The final installment in Joanne Kennedy's heartwarming Cowboys of Decker Ranch series, How to Wrangle a Cowboy is a sweet love story that is healing and uplifting.

Lindsey Ward and her grandfather Bud parted on bitter terms and unfortunately he passed away before they could mend the rift between them. Despite their estrangement, she is stunned to discover she will inherit the family ranch instead of her beloved grandmother, Grace. Lindsey is disillusioned by a stranger's claim against the estate but in an effort to protect her grandfather's memory, she keeps the situation from her grandmother and their trusted ranch foreman, Shane Lockhart. Trying to handle the predicament on her own, Lindsey considers selling the ranch, but can she bear to part with her grandfather's legacy?

Recently divorced and still trying to recover financially, Lindsey deeply regrets not acting sooner to make amends with her grandfather. Her grandmother is quick to assure her that Bud harbored no ill feelings toward her and that he wanted nothing but happiness for her. Lindsey would like nothing better than to remain on the ranch but she needs to raise a large sum of money in a short amount of time in order to keep information about her grandfather from becoming public knowledge. She turns to Shane for advice and they immediately lock horns over her plans.

Shane is one of three foster brothers who spent their teenage years on a neighboring ranch. He is deeply scarred by the damage inflicted by his drug addicted parents and his experiences with some of his foster families. Recently reunited with his six year old son, Cody, Shane is protective of those he loves and he finds it very difficult to trust that his good fortune will last.

Sparks fly between Shane and Lindsey from the very beginning and they spend a great deal of the story giving in to their attraction only to have their issues come between them time and again. Shane remains emotionally closed off, distant and mistrusting of Lindsey's plans while her experiences with her ex-husband leave her zealously guarding her independence. Lindsey is quick to make assumptions about Shane without discussing things with him first and this causes friction between them on more than one occasion. Their relationship is fraught with tension as lack of communication and trust take their toll on their fragile romance.

How to Wrangle a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy is a deliciously steamy contemporary Western romance. Shane and Lindsey are multi-faceted protagonists whose life experiences have left them a bit wary and guarded as they try to protect themselves from further pain and disappointment. The plot is engaging but it is a little busy since multiple story arcs occur simultaneously. The novel wraps up with a heartfelt epilogue that is quite sweet. A wonderful conclusion to the Cowboys of Decker Ranch series that old and new fans are sure to love.
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