What do you think?
Rate this book
MacFarland Ranch #3
The Sheriff’s Irresistible Love
The Sheriff’s Irresistible Love is the third book in the sweet n steamy MacFarland Ranch Western Romance series. It’s the first in the series to feature an older couple – in their fifties.
Deacon Wallis’ family history goes back seven generations in Paradise Valley, Montana. Six of those generations were the black sheep, the crooks and the lowlifes. Deacon’s determined to change the family history.
He might have been born on the wrong side of the tracks and raised by the town drunk, but now he’s a respected member of the community. After a stint in the military, he came home and started working in law enforcement. These days, he’s the Sheriff, but he’s probably prouder of the fact that his younger brother has followed in his footsteps and is one of his deputies.
He claims that his work is enough. He’s dedicated his life to repairing the family name, he can’t afford to think about children he might pass that name on to. He was married once, but she left and took the kids with her. They’re grown now with lives of their own, lives that don’t include him.
His chance for love and family slipped through his fingers many years ago, and there’s no way he’s looking to try again at his age.
Even though he’s not looking, he can’t help seeing Candy every time he turns around. She’s come to help out in the bakery where he gets his coffee every morning. Somehow – and he has no idea how it happened – she’s ended up renting his upstairs apartment. And even though he tells himself that he can still avoid her, his damned cat keeps going up to visit with her.
She seems to be as sweet as her name suggests, and soon it seems that he’s not going to be able to resist her charms any more than can avoid her. She’s bubbly and outgoing, and everything that usually drives him nuts, yet he’s constantly drawn to her.
But nothing’s ever come easy for Deacon. Trouble’s always had him in its sights, and it turns out that trouble is tracking Candy’s every step. If he can’t resist falling for her, he’ll have to risk everything to save her.
Deacon Wallis’ family history goes back seven generations in Paradise Valley, Montana. Six of those generations were the black sheep, the crooks and the lowlifes. Deacon’s determined to change the family history.
He might have been born on the wrong side of the tracks and raised by the town drunk, but now he’s a respected member of the community. After a stint in the military, he came home and started working in law enforcement. These days, he’s the Sheriff, but he’s probably prouder of the fact that his younger brother has followed in his footsteps and is one of his deputies.
He claims that his work is enough. He’s dedicated his life to repairing the family name, he can’t afford to think about children he might pass that name on to. He was married once, but she left and took the kids with her. They’re grown now with lives of their own, lives that don’t include him.
His chance for love and family slipped through his fingers many years ago, and there’s no way he’s looking to try again at his age.
Even though he’s not looking, he can’t help seeing Candy every time he turns around. She’s come to help out in the bakery where he gets his coffee every morning. Somehow – and he has no idea how it happened – she’s ended up renting his upstairs apartment. And even though he tells himself that he can still avoid her, his damned cat keeps going up to visit with her.
She seems to be as sweet as her name suggests, and soon it seems that he’s not going to be able to resist her charms any more than can avoid her. She’s bubbly and outgoing, and everything that usually drives him nuts, yet he’s constantly drawn to her.
But nothing’s ever come easy for Deacon. Trouble’s always had him in its sights, and it turns out that trouble is tracking Candy’s every step. If he can’t resist falling for her, he’ll have to risk everything to save her.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2022
97 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
S.J. McCoy
77 books1,056 followersHi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 26, 2022
Candy was happy to come to Montana to help out at the bakery with Spider and Rocket, who she considers her sons. When she takes the apartment over the grumpy sheriff, she doesn’t expect to be so attracted to him. Deacon doesn’t trust women since his ex turned his kids against him. He really doesn’t want to be attracted to his beautiful tenant, even if his finicky cat loves her.
But as her bubbly personality is endearing her to his friends and family, he finds himself not only wanting to know her, but protect her.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
But as her bubbly personality is endearing her to his friends and family, he finds himself not only wanting to know her, but protect her.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
August 26, 2022
The Sheriff’s Irresistible Love
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.
The third book in the MacFarland Ranch series does not disappoint. This book explores the story of a family friend of the MacFarlands; Deacon grew up with the MacFarland Brothers and is still close to them now.
