Nancy Naigle is a very prolific writer! She has written a number of beloved romance novels and series as well as many with a holiday flare! I have especially enjoyed her holiday books, which have been my main exposure to her books. I finally decided it was time to branch out and try some of her other books that weren’t necessarily holiday related. I have loved her holiday books so I figure it was a no brainer to try this one out and I am so glad I did!
I love the cover of this book and it just stood out to me as something I would enjoy! I have been knee deep in reading murder mystery thrillers and I think it was time for me to take a break and change things up a bit with something more lighthearted with some romance. I read this one pretty quickly so if you are looking for something to change up your reading this holiday season—-this would be a great option for you—-plus it has a sweet mastiff in it I mean how can you go wrong with dogs?!
Naigle is a proven writer with a large fan following and for good reason! She does a great job bringing her characters to life and telling their stories. Not to mention she is a master at small town romances and stories! I am so glad I picked this book up because it was just what I needed to read right now—something quick, easy, and happy with a guaranteed HEA! If you love small town romances you need to check this one out! It will warm you up on a cold winter night!
Summary
Two people get a second chance at love in this heartwarming story by author Nancy Naigle, The Wedding Ranch…
When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.
Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.
When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.
But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
Lorri will instantly garner reader sympathy, her husband leaves her and her dog after Lorri thinks things are getting better. Something similar happened to a friend of mine and I instantly felt compassion for this poor character! I mean what an asshole! I think readers will instantly feel connected to her character like I did and start the story excited and eager to see her ultimate HEA come through. I was so excited to read her story and see her and Ryder come together—-especially when neither want a relationship. Their chemistry and connection was really well develop and cultivated throughout the story and I couldn’t have been more pleased when things wrapped up. I think readers and fans of small town romances will find a lot to love in this book.
This romance was more on the wholesome side than the steamy side though. When I say ‘I read romances’ to people, I think they instantly assumed hot and steamy. But in reality the romance genre is so diverse and there are a ton of novels that focus on the actual love part which is exactly what this book does. So if you are looking for a bodice ripper this is probably not it but I found the love story was charming, sweet, and full of emotion. I really enjoyed this one and it was exactly what I needed to read right now. Plus there is even a horseback ride—-I mean come on. So sweet. I simply love small town romances and Naigle is so good at them.
This book reads like a Hallmark movie—-albeit not a holiday one—-but it has that sweet, charming quality about it that Hallmark is known for. So if you are looking for something that will make you feel happy, this is it! Ryder was such a great hero and romantic interest. He has his own personal tragedy but now that he’s met Lorri he cannot deny his feelings for her. I just loved watching them come together in this one so much,. Not to mention the dog, Mister, was a lovely addition to the story. I haven ever been a big dog fan but after reading about Mister I was like ummmm hello can I please get a mastiff? Do not miss this charming addition by Naigle, there are so many things to love about it and I am so glad I read it. I am looking forward not only to her holiday books now but any of her books in general!
Book Info and Rating
Format: 352 pages, paperback
Published: December 6th 2022 by St Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 9781250794130
Free review copy provided by publisher, St Matin’s Griffin, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: romance, contempo romance
The Lit Bitch 