Lost in the Reins
by Angelia Faye
A struggling Manhattan romance novelist is sent to a Montana ranch for “authenticity” and clashes with a gruff, emotionally guarded rancher—until real love proves far messier, deeper, and far more irresistible than fiction.
I make a living writing swoon-worthy cowboy romances. With exactly zero real-life ranch experience, my reviews take a dive. So when my agent issues an ultimatum—“Get authentic or get out”—I swap my Manhattan latte for Montana dust, fully expecting to charm my way through a Gram-worthy adventure.
What I don’t expect? Wes Montgomery.
Rancher. Guardian to his niece. Human embodiment of a brick wall. He takes one look at me—my designer boots, my city attitude, my complete inability to tell a horse from a hay bale—and decides I’m about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. He’s got a ranch to save, a niece to raise, and absolutely no time for a clueless writer who thinks cowboys drink caramel macchiatos.
But between my tragic attempts at farm work, the terror of Bernard the kleptomaniac goose, and a few unexpected late-night talks under a sky bigger than my imagination, I start seeing the man beneath the scowl. The one who prays at sunrise, reads bedtime stories with all the voices, and carries the weight of his world on shoulders that should honestly come with a warning label.
Somewhere between city and country, between fiction and reality, I’m falling hard. But Wes Montgomery isn’t a hero in a story—he’s a man who’s lost too much to believe in happy endings. And if I can’t convince him that love is worth the risk, I’ll have to write the hardest ending of all—one where I walk away.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Angelia Faye's Lost in the Reins is a delightful exploration of the clash between urban sophistication and rural authenticity, wrapped in a romance that is both heartwarming and refreshingly genuine. This novel is a testament to the transformative power of love and the unexpected paths it can lead us down, even when those paths are dusty Montana trails far removed from the bustling streets of Manhattan.
The story follows a struggling romance novelist who is thrust into the unfamiliar world of ranch life to gain the authenticity her writing desperately needs. The protagonist's journey from city slicker to someone who can appreciate the rugged beauty of ranch life is both humorous and poignant. Her initial attempts at adapting to ranch life are filled with comedic mishaps, from her tragic farm work attempts to her encounters with Bernard, the kleptomaniac goose. These moments provide levity and charm, drawing readers into her world with a smile.
At the heart of the novel is the relationship between the protagonist and Wes Montgomery, the gruff rancher who is as emotionally guarded as he is dedicated to his responsibilities. Wes is a character who embodies the archetype of the reluctant hero, a man who has suffered loss and carries the weight of his world on his shoulders. His initial dismissal of the protagonist as a clueless city girl sets the stage for a classic opposites-attract romance, but Faye skillfully avoids clichés by delving deeper into Wes's character.
Wes's development throughout the novel is one of its strongest elements. As the story unfolds, readers are given glimpses into his vulnerabilities and the reasons behind his emotional barriers. His interactions with his niece reveal a tender side, and his late-night conversations with the protagonist under the expansive Montana sky offer moments of introspection and connection. These scenes are beautifully written, capturing the essence of two people slowly opening up to each other and the possibilities of love.
Themes of authenticity and self-discovery are woven throughout the narrative. The protagonist's journey is not just about learning to write better cowboy romances; it's about discovering her own capacity for resilience and love. Her transformation is mirrored by Wes's own journey towards accepting love and vulnerability. Together, they navigate the complexities of their emotions, challenging each other's perceptions and ultimately finding a deeper understanding of themselves.
Faye's writing is evocative, painting vivid pictures of the Montana landscape and the nuances of ranch life. The setting becomes a character in its own right, influencing the mood and tone of the story. The contrast between the protagonist's city background and the rural environment is highlighted through descriptive passages that capture the beauty and harshness of ranch life. This attention to detail enriches the narrative, making the reader feel as though they are experiencing the protagonist's journey firsthand.
In comparison to other contemporary romance novels, Lost in the Reins stands out for its depth of character development and its exploration of themes beyond the typical romantic tropes. While it shares similarities with works by authors like Nora Roberts and Debbie Macomber, Faye's novel offers a unique perspective by focusing on the intersection of fiction and reality, and the ways in which love can transcend preconceived notions and societal expectations.
Overall, Lost in the Reins is a compelling read that will resonate with fans of romance and those who appreciate stories of personal growth and transformation. Angelia Faye has crafted a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the belief that love, in all its messy and unpredictable glory, is worth the risk.
Whether you're a fan of cowboy romances or simply looking for a story that captures the essence of finding love in unexpected places, Lost in the Reins is a novel that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
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