Living his life as Sherriff and content to hide at home with his cat, Clawson (who has the biggest personality!), Deacon is content with his life. He has worked hard to get himself to this position and he is happy. Well mostly, there is the mild irritation of having rented the apartment above his house to a guy who got married and moved out but let his former foster mum rent it. Deacon could do without having a woman hanging around, especially that woman.
Candy is enjoying her new life up in the mountains of Montana, away from the problems she left in California. Working in the bakery for two of her now grown foster kids, moving on from having lost her ex; not that it was that big a deal, their marriage hadn’t been great for a long time before he died. The only issue she has is trying to avoid the grumpy sheriff who’s apartment she is living in – above is house.
Obviously life works in such ways that this pair start to see each other differently and discover they are actually good for each other and can help each other out in life. The cat plays a large part of it all!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, as is usual for SJ’s books!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.
The third book in the MacFarland Ranch series does not disappoint. This book explores the story of a family friend of the MacFarlands; Deacon grew up with the MacFarland Brothers and is still close to them now.
Living his life as Sherriff and content to hide at home with his cat, Clawson (who has the biggest personality!), Deacon is content with his life. He has worked hard to get himself to this position and he is happy. Well mostly, there is the mild irritation of having rented the apartment above his house to a guy who got married and moved out but let his former foster mum rent it. Deacon could do without having a woman hanging around, especially that woman.
Candy is enjoying her new life up in the mountains of Montana, away from the problems she left in California. Working in the bakery for two of her now grown foster kids, moving on from having lost her ex; not that it was that big a deal, their marriage hadn’t been great for a long time before he died. The only issue she has is trying to avoid the grumpy sheriff who’s apartment she is living in – above is house.
Obviously life works in such ways that this pair start to see each other differently and discover they are actually good for each other and can help each other out in life. The cat plays a large part of it all!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, as is usual for SJ’s books!
August 25, 2022
Deacon Wallis, the Sheriff of Paradise Valley, has had a very negative childhood and life history, due to his ancestors before him. He worked hard to make himself the best he could be, after being born on the wrong side of the tracks. Deacon has become one of the most respected men in the community along with his younger brother. Meeting "Miss Candy" through mutual friends, he has a hard time avoiding her and her beautiful smile. Candy ends up renting an upstairs apartment from Deacon and life becomes an emotional ride for everyone. They soon find out, they have similar paths of unhappy childhoods and marriages, plus many regrets about loved ones, in spite they, both, love Deacon's snappy cat. Dealing with their pasts, with trouble waiting around every corner, it makes finding happiness a true, emotional adventure for Deacon and Candy. Add in their family and friends, and it makes for one amazing journey. This is the third book in the MacFarland Ranch Series. The book may be read as a standalone book, as well. Great reading!
August 27, 2022
I have loved reading this series! I think this is my favorite book so far. I was so glad Rocket and Spider talked Candy into coming to Montana in the last book. She is such an awesome woman even after everything she went through. Everyone in the valley just loved her and she made everyone feel good. Deacon didn’t get off on the right foot with her. He was such a loner and never wanted a woman around especially what his ex wife did to him. He and his brother Luke had a hard life growing up and I am so glad Deacon made sure he was going to make something of himself and help others. I think the reason he was so grouchy with Candy was because he was attracted to her and didn’t want to be. I am so glad the two finally were able to become friends. When Deacon found out the real reason Candy came to town he was prepared to watch over her and protect her. I loved how so many people in the valley was there to protect her too. There were some exciting times. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
August 27, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this incredible series, and this is Deacon and Candy’s story. Deacon has worked hard and is now the sheriff in his hometown, and he is content with his life alone with just his cat Clawson for company, as his ex-left town taking his two children with him. Candy was a foster mum who is in town to help her two grown foster kids that she always classes as her sons, in their bakery. Candy rents the upstairs apartment from Deacon, and the attraction between them is palpable. This is a beautifully written story which is emotionally charged, with family, friendships, humor, witty banter, intrigue, suspense, danger, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2022
In the latest MacFarland Ranch book, we get to enjoy the story of the “grumpy sheriff” Deacon and Rocket and Spider’s foster mom, Miss Candy.
