Books & Spoons Review ONCE A RANCHER by Linda Lael Miller

The Carsons of Mustang Creek: three men who embody the West and define what it means to be a rancher, a cowboy and a hero in this brand-new series from the queen of Western romance.

Slater Carson might be a businessman by trade, but he’s a cowboy at heart—and he knows the value of a hard day’s work under the hot Wyoming sun. So when he sees troubled teen Ryder heading down a dangerous path, he offers the boy a job on the ranch he shares with his two younger brothers. And since Ryder’s temporary guardian is the gorgeous new resort manager, Grace Emery, Slater figures it can’t hurt to keep a closer eye on her as well…

Grace Emery doesn’t have time for romance. Between settling in to her new job and caring for her ex-husband’s rebellious son, her attraction to larger-than-life Slater is a distraction she can’t afford. But when the past catches up to her in Mustang Creek, she’ll discover just how far Slater will go to protect what matters most—and that love is always worth fighting for.

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​Refreshingly original, entertaining family saga, or at least the first part of it.
I honestly love this story, for many reasons, but any story that gets me to smile and laugh out loud, and tear up within the same page, has me so engaged with the tale and characters, that I have a hard time putting the book down, that story will get my vote.
I love the Carson family. The extended Carson family. And Mrs A. I have a feeling we would have a lot in common. The brothers are just crazy, adorable, annoying, and lovable, all at the same time. And Harry, I really want to spend a week in the kitchen with her.
Slater and Grace have amazing chemistry sizzling between them. And there's no such thing as 'formula', when it comes to this romantic story, no way. They fall head over the heels for each other, even though they try to fight it, at least for a week. Everything happens SO fast, it is insta everything, but it is also genuine, real, and certain. They are just oozing out joy, happiness, protectiveness, love, caring and understanding each other. They talk about things, when they get a minute in their busy lives, they see each other's weaknesses and strengths, but celebrate them, instead of making them a problem. They get each other, and are perfect, for each other, not as a person. The family unit they make, is a unique, but tells more about them as people, than anything else, how they form a bond of acceptance in a heart, and make them family. 
There are interesting, intriguing details in the story, that paint the picture of the events, in the least fact. The history of the area, the respect of the past, is imbedded into the story in a clever way. Just like the clever parenting advice, and life lessons are. 
This is one of those stories that I wanted to savor, while relishing it down. I adore the characters, they are all people I would love to get to know and hang out with, so real, positive, and filled with enthusiasm. The tale had some amazing one liners in it, things that I wrote down, and want to think about, words that made an impact, in the midst of all the romance and family disarray. I really hope the next instalment comes out quickly, since I already miss the cast and crew! 
~ Five Spoons

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