We finally get to know more about the Morgan baby sister, Rachel. The things she went through, while too young to even know what she was going through, are just tragic. It’s no wonder she is full of insecurities. Not just about her place in the Morgan family, but her place with her step-dad and his new life.

Cauy is a prickly guy, but it’s very evident right from the start that he’s actually a very nice man. He just has a hard time interacting with others. Not only are his social skills lacking, but he also has leftover prejudices from his deceased father when it comes to the Morgan family and their ranch. Of course, Ruth Morgan ignores all of that and, before Cauy even knows what’s happening, he’s taken into the fold by all of the Morgan clan.

There is instant chemistry with Cauy and Rachel, even if he is quite a jerk when they first meet. Just because you think someone is a jerk doesn’t mean you can’t be attracted to them. As much as Cauy is a loner and isn’t interested in getting involved with his neighbors, let alone have a relationship with one of them, he can’t deny the attraction.

Rachel really understands Cauy in a way not many people do. She sees that he’s just not comfortable in crowds and gives him quite a bit of leeway when his prickly attitude comes out in uncomfortable situations. She also calls him on his attitude and doesn’t usually take too much of it herself.

As much as I love the relationship that develops with Cauy and Rachel, and meeting more people in the community that can help expand this series for longer, I feel some things could have been explored a bit more. All of Rachel’s brothers somehow feel she had it easy since she was too young to remember her mother’s manic episodes and she lived out a relatively “normal” life once their mom got remarried. Nobody really asks Rachel what it was really like growing up with their mom. There is a heartbreaking scene with HW and Rachel that a lot of that laundry is finally aired. I would have loved to see more of that type of connection and revelation with the rest of the family though. The same goes for Cauy. There is a lot that man has been through. It seems there could have been a bit of a deeper dive into his past.

This story is still amazing and really gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, and rejoiced. What more can I ask for in a book?

** I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and given freely. **

This review can also be found at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/the-rancher-book-review/