A Rancher’s Reward by J. Margot Critch has a lot of ingredients to make a solid beginning for this 
series: a playboy hero, a runaway bride heroine, a ranch to take control of, a fake engagement, an overprotective brother (which is also the hero’s best friend), and an interesting argument that could run not only this story, but the next books to come.
Elias Hardwell has decided to retire after his wedding with his future second wife, Cathy. Also he will give his grandsons their share from his inheritance…on one condition: they all must live AND work in the ranch for six months to receive it. And, since Garrett is the only grandson actually working in the ranch as Elias’ second-in-command at Hardwell Ranch, he will have 51% of the shares and the control of the ranch IF he settles down and get married.
His first impulsive action is asking long-time friend Willa Statler to be his fake fiancée. At first, she declines, but then she accepts Garrett’s proposal. Then everything starts to get complicated. The thing is, they have a few things to deal with. In first place, Garrett’s best friend is Willa’s brother Dylan, and he is, as I said earlier, overprotective at the highest level. Then there’s Willa’s experience with her ex fiancée Thomas—now the town’s major who ruined Willa’s reputation after she left him at the altar—which she still has to face every time she’s with Garrett publicly. But the real deal is Willa and Garrett have history between them; they spend a night together ten years ago. Obviously, Dylan didn’t know about that…
This is a well written story, with intense scenes and full of emotions. As Willa and Garrett traveled through their fake romance, everything becomes so real you could feel it. Their chemistry is intense and powerful. Also, I love the way Garrett constantly protects Willa, especially when Thomas tries to throw mud over Willa over and over again.
Speaking of Thomas, I think he’s the best antagonist a romance book could have. He’s so good at making the reader hate him. Also, he’s the typical misogynist who loves to ruin women while trying to keep his hands clean.
Other characters have a valuable role on this book. Dylan is an honorable man who always supports Willa and has her back every time she’s having a difficult time. Also, we have Garrett’s family who brings some good moments, even though they doesn’t have the same presence as Thomas and Dylan. And, of course, Elias and his conditions for his inheritance which sets the bar for this story and the rest of the series.
In general, it’s a good reading I enjoyed. Ms. Critch’s debut in Harlequin Desire is simply brilliant.
Book Info:
Publication: August 23, 2022 | Harlequin Desire | Heirs of Hardwell Ranch #1
While their fake engagement is all business, their attraction is anything but in the debut of J. Margot Critch’s series, Heirs of Hardwell Ranch.
He’s looking for a marriage of convenience…
With a very inconvenient woman.
To gain control of his grandfather’s ranch, Garrett Hardwell needs a fake fiancée. But the deal he offers wedding planner Willa Statler is fraught with complications. Between Garrett’s playboy reputation and Willa’s history as a runaway bride, the rumor mill is working overtime. Not to mention Garrett’s best friend—Willa’s overprotective brother—doesn’t exactly know the truth. But the greatest threat is their unresolved feelings over a red-hot night they shared years ago. Will their fake engagement be sabotaged by very real desire?
From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
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You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Heirs of Hardwell Ranch series.
Book 1: A Rancher’s Reward
