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The Rancher's Wedding
From New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer comes a sexy opposites attract tale of unbridled love, set against a breathtaking Colorado landscape made for happily ever after—if things don’t get too complicated . . .
When a rugged Colorado rancher who’s in the red meets up with a screenwriter-turned-waitress dogged by scandal, they put their talents—and their hearts—together. But will front page news put a damper on the sparks flying between them?
*Previously published in the anthology Marrying My Cowboy
When a rugged Colorado rancher who’s in the red meets up with a screenwriter-turned-waitress dogged by scandal, they put their talents—and their hearts—together. But will front page news put a damper on the sparks flying between them?
*Previously published in the anthology Marrying My Cowboy
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
469 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
993 books3,100 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 28, 2021
Low-stakes and pleasant. Diana Palmer is on less-familiar showbiz ground, and it shows -- that whole storyline is skimmable.
April 7, 2023
Part of the Marrying My Cowboy anthology (that’s currently in the audible plus program)
September 12, 2024
Bought this at Dollar General while working on an archaeology excavation. My team & I read it while digging to keep ourselves entertained. What in the purity culture hell? Main character is insufferably uninteresting. Plot is dumb. We're collectively traumatized. I need to read "War and Peace" to regrow the brain cells I lost from unfortunately experiencing this book.
April 25, 2023
Main protagonist is so pure and so innocent and really not very believable. You can be a girl waiting for marriage but who could be so ignorant of what happens on the wedding night.....not believable at all. I initially liked the storyline but the ending was forgettable.
January 26, 2024
Forever swooning for Palmer books
🥰🥰🥰
🥰🥰🥰
December 4, 2020
JL and Cassie were meant to be married
They both had an attraction for each other and both believed in marriage before sex. They both had Victorian ideals. They learned to trust after having horrible experiences in their lives. With Cole they will make the perfect family.
They both had an attraction for each other and both believed in marriage before sex. They both had Victorian ideals. They learned to trust after having horrible experiences in their lives. With Cole they will make the perfect family.
December 28, 2021
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
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Big and fancy, with heated seats and powered windows and a CD player built into the dash.
He shrugged. “Hard to kill something you raised from a baby,” he said. “I’m partial to fish and chicken. I don’t eat a lot of beef.”
He’d missed Marge. It took a lot of getting over, and not only because she’d left him.
JL pulled up in front of his house and studied it with a frown. He hadn’t noticed how dilapidated it was getting. Honestly, since he’d broken his engagement, things hadn’t mattered much to him.
“I wish all those damned bleeding-heart liberals living in apartments in cities could come out here and see what we have to deal with because of their blankety-blank legislation!”
“In fact, I wish we could shove a few starving wolves into the apartments with them. My, my, what a change of heart the survivors would have!”
Don’t worry. Life is an adventure. Every day is a gift. You have to live an hour at a time, kid. It’s what keeps you going.”
His cousin had never admitted to being the serpent in paradise, but JL was suspicious these days. It had soured their relationship. Cary was sorry about it, from time to time, but she’d been his girl first. He’d been upset about losing her to a richer man, even if the man was his cousin.
“You touch me like that again,” she said very softly, “and I’ll cripple you, before I sue you for sexual harassment.”
“I’m a black belt in tae kwon do,” she said simply. “I’ve taken lessons for five years. I used to compete,” she added sadly. She smiled. “I can’t do it anymore.”
“In fact, he was responsible for his cousin’s broken engagement.” “He was?” “He carried tales to both of them. It was a shame what he did to JL. He really loved the woman,”
Her mother always said that a man treated a woman the way she signaled that she wanted to be treated. If she acted like a lady, that’s how she’d be treated.
“Life pays us out in our own coin,” he reminded her. “God gets even with people who hurt us. They’ll find that out one day, in this life or the next,” he added. “You can’t dwell on wrongdoing, even things that make you miserable. Hating only hurts you. It never hurts the person you hate.”
“No problem. Even if I were over my ex-fiancée, you’d have nothing to fear from me,” he said softly. “I don’t amuse myself with innocents.”
“Dad and I have had a traumatic time just lately. Neither of us is quite ourselves, either.” “Oh? What happened?” “My mother killed herself.”
“I can’t eat something I’ve raised,” he said simply.
“Sometimes things happen because they’re meant to,” she said simply. “It doesn’t make sense to some people, but it does to me. I think we die when we’re supposed to.”
“I don’t like getting news from a handful of people who own all the media in the country. They decide what’s news and what’s not.”
“Too true. Back when I was young, news reporters were required to be objective and even-handed. Now, it’s just a handful of executives pushing their own agendas and calling it news.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been around a redhead in my life,” he teased softly. “We’re rare,” she had to admit. She smiled. “It comes with freckles.”
What if Cassie was playing a game? What if she wasn’t what she seemed to be?
“Just friends,” she agreed pertly. “I’ve already told you that I have to climb Mount Everest before I can even think about marrying anybody.”
“It’s painful to look too deeply into those fights. But I had a history professor who told me that we should never judge the past by the morality of the present. You have to judge by the morality of the time period. That’s never easy.”
“Maybe you should forget about climbing Mount Everest,” he whispered. Her heart was beating her to death. “Maybe . . . I should,” she managed.
He was growing certain that Cary wouldn’t show up when the man walked in the door with, of all the damned people in the world, JL’s ex-fiancée. He pushed away from the bar, where he’d been leaning, and glared at his cousin with flaming brown eyes. Damn the man!
Cary had told her about JL’s new friend and the engagement rumors before they arrived.
“I wish we were in a less public place,” Cassie said. “I’d put you on the floor and stomp on you!” Her lower lip trembled. “You worm. You despicable worm!”
JL’s dark eyes were full of ice. “Cary isn’t the one living a lie,” he said to her. “I think it’s time you went home, Ms. Reed.”
JL took Marge by the hand and led her out into a two-step. He smiled at Marge, his attention completely on her.
JL, of course, wouldn’t miss her. He was hurt and angry and wouldn’t even speak to her. He’d gone straight to Marge, probably to wound his cousin for bringing her.
“I’m going back with you,” Cassie said quietly. “There’s nothing left for me here.”
He’d been completely exonerated of any charges relating to Trudy Blaise, who had plenty of problems of her own making, and he told Cassie that he wasn’t even speaking to women on his staff unless it was work-related and in the company of coworkers. She thought how sad the world had become. Harassment was terrible. But so was creating an atmosphere of artificial coldness that denied any warm human feelings at all, in the effort to head off charges of misconduct. Lies and malice were toxic, and could ruin everything.
“Have you ever heard,” he asked her amusedly, “of the ‘mile high club’?” She flushed. “Everybody has,” she stammered, referring to those who’d had sex in flight, high above the earth. “Well, darlin’,” he whispered as his hands went to the fastenings on her beautiful wedding gown, “we are about to join the club!”
She touched his hard mouth. “What does JL stand for?” He smiled. “John Lewis,” he said.
September 9, 2021
Didn't like it. I For the majority of book it felt like hero was still in love with his ex fiancee and there was nothing even that wrong with her (heroes cousin lied about her). I didn't feel any great connection between the hero and heroine. What I liked was the heroine didn't let people take advantage of her. I liked that she was black belt and used those skills when needed and then I liked that she left town and hero when he was a jerk to her. P.
August 18, 2025
Why oh why do I hate read Diana Palmer? I swear I loved her books 30 years ago. I cut these old school romance authors slack because the genre has changed, but dang. This was all but a men’s rights screed, and it takes place in the age of cell phones and Game of Thrones. Of course all the women in the book except for the FMC are painted as jezebels because they are educated and practice self-care. The only good women are repressed virgins who bake bread and don’t wear makeup. The men are all victims of manipulative women who either wreck their lives or want marriage so they don’t have to work or something. 🙄
And the writing itself was so bad. The same conversations are repeated over and over.
Two stars because as bad as it is, I read the whole thing.
And the writing itself was so bad. The same conversations are repeated over and over.
Two stars because as bad as it is, I read the whole thing.
September 16, 2025
The Rancher's Wedding by Diana Palmer is a captivating addition to the Long, Tall Texans series. The story follows rancher Harley Fowler, known for his knack for getting out of trouble, until he meets Alice Jones, a determined investigator trying to solve a murder involving Harley's own family. As they delve into the case, their professional relationship evolves into a passionate romance.
Palmer masterfully weaves themes of love, loyalty, and redemption, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. The chemistry between Harley and Alice is palpable, and their journey from colleagues to lovers is both believable and engaging.
For fans of contemporary romance with a touch of mystery, The Rancher's Wedding offers a satisfying and enjoyable read.
Palmer masterfully weaves themes of love, loyalty, and redemption, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. The chemistry between Harley and Alice is palpable, and their journey from colleagues to lovers is both believable and engaging.
For fans of contemporary romance with a touch of mystery, The Rancher's Wedding offers a satisfying and enjoyable read.
September 11, 2022
Well, this was unusual. Definitely not like the regular D.P books. Hero was not a complete alpha or a**hole. He was a complete gentleman.
In fact, the whole story was very sweet. The intimate scene only came within the last 4 pages of the book! And there was only 2 kissing scenes so ... definitely mild. I loved the plot and the build up that led to the discovery, however, I felt that there was simply too much talking. Too many conversations.
Overall, I enjoyed it. A short one (less than 200 pages).
In fact, the whole story was very sweet. The intimate scene only came within the last 4 pages of the book! And there was only 2 kissing scenes so ... definitely mild. I loved the plot and the build up that led to the discovery, however, I felt that there was simply too much talking. Too many conversations.
Overall, I enjoyed it. A short one (less than 200 pages).
July 27, 2022
This was not up to the writer’s usual standard. Lots of repetition of the same facts or feelings. Heroine was told the same story 2X in 5 or 6 pages and “was fascinated” time #2. Either she has Alzheimers or is stupid! Worst of all was the heroine! Not only was she not the brightest, but possibly the most weak, useless character I have read. I like my heroines to be strong, smart and “spunky”. She was none of these. The hero wasn’t much better. Breaking up with a girl you are supposed to be in love with because someone says bad stuff about her and not letting her speak to defend herself. Really! What a jerk!
December 4, 2020
I always get Diana's stories.
Cassie is an independent woman who can exist on her own and will not compromise her beliefs to get a man. Some issues I didn't agree with because keeping secrets always come back to bite you. The characters are real people good and bad, there is almost always a few fatal and this one is a dussy. Enjoy the adventure.
Cassie is an independent woman who can exist on her own and will not compromise her beliefs to get a man. Some issues I didn't agree with because keeping secrets always come back to bite you. The characters are real people good and bad, there is almost always a few fatal and this one is a dussy. Enjoy the adventure.
August 21, 2021
I am never disappointed by any book by Dianna Palmer and always help to find one I haven't read. Thanks Ms. Palmer for another lovely romance I enjoyed in this cloudy and Smokey Saturday
afternoon. The fires here in California are still raging and the smoke is heavy here in Monterey County!Thanks again.
Keep us all in your prayers
afternoon. The fires here in California are still raging and the smoke is heavy here in Monterey County!Thanks again.
Keep us all in your prayers
October 26, 2021
Dull
Cass is naive and gullible. Her sweetness is gag worthy. Absolutely no one would believe she went to college and worked an important job in Atlanta and New York. The whole premise for her father and her being in some Podunk town makes no sense. No surprise who the villain will be. Ending is syrupy.
Cass is naive and gullible. Her sweetness is gag worthy. Absolutely no one would believe she went to college and worked an important job in Atlanta and New York. The whole premise for her father and her being in some Podunk town makes no sense. No surprise who the villain will be. Ending is syrupy.
October 30, 2021
Good read
I enjoyed the book. It had no swearing,which I appreciated. A good story does not require explicit sex. The last of the book, with described sex was not necessary, but evidently the writer felt it added to her story. Im not a prude I just felt it was not necessary i. The telling and conclusion of a good story.
I enjoyed the book. It had no swearing,which I appreciated. A good story does not require explicit sex. The last of the book, with described sex was not necessary, but evidently the writer felt it added to her story. Im not a prude I just felt it was not necessary i. The telling and conclusion of a good story.
April 9, 2023
The Rancher's Wedding
I haven't read a Diane Palmer novel in years. The last one I read felt as though it was written for someone with a fifth grade reading level. When I read Blurb I thought I'd give it a try. Boy am I glad I did! This was a great read. I thought the ending was a little rushed but overall a well written story.
I haven't read a Diane Palmer novel in years. The last one I read felt as though it was written for someone with a fifth grade reading level. When I read Blurb I thought I'd give it a try. Boy am I glad I did! This was a great read. I thought the ending was a little rushed but overall a well written story.
August 20, 2024
I thought maybe this book had been written in the 80s as so many books then had the innocent, clueless leading ladies but it seems to have been a relatively recent written book. I just didn't like it - she's supposedly extremely sheltered and niave but was in the world of TV and NYC; it made no sense.
December 29, 2020
Wonderful read
I enjoy Diana Palmer books. While they have a lot of similarities, many of them have a unique perspective. What interested me about this one was that it showed the tragic results of cyber bullying. This was a beautiful story of surviving pain and loss
I enjoy Diana Palmer books. While they have a lot of similarities, many of them have a unique perspective. What interested me about this one was that it showed the tragic results of cyber bullying. This was a beautiful story of surviving pain and loss
March 28, 2021
Enjoyed reading
Enjoyed reading about Cassie and her father who are running from a scandal. She meets JL when someone pulls prank on her. A sweet and exciting story of family and love.
Enjoyed reading about Cassie and her father who are running from a scandal. She meets JL when someone pulls prank on her. A sweet and exciting story of family and love.
April 10, 2021
3.5 stars for this quick read. I liked the characters and their story lines, tragedy, romance, and growth. JL & Cassie were definitely meant to be together, even though had recently gone through loss, they found a comfort and love for one another.
April 21, 2021
Ms Palmer has splendid talent, her books phenomenal.
Diana Palmer is my absolute favorite author.. her stories have a poignancy to them, once you start reading, your drawn into the captivating story. This one is no different.. splendid book. I loved it.
Diana Palmer is my absolute favorite author.. her stories have a poignancy to them, once you start reading, your drawn into the captivating story. This one is no different.. splendid book. I loved it.
May 21, 2021
Happy Ever After
I like Diana Palmer books.Sometimes I find them sad and sometimes silly.The first book I read of hers was the Lawless.I lose sleep,and keep reading.This book is good.A little different from some of her other books a little mystery secrets.Love romance and lies
I like Diana Palmer books.Sometimes I find them sad and sometimes silly.The first book I read of hers was the Lawless.I lose sleep,and keep reading.This book is good.A little different from some of her other books a little mystery secrets.Love romance and lies
November 26, 2021
Good read
JL and Cassie hide truths about themselves from each other, despite their growing attraction. Part hilarious with the way they handle the situation. Good read as Ms Palmer’s books are.
JL and Cassie hide truths about themselves from each other, despite their growing attraction. Part hilarious with the way they handle the situation. Good read as Ms Palmer’s books are.
October 1, 2022
I liked the storyline and the location. The h and her father were great characters. The H had to grow on me and he did towards the middle of the book. His cousin was slime and got his karma. I did feel like the H had unresolved feelings for his former finance.
November 25, 2022
Diana Palmer has a formula that includes a cruel hero, vulnerable heroine and often cheesy and cringy dialogue. Not to mention taciturn heroes with hairy chests.
And it's my crack.
This book just didn't do it for me. It was too cute.
And it's my crack.
This book just didn't do it for me. It was too cute.
February 6, 2023
Romantically Charming!!!!
I loved the instant sparks between the main characters and how they melded together without even trying. Although they are fictional characters, true love really does exist
I loved the instant sparks between the main characters and how they melded together without even trying. Although they are fictional characters, true love really does exist
September 8, 2023
I finished this book in a day, but it won’t let me mark it. It brought the drama and that’s why I love it. The summary does a great job, though there is no sparks, more of a warm campfire of feelings. SPOILER WARNING - They don’t kiss till the end o. the book, it’s cute.
March 9, 2024
The Rancher's Wedding by Diana Palmer – My favorite story in the anthology! These two are adorable together, and I liked the story even though it had a variant of the miscommunication trope! Happy Reading!
April 22, 2024
While I did enjoy this book, it’s a quick read which I like sometimes, there were a few parts that did not seem plausible. I liked watching the main rancher grow as a character and find his voice. A fun read but somewhat abrupt at the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews