Western Heat: A Spicy He-Falls-First Romance

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.

Author: Caroline Richardson
Publisher: W by Wattpad Books
Published: 01/06/2026
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.21w x 1.19d
ISBN: 9781998341375


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 12/01/2025

About the Author
Caroline Richardson sat on a pony for the first time at the age of four and never looked back. Years later, she turned her passion for horses into her first career. Now considered a "recovering horse girl," Caroline writes horses and the characters who love them into her books, relishing the chance to revisit the rural, hard-working way of life that has shaped who she is today.

She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with her husband, two teenage children, and an out of control monstera plant collection. Find her on social media as @carolinerichardsonauthor on popular platforms and @mustangsabby on Wattpad.