Having read several books by Leslie North, I thought the writing style would be similar to what I’ve come to expect. However, a big clue should have been “Leslie North PRESENTS Mary Sue Jackson” prominently displayed on the book cover. Because, really, what does that mean, folks? Upon conducting a few minutes of on-line recon, I found Ms. Jackson has already published numerous rancher themed books before so likely doesn’t need the nudge, and this is hardly a southern belle debutant type situation. So I’m left scratching my head mentally speculating why an established author needs the coat tail endorsement of another successful romance author. I’m going out on a limb here and possibly incorrectly guessing they are one and the same author, but that is honestly just a guess in the dark, my fellow romance book loving friends.

What is of importance, of course, is this romantic tale itself. I can relay after finishing the book I did mostly enjoy the overall premise of this very predictable storyline. However, I did almost stop reading by Chapter 9, due to finding the writing up to that point often mechanical at times, the hero’s at first bland and one dimensional character was starting to annoy me, and overall just not finding things that engaging. Due to Colson’s lackluster appeal, I struggled to find why Jolie, the heroine, would even be so smitten with him. She at least had some personality, folks. It was Colson’s determination to raise his best friend’s son that kept me hanging around this ranch. Thanks to Jolie he started to lighten up some and show some spark of personality. She was more than just the light mentioned in the synopsis in regards to Colson’s world, but brought energy and a flicker of interest to an otherwise mediocre read. Yep, I finally started to like this rich cowboy hero.

Since the writing did improve in my advanced reader copy, I am glad I didn’t scoot out of town too soon. This despite the unlikely set-up that caused drama and a rift between these two that almost ended things entirely. I am a little miffed Colson got off so easily with such a short, brief apology. I’d rather he would have had to saddle up and chase after Jolie and grovel for days on end. But that’s just me, folks, and it is what it is. This wasn’t my first romance rodeo, so sometimes you just have to roll with it. I’m sure you know what I mean.

Here’s to hoping others really enjoy this tale. For me, it was an overall okay read, but I really had to fight not to give up at the point I referenced earlier.

Title: The Rancher’s Marriage Bargain, Author: Mary Sue Jackson, cowboy/rich ranch owner hero, chef and ranch hand heroine, guardian of a child hero, only one very brief graphic smex scene-others were only hinted at, relationship angst, no OW/OM drama, no cheating, no love triangle, knucklehead, illogical at times hero. Rating: 3 - 3..5 stars

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Colson's world was turned upside down a year ago when his best friend and his wife died in a car accident, leaving him the guardianship of their seven-year-old son Adam. Suddenly finding himself a father, attempting to navigate the allergies that Adam has as well as run and manage his ranch. After stumbling along for a year, he has hired a live-in chef to help with Adam's allergy and diet requirements.

Jolie has been stung by workplace romance in the past so she is determined not to let her heart rule her head when it comes to work and love again. She needs to concentrate on her new job and keep her head down. That is until Colson needs her help in order to keep custody of Adam - a fake marriage. With her enjoying her time on the ranch and developing a relationship with Adam she agrees.

Can they really pull this off to gain custody? Is it just a business deal? What happens when their hearts start to shout louder than their heads?

Jolie comes to Colson's ranch as a cook nanny to his son Adam. Adam was left in his care after the death of his best friend. Adam's grandparents think he should be with them and so sue for custody. Colson is desperate to keep Adam so he ask Jolie to marry him.
I really enjoyed this book. Well written. Kept my interest from start to finish.

This is a heartwarming, romantic and entertaining story. When Jolie's life blew up, costing her her job, see applied to be the cook on a ranch. When Colson walks into his kitchen and sees the woman he almost ran over in there, he's ready to fire her then and there. Part of her duties around the ranch are to cook and care for 7 y.o. Adam, who has a lot of allergies, and Colson can't see trusting her. He does give her a chance though though. They become friendly, friendly enough for him to beg a favor, the favor being to marry him to keep Adam with him instead of his grandparents. With them being attracted to each other, it's only a matter of time before they push the boundaries from employee and employer to lovers. It's not smooth sailing though, 2 stubborn people but caring individuals can and do make mistakes. Colson is a grump with no patience, Jolie is a happy and excitable cook and Adam is a sad little boy who hits it off with Jolie

I found the idea of Jolie doing something for children with food allergies intriguing.
The moment when Adam found out that his grandparents came to visit it heart breaking. That ant child us afraid of their grandparents is awful. I'm glad that he has Colson and Jolie in his corner.

Nothing puts a smile on my face like a sweet romance, especially after a rough day! This story is one that would warm your heart as well as break it in bits because there's a little boy in need of love and care more than any character in the story and he's as cute as they come too!
The pace is really fast because one moment I was being introduced to Jolie, a new Chef to the ranch and the next there's Colson and before I could catch my breath I was at the end of the story!
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC, it definitely made my evening! Fans of Leslie North will love this and Mary Sue as well.

Leslie North consistently brings great characters and passionate romance to life. As a big fan of North's, her name provokes an automatic one-click from me. I am always entertained. Highly recommend. Both authors really nailed it.