Hoping for Hunter

Ryder Ranch #1

by Anna Brooks

I never expected a runaway cow would have led me to the love of my life, but chasing after that heifer turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

Summer Paige was lost, alone, and a mess… just like her nearly totaled car. After a glass of whiskey and a promise to keep her safe, I convinced her to stay while she got back on her feet.

It wasn’t long before the innocent beauty turned my life upside down, and I realized she was everything I didn’t know I wanted.

Life was perfect. Until the day I woke up and found her gone.

Her letter was supposed to explain why she left, but it did the opposite and made me want her even more. I had to prove that her past didn’t matter to me because all I wanted was her future. And I intended to do just that… as soon as I found her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

318 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2021

About the author

Be sure to follow me on Bookbub for sales and new release alerts! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...



The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance.
Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels.
When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering.
She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.

Reviews

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Hunter (Ryder Ranch #1)
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last,
Who would have thought a runaway cow could lead to such an entertaining, witty yet emotional read.
Summer ends up in a ditch after trying to avoid a runaway cow but it’s not just the cow that caught her attention, what about the cowboy who lasso’s Celine (the cow) at his first attempt. What follows is an alpha cowboy who goes by the name of Hunter trying to convince Summer to stay on the family ranch. Like any true cowboy he knows what he wants and he wants Summer but is she prepared to tell a complete stranger the secrets she hides and will she accept help to get back on her feet.....
I loved this book, it’s well written with wonderful characters, it’s captivating, it’s witty, it’s sweet yet passionate so what more do you want in a great read. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author and true fully I’m struggling to understand why Ms Brooks hasn’t crossed my radar before now.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Beginning to a New Series!!!

I am convinced Anna Brooks can’t write a bad book!! I mean, I just can’t ever get enough of her characters and their stories. They always get me right in the feels.

Summer and Hunter were no different than the rest, I mean c’mon that first meeting was so damn funny. Long live Celine 😊 --- I knew then I was in for a great book. The story just gets better and better the longer they are together. I loved watching them work through their struggles and figuring out they were perfect for each other. Made my heart happy and full.

I couldn’t wait for this series to start after reading Dallas’ story (which by the way if you love rockers check out Ms. Brooks’ Reason to Ruin series ---- sooooo good) I just knew I was going to love the Ryder boys. I can’t wait to see which brother is next.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Anna Brooks and I'm a fan! I loved Hunter and Summer's book. Hunter definitely has a lot of alpha male qualities that I love! He wants to protect Summer and is doing everything he can to make sure everyone in town knows she's his. Summer is running from a past that she isn't proud of. The chemistry between these two is off the charts! I was really sad we didn't get an epilogue to give us more of a glimpse into their future, so I'm really hoping we get to see more of them in future books. I really didn't want their story to end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter and Summer. What a great beginning to a new series. Even though there are secrets, they do come together beautifully. Steamy and exciting leads to their HEA. I’m ready for the next in the series!

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 5 out of 5]

• boy meets girl
• instant chemistry but the girl has secrets
• girl doesn't think she's good enough for boy
• boy and girl fall in love
• girl's secrets eventually surface

I thought this book was one of the best I've read from AB. It was steamy and interesting, maybe a little bit cliché. 4½ stars

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Hunter (Ryder Ranch #1) by Anna Brooks

This is the first book I have read by Anna Brooks and I cannot believe that I have not come across her before. From the first chapter to the last I was riveted to the story she wove about Hunter and Summer.

From the moment that Summer crashes into his life Hunter is drawn to her and quickly realizes that she is the piece that has been missing from his life, now all he needs to do is convince her to take a leap of faith.

The chemistry between them sizzles but Anna is running from her past and doesn't believe that she can have happiness with Hunter. There were some twists and turns that added an additional layer to the story.

I laughed, I smiled, I swooned and if this book is anything to go by then I cannot wait to read more in the series.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew I was going to love this series after Molly and Brody’s story, and I sure do so far! Hunter and Summer had an almost fairytale meeting and chance at love, but too many questions and doubts and someone who’s too nosy for their own good (and far too fast to jump to conclusions) shattered it. But will Hunter get over himself and get Summer back, or will he stick with easy and shallow while continuing to bolster his pride instead of going after the one who stole his heart?

