His Small Town Fresh Start

Harvest Ranch Romance #7

by Lucy McConnell

Welcome to Harvest Ranch

Settling in a small town sounds like heaven for Lucky except for the prickly cowgirl with the beautiful long hair. Winning her over could take a lifetime, but what a wonderful like that would be.

Swayzie Westbrook has no patience for rodeo cowboys. They breeze into town, looking for spring flings, and then disappear just when things start to get hot. Lucky claims he's here to stay, but it'll take more than his charming smile and washing the dishes to prove to her heart that he's worth the risk.

Will Lucky be the man he claims and hold Swayzie close? Or will his wild heart lead him back to the life he left behind?

Find out in this clean, small town romance full of romance and family.

Genres: Contemporary, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance, Westerns

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Please hit the follow button. I'd love to keep in touch!

Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!

She believes that romance books should:

Keep you up past your bedtime.

Make you laugh out loud.

Have happy endings.

With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.

If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️

Reviews

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately captivated by this sweet and heartwarming small town romance with characters you want to be friends with and a story so smartly written I felt like I was right in the middle of all that was happening and wasn't ready for the book to end when I got to the last page. I loved the instant attraction and undeniable chemistry between Swayzie Westbrook and world champion bronc rider Lucky Preston who are brought together to stay with their nephew while his parents are at marriage camp. Ms. McConnell never disappoints whatsoever and you can share her books with all of your family and friends. I received an advance reader copy of "His Small Town Fresh Start" and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and feisty cowgirl, Swayzie Westbrook, had no intention of giving her heart to Lucky, the handsome world champion bronc rider. But you know what they say about good intentions. When Swayzie and Lucky are asked by their siblings to babysit their son while they are out of town, these two lock horns in a battle of wills but before too long they are locking lips. What will happen when Lucky is cleared to return to the rodeo? I really enjoyed the way these two characters came to understand and appreciate each other, how they enjoyed arguing as well as the sweet heat between them. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this sweet romance from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again the Harvest Ranch Romance series gets even better thanks to Lucy McConnell. I loved Swayzie's sassy attitude and personality. She is so spunky and fun. Then add in Lucky and his stubborn flirtyness and it made for a hilariously adorable book. I loved being able to read this and also have it talk about characters from past books in the series.

I highly reccomend this lovely story to anyone looking for a cute and sassy read. I look forward to the next ones coming up in the series. It has been one of my favorite series and it still continues to be.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Lucky, a professional bronc rider and Swayzie are asked by their siblings to watch Jaden, who is 6, while they are gone for two weeks. I liked how Swayzie is not thrilled to have Lucky there. She thinks she does not like his big ego or his sexy, cowboy swagger and it was a lot of fun watching Lucky break down her walls, especially after she had an accident. It seems Lucky's name is appropriate because he not only ended up being Lucky in love but he also found home and he did not even know he had been looking for home.

This book was such fun to read and it put a warm, happy smile on my face. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky is a world champion bronc rider who has come to Harvest Ranch to recuperate from a terrible accident and is going to help take care of his nephew. Swayze is also going to help take care of her nephew while her brother and Lucky's sister are off on a marriage counseling trip. They get off on the wrong foot but begin to more than tolerate each other. Swayze is injured by a horse and Lucky is there to take care of her in the most caring ways. When he's cleared to go back to bronc riding, will he leave Swayze and the small town way of life? I liked this story and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. I received an ARC and I'm leaving my honest review.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I didn't like about this book were the main characters names :)

Swayzie and Lucky are thrown together for babysitting duty when her brother and his sister ask them to watch their son, Jaden. Swayzie starts off with the impression that Lucky is irresponsible and will just go running off to compete in the rodeo. She's wrong. Lucky hasn't been around for his sister much, chasing his career in rodeo, but with this visit he's all in. He's great with his nephew and a huge help on the family ranch. Lucky was hard working, charming, cocky, and downright hilarious. I loved Swayzie's sense of humor too once she got the chip off her shoulder.

I loved watching these two learn to work together. Sparks were flying at all times. I am so glad that we can see more of the Westbrooks and more of Harvest Ranch. Bring it on!

Content: clean (kissing, no language, no violence)

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been loving these Harvest Ranch books! This one by Lucy McConnell was one of my favorites because of the characters. I LOVED Swayzie! She’s sassy and sweet. And the kind of girl that everyone wants to know. I really loved how she was willing to step in and help her older brother Wyatt when he needed it most.

Then there’s Lucky. He’s also there to help. But his sister, Stephanie, is married to Wyatt. Both Swayzie and Lucky are supposed to watch Jaden, Wyatt and Stephanie’s son, while they are gone. This provides lots of fireworks and fun in the plot. Mostly because Swayzie was already prejudiced against Lucy before he showed up. He’s a champion bronc rider and seems very full of himself.

I liked the character growth that both of them go through in the book. Lucky and Swayzie both are prideful in their own ways. And they both need to learn to let go of that. I loved the way they were constantly thrown together. And when tragedy strikes, they were able to come together and get through it in the best way possible.

This is a cute book. I loved every bit of it!

I was sent an e-copy of His Small Town Fresh Start as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Spring-Time Romance!

There's something so soothing to my soul about a small town full of a very loyal extended family. Harvest Ranch immediately swept me away to a place where I could almost smell the dirt and horses, feel the cool breeze on my face, and catch real-life glimpses of these delightful characters.

Hardworking Swayzie and rodeo bronc riding star Lucky come together to help out their brother and sister, who are married to each other, but Lucky gets under Swayzie's skin like a prickly burr underneath a saddle. He loves to rile her up with his flirtatious charm, but she's a tough cowgirl with no patience for that kind of rodeo behavior. I love how intent they each were with their convictions--his was to tease the edge of danger and hers was to stubbornly resist, and this combination was an arrow of swoon straight to the heart.

I didn't want to stop reading this story about an arrogant cowboy and a sassy cowgirl. The whole family and community wrapped me up in a warm hug. I eagerly devoured every page and loved watching the bristles soften, the humor and coquetry emerge, and the chemistry start to ignite at every interaction. Yee-haw! I can't wait for more!

Content: mild+ romance (kissing)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[The Swoony Awards]

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Amberlee Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a surprise that I loved this book! Lucy has a way of writing that makes me fall in love with the characters, and this book is no exception. She's the queen of swoony romance!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we grow and change, sometimes our dreams do too. But sometimes, it takes something drastic outside of ourselves to make us realize that we’ve outgrown the dreams we’ve been dreaming. Will Lucky be able to recognize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in front of him in time to pivot and reach for a new brass ring? Or has he been chasing so long that he only recognizes the dream he’s always dreamt? My heart kind of broke for these two. Lucky’s never had the love and support of a family to lift him up. And even though Swayzie’s never doubted her place at the heart of her family, she’s never truly been anybody’s “one and only”. Watching this pair navigate the new thing growing between them while they also learned to lower their walls was awe inspiring. I wish the story wasn’t over already, but I’m excited to see which Westbrook will be in Cupid’s sights next.

[Brandy Hatchel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved coming back to Harvest Ranch to let love bloom for others in this great small town. I love that we get to visit back with past characters and there is a tie between all of the books. This was a great clean romance. It is always great to have the romance be between two characters who by outside looks are completely different. But sparks fly at first sight but pre conceived notions keep them at bay; for a little bit. I love how the male character learns that home is where the love is. I can not wait until the next book comes out!

I have received an advanced readers copy from the author. My opinion and my review are not swayed by that.

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lucy McConnell's writing style and this book was so much fun to read. I loved Swayzie and Lucky and was cheering for their happily ever after!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oooh. Well, this truck has seat warmers and a great body."

I love reading Lucy McConnell's books because she has the perfect blend of humor, clean romance, great people and families, and some.sweet chemistry.

His Small Town Fresh Start has cute kids, nosy grocery gossips, injuries, backstories, miscommunication, family history, and just a great story that gets your attention and makes you want to know more and root for the good guys.

Definitely recommend. I look forward to finding the rest of the series!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! It caught me and never let go! I read it in one sitting and stayed up way too late! It was a fun story of meeting someone you have been told information about (not always flattering info.) But then when you meet you click. You find that the two of you complete each other and help the other be thier best self. I also like that it brought up making choices in life and what brings you the best and most happiness. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest reveiw. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. There is a level of tension throughout the story, but it never was overwhelming. The struggles within and between individuals enhanced rather than marred the story. And the ending is spectacular.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the feel of family in this book. It doesn't matter if you're born into it or marry into it - you're part of it. Definitely worth the read.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, though it could have been much better. Swayzie and Lucky meet as in-laws, as her brother is married to his sister. The married couple is having problems, and decided to go on a two week marriage retreat. So, Swayzie and Lucky are called upon to look after their nephew. Lucky finds out that what he thought he wanted really wasn't what he wanted when he met Swayzie. He knew he wanted her in his life, and his life was no longer with the rodeo. My disappointment with the book was that while they go to church, that's as far as their "christianity" went. Swayzie in a few places "cursed under her breath" and it seems no one in the family took their (lack of) relationship with Jesus seriously. If this is "christian" only because they went to church, sorry, that's not a Christian fiction book. To be true Christian fiction in this reader's opinion, they have to show a true relationship with Christ, be that whether they come to know Him in the book, strengthen that relationship, or help someone else to meet Him or strengthen their walk with Him. Anyone can go to church, that doesn't make them a Christian, and just having characters go to church doesn't make a book Christian fiction, either.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swayzie Westbrook was from a big family but she wasn't going to fall for love. She liked her life and wanted it to stay just like it was. Even though, she sometimes longed for what her siblings and cousins had she wasn't willing to give up her independence. Then Lucky Preston, her sister-in-law's brother blew into town to help take care of her nephew while his parents were out of town.

