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Billionaire Ranchers (First Generation) #1
Impressing Her Billionaire Cowboy Boss
Chad Bolton is the heir to his father’s ranch. The son his mother is counting on. The one who has to do it all. But he’s a rancher at heart. A cowboy. Spending his days in a corporate office isn’t for him. In fact, the thought that most every day from now on will be spent indoors is depressing.
Annie Shipley has worked hard for her credentials. She knows how a ranch should be run – because of her education and her experience. Getting a job at Bolton Farms is the break she hopes will point her career in the upward direction she’s dreamed about for years.
When she makes a bold and unsolicited suggestion that brings laughter from the strong male personalities in the board room, she’s sure she’ll be fired. Walking out of the room and away from the decidedly handsome CEO, she wants to melt into the floor. Easy come, easy go.
But just as she’s putting the embarrassment behind her, Annie gets a proposal she never expected. As Chad drops the opportunity of a lifetime into her lap, he crosses his fingers she’ll accept. He needs someone like her, in more ways than one.
Managing the team to make the changes she’d proposed is going to be a huge challenge. Fully qualified to run the project to bring it through to success is one thing. Being equipped to work hand in hand, day in and day out, with her boss is another. It’s inappropriate for her heart to race when her boss is near no matter how drop dead gorgeous he is. Isn’t it?
Getting his ranch on track is what Chad’s working toward. Is it selfish for him to depend on Annie to help him get there? Is there too much going on in their careers to allow them to notice they’re falling in love?
Annie Shipley has worked hard for her credentials. She knows how a ranch should be run – because of her education and her experience. Getting a job at Bolton Farms is the break she hopes will point her career in the upward direction she’s dreamed about for years.
When she makes a bold and unsolicited suggestion that brings laughter from the strong male personalities in the board room, she’s sure she’ll be fired. Walking out of the room and away from the decidedly handsome CEO, she wants to melt into the floor. Easy come, easy go.
But just as she’s putting the embarrassment behind her, Annie gets a proposal she never expected. As Chad drops the opportunity of a lifetime into her lap, he crosses his fingers she’ll accept. He needs someone like her, in more ways than one.
Managing the team to make the changes she’d proposed is going to be a huge challenge. Fully qualified to run the project to bring it through to success is one thing. Being equipped to work hand in hand, day in and day out, with her boss is another. It’s inappropriate for her heart to race when her boss is near no matter how drop dead gorgeous he is. Isn’t it?
Getting his ranch on track is what Chad’s working toward. Is it selfish for him to depend on Annie to help him get there? Is there too much going on in their careers to allow them to notice they’re falling in love?
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
755 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
April Murdock
151 books202 followersUSA Today Bestselling author April Murdock loves romance, especially sweet stories that make you sigh out loud. She loves to write stories inspired by people in her life - past and present. She doesn't live on a ranch, but some of her favorite memories are visiting her cousins at their horse farm. And they've been helpful sharing information that sometimes shows up in her stories.
April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy.
Join April's Readers Group and get a free book - Finding Her Cowboy - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kaauknd86j
April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy.
Join April's Readers Group and get a free book - Finding Her Cowboy - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kaauknd86j
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 27, 2022
This book I found intriguing and a page turner. Couldn't put it down. I love how the book was written and put together. Hated to put it down. This book may have different plots but only 1 ending.
I highly recommend you read this book. Yes I will most likely read again.
I highly recommend you read this book. Yes I will most likely read again.
July 21, 2020
Such a sweet romance. I loved the characters in this story and no one has to worry about sex scenes or bad language.
July 24, 2020
Having read several other works by April Murdock, I have found her to be a consistent four-star author. In this instance, where the vast majority of reviewers awarded five-stars for her work, I felt I might be able to break with my prior four-star barrier. Alas! I was disappointed. Ms. Murdock failed to do due diligence in researching the correct nomenclature regarding horses. She used rope instead of Reins and hair instead of Mane. She also spoke of a horse dropping its jaw to drink. Merely viewing a western movie or two would dispel that description. Finally, she joined the club of numerous other authors who misuse the word “ground.”
By definition, “ground” means “the solid surface of the earth.” When Ms. Murdock wrote the phrase “she looked at the ground,” the location was inside an office. She should have written, “she looked at the floor.” Every one of the above errors falls in the category of “editorial errors.” The above all may seem nit-picking, and it is. But if an author wants to join my “five-star” club, the entire package must be significantly outstanding to overcome the negative effect of several editorial errors. The storyline, character development, and structure were quite good, but not exceptional. However, the crescendo leading to the conclusion was exceptional. Four-Stars!
By definition, “ground” means “the solid surface of the earth.” When Ms. Murdock wrote the phrase “she looked at the ground,” the location was inside an office. She should have written, “she looked at the floor.” Every one of the above errors falls in the category of “editorial errors.” The above all may seem nit-picking, and it is. But if an author wants to join my “five-star” club, the entire package must be significantly outstanding to overcome the negative effect of several editorial errors. The storyline, character development, and structure were quite good, but not exceptional. However, the crescendo leading to the conclusion was exceptional. Four-Stars!
September 8, 2021
This books had a few good points, one of which had been included in the FB ad that caught my attention. However, I absolutely cannot get behind the "meet, absolutely fell head over heels within a week, and agree to get married" ideal. I have nothing against love at first sight: without it, I wouldn't be married to my spouse of over 20 years and counting. It's just the way this story was written.
This story had a lot of great potential to turn into a magnificently epic slow burn. Instead, it just plowed forward at top speed.
That said, it contained one major aspect I greatly appreciated: professionalism. Chad and Annie are boss and employee, and they both start out trying to maintain proper workplace decorum. This is why I feel it would have been better served as a long-term slow burn. They are both so buttoned up that it should have taken more than a handful of days to combat their mental blocks.
Overall, strong beginning, but by the end, I could only rate this one 'Meh.'
This story had a lot of great potential to turn into a magnificently epic slow burn. Instead, it just plowed forward at top speed.
That said, it contained one major aspect I greatly appreciated: professionalism. Chad and Annie are boss and employee, and they both start out trying to maintain proper workplace decorum. This is why I feel it would have been better served as a long-term slow burn. They are both so buttoned up that it should have taken more than a handful of days to combat their mental blocks.
Overall, strong beginning, but by the end, I could only rate this one 'Meh.'
July 3, 2020
A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!
June 28, 2020
Chad is the CEO of a large company and on the same day he plans on making certain changes. After Annie catches his attention his original plan has some changes. This is a great romance novel with HEA ending. Great job April Murdock . This book is available on Amazon
September 18, 2022
The timeline is warp speed
Insta-love is a favorite of mine but I need him to work for it. I need angst when they are apart and longing for more when they are together. This book delivered very little angst and the atmosphere when they are together is a warm friendship built on mutual respect. They genuinely like each other. I loved that part, however, the rest was just off.
The plot is high stakes for a reason that is never explained. He's not paying attention when the deal is first introduced and we are never informed why it's important to secure the deal. Only that it's a potential billion dollar deal. The stakes are billion dollar success or what. What happens upon failure is never explained or explored. So this deal drives the plot and it's important but we don't know why.
The characters are sketches. All of them are stereotypes with a single detail. There are no useless hobbies, pets, personality quirks, or even political conversations. I need bickering about sports teams between housekeeper and man she helped raise, a mother who tends her houseplants as she talks to her son, or a ranch dog. Everything is a plot point even Misty and Bolt.
The writing is very by the numbers and repetitive.
The pacing is crazy. The timeline is one week maybe two. They have a major project that they have to bring together in a week. In real life, three years to plan and hopefully seven months to complete any sort of commercial building endeavor. And this isn't something that they have been cooking for a while, and then have to deliver a final packaged bid in a final push where they fall in love. No, the opportunity comes up, she presents him with a way to possibly make it work, they spend three days brainstorming and then another two or three coming up with a presentation to be delivered that weekend. Nothing on earth moves that fast and I'm not getting into the love story part because that's just as fast and illogical.
The world building is negligible. Which is disappointing because I'm interested in that world. How did he make billions with Bolton Farms, what do they do, who are their clients, are they an international entity or an exclusive provider for elite clientele? Nothing is answered. I was with her on the tour and still have no idea what Bolton Farms does.
Insta-love is a favorite of mine but I need him to work for it. I need angst when they are apart and longing for more when they are together. This book delivered very little angst and the atmosphere when they are together is a warm friendship built on mutual respect. They genuinely like each other. I loved that part, however, the rest was just off.
The plot is high stakes for a reason that is never explained. He's not paying attention when the deal is first introduced and we are never informed why it's important to secure the deal. Only that it's a potential billion dollar deal. The stakes are billion dollar success or what. What happens upon failure is never explained or explored. So this deal drives the plot and it's important but we don't know why.
The characters are sketches. All of them are stereotypes with a single detail. There are no useless hobbies, pets, personality quirks, or even political conversations. I need bickering about sports teams between housekeeper and man she helped raise, a mother who tends her houseplants as she talks to her son, or a ranch dog. Everything is a plot point even Misty and Bolt.
The writing is very by the numbers and repetitive.
The pacing is crazy. The timeline is one week maybe two. They have a major project that they have to bring together in a week. In real life, three years to plan and hopefully seven months to complete any sort of commercial building endeavor. And this isn't something that they have been cooking for a while, and then have to deliver a final packaged bid in a final push where they fall in love. No, the opportunity comes up, she presents him with a way to possibly make it work, they spend three days brainstorming and then another two or three coming up with a presentation to be delivered that weekend. Nothing on earth moves that fast and I'm not getting into the love story part because that's just as fast and illogical.
The world building is negligible. Which is disappointing because I'm interested in that world. How did he make billions with Bolton Farms, what do they do, who are their clients, are they an international entity or an exclusive provider for elite clientele? Nothing is answered. I was with her on the tour and still have no idea what Bolton Farms does.
September 13, 2021
An enjoyable clean romance and quick read, though it seemed to be written for a younger audience in some aspects. Annie and her billionaire boss Chad begin working together. And after 2 weeks, he's fallen in love with her; he attributes this to his parents' short romance prior to marriage. Most of the time we hear about the electricity when they touch, etc.--all feelings but nothing seemingly deeper. Each feels the other couldn't possibly want them (an overworked storyline), and so it's the back and forth of does he/doesn't he? Some of the drama seemed manipulated by the author in this respect; both the H/h make major assumptions about the other, acting on those assumptions without communicating with each other. And in one place, Chad tells an employee of his, "I know Annie. I know her face like I know my own heart." (I'm still trying to figure out how that one proves Chad's love for Annie!).
But the chemistry and cowboy ranch setting kept me reading to the point where I couldn't put the book down. And so, I recommend this clean romance with its HEA--oddities and all.
But the chemistry and cowboy ranch setting kept me reading to the point where I couldn't put the book down. And so, I recommend this clean romance with its HEA--oddities and all.
May 30, 2021
Ah-a great cowboy romance.
A woman with far reaching ideas and a man with the money and willingness to make them happen. Chad Bolton is the CEO of the family company after both his dad and grandpa died. He had taken the company into the stratosphere but his heart was on the ranch not the boardroom. Annie had credentials and vision to pull off the biggest deal so far but feelings were getting in the way. It wasn’t professional. Then there was her family that had had been estranged for several years. Can they get the big deal or is everything going to drop like a lead balloon?
This has been on my TBR pile for a while and I loved it. April tells a good story, keeps it clean, there’s some trouble and turmoil, some reconciliation and yes there’s some swoony kisses and love.
A woman with far reaching ideas and a man with the money and willingness to make them happen. Chad Bolton is the CEO of the family company after both his dad and grandpa died. He had taken the company into the stratosphere but his heart was on the ranch not the boardroom. Annie had credentials and vision to pull off the biggest deal so far but feelings were getting in the way. It wasn’t professional. Then there was her family that had had been estranged for several years. Can they get the big deal or is everything going to drop like a lead balloon?
This has been on my TBR pile for a while and I loved it. April tells a good story, keeps it clean, there’s some trouble and turmoil, some reconciliation and yes there’s some swoony kisses and love.
August 13, 2021
Kept Me Reading
What bothered me about this book was the handful of instances of odd wording. Some of them were unnecessarily repeated items. Others were repetitios wording in a sentence. But everything else made up for that. The plot was interesting and the characters relatable. I was able to put myself in the setting and see it pretty clearly. All of that made for a pleasant reading experience. While this isn't an inspirational romance, it is definitely clean and sweet. But there's enough conflict you don't feel like everything's falling into place too easily...until right close to the end.
Overall, this was a good story. If you enjoy sweet, clean, contemporary romance, why not give it a try?
What bothered me about this book was the handful of instances of odd wording. Some of them were unnecessarily repeated items. Others were repetitios wording in a sentence. But everything else made up for that. The plot was interesting and the characters relatable. I was able to put myself in the setting and see it pretty clearly. All of that made for a pleasant reading experience. While this isn't an inspirational romance, it is definitely clean and sweet. But there's enough conflict you don't feel like everything's falling into place too easily...until right close to the end.
Overall, this was a good story. If you enjoy sweet, clean, contemporary romance, why not give it a try?
June 26, 2020
This was a cute story by April Murdock. I loved how Annie and Chad fell in love so fast but how it worked. I loved how I was drawn in to this story. I finished it in one setting because it was very engaging. I love the struggle that they went through with dealing with if they could/should date since Annie was his employee. I loved how they understood each other and were the perfect match for each other. This was a delightful book to read.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
July 4, 2020
This is a well developed sweet romance that develop over time between CEO Chad and his employee Annie despite them trying to keep it professional. I loved that Annie is strong enough to work towards her dreams, even if that meant her family disowned her. She is brilliant and sees solutions that other people over look. Chad is the cowboy at heart underneath his CEO facade and smart enough to see Annie's ideas for what they are exceptional. The chemistry is sizzling and the story line was great and had just the right amount of fun, romance and drama to make for a very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2020
What a wonderful start to a new series! I was invested in the story right from the beginning. Annie and Chad were a wonderful couple and I enjoyed following their story. Chad is the CEO and Annie is one of his employees. They try to keep it professional, but a sweet romance develops over time. The dynamics between the two was wonderful. The chemistry between them was definitely undeniable. It was great to see the love between these two grow. This was a very well written story and I can't wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2020
Chad and Annie, boss and employee, are strongly attracted to each other. Since they think it is highly inappropriate, they fight their attraction. The only problem is that they work closely together on a project that means a lot to the company. When work and their own family relationships mix together, the story starts getting really interesting…
I enjoyed this story on all levels, the characters, the development of the plot, and the writing. If you love stories about strong cowboys with soft hearts and strong-willed women, you will definitely appreciate this book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story on all levels, the characters, the development of the plot, and the writing. If you love stories about strong cowboys with soft hearts and strong-willed women, you will definitely appreciate this book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2020
Annie had guts telling the CEO how she would make decisions to earn a lucrative business they were going after even though she was new to the company and low on the corporate ladder. For Chad it was attraction at first sight of Annie and I thought their relationship progressed so fast it was like instalove. They have their rocky moments with disagreements, playful fights, and an interaction with her estranged brother that could cost them everything. I laughed, smiled, and shook my head at times reading this book. This was a clean western romance.
July 2, 2020
April Murdock brings a wonderful story with interesting characters, humor, romance and a few twists and turns. Both Chad and Annie have ranch backgrounds and corporate minds but perhaps not necessarily corporate hearts. This book is a little different from the usual billionaire falls for lady that might not be appropriate for him. No one thinks that but Carter but I have a feeling Carter will find the perfect lady in a future book. Chad will probably be the first to give him a hard time. This was a fun book to read.
July 3, 2020
Love me a good cowboy book and April sure does know how to write them! This is a great start to a new series. I liked Chad who is the heir to his dad ranch, but he loves to work the ranch not be in some stuffy office. Annie has the credentials but when she makes suggestions at the meeting she’s met with laughter. However, Chad invites her to the ranch to see where her ideas could come into play. Will they be able to work together? What happens when the unexpected happens?
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 11, 2020
A wonderful story
Annie works at Bolton and has managed to show them the best way to manage their land and ranch to a profitable business. Chad Bolton was about to resign his CEO
Position because he hated it and wanted to get to be at the ranch full time because that is the life he loved. Well Chad and Annie worked together to be able to get the job he wanted.
In order to find out how they get to that, you will need to read this very well written story. I recommend it highly, I enjoyed reading this story a lot. Very well written characters, very memorable.
Annie works at Bolton and has managed to show them the best way to manage their land and ranch to a profitable business. Chad Bolton was about to resign his CEO
Position because he hated it and wanted to get to be at the ranch full time because that is the life he loved. Well Chad and Annie worked together to be able to get the job he wanted.
In order to find out how they get to that, you will need to read this very well written story. I recommend it highly, I enjoyed reading this story a lot. Very well written characters, very memorable.
June 29, 2020
This is the first book in the new Millionaire Ranchers Series by April Murdoch and it's one you'll want to read. This was a fun story and a cute quick romance. It's hard not to fall in love with Annie and Chad. They were likable and well-developed characters. It was cute how they both suffered from the fact that he was her boss. Once I started reading I read it in one sitting. I read an arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 7, 2020
A well written romance between the ranch boss and the newest hire. The characters are amazing and have definite attraction and chemistry that comes through the pages. You're swept up in their story and journey to romance and a possible HEA. The story flows smoothly through the pages and captures your attention. A perfect summertime romantic read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
Impressing her Billionaire Cowboy Boss
This was a great story on how love and family work together. Annie worked at Bolton Inc. and the CEO was having second thoughts about being the CEO he would rather work at the family ranch and look after the horses. Brady Annie's brother was also a cowboy but because Annie went to school to make their lives better but her father could not let her go, so she left after he kicked her out. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This was a great story on how love and family work together. Annie worked at Bolton Inc. and the CEO was having second thoughts about being the CEO he would rather work at the family ranch and look after the horses. Brady Annie's brother was also a cowboy but because Annie went to school to make their lives better but her father could not let her go, so she left after he kicked her out. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
September 22, 2020
Money & Power
I absolutely love a good billionaire story! Chad has it all, but he remains unhappy! Not in the mindset to handle the CEO position, his heart remain on his ranch! Opportunity knocks on his door in the form of a little spitfire named Annie! Of course sparks fly, and a through it all they find each other! Good, strong storyline, filled with understanding love! Must read!
I absolutely love a good billionaire story! Chad has it all, but he remains unhappy! Not in the mindset to handle the CEO position, his heart remain on his ranch! Opportunity knocks on his door in the form of a little spitfire named Annie! Of course sparks fly, and a through it all they find each other! Good, strong storyline, filled with understanding love! Must read!
November 5, 2020
Too simplistic
This feels like a first novella by someone who has no idea how the corporate world works. Any billionaire CEO who allowed his employees to talk to him in such insubordinate ways would be out out of business in a heartbeat. He should have fired Adam and Carter, and in no world would an accounting intern be able to walk in and make changes, much less know how to implement them. Then the relationship was shallow and too quick. Won't read more of this series.
This feels like a first novella by someone who has no idea how the corporate world works. Any billionaire CEO who allowed his employees to talk to him in such insubordinate ways would be out out of business in a heartbeat. He should have fired Adam and Carter, and in no world would an accounting intern be able to walk in and make changes, much less know how to implement them. Then the relationship was shallow and too quick. Won't read more of this series.
February 4, 2022
Mending family heartache...
This was a read where I felt the emotions aa they happened Annie and Chad. Such loss - permanent and temporary - they experienced in their own ways tied them together more than they realized. Misunderstandings lead to hurt feelings but mending heartaches sealed more than just work deals. I’m not one for horses, but I think Mist and I would get along well with our stubbornness!!
This was a read where I felt the emotions aa they happened Annie and Chad. Such loss - permanent and temporary - they experienced in their own ways tied them together more than they realized. Misunderstandings lead to hurt feelings but mending heartaches sealed more than just work deals. I’m not one for horses, but I think Mist and I would get along well with our stubbornness!!
March 18, 2024
I absolutely adored this story! I'm not a big fan of the billionaire trope, but I always love a good cowboy romance so I gave it a shot (and I also enjoy the author quite a bit). I really enjoyed this book and the characters. It was fun and pretty different with the elements and struggles that were added into their relationship to cause contention but not really a full on "3rd act breakup" that's so popular and common.
May 14, 2021
Wow. I adored this boss/employee Cowboy romance. Honestly, I wasn’t 100% sure about it from the blurb but it quickly sucked me in. I loved the characters and the humor lacing this story. I immersed myself in it and found it deeply relaxing and enjoyable to read. A good chunk about family and working hard.
June 13, 2021
Impressing Her Billionaire Cowboy Boss
This was a really great love story. Annie was working for Bolton Industries. Chad was the CEO. She developed a proposal that would really be profitable to his company. Chad became enchanted with Annie. All was not smooth sailing, but the journey was exciting. Enjoy.
This was a really great love story. Annie was working for Bolton Industries. Chad was the CEO. She developed a proposal that would really be profitable to his company. Chad became enchanted with Annie. All was not smooth sailing, but the journey was exciting. Enjoy.
August 15, 2021
Love conquers all.. really fast!
He's the CEO. She works in accounting. But when they meet, not only sparks fly but great ideas for expansion. And that's not even the clincher. A week spent at his family ranch and their sharing of family trauma brings them close enough that everyone sees it. A beautiful, clean romance with a HEA. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
He's the CEO. She works in accounting. But when they meet, not only sparks fly but great ideas for expansion. And that's not even the clincher. A week spent at his family ranch and their sharing of family trauma brings them close enough that everyone sees it. A beautiful, clean romance with a HEA. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
April 1, 2022
Fun romance
Doing what is expected can be challenging if it's not what you want. Annie rebelled early but was then estranged from those she loved. Ethan desperately wanted to change his path but was sticking to it so he wouldn't have to disappoint those he was close to. Loved the way they helped each other while finding what mattered most.
Doing what is expected can be challenging if it's not what you want. Annie rebelled early but was then estranged from those she loved. Ethan desperately wanted to change his path but was sticking to it so he wouldn't have to disappoint those he was close to. Loved the way they helped each other while finding what mattered most.
June 30, 2020
What a wonderful book with great characters Bolton Farms is a huge horse farm and the CEO just wants to be a cowboy!! Please read the book and enjoy!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews