The Montana Rancher (The Endeavour Ranch of Grand, Montana, #3) by Paula Altenburg

The Montana Rancher (The Endeavour Ranch of Grand, Montana, #3) Reviews

• 
  Happily Ever After Romance

  
  Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
  
  The Montana Rancher brings The Endeavour Ranch of Grand, Montana to a close, and what an emotional ending it was. We’ve had bits and pieces, hints of Ryan’s past throughout this series but it all comes together here… and it is heart-wrenching. There are secrets we’ve all been waiting to learn in Ryan and Elizabeth’s romance so in order to not reveal anything I’m going to keep this one short.
  
  When Elizabeth came to the Endeavor Ranch for the ranch’s social worker position she could have never imagined that her future would be wrapped up in these troubled teens or in the elusive, annoying man who oversees it all. She carries her own baggage with her in the memories of her murdered sister and is determined to help these young men heal, make better choices, and become the good, strong men she believes she can see in them now. But, Ryan, now that is a whole different situation. She’d just as soon kiss him as she would smack him – and that is a most unexpected reaction to her new boss. Oh, he knows the right buttons to push to get her riled up but she’s on to his game, and two can play it.
  
  I wish I could say that I loved Ryan but I didn’t. While I understood him better once his secrets were fully revealed I still could barely like him. It came down to the fact that Elizabeth loved him, and his friends (brothers) loved and trusted him before I could feel that he even deserved Elizabeth or their future together. That’s not meant harshly, Ryan was simply a difficult man for me to love but those important to him did so that was enough for me. (sometimes it happens that way)
  
  I’ve enjoyed this series. While I might have guessed at some of the secrets, I certainly enjoyed learning everything that made this series so good. We run into familiar faces once again, find a happy ending for two total opposites, and say goodbye to a satisfying, enjoyable series. Now the wait to see what this amazing author brings us next.
  
  I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*
• 
  Sue

  I received this arc of The Montana Rancher by Paula Altenburg. The views in my review are entirely my own. This is the third book in The Endeavour Ranch of Grand, Montana series. I’ve read all 3 books in this series so far plus other books of Paula’s that also take place in Grand. This is a wonderful series about three college friends who end up inheriting the large Endeavour ranch and the money to keep it running. There has been some suspense around the true story of the inheritance as well as Ryan’s real background story. Book 3 is Ryan O’Connell’s story. He is the one in the group of 3 that is responsible for the day to day running of the ranch. Also, he is busy setting up a couple of philanthropic endeavors, rodeo and a boys group home.
  
  As the book opens, a woman named Elizabeth Benson has arrived to the ranch to interview for the job of Case Manager for the youth group home for troubled teenage boys. Ryan didn’t set up the interview, one of his partners did and he’s not wanting Elizabeth to work there. He tries to scare her off but she’s stubborn and has made up her mind she is staying. She has the proper credentials and is not worried about issues with the troubled boys. She and Ryan but heads on how strict to be with the boys. After a couple of instances where Ryan has allowed his protective nature to show up, they start developing feelings toward the other. One of the boys has pulled some antics toward them that Ryan has had to come down hard about.
  
  Both Elizabeth and Ryan have witnessed some horrible crimes against their family members. Ryan has always kept his past a mystery but as he and Elizabeth get closer, he starts sharing his secrets. Also, they give in to growing feelings and begin a sexual relationship. The two of them realize that it isn’t just sex but there’s strong feelings. As surprises come up there is a lot of angst and suspense over what will happen to the couple. It is a compelling book to read with all the tragedy each has had in their pasts. Ryan has become much more likable as the book progresses. Elizabeth is a wonderful person and perfect for Ryan. This is a five star read that I highly recommend..
• 
  Eileen

  4.5/5 I enjoyed Elizabeth and Ryan’s story in The Montana Rancher by Paula Altenburg, book three in the Grand, Montana series; a story of walls being breached, life being changed, and answers finally given. Ryan O’Connell, the mysterious billionaire, finally gets his story. One full of surprises. Ryan has a number of secrets, not even his best friends Dan and Dallas know. He is closed off but trusting of his two friends. Ryan has been the one to oversee the money the three inherited along with the Endeavor Ranch. Despite his friends have found love, Ryan knows that marriage, and especially a family, are not the future he wants. Elizabeth Benson comes from a wealthy Chicago family whose past includes the tragic murder of her sister. She is now working towards her PhD as a social worker for troubled kids. When an opening for a social worker is offered at the ranch she drives to Montana for an interview.
  
  From the moment Ryan and Elizabeth meet, the attraction is obvious; except Ryan is not looking for love. Ryan has a past not even his friends know about. Elizabeth is also keeping secrets and has no desire to fall in love. Somehow, fate has a way of meddling and as time goes on, feelings develop; consequences occur, feelings are hurt. Ryan’s past and emotional issues are what make him the man he is today, but he is unsure if he would be able to change who he is. Opening themselves up to love could give them the future they need rather than allowing fears to keep them apart.
  
  Ms. Altenburg wrote a wonderful story that should definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and endearing characters giving Elizabeth and Ryan a chance at love and a happy future together. I highly recommend The Montana Rancher to other readers.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
  
• 
  Shelagh

  The Montana Rancher is third in Paula Altenburg’s Grand, Montana series, which is centred around three friends, who inherited the enormous Endeavour Ranch, billions of dollars and a string of provisos that has each of them assessing their values and their place in the world. This story is Ryan’s. He’s a man of many secrets, but his shields begin to drop as he gets to know Elizabeth, the social work program manager he’s hired to work with the troubled teens they’ve taken on. These two have a terrific love-hate dynamic going on from the first time they meet. Pint-sized Elizabeth knows just how to push Ryan’s buttons and of course the sparks fly between them. Their story flows well and ends on a lovely high.
• 
  Laura D

  This is Ryan's story and the third book in the series. Three friends inherit the Endeavour Ranch and billions of dollars. In this book we learn the truth behind the inheritance. When Elizabeth is brought on as the social worker for the troubled boys at the ranch Ryan has his concerns. Elizabeth is too small and attractive to be around troubled boys. While trying to persuade her to leave he falls for her, hard. He knows he should stay away from her so his past doesn't touch her. The problem is that he can't. The heart wants what the heart wants. There are a few unexpected things that pop up to explain Ryan and Elizabeth's separate pasts. Good read!
• 
  Sarah

  I really liked Elizabeth she was a fighter and ready to help those who took something so precious from her. She was so fun and feisty and one of my favorite characters in the book. I also really liked Dallas and Dan they were friends who you always want in your corner. I was not a huge fan of Ryan I really wanted to like him especially because of all the good he was doing, I just felt like he was the a big know it all and came off like a jerk. Over all this book was ok it does contain adult situations and topics that may not be suitable for all readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
• 
  Paula Pugh

  Secretive Ryan holds the reins on how the money for Endeavor Ranch is used by him, Dan and Dallas. He is closed off but trusting of his two friends. Marriage and especially family are not for him.
  Enter Elizabeth, hired as the social worker for the ranch’s boys home and the only female on the property. Also enter a love Ryan cannot stop even if he tried.
  A story of walls being breached and of life being changed and of answers finally given. Great story and characters.
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Jennifer

  I was super excited to discover Ryan’s story. It made so much sense. The writing, the secondary stories within the stories, the locations, and characters were great. The only wish I had, was that the last parts of the book would have given me more. One short paragraph to wrap up a secondary story, was not really enough for me, but it has to be and I get it. I wanted more. So, I am happy to see a book 4 (although these can be read by themselves), to see what else happens on the Endeavor Ranch!
• 
  Germán (Taylor’s Version)

  1/5
  
  I’m so sorry. I really didn’t like the book, the characters did not connect with me and I found them insufferable. The story is really quick, there’s no development or tension, it’s literally how to get from point A to B with some explicit scenes in between.
  
  Fav Quote: “I love you, Elizabeth. I knew you'd turn my whole life upside down the moment you showed up for your job interview, and you did.”
• 
  Donnajo

  I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
  
  The Montana Rancher by Paula Altenburg. A great story and great
  addition to the Grand, Montana series. I loved the setting, characters,
  and storyline of this book.
• 
  Louise Bird

  Excellent book, I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
• 
  Christina Montminy

  Loved it!!! Author Paula Altenburg has kept the most elusive of the three friends for last & it was well worth it. I didn’t want to put it down. This book has everything I look for in a book, there’s humour & charm, angst on both sides of the relationship, there’s a smaller problem going on in the background that leaks into the relationship & there’s chemistry that explodes at first sight of each other & there’s the oops factor that always happens to the most intriguing heroes. I found all of this & more as we watch Ryan finally fall hard for Elizabeth & come to terms with his past & the truth about the inheritance the three friends received. Definitely recommend.
• 
  Christine~justlovemybooks.com blog~

  I've been wondering about the mysterious, broody Ryan since the previous book. I had my suspicions, and while I my guess was close, there were still aspects of Ryan that surprised me when revealed. I'll be honest, I didn't find Ryan very likable for most of the book, understandably so. That said, I was able to put my bit of dislike aside because Elizabeth was so great. Both Ryan and Elizabeth are as opposite as can be. Almost from the beginning their personalities clashed despite the attraction and chemistry present. I'm not going into details because you should decided for yourselves whether or not you'll love the main characters.
  
  In this particular edition of The Endeavour Ranch romance series, the premise revolves around the ranch sponsoring and rehabilitating trouble teenaged boys. That aspect of this book was intriguing and gave the storyline some unpredictability and a strong complexity in all the characters. Elizabeth was hired as the social worker and often found herself on Ryan's bad side. Ryan has his doubts whether or not Elizabeth was the best person for the job and that aspect is where most of the novel's angst evolved from.
  
  All in all an enjoyable read. While I was given an advanced reading copy of The Montana Rancher, this is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)