Ellie's Cowboy Contract: Witness Protection - Rancher Style: Feel-Good, Christian Cowboy Romance; Nash's Story

by Kimberly Krey

Ellie wants to improve her image.
Nash wants to find his forever.

Could this contract give both of them what they want?

Actress Ellie Blaire has gone from Hollywood's favorite child star to America's newest wild child. When she's sent to Montana's Rehab Ranch, Ellie's agent gets desperate to clean up her act.

Nash Copeland is an all-American cowboy with a heartwarming story and a killer grin. He's sure to be smitten with Ellie, and America is sure to be smitten with him.

It's the perfect ruse to get Ellie back into Hollywood's fickle graces.
But there's just one Ellie has a dangerous secret that puts the ruse, along with their very lives, at risk.


Ellie wants to improve her image.
Nash wants to find his forever.

Could this contract give both of them what they want?

Actress Ellie Blaire has gone from Hollywood's favorite child star to America's newest wild child. When she's sent to Montana's Rehab Ranch, Ellie's agent gets desperate to clean up her act.

Nash Copeland is an all-American cowboy with a heartwarming story and a killer grin. He's sure to be smitten with Ellie, and America is sure to be smitten with him.

It's the perfect ruse to get Ellie back into Hollywood's fickle graces.
But there's just one Ellie has a dangerous secret that puts the ruse, along with their very lives, at risk.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Suspense

340 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Kimberly Krey is known as the Queen of Steamy Clean Romance. She's a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry. Her readers count on faith-filled romance novels that stay clean without losing the steam.

* 2021 USA Today Bestselling Author

* 2020 RONE Award Winner

* THREE-TIME SWOONY Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Author Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Book Award Winner

* TWO-TIME RONE Award Finalist

To stay connected, and receive a FREE book, subscribe to her newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8f1uz6q272 To follow her author page on FB @: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlykrey... For a printable PDF of her work (listed by series) see her website @ https://www.kimberlykrey.com

Reviews

[Kimberly Krey]

I thought I had this story all figured out, but I was wrong. The more I got to know the characters, the more they surprised me.

Ellie might have enjoyed fame and fortune for the better part of her life, but stardom is not all it's cracked up to be—especially since her dad, who also manages her career, is entangled with a treacherous mob.

While danger lurks in waiting, Ellie finds respite, friendship, and even love in the charming, hazel-eyed cowboy at Wild Buck's Ranch.

I loved revisiting the fun moments that make the Sweet Montana Bride Series so much fun, like when Nash wanders into the kitchen while the women make pies only to give a flour-dusted Ellie a great big kiss.

I hope you guys enjoy the family feels, the sweet romance, and the exciting suspense in the seventh book in the series, Ellie's Cowboy Contract.

[Patricia Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great western romance about Nash and Ellie. Ellie is a movie star that wants a movie that wants a more similar life but her dad has other plans. Ellie ends up on a ranch where sparks fly with a cowboy. A highly recommended story with romance and suspense

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet surprise love story
When people from two very different worlds meet what will be the outcome? Ellie is a star and has been since she was a child, so her life has been far from the normal world. Now she’s headed to Wild Buck’s Ranch also called Rehab Ranch after one incident and resulting bad publicity. All she really knows is that she wants out but her father has her contracted to keep acting for years to come. Nash has had a crush on Ellie since the first movie he saw her in. Now rumor has it that she might be going to Wild Buck’s Ranch and he knows that ranch. He had volunteered there in the past and now he has arranged to volunteer on the chance that he might meet Ellie. When they finally meet Ellie’s desire to leave acting is only heightened but, there are forces neither understand, that threaten Ellie’s safety, as well as anyone associated with her. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie's life as an actress was anything but what she wanted out of her life. People assumed they knew her, what she liked, what she wanted and where she wanted to be. But underneath all she wanted was a normal life. Being a child star had lost its sparkle years ago, but still her father pushed her harder. Now being sent to rehab as if she was an addict was a joke. Nash couldn't believe he would get his chance to meet the actress he was drawn too. Jumping through loops to become a volunteer he hoped it was worthwhile. But nothing is ever straightforward and now they drawn into a situation nobody expected. Being back with the Copelands I'd like going home. Everybody looks put for each other and work to make life easier for everybody. Kimberley never fails to bring us a compelling entertaining story that just keeps to gripped until the end. This is certainly true with this story

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If Ellie Blaire had some sort of magic spell, Nash had fallen victim to it and he didn’t mind a bit.”

Kimberly Krey always delivers a terrific romantic suspense and I loved that it’s cowboy style. Nash is the epitome of an all-American cowboy and he’s such a winsome man, easy to love and respect. He’s had a crush on actress Ellie Blaire forever and it is such a sweet story about a celebrity vs a normal guy.

Ellie is so down-to-earth and the easy way she fell into a companionship with Nash is endearing. I love these characters and the cameos of previous books couples, and fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially with the perilous elements of danger threaded throughout. I love the suspense, mild Christian elements, and the oh, so swoony romance.

This is such a fun addition to the Sweet Montana Brides series.

Content: mild moments of peril; mild religion; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash had a huge crush on Ellie Blaire, an actress who had gained fame as a child star and who was still a Hollywood darling. So he positioned himself as a volunteer at nearby Rehab Ranch in order to meet her when she checked in to clean up her image after a recent moment of rebellion. Ellie had a terrible dad who mismanaged her career and so when she met handsome, charming Nash and saw what a genuinely good man he was, she was smitten. Later she would also find out how protective and strong Nash was as he came to her aid when trouble came calling. This romantic suspense story had just enough suspense to put me on edge and make me hold my breath but not scare me silly or gross me out. As for the romance—this author is known for sweet without losing the heat and she packed this book with swoony kisses and longing gazes that wish for more. Whew! I hope we will get a story in the future that features Nash’s brother, Wyatt, who was a side character in this book. Rating 4.5. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure gold, I feel lucky to have in my hands to behold. Of these two I’m certainly smitten and it certainly is the best you’ve written in this series . Elle Blair must think she’s died and gone to heaven instead of being in Rehab at the ranch to come clean . Nash Copeland is a dream , but do they both get to Hollywood or bust? Sorry couldn’t resist. But these two? They’re the business and soon get along like a bird and a song. Is it a lark or a thrush? Well there’s no rush let’s see how in each other they trust…There’s a family secret that threatens her career , is this cowboy good at lending more than an ear? Wild Buck’s Ranch , Nate had heard of before , but also he’s loved Elle Blaire from afar and makes haste for a glimpse or maybe a taste. Well a cowboy can dream..And so it seems can she . Nash go get her post haste, and help her get out of her life of misery! Beautiful suspenseful and wonderful work. But of course that’s no surprise as you Kimberly Krey always write this way . Awesome prose , the storytelling is amazing, great characters and wonderful writing that’s so inviting and never paraphrasing. Loved every page.

[Mary Riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely great. I loved it. Kimberly Krey did not disappoint. The love story between Nash and Ellie was so sweet and loving. Nash wanting to meet her and just when he thought he wasn’t going to get to she showed up. Him showing her all the ways to become a Cowgirl was really sweet. There are some exciting times in the book I’ll let the reader discover so I won’t divulge any secrets. You will not be disappointed in this book. Great job Kimberly Krey.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s an actress - and needs to learn about her part
She was arrested and put the movie deal in danger. BUT she knows she is innocent— but how can she prove it?? And who really the person who did this?? She gets to know the man who is helping her . . . and REALLY likes him. Someone is threatening her — and she has no idea who!!! This is a superb love story with lots of angst! Loved it!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie’s Cowboy Contract: Witness Protection - Rancher Style

Absolutely fantastic book of danger and intrigue. I thoroughly enjoy reading the exciting stories that have just the right amount of danger and romance. The Witness Protection series has fulfilled that with every story. This is a wonderful addition to the series. Ellie is a well known actress whose agent and dad has gotten himself into a bad situation. He continues to use her to try to escape his problems which causes an extremely dangerous event. She meets Nash at a ranch he is volunteering at and they seem to have a lot of chemistry. When they run into problems will Nash be able to protect her?

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo!!! Another Sweet Montana Bride Series!!! Way back when the first book in this series was published is when I discovered Kimberly Krey's books. I was hooked! I read through them and excitedly awaited the day when another one would be released. And now here's another one! I picked it up and couldn't put it down! I was completely hooked.

Nash cracked me up. He was one determined cowboy and his efforts definitely paid off.

Ellie's story made my heart ache for her. But I loved her sweet character and her goodness.

And the two of them together was just magic! That first meeting had me laughing out loud!!! Oh, poor Nash! Talk about sticking your foot in your mouth! Or wanting to go dig a hole. Hahaha! Good job Ellie for not letting him get away with it. ;-)

I loved watching their friendship grow into more. The chemistry between them was sweet. I loved watching them trust each other and helping each other because they truly care for the other. So sweet!!!

And if you've read the previous books, you'll love being able to see Nash's family showing up. And helping save the day again! Yes, there is some suspense and mystery in this one. And it will keep you turning pages to see how it all ends! Enjoy this humorous, suspenseful and clean swoony romantic story!!!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. Some mild suspense.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and Romantic

A beautiful story of learning to love each other as they open up about who they really are. When the threats come his protective nature and willingness to do anything to save her helps there attempt to escape.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie's Cowboy Contract is a Christian, swoony romance with some exciting intrigue and humor. I loved watching Nash and Ellie fall in love. Her circumstances were awful and Nash’s family stepped up as always. One highlight is all the things normal people do that Ellie has never done. This well written book grabs the reader’s interest and does not let go. I knew better than to start reading it so late. It was 3:30 am when I reached the end.

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoohoo!

Another great addition to Kim's Sweet Montana Bride Series; a series where each brother finds their significant other through protecting her against the bad guy. I love the "I will protect you" feeling and the swoony descriptive kisses while maintaining moral lines. Contains no swears, no alcohol (her father drinks one glass of whiskey), and descriptive kisses only. It does contain a tasteful, descriptive closed door honeymoon scene.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I really enjoyed this book. Ellie and Nash click from the beginning. I like how the family welcomes Ellie in. This is a feel good warm and fuzzy romance with a twist of danger and intrigue.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and swoony western romance. I liked it a lot! Heartfelt and sweet, with suspense.. Intriguing, likable characters.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie’s Cowboy Contract by Kimberly Krey is a feel-good Christian Cowboy romance (seriously, Nash is one of the dreamiest cowboys around!). Throw in a celebrity, marriage of convenience/contract and some witness protection…and you have one great story!

“Ellie wasn’t exactly sure how to dissect the strange yearning rushing through her at the speed of light. All she knew was that something new and exciting had taken her by storm.”

Ellie and Nash live very different lives (she’s a celebrity, he is a cowboy) but through a series of events, they end up meeting each other at a ranch. Not Nash’s finest moment for their meet-cute…but good enough to make an impression. As Ellie and Nash are able to get to know each other, their story has twists and turns that will keep you on your toes, and your heart melting with the swoony kisses!

Ellie’s Cowboy Contract is book 7 of the Sweet Montana Brides series, but can be read as a standalone.
CW: need for drug rehab (for purchasing a pill), makeouts, mentions of trafficking…of which, none of these were heavy themes

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to the Sweet Montana Bride series by Kimberly Krey.
Ellie is an actress who is headed to a facility because she was arrested at a party for buying drugs. She wants to quit acting but learns her dad has connections with some unsavory man that gets a percentage from her work until she turns twenty-six, in two years.
Nash is a cowboy who volunteered with his parents before they died at the camp he thinks Ellie might be coming to. After a week of frustration during his volunteer hours, that seem to stretch longer than he’s getting credit for, he finally meets Ellie. However, it’s not the meeting he dreamed about. He’s worked two hours past his credited hours and is mucking an especially bad stall.
Just when Nash thinks he’s going to be the brother to find his future wife without danger being involved, life throws them a big curve.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Clean & Wholesome Romance is thrilling. Ellie Blaire, a Hollywood actor, was sent to Montana's Rehab Ranch for an indiscretion. Nash Copeland's Grandma C told him Ellie was there. So, he applied to be a volunteer to get a chance to meet her.

The miscommunication between the characters is predominantly the result of their insecurities; however, communication issues rarely cause significant disruptions. The feelings shared by the couple are heartwarming. The end is sweet.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

What isn't to love about Ellie and Nash's story. Kimbery Krey has a talent for reeling the reader right in, she gives all the feels and a little supsense too. All in all a great read with fleshed out characters. A good visit to old fave if you have read the other books, if not you can jump right in. This is about a movie star and a cowboy, what is not to love!! Things and people aren't always what they look like at first glace, and a stay with the Copelands just might change your life!! Go check it out, I didn't want to put it down!!

[Victoria Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to this series, although you do not need to read the others in order to throughly enjoy this book...while some of their circumstances are not the norm that most of us experience, Ellie (she's a very popular actress) and Nash's feelings and thoughts are totally relatable. Their chemistry is palpable, their relationship moves at a normal pace and you find yourself rooting for them throughout the book. Add in a bit of suspense and intrigue midway through the book and you have the recipe for a totally enjoyable book.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance and a great addition to the series and the Copeland brothers. Nash is a cowboy who goes to volunteer at a ranch where Ellie an actress must go for some rehab. Their story is full of great chemistry, swoony sweetness and also suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat hoping for the best. I loved the family ties and support. This is such a wonderful story I didn’t want to put it down, great read!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Actress Ellie Blaire is sent to Montana’s Rehab Ranch where she meets cowboy Nash Copeland. He teaches her how it interact with and ride horses, plus shows her a life she has never had filled with simple pleasures, but trouble and darkness follow her as she tries to move forward. A moving story about family heartbreak, seeking a better life, and falling in love.

[AugustRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie's Cowboy Contract: Witness Protection is a great read and about Nash and Ellie. It has wonderful characters, a close knit family, who are inclusive, loving and supportive, wonderful cowboys and their loved ones, and a great plot that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next, kept me at the edge of my seat a lot. I loved it and highly recommend this book.

[Paula Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the plot for this one! And, as always, Kimberly Krey masterfully wove a bit of suspense and intrigue into the story line to keep us all guessing and engaged. Sweet romance to satisfy the heart, masterful climax to the element of danger and just an overall delightful read. I received this book as an ARC reader and am honored to leave my honest, voluntary review.

[Abena Aidoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nash and Ellie's story. Talk about knowing what/who you want and going after them. Their devotion to each other was heartwarming, and just swoonworthy. It was wonderful to see how their love triumphs in spite of all that is thrown at them. This is my current favorite of the series. Every one of the books in this series is absolutely worth the read.

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series!

Ellie and Nash were pure magic together. From his awkward first meeting, to her hot mess of a controlling father, they prove that found family can make all the difference. A tender romance with a dash of suspense, I often found myself holding my breath while listening to the audiobook.

[Sheila K Lemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author.

Reading about the Copeland Family stirs feelings of love and acceptance. The wholesomeness makes it even more attractive. Every sibling's story is shared in a way that the reader connects with the characters. Keeping the whole family involved adds to the delight.

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Montana Cowboy falls for a Hollywood Starlet .

Enjoyed being with the Copelands again. Ellie and Nash story had a sweet start. But as it moved along he became her protector and her hero. Her dad was a real piece of work. Nash family showed her what a real family could be. Nash love for her had never stopped. Looking forward to the rest in this series.

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect story!

Nash has his eyes set on meeting Ellie, a famous actress. He finds out that she is going to be at rehab center so he volunteered to put in some hours of work. Meeting her has changed his life. It isn't easy because someone is after Ellie. Very interesting and exciting story.