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Sheep Rancher #2
Hazard Ranch
A fan favorite from New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston, previously published as A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.
After inheriting her uncle’s ranch, Harriet Alistair moves west to Montana to build a new life. She’s determined to prove herself, but the age-old feud between the Alistairs and their neighbours, the Hazards, stands in her way.
From his neighboring ranch, Nathan Hazard is counting down the minutes until the beautiful and stubborn Harriet gives up. But he soon realizes that putting an end to the feud may mean a new beginning—for both of them.
Originally published in 1991.
After inheriting her uncle’s ranch, Harriet Alistair moves west to Montana to build a new life. She’s determined to prove herself, but the age-old feud between the Alistairs and their neighbours, the Hazards, stands in her way.
From his neighboring ranch, Nathan Hazard is counting down the minutes until the beautiful and stubborn Harriet gives up. But he soon realizes that putting an end to the feud may mean a new beginning—for both of them.
Originally published in 1991.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
62 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Joan Johnston
126 books753 followersJoan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 14, 2014
Estuvo bien, facil y rapida de leer...
Desde el principio de la novela me encantó Nathan, su forma de cuidar de ella sin que lo supiera. Cómo se siente atraído por ella y decide tomar cartas en el asunto.
Ambos protagonistas tienen miedos ocultos y algo que demostrar a sí mismos o a los demás. Me encanta que lleguen a dejarse llevar por lo que sienten y que además logren un punto medio donde ninguno se sienta inferior. Donde puedan disfrutar de los sentimientos que comparten sin sentir que están por debajo del otro...
Desde el principio de la novela me encantó Nathan, su forma de cuidar de ella sin que lo supiera. Cómo se siente atraído por ella y decide tomar cartas en el asunto.
Ambos protagonistas tienen miedos ocultos y algo que demostrar a sí mismos o a los demás. Me encanta que lleguen a dejarse llevar por lo que sienten y que además logren un punto medio donde ninguno se sienta inferior. Donde puedan disfrutar de los sentimientos que comparten sin sentir que están por debajo del otro...
July 28, 2023
Not as aggravating as some of her other work but I still don’t see how these characters get together. Sexual chemistry is not enough to base a marriage on! But I read the whole book in one day so I’ll give it the non-obligatory star.
February 5, 2019
Any book that I DNF automatically gets a 1-star rating.
There are a number of reasons why I DNFed this book, but mostly it was because Harriet was a completely unlikable character. For most of the book (the part that I read, that is), she proved the fine line that exists between stubbornness and stupidity can be a precarious place. Unfortunately, she spent far more time on the stupid side than the stubborn one.
Now let's get into specifics.
First, the term 'genetic breeding' is used multiple times in the first part of the story... Well WTF is that? It's either genetic engineering, or selective breeding, not 'genetic breeding'.
Second, I have major issues with how the chemistry between Nathan and Harry was depicted throughout. You don't have perfect strangers arguing heatedly their very first meeting and then falling into each other's arms in a haze of passion. It's unrealistic. On top of that, it was completely unbelievable. A romance falls flat when you can't believe the two should (or even could) be a couple.
Another failing in Harry's character development was her consistent need to set herself up for failure. Why would a person not just tank their family life in this way but their professional life as well, and then turn around in the very next breath bemoan the fact that she did it? There was no reason to sabotage herself the way she did... all she had to do was quit. Just one more reason I disliked Harry.
Why on earth would the bank have disclosed Harry's financial distress to her family? If I banked with this particular institution and they revealed ANYTHING about me to ANYONE, even my own family, I would have their ass in court faster than you can say yankee doodle. Short of a court order, her father shouldn't have found out diddly squat.
And finally, why does Nathan have a sports car? This is such a small, seemingly insignificant thing, but think about it. He's a sheep farmer, in the middle of rural Montana, and he this little toy that belongs to a yuppie city boy. And it's said more than once in the book that he was worried about making ends meet, yet he has this completely impractical thing that only appears on a date? Oh wait, it wasn't a date... it was a truce dinner, but whatever.
And speaking of Nathan, don't think that I only disliked Harry in this book. Nathan was a piece of work himself. I read about 2/3 of the book before I called it quits, and we STILL don't know why he was so damn hellbent on buying Harry's land. He just came across like a bully about it.
To be honest, I really don't care how this book could have ended, nothing could have saved the train-wreck it was up until I called it quits.
There are a number of reasons why I DNFed this book, but mostly it was because Harriet was a completely unlikable character. For most of the book (the part that I read, that is), she proved the fine line that exists between stubbornness and stupidity can be a precarious place. Unfortunately, she spent far more time on the stupid side than the stubborn one.
Now let's get into specifics.
First, the term 'genetic breeding' is used multiple times in the first part of the story... Well WTF is that? It's either genetic engineering, or selective breeding, not 'genetic breeding'.
Second, I have major issues with how the chemistry between Nathan and Harry was depicted throughout. You don't have perfect strangers arguing heatedly their very first meeting and then falling into each other's arms in a haze of passion. It's unrealistic. On top of that, it was completely unbelievable. A romance falls flat when you can't believe the two should (or even could) be a couple.
Another failing in Harry's character development was her consistent need to set herself up for failure. Why would a person not just tank their family life in this way but their professional life as well, and then turn around in the very next breath bemoan the fact that she did it? There was no reason to sabotage herself the way she did... all she had to do was quit. Just one more reason I disliked Harry.
Why on earth would the bank have disclosed Harry's financial distress to her family? If I banked with this particular institution and they revealed ANYTHING about me to ANYONE, even my own family, I would have their ass in court faster than you can say yankee doodle. Short of a court order, her father shouldn't have found out diddly squat.
And finally, why does Nathan have a sports car? This is such a small, seemingly insignificant thing, but think about it. He's a sheep farmer, in the middle of rural Montana, and he this little toy that belongs to a yuppie city boy. And it's said more than once in the book that he was worried about making ends meet, yet he has this completely impractical thing that only appears on a date? Oh wait, it wasn't a date... it was a truce dinner, but whatever.
And speaking of Nathan, don't think that I only disliked Harry in this book. Nathan was a piece of work himself. I read about 2/3 of the book before I called it quits, and we STILL don't know why he was so damn hellbent on buying Harry's land. He just came across like a bully about it.
To be honest, I really don't care how this book could have ended, nothing could have saved the train-wreck it was up until I called it quits.
November 4, 2019
For Nathan, this rancher's feud has been going on for generations. A small chunk of land belongs to the Allistairs. Nathan and his family have tried to buy it from them for years. When old Allistair dies, Nathan sees this as his chance to finally get the coveted land.
Harriet (Harry) Allistair decided to take on the sheep ranch that her uncle left her in his will. Failing (willingly) at everything she has tried in life, this is one thing she wants to do on her own. Her family, confident she will fail, agree to let her try this ranch lifestyle.
When Nathan and Harry meet, a lamb is born dead, another lamb is born and lives, and sparks fly between Nathan and Harry-et (as he calls her).
A good read story!
Harriet (Harry) Allistair decided to take on the sheep ranch that her uncle left her in his will. Failing (willingly) at everything she has tried in life, this is one thing she wants to do on her own. Her family, confident she will fail, agree to let her try this ranch lifestyle.
When Nathan and Harry meet, a lamb is born dead, another lamb is born and lives, and sparks fly between Nathan and Harry-et (as he calls her).
A good read story!
October 19, 2025
I found it impossible to connect with Harriet. While I appreciated her motivation to achieve things on her own terms, the way this independence was executed was deeply frustrating. Her past tendency to fail at new ventures, not because of external forces but because she lacked the self-awareness to admit she didn't actually want to pursue them, felt like simple foolishness.
The forced 'silencing kiss' on their first visit was a major misstep. This tired romantic cliché is painfully overdone and demonstrated a disappointing failure by the author to develop genuine, organic attraction.
Overall, the premise had potential, but the grating interactions and Harriet's persistent, poorly-executed obstinance made this a difficult and disappointing read.
The forced 'silencing kiss' on their first visit was a major misstep. This tired romantic cliché is painfully overdone and demonstrated a disappointing failure by the author to develop genuine, organic attraction.
Overall, the premise had potential, but the grating interactions and Harriet's persistent, poorly-executed obstinance made this a difficult and disappointing read.
February 14, 2018
Hazard Ranch
I read this when it first came out in the 90's. I usually read about cowboys instead of sheep herders. This was a cute love story interwoven with with and without the pain of severe weather and lost sheep or gunslingers.
I read this when it first came out in the 90's. I usually read about cowboys instead of sheep herders. This was a cute love story interwoven with with and without the pain of severe weather and lost sheep or gunslingers.
November 2, 2024
Two great books together
I love the plot of the second book. I figured it was James who plotted everything. He wanted to know the truth and everything fell in place like he wanted it. Always beware of a wolf dressed up in sheep's clothing. Dig deeper to find the true person.
I love the plot of the second book. I figured it was James who plotted everything. He wanted to know the truth and everything fell in place like he wanted it. Always beware of a wolf dressed up in sheep's clothing. Dig deeper to find the true person.
June 15, 2018
Not up to. Her usual good reading.
Maybe I am too.old but, this book was all sex and too little substance. I skipped thru at least one half of the book to find the plot.
Maybe I am too.old but, this book was all sex and too little substance. I skipped thru at least one half of the book to find the plot.
November 16, 2018
Great romance writer, my favorite
May 28, 2025
the usual romance story
July 3, 2025
Book had 2 stories within it.
1. A wolf in Sheep's clothing---- Joan Johnston
2. Tell me your secrets --------- Cara Summers
1. A wolf in Sheep's clothing---- Joan Johnston
2. Tell me your secrets --------- Cara Summers
February 6, 2017
Wolf in sheeps...
I never managed to read "Tell Me your Secrets" because first person tales hold little interest for me, so this ranking is only for the Johnston story. I like the reality of this tale, Joan has a good feel for sheep ranching and the difficulties of that lifestyle. Good job. The conflicts of Harry are self inflicted and there are a few times I felt like smacking her...but overall she is likable and makes the story more interesting.
I never managed to read "Tell Me your Secrets" because first person tales hold little interest for me, so this ranking is only for the Johnston story. I like the reality of this tale, Joan has a good feel for sheep ranching and the difficulties of that lifestyle. Good job. The conflicts of Harry are self inflicted and there are a few times I felt like smacking her...but overall she is likable and makes the story more interesting.
August 10, 2011
I really enjoyed both stories in this book. I liked the second book by Cara Summers more than the first book by Joan Johnston. If I were rating them individually I would give A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Joan Johnston 4 stars and Tell Me Your Secrets... by Cara Summers 5 stars.
June 27, 2012
I have to say - the main story - A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing was just okay. It takes place in Montana - and I can pretty much guarantee that the author doesn't know any Montana Men.... It did not ring true. However, the second story, Tell Me Your Secrets - was much better.
July 19, 2012
I had a hard time getting through this book.It was so slow.This is what I hate about some authors,they will write a few awesome books and then it goes down hill.Well we will see what happens with the next book.I want to read her series she has out sowe will see how they go!
July 7, 2015
I got this in exchange of an honest review, I love this kind of book, they just make me thirsty for more and more, I loved how the feud made things different between them but it also was a way for them to get together and the action that happened for them to come together was cool and fun.
Currently reading
July 26, 2008Wow! Quick trashy read. It is for my neighborhood book club. Can't wait for those questions?!
April 29, 2009
Quick & easy read. Good romance story.
October 2, 2012
As far as romance novels are concerned this would probably be a 3.5-4, but compared against real books it was a solid 2.
January 30, 2017
I didn't really enjoy this.
August 16, 2012
It was cute
April 2, 2016
Harry'et & Nathan
Sloan & Brook
Sloan & Brook
Read
April 1, 2019I enjoyed both books in this edition. For Joan Johnston's story, it was interesting for the exchanges between Nathan and Harriet as they each learned about the other
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews