Taking Charge by Ruth Cardello

Lucy Albright never wanted her family’s Texas ranch, but now it’s in foreclosure. She’s already lost so much she can’t bear the thought of losing one more thing. Lucy learned the hard way not to accept help from a man when there are strings attached, so she’ll do whatever it takes to save the ranch on her own terms—even if that means launching an online business marketing high-tech sex toys.

Ranch manager David Harmon has a reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if she refuses his help, down-and-out Lucy is the kind of woman he’ll do anything to protect. And while David may not know much about Lucy’s naughty side business, that won’t stop a cowboy from doing something he’s set his mind to.

With the ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable, but will the spark between them burn her entire future to the ground?

REVIEW:
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I thought there was comic gold to be found in a heroine saving her ranch by selling sex toys on the side, but that subplot as it developed was just rather sad and intrusive. David seemed like a great guy, one who deserved better than Lucy who I just never could warm to throughout the book. She drifted too much for my taste- I just wanted to yell at her to stand up and take responsibility for her own life. I also felt like I was watching an old time western where the one guy in town controls everyone else- is that so likely in this day and age? I haven't read other books in the series, and the side characters as introduced here were enjoyable so perhaps this is a better read if you are already following the series.