I was invited to read and review RICH RUGGED RANCHER written by Joss Wood and readily agreed to do my attention whetted by the description. After all who doesn’t like tough, larger than life cowboys – I know I do. But the best part was meeting Joss Wood and the opportunity to read her newest book. RICH RUGGED RANCHER is my first foray into the world created by Joss Wood and certainly won’t be my last.

One of the root problems addressed in RICH RUGGED RANCHER is the ongoing feud between the Blackwood siblings and their father’s widow Miranda. No one really understands why Buck left everything to Miranda especially Blackwood Hollow, essentially considered home and rightful inheritance of the three children.

The air is thick and angry as a reality show Secret Lives of NYC Ex-Wives production company descends on Blackwood Hollow. The feud is the basis for the latest story line. TV reality shows seem real but everyone acknowledges that it is scripted – however – the feud is real.

The stars of RICH RUGGED RANCHER are Clint Rockwell and Seraphina Martinez, affectionately known as Fee. Clint suffered physical and emotional injuries during his days as an Army Ranger. His military experience left him with a basic distrust of people – especially women. Clint lost part of his leg in a helicopter accident but it was more people’s reaction to it that dwarfed his self-confidence and erected a wall to protect him from hurtful words or looks.

To the townspeople, Clint was their local hero and they respected his need for privacy. Perhaps too much so. Clint was becoming a loner now except for workers at his Rockwell Ranch and oil business. But as a good neighbor, Clint took his responsibility to oversee his neighboring ranch Blackwood Hollow seriously. So when the widow Miranda Blackwood arrives with her reality show cast and crew Clint is forced to interact with a strange species who have no knowledge of ranching or work for that matter. Clint is convinced this group of actors and staff won’t be anything short of a nuisance.

And then Clint meets Fee. Sassy, stubborn and smart Fee is probably one of the first women who has been able to hold her own with this taciturn cowboy. And as they say – let the games begin. Clint is practically anti-social and definitely anti-female with good reason. So he is not looking for any kind of contact with Fee. Fee has lived her life starting with childhood as a nomad. Her family moved at times twice in a year. This life style prevented Fee from developing long term friendships and certainly with no place to call home.

Royal is so not Fee’s idea of a place for a city girl like herself and yet there is undeniably something that touches her deeply. Not just this rugged tough cowboy who can’t see past his disability but the town itself. Home is where your heart is – could Royal fill that void for Fee.

Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance is a series of books each penned by a different author. RICH RUGGED RANCHER is Joss Wood’s contribution to the series. RICH RUGGED RANCHER is filled with Joss Wood’s signature sexy, sassy characters but it is her snappy dialogue that keeps you turning the pages. Keep your eyes open for the next. There was one published each month in 2020.