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Sweetwater Ranch #3
Rustling Up Trouble
An agent with amnesia vows to save his ex and their unborn child in Delores Fossen's new Sweetwater Ranch novel
Blue McCurdy is supposed to be dead. So why is the ATF agent—and father of Rayanne McKinnon's unborn child—trespassing on McKinnon property? Before the Texan deputy can find out, Blue is injured playing cowboy in shining armor to protect her. When he wakes, he has no memory of what brought him there…or the night he and Rayanne spent together.
Blue can't remember why he disappeared from Rayanne's life five months ago. But now, with an unsolved murder—and reignited passion—raising the stakes, he races to put the pieces of his past together before a vindictive enemy destroys his world once again. And this time, he has so much more to lose.
Blue McCurdy is supposed to be dead. So why is the ATF agent—and father of Rayanne McKinnon's unborn child—trespassing on McKinnon property? Before the Texan deputy can find out, Blue is injured playing cowboy in shining armor to protect her. When he wakes, he has no memory of what brought him there…or the night he and Rayanne spent together.
Blue can't remember why he disappeared from Rayanne's life five months ago. But now, with an unsolved murder—and reignited passion—raising the stakes, he races to put the pieces of his past together before a vindictive enemy destroys his world once again. And this time, he has so much more to lose.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
82 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Delores Fossen
656 books810 followersThank you for finding me on Goodreads!
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 31, 2015
"Once your memory returns, then you'll know more of how you feel about what happened between us."
Okay, now he was confused. "Are we talking about sex?"
Rayanne didn't jump to answer, but after several long moments, she nodded. "Sure."
Which was probably female code for you idiot, we're not talking about sex."
This book is rushed. It only takes place over the course of two or three days.
It's filled with people I can't get a grasp on, side characters who are are not well-explained or developed at all.
There's shoot-outs, or explosions, in every chapter.
The suspense plot is pretty lame and contrived.
The main couple are the only characters with personality. Rayanne McKinnon is a Texas deputy. She is pretty awesome, in regards to the fact that she never shies away from a fight or defending herself. She's a competent and effective law officer.
One day, she finds Blue McCurdy in a shoot-out on her property. He's the ATF agent who has worked with her on a few cases and left her naked - and pregnant with his child - in bed after their first sexual encounter. He disappears, and she later gets word that he's dead. So imagine her surprise and anger to see him now, alive and well.
But he's not well for long - he gets injured in the shoot-out and wakes up with no memory of the last 6 months. He has no idea who those men were or why they were shooting at him, and he's surprised to learn that he and Rayanne slept together - and shocked to see her baby bump and realize he's the father.
The rest of the book is him trying to regain his memory, win back Rayanne's trust and affection, and defeat the unknown bad guys.
The actual scenes in which Blue and Rayanne talk - and kiss - are actually decent. For example, Rayanne can never tell the people she loves, "I love you." Instead, she looks them in the eye and seriously informs them, "I would take a bullet for you." This is one example of an interesting and cute touch. Unfortunately, people in this novel can't have a full-length conversation without someone shooting at them or blowing up their truck, etc. So I was disappointed we didn't get to spend more time getting to know the main couple. Very rushed and harried. The potential is there, but Fossen doesn't allow any time for it to develop properly.
The reveal of who is the villain - and the whole motivation for the villain - is contrived and a bit silly.
One thing that I enjoyed seeing was Rayanne being a kickass pregnant woman. She's 5 months pregnant, and she shoots bad guys, performs interrogations, and has show-downs. She's tough as nails and very aggressive and take charge. This was fun to see, since a lot of romance novels play up a heroine's pregnancy as something that makes her weak and an excuse for her to be coddled and protected. Not that I think Rayanne doesn't DESERVE coddling and protecting, but it sure was fun to see her hold her own with Blue and be a very active agent in her own rescue and protection.
The fact that Blue is pretty severely injured for the whole novel (remember, this takes place over the course of only a few days) was annoying to me. He's constantly sweating, in pain, and popping stitches.
Tl;dr - Good concept, rushed execution, poorly-developed side characters and kickass pregnant woman.
P.S. No mention is made of why they didn't use any birth control/protection.
P.P.S. It's never discussed why Blue is named "Blue." I mean, that is a pretty unusual name, and I was curious.
P.P.P.S I'm annoyed with all the 'good guys' for calling the people shooting at them and blowing them up 'idiots' and 'morons.' These people are not idiots or morons, that is inaccurate. Think up a better and more accurate insult, please.
ONE REAL STAR, ONE ROMANCE STAR
Harlequin Intrigue November 2014
Okay, now he was confused. "Are we talking about sex?"
Rayanne didn't jump to answer, but after several long moments, she nodded. "Sure."
Which was probably female code for you idiot, we're not talking about sex."
This book is rushed. It only takes place over the course of two or three days.
It's filled with people I can't get a grasp on, side characters who are are not well-explained or developed at all.
There's shoot-outs, or explosions, in every chapter.
The suspense plot is pretty lame and contrived.
The main couple are the only characters with personality. Rayanne McKinnon is a Texas deputy. She is pretty awesome, in regards to the fact that she never shies away from a fight or defending herself. She's a competent and effective law officer.
One day, she finds Blue McCurdy in a shoot-out on her property. He's the ATF agent who has worked with her on a few cases and left her naked - and pregnant with his child - in bed after their first sexual encounter. He disappears, and she later gets word that he's dead. So imagine her surprise and anger to see him now, alive and well.
But he's not well for long - he gets injured in the shoot-out and wakes up with no memory of the last 6 months. He has no idea who those men were or why they were shooting at him, and he's surprised to learn that he and Rayanne slept together - and shocked to see her baby bump and realize he's the father.
The rest of the book is him trying to regain his memory, win back Rayanne's trust and affection, and defeat the unknown bad guys.
The actual scenes in which Blue and Rayanne talk - and kiss - are actually decent. For example, Rayanne can never tell the people she loves, "I love you." Instead, she looks them in the eye and seriously informs them, "I would take a bullet for you." This is one example of an interesting and cute touch. Unfortunately, people in this novel can't have a full-length conversation without someone shooting at them or blowing up their truck, etc. So I was disappointed we didn't get to spend more time getting to know the main couple. Very rushed and harried. The potential is there, but Fossen doesn't allow any time for it to develop properly.
The reveal of who is the villain - and the whole motivation for the villain - is contrived and a bit silly.
One thing that I enjoyed seeing was Rayanne being a kickass pregnant woman. She's 5 months pregnant, and she shoots bad guys, performs interrogations, and has show-downs. She's tough as nails and very aggressive and take charge. This was fun to see, since a lot of romance novels play up a heroine's pregnancy as something that makes her weak and an excuse for her to be coddled and protected. Not that I think Rayanne doesn't DESERVE coddling and protecting, but it sure was fun to see her hold her own with Blue and be a very active agent in her own rescue and protection.
The fact that Blue is pretty severely injured for the whole novel (remember, this takes place over the course of only a few days) was annoying to me. He's constantly sweating, in pain, and popping stitches.
Tl;dr - Good concept, rushed execution, poorly-developed side characters and kickass pregnant woman.
P.S. No mention is made of why they didn't use any birth control/protection.
P.P.S. It's never discussed why Blue is named "Blue." I mean, that is a pretty unusual name, and I was curious.
P.P.P.S I'm annoyed with all the 'good guys' for calling the people shooting at them and blowing them up 'idiots' and 'morons.' These people are not idiots or morons, that is inaccurate. Think up a better and more accurate insult, please.
ONE REAL STAR, ONE ROMANCE STAR
Harlequin Intrigue November 2014
August 27, 2018
This was such a great book can't wait to read more books by this author
November 4, 2014
I love this series. Each book is a stand alone. I haven't read them all, but the books I have read have all been very good.
In this book Rayanne, and blue just can't catch a break. The action, and danger is back to back. In the beginning of the story Blue had no memory, and had just been shot. He found out Rayanne was pregnant with his child. When armed men came after them, he made sure he protected Rayanne. He kept protecting her throughout the story. She did not like everyone protecting her. She is a gun toting deputy, but being pregnant changes everything. She had to put the baby before her own independence. There were times Blue had to hold her back. Rayanne was defiantly a spit fire, but I loved that about her.
You could feel the tension from Rayanne's large family, but I loved when push came to shove they had each others backs and protected one another. Banning together brought the family together.
This book is going on my favorite's list. If you are looking for a book with lots of action, and a dash of romance then start reading this one.
In this book Rayanne, and blue just can't catch a break. The action, and danger is back to back. In the beginning of the story Blue had no memory, and had just been shot. He found out Rayanne was pregnant with his child. When armed men came after them, he made sure he protected Rayanne. He kept protecting her throughout the story. She did not like everyone protecting her. She is a gun toting deputy, but being pregnant changes everything. She had to put the baby before her own independence. There were times Blue had to hold her back. Rayanne was defiantly a spit fire, but I loved that about her.
You could feel the tension from Rayanne's large family, but I loved when push came to shove they had each others backs and protected one another. Banning together brought the family together.
This book is going on my favorite's list. If you are looking for a book with lots of action, and a dash of romance then start reading this one.
August 21, 2024
This was a very good book. Lots of shooting and bombs. Blue McCurdy is an ATF agent who was injured and has amnesia. He can't remember part of his past with Rayanne McKinnon but knows he is the father of her baby. He tries to remember before someone who is after both of them succeeds in killing them both. Is it his boss or another ATF agent or Rayanne's sworn enemy - the father of the man her mother is accused of killing. You will have to read to find out and there are lots of suspects before they finally figure it out almost too late.
October 27, 2018
Okay so there’s reading bad books for fun and levity but then there’s always the one that has you go ‘okay I need to be done with this now’. This was that book. No more in this series for me 🤷🏻♀️
April 14, 2019
There's one thing I love most about reading and that is when it draws you in from the very beginning!
July 5, 2019
Look forward to reading more on the "home on the Ranch" series of books and especially this author.
November 17, 2022
Awesome!!!
August 19, 2023
This book held my attention from page q. The suspense and action all through the book, made it a fantastic read. Looking forward to reading more in this very entertaining series.
December 4, 2014
Excellent book with the action starting on the first page and not letting up until the end. Rayanne and Blue had been working together on a case five months earlier when he disappeared. They had just acted on the attraction that had been building between them, and Rayanne was both worried and furious at what appeared to be his desertion. When she got word that he was dead, she was heartbroken. Now she's five months pregnant and has found him on her family's property having a shoot out with a couple thugs. He gets hurt trying to protect her, and wakes up in the hospital with some significant gaps in his memory.
Rayanne is a tough, independent Texas deputy, but being pregnant has caused her some internal conflicts. Blue is determined to protect her especially once he finds out about the baby, but it is tough for her to stay back where it is safer. Without his memory to fill in the gaps of why he left and where he's been, she has some trouble trusting him, especially with mounting evidence that he's been playing on the wrong side of the law. One thing that hasn't changed is the bone deep attraction she feels for him, and the knowledge as time passes that she's in love with him. I liked that her mistrust of him didn't last long, and that she worked just as hard as he did to find out who was behind the attacks. Rayanne has some trouble trusting him on a personal side because he's a man and has issues stemming from her parents' divorce.
Blue has a rough time of it in this book. He starts out shot and with amnesia, then finds out that Rayanne is pregnant with his baby. Without his memory it is hard to prove that he's still one of the good guys when accusations start flying. Fortunately the memory returns pretty quickly, but the bad guys are determined to take out both him and Rayanne. The constant action makes it difficult for him to recover from his injuries and he's constantly in pain. However, that does not stop him from doing everything he can to protect Rayanne and her baby bump. His feelings for her passed attraction long ago, but he doesn't believe he deserves love from her, so he hasn't told her about them. I liked the way that he trusted her professional abilities, but still wanted to take care of her.
The mystery itself was one that kept me engrossed from the beginning. First it was waiting for Blue to get his memory back so that he had an idea of what he had been doing for the last five months, and if it was that which had people trying to kill him. Then there was the question of who had set him up to look guilty of working for the bad guys. His boss also appeared to have some questionable things going on, so was he behind the attacks on Blue? Or could it be Rex Gandy, who had been the subject of an investigation by Blue? There is also Wendell Braddock, the father of the man Rayanne's mother is accused of murdering. He could be trying to kill Rayanne in a form of revenge. Blue also has a fellow agent who has been missing that makes a couple of appearances. There were so many bullets flying and things exploding that Blue and Rayanne never knew which direction the next attack would come from. While the question of who was behind the attacks got answered, there were still some questions left at the end.
There is also the continuing story of Rayanne's mother and whether she is guilty of murder. Half the family thinks she is, half claims she's innocent. This has created stress among the siblings that comes out in some real snarkiness. But however they feel about their mother, when someone is in trouble they all step up in support.
Rayanne is a tough, independent Texas deputy, but being pregnant has caused her some internal conflicts. Blue is determined to protect her especially once he finds out about the baby, but it is tough for her to stay back where it is safer. Without his memory to fill in the gaps of why he left and where he's been, she has some trouble trusting him, especially with mounting evidence that he's been playing on the wrong side of the law. One thing that hasn't changed is the bone deep attraction she feels for him, and the knowledge as time passes that she's in love with him. I liked that her mistrust of him didn't last long, and that she worked just as hard as he did to find out who was behind the attacks. Rayanne has some trouble trusting him on a personal side because he's a man and has issues stemming from her parents' divorce.
Blue has a rough time of it in this book. He starts out shot and with amnesia, then finds out that Rayanne is pregnant with his baby. Without his memory it is hard to prove that he's still one of the good guys when accusations start flying. Fortunately the memory returns pretty quickly, but the bad guys are determined to take out both him and Rayanne. The constant action makes it difficult for him to recover from his injuries and he's constantly in pain. However, that does not stop him from doing everything he can to protect Rayanne and her baby bump. His feelings for her passed attraction long ago, but he doesn't believe he deserves love from her, so he hasn't told her about them. I liked the way that he trusted her professional abilities, but still wanted to take care of her.
The mystery itself was one that kept me engrossed from the beginning. First it was waiting for Blue to get his memory back so that he had an idea of what he had been doing for the last five months, and if it was that which had people trying to kill him. Then there was the question of who had set him up to look guilty of working for the bad guys. His boss also appeared to have some questionable things going on, so was he behind the attacks on Blue? Or could it be Rex Gandy, who had been the subject of an investigation by Blue? There is also Wendell Braddock, the father of the man Rayanne's mother is accused of murdering. He could be trying to kill Rayanne in a form of revenge. Blue also has a fellow agent who has been missing that makes a couple of appearances. There were so many bullets flying and things exploding that Blue and Rayanne never knew which direction the next attack would come from. While the question of who was behind the attacks got answered, there were still some questions left at the end.
There is also the continuing story of Rayanne's mother and whether she is guilty of murder. Half the family thinks she is, half claims she's innocent. This has created stress among the siblings that comes out in some real snarkiness. But however they feel about their mother, when someone is in trouble they all step up in support.
March 13, 2015
Blue McCurdy was an ATF agent working undercover, although quite a few people thought he was dead. Rayanne McKinnon was one of those people. She is a deputy sheriff for the small Texas town where her and her family reside. Rayanne is now five months pregnant when she discovers that Blue is still alive. He gets hurt in a gun fight and when he wakes he can't remember his last five months or that they slept together. Rayanne shows her anger for him making love to her and sneaking out without a note or anything. That's how he finds out and then he realizes the baby is his. People are after both of them and the race is on to find out who and why. Can they stay alive long enough to find out. Can Blue protect them both and keep them safe. I couldn't put this book down. There is so much action going on I wanted to keep reading, so I did. There is a little sex in this book, but the story is great.
March 3, 2015
In Fossen’s romantic suspense novel, ATF agent Blue McCurdy disappeared five months ago and was presumed dead—until now when he’s found trespassing on Rayanne McKinnon’s land. Blue can’t remember why he disappeared from Rayanne’s and his unborn child’s life but with an unsolved murder to solve and passion flaring, the stakes are high as he races to put together the pieces before a vindictive enemy settles the score for good.
An agent with amnesia resurfaces to claim his ex and unborn child in a riveting installment to the Sweetwater Ranch series.
An agent with amnesia resurfaces to claim his ex and unborn child in a riveting installment to the Sweetwater Ranch series.
October 25, 2015
Oh the drama is about to hit the fan because this is Rayanne McKinnon's story and it sure to be filled with lots of drama and probably lots of screaming… but that is just a guess. In this book things are a little rocky… okay a lot rocky but things can get better with time right? Rayanne always used to seem like a major Witch to me but in the last book she came and saved her brothers butt even while taking the risk that she could have lost the baby so maybe she isn’t such a Witch after all.
July 21, 2015
Love isn't always rainbows and puppies
Sometimes it's dodging bullets and keeping each other alive.
Rayanne and Blue know that better than most
This tale of love flourishing through explosions, gunshot wounds, memory loss, supposed death, family turmoil and superseding grudges give credence to the adage "love conquers all."
Sometimes it's dodging bullets and keeping each other alive.
Rayanne and Blue know that better than most
This tale of love flourishing through explosions, gunshot wounds, memory loss, supposed death, family turmoil and superseding grudges give credence to the adage "love conquers all."
March 24, 2016
This was book #3 in the series and was even more exciting than the first two. A great read.
Our Hero and Heroine are both in law enforcement, Rayanne one of the twin daughters.
Rayanne and Blue found their way back to each other while the McKinnon family continue to fight their way through attacks from all sides.
Our Hero and Heroine are both in law enforcement, Rayanne one of the twin daughters.
Rayanne and Blue found their way back to each other while the McKinnon family continue to fight their way through attacks from all sides.
Read
January 12, 2016"Rustling Up Trouble is action packed, but it’s the relationship and emotional drama (and the sexy hero) that will reel readers in. Fossen’s latest story lives up to its interesting premise" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!).
Miniseries: Sweetwater Ranch
Miniseries: Sweetwater Ranch
October 26, 2015
Amazon review
Another great book in this series. I love the characters. But I especially love the plots of the books and the fact that you can never figure out who the bad guy is. That makes for interesting reading. And the love stories are great.
Another great book in this series. I love the characters. But I especially love the plots of the books and the fact that you can never figure out who the bad guy is. That makes for interesting reading. And the love stories are great.
February 1, 2016
Rustling Up Trouble by Delores Fossen is another great book in the Sweetwater Ranch series. I could not put the book down. It had action that started on the first page and did not let up until the very end. I love the characters. I can't wait to read Rosalie's story.
June 24, 2016
A suspense that will leave you wanting more from this series. Rather you are looking for revenge, becoming a Father, hidden a pregnancies for your boyfriend, or just don't like your family Sweet Water Ranch has it all.
September 14, 2014
It was an interesting story--could not put it down. Cannot wait for Rosalie and Seth's stories.
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK! @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Sweetwater Ranch
Miniseries: Sweetwater Ranch
December 22, 2014
I loved it!
I can't wait to read the last book. But I sure hope it doesn't end with just those 4 books.
I can't wait to read the last book. But I sure hope it doesn't end with just those 4 books.
January 3, 2017
Nonstop suspense.
July 2, 2025
,I enjoyed reading Blue and Rayanne story
November 24, 2016
Another awesome book in a great series. I just love Delores Fossen's books.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews