REVIEW: Rancher in Her Bed by Joanne Rock

Rancher in Her Bed by Joanne Rock is the latest story in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Houston series, a sexy workplace romance for a ranch hand and her wealthy boss.

Xander Currin lost his fiancee in a riding accident. Since then, he’s kept away from any kind of committed relationship. But he can’t deny that ranch worker Frankie Walsh has caught his eye. And when he discovers she’s planning to compete in a bronc riding competition at the local rodeo just to get a ticket to the upcoming Flood Relief Gala, he is quick to intercede.

Frankie is working long hours and getting as much time in with animal care as part of her goal to become a veterinarian. With one of the prizes for the bronc riding competition a ticket to the gala, it would be a chance to meet some of the movers and shakers in the Houston ranching scene and hopefully some good exposure for her future vet practice. When Xander interrupts her plans and offers her a ticket to attend the Gala with him, she accepts – she knows she was a long shot to win the competition anyway, and truth be told, she’s had a crush on her boss for ages.

One magical night stretches to morning and going back to the way things were isn’t going to be so easy. But can they take a steamy affair and turn into into something more?

I’ve been enjoying this multi-authored series that focuses on specific couple romances but also contain secondary plot lines that run throughout the series. There’s been a body found at a construction site linked to the Cattleman’s Club and there are a few scenes from the point of view of the killer, someone determined to make mischief for two of the top men at the club. There’s also a romance happening between Xander’s father Ryder, and the daughter of his sworn enemy, so some of the scenes are with this couple too.

Frankie has an interesting background, having been found as a toddler on the roadside and ‘adopted’ in somewhat mysterious circumstances, with parents who home-schooled her. She went out on her own when she turned 18 and has been supporting herself ever since. As a child she didn’t have any friends her own age so she took care of injured animals, and it’s this that has made her want to become a veterinarian. Being introduced to Houston society on Xander’s arm is the exposure she needs. But it also leads to some family drama and the revelation of secrets that will change Frankie’s life forever.

Frankie and Xander share some sexy scenes as they navigate their new relationship. Xander is enjoying his time on the ranch but he’s also expected to take a position with his father’s oil company, a change he’s been resisting. While at the start they each plan to hold parts of themselves back from getting in too deep, it’s not long before they realize that they have developed real feelings for each other. Of course, they have to get through a few ups and downs before they get to their happy ending. This is another entertaining and enjoyable installment in the series, with likable and down to each characters and a sexy romance.
 

Book Info:

Publication: Jun 01, 2019 | Harlequin Desire | Texas Cattleman’s Club: Houston #4

“Just because we leave the party doesn’t mean the night has to end.”

Rancher Xander Currin won’t commit to anyone after tragedy broke his heart. But when his feisty ranch hand Frankie Walsh puts herself at risk to secure her future, his protective instincts kick in. He offers her a ticket to the rich and connected at the Texas Cattleman’s Club gala. But soon combustible desires consume them both…and someone’s going to get burned.