Lucky was a world famous bronc rider who had been seriously injured in an accident two years earlier. His greatest desire was to get back on the rodeo circuit. He had rehabbed and now he was sure that was what he wanted. Then he met Swayzie and she began to change his way of thinking.

When the chance came to return to the rodeo, would he take it or was the lure of a forever love enough to bring him home?

This was a sweet, clean, fun romance. Swayzie was a little bit prickly but sweet underneath it all and really what Lucky wanted was someone to love him back. Other than his sister, no one had really ever loved him until Swayzie. I loved their banter and Lucky was just swoon worthy. He was the perfect cowboy gentleman; hard on the outside and gooey in the middle.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun-to-read small town/celebrity romance.. I liked it a lot.. It is sweet and funny, very endearing and entertaining..

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

[Pria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sugary sweet and everything neat. Spunky , sassy heroine and a protective hero. A cute little read.

[Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy McConnell is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

Since I tend to write long reviews, I do a short version and then tuck the longer version (that may include spoilers) away under the spoiler tag.

Short Version: I loved this book. I smiled practically through the whole reading of it. I was captivated by the story, the characters in it, and the small town. The best compliment I can give for this book is that I didn't want it to end. I was sad when I got to the end because I wanted their story to continue.

This is a clean romance with no swearing and no sex. This is not a Christian romance (caveat due to me putting clean and Christian romances on the same shelf) but there is church attending.

Long Version:



This is a story about Swayzie and Lucky (ugh their names, the only thing I didn't like about this book) and their romance. It's also a story about the Westbrook family and a small town in Virginia. I struggled with the location of this series because I'm very familiar with Virginia. However, I enjoyed this story so much that I ignored this part and didn't allow it to ruin things for me.

What I appreciated the most about this book is the author didn't use any of the trite romance novel clichés. No Other Woman/Man, no conniving ex, no emotionally abusive elders/relatives, no emotionally-stunted / closed-off / bitter main character. Basically, it was such a joy to read because it didn't resort to any of the overused plot devices.

Swayzie is extremely likable, she's independent, loyal, and loving. Lucky is also extremely likable, he's cocky but in a way that makes you swoon when you read it. He has issues committing but the author did a fabulous job showing us his reasons why. I never lost patience with him or got annoyed because we were allowed inside his head and saw why he acted/thought the way he did.

Their romance was swoon worthy. I smiled so much when reading them bickering and challenging each other. They sizzled while being cute and funny. I'm such a fan of the way this author writes her romances.

I was so glad to see what happened with Wyatt and Stephanie. Although, he and Tess are my least favorite Westbrooks, it was good to see the couple work things out. I also LOVED seeing Judd and Wynn in this book.

The ending was a little rushed but that's probably because I didn't want it to end! The HEA was super cute and romantic. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Couple of quotes that got me:

From Swayzie's mom:

“What’s the difference between running away and running after something if both of them mean you’re running?” “One of them makes you a dreamer—the other makes you a coward.” She took a sip, never letting her eyes leave his.

What Lucky says to Swayzie near the end:

“I’m an uncle and a ranch hand and a former world champion bronc rider who is in love with the most beautiful, most hardheaded, most infuriatingly wonderful woman on the planet.”

[Amanda Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

McConnell returns us to Harvest Ranch with the story of a pair of opposites both tasked with watching their nephew. Swayzie has given up a lot to stay home and help out on the family ranch, but she loves it. While her brother and his wife attend a necessary marriage retreat, Swayzie is tasked with watching their son--and her flighty brother-in-law who has also been asked to babysit. Lucky is looking for a chance to prove himself to his sister while he continues to recover from a bronc-riding injury. Swayzie and Lucky immediately clash, but soon learn to work together for the good of their nephew. But even as they consider giving in to their attraction, they both realize he's destined to go back to the rodeo circuit and continue his traveling lifestyle.
I loved this book and read it in an afternoon. Lucky and Swayzie were cute together, and their banter (a McConnell staple) amusing. It was also great to get a peek at characters from previous books and see how they were doing. I didn't understand why the author was so specific in some of Lucky's remembered details of the town when they never connected to any specific characters in the present. I was also unsatisfied with the way Lucky always dismissed Swayzie's own barrel expertise. But aside from those nit-picky things, I loved it, would read it again, and I look forward to more in the series.

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

Sibling Unions

Swayzie is worried about her brother's marriage. It seems Wyatt and Steph are always prickly and ready to fight. She is very grateful they are going away to work on their relationship. Swayzie is looking forward to sitting her nephew. Until she learns that Steph's brother will be there too. She has no patience for rodeo cowboys.

Lucky is waiting for the all clear from his doctor to be able to return to the rodeo. His sister's marriage is rocky and he has agreed to babysit his nephew while she is gone.

Lucky and Swayzie are not looking forward to being around each other. They are just going to grin and bear it until their siblings return. Neither is looking for anything. When life throws them at each other, feelings change. Can they really have what they crave or will they go their separate ways? ~

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Harvest Ranch and the couples and families connected to the small town.
There is family love, protection and support,friendships,small town gossip,lots of fun and swedt happily ever after's.
Swayze and Lucky's romance has all that,but they have to work at their happily ever after.
They both end up babysitting their nephew together for a week.Swayze does not trust bronc riding champions as they only want a fling not a relationship.She thinks Lucky is the same so tries to stay immune to him.
As they spend more time together she is drawn towards him and realises he has a caring side to him and falls for him.Lucky is also falling for Swayze,but does he want to stay in Harvest ranch and settle down or leave everything and carry on chasing his dream.

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swayzie had preconceived notions about her sister-in-law's bronco-riding rodeo brother Lucky, thinking he would take off at the first sign of hard work. But he proves her wrong after she's injured and he ends up taking on her responsibilities and several more her family throw at him without complaining. I don't know how he did it with all the surgeries he had on his back, but maybe rodeo guys are used to pain. Their nephew Jaden is funny and knows all the angles to get what he wants like extra cookies and chocolate. The feelings between Swayzie and Lucky escalate, but she knows he's not going to stick around if he gets another chance to go back to rodeo even though he's already been a world champion and his last ride almost killed him.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunky cowboy for the win

This is book six in the series. It can technically be read as a stand alone, however there are a lot of side characters who are in the previous books. I read this one in just a few hours. Swayzie is a true cowgirl through and through. She’s independent and doesn’t need a man. When her brother needs her to stay with his son so he & his wife can go away, she doesn’t want or need any help. But her sister-in-law’s little brother is going to be helping as well. Her sil fails to mention he’s a world champion and hot. Swayzie and Lucky are oil and water, until something happens and Swayzie needs help. Will Lucky stick around or run off to the next rodeo?

[Sunshinemeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately swept into this book and didn't want to put it down! I love how very FAMILY this book is. Each member has their own personality and life, but they are real, together and involved in each others life. I love the fire and zip in Swayzie's personality. She is strong and can be fierce, but she is also loyal and hardworking. I love her teasing side and her desire to help. I was prepared to not like Lucky, but I quickly saw that first impression (words from Swayzie's brother) weren't completely accurate. He is also a hard worker and I loved the tease and spark between he and Swayzie. Cute story and a lot of fun.

[Kaytlen Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, fresh read. A washed-up cowboy waiting for his break back into the rodeo and a woman who loves everything about her home, the ranch, and her family who live there. The characters are real with unique characteristics- even the background characters. It was fun to see the characteristics from different people that I am sure will have their own stories. While the romance in this story happened fast- within the space of only two weeks- the hero and heroine looked outside of themselves and took care of each other- showing through their actions that they are ready for a real relationship with each other.

I always look forward to Lucy McConnell's books.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swayzie Westbrook has been left in charge of her young nephew while his parents, Wyatt and Steph attend a retreat to address their marriage conflicts. Steph has invited her brother, bronco champion Lucky, to ‘help’ Swayzie, much to her disgust! However unwilling, Swayzie is forced to change her attitude as Lucky seems to defy her first impressions.
Lucy McConnell has written another great book in the Harvest Ranch series. Her writing is fluent and her plot, which is easy to follow, includes interesting details, well-rounded characters and captivating twists to keep the reader fully engaged.

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