Harlequin Super Romance author, Claire McEwen, has done it again. In her third book, the last of the Contemporary Western Romance Trilogy, she has created yet another romance novel that was hard to put down. I began this reading adventure with Claire when I read her first book, A Ranch to Keep back in February of 2014. This was my first time reading a Harlequin romance and I was so pleasantly surprised. I fell in love with the characters and couldn’t put the book down. Eagerly I waited for book number two, More Than a Rancher (published in September 2014) that also showcased another great female character and once again I couldn’t put this book down. When Claire asked if I would like to read her third book in the trilogy just recently released, I couldn’t wait. Convincing the Rancher was just like the other two, inviting, intriguing, romantic and extremely satisfying. Meet three very real female characters, friends, devoted to each other with their own separate problems and emotions.

In this last book, Convincing the Rancher, which also takes place in Benson, California, a sleepy Northern California town. The author shows us the life of ranchers in this beautiful setting and life outside of the big city. While this story tackled an important environmental issue, it didn’t stray from the romance at all.

Meet Tess, the third girl in the group who doesn’t ever intent on settling down or having a relationship. Now that her two favorite girlfriends are happy and secure in their relationships, she begins to wonder is she missing out on something special too. That is until she meets Slaid Jacobs for the second time. The first time was a one-night stand, two years prior, which is Tess’s style. But there is something about Slaid, he is gorgeous and hot and she can’t stay away from their very passionate past. While Slaid is a single dad looking for a commitment, he is also Mayor of the small sleepy town. Tess is not interested. Or so she thinks. She loves the hustle and bustle of the big city, San Francisco, and she isn’t about relationships. Her past is jaded and even her two best girlfriends don’t even know about it. Can Tess overcome the loneliness and sadness of being a foster child in a messed up system and realize that life is meant to be shared with someone you love. Or will she continue to live her life in fear of relationships?

I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next! ( )