The Ranger

Julia Justiss

Jul 2021 · The McAllister Brothers Book 3 · Tule Publishing

About this ebook

He can’t resist a puzzle…

When Texas Ranger Brice McAllister spies a sexy woman in short shorts gardening in her backyard, he can’t help but flirt. She shuts him down hard, and Brice is astonished when he realizes this alluring woman is also the aloof and dowdy librarian—complete with thick-framed glasses and a shapeless dress—who helped him research land deeds earlier that day. He’s instantly intrigued and sets out to discover more—namely, why she’s clearly hiding herself.

She can’t attract attention...

After one side of her crime family is involved in her fiancé’s death, Maria Giordano puts half a continent between herself and her L.A. home and family. She moves to Whiskey River and reinvents herself as “Mary,” a serious and plain librarian. Her only indulgence is her garden and cooking with her neighbor’s young daughter. And then she meets Brice.

Maria has every reason to avoid and resent a man with a badge, but when she needs protection, the last man she thinks she can trust is the first one she turns to.

Ratings and reviews

Brice and Mary's tale in The Ranger by Julia Justiss, book three in her McAllister Brothers series, is a story of finding love after tragedy and learning to trust. Texas Ranger Brice McAllister has always been there to help and protect everyone, but he’s been hurt and is no longer looking for love. Mary Williams/Maria Giordano reinvented herself and relocated after the death of her fiancé. She was so not ready for another serious relationship. Brice recognized a kindred spirit and slowly works his magic to get Mary to trust him, to spend time with him, to open up to him; to allow their attraction to bloom. This sweet love story has a little drama and a whole lot of cuteness in the form of a little girl named Bunny; Mary’s neighbor and Brice’s goddaughter. Bunny played a large part in getting Brice and Mary together. Although I enjoyed this story, and the series, but wish there had been a little more resolution to the troubles at the ranch. Ms. Justiss wrote a sweet, slow-burn romance filled with strong magnetism, intense chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Brice and Mary a chance at love and a future together. I highly recommend The Cowboy to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Used to women tripping over themselves to flirt with him, Brice McAllister is taken aback when the local research librarian shuts him down. Given his training, he quickly realizes that there is more to her aloofness, prompting him to search out her background. For the first time in years, Mary feels an answering spark when she comes face to face with the Ranger, but her background and history make it difficult for her to respond to him. I found this warm-hearted novel tender and romantic but following on from the previous two books, I was expecting a little more suspense and perhaps some resolution to the problems the McAllisters were experiencing. The addition of two little girls brought some humor to the plot and certainly the small-town setting brought out interesting characters. I received a copy of this sweet romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I enjoyed this story a lot. Mary was running from her past and family and found a wonderful family in the McAllisters and their extended family. Brice was able to tempt her to move toward the future, and he was very patient with her all the way along. I loved this couple, and I recommend this story and series. I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.