Review - Matt by R.C. Ryan

Title: Matt

Series: Malloys of Montana #1

Author: R.C. Ryan

Release Date: April 26, 2016

A MALLOYS OF MONTANA NOVEL

Wild Horses Couldn't Drag Him Away From Her

Raised beneath the big Montana sky, Matt Malloy was never meant to be a jet-setting businessman. But he'll do anything to protect the family ranch he shares with his brothers. Coming home after a two-week trip to Italy, Matt wants nothing more than to shed his suit and tie for a well-worn pair of jeans and ride his horse up to the cabin for some alone time. The last thing he needs is a big-city lawyer invading his privacy-even if she is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen . . . 

Vanessa Kettering has devoted her life to her work. As a passionate animal rights defender, she doesn't have room for anything else. But from the moment she meets Matt, she's taken with this rugged cowboy's lazy smile and tender touch. When a raging storm traps them inside his cabin for the night, one steamy kiss leads to another, sweeping them away with a force that's as wild and untamed as the land he loves. But when the morning light comes, will she lose her heart?

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There's not much that makes me happier than cracking open a new cowboy book—with the exception of closing one and finding myself completely satisfied with what I've read. And that's what happened with Matt, the first book in R.C. Ryan’s new series.

I've read one other series by this author—the Copper Creek Cowboys series—and enjoyed it immensely, despite some misgivings about the repetitious use of a conflict/drama trope. And although I could say possibly have said something similar here, Matt’s climax read differently, felt more tense, and I ultimately found myself very pleased with the round-up.

And it all had to do with the characters.

I really enjoyed both Matt and Vanessa. Matt for his family-orientated strength and resilience, and Vanessa for being brave and not relying on a knight in shining armor. They were likeable, sturdy characters, and their slow-burn romance was a real pleasure to read. Even through the edge of-your-seat moments, I found myself smiling and swooning over this pairing—a coupling that may have been quick in terms of time-frame, but that never felt rushed or contrived.

Plus, happily, there's a slew of secondary characters that make each moment that much more engaging. Gram Gracie—a fierce and independent woman who loves and is loved greatly by Frankie. Matt’s younger brothers, Luke and Reed, whose banter was amusing and whet my appetite for more. The Great One, with possibly the best nickname of all time. And Colin, who I truly hope we will see in his own story…perhaps with a certain new doctor?!

With all of these wonderful characters, and a heaping of sexy and suspenseful story, this book was much more than I expected. From Matt and Nessa’s first meeting to their sweet (if shorter than I might have liked) ending, past the drama and pain, Matt proved to be an excellent foundation for a new series of hot cowboy books that I can't wait to crack open. Like I said, there's not much that makes me happier than that. 

~ Review by Beth

Matt Malloy was raised on the family ranch in Montana. As Matt’s taken on the majority of the roles that require business management for the ranch, he finds himself traveling quite a bit and can't help but want to enjoy some solitude out in one of the many rustic cabins on their land. Peace and quiet until one gorgeous, animal rights lawyer shows up.

Vanessa Kettering has devoted herself to her passionate defense of wild animals, leaving little time for a social life. With an opportunity to interview Matt’s Grandmother, Vanessa ends up trapped by a raging storm with Matt in the cabin. Vanessa wasn't planning to find love out on the wild frontier, but when the storm is over, will the morning light reveal love budding on the horizon or heartbreak waiting to happen?

Who doesn't love a cowboy with a heart of gold who will do anything to protect his family and their ranch? I sure do! Add in the love of a wonderful woman, amazing, funny supportive friends and family, a bit of intrigue and peril and you have a winner in my book! I love the protective nature of Matt, his brothers, uncle, grandparents, and the rest of the ranch hands. I can't wait for the rest of their stories—I'm hoping for Colin and Anita, but I'll settle for Luke! 

~ Review by Missy

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer. 

In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News, and Good Morning America. 

R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan.

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Blog Tour - The Rebel of Copper Creek by R.C. Ryan

 

Title: The Rebel of Copper Creek

Series: Copper Creek Cowboys #2

Author: R.C. Ryan

Publisher: Forever Romance

Release Date: January 27, 2015

A love worth fighting for...

The last thing widow Juliet Grayson needs is a man in her life. Between caring for her two young sons and maintaining her husband's ranch, her hands are more than full. Then she meets Griff Warren. With his quiet strength and his easy way with her boys, she's tempted to trust him. But if there's anything she's learned, it's that love only leads to heartbreak.

Former Marine Griff Warren never thought he'd settle down. Rebellious and proud, he's always been on his own . . . until the father he never knew he had died, leaving him with land that is his legacy and brothers to share the load. He doesn't need more than that. But Juliet touches something deep inside him—and he wants nothing more than to protect her and her sons. Now if only he can convince her to take a second chance at true love.

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AMAZON US / UK

Saddle up, ladies. You want a sweet and swoony cowboy story? Here it is, beautifully written. I love this series.

So happy the newly discovered son of the MacKenzie family, Griff, got his own book! He is a sexy former Marine working on his father’s farm. You can't get any more manly than that. And, of course, he is a gentleman.

This story had me smiling for almost all of it. Of course, there has to be a little drama and jealousy on a ranch full of buff cowboys and a scarce amount of available women. The way Griff patiently fights his feelings for new ranch owner, Juliet is powerful and tear jerking. Along with two super adorable kiddos by her side, it makes it even cuter story. This is a perfect, romantic read with a fair amount of action.

Looking forward to another cowboy in the series....maybe self proclaimed playboy of the town, Whit? 5 (Romeo) stars

~ Review by Krissy

 

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and being a lover all things cowboy, I was very keen to get my hands on Griff's story... And I really enjoyed it suspense, the romance and the, you know, cowboy-ness of it. What? Totally a word!

After eight years as a Marine, learning the land and his new brothers is more than enough for Griff Warren, a man that grew up with no family.

Juliet Grayson is struggling with her new life in Copper Creek. Widowed and with two young sons, Juliet is determined to do something useful with the land she inherited from her husband.

But when she meets broody, kind Griff, she's drawn to him in a way she wasn't expecting. And when danger come looking for her, she find herself leaning on him for support. Can they let go of their pasts and face the future together?

The Rebel of Copper Creek was a really enjoyable read - one I enjoyed even more than its predecessor. It was a mixture of mystery and romance, and I have to say, although I figured it out early on, I really enjoyed the back-and-forth as the characters tried to make sense of what was happening. Unfortunately for me, there wasn't much movement on the mystery that carried over from book one though. I was most definitely hoping for more answers.

Griff was a highlight for me from The Maverick of Copper Creek, and RC Ryan did an excellent job of padding-out his backstory and making him gruff but lovable, serious but kind, and completely swoon-worthy. He was well matched with Juliet, who frustrated me at times with her indecision, but admired for her strength. Their chemistry with each and with her boys was spot on and very endearing.

Once again, the fun and interesting secondary characters shared their insights and this go around, I found it to added to the story rather than distract from it. There was a fantastic balance between Griff and Juliet, and the rest of the Copper Creek crew. I can't wait for more from these cowboys (and their mysteries) and I'll be waiting for the next book with bated breath.

The Rebel of Copper Creek second book in the Copper Creek Cowboys series. It can be read standalone. No cliffhanger. 4.5 stars

~ Review by Beth

 

She opened a second door to reveal a bathroom fit for a queen, with a tub and shower big enough for an army, a lovely oval sink and mirror, and all of it done in shades of white marble.

She turned to him with a look of alarm.  “Oh, Griff.  I don’t belong here.”

He merely smiled.  “Neither do I.   But I won’t tell if you don’t.”  His smile grew.  “I say we just kick back and enjoy all this until they discover we’re frauds.”

She tried to laugh, but it came out in a sigh. 

Before she could say more he touched a finger to her lips.  Just a touch, but they both looked stunned at his boldness.

He lowered his hand and took a step back.  “I’d better say goodnight and get out of here.”

“Wait.”  She caught his hand and held it tightly.  “Just stay a minute more.  I’m feeling overwhelmed.”

His smile was quick and charming.  “I’m feeling overwhelmed myself.  But it’s not the room, it’s the woman in it.”

“Don’t joke, Griff.”

His smile disappeared.  “It’s no joke.  And if I don’t leave you right now, I just might not make it out of here.”

He got as far as the door before turning to look at her.  That was his downfall.  In quick strides he crossed the room and grabbed her in a fierce embrace.

“I almost made it.”  The words were whispered against her temple as he began brushing hot, wet kisses down the side of her face until she turned her head slightly and his lips found hers.  “I know you told me you don’t like this.” His voice was a rough growl of desperation.

 “That’s what I said.  But right this minute I can’t tell you that, Griff.”  She clung to him.  “I need you hold me, just for a minute.”

“If I stay for a minute, it could turn into hours.  I may not be able to leave at all.  In fact, it’s already too late. I know what touching you does to me.”

And then he took the kiss deep, nearly devouring her. 

Her body was crushed against him, her heartbeat wildly matching his.  The feel of her ragged breath, her pounding pulse, added more fuel to the fire that raged through him.

“Wait, Griff.  I need a minute…”

Her words barely penetrated the fog that seemed to have taken over his control.

Instead of doing as she asked, he backed her across the room until they were stopped by the press of the wall against her back.  They barely noticed the bump of their bodies as they continued the kiss until they were nearly crawling inside each other’s skin.

He was so hot he could barely catch a breath.  Lifting his head, he breathed deeply before lowering his face to hers.  “I could stay the night.  I could…”

She lifted a hand to his mouth.  “Wait.  Stop.  I need to think.”

“I can’t think.  My brain…”  He sucked in air, hoping to clear his mind.

“We can’t do this.”  She put a hand to his chest.

“I know.  I know.”  He caught her hand in his.  “I’ll go.”

As he started to turn away she lifted herself on tip toe to brush his mouth with hers.  “I don’t want you to, but I know I need to send you away.”

He half-turned back to her.  “I don’t have to…”

“Yes.  No.”  She breathed deeply.  “Yes.  Go.”

His hands closed around her shoulders.  “Was that no?  Or go?”

She looked up at the same moment he looked down.  They bumped noses, then both burst into laughter.

They laughed so hard they clung together, shaking and laughing.

He pressed his forehead to hers and managed another shaky breath.  “Okay.  At least I know we’re both crazy.”  He held her a little away and stared deeply into her eyes before giving a groan.  “I’m going now.  Just…”  He backed away.  “…don’t touch me or I won’t make it.”

She stayed where she was, watching as he backed across the room.  Straightening his shoulders he turned and opened the door.  He stepped out and pulled it firmly shut behind him.

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety novels, both contemporary and historical.  Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer. In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan.  She has also appeared on CNN News, and Good Morning America. R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan.

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