The Cowboy’s Unexpected Love is the first book in the new, sweet n steamy, western romance series from USA Today Bestselling author SJ McCoy.
The MacFarland Ranch series takes us back to Paradise Valley, Montana, where the winters are cold and hard, and the cowboys are hot and harder.
Wade MacFarland is one of life’s good guys. He built and runs a guest lodge on the family ranch. His marriage to his high school sweetheart ended in bitter divorce years ago, his only consolation being that they didn’t have kids. He’s not looking for love anymore, but he’d be happy if it found him.
What he doesn’t expect is to find love sitting in a ditch on the side of the highway – in a wedding dress.
Sierra Hartford is running from her wedding – and running for her life. The life that she’s never been in charge of. She’s the heiress to Hartford Enterprises, and with her father and brother dead, she’s a billionaire in her own right.
Running from someone who plans to kill her lands her in the arms of a kind, sexy cowboy who makes her want a whole new life.
And if simply staying alive wasn’t enough to deal with, Sierra’s also about to become the adoptive mom to two small children. She’s never met them, but she’s determined to give them a good life. She might be falling hard for Wade, but he’s divorced because he didn’t want children.
He didn’t expect her to come into his life, how can she expect him to accept the children?
Pick up your copy of this sweet and steamy romance and you’ll laugh and cry with Wade and Sierra as they discover that unexpected love can be the very best kind.
Hi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
2.5 Stars I'm really not having a good run at the moment. I'm probably being harsh with this one but i just found it boring. I skimmed from 60% to 90% because i just wanted to know the final drama portion and get it over with 😬
I also have to admit that i think this book introduced me to one of the most awkward yet boring sex scenes in my reading history. It's time for a re-read of something so i can avoid another disappointment.
I don't know what it is but this is THE THIRD BOOK where the female character is either a digital designer or an artist. Are these books coming out of the same factory? Seems like it.
Also sure, the runaway bride is suddenly the ideal woman and after what? 14 DAYS we say I love you because of course.
And the whole thing in the end? Don't even get me started. The children too? Absolutely BS. Wasn't even a coherent story, really. I don't know why the scoring of this is so high but yall really need to read better books.
What a sweet and heartwarming book! I love Ms. McCoy’s writing and this book is one of my favorites. This book even had some suspense it in. I couldn’t believe how Sierra’s ex fiancé treated her and what he had planned for her after their wedding. She may have been a very trusting person, but I was glad to see her take off before the wedding. What a blessing that she went off the road in Montana where Wade and his brother Ford were driving by and helped her. I think Wade was taken with her the minute her saw her. This was a little odd as he sure didn’t plan on have feelings for someone after his divorce. I loved Wade and thought he was the most handsome, thoughtful and loving cowboy I have ever seen. He had such a kind heart and wanted to do what he could to help Sierra trust herself again. Her ex was such a cruel person and only wanted her money. There were people around the McFarland ranch that wanted to protect Sierra and made her feel safe. Sierra has such a kind heart and was going to take in two beautiful children and adopt them after their parents were brutally killed. Wade and Sierra’s love story just melted my heart. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
The Cowboy’s Unexpected Love I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review . The first book of a new series, can it get any more exciting than this? Set in a familiar location (if you’ve read SJ’s other series) this book begins to explore a whole new family of cowboys and girls. The MacFarland clan have been born and raised in the valley, but they never had a rosy start. Sierra has accidentally landed by the roadside in the valley after running out on her wedding day. Like fully running out in wedding dress and all, driving for hours before coming up with a plan to visit a friend who lives in the valley, only she runs her rental off the road and is stuck as the light grows dim. Thankfully Ford and Wade happen upon her and Wade, wades in to her rescue! Sierra ends up staying for a few weeks until she can sort out other issues before returning to her life in the city. The billionaire heiress finds herself tempted by a quick rebound fling with the sexy cowboy until they realise they cannot say goodbye. The unexpected in this book are heart-warming to say the least and the way everything works its way out and our couple find their way to each other with a little friendly shove here and there is great. Yet again, I have a favourite book, but suspect this could change when the next one comes out.
If you love SJ McCoy stories, you’ll love book 1 of her new series. This is the love-story of Wade and Sierra, it also includes a fantastic cast of secondary characters, in particular Wade’s brothers and sister. This was an easy read, with slight suspense at the end, I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to Janey & Rocket’s story! Only reason I knocked a star off the 5 stars is that this story was insta love, like they fell in love in the space of a week! I struggled to get my head around those details, other then that I enjoyed this book, looking forward to the next one
This is a book about Cowboys, runaway bride, love and suspense. The rich heiress runs a way from her wedding after over hearing the groom to be plotting her death. She's rescued by the handsome cowboy and his family, and learns what it means to be truly loved. Soooo good. This is a must read. Thanks SJ McCoy for the ARC. Can't wait for more. ❤❤
The Cowboy's Unexpected Love is the first book in the MacFarland Ranch series. This is good story even though it is a bit predictable. This is Sierra and Wade's story.
Sierra is a runaway bride after finding out her fiancé is not who she thought he was. Now she is not only running from a horrible man, but she is running for her life.
Wade is a Cowboy through and through. As head of the MacFarland Ranch he has focused all of his time on making the ranch successful, especially after his divorce three years ago. He still has hope that he will find the right love and marry again.
Sierra is a vision in a wedding dress on the side of the road when Wade and his brother find her. They have an instant connection and Wade can't help but want to be there for her. Their relationship takes off pretty quickly, but they friendzone each other off the bat. She was supposed to be on her honeymoon and he does not want to take advantage of her. They begin to form a tight connection and learn from one another. She finds out what is like to truly be taken care of by a good man and he learns that true love can lead to marriage and kids with the right person and can feel so right.
There were some weird moments in this story and the back and forth got a little tiring after a while. The ex-fiancé and that storyline was a little anticlimactic and hard to believe if I am being honest. I am not sure how well it fit into the overall vibe of the book. The secondary characters where good and the author sets them all up to have their own stories told. This book has an overall good storyline, some sexy time, romance, good characters and HEA. Overall I enjoyed this book and these two characters together. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
THE COWBOY'S UNEXPECTED LOVE is a standalone read with a happy ending. There are sexy scenes if you have an issue with that. Wade and his brother are driving home on a lonely stretch of road when they spot a disabled car on the side of the road and a woman in a wedding dress standing beside it. Of course being good cowboy's they stop. First she sees Ford, the dark broody brother and then the other door opens and out steps Wade. Mr. Sunshine himself. Her face lights up. It is love at first sight for both of them.
They fix her car and head for the ranch. It is getting dark and there is nothing else along this road. At the ranch, the lodge and cabins are all booked so Wade takes her home with him and gives her his bed. Sierra tells him her story and they figure out a plan. There is more to this than meets the eye. The little lady is in trouble and she needs the help of the MacFarland brothers.
This is the beginning of a new series. It is going to be good. All these big, handsome cowboys are just ripe for the picking if the right girls come along ....and they will. This is a good, fun read and I definitely recommend it. Wade winds up with more than he bargained for. It is all good and as always the big cowboys offer more than a little comfort. I really enjoyed the story, great ending. Looking forward to the next books.
I was not paid for this review. I am not an author nor do I know one. I am not kin to this writer. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 5* 11/20/2021.
What a great story! I really liked meeting the MacFarland family in Spider’s book and this book is a great start to the MacFarland Ranch series. I liked how Wade and Sierra met and of course the sparks were there between them from their initial meeting and I also liked the connection with Sierra and Cassidy. Of course, the MacFarland family comes together to protect Sierra. I liked how they involved Cash in this mission so to speak and I also like how he has his own contacts to make sure all parties involved are on the up and up. Of course, I was so very excited when Chance made his appearance and had his conversation with Wade and gave him his advice from his experience with Hope. I also liked how Sierra really came into her own being on the ranch and when the situation came up with Jared, she did what she had to do to make sure she and Amelia were going to be ok. I also liked Mateo and Maya and thought the ending was a great way to end Wade and Sierra’s story. I am intrigued with a maybe connection with Ford and Amelia and am looking forward to Rocket and Janey’s upcoming book.
You know it’s a good book when you find yourself smiling as you read.
This is the story of Wade and Sierra and omg I loved it, she’s a runaway bride and on a chance meeting, Wade comes to her rescue. When he finds out she’s a friend of a friend he offers her a place to hide and a chance to come to terms with what she’s escaped from.
Sierra is on her own, her family has passed away leaving her a billionaire but also vulnerable to people taking advantage of her. When she finds out her fiancé and friend have been plotting to get her money and kill her on the morning of her wedding she takes off with nothing but her wedding dress and a hire car. She drives hundreds of miles to Montana, after crashing into a ditch she meets the cowboy of her dreams Wade McFarland.
Sierra and Wade are attracted to each other but she lives hundreds of miles away and is about to adopt 2 children and Wade is divorced because he didn’t want children with his wife.
I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for more in the McFarland series.
This is the first in a new series and is Wade and Sierra’s story. Sierra overhears a conversation on her wedding day between her fiancé and her friend which has her on the run in her wedding dress to stay alive, and she heads to Montana where her friend lives. Wade is divorced and he has built and runs a guest lodge on his family’s ranch, and when he and his brother come to the rescue of a woman in her wedding dress with her car in the ditch, he is instantly drawn to Sierra. Sierra is a heiress who is going to adopt two small children within a few weeks, and she finds out that Wade never wanted children from his vindictive ex, which leaves her in a quandary. This is a beautifully written story which is emotionally charged, heartwarming, and is a sweet read, with humor, witty banter, suspense, family, and love, which leads to a steamy and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I always highly recommend.
Nice story. I love a book with added drama and mystery, friends and siblings who love each other and will go to the ends to the earth to be there for one another.
Here are some quotes from the first book of Sierra Hartford and Wade MacFarland -
"It's your choice to make...you only get one life; isn't it better to reach for something good even if you might not get it, even if you fall and get hurt? Isn't that better than never even hoping - than telling yourself that good things just aren't meant for you?" Page 200
"You don't find the truth of a relationship in months or years; you find the truth in moments. The moments that light you up, the ones that take your breath away and the ones that see your heart on fire, that's where you find it." Page 203
Check out the next book in this series: The Cowgirl's Unmistakable Love: Janey and Rocket (MacFarland Ranch Book 2) Enjoy and happy reading!
I was so excited to get started on a new SJ McCoy series. Book One of the MacFarlands did not disappoint.
Who doesn’t love a story that starts off with a bride in a wedding dress beside a car in a ditch on the side of the road. True to McCoy’s writing, it only gets better from there. I love the story of Wade and Sierra and sat in suspense to see what happened to Jared.
I can’t wait to see what happens to the remaining siblings in the rest of the series. I also enjoyed catching up with some of my favorite past characters.
I read this book straight through so make sure you have plenty of time and snacks before you get started.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
The Cowboy's Unexpected love by SJ McCoy - I love a good cowboy romance story and I love a series where you get to know all the characters in the town and they each have their own books! So looking forward to reading the next books in this series. When you least expect it love finds you. Wade was not looking for love when he pulled over the side of the road to help a lady in a bridal gown get her car out of the ditch! Sierra was fleeing from her nuptials and ran off the road, turns out that was the best thing that ever happened to her. Her ex Jared wasn't who she thought he was and it was very lucky she came to her senses before she tied the knot! Alas it was love at first sight and when it's true love it doesn't matter what is going on you find a way.
i don't need a hot dude on the cover, but those are always fun. to me a rural scene or whatnot is so much better. when you have similar dudes on all the cover it become so boring, like similar, be the different author, why follow along with each and every other author, BORING. u know??! oh well ... folks authors (folks) wanna be the normal. stand out. be cool. be unique. i found this from Bookbub they were saying it was free. not sure if that still the case or not? but always check them for FREE books. or cheaper books that is. book 1 from "MacFarland Ranch series". out on November 20, 2021. Saga Fiction. Western & Frontier Romance ebooks. Small Town & Rural Fiction. i think i have read something from S.J. before. i gotta check.
This was just boring. The mmc didn't seem to have much of a personality and the fmc, while she started off seeming like a strong personality quickly degenerated into a shy, weak and helpless female.
All they seemed to do was waffle on about how they couldn't be together. The villain storyline had the potential to add a whole other dimension to the storyline but all he did was appear for half a dozen pages near the end of the book.
The 2 mcs pretty much fell in love at first sight and even when the children finally made an appearance they quickly connected with the 2 mcs without any drama too.
600 pages to cover a time span of a month in which basically nothing happened. I ended up doing a lot of skimming.
Oh my! I've fallen in love again. With Sierra, with Mateo and Maya but most definitely with the fiercely loyal but romantic Wade. He knows there's no future with wealthy Sierra, who is by no means a damsel in distress no matter what she thinks of herself. He just wants to show her she deserves to be loved, in the future, even if it's not by him. But where there's a will, there's a way and add in some well meaning siblings (whom I can't wait to meet in their own books) and a few more friends and just maybe you'll find life has a way of coming up roses. Yet again, another amazing book by SJ. Love it!!
The MacFarland Ranch Series brings back many familiar characters from her other series. The cowboy, Wade MacFarland, and the billionaire, Sierra Hartford, come from different backgrounds and economic worlds. Their chance encounter, instant attraction, a dangerous, jilted groom, plus adding two adoptive children to their weird connection in Montana, life becomes totally different for everyone. It becomes the making of a steamy, unexpected love story. SJ McCoy once again wrote an amazing book that is difficult to put down! Fantastic setting, great characters, and interacting storyline, makes the reader wanting more.
Initially reluctant to steer away from the Remington ranch and Summerlake. Typically once I start SJ’s books I can’t put them down and The Macfarland’s - Wade and Sierras story pulled me in immediately and I found myself thoroughly enjoying not only their story but the hints of new characters, Potential love interests/matches and inquisitiveness into the Macfarland men. SJ never fails to leave me wanting more but feeling warm and comfortable. Can’t wait for Janey and Rockets story - but really want to see what happens with Ford and Amelia!!! Congratulations SJ on yet another wonderful book. X x x
I have never not liked any of SJ's books, stories or stopped short of completely reading through any of her series storytelling. Love the way I can revisit previous characters as from series to series she weaves their lives together. By the end of any of them, social or economic status doesn't mean a flip which is the way it should be. Everyone of us has a brain and a heart. The two most important organs we should all strive to protect and share. Already have the next book of this series on my Kindle and won't be slowing down. I just finished Bourbon and Bluebells and will be jumping back over to Silver Lake in a book or two.
1⭐️The story started off ok and I was intrigued. The plot had potential but it just went down hill as soon as it started. It was boring and very repetitive. The chemistry was nonexistent. No character growth. The villain (her ex) was about 4 pages worth of the story. He came and left so fast that it felt like he should have just been left out of the book. 🤦🏻♀️ I didn’t even get enough of the other characters to like them enough to want to read their stories in the following books. There was nothing in this book that made me want to continue reading anything from this author again. Sorry put I have to pass.
I can not fully explain to you how excited I was to see a new series by one of my favorite authors.
This book really hit me hard with the feelings, there were tears and smiles.
Wade and Sierra's story is a wonderfully written story that, true to McCoy's style, really pulls you in to the story. I can't wait to get to the other siblings books.
And bonus :) if you have read her other books we get to hear from some old friends from previous books! I love that we get to keep in touch with favorite characters.
I received this book as an Advanced Review Copy. This review is my honest opinion. Sierra isn’t your typical run away bride. She’s a rich heiress that just found out that her fiancé is out to kill her and the orphans she wants to adopt. When Wade and his brother find her stranded on the road his only thought is to teach her how a woman should be treated and to stand up for herself. He has no idea just how good of a student she’ll turn out to be! I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. I can’t wait for more in this series!
You seriously cannot go wrong with an SJ McCoy book and this one is no exception. It is sweet, steamy, swoony, action packed, has handsome cowboys, a wonderful family in a lovely town, and main characters who have hearts of gold! I was rooting for Wade and Sierra every step of the way and read the book straight through. I seriously could not put it down! Little Maya and Mateo absolutely stole my heart.
Standalone, Happily ever after, will leave you sitting there with the happiest of tears in your eyes and wishing you had a handsome, swoony cowboy of your own.
This was the first book in the McFarlands series and boy did it not disappoint. I found the back story with Sierra the "darkest" SJ McCoy has written. Without giving too much away I definitely thought there was going to be the addition that Jared killed Sierra's brother. I loved seeing the McFarlands especially Janey in this story. I can't wait for her story. This was a great book with some wonderful moments including the introduction of Mateo and Maya. Another brilliant story from SJ McCoy. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
We met the McFarland's in Spider's book and I am glad we are getting to know them better. This book has cowboys, romance, and suspense. Wade and Sierra have sparks at first sight. They learn that how someone looks on the surface is not who they are. They must learn to trust their feelings and each other. Maya and Mateo were an adorable addition to the story. I loved checking in on the Remington's and getting to know the other McFarland's better, Can't wait for them to get their own stories.
I loved this story - it had wonderful characters, people you'd love to have as part of your own family or friends. Wade is the perfect guy, loving and kind, and Sierra is the same. I did get a little frustrated at how each was trying to be so noble and do what they thought was best for the other. Not that it was bad, but it slowed things down to the point where I just wanted to throw my hands up and say "tell them you love them already!". But overall, it was a really good book and it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
New Series Alert. SJ another phenomenal book. First up is Wade and Sierra. Oh boy did I fall head over heels for Wade. A Sweet and rugged Cowboy meets a biliionaire heiress on the side of the road. Wait what is she wearing? Sparks fly immediately and never stop. True love story with a bit of suspense and drama thrown in. And how could you not love Mateo and Maya. Still reeling from chapters 24 and 25.
They are a special breed those MacFarlands! Where can I find one for me? At the beautiful Paradise Valley!
If you like big, strong, protective cowboys, you definitely like the MacFarlands.
Even if you don't like cowboys, (who doesn't), you'll like this book about two people coming together from totally different world and conquer everything life trows at them. It's not the typical cowboy-romance.
I hope we'll meet Sierra, Wade and the kids again soon...