It might be the pride of hard work on rugged terrain, the welcoming community, or the memories–but wherever the folks of Morgantown may roam, they have a way of coming back to the ranch . . .
There’s a reason Jackson Lymond left the Air Force, but he’s not telling a soul. He’d rather keep things simple while trying to start a new life helping his older brother on their northern California ranch. At least Morgantown’s flirty local bartender can keep his mind off the past–that is until he runs into Daisy Miller.
Daisy doesn’t really expect Jackson to remember her. Back in school, she did her best to blend in–and pretend she didn’t have five brothers who’d hogtie any boy who even looked at her. These days though, she and Jackson might have more in common than just their ranching relatives. After all, they both left home only to return. Trouble is, under the watch of her fiercely protective family, Daisy is longing for some privacy. Letting Jackson into her life could make that even more difficult–or it might be the second chance they’re both looking for.
Titles in The Millers of Morgan Valley series include – The Second Chance Rancher – The Rancher’s Redemption –
(Note: The Millers of Morgan Valley is a spin-off series of The Morgan Ranch series. While some characters from the original series do make appearances in the spin-off series it’s not really necessary to have read The Morgan Ranch to enjoy The Millers of Morgan Valley – but – it is a great series that you really shouldn’t miss if you love Modern Western Romance, in my opinion.)
Title: The Second Chance Rancher
Series: The Millers of Morgan Valley #1
Author: Kate Pearce
Genre: Modern Western Romance
Published: May 28, 2019
Publisher: Kensington Books – Zebra
My Rating: 4.5 stars
THE SECOND CHANCE RANCHER starts off with an ironic chuckle for me and simply kept building from that starting point. While this series is a spin-off from the Morgan Ranch series it does stand on its own. However, having said that we will see some cameo appearances of old friends, after all, they are neighbors and live in the same small town. I adored the Morgan Ranch series and would recommend it not because it’s necessary to enjoy this series, but because it’s a darned good series.
Jackson returned home not because he was really ready but because his brother needed his help running the newly inherited ranch – and for some deeply personal reasons that Jackson isn’t ready to talk about just yet. He has the persona of an outwardly happy-go-lucky kinda guy but there is an ocean of emotions beneath the surface that he hides quite well from most of the rest of the world. That is about to change when he goes flower shopping for the woman he thinks he wants and discovers Daisy is back home and looking for some unusual help that will change both of their worlds.
I have to be careful now to not give away either Jackson’s or Daisy’s secrets because they are vital to the enjoyment of this story – and I don’t willingly do spoilers. I was drawn to both characters but more to Jackson for at times it was difficult for me to really connect with Daisy. I don’t know why but this became Jackson’s story for me. Yet, I’m really looking forward to learning about Daisy’s brothers for they all sound like some – intriguing men.
THE SECOND CHANCE RANCHER will deliver some laugh out loud moments, some frustrations, perhaps a few misty eyes as secrets are revealed. I enjoyed my time back in this world once again. Daisy and Jackson’s romance sets up the rest of the series and provides a romance that shows that even when couples argue or disagree the emotions are still very much alive. I’d call their story realistic for no person or couple is totally perfect but they do work as a loving partnership and that is what truly matters.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Available in paperback and for the Kindle
