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Part-Time Cowboys #1
Rancher in Training
They met in jail.
Deputy Farah James arrests bad boys, she doesn’t date them. So when an ex-con with a fiery past returns to town, she ignores the criminal things he does to her pulse. Behind bars, Jesse Rodriguez and his wicked looks were easy to dismiss, but as a free man with a life to reclaim, he’s never been more dangerous to her—or her job and the ranch that depends on her paycheck.
When stopping to help a stranded motorist puts Jesse on the radar of the local deputy, for once, he doesn’t complain. After all, Farah’s just as cute as he remembers. Too bad she’s also an icy professional who doubts he’s a changed man. He’s willing to give her up as a lost cause and make his way out of town…until an accident strands him at the ranch next door.
Crossing paths on duty is one thing, but seeing how good Jesse is with his hands threatens everything she’s ever worked for. But Farah’s not the only one taking a risk, and he won’t torch his future again, even if it means leaving her in his rearview mirror for good.
Find out if the risk is worth it.
Deputy Farah James arrests bad boys, she doesn’t date them. So when an ex-con with a fiery past returns to town, she ignores the criminal things he does to her pulse. Behind bars, Jesse Rodriguez and his wicked looks were easy to dismiss, but as a free man with a life to reclaim, he’s never been more dangerous to her—or her job and the ranch that depends on her paycheck.
When stopping to help a stranded motorist puts Jesse on the radar of the local deputy, for once, he doesn’t complain. After all, Farah’s just as cute as he remembers. Too bad she’s also an icy professional who doubts he’s a changed man. He’s willing to give her up as a lost cause and make his way out of town…until an accident strands him at the ranch next door.
Crossing paths on duty is one thing, but seeing how good Jesse is with his hands threatens everything she’s ever worked for. But Farah’s not the only one taking a risk, and he won’t torch his future again, even if it means leaving her in his rearview mirror for good.
Find out if the risk is worth it.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2018
231 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Marie Johnston
100 books1,051 followersMarie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
dnf
August 20, 2022This book is so boring and I literally can’t care enough to finish it. Dnf @ 31%
PS HE ISNT EVEN A COWBOY?? he’s a mechanic. Bye.
PS HE ISNT EVEN A COWBOY?? he’s a mechanic. Bye.
November 3, 2018
Deputy Farah James arrests bad boys, she doesn’t date them. So when an ex-con with a fiery past returns to town, she ignores the criminal things he does to her pulse. Behind bars, Jesse Rodriguez and his wicked looks were easy to dismiss, but as a free man with a life to reclaim, he’s never been more dangerous to her—or her job and the ranch that depends on her paycheck.
When stopping to help a stranded motorist puts Jesse on the radar of the local deputy, for once, he doesn’t complain. After all, Farah’s just as cute as he remembers. Too bad she’s also an icy professional who doubts he’s a changed man. He’s willing to give her up as a lost cause and make his way out of town…until an accident strands him at the ranch next door.
Crossing paths on duty is one thing, but seeing how good Jesse is with his hands threatens everything she’s ever worked for. But Farah’s not the only one taking a risk, and he won’t torch his future again, even if it means leaving her in his rearview mirror for good.
When people find out that Farah is seeing Jesse then her job is in jeopardy and no one can get over his past except for Farah's parents. When neighbors threaten the livelihood of Farah's families ranch and the ranch next to hers then Jesse wants to help find who is doing the deed. Jesse also wants to stay in town and prove his worth to be by his sister and be a great Uncle to her baby. I thought this was a great book and I really liked the characters and how they come together during a storm.
I received this from Inkslinger for review.
When stopping to help a stranded motorist puts Jesse on the radar of the local deputy, for once, he doesn’t complain. After all, Farah’s just as cute as he remembers. Too bad she’s also an icy professional who doubts he’s a changed man. He’s willing to give her up as a lost cause and make his way out of town…until an accident strands him at the ranch next door.
Crossing paths on duty is one thing, but seeing how good Jesse is with his hands threatens everything she’s ever worked for. But Farah’s not the only one taking a risk, and he won’t torch his future again, even if it means leaving her in his rearview mirror for good.
When people find out that Farah is seeing Jesse then her job is in jeopardy and no one can get over his past except for Farah's parents. When neighbors threaten the livelihood of Farah's families ranch and the ranch next to hers then Jesse wants to help find who is doing the deed. Jesse also wants to stay in town and prove his worth to be by his sister and be a great Uncle to her baby. I thought this was a great book and I really liked the characters and how they come together during a storm.
I received this from Inkslinger for review.
October 20, 2018
The Ex-Con and the Deputy.
Jesse grew up with a manipulative step-father and when his livelihood and future were taken from him, he allowed his anger to consume him and he took his feelings out inappropriately and paid for it with a stint in prison. Now he is an ex-con with little hope of obtaining a well paid job with benefits and staying (temporarily) in a town that hates his guts. It does not bode well for a personal relationship between him and Deputy Farah James. How can there be any future for them when just dating could cost her job? A story of turning your life around after making mistakes and love conquering all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jesse grew up with a manipulative step-father and when his livelihood and future were taken from him, he allowed his anger to consume him and he took his feelings out inappropriately and paid for it with a stint in prison. Now he is an ex-con with little hope of obtaining a well paid job with benefits and staying (temporarily) in a town that hates his guts. It does not bode well for a personal relationship between him and Deputy Farah James. How can there be any future for them when just dating could cost her job? A story of turning your life around after making mistakes and love conquering all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 5, 2018
Anger fed with resentment and manipulation and nowhere to find relief or release can only lead to destruction. This was never more true than for Jesse Rodriguez. Stopping to help a stranded motorist gets him noticed by all the people he hoped to avoid but those encounters just might put him on the path to finding where he truly belongs. Farah has always worked hard to earn respect, which isn't easy as the lone female deputy in Moore. And it could all go down the drain if she gives in to her attraction to a certain delicious ex-con. They'll each need to decide what's most important if they hope to have both the future they always wanted and the future they never thought they'd need.
I'm a sucker for a celibate hottie needing redemption. Jesse Rodriguez is all that and more. He's honest, he's trying, and he's utterly charming. The way he treats Farah, and has from their first, rather unfortunate meeting shows just how much of a place she has in his heart, whether they're both too blind to believe it or not. I think my most favorite interaction of his, other than his heartfelt confessions, was the confrontation in the auto-part store with Clinton. His uninhibited insult to Clinton combined with his pride and praise for Farah was utter perfection. He was honestly my favorite, especially when he realized that he deserved more than being a secret because of his unsavory past. His present and desires for the future gave him enough credibility for me to be severely annoyed with the town, the Walkers, and Farah.
I can absolutely understand where Farah is coming from, but the fact that she kept it going for so long and refused to see the situation from Jesse's perspective was frustrating, to say the least. Knowing that she, herself, is judged unfairly should have opened her eyes to what was going on with Jesse but her pride and selfishness almost cost her the balance and happiness she's always craved. Despite that, she was a fierce woman who deserved respect and love. She was fair, caring, and intelligent. I like that she was honest in her desire for Jesse and didn't make him suffer because of her unwanted attraction even if it took her a little while to make her decision. With the weight of her job, family, finances, ranch struggles, and yearnings for a relationship with Jesse all on her shoulders it's easy to see how she could do what she did.
But all's well that ends well, here. They each needed to go through what they did individually to realize just how necessary they are in one another's lives. Even with the natural disaster that made their reunion sooner rather than later, both of them were on their way back to one another's arms and I liked how it played out. With Mother Nature throwing in her very destructive two cents, it's clear that they are a worthy pair that can only make Moore better. I'm really eager to get to Caleb's story as well as any other Part-time Cowboy Marie Johnston wants to write. This was a passionate story full of redemption, love, and forgiveness, but more the forgiveness of self rather than earning anyone else's.Steamy, tender, and very memorable.
I'm a sucker for a celibate hottie needing redemption. Jesse Rodriguez is all that and more. He's honest, he's trying, and he's utterly charming. The way he treats Farah, and has from their first, rather unfortunate meeting shows just how much of a place she has in his heart, whether they're both too blind to believe it or not. I think my most favorite interaction of his, other than his heartfelt confessions, was the confrontation in the auto-part store with Clinton. His uninhibited insult to Clinton combined with his pride and praise for Farah was utter perfection. He was honestly my favorite, especially when he realized that he deserved more than being a secret because of his unsavory past. His present and desires for the future gave him enough credibility for me to be severely annoyed with the town, the Walkers, and Farah.
