The Rancher’s Proposal by Paula Altenburg

She said she’d never rely on a man again…

Never say never. When meek and mild Posey Davies calls it quits on her toxic marriage, she grabs her two-year-old daughter and runs. Her flight lands her in Grand, Montana, a community happy to take her in and even happier to nose about in her life and her unfortunate past.

The cowboy next door, Zack McGregor, has “good time,” written all over him. He’s only home for a year to help out his older brother, who’s guardian of their sister’s children. Zack is kind, funny and oh-so-easy on the eyes. He’d be perfect, but the practical Posey predicts Zac will disappear as soon as winter sets in.

Zack’s not as laid back and fun loving as he seems. He’s all about family and doing what’s right. When Posey’s deadbeat ex-husband begins making demands, Zack insists on playing protector.

Posey’s never had anyone stand up for her before and soon realizes that perhaps relying on this man and trusting in love is well worth the risk.

 

Series: The Montana McGregor Brothers Series #3 | Publisher: Tule | Release Date: September 12, 2019 | Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Source: Publisher  | Rating:

Challenges Read For:  - Literary Pickers  - Coffee Table   - 2019 Try Something New: New-to-me Author

 

This was a quick, heartfelt read.

 

Posey Davies is determined to give her and her two-year-old daughter a new start far away from her abusive ex-husband. She’s been content to stay to herself until the handsome cowboy next door comes around. Zack’s back home helping care for his recently orphaned niece and nephews. When his new neighbor and her adorable young daughter catch his eye, he’s determined to bring a bit of sunshine back into their lives. At first, Posey’s resistant—determined to not let another man in—although with her ex-husband threatening her, Zack’s determined not to let another person her loves get hurt. Will Zack be able to win her trust and her heart?

 

Posey’s been through a lot; not only with her abusive ex-husband but with the loss of her mother at a young age, being ignored by father, and the slights her uncle has thrown at her. She’s a bit defeated but she’s not going to give up. While I felt for Posey, I spent much of the book not liking her. She’s too stuck in her own head so whenever Zach did something kind for her or told her he was falling for her, she would come up with these excuses of why he couldn’t like her for her.

 

I really liked Zack. He was just one of those all-around good guys who is willing to give up everything to put family first. He’s suffering the loss of his parents, sister, and brother-in-law and figuring out how to help raise his orphaned niece and nephews but instead of wallowing in his grief, he’s determined to ensure the kids are raised without a black cloud hanging above them. And when he sees that Posey’s hiding and withdrawing, he does everything in his power to make sure she and her daughter are safe and happy.

 

The romance was a little one-sided at times. There’s no doubt that Zack’s all in; he’s head over heels, but Posey’s stuck in the past—and in her head—so she needs some time to figure it out. For me, Posey’s reluctance was starting to get a little old. I mean, I understood where she was coming from, but she could have gave Zack a break sooner.

 

For the most part, I enjoyed the book. It had its heavy moments but it had its fun and charming moments as well giving it a nice balance. The only thing that seemed a bit off was Posey’s actions after the confrontation between Zack and her ex-husband. She was the one who called Zach when her ex said he was coming over then she acted all odd.

 

So, this one is the third book in the series, but it reads brilliantly on its own.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this one. It was a quick read and I look forward to reading the previous books in the series.

The Montana McGregor Brothers Series

1-The Rancher Takes a Family

2-The Rancher’s Secret Love

3-The Rancher’s Proposal