Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Ranch Showdown

Rate this book
Seeking refuge at a ranch…

Has fiery consequences

After being threatened by her sister’s ex, Sierra Lowery has forty-eight hours to surrender documents linking him to a bombing before he kills her and kidnaps her nephew. With the evidence missing and anyone who helps becoming a target, hiding out with Detective Cole Walker, her college sweetheart, might be her only chance for survival. But as explosives detonate in the wake of their search, their ranch safe haven could become a dangerous trap. 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Tina Wheeler

14 books116 followers
Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, wife, mother, grandmother, and retired teacher. Her first Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Ranch Under Fire, debuted at #10 on the Mass Market Bestseller’s list.

Her stories are influenced by her years growing up on military bases in the desert Southwest, watching mysteries on television with her mother, listening to family members in law enforcement, and marrying her romantic husband, nicknamed the Irish Charmer.

She enjoys playing with her granddaughter, learning how to decorate sugar cookies, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband. Although she calls Arizona her home, her favorite place to plot a new book is on a balcony overlooking the ocean.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
65 (65%)
4 stars
25 (25%)
3 stars
7 (7%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,512 reviews55 followers
August 4, 2023
Ranch Showdown is the second Love Inspired Suspense book I've read. These are shorter books that throw a huge punch of suspense with romance wrapped in them. This particular novel starts out with a bang and ends the same way.

I really liked the main character Sierra for how brave and gutsy she was. She didn't think at all about putting her baby nephew's safety ahead of her own. She also was willing to give her former boyfriend a second chance. Detective Cole Walker of course was right there to help and hope that things could be better between him and Sierra.

There were many moments of holding your breath and wondering what would happen. There were also plenty of surprises in the book that I hadn't guessed about. The story was realistic and also so romantic. I would like to read more books written by Tina Wheeler.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,315 reviews45 followers
August 6, 2023
He may be her one chance at survival...

Wow, if you love a story where the stakes are high and the danger never lets up...well...I just might have the story for you. Ranch Showdown is another wild Love Inspired Suspense ride from author Tina Wheeler. It kept me turning those pages anxiously wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Loosely tied in with Tina Wheeler's previous Love Inspired Suspense book, Ranch Under Fire, it was a lot of fun it was a lot of fun to see some familiar faces in Ranch Showdown as well as getting to 'meet' some new ones. It is also nice that the two books can be read standalone or in order for even more reading enjoyment.

Ranch Showdown was a good read, one that I finished in pretty short order on a hot summer day when I needed to escape the heat into a good story. Tina Wheeler provided that escape with an exciting book that kept me entertained and intrigued from start to finish. It's as I always say, you can't go wrong with a good Love Inspired Suspense novel...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 45 books460 followers
July 29, 2023
Loved this book. Cole and Sierra had almost gotten engaged years ago. When her life is threatened, Cole comes to her rescue. The author kept me guessing with many twists and turns. Cole and Sierra's past added tension to their situation as they were both forced to deal with their feelings. Another must read from Tina Wheeler.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,486 reviews146 followers
October 21, 2023
2.5 stars, I thought this was an ok read.
Profile Image for Shavona Thompson.
582 reviews15 followers
June 24, 2023
Wow! That's the first word that came to mind when I closed this book. This one is edge of your seat suspense. Written with so much attention to detail that I felt I was smack dab in the middle of all the chaos. I could hear the bombs exploding and feel the fear the characters were experiencing. But those Walker brothers...they were made for law enforcement and Cole takes the lead to protect Sierra, the love of his life. Trying to protect her nephew from a deranged bomber, Sierra has no choice but to depend on Cole to keep them safe. Seeing firsthand the danger of his job only justifies her reasons for leaving him all those years ago. But her feelings for him remain. IF they survive this dangerous monster, will they finally realize that they were meant to be together?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Ethelann.
472 reviews
August 20, 2023
Excellent book. Non stop action with a surprise ending. Can't wait for Tina's next book.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
645 reviews100 followers
November 26, 2023
RANCH SHOWDOWN by Tina Wheeler is the well-crafted, page turning, suspenseful story of Sierra Lowery and Detective Cole Walker.

Sierra’s relationship with her sister hasn’t been a good one for a long time, but Megan, her sister, showing up with Danny, her 3-month-old son, needing help, had mended a lot of their arguments from the past. Megan was trying to break away from a bad relationship after finally seeing the evil in her baby’s father. She hoped to put him in jail getting herself and her child out of harm’s way. All she had to do was to get the evidence she had – 3 sheets of paper showing his false ID’s information and his bank accounts information along with details showing who had hired him and the deeds he had done using bombs he’d made - into the right hands. She left Danny with her sister so she could meet up with the FBI that she had been in contact with. However, after Sierra comes home to find her house ransacked and Megan’s ex in her home things turned ugly fast. A gunshot had neighbors calling the police and checking up on her. Of all people to show up why did it have to be Cole? However, struggling from a choke hold and fearing for her life, she’s happy to see anyone. Oliver manages to escape, but not before telling her she has 48 hours to find and get him the papers he’s after or she and the baby will die.

Cole knew the moment the call went out whose house it was. No way was he not going to respond. She may have broken his heart years ago when she walked away from what he thought was going to be their happily ever after, but his feelings in his heart hadn’t change for Sierra no matter how much his head told him it was over. Sierra has had to go through so much loss in her life, but he’s the one that now has to tell her that Megan was dead, making her the sole guardian now for Danny. He’s determined to keep her and the baby safe and help her figure out the clues to find the evidence Megan was fighting so hard to deliver to the FBI. But when the FBI took over the case, would he be able to do that?

As they try to figure out clues left for Sierra through a couple of different avenues, they need to find a safe place for all of them to keep Sierra and Danny safe? Can they keep them safe at the Walker Ranch when even the police department can be broached? How does Oliver always know what’s going on and where to find them? Will they be able to tell the good guys from the bad guys? Do they have more than one man after those papers and willing to do anything to get them? With harm to people’s lives resulting in injuries, how can Sierra not feel responsible? With bombs going off and living on the run having some narrow escapes, can Sierra finally see how strong and brave she is? Will events finally have her turning back to her faith and prayer? Will seeing Colt’s dedication and abilities to his chosen profession open her eyes to the whole man and allow her love to shine through or will it just confirm that she made the right decision all those years ago? Is it possible that good news and surprises will out way the events of the past few days? Is it possible that true love really is everlasting?

RANCH SHOWDOWN is a story laced with hope, never giving up, facing fears (both known and unknown), unwavering love, a baby’s innocence, danger, many sides of humanity, family and second chances all while being woven with a thread of faith reminding us that we never face our problems or fears alone. Tina Wheeler weaves a spine-tingling adventure that’s guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping that will keep you turning pages straight from the first page to the last as she delivers an inspirational romance you will be pulling for as well as giving us a few surprises too. I highly recommend RANCH SHOWDOWN to those that loves a fabulous story of love and suspense. It’s FIVE STAR reading at its best!

I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 34 books166 followers
August 4, 2023
Ranch Showdown
By Tina Wheeler
Sierra Lowery comes home to an intruder, an intruder determined to take her young nephew. Worse, the intruder is her sister's ex, and he wants the information her sister took - information implicating him. And she has 48 hours to find and deliver the documents or he'll make his threats a reality.

Detective Cole Walker is the man who comes when the police are called. But Cole is the last person Sierra wants on her case because she broke his heart years ago when she left him. But he is also the one person she totally trusts to keep her and Danny safe.

As danger follows her, Sierra is given a second chance to rethink her excuse for not staying with Cole - the danger of his job. When danger comes so close to her because of ill-advised decisions on her sister's part, her reasoning just may have been off.

Ranch Showdown is another late-night page-turner from the Love Inspired Suspense series that keeps you awake because you need to know what comes next and not because the book is filled with graphic imagery that haunts your dreams. The suspense of wondering just what happened to Sierra's sister and her menacing ex-boyfriend kicks this one off into action right from the beginning, so if you are a fan of instant peril, this is a book for your TBR pile!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion in a timely manner. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,225 reviews23 followers
August 8, 2023
I love love love suspense-filled books! They just draw me in like no other and will not let me go. Of course, this book was definitely one of those. I could not put it down. And, to tell the truth, I didn’t want to even try.

The characters were amazing. They really made me want to stay in the book to find out what was going to happen next and if they were going to get away or stay alive. This book does connect to other books in the series. But, you don’t have to read them in order unless you want to. However, if you do read this one first you’re going to want to read all of the other books as soon as possible! Trust me.

Cole and Sierra were once a thing. But she left him because she didn’t think she could handle the stress of him putting his life on the line every day. She didn’t think she could handle the anxiety of whether he’d come home at the end of the day or not. But now that she’s relying on him to keep her and her nephew safe and alive can she keep feeling the same way or will she be willing to take the risk?

This book read super quickly. I loved it! Definitely, one I recommend and would read again.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,893 reviews53 followers
July 30, 2023
Love Inspired Suspense books are an AMAZING series of books. The lines of books are written by various authors and the books are short and easy to read. Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler is the latest book in the LOVE Inspired Suspense books that I have read.

Sierra Lowery is under attack and needs to seek a hiding place. Her sister's ex has given her 48hrs to turn over some documents that are missing. The Documents incriminate the Ex and now he is threatening Sierra, her nephew, and anyone who decides to help Sierra. Sierra seeks the assistance of her college Sweetheart, Detective Cole Walker, and they hide out at a Ranch. The Ranch has also become a Target now and could be a dangerous refuge for those in hiding. Will Cole be able to keep Sierra and others safe? Will their long-ago romance be rekindled?

WOW, this storyline kept me intrigued from beginning to end! Sierra is determined to keep herself and her nephew safe from the rage of her sister's ex-boyfriend. I LOVE that she seeks the help of her College Sweetheart, Detective Cole Walker. Though years have passed the attraction between the pair was still apparent today. The book is jam-packed with action and has many twists and turns in the storyline. The book is about LOVE, Faith, and Second Chances. I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Suspense and Romance with Faith Based. FANTASTIC BOOK!
4,123 reviews1,767 followers
September 8, 2023
Explosive suspense (in more ways than one!) along with a reunion romance made this another read-in-on-sitting Love Inspired Suspense novel. This line knows how to keep the pacing fast and furious while still leaving room for romance to blossom, and Tina Wheeler nails it on both counts.

Plus we’re back with the Walker clan, hiding out at their ranch until Cole and Sierra can figure out what’s going on. Which is all kinds of wonderful and awkward since there was a time when they all thought Sierra would officially become part of the family. 🙂

No worries if you haven’t read Wheeler’s first book, Ranch Under Fire, which released earlier this year and introduced readers to the Walkers, this second book definitely reads as a standalone and is advertised as such. But it has some carry over secondary characters and leaves me hoping we haven’t seen the last of these brothers.

Hooray for page-turning escape reads like this one! And may the author keep them coming!

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/09/08/r...
1,504 reviews26 followers
November 12, 2024
Ranch Showdown

I loved this action packed romantic suspense involving Cole and Sierra in Sedona, AZ. They were a couple a decade earlier but Sierra ended their relationship for fear of Cole being killed since he became a policeman. Megan, Sierra's sister, leaves her infant son, Danny, with Sierra while on the run from her boyfriend, Victor, who is a murderer. Cole responds to the call for police when shots are fired at Sierra's house. Victor had shown up looking for Megan and attacked Sierra when she wouldn't provide some incriminating evidence that Megan had. He escaped when the police arrived. The rest of the book was pure on the edge of your seat action with Cole, the police, and the FBI trying to protect Sierra and Danny and capture Victor and his associates. Will Cole and Sierra end up as a couple if they survive.? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this romantic suspense with amazing characters. This is my voluntary and honest review, and I am now a fan of Tina Wheeler.
Profile Image for Courtney Ranger.
Author 2 books70 followers
August 1, 2023
Read my review and enter the giveaway here: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress....

Tina Wheeler's Ranch Showdown is a fast-paced, enjoyable read about the importance of family and trusting that God is in control.

