Crooked Tree Ranch (Montana, #1) (edition 2015)

When cowboy Nate Todd is faced with the realization that the dude ranch resort he is part owner of is just a breath from failing, he and his business partner take the dreaded step of bringing in someone from the outside to overhaul and run the business. When attempts to find someone local fail, they realize they need to cast a wider net.

Jay Sullivan is a New York marketing executive that has just been downsized from his job, along with hundreds of others. With job prospects close to home slim and his family in turmoil, he realizes that a fresh start somewhere else may be just the thing he needs. Besides the salary package Crooked Tree is offering includes a horse.

The first part of the book is very slow burn, with the readers getting to know both MCs and their families. By the time the characters meet, the reader at least, understands why both of them need this arrangement to work. With so much responsibility on Nate’s shoulders (raising his younger brothers, running the ranch, etc) you can tell he is just short of burnout on a personal level. Jay has made it his job to look out for his sister and her children. Crooked Tree is just the place to do that.

The poignant backdrop for what otherwise is a typical cowboy romance trope, a sad family history of missing ranch teens presumed to have run away years before, makes the ranch’s slow descent into red ink make sense on a certain level and the reader feels for the three broken families left behind in the obvious tragedy, giving more reason to root for the men who find love with someone who on the surface shouldn’t work.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
reviewed via Kindle Unlimited ( )

I have read the book and listened to the audio.

Sean Crisden's narration adds an extra layer to the story. The story is sweet and low angst. Sean's tone is rich and soothing. Between Ms Scott & Mr Crisden they create a piece of work that cocoons the listen in a big fluffy blanket. ( )

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

What a great start to a new series! The Crooked Tree Ranch is a dude ranch in Montana owned by 3 brothers (Nate, Gabe, and Luke) and another family. Nate is the older brother who struggles with the business end of things, but is great with the horses. Even though one brother is in his 20's and the other is 16, he considers himself the head of the family since his parents passed away. He has thrown himself into his work in order to help support the family and has not given himself much opportunity for a private life.

The ranch is declining in sales and reservations, and the owners decide it is time to try to get help by putting out an ad for a marketing executive. Jay is a marketing guy in New York City who finds out his company is downsizing and laying off most of the employees. He puts out resumes and gets interviews, but the one place he is interviewing at that looks promising happens to be where his ex works. He decides that he can't put himself in a bad position again, and answers the ad in Montana. Jay, his sister, and her 2 kids move to Montana to start a new life.

Nate and Jay appeared to be complete opposites: Nate was gruff and grumpy, Jay was optimistic and mostly cheerful. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction grew. They tried not to act on anything because they work together, but thankfully they got over that. Jay was so good for Nate. He helped him feel better about himself and realize he was worth happiness. I loved how Nate was so decisive and didn't let fear or opinions or doubts hold him back from going for what he wanted. When he made his mind up, he went for it. I respect that trait. They were hot together and I loved the slow burn relationship.

I'm very curious about Ethan and am looking forward to reading the next book. ( )

I have read the book and listened to the audio.

Sean Crisden's narration adds an extra layer to the story. The story is sweet and low angst. Sean's tone is rich and soothing. Between Ms Scott & Mr Crisden they create a piece of work that cocoons the listen in a big fluffy blanket. ( )

This is one of those easy to read, easy to get lost in books that I absolutely adore. It's one of those books that just seem to have a little of everything. Hot sexy cowboys. Cute sexy guys. Scenery described with enough detail that I feel I'm part of it. Extra characters that add to the whole, rather than taking away from it.

Maybe it's all a little too easy and too quick in reality. But I don't mind it in this case. I don't always want the high stress and drama, or all the angst. I quite enjoy a simple, good and sexy story that just seems to work. I think this is why this author is such a favourite of mine!

I can't wait to read more of this series. ( )