I adored Summer and her worries, her fears, her determination to not be like everyone else she’s ever encountered in life. She was so strong, even when she thought she was weak, that I just had to love her. She gave just as good as she got and was exactly what this small town needed. And if she made some friends and found love along the way, even better. She and Hunter were just perfect for each other and she only needed to believe in herself to have that perfection forever. Letting go of past and all-too-present hurts to grab her happiness wasn’t the easiest thing she’s ever done, but Summer was definitely up to the challenge.

I’m only sad that we don’t have the second book already. Because these brothers are so much more than meets the eye. They’re more than the overbearing, easy to be mad at dolts that they were from Molly’s perspective. And I can’t wait to see more of their big hearts!

[Morgan]

DNF @ 30%.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insta-Love at its Best

Insta-love...something I am not a fan of and something that made me drag my feet on liking this book. One thing I AM a fan of, the small town romance, which is what balanced out this storyline for me immensely.

In the first book of the Ryder Ranch series we are focused on Hunter, the brother, son and all around good guy with one hell of an alpha streak. I wouldn't even call it an alpha streak as it bordered on chauvinistic. While I don't mind a man holding a door for me or walking me to my car, I do mind one that doesn't want me to make it on my own, wanting me to depend on him. Ryder sure came off that way in the beginning, so with the insta-love and the slightly pig-headed attitude, he really had to work to get me on board.

Summer wasn't much different. She meets this guy all of two seconds and is living with him, letting him boss her around and although I can't blame her much, getting sucked into this small town life. When Hunter found her on his land, she was running from her past and honestly, I think she should have kept running, but I digress.

Hunter and Summer both have a past they are trying to move on from, that with the whirlwind romance and the small town nosey nellies don't make it easy for either one of them. I liked the angst this created, another thing that kept me turning the page.

Hunter is well written and sexy as all get out. It's a great start to the series, as we meet all of his family members and town folk that I'm sure will be featured in every book. Wilder is up next and after reading his blurb, count me interested.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud good!
Hunter never dreamed he would meet the girl of his dreams while he was chasing a run - away cow!
But as Summer's past is slowly revealed, some secrets are just too dangerous to ignore or are they?
An awesome story that I discovered, by accident, that I won in a GoodReads Giveaway a long time ago!
Thank you!

[zen_s · Rating 1 out of 5]

[1.25 star] *yawn* for some reason, something~~~ about the execution just feels off to me. wasn't attracted to the characters nor the plot.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait to get to know the men of Ryder Ranch! After a series of trouble and bad luck in Chicago, Summer has decided to relocate to live with her aunt and estranged mother in Texas, but on the way, she somehow has a run-in with a cow that causes her to wreck and badly damage her car. Thankfully, Hunter sees the entire thing, and vows to make things right since it was his sister’s cow, but when he sees Summer, he is instantly taken with her and wants her to stay around for good. Extremely generous and willing to do anything to get Summer to stay while also totally unaware of how to truly act, Summer is initially confused and waiting for the ball to drop with how Hunter is treating her, and while she feels the chemistry between them, she doesn’t initially act on it. As she gets comfortable and gets to know the real Hunter, she decides to give things a go, but her past is always in the back of her mind, especially when friends and family of Hunter’s realizes who she really is, and it causes her to run. Thankfully, things work out for this couple, but it seems that bigger issues are going on at the ranch due to the relationship between Hunter’s parents and how it has affected all the boys. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer is running from her past as fast as she can. It's not something she likes to talk about, so she avoids it when she can. She isn't super excited about where she is headed either. A wrong turn finds her in the middle of a property she shouldn't be on. When she sees a cow running her way, she panics. Only to find herself a real life cowboy coming to her rescue. The lure of a great small town and people that seem to be genuine for the most part, has her embracing her stay while she waits for her car repairs.

Hunter is a hard working family guy, who lives on his family land and helps with the family ranch. As much as he loves the life he has, he longs for a partner and a family of his own. Don't get me wrong he has his concerns, but who wouldn't when you mother up and walks out of your life? When he find a blonde beauty on his land, he has an instant want for her, to protect her and to keep her.

This book is filled with lots of ups and downs. Emotions are all over the place but for Summer and Hunter there is a fast connection, a feeling of safety and contentment. Could these two broken souls find the love they need to help push their issues away?

A strong start to a new series with lots of characters to get their turn. A great small town, close nit family feel.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Anna Brooks has got a brand spanking new series out y'all and oh my heart! I was all in from the very start with this beauty and y'all, just really, really good. While I've not read all of Anna's backlist, I've read enough to know she writes my kind of romances.

Hunter is the first standalone in the Ryder Ranch series and all the yeses! This book checked most of my boxes I love my books to have and by the end of this, I was ready to roll into the next (excited for that to come!) or get so much more from these two.

Hunter and Summer, what a complicated yet addicting pair. From the moment these two cross paths, nothing will ever be the same, never again. She's running, not permanent, and he wants to catch her, make her stay. But Summer has demons, scarred from the past and it is slowly catching up with her.

A little angsty, packed to the brim with those pesky feels, a whole lot of steamy heat, and loads of yummy goodness in one swoony alpha cowboy.

Anna is always a must read in my book (more so after this one) and I definitely want to go back and meet people we met and fell for along the way that have stories.

Wilder is up next and I'm ready for THAT story. Oh and I really, really, really, really need daddy to get a story.

I definitely recommend this one.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Ryder Ranch Series and it is Hunter and Summer's book and it is definitely a must read. Summer is down on her luck after being used her whole life but when she takes a wrong turn she sees a cow coming towards her and her car ends up in a ditch and that is how she meets Hunter who is like a knight in shining armour galloping on a horse. Hunter can't believe that Celine the cow had got out again and while chasing her he finds a car in a ditch and the most beautiful woman that he has ever seen standing next to it so he helps her get settled at his house while her car is fixed not knowing that she will completely change his life. Summer had gone through so much in her life and she knew that no man would want her if all her secrets were revealed even though Hunter was so different from any man she had ever known but will it last. The connection and chemistry between Hunter and Summer was so strong right from the first time that they met but would it be enough for them to have a happy ending. I absolutely loved this book so much and I can't wait read the next one. Anna Brooks is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

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

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only recently discovered Anna Brooks and I'm already a huge fan! Within the first chapter I was giggling over sassy Summer and swooning over all the swagger Hunter was throwing out. I loved the entire story and couldn't put it down. This was a big yes...yes....yes!!!

Summer may have landed on Hunter's property by accident, but it's truly the first time she's felt at home in her entire life. It's hard not to feel warm and accepted in the Ryder family with the small town welcome, but Hunter makes her stay even more inviting.

Hunter has never felt more at ease with any woman before, that is until Summer has an accident with a cow on his property. Offering to let her stay was the easiest choice he's ever made in his entire life, but getting her to stay may be the hardest thing he's ever accomplished.

These two fit together seamlessly. Their chemistry is electric and fitting in with the family is flawless. But, what is the big secret that Summer is keeping that could destroy everything?

Hunter is the first in a new series and I'm totally onboard for the rest of the Ryder cowboy brothers to ride to the rescue of their HEA's. I adore the small town atmosphere, it reminds me so much of where I currently live;  the people, the hospitality, yes, everyone is all up in your business, but it's also nice because people do care, but I do wish there were hunky cowboys riding to the rescue, thank goodness for books.

I love, love, love this new series and can not wait to return.

[Heather Chaotic Creatives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I will say that even my cold dark heart enjoys a sweet heroine and a hero that has many alpha qualities. This book started off with me giggling a little bit, falling in love with our head strong heroine Summer, and loving a cow named Celine......
Hunter is all male and knows as soon as he lays eyes on Summer he never wants to let her go. Summer doesn't know what to think of the cowboy, but decides he is her only option. As we get to know these two we get to see there is more to both of them than meets the eye. Summer has a few hidden talents and Hunter well Hunter tends to wear his heart in his sleeve where Summer is concerned. These two may come from very different backgrounds, but have one important thing in common.
This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I know I tend to lean towards the dark side, but I am a huge sucker for romance books where its going to be a series!! I'm one of those people who needs to see everyone get there HEA'S!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

When the teaser said that a cow was involved in the meet cute for our couple, I was hesitant. I couldn't picture how that was going to play out. But now having read the book, it was the perfect opening for the story.

This was such a good story! I found myself laughing a bit here and there. I shed a few tears at parts. I could feel the anger, frustration, and heartache when the dramatic moment happened. Everything Hunter was feeling as he worked through it all, I felt it. Seriously. Then when Summer went to Lorna, I felt all those emotions too. Oh this book. Loved the romance. Loved the friendships that Summer was building. Loved the alpha-ness of Hunter. I was completely smitten with the setting. Then there was the Ryder family bond, that right there was spectacular. I even loved how Summer's secret was revealed, and when she explained everything that had happened in her life, my heart went out to her. Hunter and Summer are just amazing together.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to start a new series! Way to go Celine!

This author writes insta-love, and I typically stay away from that. I found her characters and stories too good not to read them, so I make an exception. Hunter is your good looking alpha cowboy, and Summer is beautiful, down on her luck, running from her past, looking to start over, and physically lost.

I love how the brothers, his family, and townfolks are all about everybody's business! From the rumor mill to the crazy, it is pretty entertaining! Hunter is quick to lay his claim to Summer, but she is only staying until her car is repaired. She has stories she does not want to share. Will she remain in Warrenville?

I am looking forward to more of this series.

I received an advanced copy from the Author; this is my voluntary review.

[thenerdybookworm_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter was a great start to Anna Brooks’s new Ryder Ranch series. This is a new to me author and this small town cowboy romance was icing on the cake.

Summer is running from her past, as fast and as far as she can. When she ends up on private property with a cow running her way, she panics. Luckily for her a sexy cowboy comes to her rescue.

Chasing after that cow changed Hunter’s life. Summer needed his help and he gladly offered it. Unfortunately for him, she’s leaving as soon as her car is fixed. Can Hunter convince Summer to stay or will Summer’s past force her to run again?

Their chemistry was hot and they fit together perfectly. Summer is sassy and strong. She’s been dealt a bad hand, but she’s used to carrying on. Hunter is a growly protector and someone Summer needs in her corner.

If you love the small town vibe, than this story is your jam.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Hunter and Summer. Both have trust issues stemming from their pasts, and when Summer shows up on the ranch by mistake Hunter rides in like a knight on a horse to save the day. He’s protective, soft spoken, but fiery when he wants something, he goes after it, and that something is Summer. Summers' past has scarred her in ways and she keeps her past to herself in hopes that no one finds out who she is and the truth around her life. She lives her life looking over her shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop, Hunter is too good to be true and maybe he is or maybe he really is your knight in shining armor. I loved all the brothers and Molly intertwined in this story and I can’t wait for Wilder’s story next. This should be a good one. Amazing start to the new series.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
This was a fun, witty, and swoon worthy small town romance. With lots of great banter and chemistry between our main characters.

Summer Paige is out of options and down on her luck moving from Chicago to Texas. But she has to pick herself up and keep going she knows no one else is going to help her.
That is until the day she meets a real life cowboy!
Who knew they even existed, Summer didn't!
Enter Hunter Ryder confirmed bachelor, until the day he lays eyes on the girl who took a wrong turn, put her car in the ditch and almost hit a cow. (You can read more about Celine inside she's important!)
Right from the start their are sparks and easy banter and just something neither can explain. With a host of awesome secondary characters and a great small town atmosphere this a great read!

I have voluntarily left this review.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited that Molly's brothers were getting stories! (Molly is Brody's HEA in Break.) Hunter's the middle brother, and his story did not disappoint. So much fun!!

From the moment Hunter & Summer meet, their chemistry leaps off the page. They have lots of fun banter, and when they have their first kiss, it's explosive! They have no shortage of the steamy goodness going on. Summer is sweet & pulls everyone into her orbit from the first meeting. She doesn't realize it, but her sass is very attractive!

I enjoyed this story a lot, and look forward to seeing more of this family in Wilder & Maverick's stories! Also, the runaway cow angle has a lot of LOLs while Summer's backstory has a lot of sniffles. So, balance!

: )

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while I continue to swoon over Hunter...
I loved Hunter! He was an alpha cowboy, and so hot! I loved Summer too. She left her past behind her and was trying to make a new life for herself, but gets lost on the way, until her knight in shining armor rides up on his horse and rescues her. Hunter is every fantasy come true, but she doesn't think she is worthy of his love, because of her past. Hunter has his own trust issues, but is determined to convince Summer to stay. Their fiery chemistry helps too. Hunter can't believe someone as sweet as Summer would want a rancher like him, but he still wants her to choose to stay with him.
This was my first book by Anna Brooks, but I look forward to reading more.

[Natasha Mahadeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a very long time I got to read an Anna Brooks book and boy does this lady never fail to deliver. I got sucked into this beautiful book that I just know is gonna be an amazing series.

Hunter and Summer have insta chemistry, their banter and their emotions were so on point from start to finish. Your heart breaks for Summer and her past. She is such a decent human that didn't deserve what life had thrown at her. Neither did Hunter and when the God's brought them together that was the change of the luck. The beginning to a beautiful love story that entails a beautiful family that we will adore.

Grab this book ladies. You won't be sorry this cowboy is absolutely swoony and will leave on fire....

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

How great was this one! I love how this author does not make all the heroes and heroines perfect. People are not perfect and some books you read and say where are these perfect people? I loved Hunter's alpha growly protector vibe (and the dirty talk on this guy, YUM!) and Summer needs that, for once in her life she needs someone in her corner. I loved them together for each other, all of their little quirks just fit right perfect once they were honest with themselves. Also always a big fan of cameos of favorite characters from other books so the ones in here made me smile. All in all a great book to read for an afternoon in the sun!

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Hunter is an amazing guy. Summer is a great girl who is trying to start over. She's on her way to her Aunt's house when she gets lost and ends up in a car accident. Hunter swoops in the save the day. Their first meeting had me laughing and it also had me hooked on the story. I pretty much read this one in one sitting, I did take a break to find out when the next Ryder brother's book would come out. Summer and Hunter have a great connection. Their connection happens quickly but it felt perfect. Summer at times is the hesitant one and I liked that. This one is a definite must-read.

[Autum (Escape between the Covers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter is my first book from Anna Brooks and I am now a fan. I can't wait to read the rest of the series but back to Hunter. Hunter and Summer meet when she ends up lost and ends up on his family's land. Hunter is an alpha male and takes control bringing her home to his ranch. From the beginning Hunter is drawn to her and decides he needs to keep her around.

Summer is running from her past and to say she's had it rough is being kind. The chemistry between the two is instant. From the start everyone knew she was his. I loved the way the two came together and all that led up to it. I can't wait to read more from the series.

[Dawn Cipressi-Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series! If your new to Anna, you'll love Hunter. If you're already a big fan, you're in for another great story. There was just something about Hunter and Summer's story that I loved. It could be there unusual meeting or that fact that he's a smoking hot cowboy, but it just left me with a full heart.

Summer is a girl escaping her past and Hunter is a content bachelor. Neither one of them are looking for love right now, but maybe it's what they both need. Enter Celine! The chemistry starts with a cow and gets more passionate with every page. The book has a great slow build and was an absolute joy to read! Go ahead and one click Hunter.

[Jen (jensdreamylittlereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy finding new authors to explore and what a discovery I have made with this author. I have heard good things about her writing, so was eager to read a story myself, and I look forward to reading more from her as I really enjoyed this book. Summer and Hunter’s story was fire! These two were emotional, fun, sexy and I couldn’t put this book down. It had a hint of suspense which is totally up my alley.

Anna Brooks has given us an intriguing cast of characters, and I’m eager to learn more about the rest of the guys on Ryder Ranch.