Sierra loves her sister and adorable nephew. She tries to hold herself together despite a dangerous criminal threatening her family. While she doesn't always feel strong, I admire Sierra's strength of character and desire to see that no one else gets hurt.

Cole is not over his ex. At all. So when she is in need of protection, he's eager to help out. And he also quickly falls in love with Sierra's nephew, too (AND IT IS SO ADORABLE!!!). I LOVE how Cole prioritizes Sierra and her nephew's safety! I also love his creative thinking and ideas for how to escape the villain!!!

I received an ecopy of this book from the author/publisher. A positive review was not required. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 49 books713 followers
August 1, 2023
Sierra and Cole have made this book one of my favorites. There are three things that really draw me into a story: cowboys, second chances, and deep emotion. Tina Wheeler hit all three and I couldn't be happier. Ranch Showdown has the emotion and high action that I love, along with an adorableness that Sierra's nephew brings to the page. I couldn't get enough of the twists and turns the story took, and I was rooting for Sierra and Cole to finally acknowledge that they might have tried to leave the past behind but sometimes love doesn't agree with our decisions and fights for a second chance. I received a copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Rachel Williamson.
1,112 reviews33 followers
August 7, 2023
Another amazing love inspired suspense story by author Tina Wheeler!
I enjoyed getting to know officer Cole Walker and his long time friend Sierra.
Sierra and her nephew Danny are on the run after Sierra’s sister Megan disappears after trying to leave her dangerous boyfriend.

This story had lots of drama and action as Cole and Sierra try to stay one step ahead of the killers who are trying to find a list that Megan had hidden from them.

Clean suspense, lots of action and a sweet story about second chances with love and faith. I can’t wait to read more books from this author!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
340 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2024
Excellent book with absolutely no dull moments!

From the back cover:
"Seeking refuge at a ranch has fiery consequences! After being threatened by her sister's ex, Sierra Lowery has forty-eight hours to surrender documents linking him to a bombing before he kills her and kidnaps her nephew. With the evidence missing and anyone who helps becoming a target, hiding out with Detective Cole Walker, her college sweetheart, might be her only chance for survival. But as explosives detonate in the wake of their search, their ranch safe haven could become a dangerous trap."
Profile Image for B.D. Lawrence.
Author 11 books119 followers
May 2, 2025
This is a fast-moving romantic suspense novel. Plenty of action. And of course, the romance. The story moves fast. The bad guy keeps winning. The situation looks hopeless. But of course, you can guess the ending. I’m not a huge fan of romance novels, but this one kept the romance in check and there weren’t that many times where it seemed out of place. I’d read more romantic suspense with this balance.

It’s a clean and fun read. If you like romantic suspense where there’s more suspense than romance, this would be a read for you.
Profile Image for Marty Tool.
633 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2024
3.5, it runs on long, all the while it is action packed. A clean romantic story of a couple from 12 years prior that are thrown back together from villans action. It was a good story, but my problem was how the bad guys always got away and no police officers could see them as they were driving in mostly the same cars. Lots of praying to God and woulda coulda shoulda, but no I can't fall in love because he has a dangerous job. Got a little too repetitious.
1 review
November 13, 2024
Tina Wheeler is a great writer Ranch Showdon is a book I couldn't put down it has lots of twist and turns 2nd chance love for Cole and Seirra Cole was determined to keep Sierra and her nephew Danny after her sister got caught up with a bomber and a former TBI believed to be dead her sister had hid information on Vogul who was Danny's dad.I will not spoil the book by revealing any more about this book is a 5 star read.
150 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2024
Oh my! This book is non stop action. Just when you think things are turning out for the good guys, you get whammied with more action. You will keep turning the pages and hoping you won't fall off your chair again until you finish the book. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys edge of the chair excitement.
Profile Image for Dorothy.
305 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2023
Oh my wow I couldn’t believe a crooked mobsters and his goons where so desperately wanted certain papers and do anything to hurt innocent people just to get them.But I am glad everybody is safe and the dazzle in distress has meet her Prince Charming.
7 reviews
May 7, 2024
Title doesn't completely encompass the whole story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,220 reviews39 followers
August 7, 2023
I adore the Love Inspired Suspense series so much and Ranch Showdown is another installment that is absolute perfection. Sierra has to protect her infant nephew from her sister’s evil ex-boyfriend, who will stop at nothing to get documents that will incriminate his nefarious deeds that Sierra’s sister has hidden from him. Detective Cole comes to the rescue to help protect Sierra and her infant nephew from the relentless psychopath.

