The Rancher's Temporary Engagement

Stacy Henrie

Feb 2018 · Sold by Harlequin

About this ebook

Undercover Fiancée

The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female! Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit. And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.

Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?

Ratings and reviews

The first Pinkerton agent hadn’t done anything to solve Edward Kent’s problem. Following menacing notes, his mysterious enemy is now stealing his horses. Edward’s housekeeper, a diligent reader of dime novels, appeals to him to hire another detective before things go from bad to worst. Edward had certainly not expected the new Pinkerton agent: Maggy Worthing, a lovely young woman. While unfazed by a female detective, Edward is suitably impressed when Maggy quickly uncovers new leads, which look promising, it’s just that Maggy’s cover, pretending to be his fiancée, will not be easy to deal with, as Edward has experienced a heartbreaking disappointment in the past. Trust Stacy Henrie to write a convincing nineteenth century self-sufficient woman! What is even more commendable is that there were female Pinkerton agents in 1898; this is but one of the fascinating historical details in THE RANCHER’S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT. I loved that the romance was not rushed, but deftly woven into the intrigue, as events made Maggy and Edward grow closer. Other nice touches are that Edward is English and that his household is very British in the very American West; also like Maggy, he has rebuilt his life after a painful loss. The fake fiancée trope works particularly well, because it really was the best way to dig for information regarding the threats, but it was also challenging because of Maggy and Edward’s pasts, and what a lovely romance it is! Maggy and Edward’s relationship is built on respect and trust; he’s a noble man, and thankfully very different from Maggy’s late husband, It is also Edward who helps Maggy to find her Faith again, and this constitutes a highlight of THE RANCHER’S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT; it is so subtly done, and so moving that I had tears in my eyes. Even readers who read little inspirational romance will agree that this is a very powerful scene because Maggy is reminded of happier times and what they entailed. THE RANCHER’S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT has great characters, elegant and prose so light and easy to read, that before I knew it, I had reached the superb conclusion, which was perfect in every way. Regardless of the era or type of story, I know I can always depend on Stacy Henrie to deliver, and she does it again with a detective story! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

About the author

Stacy Henrie has always loved history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy enjoys living out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator. Her books include HOPE AT DAWN, a 2015 RITA award finalist.