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Kansas Cowboys #1
The Reluctant Rancher
She can't stay for long
She just needs a place to hide. Now. Pregnant and on the run, Blossom Kennedy jumps at the opportunity to work as a caregiver to an injured, elderly rancher. While she tends to the man, his handsome grandson takes over at the Circle H. Logan Hunter is tough, loyal and a wonderful father to his young son. But Blossom needs a port in a storm more than she needs love, and soon enough she'll be moving on. Unless she's somehow stumbled into the exact place she and her unborn child are supposed to be…by Logan's side.
- GenresRomance
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Riker
80 books27 followersUSA Today bestselling author Leigh Riker can't imagine anything better than having a good romance novel to read--unless it is to write one! When not writing or thinking about writing, this award-winning author also likes to garden, play the piano, travel and try to learn Spanish. At home in the Southwest with her husband/hero, she is at work (of course) on a new novel.
Please visit her at leighriker.com, on FaceBook at LeighRikerBooks, or on Twitter @lbrwriter.
Please visit her at leighriker.com, on FaceBook at LeighRikerBooks, or on Twitter @lbrwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 14, 2018
First things first, I loved this book. I didn't think I was going to, but I did. I know, I know. You're wondering why I would bother reading a book I didn't think I would enjoy. That came down to one thing and one thing only, the cover. I grew up on a farm with horses and cows and cats. This cover reminded me of home. Plus, I have a soft spot for books that take place on a farm or a small town.
Now, let's start at the beginning. Right in the first chapter of this book, you see Logan holding a kitten. Yep, that's right. The first chapter and I was already in love with the guy. Stop judging me - there's nothing sexier than a big strong man holding a kitten. Well, maybe a big strong man vacuuming or washing dishes... but a man and kitten, top five for sure. Ok, moving on.
At first I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Blossom and Logan. It was understandable they were both still struggling to get over their last relationships. As the booked moved on they talked, spent time together, started to build trust. But, things were so up and down and back and forth for both of them. I had no idea if they were in love or tolerating each other until they could escape. The more I thought about it though, the more sense it made.
Putting myself in their shoes, I wouldn't have been enthusiastic about having feelings for anyone either.
I loved seeing Blossom and Logan when it was just the two of them. This was a slow-burn, but it was all very sweet and wholesome. The couple connects on an emotional level which is important. Aside from a couple stolen kisses, there's no physical intimacy in the book.
I don't usually like reading books with children involved. Not that I have a problem with children or anything they're just so far removed from my life it's hard to relate. With that said I wanted to read about a farm romance more than I didn't want to read about children. The thing is, judging by the description, I thought Logan's son would have been a much bigger part of the book than he did.
Leigh Riker developed several characters on the pages of this book. I fell in love with both Logan and Blossom but I think I also developed feelings for Olivia, Sam, and even Nicky. They were all wonderfully written characters I couldn't help but care about.
This was a well written and engaging book. It was long. I wouldn't get into this one expecting to finish it in an evening. I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a clean wholesome love story that will leave you with a smile on your face.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author/ publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now, let's start at the beginning. Right in the first chapter of this book, you see Logan holding a kitten. Yep, that's right. The first chapter and I was already in love with the guy. Stop judging me - there's nothing sexier than a big strong man holding a kitten. Well, maybe a big strong man vacuuming or washing dishes... but a man and kitten, top five for sure. Ok, moving on.
At first I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Blossom and Logan. It was understandable they were both still struggling to get over their last relationships. As the booked moved on they talked, spent time together, started to build trust. But, things were so up and down and back and forth for both of them. I had no idea if they were in love or tolerating each other until they could escape. The more I thought about it though, the more sense it made.
Putting myself in their shoes, I wouldn't have been enthusiastic about having feelings for anyone either.
I loved seeing Blossom and Logan when it was just the two of them. This was a slow-burn, but it was all very sweet and wholesome. The couple connects on an emotional level which is important. Aside from a couple stolen kisses, there's no physical intimacy in the book.
I don't usually like reading books with children involved. Not that I have a problem with children or anything they're just so far removed from my life it's hard to relate. With that said I wanted to read about a farm romance more than I didn't want to read about children. The thing is, judging by the description, I thought Logan's son would have been a much bigger part of the book than he did.
Leigh Riker developed several characters on the pages of this book. I fell in love with both Logan and Blossom but I think I also developed feelings for Olivia, Sam, and even Nicky. They were all wonderfully written characters I couldn't help but care about.
This was a well written and engaging book. It was long. I wouldn't get into this one expecting to finish it in an evening. I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a clean wholesome love story that will leave you with a smile on your face.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author/ publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2016
The Reluctant Rancher by Leigh Riker a Kansas Cowboys series. Logan Hunter enjoys flying airplanes. He works for a big company. Logan is divorced and has a 6 year old son. His grandfather hurt himself on a bison ranch and needs Logan's help. Logan goes home with plans to return to flying in another state. He hires Blossom Kennedy to take care of his grandfather and run the house. Blossom knows very little about running a house or cooking. She needs a job because she is running from an abusive boyfriend who is now trying to find her. Logan doesn't want to get involved with anyone. But the attraction is there. Logan finds out Blossom is hiding that she is pregnant. Logan's ex doesn't want him seeing his son, for past reasons. A heartwarming story. A must read.
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September 1, 2016Miniseries: Kansas Cowboys
February 26, 2018
3.5 stars
This book is “sweet and clean” there is no on-page sex and no harsh cursing. If f-bombs and sex bother you, there is nothing to worry about here.
I enjoyed the story in this book. I liked the way that Logan and Blossom developed their relationship slowly, and I liked that there was enough drama to keep it interesting. Sam was a fantastic side character who added a lot to the story but didn't overwhelm it.
The only thing that made this a 3.5 star read is the ending. This book was a substantial read, but the ending felt rushed and far too perfect to be even remotely realistic. ***MAJOR SPOILERS TO THE END OF THE PARAGRAPH*** After all of the money and effort that Ken put into finding Blossom, into staking his ownership claim on Blossom, there is no way he would just give up on her *and his child* (another human he could possess) because a couple of ranchers – men that he would arrogantly see as beneath him in every way - threatened him? I didn't buy that for even one second. Although I enjoyed the happily ever after, I didn't buy that their lives were suddenly just going to be peaceful and happy go lucky while Ken was still out there, no doubt steaming about the fact that his flesh and blood heir was out in the world being raised by a rancher.
Again, the story was really good, right up to the end. I liked Blossom and her way of interacting with everyone in the book. Logan was the kind of flawed-but-likable character that I really enjoy reading about in a romance novel. He was gruff and grumpy, but he was also loving and sweet. And Sam was amazing - I found him totally charming from start to finish.
I requested a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under absolutely no obligation to write this review.
This book is “sweet and clean” there is no on-page sex and no harsh cursing. If f-bombs and sex bother you, there is nothing to worry about here.
I enjoyed the story in this book. I liked the way that Logan and Blossom developed their relationship slowly, and I liked that there was enough drama to keep it interesting. Sam was a fantastic side character who added a lot to the story but didn't overwhelm it.
The only thing that made this a 3.5 star read is the ending. This book was a substantial read, but the ending felt rushed and far too perfect to be even remotely realistic. ***MAJOR SPOILERS TO THE END OF THE PARAGRAPH*** After all of the money and effort that Ken put into finding Blossom, into staking his ownership claim on Blossom, there is no way he would just give up on her *and his child* (another human he could possess) because a couple of ranchers – men that he would arrogantly see as beneath him in every way - threatened him? I didn't buy that for even one second. Although I enjoyed the happily ever after, I didn't buy that their lives were suddenly just going to be peaceful and happy go lucky while Ken was still out there, no doubt steaming about the fact that his flesh and blood heir was out in the world being raised by a rancher.
Again, the story was really good, right up to the end. I liked Blossom and her way of interacting with everyone in the book. Logan was the kind of flawed-but-likable character that I really enjoy reading about in a romance novel. He was gruff and grumpy, but he was also loving and sweet. And Sam was amazing - I found him totally charming from start to finish.
I requested a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under absolutely no obligation to write this review.
February 24, 2018
Blossom Kennedy is on the run from her abusive fiance" in Philadelphia. When she found out she was pregnant, she needed to escape the abuse she had been living with. She finds herself in Kansas working as a caregiver to the elderly cowboy, Sam, who owns the ranch. His grandson, Logan, has come back to help his grandfather since he broke his leg and suffered a concussion.
Blossom is only planning to be at the Circle H ranch for a short time before she moves on again. She is always looking over her shoulder expecting that her fiance, Ken, has discovered where she is hiding.
There is some good character development with this story with secondary characters. The pace is realistic and it is an easy and enjoyable read. The story is clean with no foul language of sex scenes. It is a sweet romance about learning to love and trust again.
I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blossom is only planning to be at the Circle H ranch for a short time before she moves on again. She is always looking over her shoulder expecting that her fiance, Ken, has discovered where she is hiding.
There is some good character development with this story with secondary characters. The pace is realistic and it is an easy and enjoyable read. The story is clean with no foul language of sex scenes. It is a sweet romance about learning to love and trust again.
I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2021
THE RELUCTANT RANCHER, book One of Leigh Riker’s Kansas Cowboys series. She just needs a place to hide. Pregnant and on the run, Blossom Kennedy jumps at the opportunity to work as a caregiver to an injured, elderly rancher and meets the man’s handsome Logan Hunters. THE RELUCTANT RANCHER is a wonderful and heartwarming, yet captivating family drama about Blossom overcoming her fears while Logan struggles with his ex-wife over the well-being of their young son. I enjoy the way Leigh Riker creates inner conflicts in her characters to find their inner strength and love. I received this complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a nice read. I did enjoy it. I like that the book has dual POVs. It helps me to understand a character better. The relationship between Blossom and Logan seems a little slow for me and felt a little rushed at the end. It was an enjoyable story and I look forward to the other two books in the series.
This was a nice read. I did enjoy it. I like that the book has dual POVs. It helps me to understand a character better. The relationship between Blossom and Logan seems a little slow for me and felt a little rushed at the end. It was an enjoyable story and I look forward to the other two books in the series.
November 15, 2020
I really liked this story. I hadn't read any plot like this one and it was a joy to read. The plot flowed so good and I was page turning as I wanted to see what happened with one character. I loved the little boy and the author made him be so so sweet in the story. This one was a grand slam for Leigh!
March 18, 2018
Very well written, interesting book. Loved Blossom and Logan. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
September 9, 2018
Quite repetitive. 2.5 stars
March 1, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I can't really say much about this book. It kept my attention but only because I wanted to see the final scenes for the inevitable conflict between Logan and Ken. Aside from that I didn't really like it. Too drab with an overused plot.
I do not recommend this. I rated it three stars because it kept my attention.
I can't really say much about this book. It kept my attention but only because I wanted to see the final scenes for the inevitable conflict between Logan and Ken. Aside from that I didn't really like it. Too drab with an overused plot.
I do not recommend this. I rated it three stars because it kept my attention.
September 22, 2016
Blossom is pregnant and on the run. In order to keep running she takes a job that's temporary and goes back on the run. Right now shes caregiver to Sam who is a olderman, ranching is his life and he's eager to go back to it. Meanwhile in son who stopped working to be there for his father Logan is less then thrilled Blossom. He's got more then enough problems without her attractiveness getting in the way.
I thought this was a pretty good book. A bit too long for my liking, dragged on at some moments but it was still pretty good. I thought it was interesting getting to to see Logan and his son relationship. I enjoyed getting to see Blossom work some magic and help improve the relationship that was between multiple characters. When it came to Blossoms side on why she was running, I wished that there was more there was more when it came to her ex and the reason she was running. That when it finally got to it I was like that's it? I guess I'm used to my action packed books. I guess its nice to slow down with a sweet book like this.Overall this was a good book and I enjoyed it.
I thought this was a pretty good book. A bit too long for my liking, dragged on at some moments but it was still pretty good. I thought it was interesting getting to to see Logan and his son relationship. I enjoyed getting to see Blossom work some magic and help improve the relationship that was between multiple characters. When it came to Blossoms side on why she was running, I wished that there was more there was more when it came to her ex and the reason she was running. That when it finally got to it I was like that's it? I guess I'm used to my action packed books. I guess its nice to slow down with a sweet book like this.Overall this was a good book and I enjoyed it.
October 3, 2016
This story is the first of the Kansas Cowboys series and focuses on Logan Hunter, who's unhappily taking responsibility for his grandfather's ranch after the old man breaks his leg and suffers a head injury. Logan would prefer to be in Wichita flying planes for a small company, especially as he's up for a promotion and that means he can seek joint custody of his 6-year-old son.
Complications in his plan arise when he hires Blossom Kennedy to help care for his grandfather. Blossom is pregnant, though Logan doesn't know it, and she's running from an abusive fiance. Logan figures that out and finally gets Blossom to admit it, but over the weeks they begin to act on their attraction to each other, even as Blossom fears she'll have to leave, certain that Ken will find her.
What happens when her worst fears are realized is a worthwhile ending to this heartwarming story.
Complications in his plan arise when he hires Blossom Kennedy to help care for his grandfather. Blossom is pregnant, though Logan doesn't know it, and she's running from an abusive fiance. Logan figures that out and finally gets Blossom to admit it, but over the weeks they begin to act on their attraction to each other, even as Blossom fears she'll have to leave, certain that Ken will find her.
What happens when her worst fears are realized is a worthwhile ending to this heartwarming story.
May 1, 2018
Sweetly sexy, emotionally engaging, small town charming romantic journey filled with secrets, danger and slow burning passion.
Blossom Kennedy is sassy, sweet, pregnant and on the run from a horrible ex. Logan Hunter is rugged, loyal and a amazing father to one sweet little boy. When his elderly father is injured on his ranch Logan steps in to help out around the ranch and hires Blossom to take care of the household chores (only she is not so great at it, but desperately needs a place to hide). Greatly enjoyed this sweetly thrilling romantic journey in this sweet small town.
Blossom Kennedy is sassy, sweet, pregnant and on the run from a horrible ex. Logan Hunter is rugged, loyal and a amazing father to one sweet little boy. When his elderly father is injured on his ranch Logan steps in to help out around the ranch and hires Blossom to take care of the household chores (only she is not so great at it, but desperately needs a place to hide). Greatly enjoyed this sweetly thrilling romantic journey in this sweet small town.
March 27, 2020
The Reluctant Cowboy by Leigh Riker
* Running
What a story! How would you hold up while running from your past. These characters were amazing... That is after they confronted theirs. You'll have to read this to find out tge details, but it's worth your time! And now I need to go find more by Leigh! ARC received from Netgalley for an honest voluntary review
* Running
What a story! How would you hold up while running from your past. These characters were amazing... That is after they confronted theirs. You'll have to read this to find out tge details, but it's worth your time! And now I need to go find more by Leigh! ARC received from Netgalley for an honest voluntary review
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February 21, 2018The Reluctant Rancher by Leigh Riker is the story of Blossom Kennedy and Logan Hunter.
Blossom is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. When she get the job to take care of Logan's grandfather who hurt himself she quickly goes forward to help. Logan is a divorced dad with a little boy but his ex wife is making it hard for him. There is a great attraction between Blossom and Logan but can Blossom and her unborn baby be safe with Logan? Logan finds out that Blossom has more than just herself to be worried about.
A really great heartfelt story!
Blossom is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. When she get the job to take care of Logan's grandfather who hurt himself she quickly goes forward to help. Logan is a divorced dad with a little boy but his ex wife is making it hard for him. There is a great attraction between Blossom and Logan but can Blossom and her unborn baby be safe with Logan? Logan finds out that Blossom has more than just herself to be worried about.
A really great heartfelt story!
February 23, 2018
The Reluctant Rancher is a well romance. I enjoyed the plot and the ranch setting as well as the author ‘s writing. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good romance.
February 25, 2018
The Reluctant Rancher fell a little flat for me. I wanted more then there was I think it was rushed and emotions were left out. I liked it but I could not come to love it. leigh Riker is a good rider but i wish she would have given me more.
March 7, 2018
Reluctant Rancher was like time travel for me. When I was growing up, I can remember searching my grandmother's bookshelves for something to read. Her had a few classics, but mostly they were filled with Essie Summers, Emile Loring, Betty Neels, and all those Harlequin writers who wrote about the plucky, woman-in-distress who needed an honorable hero in the form of a rancher/doctor/businessman to rescue her from her circumstances. I loved those books; that's probably why I'm still a sucker for those types of books even now.
This is a sweet read; it's clean, the characters are people who you'd probably like in real life, with good pacing throughout most of the story. Besides, it's about a cowboy and who can resist that?
I think the theme here is trust - it takes time for trust to develop, and it's hard to develop trust when you've been so emotionally and physically wounded by love in the past. Seeing Logan and Blossom develop in their relationship was perfect for me to read about on a rainy day, curled up with a fleece throw over me. It's the kind of book that leaves a person with a smile. Recommended for all, even your grandmother.
Review posted on my blog: www.ReadingObsession.com
This is a sweet read; it's clean, the characters are people who you'd probably like in real life, with good pacing throughout most of the story. Besides, it's about a cowboy and who can resist that?
I think the theme here is trust - it takes time for trust to develop, and it's hard to develop trust when you've been so emotionally and physically wounded by love in the past. Seeing Logan and Blossom develop in their relationship was perfect for me to read about on a rainy day, curled up with a fleece throw over me. It's the kind of book that leaves a person with a smile. Recommended for all, even your grandmother.
Review posted on my blog: www.ReadingObsession.com
June 11, 2018
This was a sweet read and the perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon. This is the first book in the series it is a great second chance romance and is Blossom and Logan's story it was a good sweet read and I enjoyed it. It was everything I love from a good Harlequin romance
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews