Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

I can't recall ever reading any books by this author before.  It will not be the last.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  O thought this book was loosely based on the prodigal son in the New Testament.  Colt being the prodigal and Nick the younger jealous son.  They both have a lot to overcome with Sam, their father as he was not the best of fathers.

 Colt can't wait for his finances to turn around so he can head back to New York.  What he doesn't anticipate is how quickly he adapts to ranch life again and how at peace he is.  He keeps butting heads with the house manager Angelina.  She is a person to be reckoned with.  She will not put up with Colt and Nick arguing with each other.  She has a rolling pin to remind them of that fact.

Angelina has a secret she is not willing to share with anyone.  She runs the house with a firm hand.  She takes no nonsense from anyone.  It's fun to watch Colt and Angelina dance around their feelings for each other.  Neither one is wanting to fall in love.  Both have been hurt by past relationships. 

I look forward to reading the next installment in the Double S Ranch Series.

I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any.