This was a really sweet romance. Really great chemistry between the characters and a little twist or two that kept things interesting.

Redeeming the Texas Rancher is a sweet contemporary western love story with a nice hint of sexy thrown in for good measure. Book three in Sharlene Sands’ Forever Texan series this story works well either as part of the series or as a stand-alone.
Dakota, Day to her friends, has known Cole all her life and loved him since she was ten years old. They’ve been best friends forever but Day wants more while Cole is reluctant to potentially ruin that friendship despite the fact that he’s suddenly discovered his attraction to Day.
The story is well paced and both Day and Cole were likeable characters. I found myself cheering her on while wanting to knock some sense into him for his inability to commit. I also liked the plot, which to some extent revolved around a secret from Cole’s past.
Being relatively short and fairly straightforward, this story makes for great weekend reading. I enjoyed it.

This is a sweet and heartwarming romance. Dakota has crushed on Colby since she was young. He is a few years older and has always looked out for her and she also works for him on his ranch. Dakota finally decides to let go of her crush and start dating other men to get Colby off of her mind, which finally gets him to realize what he could be giving up if he doesn't deal with a secret from his past. I really cared for this couple and waited with baited breathe for Colby to realize that he was worthy of his own HEA with Dakota.

When two people have cared about, maybe even loved each other for years… each unknown about by the other, well sooner or later something’s got to give. And Dakota had decided that it was long past time to get over Cody. He certainly didn’t see her the way she needed him to, and if that hadn’t changed in years why was she holding out hope. So she set out to find another man who could lure her heart away from one stubborn cowboy. That didn’t exactly work as intended.

Cody had loved Dakota for as long as he could remember – from afar. He’d never tell her because she deserved a man without secrets. It had sort of worked right up until Dakota started dating. Yeah. His heart wasn’t going to take that easily. He knew what he should do, but what his emotions told him to do was far more risky. It’s time to make a decision. Walk away for good or take a risk with both of their hearts.

Redeeming The Texas Rancher will touch your heart, capture your attention on two really good people who happen to already love each other. Two very stubborn people who will have to trust that secrets only have a hold over you when they’re unspoken. I hurt for Dakota and Cody, they really did belong together and watching their journey to that mutual decision was both heartbreaking and heart warming.

If you love the type of romance that seems destined to not happen because of secrets and stubbornness, then you’ll love Dakota and Cody’s story. I’d highly recommend this story to any Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Dakota Jennings and Colby Ryan will not work out. The deck is stacked against them – this is the theme of "Redeeming the Texas Rancher," Charlene Sands' story of two childhood friends who have no business falling in love. Or, do they?

Dakota and Colby's mothers are best friends. And though they had moved out of Texas to retire in another state, they still chose to live in the same retirement community. That's how tight they are.

Dakota and Colby have known each other since they were born. And, Colby being the guy has always been told by his mother to always protect Dakota. He never had any brotherly feelings for her, but to Colby's young ears, his mother's words were law.

That was alright when they were children. But, both of them are adults now while their parents live in another state. Will they act on their feelings now? But, wait… Colby has a secret and it can be the reason why Dakota and him could never be together.

A short, sweet and enjoyable read, "Redeeming the Texas Rancher" is not about second chances. It is about giving love a chance no matter the odds.

"Redeeming the Texas Rancher" is Rated T for Teens.

3 Stars
This is a sweet story of two people who should have been together long ago. We have a woman who has not been noticed as the lovely woman she is... she has been the head person on her secret love interest's ranch. His "Not being that into her" has gone on long enough. She has decided it is time to move on.
What she doesn't realize is he has been wanting her forever... but he is her boss and he also has a secret which also causes so much guilt, He feels he can't give her the life she deserves.

Things change and soon they both are on a path which will test them... and whether they can be open and let the love win.

I have enjoyed this Texas Series by Charlene Sands with each book having a different trope. Redeeming the Texas Rancher has childhood friends nor boss and employee theme going on between Colby and Dakota. To top it off their mothers have been best friends forever and day.

I especially liked Dakota with her tomboy and girly sides creating her into the perfect woman for stubborn Colby. Of course, Colby had many good qualities but these were overshadowed by his dense as a turnip mentality. However, if he hadn’t have been there wouldn’t have been much of a story because he would have caught Dakota years ago.

It is always good to see glimpses of the couples from the previous books but no worries if this is the first book to be read in the series. I especially liked to the subplot with Dakota’s neighbor. Hope his story is next.

Second chances and friends who develop into more, has become a regular storyline in this and many other genres; so when Colby and Dakota realise their long time friendship is about to evolve 9yes, it takes them a while, LOL) the instant chemistry is off the charts!

Charlene Sands continues to create special stories that always leave the reader with a happy smile and wanting so much more.

This is a fantastic story of two people struggling to come to terms with their new feelings for each other while fearing they will lose the close friendship they have always had. Dakota and Cole have known each other for ever, Dakota has been in love with Cole for almost as long. She's finally ready to admit nothing will ever happen between them and start dating. This sends Cole into a tailspin of emotions. Thing is Colby has secrets. Secrets he needs to deal with in order to move on with Dakota. Will he lose Day for good when she finds out what kind of man he really is???

A heartwarming story I think everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it.

Friends to lovers stories have become a staple in the romance genre. With Redeeming The Texas Rancher, Ms. Sands puts her spin on a commonplace theme and creates gold. Cole and Day are sweet together, clueless to each others feelings but magically light up the story with that instantaneous chemistry they exude. For the good of the heart and the happiness of the soul Charlene Sands creates something to be proud of with this lovelorn duo. Not to be missed.

Dakota Jennings has been in love with Colby Ryan since she was a little girl. Now, Cole is Dakota’s employer at Circle R Ranch and she tries hard not to let him know how she really feels about him. When Cole starts seeing Dakota as more than just a friend and they finally give into their feelings, a big secret could destroy their fragile new relationship.

If you like small town romances with memorable characters, this book is for you. It is an emotionally charged story that moves along at a good pace. My heart went out to Dakota when she learned about Cole’s secret. Having been in many relationships with a lot of secrets, it was easy for me to relate to how she was feeling. The Forever Texan series books are all linked, but can be read on their own.

This was my favorite quote form the book:
That something she’d seen in his eyes wasn’t a fluke. It was real and powerful and earth-shattering. And she dared him to say otherwise.

Book 3 in the Forever Texan series, I really enjoyed this story. Dakota and Colby were fabulous characters and with the engaging storyline made for a great read. I look forward to reading more by this author and if you love a good cowboy story I suggest you add this to your list.