Sierra and Cole have a complicated past, as they were once engaged, but Sierra had broken off the engagement when her fear of his profession being too dangerous overrode her commitment. The moment they are back in each other’s lives it’s obvious that the feelings have no dissipated over the years, and I love this for them. I am a sucker for a good second chance romance, and with them both being great characters they truly deserve one another. Going through this ordeal makes Sierra see exactly why she broke off her engagement to Cole but how can she continue to justify this choice when all her heart wants is him?

I really felt the emotion in this novel, along with some truly heart-pounding suspense. The attention to detail is such a testament to Tina Wheeler. She is amazing at putting you in these tense moments, giving such amazing suspense, while also giving her characters such heart and depth on a masterful level. The perpetrator is truly terrifying and I hate to think that there are such menacing individuals that are lurking out there somewhere in the shadows. Then there is the whole mystery surrounding what is going on with Sierra’s sister, which adds yet another layer of complexity and tension. One thing I absolutely adored was being able to see Jackson and Bailey from Ranch Under Fire again! It’s always such a treat to see characters from past novels that I loved reading.

I devoured this novel in one sitting and enjoyed every heart-pounding moment. It’s so well-written with good characters, has such fast-paced suspense, and is full of faith, love, and second chances. A truly enjoyable and suspenseful read!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,211 reviews85 followers
July 16, 2023
Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler is a fast-paced suspense novel. I thought the story was well-written with good characters. I enjoyed getting to know Sierra Lowery and Detective Cole Walker. I like the Walker family. I am glad that we got to catch up with Jackson Walker and Bailey from Ranch Under Fire. There is plenty of action in Ranch Showdown. Sierra must protect her young nephew from her sister’s explosive ex-boyfriend. To keep herself and the boy alive, Sierra must find some papers that her sister hid. Sierra’s sister was very good at hiding items. To make matters worse, Sierra and Cole have a history. The pair had planned on a happily ever after, but Sierra worried that the dangers of his job would take him from her. The feelings between the pair were evident. The years had not taken them away. However, Sierra gets to see the dangers Cole faces on a daily basis while he tries to keep her safe. I love all the action and suspense in the story. The author managed to convey the right amount of detail. It is a fine line between not enough and too much. I could envision the surroundings and feel the emotions. I found myself staying up until the wee hours so I could finish the story. Ranch Showdown is a volatile tale with a threatening man, concealed documents, striking ex-sweetheart, booming bombs, a missing sister, an innocent nephew, and a desperate search.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,934 reviews49 followers
August 1, 2023
Ranch Showdown is written by Tina Wheeler. This is a Love Inspired Suspense book that starts off with heart pounding action and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole story. Sierra has been threatened by her sister's ex - and she only has 48 hours to give up the proof that he was involved in a bombing. If she does not comply, he plans to kill her and kidnap her nephew.

She then turns to Detective Cole Walker. He also happens to be her high school sweetheart. They were almost engaged. However, he steps up and wants to protect Sierra at all costs. Sierra is desperately searching for the proof that her sister hid. However even she does not know all of her sister's hiding spots. Will they be able to outrun the mad man before more damage happens?

I loved getting to know Sierra and Cole. I love when characters already have a history and they are reconnected. The author does a great job keeping those pages turning. The characters are well written. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,381 reviews77 followers
January 10, 2024
Ranch Showdown was so exciting! I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours. The characters were so believable and so well-written. I love how unpredictable it was because you never knew if the characters would be safe or not. The thing I appreciate most about Love Inspired Suspense books is that they're written from a Christian worldview. This clean romance had faith, forgiveness, and grace flowing through the story. I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews