In a Ranger’s Arms by Donna Michaels – a Review

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Description:
Former Army Ranger Stone Mitchum doesn’t have time for sex. Since starting a company with his brother and two buddies, he’s had more important things on his mind. Like transitioning veterans back into society. But when his curvy new tenant falls into his arms—literally—his libido snaps to attention.

Jovy Larson has four weeks to prove she’s worthy of taking over the family business. Her challenge? Sell gluten-free, vegan food—in the middle of cattle country, Texas. It’s a tough task, but not half as tough as fighting her attraction to her sexy, surly landlord.

Before she knows it, Jovy’s tangling sheets with the hot cowboy, stalked by a jealous cow, and strategizing ways to help Stone’s ranch. But by the time her lease runs out and the test is over, she’s faced with a new challenge…competing against Stone’s sense of duty to win.

Review:

Stone Mitchum is a former Army Ranger and the man in charge at the At Ease Ranch in Joyful, Texas. Since starting the ranch and forming the business with his brother and two army buddies, he hasn’t had much time for anything let alone even consider dating.  His sole purpose now is the ranch, which was established to help veterans returning from war reintegrate into society.  The construction company within – teaches returning veterans a trade and gives them a haven from the outside world to reconnect and reestablish themselves.  So the last thing Stone needs is the distraction of a woman, or any distraction for that matter.

But fate has other ideas. When Stone goes into town to meet his new tenant and collect rent, Jovy Larson  falls right into his arms, literally.

Jovy Larson is in Joyful and  has just four weeks to open a vegan restaurant in cowboy cattle country and prove to her grandfather that she has what it takes to take over as CEO of Larson Industries.  

In a competition with her cousin to prove who has what it takes to take over the company, Jovy has no time for distractions or dating.  She is here for one thing and one thing only – to win the CEO position. But when circumstances beyond her control lead her into the arms of an Army Ranger cowboy her body does everything in its power to push the two together.

With both of them with priorities and a lot running on the success of their businesses – neither one of them have time for what’s in store for them.

Stone Mitchum is still staunch military and takes his responsibilities seriously.  He main goal is to take care of the veterans under his charge at his ranch and insure that they always have someone watching their backs.  But when a distraction sidetracks him from doing what he believes is his duties – he swears off women and anything to do with them.  That is until he meets Jovy.  His body betrays his mind and ever belief and moral he has flies out the window when she is around.  He has strong morals, beliefs and his loyalty to his brothers which makes you fall for him quite quickly. Who wouldn’t love a tall, rugged, handsome cowboy?  He is the epitome of a country gentleman and very hard to resist, although at times stubborn in his beliefs and convictions. 

Jovy Larson is one tough cookie. She has a great sense of humor and a wonderful personality. But, taking on the task of opening a vegan restaurant in the middle of beef country will be no easy task.  But she wants to honor her late fathers wishes and she wants to prove to her grandfather that she has what it takes to be CEO of Larson Industries.  But when she falls quick for cowboy Stone her life takes an unexpected twist.  Her mind shifts from what will bring her happiness to what happiness she can bring to others.  And spending time at the At Ease Ranch has showed her how compassion for another person can change their lives. 

I have never been crazy about stories with cowboys, but this one was a delicious change of pace for me.  I loved everything about Stone Mitchum from page one.  He is stubborn, strong and full of compassion.  Even though he doesn’t want anyone to really know that.  The work up of him falling for and pursuing Jovy was a work of art and beautifully written.  Slowly building tempo that leads to an amazingly wonderful crescendo.  Jovy made me laugh – city girl finding herself in the country – what more could you ask for.  Her personality is addicting and I loved how she found good in everyone.

I loved Stone and Jovy’s relationship, I laughed and got teary eyed – ok I cried. Not going to lie – it was a great story with wonderful characters all around. The secondary characters were absolutely amazing – you want to know what happens to every single one of them.  (Especially Leo?!)  This wonderful love story also touches a lot on the struggles that soldiers face every day returning from war.  And as gut-wrenching as that may seem this story shows you the reality of that and how it affects everyone around that person.  Moving and emotional – I highly recommend and can’t wait for book two.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher