THE RELUCTANT RANCHER

Author: Patricia Mason & Joann Baker ISBN: NA 3/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: MOONLIT ROMANCE PUBLISHING

Luke Tanner learned early on that no one cared enough to look past his homely appearance and sour attitude to discover what lay beneath the surface - other than his wallet. When Mary Carter hits him up for a loan, he makes her a proposition she can't refuse. Mary fantasized about Luke Tanner since her first glimpse of the veritable mountain of a man. She knows there is more to Luke than his bank account. Though she tries to hide her feelings, a fire burns between them. Will it end in ashes - or forge a love that would last a lifetime?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE RELUCTANT RANCHER fondly reminds me of the old Harlequin books I used to read: One part grouchy hero, one part sweet heroine, one cute old man, and shake 'em up you've got a heart-warming romance. It got me all melancholy and reminiscent...

I liked Mary immediately because, unlike the old Harlequin heroines, she's a big girl with a humble attitude about her appearance. (Harlequins were all about incredibly gorgeous women with humble attitudes. Loved 'em.) Luke was a bit harder to like because of his sarcasm. He's the hero you love to hate. And, he's fascinating because of his brawn and masculinity; very fascinating.

Not a Top Pick and why? As much as I liked Mary, around the middle of the book I got frustrated with her low self-esteem. She had a great sassiness about her, but when the hero told her she was beautiful she argued with him. It got tiresome after the second time.

But don't let that stop you from reading this sweet book. Just holler outloud at the heroine like I do when I get frustrated. It will get you through and you'll be glad you read it.

Cynthia Whitten