Romancing the Ranger by Jennie Marts – a Review

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Reese Hudson meant to destroy mementos from her last failed relationship, not burn down an outhouse and incur the wrath of a sexy park ranger. When the judge rejects her offer to pay for the structure and sentences her to rebuild it—with the hot ranger supervising—she embraces the challenge to take control of her life.

Park ranger Wade Baker wants nothing to do with the rich city girl, no matter how tempting he finds her lush curves. She’s too much like his ex-fiancée, and if he’s learned anything, it’s that women like Reese don’t fit into his world. And he sure as hell wants no part of her big city life.

Reese may not know a hammer from a screwdriver, but she’s working hard to prove she’s not just some pampered princess to be toyed with. And damn it if Wade doesn’t admire her tenacious spirit. If only they got along half as well outside the bedroom as they do in it, there might be a chance for them after all…

Review:

Two chapters in and I didn’t want to put the book down – I already liked where it was headed and knew the swoon-worthy was in my future. When Reese’s cathartic act of courage and bravery ends in the fire and destruction of an outhouse, incurring the wrath of Park Ranger Wade, chances are bleak that these two will ever find common ground. Jennie Marts, author of Romancing the Ranger (A Cotton Creek Romance), will prove us wrong. I enjoyed being wrong. ;D

“What’s wrong with you people from the city? You think you can come up here with your fancy clothes and your flashy cars and disregard all the rules. You could have caused some real damage here. You don’t care about anyone but yourselves. Money doesn’t fix everything, lady.”

Bad first impressions are off-putting yet equally delicious when, upon examination, or flirtation, the layers of a person are revealed and you’re left completely stunned. Wade and Reese are two such people who receive a bounty in exchange.

Reese is a city girl ordered to make “unconventional” restitution for the restroom she burned down: Sentenced to two weeks of community service in Cotton Creek Falls, Reese is to rebuild the outhouse herself! In a fresh and fast-paced story, Reese and Wade learn each others strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed their easy banter and wasn’t surprised by how quickly they developed feelings for each other.  

While the flames blaze in a sexier scenario once these two connect, the sins of their exes wreak havoc on self-esteem, and a future, if these two remain in denial. Humiliated and overruled, respectively, Wade and Reese are trying for a fresh start. They’re firing on all other cylinders, but niggling doubts, those unhealthy, unfair comparisons, are poisonous and destructive to HEA. It’s understandable to be cautious, but Wade gave me whiplash! Reese was very sweet and patient and fought for her independence.

Romancing the Ranger wasn’t of earth-shattering proportions, nor was there a murder or mystery to solve. This was about two people learning to trust again. Learning to accept themselves and not fear they’re going to be found lacking in any way. It was lovely to see Wade and Reese come into their own skin and own their happiness.

Review by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher