The Rancher

Dynasties: Mesa Falls #5

by Joanne Rock

A wealthy rancher’s secrets will be revealed as passion takes over…from USA TODAY bestselling author Joanne Rock!

His secrets are safe with no one,

especially the woman who sets him on fire…

Ranching tycoon Miles Rivera has always kept the secrets of Mesa Falls Ranch under wraps—until desire trumps good sense. Because when he catches social media star Chiara Campagna snooping during a charity gala, he doesn’t kick her out—he sleeps with her! Can he trust the stunning influencer as the tangled web of desire and deception ensnares them both?

From Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.

Dynasties: Mesa Falls

Book 1: The Rebel

Book 2: The Rival

Book 3: Rule Breaker

Book 4: Heartbreaker

Book 5: The Rancher

Book 6: The Heir

Genres: Harlequin, Romance

216 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has an MA in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

Reviews

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star review The Rancher (Dynasties: Mesa falls #5) by Joanne Rock
Joanne Rock is a relatively new author to me so when the opportunity came along to read and review I jumped at it.
Miles Rivera is known for keeping his cards close and determined to keep the secrets of Mesa Falls Ranch. When he catches Chiara Campagna, a social media star sneaking around at the charity gala, he really should kick her out. Chiara is looking for answers about the death of Zach and Miles is determined to keep the details secret.
Despite each not trusting the other, the attraction and chemistry that sizzles between them is too intense to ignore.
The writing is strong and the characters were easy to relate too.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by the author and though it's the fifth book in the series, I can still follow the story nicely. Even though I am curious to read the previous books now that I've read this one. Miles and Chiara's story is well written, entertaining, they just fit well together and have amazing chemistry right from the start. It is filled with secrets, drama, and passion that makes their story so captivating.

I definitely recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful continuation of the Mesa Falls series by Joanne Rock! Miles and Chiara's secrets and heat will have you turning the pages on this 5th book of the series. I definitely enjoy Joanne Rock's books, and this one is no exception. Such a great storyline with wonderful characters. 4.5 stars!

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, Sagas, Western Romance
Miniseries
Dynasties: Mesa Falls (Book #5)

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for The Rancher *Dynasties: Mesa Falls #5)
This is the first book I have read by Joanne Rock so I’m prove this book can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, this entertaining , steamy read is Miles Rivera ( the rancher) and Chiara Campagna’s story. Chiara is a social media star and she is attending a charity gala hosted by Miles but she is there under false pretences, she is actually trying to find out what happened to Zach, her teenage crush. Miles is not prepared to tell all regarding Zach’s death so that means keeping Chiara close.....
This is a romance that has the perfect mix of love, passion and mystery, Miles and Chiara share plenty of intense chemistry and the attraction they share us hard to resist. If you love romances with mystery and suspense woven into the story I highly recommend you one click this gem. I really enjoyed The Rancher and I will certainly be reading the previous books in this series as soon as time permits. Looking forward to reading more by this very talented author.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiara and Miles share an instant, explosive attraction – which complicates Chiara’s mission to uncover what happened to her friend Zach, who had been part of the group that created Mesa Falls before his mysterious death. Zach, whose death haunts Miles.

Romance, scandal and mystery abound in this entry in the Mesa Falls series. Chiara and Miles are almost exact opposites in lifestyle – she’s an Instagram and influencer celebrity and he’s a reclusive rancher – but there’s no doubt they bring out the best in each other. Their physical attraction is palpable and electric, and the development of their relationship is believable. Also, for this installment of the series, which stands alone very well and is a huge enticement to read the rest of the Mesa Falls books, the combination of some questions being laid to rest while others are still unanswered works very well. The balance between relationship development and external events is well done, and the ending is just perfect. The Rancher is a deliciously hot, modern treat of a read. I can’t wait to see how the Mesa Falls series ends.

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Rock takes us back to Mesa Falls in “The Rancher”, introducing us to Miles Rivera (the rancher) and Chiara Campagna, a social media star.

Chiara has a reason for being at the charity gala hosted by Miles – she needs to find out once and for all what happened to Zach, her teenage crush.
Miles is intent on keeping secret the details surrounding Zach’s death and realizes to do so, he has to keep Chiara close.
But even with secrets between them, their meeting is sensually charged. Their attraction is hard to resist, so they give in to a night of passion.

Ms. Rock does a wonderful job detailing the emotions and the passion of Miles and Chiara, while solving one piece of the puzzle of the mystery behind Alonzo Salazar.
I completely enjoyed this fifth installment of Dynasties: Mesa Falls and can’t wait to read the last book, “The Heir”.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
The Rebel (Dynasties: Mesa Falls)
The Rival (Dynasties: Mesa Falls Book 2)
Rule Breaker (Dynasties: Mesa Falls Book 3)
Heartbreaker (Dynasties: Mesa Falls #4)

This is Chiara and Miles’s story. Miles has lots of secrets. But when he catches Chiara snooping, he does not throw her out he sleeps with her. But can the chemistry they have together keep her from spilling and secrets she might come across? Or will she leave him and spill everything she thinks she knows? Can they ever trust each other or will secrets always come between something they could have had?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one. But that isn't surprising since the author has been auto-buy for me for almost two decades. The characters, Miles and Chiara, were fascinating to read. Likely due to the fact that one of them lives their life in the spotlight and the other does whatever he can to avoid it. But it’s also due to the way Rock presents them in the story.

There is a certain loneliness to Miles and Chiara, and that loneliness is what draws them toward each other even when other circumstances dictate the need for caution and distance. The chemistry is instant, yet also believable because of who they are and how they live their lives. It is almost inevitable that these two would meet, and that they would be drawn to one another. Each scene with them was engaging and magnetic, and perfectly crafted to build the push and pull of their budding romance.

Absolutely loved it! 

[Beverly S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series. The book can be read as a stand-alone. Chiara is a social media influencer who is invited to a party at Miles's home in Nevada. There are a group of boys who grew up together until tragedy strikes and one mysteriously goes missing. Chiara real name is Marsha(?) she grew up and went to the same art school as Zach that went to.

She is on the hunt for some answers .....at this party. Miles is on the same hunt to keep those secrets just as buried as they have been for all these years.

Will Chiara be able to convince Miles that she just wants closure? Will Miles give in to his growing feeling and share what he does know about Zach (the mysterious boy who went missing) with her?
Get the book and find out. :) You will not be disappointed.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in The Dynasties Mesa Falls Series and it is Miles and Chiara's story. I really loved Miles and Chiara's story as the chemistry between them was instant and so strong right from the beginning but the secrets surrounding them meant that they kept parts of themselves hidden. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Joanne Rock is an amazing author and writer and I love her books so much and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

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

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decadently mysterious! With book five in her Dynasties: Mesa Falls series, Joanne Rock continues to weave an intriguing story as we look for answers. The characters are interesting and their connection is quick to combust. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series to find out all of the remaining secrets.

Chiara is being sneaky at the start of the book so I wasn't sure what to make of her at first but it didn't take long to figure out she's a good hearted person just looking for answers to what happened to a friend.

Miles is one of the most laid back of the Mesa Falls owners, and I found him easy to like.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone looking for an ongoing mystery as each friend finds their happily ever after along the way.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chiara has created quite the following on her social media platforms which gives her the access she needs to the party that is being hosted by Miles. She plans to use her time in his home to see what she can discover about the suspicious death of the boy she knew as a teenager and has never forgotten.

Miles is a loyal friend who is determined to protect the secrets of the past. Not only is he attracted to Chiara, but he is intrigued by her as well and working together might just get them the answers they need.

There is no denying the chemistry between them but if they are to have anything more, they must be willing to let each other into their lives and their hearts.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the surface, Miles and Chiara look like complete opposites, but they’re really not so different once we start to peel back the layers. However, all that surface tension lights up the page with plenty of chemistry between the pair. I read this book as a stand alone, but I think it would have been even better had I read the books before it. Even though this is a self-contained story, there is quite a bit about it that ties into the overarching plot of the series. I think I’m going to need to do some catching up, because I want to know how this all ends now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I get the opportunity I like to read this author especially considering I do not read too much contemporary lately. This one drew me because of the secrets and I do like to see how they are brought to light and the consequences. Miles makes a decision that is often referred to by the seat of his pants lol. Chiara is the one whom got into his seat haha. Anyways this does wrap around them both with secrets coming to the front. Other things also come after them that is the drama of people. Wrapped up in these two and the lives they quickly become our focus on who survives.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story with strong characters in Miles and Chiara. The author weaves an interesting story with Chiara wanting to know what happened to her teenage friend and Miles wanting to keep the details of it a secret. There's a strong attraction between them but will it be enough to overcome? The story is well written with detailed scenes , moves fluidly and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire Mesa Falls series has been so wonderful to read. Joanne writes the best books and really every book is so different. This was so good from the first page and you really didn't know if Miles was going to believe the story that he was given. I read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. Joanne hit this right out of the park!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid entry in this entertaining series. The storyline had me engaged and Miles and Chiara had me invested. These two generate plenty of sizzle as their relationship evolves. Drama, secrets, mystery and passion combine into an enticing brew that goes down very easily. I am posting a frank, elective review.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This was about Miles and a secret he and his partners are trying to keep fourteen years later. Chiara lost a dear friend and is trying to find out facts. Twist keep you turning the pages in this story. A standalone read and a series to follow.

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book . This is the fifth book in this series. The story is well written, entertaining, the characters fit well together and have amazing chemistry. I am going to go look for more in this series to read. A great book to take you away for a bit.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher by Joanne Rock is the fifth installment in the Dynasties: Mesa Falls series that follows a group of college friends, now adults, who own the Mesa Falls Ranch, a luxury corporate retreat. The friends have been concealing a secret since their school days. Each story in the series has a complete couple romance and advances the overall story arc. Though you can read them individually (and jump in and out of the series) it’s worth reading them in order as the main story unfolds.

Social media influencer Chiara Campagna wasn’t always the successful woman she is now. At one time, under a different name, she had a crush on a young man, Zach, who died under mysterious circumstances. Now she has the means to investigate his death and Miles Rivera, ranch owner and former classmate of her friend must have the answers she’s been seeking. When she tries to break into Miles’s computer while at a ranch party he catches her in the act, but instead of kicking her out, he wants to know what she’s up to and why. A powerful attraction between them leads to a steamy affair, but will it also give Chiara the answers she seeks? And can it lead to something more between her and Miles?

I’ve been enjoying this entire series and eagerly await each installment so Miles and Chiara’s romance is an exciting addition. I love how the author has taken a very modern career as a social media influencer and also shows a bit of what it’s like behind the scenes for those involved, how much work is involved in keeping one’s brand going and the security concerns that go along with it. When someone threatens to hack Chiara’s accounts if she continues to look into Zach’s death, Miles becomes intimately involved as he wants to keep Chiara safe, and he wonders if someone he knows could be responsible. There are some scenes with Miles’s group of friends that show their tight knit connection and the guilt they still carry over Zach’s death and more is learned about the circumstances surrounding it (a little bit of which is revealed in each of the preceding books). There are also some other mysteries that are being revealed piece by piece.

The author has done a great job of combining these little bits of information to entice the reader to want to read all of the books while still focusing each story on one couple. With Miles and Chiara the attraction between them leads to some sexy love scenes and a deepening emotional commitment. I really liked both of the characters and how their relationship goes from one of wary mistrust to love. They get a happy ending that wraps up some of the events that happen in the story while leaving open the door for the next in the series and a new couple to come. I highly recommend this one and the series as a whole.

This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock brings the world of the uber-wealthy and social media influencers to life with effortless grace. Miles and Chiara are opposites attract, but more alike than they realize. Perfect for those that obsessively refresh their insta-feed.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely great read. I was hooked from the beginning with its steamy chemistry and touch of mystery. I loved the characters and the connection. It’s an entertaining read and a great addition to the series.

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are not a fan of Joanne Rock you need to be. From the First word you are hooked in the book till the End. I love all her books, Another great read and some new things thrown in to keep in interestin.

[Claire Reiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was decent. I wish we would have found out more of how Zach died and details about the relationship the characters had with him. I feel that connection would of added more depth to the main characters Miles and Chiara.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles is a reclusive rancher, Chiara is a social media influencer. They are opposites is an understatement. She is there for a purpose and he is making sure that she does not find out information that he knows about a friend of theirs. This is a wonderful blend of romance and secrets, intrigue and suspense. I loved the characters and the way the story flowed. This is a great story. I want to read more. It hooked me and kept me engaged.

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

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book five in the Mesa Falls Series continuing the story of close knit group of friends from the private school of Dowdon for boys. In particular this time a girl that went to the near by girls school was searching for information of what happened to a friend of her's that went to the boys school. None of the men remembered her now as she changed her name and was a famous on line influencer. Chiara had managed to talk to Miles about her friend's death when her account got hacked and she got her first threat to stop her investigation or else. Chiara and Miles had a magnetic chemistry to the point that Miles could not stay away from Chiara, so he followed her for her protection. Also, he went to his other friends trying to find out what was going on. This was a fast moving story with mystery and intrigue to keep you on the edge of your chair.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiara is trying to find out what happened to her childhood crush but she didn't count on running into Miles. Miles knows that she's up to something but he isn;r sure what so he plans to stay close to her until he can figure out what she is looking for. However once he does learn he knows he can't let her find anything out but will he be able to stop her?

This is a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Ronel Olver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read in the series and I was instantly drawn into the book and mystery surrounding Zach's death and the relationship blooming between Chiara and Miles. Miles has secrets and Chiara plans on finding out the truth behind Zach's death and the closer she gets to the bottom of the mystery, the more someone is messing with her life and threatening her. Absolutely a great read - highly recommended.

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