about Lucy’s naughty side business, that won’t stop a cowboy from doing something he’s set his mind to.

With the ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable, but will the spark between them burn her entire future to the ground?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Westerns, Ebooks, Adult

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

About the author

Ruth Cardello hit the NYTs and USA Today for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.

What Kindle Reviewers write about her:

"Wow hot at every page. Heart stoping, fear raging, mind blowing wonderful."

"I'm a true fan of Ms. Cardello. I ran on to her first book a few years back and have been hooked ever since. I could go on and on about the story like of this book, but I'm not. All of her books are total page turners, unique, heart wrenching, and I love them all. There isn't two alike in the bunch and I feel like i know the characters personally. I personally read 97 authors books. And I buy every book they put out. This author is in my top 10. Great job and keep them coming."

"Love this series. Got me to start reading again. I look forward to the next book. Thank you for giving me the love of reading back."

Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York--then came full circle and moved back to New England. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.

She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she's not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm or connecting with her readers online.

Email Notice of New Releases: www.RuthCardello.com/Signup

You can find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RuthCardello

Follow her at Twitter @RuthieCardello

If you'd like to email her directly, you may contact her via her website: www.ruthcardello.com

Lone Star Burn Series
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Book 3: Taken Home
Book 4: Taking Charge

Want to hear the song Charles proposed to Melanie with? https://youtu.be/SGZT5nVKfMs

The Legacy Collection
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (FREE on Amazon!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving the Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea's Redemption
Book 7: (Novella) A Corisi Christmas

The Andrades:
Book 1: Come Away With Me (FREE on Amazon)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
Christmas Novella: A Recipe for Love (Maddy and Richard)

The Barrington Billionaires:
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses
Book 3: Trade It All
Book 3.5: A Billionaire for Lexi
Book 4: Let It Burn
Book 5: More than Love
Book 6: Forever Now
Book 7: Never Goodbye
Book 8: Reluctantly Alpha
Book 9: Reluctantly Rescued
Book 10: Reluctantly Romanced
Book 11: Loving a Landon
Book 12: Loathing a Landon


For a more complete list visit her website at www.ruthcardello.com

Reviews

[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars
All I can say is poor David. He sure had patience which is what Lucy needed.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and David had a tough road to travel to get to where they needed to be.
I have really enjoyed this book and the rest in the series.
Funny, heartwarming, hot and steamy.

[♡Naz♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despised the FMC
Loved the MMC {DAVID}, my man 😝😜🔥

[Sonal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taking Charge is the 4th book in the Lone Start Burn series but can be read as a standalone. However to get the full concept of the story and the background of the supporting characters I highly recommend you read the other books in the series first. I am a big fan of Ruth Cardello's books. I have read and enjoyed all of her books but this one fell flat for me. I find the main character Lucy a bit plain and little boring but David kept the story alive for me. He was sweet, supportive, kind and helpful man. There was a little chemistry between the characters but nothing like Tony and Sarah. I guess I was constantly comparing Lucy and David to other characters in this series. I really enjoyed the other books in this series.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the last book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone book, however by reading the previous books you get to know the supporting characters a little better.

Lucy has gone back to her family's ranch to take over running it after both her parents have died and her brother has taken off leaving her all alone with the failing ranch.

David has heard from Lucy's best friend Sarah that things are not going well and after initially going up and being refused stokes up a friendship with Lucy.

When he finds out that things have gone really pearshaped his protective instincts take over and although he treads carefully he is persistent and eventually gets that he wants, her.

The book is very well written and flows nicely with good character development.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy is back home in Mavis, Texas after losing both her parents. It was her mother's dying wish to have her save the ranch she so desperately loves and the same one Lucy couldn't wait to leave. She finds herself in over her head. With no funds to pay for the ranch hands or for the bank note, Lucy accepts money from Ted, the local slimeball. Lucy sees no way out. She is depressed and not herself. Ted uses that to his advantage and even convinces Lucy to marry him. She doesn't see what he's after, but soon finds out he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

David was asked to come up to Mavis and check in on Lucy by a mutual friend. When he meets her, it's love at first sight! He's star struck. He was quite unprepared for the feelings Lucy invoked. Then he finds out she's engaged to someone else! David bows out feeling defeated.

Lucy ends things with Ted realizing she doesn't love him and she needs to get out now. Then he turns ugly and is true colors are showing through. David comes to her rescue. Lucy likes David, but feels he's stepping on her toes. She wants to save the ranch her way. She's started her own business and it is taking off, but she is embarrassed by the products she is marketing-high tech sex toys! There are quite a few laughs that surround Lucy's research of the toys! Lucy has to admit though, there is no way to take care of that huge ranch without some help. She reluctantly allows David to stay. He just makes things a bit more complicated.

I enjoyed this book the more I read it. It was a bit slow or even dry in the beginning. Lucy was a hard girl to get behind. She was all over the place. I get why, but it was just hard to connect to her. David on the other hand, was the reason I kept reading! What a true knight and shining armor! So sweet and caring. He is that fantasy man every little girl dreams of. Lucy feels that way too, but she is jaded, and of course, she doesn't believe that David would actually want her. I did enjoy how their romance progressed.

Taking Charge is book four in the Lone Star Burn series and Ruth Cardello does a great job of weaving in the characters from her previous books. I always like to get those updates! But you do not have to read the others to like this story! I think once you read this, if you haven't read the others, you will be quick to one-click them and see what you may have missed!

3.5 stars/3.5 flames

This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the purpose of an honest review.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lucy, introduced earlier in this series, took a loan from someone with a questionable reputation. This individual takes advantage at a time where she is down. David falls in love at first sight. With Lucy and during a period where she was down.
I could have gotten on board with this. Instead, it just pissed me off. I'll start with Lucy. I got tired, so tired of her inner monologue. I really, really didn't see why David fell head over heels. Her self-esteem is so low, with little improvement throughout the book. She also puts up with a liar, who supposedly did all of the "for her own good." Bullshit. And that leads me to David.
I could have gotten behind David, but his behavior at times was stalker-ish. He also lied to Lucy. Repeatedly. When he had an opportunity to come clean, he lied again. He even involved her friend, Sarah. Presumably, "for her own good." And guess what? All is quickly forgiven.
FAIL.

[Dawnal Hartman-Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding

When you do not think in your own head you might find where you belong. On their to each other David and Lucy take turns like we all do. Finding someone to trust is never easy and commitment for a lifetime takes courage. Loved this jounery.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

so excited I won this on goodreads first reads. absolutely love this author
loved David's story

[Clorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I liked that just about all the previous characters make an appearance or you get to know about their lives. I think the story was fun and everyone was what you expected them to be. It was a little more naughty than the previous books but hey some people are more than others. ;)

Good series. Easy to read, predictable and some funny parts. I would read more by this author!

[Brenda Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, hot romance

Series. Continues over to Mavis Tx, when David decides he's going after the woman he loves. Love this story, learn how to trust your instincts your gut. See how Lucy fights everyone to keep the one thing she had left her parents their family ranch. What she hadn't expected is to fall in love, but when one lie leads to another will she ever trust him again. Must read.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: TAKING CHARGE (LONE STAR BURN) BY RUTH CARDELLO  
 
 
 
 
 
 
READ AND REVIEW
 
 

TAKING CHARGE (LONE STAR BURN) BY RUTH CARDELLO
 
 
 
 
Release Date:  October 25, 2016
 
 
 
SYNOPSIS
 
Lucy Albright never wanted her family’s Texas ranch, but now it’s in foreclosure. She’s already lost so much she can’t bear the thought of losing one more thing. Lucy learned the hard way not to accept help from a man when there are strings attached, so she’ll do whatever it takes to save the ranch on her own terms—even if that means launching an online business marketing high-¬tech sex toys.
 
Ranch manager David Harmon has a reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if she refuses his help, down-and-out Lucy is the kind of woman he’ll do anything to protect. And while David may not know much about Lucy’s naughty side business, that won’t stop a cowboy from doing something he’s set his mind to.
 
