REVIEW: Harvest at Mustang Ridge by Jesse Hayworth

In Harvest at Mustang Ridge (Mustang Ridge #3) by Jesse Hayworth, when Krista’s head wrangler is injured with a busy season ahead, she needs a new one right away. It’s a job that’s not easy to fill though, and her only hope is Wyatt. The man she thought she’d never see again after he broke her heart in college, the same man who is suddenly back visiting an old friend. Mustang Ridge Ranch is her dream and her life though, and she’s ready to put the past behind her if it means hiring Wyatt. Krista says she’s long over Wyatt to everyone, but she can’t fool herself as easily.

Wyatt’s childhood could not be more different than Krista’s. He had too many responsibilities too soon, and as he grew up he was scared he’d be like his father. So he’s never trusted himself with a long term relationship, moving on before anything gets too serious. Now a well known metal sculptor who’s lost his muse, he’s ready to make amends to Krista, to ask her forgiveness. Knowing she’s desperate, he hires on as her head wrangler. Both of them acknowledge the past and agree to leave it where it belongs. But feelings are not so easily pushed aside, nor is the strong attraction they still feel for each other after all these years.

This second chance to be together takes them both by surprise. It’s rife with inner conflict for both of them and not an easy journey…when the season winds down will Wyatt stay this time?

I loved this emotional, entrancing story that Jesse gives in Harvest at Mustang Ridge. Wyatt and Krista are strong characters, they are realistic, and Jesse manages to give the reader a familiar feel for them. I really liked the maturity of the characters. Krista is honest, hard working, caring and reliable. Her honesty about her feelings and that she didn’t hold back or play emotional games really made me love her. From the snippets that were just enough about their past, I could see how much Wyatt had grown since the first time they were together. He genuinely cares for Krista and feels whole with her…it’s difficult for him to admit even to himself though. The times they spend together now are meaningful and Jesse gave me a great picture of their lives.

There are a host of secondary characters that add even more depth and detail to Harvest at Mustang Ridge. Krista is very family oriented and I loved how her family and their relationships were such an integral part of the plot – they were just as realistic and significant as Wyatt and Krista’s story.

Jesse’s descriptions of the ranch are well written and vivid. She makes the place have just as much meaning as the people, and I liked how she weaved in some of the history of the ranch.

Harvest at Mustang Ridge held my interest from the first page to the last, and I was left with a really good, warm feeling. Although this is the third book in the Mustang Ridge series, it can easily be read as a stand alone (as I did). I’d highly recommend Harvest at Mustang Ridge to any romance reader looking for an entertaining, emotional, believable story.

Book Info:

Published August 5th 2014 by Signet | (Mustang Ridge #3)

When former lovers reunite at Mustang Ridge, old feelings run wild….

With guest season about to start at the ranch, Krista Skye needs to track down a new head wrangler fast. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the last person Krista wants to see—Wyatt Webb, the college sweetheart who left her behind. Wyatt has major reservations about working with Krista as well, but he has his own reasons for wanting to stay in town.

Although Krista and Wyatt are all business at first, sparks fly as they work side by side, preparing for an upcoming country fair. Even though rekindling their relationship brings up painful memories, they’re not the same people they used to be—and neither can deny that there’s still something special between them. They have one last opportunity to save a good thing before it’s too late, but one of them will have to find the courage to take a chance on love….