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 call 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. This is Book 1 of the West Line Ranch Series. Book 2 - Western Connection and Book 3 - Western Flame, are currently available to read on Wattpad In bookstores January 20th, 2026! Pre-order here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790665/western-heat-by-caroline-richardson/9781998341375/ Watty's Shortlist - 2021 Cover designed by Nora Inla

Brady West falls for the beautiful Caitlin Fenshaw when he least expects-or needs to-and as they grow close they must decide on their future together as they navigate his family secrets, her troubled past, and the link that connect them both. ***** Brady is the fixer at West Line Ranch. Equipment, cattle fencing, his estranged father's situation to name a few. On top of everything going on in his life, fate has placed the beautiful Caitlin Fenshaw and her predicament squarely in his path. He's drawn to her strength like a magnet, but is he ready to open his heart to someone else when he is still figuring out who he is? Caitlin doubts she'll ever be able to fall in love again after escaping her abusive ex. Through her favourite patient Keith she keeps bumping into Brady West. He's sweet, caring, and his touch soothes her long-worn nerves. He understands her the way no one else has, but she's on the fence about whether to let someone else into her battered, broken heart. As their deep and almost instant connection takes hold, Caitlin will have to push her doubts aside and trust Brady, and Brady will have to let his family help him when the stakes get high. This is Book 2 of the West Line Ranch Series. Book 1 - Western Heat - will be available everywhere you buy books on January 6th, 2026 (see profile for link to pre-order) and the Watty-shortlisted version is available to read on Wattpad Originals. Content warning: some descriptions of domestic abuse

Tanner West struggles to protect everything he's ever known when a deadly threat comes for his family, including the love of his life Liana Forbes, who is back in his life after more than a decade apart. ***** Tanner West has dedicated his life to West Line Ranch. He gave up college, his dreams and the woman he loved to take over the ranch when his mother died. When that same woman walks back onto the ranch twelve years after they broke up, will he take the chance he's been given to make it right, or will he keep walking the path he'd chosen that fateful night when he let her go? Liana Forbes doesn't mess around. She's tough, smart, and protects her heart no matter what. But when Tanner West is suddenly back in her life, the big brother to her best friend's fiancee, she has to make a choice. Will she resist the attraction to the only man who has ever broken her heart, or will she let him back in, even if it means he puts the ranch before her and breaks her heart all over again? Tanner and Liana must navigate through the hurt and memory shared between them as they come face to face with their rekindled attraction. As they grow closer, a deadly threat to the ranch could take everything away, including their chance at happiness. This is Book 3 of the West Line Ranch Series. Book 1 - Western Heat will be available everywhere you buy books on January 6th, 2026 (see link in profile for pre-order information), and the Watty-shortlisted version is available now as a Wattpad Original. Book 2 - Western Connection is available to read as a Wattpad Original.

A collection of prequel short stories, deleted scenes, and maybe a recipe or two, all from the West Line Ranch series! How did Peony first come to the ranch? What was Brett really like? Meet the people and the animals that make West Line Ranch not just a place, and read the stories that are part of the generous, yet complicated West family history. Add the book to your library for updates!