Although Deacon tries really hard not to admit to the attraction, it doesn’t take long with a little help from a cat named Clawson to fall fast and hard for his upstairs renter Candy. Their story is one that HEA’s are made of and when you add a little suspense, it makes the latest SJ McCoy book a must read.
One of the things I love best about McCoy’s books is how she makes the reader feel a part of the small town friendships and families she creates. It’s always fun to catch up with friends from past books and she leaves you looking forward to the stories of others yet to come.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Although Deacon tries really hard not to admit to the attraction, it doesn’t take long with a little help from a cat named Clawson to fall fast and hard for his upstairs renter Candy. Their story is one that HEA’s are made of and when you add a little suspense, it makes the latest SJ McCoy book a must read.
One of the things I love best about McCoy’s books is how she makes the reader feel a part of the small town friendships and families she creates. It’s always fun to catch up with friends from past books and she leaves you looking forward to the stories of others yet to come.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
September 2, 2022
I loved Deacon and Candy's story. Its about a Sheriff with a rough childhood and weary of women, Lonely woman Hurt by the man in her life, find each other when she moves to town to help the bakery. She is reunited with her 2 foster sons. She meets the Sheriff and its instant chemistry. His cat and the town both love her. Behind it all is two people who are the nicest, most loving people you will ever know. The town rallies behind them when past troubles come to town. This is a great read. SJ Mccoy is the best, she makes you feel like you're there in the story. I couldn't put down.
August 26, 2022
I always love SJ McCoy's books and this book was so good. I loved Deacon and Candy's story. They are both a little older and think that love has passed them by. It only helps them appreciate each other more as they discover each other. This is a book that I couldn't wait to finish but didn't want to end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 27, 2022
Oh my stars, this book has so HOT. I absolutely love it. I mean you try being grumpy the Sheriff…….. and I mean her name is Candy…….. How could they not be thrown together. This story has domes laughs and love.
August 29, 2022
I really liked Candy and Deacon’s story and of course Clawson, you can’t forget him. I knew that something was up with Candy, and she was most likely running from something when she just popped up in a previous book. However, I wouldn’t have begun to have guessed what she had to deal with when she was married, which was horrible and sad in itself, and after her husband died, but Candy is strong and gets things done. I liked the simmering chemistry between Candy and Deacon, and I also loved when Deacon finds out the nickname she has for him, too funny. We also find out quite a bit about Deacon’s past as well and when part of that past shows up in town, I definitely wasn’t expecting that. I really enjoyed watching these two as they went from roommates to sort of friends to who knows what will happen next. I really liked the ending and can’t see where these two go next. Great Story. I’m definitely excited for the next book coming out especially since we’re going back to visit The Hamilton’s.
August 30, 2022
What a fantastic story. This was a "silver lake" book but it's was set in the MacFarlands series. Book 3 in the series tells the story of Candy and Deacon. Both burned in their previous marriages were hesitant to believe in love again. SJ McCoy has written a beautiful story on send chances in love. The great thing about this story was the build up from previous stories especially book 2. We knew the sheriff and the baker were destined for something great. Without going into too much details Candy's story was heartbreaking so I was so happy she has found her forever love. Can't wait to read more in this Montana series. Definitely would recommend to readers but I think you need to read the other two books to fully enjoy this one.
September 4, 2022
I've devoured every single one of Sj's books so I was really excited for this new release. I love Deacon and Candy both as characters. They've both been through so much in their lives and their willingness to do good and help others despite everything that has happened to them has had me eager to not only learn more about their pasts but also them finally finding love. Him and Candy both have been through the ringer so reading their happily ever after was so bittersweet. I highly recommend this book if you love strong characters who have been through a lot and yet still strive to be the best people they can be.
September 17, 2023
The Sheriff's Irresistible Love by SJ McCoy - I am loving this series! Deacon and Candy are an unlikely pair. Deacon ends up with Candy as his tenant even though he isn't really sure how that came about. Candy thinks Deacon is the grumpy sheriff of the town and just wants to stay on his good side. Luke however, can see that these two belong together and he is determined to make sure they get a chance. Finally Deacon realises Candy is meant for him and he shows her love and romance she has never experienced before.
September 26, 2022
Deacon is a grumpy sheriff that the entire town looks up to. He is not use to anyone speaking their mind when it comes to his demeanor. That is until Candy! The banter back and forth makes for some very strong chemistry. Letting down the walls around their hearts proves to be the perfect love. When Cindy's past catches up with her, Deacon is the best protector she could imagine! This book is full of love, adventure, and family. One of my favorite SJ McCoy books so far!
August 29, 2022
SJ McCoy never disappoints! Her stories suck you in and you fall in love with the couple and nothing changed for Candy and Deacon. I loved that we got to see people we knew along with some new ones. At one point it gets a little suspenseful and your turning the pages even faster to find out what’s happening!
March 7, 2025
Love for the ages...or the aged
Only kidding. Our twosome is older but only in their fifties. This author has an amazing skill at looking at love and drawing readers into the love story no matter the time in life. A little danger, a little action and a whole lot of family making. Another solid hit.
Only kidding. Our twosome is older but only in their fifties. This author has an amazing skill at looking at love and drawing readers into the love story no matter the time in life. A little danger, a little action and a whole lot of family making. Another solid hit.
August 29, 2022
This story has it all, romance, love, reunions and drama. Deacon and Candy and all the rest of the MacFarland Ranch characters, and some new ones, make this a very enjoyable, hard to put down book! Looking forward as always to the next in the series ❤️
September 6, 2022
Another great story from Big Sky Montana. This time up its Grumpy Sherriff Deacon Wallis and Candy Baker extroidaire. Love the chemistry and the banter between these two. Great romance with a bit of danger mixed in. And who could forget those McFarland boys.
September 18, 2022
SJ McCoy Did It Again!
I loved the book. Her characters are amazing. I read her books slowly to make them last. Once again, I was unable to do this.
Read the book. You won’t be disappointed.
I loved the book. Her characters are amazing. I read her books slowly to make them last. Once again, I was unable to do this.
Read the book. You won’t be disappointed.
November 19, 2023
Sheriff
I loved this story especially since just finished the last one about the cowgirl, Janie. I think this book just flowed so nicely because of all the people in both books. I'm sure everyone will really enjoy it to.
I loved this story especially since just finished the last one about the cowgirl, Janie. I think this book just flowed so nicely because of all the people in both books. I'm sure everyone will really enjoy it to.
May 28, 2024
The older generation
Not many authors include the older generation in their stories but Miss McCoy has done so and it was great! Romance shouldn't stop as we age, so thank you CJ for writing this wonderful story.
Not many authors include the older generation in their stories but Miss McCoy has done so and it was great! Romance shouldn't stop as we age, so thank you CJ for writing this wonderful story.
July 4, 2024
The Best
This book tugged at my heart like no other. Its nice to read a love story about a couple that's older and have them find their special other half. I will be recommending this book and series to all my friends and neighbors. Thank you.
This book tugged at my heart like no other. Its nice to read a love story about a couple that's older and have them find their special other half. I will be recommending this book and series to all my friends and neighbors. Thank you.
August 28, 2022
Loved the latest book by SJ. Deacon and Candy both had been burned in love. They finally find love together with the the push of some friends. An awesome read!
August 29, 2022
Great addition to the series.
August 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the fact that it was about a middle age couple, falling in love and having a healthy relationship! I will continue to read this series.
September 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this older couple story. I also liked watching as their "family" continues to grow.
October 5, 2022
First rate
As always a great job. You drew me in and held me captive, love your books so much. Can't wait to start the next one.
As always a great job. You drew me in and held me captive, love your books so much. Can't wait to start the next one.
February 16, 2023
Loved it
Oh I just loved Deacon and Candy story!!!! The just make the perfect couple!! I would recommend this book to everyone!
Oh I just loved Deacon and Candy story!!!! The just make the perfect couple!! I would recommend this book to everyone!
September 10, 2023
Loving this series. This book is about a man who thought he would never find love and the woman who changed him. Beautifully written and very touching.
September 13, 2023
2nd chance at love
A happy ever after for two wonderful people with big hearts that didn't get it right the first time. Only down fall is the repeated use of "pursed lips"
A happy ever after for two wonderful people with big hearts that didn't get it right the first time. Only down fall is the repeated use of "pursed lips"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews