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Rugged Cowboy

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Free spirit Viv Kendrick has felt like and outsider in her high-achieving family her whole life. Looking for a direction in her life, she jumps at the chance to make her own way by taking a temporary job as the spa manager at the Buchanan Ranch. Viv is quickly swept up in ranch life, including the antics of a mischievous goat named Gilbert Goatfried and a sexy cowboy.

Loner Wade Buchanan has been an outsider ever since he was orphaned and adopted by the Buchanan clan when he was a child. Now the ranch manager for their spread, he feels more like and employee than a family member. When Viv shows up as a breath of fresh air, she settles into the family as if she was born there. Caught between resentment and admiration, Wade tries his best to ignore his deepening feelings towards her. After all, she’ll be moving on soon—just like everyone else in his life.

But as summer ends and her time draws to a close, will Wade take a chance and ask Viv to stay, or will he let her go when her family calls?

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2024

4 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

Megan Ryder

46 books614 followers
Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She’s also a master procrastinator–with knitting and yarn shopping as her primary form of procraftination!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Thyen.
222 reviews21 followers
June 17, 2024
Viv is a spitfire and a free spirit. Her family owns a vineyard, and she's looking for more. She ends up on a ranch as a fill-in yoga instructor. Enter Wade. The Rugged Cowboy. The story unfolds from there. It was a nice , quick read. Enjoyable.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,899 reviews51 followers
July 14, 2024
Wade and Viv may seem like an unlikely match at first, but they have more than super hot chemistry and strong attraction to each other going for them. They have a lot in common. Both feel like outsiders within their own family, and somehow not good enough. Viv’s family want her to be part of the family winery business, but her passion lies in the health and wellness field where she feels she can help others to feel better. Her family believes she is being flighty and immature and are waiting for her to grow up and be serious before taking her place in the family business. Wade has never felt that he is part of the Buchanan family that took him in after his parents died. He believes that they felt obligated to do so, but didn’t really want him, so he has guarded his heart, and keeps his distance emotionally if not physically. Both Wade and Viv just want to prove themselves to those they care about.

Viv and Wade’s differences don’t make them a terrible match either. Where he is rather dark, broody and grumpy, she is sunshiny, perky and lfree-spirited. He admires her spunk, likes to rile her up and enjoys seeing her take his dares and conquer her fears. She admires his strength, his way with animals and the way he makes her feel safe and protected. Neither is ready to mention the word love, to think about the future or to define what they have together. But her time on the ranch is limited and his life is on the ranch. Do they want a future together? Are they willing to work or fight for it?.

This heartwarming book has my full recommendation.
1,320 reviews12 followers
July 4, 2024
Two outcasts find their place. 

Viv Kendrick was hired to manage the spa at the Guest Ranch at Buck’s Fall, a part of the Buchanan Ranch. The ranch also offers its guests the opportunity to experience ranch life. She's taking the place of an employee who had to take emergency pregnancy leave. It's normal to wonder how you'll fit in with others when you're the newbie on payroll. Little did she realize that her work enemy would be Gilbert Goatfried, a goat. He's been a problem since day one. She's gotta love him because he's too cute to kill. 

She's never felt as if she belonged in her family. The others all have their acts together and are successful. Her siblings have focused their lives on promoting and expanding their family vineyard and winery. She prefers teaching yoga and meditation. 

Wade Buchanan is the ranch manager who was adopted by the Buchanans as a child after the death of his parents. He's from another branch of the family. He has never felt as if he truly was a member of this family. It's as if he's still on the outside, looking in. 

These two outcasts find each other, and together they've found happiness until there's a misunderstanding. Can their families make them realize that they have always had a place not only within their respective families but also with each other?

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
546 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2024
Oh, this was such a sweet story!
Viv is working temporarily at a guest ranch in Montana. She's looking for an escapee goat one morning, and suddenly finds herself about to get stampeded by a herd of cattle! The cowboy who gets her out of harm's way is exasperated at her carelessness, and tries to warn her about the dangers of the working side of the ranch. She's not deterred, though, and figures her summer will involve avoiding this guy.
Wade can't believe this woman nearly got herself killed over a goat! He didn't understand the appeal of goat yoga anyway. Goats were just little devils who would poop all over you. But Viv ends up helping him with a back injury, and things change between them.
They both know Viv will be leaving at the end of summer. Her life is in New York. But the chemistry between them is undeniable. What's the harm in a little summer fling? But as summer draws to a close, neither of them is looking forward to goodbye.
Can Wade convince Viv to stay? Or will it be too late?
These two are really cute together, and the way his family sticks their noses in their business is so funny. And who can resist goat shenanigans?
This was a short, fun read, full of hot cowboys and funny animals. And nosy family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,169 reviews7 followers
July 18, 2024
Viv Kendrick comes from a high achieving family who own a vineyard in upper New York. She doesn’t feel like she fits in there. She takes a temporary job for the summer as the spa manager at the Buchanan Ranch in Montana. On Viv’s first day, one of the goats escapes after the goat yoga class. Viv goes searching in the field for him, but instead of finding the goat, she encounters a herd of cattle that is being moved into the field. All of a sudden, Viv is scooped up by one of the cowboys before the herd can trample her.

Wade Buchanan was an orphan that was adopted by Sarah and Daniel Buchanan when he was 10 years old. He is a cousin to this branch of the Buchanan family and Sarah and Daniel raise him right alongside their son Michael. Wade is now the ranch manager but he still feels more like an employee than a member of the family.

Wade is the cowboy that saves Viv. They clash because he thinks goat yoga is dumb. Viv is also full of energy and positivity and Wade is more of a grump.

They obviously both have issued dealing with their place in their respective families. I was hoping they would realize how good they could be together.

Another cute story by Megan Ryder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,702 reviews
June 30, 2024
Rugged Cowboy: A Grumpy Summer Western Romance by Megan Ryder is a short story about two people believing that are outsiders, not fitting in with their families. Viv, a free spirit with pink hair, is the black sheep of her family. She has no desire to work at her family’s vineyard in upstate New York. She enjoys teaching yoga while searching for her place in the world. When a pregnant friend in Montana goes on bed rest Viv answers the call to temporarily become the yoga center manager at the
resort ranch; getting a chance to try some new yoga classes. From the day the Buchanans took orphaned Wade in has been trying to decide if he really belongs with his family or if they just keep him out of habit. Wade is a loner, at least until Viv shows up. While Wade helps Viv find missing goats and introduces her to life on a ranch, a sizzling chemistry sparks between them. With Viv there only temporarily, Wade needs to realize whether these two have a future together or lose the best thing to ever come into his life. Family and love gets you through, even when you don't think they care.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,838 reviews17 followers
July 15, 2024
He gets her goat everytime! - Wade and Viv couldn't be more different if they tried. Maybe that's why they fit together so well, after their initial contentious run-ins. But they do have two very important things in common - their burning desire for each other and the feeling of being an outsider in their respective family. He's an adopted cousin (tragic backstory) and she's got pink hair and teaches yoga (not complimentary to her family's vineyard). Together they will discover what they need to be truly happy - the love that can only be found with family and each other.

Great characters all, from the MCs down to the mischievous jail-breaking goats (they bring the funny and are Wade and Viv's matchmakers). My favorite scene - Gilbert Goatfried snuggled up in Wade's lap for a nap during yoga. Awwwww. I love how Aunt Sarah lightly grilled Viv on her intentions with Wade and how she made it clear to Wade how loved he was. She was a mama protecting her baby, even if he was a fully grown adult. A good read from a new-to-me author whose offerings I will eagerly dive into again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.5k reviews19 followers
July 25, 2024
This was Viv and Wade’s story. Free spirit Viv Kendrick has felt like an outsider in her high-achieving family her whole life. Looking for a direction in her life, she jumps at the chance to make her own way by taking a temporary job as the spa manager at the Buchanan Ranch. Viv is quickly swept up in ranch life, including the antics of a mischievous goat named Gilbert Goatfried and a sexy cowboy. Loner Wade Buchanan has been an outsider ever since he was orphaned and adopted by the Buchanan clan when he was a child. Now the ranch manager for their spread, he feels more like and employee than a family member. Then Viv shows up like a breath of fresh air. She settles into the family as if she was born there. Caught between resentment and admiration, Wade tries his best to ignore his deepening feelings towards her. After all, she’ll be moving on soon—just like everyone else in his life. It was an engaging read that was relatable for me. Great characters. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,083 reviews14 followers
July 2, 2024
Viv Kendrick is searching for her purpose in life. She accepts a summer position as the spa manager at Buchanan Ranch, a place she's unfamiliar with. During an unexpected chase after an escaped goat, she finds herself in a pasture, where Wade Buchanan comes to her rescue, protecting her from an oncoming herd of cattle.
Wade finds himself drawn to Viv but keeps his distance because she's employed by his adoptive family. Viv, hailing from a wine-producing family in upstate New York, has always felt like an outsider, a free spirit at odds with her family's expectations. As Viv and Wade spend more time together, they start to wonder if they've found their own happy place with each other.
However, when Viv is summoned back home to assist with the family business and Wade is hesitant to ask her to stay, she departs, leaving their future uncertain.
1,298 reviews
July 9, 2024
Although Viv could always have a good job at her family's upstate NY vineyard and winery, she never felt like she belonged there. A very free spirit, she takes a job as spa manager at the Buchanan Ranch in Montana.

Wade is the ranch manager who was adopted by another branch of the Buchanan's when he was eight years old, but has always felt on the periphery looking in.

These two "misfits," only in their eyes, are drawn to each other, but a pseudo emergency sends her flying back home before they can admit they love each other.

I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters and the rambunctious goats! And I loved how author Megan dealt with Viv and Wade's insecurities. I also think she does a great job writing the male versus female perspective. They were very relatable characters who finally figured out who family really was! Very enjoyable book!
338 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2024
I was hooked right from the beginning!!!
If you are looking for a slow build story
and a romantic relationship
you are reading the wrong book.

Her hero
a herd of cows
two wicked goats
and their easy banter,
fucking joking with each other even at the most intimate moments
are clues to why I read this story
without a pit-stop!

They get each other,
feel exactly the same way.
Misplaced and underestimated
regarding their families
and they even make the same mistakes
miscommunication, keep their mouth shut and all that shit between family.
They match perfectly
encouraging one another.
They found their home!!!

The massage scene is film worthy!
I need one too!
Read the book and tell me if you don't want one too!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,349 reviews15 followers
June 17, 2024
Viv is hunting for her place in the world, and she thinks she might have found it on a ranch in Montana. She loves her temporary job there as the yoga center manager, and she loves the people at the ranch -- especially one certain cowboy. For most of his life, Wade has been trying to decide if he really belongs with his family or if they just keep him out of habit. He's a loner until Viv shows up. The two of them get very close, but old hurts pop up just in time to mess with this perfect summer. I was pulling for the two of them to wake up and see the world as it really is. They had the potential to be a great couple when a bit more grounded as individuals. The writing is snappy and funny. I hope there will be a series coming!
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2024
I was very close to crying by the end of this book. Oh my, the two main characters in this story hit my empathy buttons big time. Neither of them feels like they belong in their family dynamics. His is due to him being a distant relative that was adopted when he was eight by his aunt and uncle. Hers is due to the fact that she marches to a different drummer and doesn't live and breathe the family winery. At the request of a friend, she comes to his family's guest ranch to take over the spa part while her friend is on maternity leave. A rambunctious goat brings them together but will they stay together. A very enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
797 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2024
This book had me at the goats! I grew up on a goat farm. I just adore the mischievous goats in this story.

The heroine, Viv, takes a job as the temporary spa manager for the Buchanan Ranch. She’s a bit of a fish out of water. She never really fit in with her family back home.

The hero, Wade, the ranch manager, has been instructed to show Viv around the ranch. He was adopted by the Buchanan’s at a young age, but also never really felt like he fit in with the family.

This book is well written with some great emotion and conflict to keep me reading. I didn’t want to put this down for real life. It has good character growth and the characters have a great connection! I enjoyed this one on my family vacation. Great summer read!
1,179 reviews
July 25, 2024
When Wade Buchanan’s parents were killed in a car accident, he was left all alone. No brothers or sisters and no grandparents. He was in social services for a month when a distant Aunt and Uncle arrived to take him home e with them to Montana. Viv always felt like the black sheep of her family and that they were disappointed with her choice of being a yoga instructor. When she lands a temporary job at Bucks Falls Ranch due to her friend going on maternity leave, she was elated. There she meets Wade, after he saves her from a stampeding herd. This is a short story that will capture your heart. I loved the storyline and found the characters to be ver be ver relatable and believable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill Eshenbaugh.
247 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2024
Both Viv and Wade know what its like to be on the edge of a family and not quite fit in. They meet unexpectedly and there is instant chemistry, but Viv is only there for the summer so can these sparks mean anything and will they last?

Gotta love a lady with pink hair who meets up with a well muscled grumpy cowboy. Both are trying to find their way and not sure how to get there but doing it together seems like a great idea, until its not. The characters as always in Ms Ryder's novels remind you of people you might know in real life. Its an easy and fun read and one has to hope there will be more from Ms Ryder about this ranch and its inhabitants.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
July 14, 2024
Viv has always felt like she hasn’t measured up to the rest of her family so when a temporary position to teach yoga at the Buchanan Ranch arises it seems like an opportunity she can’t pass by. It is there she meets Wade who becomes so much more than her co-worker.

Even though Wade was adopted into the Buchanan family, and they treat him as one of their own he has felt insecure about his place. He is drawn to Viv from their first meeting, but as the end of her time draws near will he fight for the future they could have together or let her walk away?

This is a heartwarming story as Viv and Wade find what they have been looking for when it comes to life, love and family.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,751 reviews8 followers
July 17, 2024
It starts with the loss of Gilbert Goatfried! This is about Viv and Wade. She is there to help out why the ranch manager is on maternity leave. Of course, the first encounter between these two is when she is chasing after Gilbert and is almost trampled because of where she is. These two spend more time together after Wade has a mishap and now needs to do some stretching in her class with the goats! Of course, everything good must end, but could Wade change his ways and be part of the family and her? I love the ending, especially when her family finally realizes what she is made of!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
555 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2024
Two people who seem, at first, to be at odds with each other. The hot, rugged and dour cowboy, alongside the happy, vivacious yoga teacher. Neither are comfortable with their lot in life. His is rooted in his childhood experiences and family's intervention. connected outsider, distant relative to be tolerated. Hers is rooted in being the outsider in her family, but coming from being completely the opposite of what they expect. A relationship or a fling? Thoughts and feelings run side by side with hidden depths of various emotional turmoil and misunderstandings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
579 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
Viv has taken to job as temporary manager at the ranch. She is tired of her family not agreeing with her choices. So covering for her friends maternity leave is perfect. That is except for Wade he is a possible dream to add on. Wade is annoyed and intrigued at the same time by Viv. The beauty is stubborn, persistent and extremely frustrating. Wade also does not think his family fully accepted him into the fold. But a relationship with her makes him start to heal in his own heart. Now if the Teo can only see what is so very obvious to everyone around them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,925 reviews18 followers
July 29, 2024
On the surface, Wade and Viv have little in common. He's a quiet loner, feels like he doesn't fit into his family. He's not about to fall for the free-spiriter...maybe flightly is what he's really thinking...new spa manager from back east. Viv is sweet and friendly, very different from the A type personalities in her family, and treated like the outcast.
But these two just click, once they allow themselves to, and it's sweet and sexy and fun. This story is filled with feelings and fun, hysterical goats and secondary characters you like and would be itching to read their own stories. I loved it.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
July 16, 2024
Cute and sweet and utterly heart-wrenching all at the same time. My heart immediately went out to Viv and Wade, both feeling like outsiders in their families. I loved watching the two of them connect with each other but it was almost crushing when they nearly missed their deepest connection. I adored seeing the Buchanan family rally around this pair. And those blasted goats were such an incredible source of comedy gold. I can’t wait to see what’s next for both the Buchanans and the inhabitants of Lovelorn.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
2,495 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2024
A realistic read of a young woman managing the athletic program for a ranch resort with goat yoga where the goats are always getting out. On her first day, she meets Wade, because she lost a goat starting an unbelievable romance. Wade come to the ranch at age eight after the death of his parents, and he still does not feel like he belongs. Slowly Viv peels the many lays of Wade back revealing a new man. Until, something goes wrong read this enchanting story to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Frankie Bell.
569 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2024
Fates have a weird way of making two people meet each other and trying to see if it’s a fling or more! Well fate used a helping hand in the form of a goat!!! If you love a cowboy romance this one is for you!!! Viv and Wade are both outcasts in their family. But with the help of a goat they learn they aren’t and their happiness means the world to their families!!!!! So next time you see a goat keep a good eye on it cause you never know if it’ll lead you to your fate!

1,211 reviews
June 27, 2024
Viv wants to stand on her own two feet and takes a temporary job as the spa manager at the Buchanan Ranch. Wade has always felt like an outsider even as the ranch manager. When Viv appears with her sunny disposition, Wade doesn’t know how to handle it. Does he resent her or admire her? Time will tell. What a sweet read! Will Viv and Wade relationship work out?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brigitte.
1,301 reviews25 followers
June 29, 2024
This story has a good storyline and fine characters. It is well written and has underlying humour. It has overall many of the items needed for a really good story but is just missing the top to take it all the way. This is a story that I can very easily recommend and is very deserving of the fabulous four stars I am giving it here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,253 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Rugged Cowboy, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline grabbed my attention from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please check the book blurb to obtain some information. I recommend reading this book. I hope you enjoy it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
719 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2024
Hot cowboy not sure where he belongs. Temporary spa manager feeling out of sorts also. The coming together of two lost souls, becoming one soul together. Family & love will get you through even when you don't think they care.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie Bookworm.
215 reviews
June 23, 2024
Ease of reading: 5/5

Characters: 4/5
Viv and Wade both feel like outsiders, so it was nice to see them find their HEA.

Plot/Pace: 4/5
Fast paced story - I loved all the antics with Gilbert Goatfried.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
325 reviews4 followers
July 3, 2024
Simple story, down to earth characters, sense of humor. It was a quick good read. I loved how the main characters met in the beginning and wished for more stories about the goats! In general, a wonderful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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