I always enjoy stepping into the world of a new Leslie North trilogy or series, and this beginning story to the Meir Ranch Brothers series is an emotional read on so many levels. There is deep hurt here, some anger and confusion, loneliness and resignation as well. As much as I liked both Nat and January I also wanted to lock them in a closet so they would have to actually talk to each other and get some truths out there in the open.

Ten years ago January broke Nat’s heart and stomped it into the ground when she left him behind for her travel the world lifestyle. It broke him then, and if he can’t keep away from her now she’s going to break him once more… and this time there may be no coming back from that pain. January is convinced she’s following in her father’s footsteps by wandering the world. She’s content, if not happy, in the life she lives. She honestly does not believe she has it in her to stay in one place for very long. Yes, she loved Nate back then, and it hurt to leave but she simply couldn’t stay. Now she’s gone and fallen all over again so how’s she supposed to leave her heart behind once again?

In general I liked January, I didn’t like the decisions she often made or the reasons she gave. She’ll have to come to the hard realization that it’s not a place that makes one happy it’s a person who becomes “home”. It’s a hard lesson to learn, and she’s going to be kickin’ her heels all the way to that eventual understanding. Nat has taken on so much responsibility for the ranch, for the brothers who are off living their own life while he holds on to their family legacy by his fingertips at times. He had dreams of his own that never came true because life happens and you get on with dealing with it not running away from it. Because of my often times battling emotions on this story, it does come off as very realistic and life like. I enjoyed myself and I’ll definitely be picking up the next story in this series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Leslie North’s new series starts with an exceptionally emotional story, filled with heartache and angst. The background history is covered well, but the overall premise was depressing.

Nate’s character seemed to suffer more than was necessary, and January was hard to like, until very late in the book. I’m hoping book two has some lighter moments and less angst.

If you like hot contemporary romance novels then you so so have give this author a try. I fell in love with some of her previous trilogies and this one lived up to all of my expectations. We get to meet Nat who runs the family ranch though it is on shaky financial ground. Enter January the love that got away who just thinks she is only back home temporarily. I like the emotional depths that are involved and the fact that these are dealt with instead of ignored. The romance follows a nice progression without being a set formula layout. Of course the steamy scenes are quite hot as well. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars and will be looking forward to book two.

A sad, but sweet second chance romance. I'm glad that they were able to finally see things from the other's perspective in order to get their HEA. The epilogue really brought it all together. Mona was a hoot and it would have given some much needed comic relief if there had been more from her or even Willie or Mack.

Even though I love stories about cowboys, ranchers and farms, I found this one just was too depressing and too full of pessimism for me. Nat just couldn’t see beyond the nose on his face and January was just too much of a nomad (or hippie). Neither one were dealing with reality. Not one character was content with life despite January’s statement that her old town was full of content people. Didn’t read about any of those. I enjoy seeing characters grow and change over the course of the book, but in this one I just wanted to move far, far away.

I was taken with this book it was adorable Nathaniel was a hung of a cowboy and January she was too cute for words. I did give it low stars because I did feel like the book was a bit sad and depressing. I wish it was a little bit more up beat for me. Leslie North usually gives me the ooohs and the ahhhs, but with this one it wasn't quite like that a little different from her normal I like!

I found it a bit depressing.  Everyone seemed so dissatisfied.
I like that this author usually has no cheating, a HEA .
It's a second chance romance.
,......................................................................

If this is the first book in the Meier Ranch Brothers Series, then sign me up for the next books!
I love how Nathaniel was left pining after January Rose and her return opened up a wound that had never healed. It's well told and has got such sassy characters like Mona and Wes.
It's also a short sweet romance and lovely read. Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

North is a talent for finding, looking, searching and finally capturing the happily ever after!  Nat Meier found his love but she got away.  January Rose explores destinations looking for adventure but what has she left behind? A decade has passed and history is destined to repeat itself.  Can Nat embrace January again and can she let him hold her?  Great start to a new adventure.  A copy of this book was provided by Relay Publishers via Netgalley with no requirements for a review.  Comments here are my honest opinion."

Wow more than 5 stars !! Great read ......

Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I’ve been very fortunate to have found Leslie North’s books thru Netgalley & she has quickly become a favorite author. Her books are generally very quick to read - so they can take you away on a quick get away 👍

This book is one of my absolute favorites of hers so far & can’t  wait to read the rest in the series. Nat & January were in love at 18 until “J” decides she needs to be like her Dad & travel the world hoping in the process to find herself . Nat has been her only true love but upon returning to the ranch where they grew up she knows she can never hurt him again - she barely survived leaving the first time.

Nat is angry as he was the one left behind ....... the responsibility of running his family’s ranch is something he deeply loves but also a stressful burden. He left college & a dream of being a published writer .... when January returns for a brief stay the attraction & love they have for each other is still very much there as well as the fear that they are giving away their chance at something so much more ....

Both characters are so well written & you really feel what is motivating them - however as the reader you know they are meant to be together❤️ This was a night 🦉 read for me !! Up till early am reading to finish this really GREAT  book - great story !!!!

I am  a big fan of Leslie North and was excited to start her new series (Meier Ranch Brothers). I was not disappointed. Tempting the Rancher was a great second chance romance and I really enjoyed it.

Tempting the Rancher, is more contemporary romance rather than the erotic that I usually expect from Leslie North. I think it is just a more tame story line. But I still enjoyed it very much.

Enjoyed reading January and Nae's second chance at love. Emotional and engaging read. January and Nate were high school sweethearts until she left. January is back and Nate is still in love. As they spend time together They both have to decide if their love is worth the challenges they face. Recommended read.