Ruth Ryan Langan

Alex Sullivan runs the Snug Harbor Lodge. Her family owns many hotels but the Snug Harbor Lodge is her favorite. She doesn’t like city life and loves the peace and quiet of the wilderness. The only guest at the lodge is Grant Malone, who shows up after Alex’s grandfather recommends the place to Grant. He seems edgy and tense at first, but the tranquility of the place begins to affect him, and he begins to unwind. (He is a New York City cop who is considering quitting the police force after a shooting he was involved in.) Grant and Alex become attracted to each other, but will Grant return to the city and forget about Alex?

This was an easy-going romance with very likable characters. I enjoyed the lodge location, the snow, and the solitude. Alex was a very independent and self-sufficient heroine. Grant was a troubled hero, but a good guy. They got to know each other before they went to bed with each other, which was nice. There was also a small amount of suspense at the end.

A pleasing read by Ruth Langan.… (more)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Title: The Cowboy Next Door
Author(s): R. C. Ryan
Character(s):
― Penny Cash: Late Twenties, Amber Eyed, Brunette
― Sam Monroe: 27 years old
Setting: Haller Creek, Wisconsin
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: PG-13
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Warm
Favorite Quote(s):
― “What’s the matter? Afraid of a little kiss?”
― “Money, I thought by now you’d understand. I’d walk through fire for you.”
― “Difficult is easy. The impossible might take a while.”
Overall Opinion:
Who doesn't like a old fashioned cowboy romance? I've always had a love-hate relationship with them since cowboy romance novels tend to be rather chessy.. But Ryan's latest exceeded my expectations and I was overall pleased with the read.

“The Cowboy Next Door” tells the story of Penny who becomes the housemaid on the Monroe Ranch after her teacher contracts falls through. After returning home from the mountains, Sam is immediately drawn to the serious, well-mannered large in charge brunette beauty that he stumbles upon once entering his home. Unlike any other woman he has ever encountered, Sam is set to prove her wrong that he's not just a gambling womanizer but a man out to win her heart.

Ryan's novel is nothing short but heartwarming story filled with engaging characters and sweet banter. Despite the lack of smexy scenes, the chemistry between the Sam and Penny makes up for it. It's definitely not the best cowboy story I've read, but definitely not the worst. Despite that, if you're looking for a heartwarming cowboy romance, this is the place to start.

… (more)