With the ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable, but will the spark between them burn her entire future to the ground?
 
 
BUY LINKS
 
Amazon        B & N        Paperback
 
 
REVIEW:  TAKING CHARGE (LONE STAR BURN) BY RUTH CARDELLO
 
Taking Charge by Ruth CardelloMy rating: 5 of 5 starsTaking Charge delivers. One of the main reasons I have become addicted to the Lone Star Burn series is the small town feel, mixed with big city problems. Each story has it's own way of making you laugh and cry but also getting to the heart of the matter with humility, wisdom and a whole lot heat. Lucy has a great deal of heart but a lack of trust and an abundance of guilt. Every child dreams of making their parents proud and having success come their way but shame and sorrow have become constant companions for this young woman. Determined to prove to herself she can, she sets out to save the family business and ends up getting more than she bargained for. A helping hand, guardian and just maybe the man of her dreams. Sometimes pride can be a person's worse enemy. Taking Charge uses humour and irresistibility to drive that point home.View all my reviews

[Shelley Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello has beautifully written another amazing story in Taking Charge. Though it is part of her Lone Star Burn series, it does tell a complete story on its own.

When Lucy Albright was younger, she couldn't wait to leave town. She went off to college with no real intention of coming back, except to visit her family. But now she has returned home to Mavis, Texas after losing both her parents in order to save her family's ranch.

When her brother also leaves because he can't face the reality of being a rancher, desperate times call for desperate measures. With no real alternative, she takes a loan from their neighbor, who also eventually convinces her to marry him. The problem is, she doesn't love him and she tries to rectify the situation before it gets out of hand.

Lucy is determined to make this on her own. Even though she doesn't have a knack for ranching she comes up with a plan to make the money needed to save her family's land. Lucy is also quite stubborn and unable to trust herself to let anyone close to her. She also won't accept help from anyone, including her closest friends. So when David Harmon shows up at her door, she doesn't know what to make of him.

This book captured my interest from the start and did not let go. Ruth Cardello worked her magic and made me feel every emotion possible as I read this. I laughed as well as nearly cried when I experienced the trials and tribulations of these memorable characters. I can't wait to read more from Ruth!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the publisher and NetGalley***

Lucy and David had chemistry. Sometimes. Other times, I just didn't buy their attraction. I definitely didn't believe that either of them would be willing to risk the lives they had built to be with the other, and this sort of was where it ended up going.

This is technically the 4th book in the series and it says it can be read as a standalone. That said, I am not sure I agree. I felt I was missing a lot of the depth, and the significance, of the other relationships and I think this is because I did not read the other books.

I generally enjoy books by Ruth Cardello, so I was a little surprised to find that this one really didn't work for me. I think, in this instance, it was the fact that I had not read the others...there was just too much that I did not grasp, or feel as deeply as I should.

I am hesitant to say if I do or do not recommend this. I think I do for those who have read the others in the series and for those who have not, I recommend reading the others first.

***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book more the deeper I got into it. It had an easy reading style but I needed to hear more about Lucy and David before I emotionally warmed up to them. It is very clear from reading this book that other character's in it have their own story's told in other novels by this author. This is the first Ruth Cardello I have read but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another. Maybe the one that has David and Sarah's story. I will have to research that.
Thank you netgalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked David, he knew how to get a girl's panties wet,"David leaned over and spoke softly into her ear. “When you look at me like that, all I can think about is effing you..." The reactions Lucy could get out of her man, "Lucy blushed. “I try out one of the items, then share my experience with it online. That way, women know what to expect when they use it.” David shifted and adjusted his jeans. Lucy glanced down at the bulging evidence..." I really enjoyed this book, David was really caring.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of "Taking Charge" by Ruth Cardello. Sometimes I feel like reading a predictable Romantic novel. There are Alpha Cowboys, and a flawed but courageous heroine,fighting for what she believes is the right thing to do. I enjoyed this easy and fast read and would read the other books in this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Taking Charge was not my favorite read. I never understood the main character and why she did what she did, didn't like the whole men must solve the problems and keep the poor little ladies at home, it just wasn't the book for me.

Lucy never wanted to run her family's ranch, but now she is all that is left. She lost both her parents and her brother has run off leaving her to keep everything afloat. It is hard work, she doesn't love it, but she also can't bear to part with the last piece of her family she has left.

David is a really great guy who wants to be there for Lucy. When he first meets her he is smitten. He wants to get to know her better, but she is not in a good place so he bides his time. Only she goes and does something pretty stupid and he loses his chance...at least until a new one arrises. He is not going to waste his second chance with Lucy, the women he is going to marry.

Now I didn't really understand Lucy at all in this book. She talks a lot about how she is afraid now, how she never used to be, how she used to live life how she wanted. How she cannot ask anyone for help because...I guess cause she lost her parents and her brother went dark and everyone leaves? I can understand that when the story makes me believe that is the way the character feels. I was told Lucy felt this way, but I didn't really see it. She didn't make much sense to me. She tries her hardest to stay away from David as...I don't know. She just had a not so good situation so I can see being gun shy, but he is there and your friends have known him forever and know he is a great guy. So...I didn't really understand the way it was written why she was the way she was. That and she is so embarrassed by her online business that she doesn't want anyone to know. If David found out what she was selling he would hate her forever and never want to be with her because...well I don't know why. But by the way she was always so embarrassed by it I kept thinking maybe you should find something else to sell from your house? I don't know. Part of that could just be me not thinking it was a big deal at all, but it annoyed me.

The other big issue I had with the story was that Lucy has someone who is out to get her, who wants her ranch, but David will do anything he can to protect her. Even shipping her off to another town so the womenfolk won't be around when the bad stuff goes down. Yeah, I would have been so so so angry if someone tried to shuttle me off somewhere else so I would be safe. So I could let the big strong men take care of us poor weak women. No. No. No. The way it was written I was just like nope. Not cool.

Overall this wasn't the book for me. The writing didn't make me connect with Lucy or understand her so it was not the best read.

[Garbage McSmutly · Rating 2 out of 5]

UUUUGGGGGHHHHH. David deserved better

Almost DNF. I powered through, but it wasn't worth it. The other books in this series had some parts involving really conservative beliefs that I thought were a bit annoying, but I could overlook. This one, though... Lucy's entire character is uninformed, stubborn, conservative/prudish, and judgy AF.

I just COULD NOT with Lucy. Almost every single time we got any internal monologue from her, I rolled my eyes so hard. I don't want to post spoilers so I won't get in to specifics, but I will say that she has this belief that persists WAY too far in to the book that sex toys are like... Evil? And anyone who uses them or is affiliated with them in any way is disgusting? IDK, it wasn't well explained, but this is the sort of judgy crap I hated. I guess it's supposed to be a character flaw that humanizes her, and that she eventually overcomes; really, it just made her unbearably annoying.

Also, Lucy doesn't know David at all; she thinks he's amazing and loves him, I guess?, but she also ALWAYS believes the worst in him whenever any opportunity for misunderstood or conflict comes up. David has been an admirable character in all the previous books, and I expected him to get a heroine who obviously wouldn't be perfect, but would at least be likeable, and preferably remotely worthy of such a good man. I was sorely disappointed in what he(/we) ended up with.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

narration makes the story come alive

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

I liked it but I wanted to love it. I had been waiting on David's chance through three prior books of this series. I was sadden to see what he went through but at the same time I was very happy that he got his. I was even happier that he did not have the same strange voice used in the first narration or the second. It was something about that voice that made me almost turn away from David. But it was the strong character that was written for him that kept me hanging on to him. He was due some love. He found a real challenge to fall for. Lucy.

Lucy had been through her own sort of hell. She never wanted to stay in the small little town that she grown up in. She never wanted to run a ranch. She just wanted her own life. But sometimes that is not what its all about. She finds that coming home can be a blessing and a curse. She finds the mix of the two after her neighbor bails her out of a bind. She finds that she makes a big mistake in excepting his proposal. She finds that she can do this herself. Then she finds that she needs more than just a luck and a prayer.

Lucy and Daniel was not an overnight love. Theirs took time and trial-n-error.

Natalie Ross did a good job with the character. She gave Daniel a more masculine age appropriate voice. I enjoyed the narration from all aspects.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been anticipating David and Lucy’s story, but the way it went down feels off. The fact that he lied to her repeatedly when the woman has trust and abandonment issues really bugged me. Instead of being honest with her and treating her as a partner, he thought his best option was to lie to her about major issues in her life? The fact that he felt bad about it doesn’t really help either. He should have trusted her and himself more. Also, for Lucy to feel bad almost immediately for being upset that the man she loved got her best friend to lie to her just because they were doing it in a misguided attempt to protect her was so weird. She had every right to be upset.

Lastly, Todd seemed incredibly manipulative and sneaky in the beginning, but ended up doing something so thoughtless in the end?? That seems highly unlikely and anticlimactic. I was expecting more from him.

I think this book rubbed me the wrong way because it hit two of my pet peeves, liars and dumb criminals.

Just kidding, this is the last thing. Why did we get that little snippet at the end about David having issues with his parents. I wish we had gotten more info about that throughout the book so that the end could also feel like more a victorious moment for his family as well. Lucy gaining a new set of parents after the tragic loss of her own has potential to be really cathartic and we missed out.

[Estella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Albright never wanted her family’s Texas ranch, but now it’s in foreclosure. She’s already lost so much she can’t bear the thought of losing one more thing. Lucy learned the hard way not to accept help from a man when there are strings attached, so she’ll do whatever it takes to save the ranch on her own terms—even if that means launching an online business marketing high-tech sex toys.

Ranch manager David Harmon has a reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if she refuses his help, down-and-out Lucy is the kind of woman he’ll do anything to protect. And while David may not know much about Lucy’s naughty side business, that won’t stop a cowboy from doing something he’s set his mind to.

With the ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable, but will the spark between them burn her entire future to the ground?

Ruth Cardello is a great author. I love this series and Lucy and David's story. These characters are so relatable and so funny at times. I love how she develops her characters and story-line. I highly recommend this book and any of Ruth Cardello books as they are all great reads.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in Ruth Cardello's Lone Star Burn collection

The lovely but insecure Lucy Albright. Lucy never really wanted her family’s Texas ranch. Sadly now it’s in foreclosure. Lucy’s already lost so much she can’t face the dreadful thought of losing anything again. Lucy has definitely learned the hard way. That means she's learned not to accept help from a man. Especially when there are strings attached. So Lucy’ll now do whatever it takes to save her family's ranch that means she will do it on her own terms. That even means launching an online business. An online business that sells high-tech sex toys.

Meet the handsome Ranch manager David Harmon. David has a serious reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if Lucy refuses David's help. The down-and-out Lucy is the kindest woman he’ll do anything to protect. Although David may not know a lot about Lucy’s new and naughty side business; it stop a cowboy like David from doing something he’s set his mind on.

With Lucy's ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable and even the other ranch hands notice. Will the sparks between Lucy and David continue to grow? Can David help Lucy save her ranch? Will Lucy and David finally give into their desires?

I love Ruth Cardello i so need more than 5*s

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series and am a little sad this is the last book. Ruth Cardello has created a set of characters that have become like old friends. Lucy was introduced in the first book as Sara's best friend from college. With trouble on her doorstep, the enigma that is David Harmon went to try to help her and was smitten at their first meeting. However, luck did not seem to be on his side because he was sent away and when next he saw her she was engaged.
In Taking Charge things had changed. Lucy is no longer engaged but the prospect of losing her family ranch is very real, as is the danger lurking in the background. Her plan to market high-tech sex toys online to save her ranch adds a lot of humor to the book as well as a lot of steam. David has decided to go after the woman who has stolen his heart. Even though the road to their HEA is twisted and at times dangerous, the romance and passion is undeniable.
The characters are relatable, the writing crisp and well-paced and the story enjoyable on more than one level. I need to go in search of my next Ruth Cardello fix but sadly I won't find any more cowboys.

[Sonja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and the premise really sounded fun and funny.
It just wasn't. It kind of flopped for me. Lucy came across as whiny, indecisive and insecure. David got on my nerves with his bossiness and possessiveness. Granted, I listened to the audiobook so this may have influenced my opinion, but I don't think so.
There were some funny parts and an interesting conflict with Lucy's ex-fiancé, but even that fizzled into a minor skirmish with David, another employee and the law and was wrapped up just too sweetly for my mind without even involving Lucy at all. It was basically a pissing contest with David and the Ex. There was a lot of opportunity for conflict with the town and the land rights and Lucy's private business selling dildos (okay THAT was pretty funny!) I saw a lot more possibilities, but it turned into David and Lucy screwing and David telling Lucy repeatedly that they belonged together and she was his. Hello possessive much? Bleh...
I wanted to like it, I tried, and I finished the book, though I definitely was happy it was over.
Sorry it just wasn't my style!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have other Ruth Cardello books on my tbr list, this was my first read. It is actually the fourth book in her Lone Star Burn series. In this installment, Lucy Albright is trying to save the ranch that her family has owned for generations. After both of her parents have died and her brother has taken off, she feels like everyone close to her eventually leaves. After ending her engagement to the "wrong man", she needs to do something to prevent the ranch's foreclosure. Along comes David Harmon. He works with mustangs who need to be tamed. In his mind, "Lucy is like a mustang kept in a tiny coral for too long, she's forgotten how to run free." For him, it's love at first sight, but he needs to take things slow with Lucy. Being handsome and possessing so many good qualities, David could be every woman's book boyfriend! I enjoyed the relationship of one foot forward, two steps back between David and Lucy. Unlike most books, their relationship moves slowly and more realistically. Now I want to read the first three books in this series!

[Christina Montminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good read, with just the right amount of drama & suspense to keep you interested with the addition of humour & romance. What starts out as love at first sight for the guy not the girl turns into a real almost barn burner. David is trying to help Lucy see that he's the right person to help her with her ranch after ending an unplanned engagement. The secrets behind Lucy's hometown, her ranch & the reason her neighbour is trying to get it are confusing to Lucy but when David looks further into it he's surprised. The intricate story lines that kept us wondering what was going to happen, when it was going to happen & who would be on the wrong end of it was wonderful. I enjoyed how the story was told with secrecy, keeping us guessing. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review. Recommend this book.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I couldn't put it down. I especially love the character David, her best friends Horse Trainer. I kept picturing Matthew McCounahey every time he is mentioned in the book. David falls in love with Lucy. It's Love at First Sight for David, something he never believed in before. Lucy's emotions & what she believes or doesn't believe in are up & down like a roller coaster. David tries to help Lucy by talking to her, offering to help with all aspects of Ranch Life. He decides she's not safe from Ted & he offers to rent her property for part of his Horse Training business. She will now have money to pay her workers & David can help protect her. He can also show her that they were meant to be together for life. Love, Love, Llooovvveee this book!!!!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've generally really enjoyed Ruth Cardello's books, especially this series, and I was really looking forward to reading a story with David as the love interest. However, this one was a disappointment for me. The tone was so serious, which is surprising, considering the main character starts an online sex toy store -- I mean, that's asking for fun and shenanigans. Not only was it weirdly serious, it was also pretty boring, which is a complete departure from the other books in this series. There were also a few moments where David compared interacting with women to handling horses that were pretty appalling. I get that David is a rancher and his occupation might affect how he interacts with the world, but there are better ways to write that than what ended up in this book. Making it through this one was a struggle, and I ended up bailing with about 50 pages left.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads Netgalley ARC Review:

A WHOLE LOT OF HOT COWBOY SEXINESS HERE! I love nothing more than a good cowboy romance, and this one was even better! I loved the sparks that flew between the characters...in and out of the bed. I loved the sweetness and the bit of attitude and I loved how things seemed to come together so...romantically. This romance was sexy as sin, full of temptation, and loads of trouble...the good kind. Here is an author that writes a book you can really get into! I give this a DELICIOUS FIVE SHOOTING STARS! You won't want to put this down once you open it.