Romance Rancher and Old Flame; about a recovering alcoholic trying to save his family’s ranch. His sister is married and has an alpaca farm with her husband. His dad is in a wheelchair

[Tiffany]

I read this book last year. I cannot remember what the title is or author who wrote the story . The story I am looking for is about a recovering alcoholic trying to save his family’s ranch. His sister is married and has an alpaca farm with her husband. His dad is in a wheelchair living on the ranch and hasn’t spoken much in years. One night an old flame breaks in to the guest house from high school and has trouble written on her boot. He finds out she is up to something and came back for a reason. I have more I remember but didn’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it. Thanks in advance!

[Kris]

Tiffany, why did the hero become an alcoholic? Where is his mother?

Can you tell us more about the heroine - her job/skills/interests, how/when did they first meet, where is the heroine's home, etc.?

What's the tone - romantic angsty, steamy/clean, funny, etc.?

[Tiffany]

Kris, his mother left or died when he was young. He was an alcoholic but isn’t anymore to longer to save his ranch. Heroine: is running from the law/her ex boyfriend so she is kind of homeless. She goes in between jobs and sends money to save her sisters from their abusive father. She has a variety of skills. She starts to help him with the ranch duties. They end up getting her a trailer and she loves to garden. They met in school and became a couple in high school. It is a dramatic romance with some steamy parts.

[Kris]

Gambling on a Secret by Sara Walter Ellwood? The word "alpacas" appears in the book. (Google Books search - https://books.google.com/books?id=pA_...)

(www.worldcat.org > Advanced search > Keyword: stop drinking ranch romance | Non-Juvenile | Fiction | Book | English)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Tiffany, are you still looking for this or did you find it?