I can absolutely understand where Farah is coming from, but the fact that she kept it going for so long and refused to see the situation from Jesse's perspective was frustrating, to say the least. Knowing that she, herself, is judged unfairly should have opened her eyes to what was going on with Jesse but her pride and selfishness almost cost her the balance and happiness she's always craved. Despite that, she was a fierce woman who deserved respect and love. She was fair, caring, and intelligent. I like that she was honest in her desire for Jesse and didn't make him suffer because of her unwanted attraction even if it took her a little while to make her decision. With the weight of her job, family, finances, ranch struggles, and yearnings for a relationship with Jesse all on her shoulders it's easy to see how she could do what she did.
But all's well that ends well, here. They each needed to go through what they did individually to realize just how necessary they are in one another's lives. Even with the natural disaster that made their reunion sooner rather than later, both of them were on their way back to one another's arms and I liked how it played out. With Mother Nature throwing in her very destructive two cents, it's clear that they are a worthy pair that can only make Moore better. I'm really eager to get to Caleb's story as well as any other Part-time Cowboy Marie Johnston wants to write. This was a passionate story full of redemption, love, and forgiveness, but more the forgiveness of self rather than earning anyone else's.Steamy, tender, and very memorable.
March 30, 2019
We met Caleb in Rancher in Training, and we knew he was an amazing guy just for giving Jesse a chance when no one else would. Well, this is his story, and he’s fully as wonderful as I hoped. He and Brigit have both chemistry and history – but not all in a good way. Only now they are both living in Brigit’s brother’s house and, for the first time in 10 years, they are going to be forced to confront their feelings for each other.
This is a typical Marie Johnston story – very well written, with characters so real you love them hard while wanting to shake some sense into them. None of the relationships is ever quite as straightforward as it seems because, like real people, the characters have depths waiting to be explored - even the villain of the piece has some motivations that might make you change your mind. This may be my favorite of her books yet, and I loved each and every one of the Walker Five books, plus Rancher in Training. This new series ties into the Walker Five books, so why not start with Conflict of Interest and read right on through? The characterizations, the interactions, the themes of self-discovery and the self-made man all combine to weave a wonderful story with an incredibly satisfying HEA. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the previous book introduces Caleb, and at the very least that would be helpful to read first. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.
This is a typical Marie Johnston story – very well written, with characters so real you love them hard while wanting to shake some sense into them. None of the relationships is ever quite as straightforward as it seems because, like real people, the characters have depths waiting to be explored - even the villain of the piece has some motivations that might make you change your mind. This may be my favorite of her books yet, and I loved each and every one of the Walker Five books, plus Rancher in Training. This new series ties into the Walker Five books, so why not start with Conflict of Interest and read right on through? The characterizations, the interactions, the themes of self-discovery and the self-made man all combine to weave a wonderful story with an incredibly satisfying HEA. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the previous book introduces Caleb, and at the very least that would be helpful to read first. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.
November 8, 2018
EEP! What a great story! I am fairly new to this author, but I love everything she's written and Rancher in Training is no different! I fell in love with the characters very quickly! I was so sad when the book was over! Can't wait for more!
Want to read
October 24, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2021)! 🎁
November 11, 2018
Jesse Rodriguez is doing his best to move on from his past, but it isn't as easy as he thought. Especially when people still see him as a criminal, even though he was released from jail a few years ago. However, he catches a break when someone offers him a place to stay and a job. Still, he's living next door to a cop who also happens to be part of his past. Will Farah be willing to risk her career to be with Jesse or will they end up breaking each other's hearts?
This story was such an interesting, fast-paced, wonderful read that had me hooked from the very beginning because the hero is doing his best to move on from his past and it's good that someone is willing to give him a chance. It's something he needs in order to make sure he stays out of trouble because he doesn't want anything to hurt his chances of rebuilding his life and making sure he stays on the straight and narrow. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as it's hard not to like Farah, even though it seems Farah isn't going to make things easy for Jesse. He's served his time. Doesn't he deserve a second chance? Yet, I liked how when these two first met that it shows how strong their chemistry is.
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through that left me wondering whether they'd get their happy ever after, especially once certain things happen that made me think the heroine worried too much about her reputation and not her chance at happiness. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, hard-working and I liked how the decisions she makes throughout this story show the hero there's a way they can make a relationship between them work. While the hero, he really surprised me because he's so determined to make sure that what happened in the past never happens again. I also liked how determined he was to prove that he's changed, especially when things begin to happen that make him look like the guilty party. Will he be able to prove he's changed to those that think he's still a criminal? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to fight for his relationship with the heroine. No way will he be her dirty little secret.
Overall, Ms. Johnston has delivered a really good read where the chemistry between this couple was tangible and from the moment they come face-to-face; the romance was wonderful and had me loving that the heroine took a chance on the hero because he's changed; and the ending left me completely satisfied because of what the heroine does to show the hero how much she wants him in her life. I would recommend Rancher in Training by Marie Johnston, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Vivian Arend, Sophie Jordan, Elle James and Lorelei James.
November 10, 2022
Oh, Jesse. I really do like you. You’re doing right in this world, you’re making amends and don’t want anyone to know it, you’re doing your best…and it would appear that people are taking notice of it. But will you and Farah have a real shot at forever, or are you forever doomed to be a secret?
This is an excellent tale of learning and growing after mistakes. And Jesse proves that just because someone did stupid things once doesn’t mean that they’re bad to the core or that they should be judged based on past instead of present. Luckily, Caleb and Farah both see the real Jesse beneath the rumors and exaggerations. Add in the truth of his good deeds and others start to see the same thing. Sure, there are some bumps in the road. But when aren’t there? And these bumps also help to bring some chances at redemption for others, so they’re not just empty bumps to ruin a day. Instead, they may help Farah and Jesse find their way to a love that never needs to hide again.
I look forward to revisiting this series because this author has a way of grabbing me and keeping me fully invested in how it all may turn out. So I know I’ll be back for more soon!
This is an excellent tale of learning and growing after mistakes. And Jesse proves that just because someone did stupid things once doesn’t mean that they’re bad to the core or that they should be judged based on past instead of present. Luckily, Caleb and Farah both see the real Jesse beneath the rumors and exaggerations. Add in the truth of his good deeds and others start to see the same thing. Sure, there are some bumps in the road. But when aren’t there? And these bumps also help to bring some chances at redemption for others, so they’re not just empty bumps to ruin a day. Instead, they may help Farah and Jesse find their way to a love that never needs to hide again.
I look forward to revisiting this series because this author has a way of grabbing me and keeping me fully invested in how it all may turn out. So I know I’ll be back for more soon!
November 26, 2023
Setting the record straight -
I am a big fan of this author and I have read some of her other series. Seven months after saving this book on my Kindle, I am now getting around to reading it.
Here is a passage from page 134:
'Jesse finished his morning chores, including mowing the ditches. Later, he'd rake the clippings into rows for haying just like Caleb had shown him. But today was about fishing.
He went out the back door and started the truck. Wait. Farah's parents had said they could see him going back and forth between the trees. He might as well walk there.
Nearing their place, Farah's laughter drifted through the trees. He emerged from them, grateful for the cooling breeze. His rising body heat had nothing to do with the weather but everything to do with the hammering of his heart.'
After I finish Oil Barrons (5 book series) Kindle Edition, I will come back to Part-time Cowboys series. If you haven't read any of Marie Johnston's books, you really should because she has a little bit of everything for her readers. Enjoy and happy reading!
I am a big fan of this author and I have read some of her other series. Seven months after saving this book on my Kindle, I am now getting around to reading it.
Here is a passage from page 134:
'Jesse finished his morning chores, including mowing the ditches. Later, he'd rake the clippings into rows for haying just like Caleb had shown him. But today was about fishing.
He went out the back door and started the truck. Wait. Farah's parents had said they could see him going back and forth between the trees. He might as well walk there.
Nearing their place, Farah's laughter drifted through the trees. He emerged from them, grateful for the cooling breeze. His rising body heat had nothing to do with the weather but everything to do with the hammering of his heart.'
After I finish Oil Barrons (5 book series) Kindle Edition, I will come back to Part-time Cowboys series. If you haven't read any of Marie Johnston's books, you really should because she has a little bit of everything for her readers. Enjoy and happy reading!
October 23, 2018
Rancher in Training started out as a tough one for me. Since I had read about Jesse in a previous book, it took a while for me to warm up to his character after the bad deeds he’d done. Still, everyone deserves a second chance, right? Once I warmed up to Jesse, I became frustrated with the town and Farrah’s need to keep their relationship quiet. Although I understood why, it was frustrating! Still, Marie Johnston always comes through with her stories and while this one seemed to have no possible good ending, it was very well written and a great one! I’m happy I had the opportunity to read it!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
November 5, 2022
Ex-con rancher
Jesse is out of prison and returning to Moore to be near his sister but it's also where he got into trouble. Deputy Farah treats him like the ex-con he is when she doesn't believe he's in the middle of doing a good deed. This story was up and down for me. I was frustrated with the level of distrust and suspicion directed at him for no reason. It seems more people should have been willing to give him a chance. There was plenty of heat between him and Farah and the story developed well.
Jesse is out of prison and returning to Moore to be near his sister but it's also where he got into trouble. Deputy Farah treats him like the ex-con he is when she doesn't believe he's in the middle of doing a good deed. This story was up and down for me. I was frustrated with the level of distrust and suspicion directed at him for no reason. It seems more people should have been willing to give him a chance. There was plenty of heat between him and Farah and the story developed well.
March 3, 2020
Okay just
Normally like this author but struggled to like Farah and felt that she was a wimp when it came to her work environment and colleagues. Jesse’s character was extremely likeable and the romance was not without its issues. Felt the troublemakers were key off too easily.Would read Caleb’s story.
Normally like this author but struggled to like Farah and felt that she was a wimp when it came to her work environment and colleagues. Jesse’s character was extremely likeable and the romance was not without its issues. Felt the troublemakers were key off too easily.Would read Caleb’s story.
June 29, 2020
Really enjoyed this story!
I am out of order in reading this series, but it was just as good! Regretfully the author used the same term for horseback riding by just putting 'horse' which to a use-be cowgirl is like dumping a bucket of ice water over my head! It was a incredibly good storyline though and loved how he helped though out the whole story!
I am out of order in reading this series, but it was just as good! Regretfully the author used the same term for horseback riding by just putting 'horse' which to a use-be cowgirl is like dumping a bucket of ice water over my head! It was a incredibly good storyline though and loved how he helped though out the whole story!
August 17, 2022
Jesse was a convict nothing major but a convict just the same. When he met Farah when he was in jail it was a nice fantasy to have and now that she lives right next door maybe he can turn his fantasy into reality.
As attracted as she is to Jessie she can’t risk her job but the more they see each other the harder it is for her.
As attracted as she is to Jessie she can’t risk her job but the more they see each other the harder it is for her.
March 26, 2022
This is a short story above finding love in a small town and overcoming obstacles. Jesse has paid his debt and trying to keep it together for his sister and her family. Then he falls in love with the deputy who has issues that she has to deal with as well.
October 12, 2022
This was a sweet story about trying to overcome your past. Jesse had done prison time for arson and wanted to change his ways and make amends. Through hard work and controlling his temper, he was proving he had changed.
August 27, 2023
Mechanic to Rancher
When Jesse came back to town it was only to see his sister. Faran was deputy sheriff who found him working on a neighbor's truck on the side of the road. He was sure eye-catching never believe that he had permission.
When Jesse came back to town it was only to see his sister. Faran was deputy sheriff who found him working on a neighbor's truck on the side of the road. He was sure eye-catching never believe that he had permission.
June 3, 2025
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this series starter from Marie Johnston. Her characters are so relatable, the hardworking flawed blue-collar individuals and first responders that make up the world. Steamy with a great plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series starter from Marie Johnston. Her characters are so relatable, the hardworking flawed blue-collar individuals and first responders that make up the world. Steamy with a great plot.
November 3, 2018
Worth the wait!
I loved it! I am sad to have read the whole thing all in one day. Jesse’s story was the one I was most hoping for in a spin off, so excited for this.
I loved it! I am sad to have read the whole thing all in one day. Jesse’s story was the one I was most hoping for in a spin off, so excited for this.
February 3, 2019
3.5 Stars
December 3, 2022
Good storyline filled with action and adventure. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
August 11, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
Read
October 12, 2024DNF 12%
September 5, 2022
Good character development. Farah and Jesse had good chemistry. The plot may have lagged a bit in the middle and the solution to the obstacles keeping Farah and Jesse apart may have happened a bit too easily, but it was still a very entertaining story with a satisfying HEA.
March 18, 2020
Not great but not horrible..
Read
November 14, 2018I stopped reading the Walker 5 series as it got a bit dull to me, so imagine my surprise when I gave this one a go and enjoyed it. I liked that Johnston tackled a very real problem (rehabilitation of felons) in a light-hearted romance. Jesse was pretty awesome. Farah was a bit of a scaredy-cat, which annoyed me. The resolution wasn't super realistic, but that's not why I read romance anyway.
May 17, 2019
Likeable characters and some nice character growth.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews