Owned By the Rancher by Imani Jay

Tasha:
I write steamy romances for a living, but my own love life? Total flop. When my mom starts pestering me about being single, I blurt out that I have a boyfriend. Big mistake. Now I’m expected to bring him home for Thanksgiving.
Just when I think I’m doomed, Liam Reeves, Silver Creek’s grumpiest rancher, overhears my predicament and shocks me by volunteering to be my fake boyfriend. Suddenly, I’m bringing this rugged cowboy home for the holidays. Liam’s playing the part a little too well, charming my family and making me wonder if this could be more than pretend. Between awkward family dinners and stolen moments in my childhood home, I’m starting to wish this fantasy was my reality.

Liam:
Pretending to be Tasha’s boyfriend for a weekend? When I offered, I thought it’d be no problem. I’ve faced tougher challenges in the military. Or so I thought. Now I’m navigating nosy relatives, childhood memories, and the growing certitude that I want more than just a fake relationship with the city girl who’s turned my world upside down.
As we dodge relationship questions and share secret glances across the dinner table, the lines between real and fake start to blur. This was supposed to be a simple favor for a neighbor. So why does the thought of returning to my quiet ranch life feel emptier than ever?

With the holiday weekend coming to a close, we’re both facing a choice. Do we go back to normal and chalk this up to a convincing performance? Or do we take a chance on turning our fake act into something real?