5/5
Love Sam Crescent
Honestly I love ALL Sam Crescent books. I’m obsessed with all her paranormal romance, so slight difference, but superb as usual.
Clarissa has a little problem—she's in love with her boss. It's only a small, tiny, little issue, and as long as he doesn’t see her drooling over him, then everything will be fine.
Axe is in love with his housekeeper. He knew it was a mistake to hire Clarissa. Like so many before her, he never expected her to enjoy the job of taking care of him.
She tried to keep her feelings hidden, but that sudden kiss, it was amazing. At first, Clarissa was sure it was just a dream, but it was no dream. Axe doesn't want to take advantage of her so pretends it never happened. Clarissa is not interested in keeping it professional.
The moment she confronts him, it's like an inferno neither of them can deny. One touch isn't enough. One taste isn’t enough. They need more.
Excerpt:
The sound of a creaking floorboard had her gasping, and she turned to see Axe in the kitchen doorway.
She’d pressed a hand to her chest. “You startled me.”
“Can’t sleep?”
She shook her head. “Do you want a drink?”
“Sure.”
She decided to split the large mug between them. With the milk steaming, she turned the heat off, and poured it into each mug.
Axe had already taken a seat at the table. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and the pants he wore hung off his hips.
“Are you not cold?” she asked.
“No.”
She was already feeling the cold and wishing she’d put her slippers on. Her feet were freezing, as were her hands. Wrapping her fingers around the mug, she quickly pulled them back and then wrapped them around the mug again, tentatively touching it. She did this multiple times, trying not to show him she was cold.
Axe tutted. “You’re freezing.”
“I’m fine.”
He pushed his chair out, and tapped his leg. “Put it up.”
Clarissa frowned but then she gasped as he reached down, grabbed her ankle, and placed it on his lap. She let out a little squeak, but then he began to rub her foot. His hands were lovely and warm. Even his thigh was warm. Why was he so warm, while she was so cold?
Nibbling her lip, she couldn’t help but watch him. How masterly he worked her foot. He gave a tut, and then urged her to put her other foot up, which she didn’t mind. She had seen what he could do with his hands, and they were a temptation. With both of her feet in his lap, he worked the muscles and she gritted her teeth, trying not to vocally groan, but it was next to impossible. All she wanted to do was moan.
Licking her lips, she chanced a look at Axe, and he wasn’t staring at her feet, but looking at her. She pressed her lips together, feeling her cheeks heat. Clarissa didn’t have a clue how she was able to get aroused while he was playing with her feet. It was insane.
“You have magical hands,” she said, feeling breathless.
****
Clarissa had soft, cold feet, and all he wanted to do was warm her up. The warm vanilla milk was forgotten as he paid more attention to her.
He worked from her feet, up to her ankles, and then teased a little further. She wore overly large pajamas and it was so easy to tease up her leg, massaging her calf, and then going further up until he teased her thigh, but then he stopped. Pulling his hand out of her pajamas, he got to his feet and Clarissa did the same. Clarissa was in front of the table, trapped between it and him. Her head was tilted back and those plump lips were far too tempting to deny.
Even though he was shouting the warnings through his head, he couldn’t bring himself to listen to them, and before he knew what was happening, he’d sunk his fingers into her hair, gripping the back of her head. She looked so beautiful and the little gasp she let out was so tempting. He’d tried to control his arousal, but nothing was working. His cock had gone from flaccid to hard within seconds.
Staring into her eyes, he couldn’t look away. He was going to kiss her. There was no warning as he slammed his lips against hers.
Clarissa’s hands went to his stomach, and then began to slowly travel up his body, wrapping around his neck, and then holding onto him.
He kissed that full mouth, and as he slid his tongue across her lips, she opened up and he plunged inside, meeting his tongue with hers, deepening the kiss. Letting go of her hair, he slid a hand down her back, curving over her waist, across her hip, then moving around to grab her ass. That full, inviting, tempting ass that he needed so badly. He tightened his grip on her. She whimpered and he growled against her lips.
How was he supposed to be strong and deny himself this pleasure?
He lifted her up and placed her on the edge of the table, and the harsh reality of what they were doing came to him. The mugs of vanilla had spilled to the floor. The cups had broken.
Clarissa was his employee. He shouldn’t be kissing her. Breaking the kiss, he stepped back from her. Clarissa’s lips were red and swollen as she looked at him.
“Axe?”
“Go to bed.”
Product Reviews
4/5
You know when you know....
First, let me say that Sam is the cream of the crop in writing. She is excellent in dramedy stories..."Chef's kiss". Someone is pulling strings...Clariss's mom...long before her death she planted the seeds in Clarissa's mind about Axe. Axe has always known Clarissa was his and it took the death of her mother and his "need" of someone to take care of him to get her. Clarissa has always known too but life seemed to get in the way. More love happens between employer & employee than most want to admit. Sometimes you have to grab love when it comes, even when it seems to be huge HR problem...lol. Short, simple, and sexy and finally seeing love when it arrives.
5/5
Clarissa and Axe
Axe has seen Clarissa around town and liked her. She needs a job and Axe hires her to run his house. They are trying to keep their relationship professional but one touch sets off a spark. There is a lack of communication between them until they finally get their act together. I loved that they took their relationship slowly moving from employee/employer to lovers. I enjoyed the story and loved the epilogue.
5/5
Clarissa and Axe
Belonging to the Rancher is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her rancher boss romance. Clarissa is a curvy, 25 year old virgin who works as a housekeeper for Axe. Axe is a 40 year old hunky, grumpy rancher. Both have been secretly crushing on each other, but Axe is convinced he's too old for Clarissa. When they kiss, its great until he pushes her away. Fast forward a month. Can these two finally talk about their feelings? Will they let love in? The chemistry between these two was INSANE and we got an amazing HEA. I can always count on Sam for a great, short, and spicy read, and this did not disappoint.
5/5
Loved it
A wonderful read. Axe fall for her a long time ago and when she shows up for a job he hires her on the spot. They have a very strong chemistry. I loved this page turer
5/5
Her Rancher
Sam Crescent's books always make me happy. The same with this story. We follow Ax and Clarissa. Ax is a grumpy cowboy who needs someone to cook and clean, so he hires Clarissa. The chemistry and attraction is clearly palpable from the first moment, they both want each other, but the fact that they are boss and employee holds them back because it is actually normal and they do not want to take that step to cross the line. Will they ever dare to take the step and get their hea together?
5/5
Such a beautiful romance
Belonging to the Rancher by Sam Crescent was a very charming, angsty and spice book. I loved the storyline from beginning to end. I thought the book was original and beautifully written. The characters had a magnetic chemistry and were complex. I enjoyed their push and pull of trying to follow the rules. Clarissa was determined, smart and caring. I loved her wit and dedication to following Axe’s rules. She was his housekeeper. Axe was broody, grumpy and a bit of a loner. He was a rancher and destined to live the life of a loner. They both were stubborn and fought to follow the rules they set as employee/employer.
5/5
Love the romance
This is another good book from Sam, where everything was working good in a labor relationship but all the feeling were brewing in the inside of both. Until they can not contain it anymore and they just cross the line that can not ucross. Simple, love story. Super enjoyable.
5/5
<3
This was very good! I liked the pacing and how the passage of time went to keep the story going . Very nice balance. I loved their chemistry and how it all ended up coming together for them. Loved them as a couple.
5/5
Axe and Clarissa
There is nothing I love more than a spicy novella with a grumpy alpha and the woman he feels he can't have. Axe and Clarissa's story is fast-paced and the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Clarissa has always had a soft spot for Axe and this grows when she becomes his cleaner,the only problem is she feels she can't act on it because he's her boss. But when they finally come together? Another great Sam Crescent read.
5/5
Axe and Clarissa
There is nothing I love more than a spicy novella with a grumpy alpha and the woman he feels he can't have. Axe and Clarissa's story is fast-paced and the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Clarissa has always had a soft spot for Axe and this grows when she becomes his cleaner,the only problem is she feels she can't act on it because he's her boss. But when they finally come together? Another great Sam Crescent read.
5/5
Hot!
This was one heated romance! It's a boss romance but I love that it's done differently, with him owning the ranch and her being the housekeeper. I loved the tension and the build up to their explosive come together. I loved how it's was smooth and just felt perfectly easy to read! I couldn't get enough, this kind of book is the reason that I love this author!
5/5
Clarissa finds her home
Clarissa went to work for Axe on his ranch as his housekeeper. The more she sees home him the more she comes to care for him. Axe had noticed Clarissa in town before she came to work for him but she is much younger than him and his employee. One night he kisses her, the things better and pulls back. Clarissa has never been kissed and thinks she did not do it right. Eventually she confront Axe and sets the record straight, she did just fine and he wants to do it again. This is a steamy read, the MMC has it in his head no woman would want his life, Clarissa is just going to have to show him how wrong he is.
5/5
Rancher Romance
Clarissa works for Axe, a rancher, as a cook and housekeeper. They both are attracted to each other but fight it since he’s her boss as well as older. Soon enough their chemistry and attraction can’t be denied and they are consumed with one another. Some communication issues throw some bumps in the road, but they find their way to a happy ending. I really enjoyed this one by Sam Crescent. Themes include age gap, boss romance, alpha male and ranch life.
4/5
A great read
Carissa knows that Axe the rancher is not liked, But she needs a job. when she sees the ad for a housekeeper she decides to go for it. Carissa is honest enough to say that she’s had a crush on him for awhile, but she needs this job more than anything. And doesn’t think that Axe would go for her anyway. Axe knew he should’ve said the position had gone. He had been watching Clarissa for a while now that he knew he had to keep it strictly boss and employee. But then one night, he kisses her. Axe stopped it before it could go any further. But what he doesn’t know is, Clarissa has never been kissed so she feels that she did something wrong, why else would he stop kissing her. She decides to asks him and then everything changes. I’ve got to say I enjoy this story. I liked Clarissa and even tho Axe was grumpy there was a different side to him. I think deep down they knew they were perfect for one another . A great read
5/5
Belonging to the Rancher
Clarissa is innocent, kind, a fantastic cook, and is mesmerized by Axe. He’s older, no nonsense, a hardworking man, and quiet. There’s an intense attraction between them, but neither act on it for different reasons. Sam Crescent takes a seemingly cold man and adds a special woman to his life, one that fits perfectly. There’s such a beautiful quality of caring in Ace’s daily routine that doesn’t need discussion, his actions are more than enough. The appreciation for each other is obvious and as they move towards a sexual relationship, their passion is deeply rooted. I loved how responsive they were to each other’s feelings and the epilogue is heartwarming. The ranch is their world and filled with warmth, love, and caring.
5/5
Short Story
I've read a lot of books written by Sam Crescent; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books. She has written another good stand-alone short story. The story is about Clarissa & Axe; she’s his housekeeper and is secretly in love with him, he is also in love with her.
4/5
So good!
So good! I love this author's novels. They never disappoint. I just love this author's writing style. From the first chapter I was invested. I love a grumpy/sunshine novel. I loved Axe and Clarissa. Their chemistry was so good. I love when a novel makes you not want to stop reading to find out what is coming next. This novel checked my boxes. It was so good! I can't wait to see what this author has coming next.
4/5
Clarissa & Axe
Can working on a ranch be a blessing or a curse? Clarissa was looking for a job and found an advertisement to work at Axe's ranch as a housekeeper. What Clarissa didn't know is how much she would like living on the rancher with the sexy cowboy. Join the story to see how long this boss/employee relationship last until one or both crack under the sexual pressure. Will this sexy, bossy rancher completely possess, own and take over Clarissa life? Enjoy ?
5/5
Grumpy recluse seeks housekeeper
I really liked this one. SC books have been hit or miss with me lately but this one hit. Axe is a grumpy rancher who isn't the best with things like manners and people-ing. Clarissa has had a hard time with keeping any job since her mother passed away. She comes across the ad for a housekeeper and cook for Axe and jumps on it, having always had a bit of a crush on the man. There's a 15 year age gap, he's 40 and she's 25. He secretly returns her affections but they go on pining for each other until they end up together in the kitchen after being unable to sleep and share a kiss. I really liked the progression in this book. It wasn't necessarily insta-love, as the relationship goes from employer/employee to lovers over the course of months. There is a creepy bit where he adds cameras to her bedroom AND bathroom which was icky, but that's the only instance where he overstepped. Clarissa isn't a pushover which I also enjoyed. This is a short story standalone that ends in a HEA.
