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The second book in the exciting Billionaire Ranch series!

When South least expects it, love points him in the right direction.
To Maisey. She's new to the small town. A beautiful mystery.
Except South quickly learns she's living a lie, the one thing he can't abide.

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About the author

Vanessa Vale

230 books2,535 followers
A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.

You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,642 reviews966 followers
December 9, 2021
A deliciously sexy and suspsenful page turner. This steamy Billionaire Ranch story had a heartwarming Cinderella-story charm, and paired with Vale's sensual prowess and fast-paced story telling, you can't go wrong. Totally bingeable from start of finish!
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,175 reviews70 followers
November 24, 2021
So love slapped South. And lust, but mostly love. Then he thinks he’s got the girl, only to feel the sting of betrayal. Or is it? South and his temper nearly ruined what could be something great for him, but he’s not a stupid man. He just acts it sometimes. So if he’s got to grovel a bit to get his woman back, he’s not afraid to do exactly that. As long as he’s not too late, that is.

Maisey made me so sad for her. She’s got a lot going on and zero time or desire for a man. But South isn’t giving up easily. And he’s convinced her to give him a shot. Can they make it to true happiness, especially when there may be someone else who’s out to snag whatever they can? And will Maisey ever let anyone in on her secret? Her fear and worry were palpable in this story, and I wanted to yell her secret for her, just so she would have the support and love she so richly deserved. Luckily, I didn’t have to because she finally blurted the secret out herself! And then she found her happy, which made everyone else happy also.

I’m really loving this series so far and look forward to which sibling falls next. It’s bound to be one heck of a ride!
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,961 reviews175 followers
November 19, 2021
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

The story is a mystery, with suspense, danger, secrets, lies, and discoveries. The Wainwright siblings are still in the process of uncovering the life, lies, and secrets of Macon Wainwright, and the DNA test has South in shock—he is the only one that was Macon’s. But this story also revolves around South meeting Maisey and wanting to know her and how family issues interfere.

Maisey Miles has plans for her life, going to college and getting her nursing degree. She refuses to be like her mother, always looking for a new sugar-daddy or her identical twin sister who takes whatever she wants. Now, Maisey has moved three hours from home and trying to start over since Paisley has destroyed her goals.

South Wainright is an artist, creates unique sculptures out of various metals. He could care less about the family money; he is making his own and a name to go with it. He learned young about the user women who want to get close to him for what he can give them. Life is too short to be used.

The story’s plot will have South going into the main house and seeing a woman cleaning the refrigerator, and he wants to get to know her. They never exchange names, but he convinces her to give him her phone, and he puts his number in, telling her to call him—which she does not do. The next plan is to hire her through her employer, Nancy, to come to clean his home—but his house is clean, he wants time with her. These two play a game of cat and mouse, but both are attracted to one another—or they were until she learns who he is—and that sends her running.

“He was right; there was something between us. Instant. Intense. Completely insane.”

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. South is beside himself with Maisey; she is all he thinks about until he sees a woman, who he assumes is Maisey at the bar with not one but two men. He is furious and over it. Another user. Maisey is working hard to stay ahead and save up money she will need for a medical procedure, and then Paisley shows up. It isn’t bad enough that she has robbed her sister of her savings, now she wants help swindling the Wainwright family, and Maisey wants nothing to do with it. But, things go wrong, and it is assumed that Maisey is guilty. It cost her her job and her future. There is nothing left for her in town, so she might as well move on.

“Go get the girl. Then start groveling.”

I love the suspense, mystery, and even the intense moments. The chemistry between South and Maisey is unlike anything she has ever experienced. Just when things seem good between them, all communication ends—so was he just using her for sex? Now, with Paisley and her get-rich-quick plan, Maisey refuses to be a pawn but gets caught in the web of deceit. The story does have scenes of life and death danger because of people deciding they are owed. When it is over, what will happen to these two? Will they realize that they don’t have a chance between their dysfunctional family or that they can make something good out of everything?

South: You’re mine. We’re a team. I want you, and I want you to want me like when we didn’t know each other’s names. No money issues. No family problems. Nothing but you and me. No more secrets. Your problems are mine. You don’t protect me. I take care of you.
Maisey: That’s not how this works.
South: It is. You’re my heart. You take care of you, and I take care of you.
Maisey: That makes no sense.
South: We live happily ever after.
Profile Image for Liz [reads books].
1,314 reviews63 followers
November 26, 2021
This book was not at all what I expected. It was a definite page turner. Interesting read! 4½ stars
Profile Image for Theresa Natole.
1,222 reviews21 followers
November 30, 2021
I am in love with this story. I could not put South down. A love at first sight story that will have you swooning. My heart was breaking for Maisey. Her mother and sister were the worst. She worked hard for everything she had and her sister took from her thinking she had every right to. Maisey had finally had enough and left. Now she meets South and he is head over heels at their first meeting. But she is leery because of what her mother and sister are like. But South will not give up. He wants to make her his. Through a series of events their trust is tested. Their story will have you glued to every word. Twists and turns throughout but so worth it in the end.
This is the first book I have read by Vanessa Vale and I am totally in love. Cannot wait for East and West’s stories. Everything you want and so much more. Great characters and great storylines. A perfect 5 star book.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,840 reviews366 followers
December 19, 2021
3.5 stars!

This is the second book in the Billionaire Ranch series and features South and Maisey. Maisey is out of luck in a big way. Her twin sister is conniving and shameless and leaves Maisey broke and alone so she packs up and disappears. She takes a job at Billionaire ranch cleaning for North (from book 1) and ends up running into South (North's brother).

Maisey doesn't realize who South is at first and South is smitten with Maisey and tries to ask her out. But Maisey is trying to outrun her past and save some money for a procedure and South is an unwelcome distraction. Or is he? Persistent as ever, South wears her down and soon the two of them are in bed together. But Maisey has secrets and South has trust issues. What happens when Maisey's secrets come out? Will South realize what is worth fighting for and what is not? What happens when Maisey's past catches up to her?

I didn't like this one quite as much as the first one but it was still a steamy and fun read. South was the typical alpha male who is possessive and obsessive and that's my catnip. Maisey was fine but I felt like she needed some more steel in her backbone. I also think the grovel at the end on South's side should have been WAY more. Finally, I'm not sure I liked the reason why Maisey was trying to make money...there was something about the way it was written that seemed off for me. With all that being said...I did love South and Maisey together and the development of their relationship. Overall, a steamy and suspenseful read that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,194 reviews72 followers
December 1, 2021
South does not mess around! He sees what he wants and goes for it no matter what and he wanted Maisey! Maisey has the definition of a evil twin sister! Poor Maisey works her butt off and tries to put herself though school and her twin lies and steals from her nonstop. Maisey just wants to try and get ahead for once. When she gets a job cleaning at the Billionaire Ranch she thinks she might have a chance to pay some bills and go to school. Then she meets South, they share a instant connection and amazing chemistry, but her body is saying Yes and her head is saying No! As they both try and get past their sibling drama they have a few other obstacles to jump over. I have really enjoyed this series. The characters are well developed, the books are great quick reads and extremely entertaining. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Profile Image for SusieQ_Reviews.
436 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2021
I always have trouble putting down a Vanessa Vale book. South, book two in the Billionaire Ranch series was another cover to cover read for me. A story full of steam, intrigue and astonishingly unbelievable sibling deviousness that still has my jaw hanging open at the audacity of this character. South and Maisey have that insta-lust chemistry connection that generally leaves the door open for misunderstandings and that good old tug-a-war of feelings. Who doesn’t love a hot cowboy that realizes what he wants and goes after it…twice.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2021
South is tired of women wanting him for his billions and Maisey is constantly running from her evil twin sister that keeps using her and taking everything she has. Both South and Maisey have trust issues but none of that seems to matter when they meet for the first time. Unfortunately, Maisey's sister stumbles upon her new location and decides her sister's billionaire bf would make a great mark for her. South's past with women and greed and Maisey's devious identical twin sister Paisley gets in the way of the relationship he and Maisey have started to establish. This is a stand alone and we do get a HEA.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,283 reviews46 followers
December 13, 2021
This romantic suspense will keep you page turning. Be prepared to lose a little sleep because once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. The Wainwright children are still discovering the mysteries and lies of Macon Wainwright. South can't believe it when he finds out that he is the only 'real' child of Macon. He had no interest in the family money. He falls in love with Maisy his sister's maid at first sight but she has a lot of secrets. Will the lies and secrets keep them apart once they're exposed? This was a great book that was well written with strong, well developed characters and an engaging story line. I read a free advance copy via Grey's Productions and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading.
1,495 reviews26 followers
December 5, 2021
Maisey Miles needed yet another new start, thanks to a sister who seems to continually steal anything good she has ever had, from a boyfriend to her college tuition and a deadbeat mother who never did anything to stop it from happening.. Now she’s in a small town just trying to make ends meet working as a house cleaner. When a hot cowboy convinces her to take a chance on him, she knows she should say no, but can’t resist the something special she feels between them.

South Wainright wasn’t looking for love, but it found him anyway. From just one look, he knew the woman cleaning out his sister’s refrigerator was supposed to be his. But when he sees the woman of his dreams with other men the night after they were together, he believes he’s made a terrible mistake by declaring his feelings for a liar.

When misunderstandings and unexpected events threaten the tenuous relationship being built by South and Maisey they will both need to set aside their baggage to see if their relationship can survive or if Maisey will be looking for a new start once again.

Ooohhh, Vanessa Vale had some great twists in this one and I adored every page. I love how quickly South was knocked on his behind by Maisey and how Maisey couldn’t quite let South be the alpha he wanted to be instead attempting to protect him at every turn! This couple definitely had some work to do to get themselves on the same page, but it was awesome watching events play out

I’m loving the intensity in these characters and plot lines for the Billionaire Ranch series so far and cannot wait for the other Wainright siblings to find their happy ever afters! 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,309 reviews159 followers
December 14, 2021
☆☆☆☆☆
South was an incredible and engaging thrill ride filled with heart. This was also my first experience reading Vanessa Vale and it will not be the last.
This love at first site, billionaire romance, heroine in danger and mistaken identity tropes told the story of South Wainright and Maisey Miles. Women always wanted South for what they could get out of him, like Billionaire Ranch. He had no problem letting women in his bed but not his heart. Then he sees Maisey, working as a maid in the main Ranch house. He is immediately smitten and very attracted. She is new to town. She’s a sweetheart who is quiet, shy, sweet and absolutely not interested. The last thing she wants is a man who’s loaded. Maisey comes from a really dysfunctional family. Her mom and twin sister are money hungry and willing to destroy any life Maisey has to get what they want. Her twin seemed to do whatever it took to destroy Maisey‘s life. When South sees something that he misinterprets, he thinks she’s just another woman adept at lying. Will he discover how wrong he is in enough time to win her heart for good?
This was a definite page-turner that had me glued to the story from start to finish. It was fast paced with just enough angst to keep my heart happy and enough heat to make my smut-loving self happy. The chemistry between them is undeniable. South was unique in a way I haven’t come across before but loved. Anyone who loves reading romance will love this adventure. I’m really looking forward to the next two Books. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,514 reviews131 followers
December 6, 2021
Vanessa Vale is a fairly new author to me but after reading South I have no idea why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. I can honestly say this book can be read and loved as a stand-alone because I have not read the previous book North but I guarantee i will be reading it as soon as time permits. South has it all, it’s full of love and passion but it also has betrayal, danger and mystery, it’s has a magical fairytale charm and it’s well written with characters you instantly connect with.
South knows what he wants and when he sees it he doesn’t mess around and he has Maisey in his sight. Maisey is doing everything she can to put herself through school, working as many hours that are available but as fast as she sees light at the end of the tunnel her twin steals from her. Can a job cleaning at the Billionaire Ranch be the break she needs and what happens when she meets South….
This is a quick read but it still packs a mighty punch, it’s about getting past sibling rivalry and drama, it’s about love and it’s about two people from different worlds becoming one. Looking forward to reading the previous and the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,510 reviews84 followers
December 12, 2021
I am loving this series! It is an insta-love romance filled with steam, intrigue, mystery and oh yes, some angst!
South has just laid eyes on Maisey, and he realizes right away that he will do whatever it takes to make her his! This is going to be much more difficult than he imagined.
Maisey has left her past behind and is trying to make a fresh start. She does not need a man or romance to get in her way! She is on her own and laying low from her rotten sister and mooching mother. So, when she takes a job as a housekeeper it seems like the perfect way to stay out of sight, make an honest living, get back on track with finally heading back to college and pay off all the bills racked up in her name by her selfish sister. What she isn't counting on is the South, his persuasive ways, and her past coming back to haunt her!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,229 reviews60 followers
December 6, 2021
I love Vanessa Vales writing style, her men know what they want and they go after it, in this hot and alluring read, South brings a new meaning to silent but dangerous!.


There is never any messing around with Ms Vale, she goes straight to the heart of her story from the first page. South and Maisey's story starts fast and just ramps up as their story unfolds. Poor Maisey she has moved away from her sister and mom who are bleeding her dry and is just trying to get on an even level, at last, she wasn't expecting to be swiped away by South, but just as Maisey thinks she may get a little happiness after all a misunderstanding is about to pull the rug from under feet.

A great fast-paced must-read.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,922 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2021
Hot Cowboy and the Sweet Innocent - instant and perfect
South (Billionaire Ranch Book 2) by Vanessa Vale had my pulse pounding and heart racing from beginning to end for so many reasons. These characters had me reading with urgency, a page turner for the fire that burns between South and Maisey as well as the anguish both of them experience.
The plot is fraught with misunderstandings, caused by people who hurt both South and Maisey who should have been protective, loving and safe. There’s baggage behind both of these characters that make their presence known in the present and threatens the future.
Overall, South realizes Maisey for the genuine gem she really is and grovels while going all alpha, claiming Maisey as his own, his to protect, care for and love. Maisey feels the same and they embark on a promising HEA.
I read an ARC of this book via Valentine Promotions and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
December 8, 2021
This just hits the ground running and keeps the reader engaged in a story that you won't be able to put down until you finish it! I loved North but South was just so darn good. I read until the wee hours of the morning because I had to know what was going to happen. Both Maisey and South have issues trusting people. Especially Maisey who is trying to get away from her mom and sister. ( who I seriously hate) South has been lied to before and hates it so when a misunderstanding takes place, he's going to have to grovel when the truth comes out! There were a few times I wanted to throw my kindle against the wall but I refrained and kept reading! LOL I loved the connection between South and Maisey so much. Get the book and see what I mean. It will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,294 reviews20 followers
December 11, 2021
South really did take that turn. He is strong and has been given the life he has always wanted thanks to his sister. Now's he's back home working on his art and making a life for himself. He doesn't need anyone and doesn't trust anyone. When he walks into the main house and sees the maid for the first time he wants to throw caution to the wind. Maisey my heart broke for her so bad. She's just trying to get away from the sister and mother that have hurt her so bad. She doesn't trust anyone. When these two meet instant sparks, but her past finds her, and well South is about to lose his crap when he finds out the truth. What's more, is these two are perfect for each other and Maisy knows she's can't have him. Will South fight for her and win?
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,681 reviews97 followers
December 11, 2021
5 stars

Readers need to get ready for another trip back to Billionaire Ranch, though South has a little farmhouse of his own. Readers will fall in love with the hard working, hard bodied welder of the Wainwright siblings. He trusts his heart and when he is all in, he is ALL IN and won’t stop until he has what he wants. What he wants is Maisey. Unfortunately, her past becomes an obstacle and South doesn’t listen to those instincts of his and instead let’s past hurts mess with his head. Thankfully they quickly resolve what’s between them in time to keep one another safe from an unexpected threat. Sexy, intense and a straightforward love story. I adored South and Maisey and readers will also!

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
3,057 reviews17 followers
December 6, 2021
South gets his Story!!


This family is very interesting. We’ve already read about North, who tried to protect her brothers from their abusive and controlling father. South was able to go to art school because of one of those agreements.

Maisey was about to graduate college in nursing, but her evil twin Paisley stole all her accounts and ran up her credit cards. Maisey ran away and is currently cleaning house at Wainwright Ranch.

South is smitten, and fortunately Maisey does not know who he is, so he knows her interest is genuine. When Paisley catches up with Maisey things get super complicated - and the relationship may not survive. Touching, emotional, and witty.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,909 reviews18 followers
December 7, 2021
Whew…that was one hot insta-love story! While part of the Billionaire Ranch series, you don’t need to have read book one to enjoy this one, but I recommend you read North’s story too. South and Maisey’s story seemed shorter in length, but it’s packed with intrigue, misunderstandings and blazing chemistry.
These two come from opposites sides of the track, but that definitely doesn’t matter to South. He’s all in as soon as he sets eyes on Maisey. But while she is flattered by his interest, she has a family history that tells her nothing good last for very long, so it’d be best to keep her distance.
Excellent storytelling, as always, from Vanessa Vale, with great dialogue, interesting characters and a high heat level, guaranteed grab your attention from page one!
Profile Image for Christina.
632 reviews26 followers
November 25, 2021
*I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well.....she's done it again. This author has pulled us into another short read that we can't put down and end up binge reading...and still wanting more. How does she do that?!!!!

South is the brother of North (read previous book). While visiting the house, to grab food of course, he runs in to the new hired help and it's end game for him. Literally. The only issue is that he's never seen her before and knows absolutely jack all about her. He also wants her to like him for him and not because of his name and wealth. Yeah, good luck with that one.

Maisey is new to town. After leaving her dead beat mother and evil twin sister behind, it's time for her to start over, making a life for herself and one that her sister can't take from her. So she found a job as a housekeeper, a motel that's cheap and keeps her head down. That is until South walks in on her cleaning his sister's house. She's not sure what to do, but the way he looks at her makes her wonder if he's worth the possible fallout.

Like I said, this is a short read, but jam packed with true emotions and family issues that still need to be worked out. Is there a HEA? Duh...and it's a cute one too :)
Profile Image for Coline.
1,373 reviews17 followers
March 28, 2023
C’était cool et mignon.

Maisey vraiment trop douce et mims. Elle mérite de ouf un mec comme South.
South adorable avec elle, vraiment protecteur.

Très sympa.
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,997 reviews62 followers
December 7, 2021
I loved North but South blew me away!! It was love at first sight between South and Maisey, but they both have trust issues making it near impossible for them to work. South is the artistic, sensitive yet domineering Wainwright brother and Maisey is running away from her horrible family trying to rebuild her life. When her past finally catches up with her will South know the true her and stand by her?
Profile Image for Andrea (Hammock and Read).
1,213 reviews26 followers
December 8, 2021
South is the artist in the family and see the maid that is working at the family hug house. Its chemistry from the start. South tried super hard to get Maisey's life is family dramaaa DRAMA!! She has an evil twin that keeps coming and destroy all her work to get out of the trailer park. This one I couldn't put it down and loved it so much! There is some great steam and some great drama and you didn't know how it might end.


This series you want to read in order to get the back story, but you might be able to enjoy it as a standalone. I can't wait for more of these!!


4.5 stars
4 steam
Profile Image for Fiona Reed.
Author 1 book31 followers
December 5, 2021
Love at first sight.

Despite a string of bad luck when it comes to women, South is determined to claim Maisey as his own.
Maisey, although she feels that instant connection toward South, she too has a past that she's determined to learn from and refuses to be dependent on a man for anything...South won't take no for an answer.

For being a shorter story this book was packed with so much! You get Suspense, heartache, love, and a crazy twin sister!

I'm not always a fan of the instant connection but Vale wove it together in a way that drew me in. It was a fabulous read!!

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
1,240 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2021
South is the second book in the Billionaire Ranch series. Maisey is running from her family when she ends up cleaning houses, including Billionaire Ranch. When South sees Maisey for the first time, he knows instantly that she’s his, but when she’s accused of theft and gets caught acting differently, South doesn’t know what to believe. Will Maisey convince South of the truth, or will she have to run again to keep him and his family safe?

Goodness, this book sucked me in fast and kept me flipping pages through an emotional train wreck of events. South and Maisey had such a strong connection right from the very beginning, and I loved that both of them were willing to open up and take a chance on being vulnerable, emotionally, for someone else. Maisey was serious and dedicated to her jobs and independence and came from a messed up family. She was used to people taking advantage of her and used to people not believing her. I loved that she ended up being super fierce when it came to protecting South. South could relate to the messed up family and people wanting to use him, but I loved that he was mostly protective and caring of his siblings and Maisey. He was all caveman with her, but had this super artistic side, and I thought he was a good character, even when he messed up. I liked that even thought their chemistry came so easily, that they went through some major ups and downs quickly and had to trust their gut and each other. I loved the drama in this book, too! I cried, I giggled, and I even swooned a bit! I am loving this series, all the mysteries and unknowns, and I look forward to East’s book next!
Profile Image for Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction).
646 reviews71 followers
December 8, 2021
I loved getting a chance to head back to Billionaire Ranch for the second book in this series, South. These books can be read alone, and you will be just fine… however, they are quick, sexy reads with fabulous characters, so you might as well read them all ;)

South and Maisey's story starts with a chance encounter as Maisey is cleaning his sister's house. And BAM—instalove! And boy did this immediate attraction and knowledge that she was the one work for me.
I was drawn to both of these characters and felt a connection to them right away. South and Maisey came to each other with baggage and secrets from their past. And of course, this results in misunderstandings and hurt feelings that thankfully do not take too long to work out. And their chemistry was most definitely there… sparks were flying whenever they were anywhere near each other.
I love how there is a touch of mystery and suspense in the book. It is just enough so that you don't want to put down this sexy novel.

South is a sexy, suspenseful, fast-paced read. It has a wonderful mix of story, intrigue, steam, and swoony moments that kept me glued to the pages.
Profile Image for LeslecturesdeMylene.
5,723 reviews85 followers
December 7, 2021
16/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

j'étais curieuse de découvrir l'histoire de South et je n'ai pas été déçue, ils sont tous les deux attachants avec Maisey et nous font vivre des hauts et des bas vraiment intenses. Il y a des histoires de famille des deux côtés et on ne peut que dévorer les pages pour savoir ce qui va leur arriver. Le petit côté suspense est très bien fait et j'avoue, si j'avais compris certaines choses, d'autres sont totalement étonnantes et m'ont donné le sourire. Les événements s'enchainent , tout va très (trop) vite et j'ai apprécié nos deux héros et leurs histoires. Le final est pour le moins intense et je suis impatiente de découvrir ce que nous réservent les deux autres frères !
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