Julia Justiss is such a romantic, which pretty much describes me as well. Additionally, Julia Justiss clearly has a love of cowboys – ditto for me, too. So, getting the opportunity to read and review THE RANCHER which is the first book in her new series, The McAllister Brothers, was a gift. THE RANCHER centers on Duncan McAllister, who is the oldest brother and has taken on much responsibility toward not only the family ranch but his family. The Triple-A ranch was a legacy to the McAllister boys. But as times got tough, part of the family spread had been sold.
Harrison Scott’s father purchased part of the Triple-A ranch as part of a dream after retiring from the military. The Scotts had been military nomads. Getting property to settle down on and build a future was her father’s goal. Harrison loved spending time on the ranch, but her career was that of an accountant which meant working and living in a bigger city.
However, Harrison has now returned home to the ranch, disappointed and heartbroken at the events that had caused her abrupt change of life.
There is a saying about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. Starting over running a ranch was going to be a great challenge to Harrison. All she really knew was that she was ill-prepared for all the work necessary to keep this ranch alive and prosperous. And Harrison was aware of her shortcomings.
So was her neighbor, Duncan McAllister. Duncan really wanted that land back where it belonged--in his family. What lengths would he go to acquire it? Harrison was still recovering from humiliation and defeat. She was an easy target. But Duncan was, above all, a gentleman and a rancher. His integrity was impeccable. He too was recovering from a very disheartening relationship.
Duncan and Harrison were two damaged souls thrown together by unforeseen circumstances.
As I said, Julia Justiss is such a romantic. Somehow, she envisions these two have a chance at something great. Two magnets working tirelessly to avoid complications.
THE RANCHER is a study on the work ethic of families that give their all to the running of their land. Pride in ownership is key.
The best way to start a relationship of any kind is with friendship. Duncan and Harrison can at least afford to give that a try. Harrison needs help. Duncan is willing to give her a hand – as one rancher to another. And readers get to see where that leads.
In THE RANCHER, Julia Justiss introduces us to a lovely small town with all the requisite issues. We also meet so many wonderful folks who will no doubt make repeat performances in the next two installments in this series. THE RANCHER is a well-thought-out tale of learning to trust again.
When he sets out to regain his family’s heritage, he never expects to lose his heart.
Cowboy Duncan McAllister has worked tirelessly to make the family ranch profitable enough to buy back the section of land hard times forced them to sell a decade ago. When that land’s owner unexpectedly dies, leaving the ranch to his city-based daughter, Duncan finally sees his opportunity.
After her business partner boyfriend runs off with an intern—and all their clients—CPA Harrison Scott retreats to her Daddy’s Hill Country ranch to decide her next move. Her father’s sudden death leaves her floundering—does she rebuild her professional career or carry on the ranch he loved? After rudely rebuffing Duncan’s offer to buy her out, Harrison is forced to turn to her handsome neighbor to learn the ropes of ranching.
Duncan tells himself he’s just being neighborly, but their immediate attraction soon deepens. How can he convince her that he wants her even more than his beloved land when she’s already been betrayed once before?
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