5/5
Belonging to the Rancher
Axe is a reclusive rancher who hires Clarissa a younger women to clean his house and make meals. As they slowly get to know each other they are attracted to each other but each is reluctant to initiate anything more. Partly because of the professional boss/ employee relationship as well as the difference in age. There is a definite lack of communication between these two. Will they finally admit how they feel about each other or will they miss out on their HEA. Check it out to see. It has a shorter storyline and was an enjoyable read.
5/5
Fantastic book
I really enjoyed reading this book!! Axe and Clarissa have plenty of chemistry! It is a short and wonderful book. I would recommend reading!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
5/5
Clarissa and Axe
Clarissa's mom passed away and she came to work as the housekeeper and cook on Axe's ranch. Axe has a simple and solitary life with his dog as his only companion. Axe has a hard time around people and keeps to himself. He has watched Clarissa for years and always wanted her. She moves to the ranch and they get along well but have a few miscommunications. This was a sweet story and a very good quick read. Highly recommend.
4/5
A hot, grumpy Rancher, a sweet, innocent younger woman and puppies, give me more
A hot, older, grumpy Rancher, a sweet, innocent, younger woman and puppies, what more could you ask for! A short, steamy read, a little bit of drama / angst with Axe trying to resist the temptation that is Clarissa, due to the boss / employee situation. I have read a number of Sam Crescent's Mafia and MC books which I have always enjoyed, however this is the first Rancher/ cowboy one of theirs that I have read and it was a good read too, I would like more of these.
4/5
Good Read
This book pulled me into the story right from the start. If you like age gaps, good back and forth banter and a happily ever after then this definitely the book for you.
5/5
Absolutely fantastic
I loved this book so so much. So worth it to read. I loved the passion and protectiveness of Axe. The way Clarissa takes care of him. I love there HEA.
4/5
Belonging to the Rancher!
This is an age gap romance between a rancher and his housekeeper. It is a fairly short and quick read about Clarissa and Axe. He has seen her around town for sometime and new her mother. When she comes to him for a job he cannot help but higher her. The attraction and pull between them is undeniable but he tries to keep things professional. I enjoyed how their story develops. It is sweet, cute and heartwarming. I love the dog bit too.
5/5
Clarissa and Axe
Cozy! That’s what I was thinking when I was reading the novella. I like this close proximity story of a housekeeper and her ranching boss falling for each other.
5/5
rancher
Clarisa is housekeeper for Axe, the rancher...work is easy..but the atraction is great...Axe try to keep his space..she is after all younger by a lot years....but in the end...age is a number..
5/5
So sweet!
Axe just needed someone to love the ranch life as much as he did. Little did he know that Clarissa has been waiting for him to realize that she's perfect for him. I loved this shirt and sweet read!
4/5
Lovely
In another good book by Sam, Clarissa is his live-in housekeeper but Clarissa has no family and finds herself in the tough predicament that she's fallen in love with her Boss. Axe has liked Clarissa since interviewing her, but keeping himself away from her is proving harder by the day.
5/5
Loved This Book
I enjoyed this story a lot! I feel like this was a return to the type of stories that Sam used to write but hasn't lately. I enjoyed the slow burn, and the angsty story of Clarissa and Axe. There was an age gap between these two but you don't notice it unless it is mentioned. Great story!!
5/5
Sweet and steamy
This is a sweet and steamy romance for Axe and Clarissa. He's hired her to be his housekeeper, not expecting her to last any longer than the previous women have, only to find her thriving in the position. Now, he's being challenged with his feelings for her, citing age gap and boss as the 'reasons' to not pursue her. Clarissa is hot for Axe but is trying to be professional...until they just can't keep their hands off of each other. This is a drama free romance with chemistry, angst and steam :D
5/5
ranchers yes!!
Loved it!!!! like always I enjoy anything sam crescent has written. So easy to read and wonderful characters. I enjoyed the dual pov of this one as well. Ifinished it in one go!!
4/5
Age gap goodness
Clarissa is 25 and works for Axe who is 40 at his ranch. They secretly watch each other and pine for each other. They finally give in to their desires but fail to discuss their expectations. Axe thinks that Clarissa won’t want him because of her age and she has the same misconceptions. They finally communicate and realize that they both want the same thing…each other.
5/5
Quick read
The storyline had an easy ebb and flow and the character portrayals were believable and well-developed too. This is a quick and enjoyable read that leaves the reader eager for more
5/5
Need a rancher
This book makes me want to belong to a rancher. It was better than expected. I definitely got into this book.
5/5
Lovely read of the new year.
This one was the lovely read I have had of this new year. Axe and Clarissa were so sweet together.love read their story and how they fell in love.
5/5
Great Book!!
I really enjoyed reading this new book from Sam Crescent. Once I started reading Belonging To The Rancher I couldn’t put it down. Clarissa and Axe’s story was so good!!!
5/5
Axe and Clarissa
Loved this one between rancher, Axe, and his new housekeeper, Clarissa. Theirs was a slow build relationship that really had nowhere else to go but together... The thing I liked about Axe is that he already had Clarissa on his radar for years (being from a small town and all). The universe seems to know when timing is right for people. Clarissa was so sweet and I was so happy that she now was her own family. Great chemistry.
4/5
Age is just a number
This is a short romance. Clarissa has been hired to cook and clean Axe’s house on the ranch. Axe is a hot rancher that knows getting involved with Clarissa is not a smart move. He is her boss and too old for her. Why men always think they know better and that age is a factor, I have no clue. But these two try to fight their attraction. Clarissa does good till she asks that one question, was the kiss bad? Then it heats up. Axe does finally wise up. Always listen to a woman.
4/5
Softer side
This story is all about them, with little interaction from other characters within their hemisphere. Still there's plenty to build the world they live in, and just enough friction to have a bit of conflict before they finally wake up. Nice, quick read. Good tale.
5/5
Omg a MUST Read!
I loved the entire story. From first page I was hooked. Damian did not disappoint! This is a must read!!
5/5
So good
Clarissa and Axe admired each other from afar but being in a situation where she is working for him, she can't let herself go there. Axe knows he shouldn't have hired her but he can't help himself and does. One kiss is all it takes to fan those flames each of them feel. This was a quick but really hot story that I fell in love with.
4/5
Rancher Boss steamy age gap
It is a novella, 68 pages, for a nice escape for an hour or two. Axe owns his ranch and hires Clarissa to be his housekeeper. He fights the pull to her, and she has been in love with him for a while. He wanted to possess her, but he was her boss, so he held back. This push-pull, angsty read kept me engaged, rooting for them to come together finally. Overall, the story was developed for a novella, steamy, age gap, rancher/boss romance.
5/5
Belonging to the Rancher
Swoon-Worthy Romance Axe was a loner with a crush on his young housekeeper Clarissa. He knew it was the wrong thing to do to employ her, but he just couldn’t resist. Clarissa was hot for her boss but he never seemed to notice her until the night they kissed! All bets were off and they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. A beautiful written story full of romance with an older man and younger woman who were always meant to be! Well worth a read!
5/5
Great story
Clarrisa had crushed hard in her boss and ranch owner Axe, and Axe was drawn to her but after one kiss, Axe pretends like it didn't happen, but when the lines get blurred more can they go the distance? Well written steamy age gap, boss/employee, rancher romance
5/5
Great read!
Belonging To The Rancher - Sam Crescent This is the story of a swoon worthy grumpy, 40 year oldman and rancher named Axe Strong who you can't help but fall in love with yourself! He is quiet and keeps to himself but has been drawn to the beautiful Clarissa West for years, but she is younger than him at 25 and he doesn't believe she wants a life tied to him or his ranch. Ranch life is hard and not for everyone. However when Clarissa applies to be his housekeeper he can't turn her away and he ends up torturing himself having her around all the time but he just can't help himself. Clarissa herself is in love with Axe and doesn't want to ruin the working relationship that they have but after they share a kiss everything changes for her and she can't let him end what they could have before it even begins! This is a beautifully written story and I loved the building chemistry between the characters. Filled with cuteness not only provided by the couple but also Dolly and Susie, along with scenes of scorching hotness this is definitely a book worth reading! My only comment is that I felt the ending was a little rushed but I still enjoyed the story and that reflects in my 4.5 stars given instead of 5. 4.5 stars Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
