Rugged Cowboy

Hope Eternal Ranch Romance #3

by Elana Johnson, Liz Isaacson

He's a cowboy mechanic with two kids and an ex-wife on the run. She connects better to horses than humans. Can Dallas and Jess find their way to each other at Hope Eternal Ranch?

Dallas Dreyer was once a decorated surgeon. After getting involved in insurance fraud and then spending thirty months in a low-security facility, he gets released only to learn his wife of fifteen years has left their two children at her sister's and fled the state. He's determined to figure out how to be a single dad and do right by his kids, and he goes to Hope Eternal Ranch to attend the wedding of one of his best friends.

He meets Jessica Morales, the stable master at the ranch, and he's instantly attracted to her. She has a big heart, a wide smile, and she's great with his kids. Jess likes him too, but she's wary of the rugged cowboy mechanic who doesn't seem to know when it's okay to take calls from his ex-wife and how to juggle all of his new responsibilities. Her horses, though, she gets, and since she's never had a relationship that's lasted longer than two months, she's not sure she wants to take a chance with her heart.

When Dallas finds himself dealing with thugs who want him to pay off his ex-wife's debt, he has to make difficult decisions to keep himself, his children, and Jess safe. That means dealing with his ex-wife and paying whatever price necessary to get dangerous men away from Hope Eternal Ranch.

Can Jess be patient with Dallas while he deals with so much? Or will the family she's started to build with him and his children disintegrate right before her eyes?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Westerns, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Cowboy Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2020

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Rugged Cowboy is book 3 in the Hope Eternal Ranch series by Elana Johnson about second chances.

Next up, leaving the low security prison after a few years for Hope Eternal Ranch is Dallas Dreyer along with his 2 kids that his ex wife left with her sister. Trying to be a single dad, follow the ranch rules, an ex wife on the run and meeting Jessica Morales, the stable master to name a few...

Both trying to get past broken relationships, attraction and sparks between them, keeping everyone safe from danger, looking for a second chance at life, love and HEA...for Dallas, Jess and the kids...

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two strong-willed, steadfast people have suffered some hard knocks in life and have been unlucky in the love department, at least the forever type of love. Another chance at love awaits them on the Hope Eternal Ranch when Dallas and his family join the group of people who live and work there. The ranch offers Dallas and his family a place of refuge, a place to restart their lives. Recently released from prison, newly divorced and now a single father of two young kids, Dallas is faced with many decisions to make that will effect his and his kids futures. He promised to attend his best buddy’s wedding at the ranch, but never expected to be offered a job with a good salary and a place to stay. With his ex-wife who knows where, he must make so many decisions for his kids that he has never made before. The residents of the ranch, some of them also ex-cons, help calm his panicked and overwhelmed musings, and he and his kids settle into an almost normal rhythm of life. Jess is the no-nonsense, miracle worker who handles and trains the horses on the ranch. She helped him get the job of chief mechanic after he repaired the air conditioning system in the horse barn. There is an instant attraction between them, but both are a bit wary about moving forward. Their relationship suffers a few initial mishaps, then they seem to be progressing slowly forward, building a friendship and a strong connections between them, including hers with his kids. Soon their hearts are involved and both believe they have been given another chance at something lasting. Everything falls apart when he is forced to deal with his troubled ex-wife and the messy situation that follows her. Unable to see herself as a priority in his life, Jess distances herself from Dallas and asks him to not come to her until he has his life in order and can devote his time and attention to her too. Will Dallas be able to find a way to make Jess number one in his life (along with his kids) before he loses her permanently?

I loved the fascinating characters in this book...their attitudes, their personalities and their flaws. They are true to life and make this story much more relatable and enjoyable.i loved how the residents of the ranch rally around each other and interact as a family of sorts. I can’t wait to read more books in this series! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. Contemporary Western romance, with a twist. Dallas, is a convicted criminal recently released from prison for white collar crime. A friend from prison is getting married, and Dallas owes him so much for his support, kindness, protection, and help during their incarceration. Seeing Nate and Ted friends from his incarceration, helps as he transitions with his children into life outside of prison. Sensitive to his change in his life, from surgeon, prisoner, and now released inmate, he watches, observes, and tries to fit in at the ranch as he starts working at the ranch. As he and Jessica meet and get to know one another, his life, and the complexities of being divorced with an ex-wife who is addicted, and in debt to dealers, puts his children, him, and Jessica at risk. As he seeks to resolve the situation with his ex-wife, to keep himself and his loved ones safe, the complexities get in the way of his relationship with Jessica.
Strong characters, family, genuine, sweet attraction between Dallas and Jessica, along with some fun scenes with Nate and Ted and their significant others (MC in the other books in this series) and continuing their stories, made for a fun read. E.J.'s sensitive dealing with these released inmates, who are working to join back into their community and make a home, and a heart home with their loved ones. She describes so well the genuine, honest emotions they are feeling, feel the deep emotions, worries and concerns that each of the characters have, and see their honest hearts, hoping for healing, and wanting to be seen by another loving, caring companion. A perfect addition to this series.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own, I received no compensation for this.

[Elana]

This book is out in the wild! I hope you enjoy it.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Hope Eternal Ranch Romance series. I have just recently been introduced to this series and am loving it! It is a sweet and touching story about second chances. The storyline caught my interest right from the start and I became immersed in Dallas and Jessica's story. Dallas has had a rough go of it, going to prison he for a crime he doesn't know he committed, wife divorces him, and he lost his license to practice medicine. Released from prison, he is getting a second chance at life. Jessica is just the person to help him with that. Their path to love is a little bumpy, with things like Dallas's ex-wife making trouble, but you just need to hang in there and have faith it will all work out. A truly lovely story! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

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

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas was going to get a second chance at love it he was lucky. Gone to prison for a crime he did not know he committed, his wife divorced him while he was in prison and left their children behind, he lost his medical license to practice, and now he was out with two kids to take care of. What was he going to do? First he was going to his friend's wedding at Hope Eternal Ranch, where he meets Jessica Morales the horse trainer at the ranch. They shoot sparks off each other at their very first meeting. She does help him get a job at ranch as new head mechanic. They try to have a relationship, but it goes through many, many ups and downs as Dallas still issues with his ex-wife. The kids have problems from him being in prison and their mom leaving them. Is there any room in Dallas's life for Jess? There are days that he was not sure which way was up. He was just trying to build a new life. Set down and hang on tight until the end, have a little faith, because Dallas will eventually get it all figured out, but you have to read the book to get answer.

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

[Infosleuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, personal growth and intrigue

This is the first book I’ve read in this series but it worked fine as a standalone. I was initially a bit dubious about a ranch with a group of ex-cons but this is actually one of the best cowboy romance/ranch books I’ve ever read. Dallas is released from prison and must figure out how to be a single parent to 2 children he hasn’t seen in awhile, finds romance but isn’t sure how to handle it and his ex-wife’s problems land on his doorstep adding some mystery and intrigue. The characters are wonderful and I really connected with them right away. It was uplifting to watch the characters change, learn and grow as the novel progressed. Along with the angst, there was humour and a feeling that second chances and happy endings really are possible. I’ll be reading more books in this series!

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

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like these cowboy redemption stories. We need more places like Hope Eternal Ranch in real life. Jess has worked at the ranch for about 12 years working with the horses. Dallas was a heart surgeon who had a patient die and the family sued for malpractice. He signed some paperwork without reading them and ended up being charged with fraud and served time in a minimum security prison. His best friends from there had wound up at Hope Eternal Ranch and one of them was getting married when he got released. He went to the wedding and they offered him a job fixing all the machinery. His ex-wife had taken off and dropped their children at her sisters. She got tangled up in drugs and bad gang. Jess and Dallas had sparks, but Dallas's priorities were his children and getting his ex in rehab as a gang had come after him to pay for the debts of his ex. Lots of interesting side stories and side characters. Will things work out for Jess and Dallas or will he get back with his ex? I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my review

This is such an awesome story and Dallas had to figure out so much and deal with so much that he didn't really have time and wasn't ready for a relationship with Jess. Jess has had bad luck with dating lately and is about to give up on ever finding her happily ever after. Then she and Dallas meet at Nate and Ginger's wedding and they both feel the sparks but are not really sure what they are because they have never felt them before. Jess starts to fall for Dallas, Remmy, and Thomas and they start to love her, Dallas has to go rescue his ex from herself and her drug debt. Will Jess be able to deal with everything and being put so far down on his priority list? Will Dallas be able to find the help he needs to deal with everything and make Jess realize that he and the kids really do love her? Is Dallas truly over his ex or will he think they can get back together if she gets through her drug treatment program and gets the help she needs?

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Hope Eternal Ranch Series! These books are about second chances. Just out of prison, Dallas brings his two children to Hope Eternal Ranch for a wedding and ends up getting a job. He and Jess have an almost instant attraction. But Dallas needs to get some counseling not only for his kids but also for himself and he needs to stop trying to save his ex-wife. Jess has dated a lot and is ready to settle down but she’s not sure that Dallas is ready to move on. I really like these books because the characters are all more mature and they are all flawed but working through their problems to become better people while seeking God’s will and help. You will love this new romance by Elana Johnson.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic Book!

Nate and Ted started the Mulbury Boys while incarcerated at River Bay low-security prison in Texas, to provide protection and support. However, compared to the group's third member, Dallas Dreyer, Nate and Ted's stay has been a walk in the park. Dallas was attacked and beaten within an inch of his life shortly after arriving at River Bay, and credits Nate with saving his life. If that wasn't enough, his wife, Martha, suddenly filed for divorce and abandoned his two children with her sister before disappearing into the world of drugs and alcohol. Again, it seems the Mulbury Boys save Dallas' sanity if not his life by inviting him to attend Ginger and Nate's wedding at Hope Eternal Ranch. Thus begins the third addition to Elana Johnson's Eternal Ranch Romance series, Rugged Cowboy. When it comes to second-chance romance, love, and forgiveness, you can't go wrong with Elana Johnson's clean, sweet romance series.

I enjoyed the first two books I read in the Hope Eternal Ranch series. Yet, I loved Rugged Cowboy and Dallas and Jess' story, mainly due to the family dynamics and realistic struggles they endured. Elana demonstrates her incredible writing talent and empathy for Eternal Hope in this inspiring story. Rugged Cowboy hooked my interest on page one and kept me engaged to the very end.

I can't wait to see what happens with Slate and Luke in the final books of this fantastic second-chance romance series!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rugged Cowboy is another story of life and love on Hope Eternal ranch. Dallas was another man that was in prison that used to be a heart surgeon. Because one of his patient died they sued him and the hospital for malpractice and the sister had him sign a insurance paper he didn't read and he was charged for insurance fraud. Shows how easy a person could lose their life in the flash of an eye. He gets out right before Nate and Ginger's wedding and brings his two kids with him. While at the wedding, Jess texts Emma and then Ginger to see if they could give Dallas a job. She was smitten with Dallas and so was Dallas with Jess. They hire Dallas as the mechanical supervisor for all the machines that run on the ranch. This gives Jess and Dallas time to be together and she gets to be with the kids in her horse riding classes. Everything is going great until his ex-wife sends her dope dealer to get money from Dallas. This puts a kink in life and brings the Mulbury boys from prison back together to fix this situation.
This story has enough turns and suspense to keep you turning pages wondering what their next step will be.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know that I had any specific ideas for what I thought Dallas’s story was going to be, but I certainly wasn’t expecting this angsty emotional roller-coaster. Though, I suppose that’s exactly what I should be expecting by now considering the previous books in this series. Dallas has a whole lot of baggage holding him back. Jess has never had a successful relationship. Can this pair find their way together or will all the bad habits of their pasts destroy anything good they try to build? I really enjoyed this book. It tackles some pretty tricky subjects and does so with gentleness and love. I also really appreciated the way the author advocates for the services of qualified mental health professionals, because sometimes it really does take the assistance of someone else to guide you through the darkest times. I’m already eagerly awaiting the release of the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Tawnya L · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can this be titled Rugged Cowboy?

Dallas was a heart surgeon, who supposedly got up in signing paperwork and didn't read it. Which leads him to being the fall guy and lands him in prison.
For an almost 40 year old, he sure is very child like in his behaviors and emotions. He comes across as a lost soul, who needs to be told how to live and who to love. Comes across as a very weak willed person.

Jess has had her run of boyfriends and dates. No one has come close to being her Mr. Perfect. Untill Dallas that is. But then Dallas shows how much he isn't perfect and she has to be the one to make the hard decision.

With two kids, an ex wife, and all the the ex wife has done. Dallas had to be shown tough love, which Jess got from her own family.


No, I did not like this story. I have read Nate and Ted's stories. All three remind me of poorly written class b Hallmark wannabe romcom movies.

[Meme · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason why I gave this two stars is because I don't like how Dallas had to do something to win Jess back. I get the whole part "He wasn't ready" But Jess also said she wasn't ready. Jess broke up with him. Jess couldn't understand that Dallas was paying the thugs off so those thugs wouldn't bother him, his kids and the people who live at the ranch. He also helped the kids mother so she can get better and one day step up and hopely be a mother again. I think Jess should have been the one to go beg Dallas for forgiveness and for Dallas to take her back. She was so demanding from the start. Dallas should have found someone who wasn't demanding.

I felt bad for Thomas and Remmy. No mother should do that to their kids. I liked how Dallas stepped up and did everything for his kids. He got his kids help when they needed it. I like how everyone at the ranch helps out with the kids.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUGGED COWBOY...Elena Johnson
Dallas finally arriving in Sweet Water Falls with his two kids Thomas and Remmy for the wedding of Nate. Ted and Nate greeting him with big smiles. He needed that, with his old life, career and even the house behind him now. Prison taught him to reserve comments, he knew nothing about, and about all the new people around.
Jessica meeting Dallas, new cowboy boots, no traction, and one wet floor , slipped and fell at his feet. Attractive guy, he had two kids, and she barely knew how to take care of herself.
Taking every day as he could, finding a house, that Jessica and him both like, was a good beginning.. A cute story, a unique proposal, and a new beginning. A heartwarming story of love, the changes, and new beginnings, enjoyable and a delight to read. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

[Linda Mandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas (was a surgeon) has spent thirty months in a low-security facility due to be involved in a insurance fraud. When he is finally released he finds that his wife left his two children with her sister and left town. He attends a wedding of his best friend on the Hope Eternal Ranch where he meets Jess. Jess loves her horses and stays away from people if she can. Dallas learned to be a mechanic while in prison and helps Jess fix equipment prior to the wedding. Jess offers him a job and a place to stay which Dallas accepts. But he has a problem with his ex wife which needs to be remedied right away if he wants a relationship with Jess. He figures our what he has to do to keep his kids and Jess safe and with the help of his other two best friends they come to a conclusion. The book was good and easy to read.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cowboy romance. Two people unsure of themselves bump into each other--literally--at a friend's wedding. Dallas, fresh from prison with two kids and an ex wife on the run, is instantly attracted to Jess. Only, he hasn't dated in many years and hopes he knows how to be with a woman again. I love the continuing update on the couples and friends at Hope Eternal Ranch--1 happy community with distinctly different personalities, but always there in a pinch to help each other. Ms. Johnson has a wonderful way of writing that makes me feel like I know the characters personally. I recommend this clean cowboy romance! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Dallas stole my heart in this one, his life was interesting to say the least, but I believed that he would find his new normal in the end.

Jess was such a great character, she didn't always see her strengths, she had such insight, such drive, she was a brave and strong woman to speak up and say what she did and didn't want.

My heart broke at times reading this, but it also rejoiced to see Dallas and Jess do the right thing for themselves and lean on their family and friends for support. I loved seeing Nate and Ted's stories continue and look forward to reading more from this series.

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

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader meets Dallas, a former surgeon, when he leaves the penitentiary system after 30 months. His wife has left him and their children. Without a job, 2 pre-teen children he has to find a way to become successful again -for his children's sake. At his new job as a mechanic at a farm he meets Jess.
A complicated story, as both have baggage and find it difficult to let go.
Ms. Johnson's stories follow always the same pattern - coming together, a break-up and finding their way back. But her books show that the way is often very important, as it cements the relationship of the couple and some issues are aired.
Entertaining and inspiring
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas just got of prison and was on his way to the wedding of a former inmate. Hope Eternal Ranch is the destination – more or less. When he arrives and meets Jess, she gives him a tour of the ranch. When they step into the barn, they realize that the AC is off. She goes to see what kind of repairing tools they have, and he finds the AC parts he needs and repairs it. When he did that, Jess decided to contact her employer to see if she can offer him the job as the ‘fix-it’ guy for the ranch. She offers and he takes the job.
Certain things from his past keep popping up and causing problems where Jess and Dallas are concerned. Things like an ex-wife, two kids and drug addiction and a few other minor things.
Can they work through it?

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dallas comes with a lot of baggage. Still, he and Jess are very attracted to each other. They begin a relationship but it's put on hold until he figures out what he wants in life and how he's going to manage all the balls he has in the air.

This is the first book I've read in this series and I was able to enjoy it without having read the first few books.

This is a well written book and the story line is unusual in that Dallas is really dealing with serious problems in his life. It's a clean romance, but some of the topics covered may not be suitable for the youngest readers. I think most readers would enjoy this book.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the clean romance about Dallas, an ex-felon heart surgeon, and Jess, the horse train, at Eternal Hope Ranch, where they meet as Dallas joins his friends Nate and Ted, for Nate’s wedding. His wife has just abandoned his two children and divorced him, so his world is still spinning, when Jess offers him a great job at the ranch. Meanwhile sparks are flying between Jess and him, but is he ready to move on? Then the ex-wife ensues her troubles upon them. Can they endure?
The continuity is great throughout the series and characters are well-developed. I highly recommend this story and series.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rugged Cowboy is a story about life after serving time and having to start over with a new job, raising two children, and no wife as she divorced Dallas when he was serving his time. I admired Dallas' strength with everything he went through in this story to protect his children and to help his ex-wife. He kept trying to mend his ties with his father too. I also admired his ability to realize and go after his dreams, to seek help when needed, and to open his heart to love with Jess. She was really a special woman and just the right one for Dallas and his two children. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting Over

I always look forward to books by Elana Johnson and this time is no exception...

Dallas is out of jail, has picked up his children and is on his way to Hope Eternal Ranch for his friend's wedding. He wasn't expecting to find Jess, have an instant attraction to her, or be offered a full time job, place to live and child care when needed.

As he and Jess develop a relationship, everything is lost when his ex-wife's thugs show up unannounced demanding reimbursement for her drug debt. Dallas is understandably lost and asks his friend's for help. Can he get her back or is what they had lost forever?~

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rugged Cowboy

Jess worked at Hope Eternal Ranch with the horses as well as the employees who helped her. Dallas came to Hope Eternal ranch from the local penitentiary the same as Ted and Nate had before him. Dallas's wife had left him and divorced him while he was still in prison. She left their two children with her sister. Dallas picked them up and came to Nate and Gingers wedding and ended up staying as the mechanic. He was given a cabin so that his children would have their own place to live. This is another great story on Love and eternal hope for all who come to The Ranch to live. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dallas is a cowboy mechanic with an ex-wife and 2 kids he is raising on his own. Jess understands horses better than she understands people but even she knows that when you are on a date you should not take a phone call from your ex. Dallas has to figure out how to be a single dad and stop trying to save his ex-wife before he can be with Jess. This is a really enjoyable story about personal growth and finding oneself and the love you deserve. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so sorry for Dallas and his kids that I wanted to cry. And I was surprised at the temper Jess had, but it sure came in handy! One of my favorite parts was the horses and how the kids enjoyed them so much. The story gave me a lot of entertainment and a lot of things that made me thankful that I didn’t have those problems. It is another excellent book from the author and I hope you enjoy it half as much as I have.

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

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dallas spent thirty months in prison, when he's let out, he picks up his son and daughter, from his ex sister-in-law and drives to Hope Eternal for Nate and Ginger's wedding (see Hopeful Cowboy). There he meets Jess, he repairs the air conditioning plant in the stable.
He's still not let go of his ex-wife, whom divorced him just before he left prison and gave up all rights to their children.
Jess and he try for a relationship but he's still not come to terms with leaving prison and the situation with his ex. This is an emotional read.

A great read from Elana.