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Review: Western Heat by Caroline Richardson


Blurb from Goodreads:
A fish-out-of-water story about a New York City chef who inherits a ranch, discovers a family he never knew, and finds unexpected love with a fiercely loyal woman.

For fans of western romance superstars like Lyla Sage and Elise Silver.

New York City chef Jake West had it all, but a few strokes of a pen meant no more marriage. No more restaurant. No more big city lifestyle. Then he receives a letter explaining that his long-estranged father, Brett, has died, and he needs to return to the Canadian ranch he left as a child. Jake expects to go, sign more papers, and return to the city and rebuild his future.

Instead Jake learns that Brett’s left the ranch to him—and only him. Things might have been hot in his restaurant’s kitchen, but that’s nothing compared to what he faces now: a family he didn’t know existed, and a property he doesn’t want. Tanner and Brady, his half-brothers, don’t want him around. And while his stepmother, Peony, welcomes him, there’s Liz, Peony’s daughter. She’s not a West, but her loyalties lie with the family, not an outsider.

However, as Jake settles into the rhythms of the ranch, he wonders if he’s finally found something that’s been missing in his life—especially as he and Liz grow closer. At first, it’s just attraction, but when a sudden kiss ignites a heat in both of them, they can’t ignore this raging inferno. Maybe Brett West knew what he was doing when he summoned his eldest son back home–and gave him a chance to change his life forever.

Readers who love a spicy “enemies-to-lovers” romance combined with family drama will want to add this to their “to be read” shelves.
 
This was too long -- and did not live up the blurb's promise.  First, I found it FAR from spicy and it wasn't enemies to lovers either.  It was more focused on a sad family secret unfolding.  It had its moments, including the setting, but felt off in the romance department to me.  Hope you have better luck!

Western Heat comes out next week on January 6, 2026 and you can purchase HERE.  

Liz was sitting on the front step of her house when she saw a black Toyota hatchback drive in and stop beside Brady's rig, parking sideways in front of the main house. She shaded her eyes with her hand. That must be the long-lost brother.
For the second time that day a black car driving in was bringing bad with it. Well, hopefully not too bad, she amended. Couldn't be much to worry about in the long run. He certainly had no claim on this place, and the boys would never put up with an uptight, citified asshole staking a claim even if he tried.
She stood and walked over, ready to face the reason her family was yet again in upheaval. Might as well be friendly.
Yet again.
When the tall, dark-haired man unfolded out of the tiny car, she stopped, wondering if she was seeing double, or at the very least a mirage in the heat.
The wave in his hair, the way he stood, and the set of his jaw were unmistakable. That was Brett West's son, to the letter. He and Tanner could be twins.

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