Tag: cowboy (Page 1 of 2)

BOOK REVIEW: Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) by Lyla Sage

BOOK REVIEW: Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) by Lyla SageDone and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1)
by Lyla Sage
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.

Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.

Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?

Review:

We were toeing a line I was desperate to cross.

Done and Dusted was a heartwarming and laugh out loud brother’s best friend cowboy romance that I absolutely loved.  It was my second time picking up this book, and I loved it even more the second time around!  I adored the characters and felt like I was watching a movie play out in my head.  If you love small town romances that have a fabulous slow burn and no third act breakup, this is your book!

“Friends, then?” I asked. She seemed to chew on that for a moment.
“Friends,” she said.
When it came to Emmy, I was playing with fire, but I would happily walk into the flames for her.
And I’d have a smile on my face the whole damn time.

Emmy was so easy to click with.  She moved back home after a riding accident, and was trying to find her new normal.  She had her bestie Teddy at her side, and a loving family who I adored.  Luke had always been in her life, but kept finding him there for her.  When she was struggling.  The compassion and kindness he showed her melted me into a puddle.  And I found myself falling head over heels in love with him, right along with Emmy.

That’s your best friend’s little sister, dipshit.
Two words rang in my head like alarm bells: off limits.

Luke was protective, patient, thoughtful, and you couldn’t help loving him.  With his jaded past making me want to wrap him in a hug, I loved that Emmy’s family was like his true family.  But the way he wanted Emmy, knowing he shouldn’t since she was his best friend’s little sister….ohhh that pull was so good!  We got this story in both of their POV’s and it added so much depth to Emmy and Luke’s story!

“Good morning,” he drawled. I used to hate his mountain drawl, but now I wanted to wrap myself up in it. I watched his eyes track me up and down, but he did it fast, like he didn’t want me to notice. My cheeks heated, and I tried to will it away.

Done and Dusted kept me smiling and even gave me butterflies too!  The tension that grew between Luke and Emmy was everything!  And when they did cross that friendship line, I loved their steamy moments together.  And Luke’s dirty mouth!  This story felt like home to me and made me cry a few times too.  So I can’t wait to binge the rest of the series.  Plus, Teddy and Gus’s banter was hilarious, I’m so excited to read their story too!

More quotes I loved…

I wanted to make Emmy mine in every single way.



“Not worth my time?” He sounded…angry? “I don’t know what type of men you’ve been sleeping with, sugar, but devouring your perfect cunt is always going to be worth my time.”



I smirked at her. “Do you think insulting my bar skills is going to change my mind?”
“Depends on what you’re into,” she said coyly.
“Just you.”

BOOK REVIEW: Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4) by Jennie MartsNever Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Fans of Carolyn Brown, Maisey Yates, and Jennifer Ryan will fall head over cowboy boots for this second-chance romance from USA Today bestseller Jennie Marts.

Single mom Jillian Bennett barely has a moment to herself between raising her ten-year old son, volunteering at the horse rescue ranch, and working her new job as head librarian of Creedence, Colorado. She doesn't have time for romance either, even though she and the cute deputy, Ethan Rayburn, have been doing a lot of flirting the last few weeks. But when he also forms a bond with her son, Milo, Jillian falls hard, and Ethan soon realizes he would do anything for the feisty librarian who's won his heart.

Review:

Never Enough Cowboy was heartwarming, touching, and an instant favorite!  This book had me constantly laughing and I loved being back in this world.  It truly felt like coming home.  But keep those tissues nearby, because this one pulled on my heart more times than I can count.  If you love small town romances, or country romances, definitely make for sure this book is on your tbr!

“It’s okay for you to fall,” he said, his voice a husky whisper. “I promise I’ll catch you.”

Jillian Bennett was new to town, a librarian, and a single mom.  She was quirky and I loved her for it, especially her ridiculous underwear lol!  Through mutual acquaintances, Jillian found herself running into Ethan Rayburn time and again.  He was a deputy and was completely smitten by Jillian.  Yet, Jillian was focused and had a lot on her plate.  She didn’t feel as though she had time to date, even if Ethan clicked so easily with her son, Milo.  Ethan was determined to knock down Jillian’s walls and find a way into her heart.  And his path to that was beyond adorable and steamy too!

Tilting her face up to his, she looked into his gorgeous blue eyes and saw such tenderness there, it hurt her chest. Emotion burned the back of her throat, and she feared she might start crying again. “I could really fall for you, you know?”
His lips curved into a roguish grin. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

I absolutely loved Ethan!  I loved that he knew what he wanted in life and went after it.  From the first moment he met Jillian, he just knew she was for him.  And that man did not have a subtle bone in his body about wanting Jillian lol!  Ethan was kind, patient, sexy, romantic, hilarious and so sweet.  Yet he could also be tough as nails and a force to be reckoned with.  So I loved his softer moments with Jillian and her son.  He was so thoughtful and I loved the lengths he went to, to try and win Jillian over.  But I was so nervous for him.  Would Jillian open up and let him in?

“I’ll just look around then, maybe check out a book or two, while I wait.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice further. “Got any recommendations for books about romance? I’m kind of interested in this woman, and I feel like I need to up my game with her.”
She pressed her lips together to keep a giggle from escaping.

Jillian and Ethan had such an emotional path.  Their old fears and pasts crept in.  Mistakes were made.  And there were scenes that pulled at my heart and made me cry all the tears.  Not only for Jillian and Ethan, but for the animals too as we watched them work towards their HEAs also.  But don’t worry because there was lots of joy, and I had so many happy tears too!  So many of our favorites are back, humans and animals.  I loved Otis the goat and Aunt Sassy and her meddling.  I laughed so hard, I don’t even know how many times, that I had tears streaming down my face and was gasping for breath!   And watching Ethan and Jillian’s son Milo together made my heart burst with joy!  Ohh plus this book had a surprise that I’m not saying a word about other then I LOVED how it affected the story!

“Darlin’, haven’t you figured out by now that it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing my hat, your superhero undies, a down parka, or nothing at all, I am completely at your mercy.”

Why is this series not a tv show?!?!  I would binge it again and again, just like I still do with Friends! Never Enough Cowboy was fun, flirty and heartwarming! With friendship and love, this story was so much fun! I was completely swept away and I think romance lovers will feel the same way too! And now I’m dying to know, are Knox and Carly the next book? *fingers crossed!*

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: Cowboy Ever After by Jennie MartsCowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

She’s writing a romance novel…
and he’s just like the hero in her story!
Enjoy the delightful cowboy romance from Hallmark and USA Today bestselling author Jennie Marts.

Kaylee Collins, a shy city-dweller, is writing a Western romance—and getting the details wrong. Her editor insists that Kaylee learn more about country life by spending a week at a working ranch. Kaylee reluctantly agrees as long as she can bring Gladys, her slightly overweight Corgi.

To rustle up her courage, Kaylee channels the spirit of the fearless heroine of her story. But she’s shocked when she meets Luke Montgomery—the spitting image of her handsome cowboy hero!

As far as Luke’s concerned, Kaylee’s books are pure fantasy. Love hurts, and he should know: he lost his wife a few years back. But he finds himself amused, and then enchanted, by this woman who bravely tries new things and whose heart seems to be as big as the Montana sky. Can they both dare to start a new chapter together?

This clean romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Extra Delicious Carrot Cake.

Review:

Cowboy Ever After was a heartwarming tale that was filled with love, laughter and friendship.  If you love small town romances and stories that play out like you’re watching a Hallmark movie, you need this book in your life.  I desperately need this to be made into a Hallmark movie so I can binge it again and again!  Cowboy Ever After was a charming, sweet and delightful romance that landed right on my favorites list!

All she could focus on was the way his fingers had felt as they brushed her cheek and the crystal blue shade of his eyes as he peered down at her. She was caught in his gaze, powerless to move as she drowned in their depths.

Kaylee Collins was an author who lived in Chicago, but needed to perfect some of the smaller details in her cowboy romance stories.  When her editor suggested that she go to Montana, to stay with her brother and learn how a ranch works, Kaylee agreed.  She embarked on a trip, along with her adorable corgi Gladys who I absolutely loved!  Their adventure was filled with an adorable small town, friendly townspeople, farm animals and a sexy cowboy that looked like just like the hero in one of her books!

Kaylee Collins had landed in his life, with her pudgy dog, hot pink cowgirl outfit and a smashed vegetable cake, and he hadn’t been the same since.

I loved Kaylee!  She was so relatable and easy to click with.  From choosing the wrong clothes, to trying and channel one of her characters for bravery, I absolutely adored her!  And from that first goosetastic moment she stepped on Luke’s ranch, Kaylee’s world started to change. She tried her best to get out of her comfort zone, while helping on a working ranch.  And I loved how her time helping or being around the ranch inspired moments in her books!  But most of all, I loved that Kaylee was always a joy to be around. Her cheerfulness and happiness was infectious!  And before Luke knew it, that broody cowboy started to feel things he hadn’t felt in years!

He held the book sideways, and she could see he was already half-way through. “I was just gonna read a couple of pages, but I couldn’t put it down. You’re a great writer, Kaylee.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “That means a lot.” His words touched something in her.

Luke was a tortured hero I fell hard for!  He seemed to keep his head down, work hard, and didn’t expect much from a city person coming and staying with him. So I loved that Kaylee shocked him. Her willingness to jump right in and help, while getting her hands dirty, made him pause and look at her.  Which he hadn’t done with anyone in quite a long time. And as Kaylee got Luke to open up, I loved that he was charming and easy to talk to. He was also kind, thoughtful, protective and extremely sexy! Even if he could be a little clueless when it came to women at times. Luke was a hero that so many people will easily fall for!

The air felt different here. And so did she. Something about being on the ranch was filling an empty place inside her. Maybe a place she didn’t even know was there. Not until she got here and found the missing pieces to fill it with.

While Luke and Kaylee seemed like polar opposites, they both spent so much time alone and loved their dogs Gladys and Cooper with their whole heart and souls. I loved what Gladys and Cooper added to the story; they both easily wiggled their ways into my heart! And as Kaylee spent more time around Luke, I fell hard for him right along with her! He was swoon worthy, sigh inducing and had such a good heart. I loved them working on the ranch together and going to town events. But Luke had his walls up high and Kaylee was only there to research her book, and then would be heading back to the city. Still, neither of them could ignore the tension between them that simmered with electricity!

“All that matters is just you and me, darlin’.”
“Just you and me,” she repeated in a whisper.

Cowboy Ever After was a story-line that captured my heart! Every time I pick up a Jennie Marts book I know that I will be smiling from that first page to the last, and that the story will be filled with so much heart!  There were also hidden treasures with Dean, Emma, Bear and so many animals! With laughter, romance, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was everything! If you need a feel good story, definitely look no further then this book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: A Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue #1) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: A Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue #1) by Jennie MartsA Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue #1)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Scarred and battered loner Zane Taylor has a gift with animals, particularly horses, but he's at a total loss when it comes to knowing how to handle women. Even though he's sworn off love, he can't seem to stay away from Bryn Callahan. He's known for being a horse whisperer, but can't seem to find his voice at all where Bryn is concerned.

Bryn Callahan has a heart for strays, but she is through trying to save damaged men. She vows to only date nice guys, which is a category that does not include Zane Taylor. Too bad he's the only one who sets her pulse racing every time she's around him.

Starting a horse rescue ranch wasn't in Bryn's plan, but try telling that to the assembly of abandoned animals that have found their way to her doorstep. And when a chance encounter with a horse headed for slaughter brings Zane and Bryn together, they find themselves given a chance to save not just the horse, but maybe each other...

Review:

With small town charm, characters that were easy to love and a story line that melted my heart, A Cowboy State of Mind had it all!  I laughed, cried and swooned hard.  So if you love cowboys and romance, then you definitely need to look at adding this one to your tbr!

“It was nothing.”
It hadn’t been nothing to her. It had been everything.

I had already fallen hard for Zane Taylor in Wish Upon a CowboyHe was quiet and loyal.  And I loved that he stepped up and helped when needed.  He was such a good person.  Plus I adored his border collie, that he claimed wasn’t his, but he still let her sleep in his bed at night ha!  But my heart bled for Zane.  Other judged him by his scar.  And his upbringing and current situation with his dad made my heart hurt for him.  Thankfully, there was lots of brightness in his life.  Especially anytime he was around Bryn.

She was done saving others. She wanted security and stability. Safety. And when it came to being around Zane Taylor, her heart was anything but safe.

Zane was already head over heels in lust with Bryn, and I couldn’t blame him.  I adored her too!    Bryn Callahan was a kind hearted, quirky, lovable woman who I instantly connected with.  She truly had the biggest heart ever and took in strays without a second thought.  When she saved a horse’s life, that brought Zane back into her life.  And while you could tell that they both liked each other, Bryn tried her best not to get attached.  Zane was supposed to leave the state for work.  But the heart wants what the heart wants.

He didn’t know what to say, how to put into words what her words meant to him. All he could do was show her. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her with everything in him.

Their love of animals brought Zane and Bryn together again and again.  And I loved that we got to hear both of their thoughts!  Their romance was sweet and slow, but the sexier moments were oh so hot!  But they had a lot of obstacles in their way, besides Zane leaving town.  Like Bryn’s past, her family to Zane not having the best faith in himself.  I just wanted to take all of the distractions away and push them together.  Because anytime they were around the other, it was fabulous!

“That’s the thing about love. We don’t ask for it, but sometimes we get it anyway.”

A Cowboy State of Mind should have easily been a 4.5/5 Star rating for me.  But I struggled with this book.  I’m overly sensitive to animals being in dangerous situations or hurt.  And don’t worry, spoiler alert, all the animals ended up perfectly fine.  But my little girl dog had been sick for months.  So I struggled greatly reading about hurt animals while she was snuggled up next to me extremely sick.  I truly couldn’t handle the animal parts at all, and would put this book down for days to even weeks at a time.  Many, many times.  I’m sure I’m an anomaly, but I wanted to explain why my heart couldn’t fully be in this story.

He brushed her hair back from her forehead, his gaze intense and deep as he stared into her eyes. “The fallin’ is easy, darlin ’. It’s the jumpin’ that takes the strength of will.”
She swallowed, emotion suddenly thickening her throat, as if her body knew that he wasn’t just talking about the ledge. She was already falling, and falling hard, for Zane Taylor, but was she really ready to jump headlong into this thing with him?
He dipped his head and kissed the side of her neck, the scruff of his whiskered chin scraping the delicate skin. She tipped her head back and sighed as she fell.

A Cowboy State of Mind had a happy ending for all, four and three legged animals included.  And I adored Zane and Bryn.  If you love romances that have sexy cowboys in them, heartwarming characters and animals and a story line that will make you root for HEAs, then definitely check this one out.  Jennie Marts is always a huge hit for me, I was just too sensitive with the topic of this book, to make this one a favorite.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
***Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.***


A Cowboy State of Mind #1
Reviews:

Jen

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman #2
Reviews:

Jen

How to Cowboy #3
Reviews:

Jen

REVIEW – No Cowboy Required by JoAnn Sky

REVIEW - No Cowboy Required by JoAnn Sky

REVIEW – No Cowboy Required by JoAnn SkyNo Cowboy Required by JoAnn Sky
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Grace Harper is a pro at handling the unexpected—which comes in handy when she inherits the ranch she ran away from years ago...along with a young, autistic stepbrother she’s never met. And because nothing ever goes easy for her, Grace finds her frustrating, sexy ex-flame, Noah, taking care of JJ. But if she’s getting out of this nowhere town, she’ll have to find a way to keep from throttling Noah—without kissing him first.

Noah Taylor may be enemy number one to Grace, but she needs his help. He knows the girl he used to love is still there, beneath the heels and fancy clothes, so he’ll help her—and keep his distance like she says she wants. Only the more time they spend together, the closer he wants to get. Grace has no intention of staying, but she belongs in his arms—he just has to prove it to her.

Review:

No Cowboy Required was such a heartwarming story filled with small town charm.  I adored the characters, I had a lot of fun watching how the story progressed and the happy ending left a huge smile on my face.  This was JoAnn Sky’s debut novel and I’ll definitely be checking out her future books!

This trip was supposed to be in and out, nice and easy. Sell the ranch, scoop up JJ, and skedaddle.
Noah’s gaze rolled down her body, lingered on her too-high heels, then climbed back up. “The city’s treated you well,” he said.
Bronzed abs peeked through the rip in his dirty T-shirt. Reno had treated
him well. Very well. Not that she’d ever admit it, especially to him. “How did you know I’d be here?”

Grace Harper made a life for herself in NY, in photography, and it was everything she had ever wished for.  While she was in a hurry to get back there, she had to spend two weeks back home in a little town south of Reno, Nevada.  Not only was she meeting JJ, her 10 year old step brother, for the first time. But he was left in her custody, since her father and his mother had just passed away.  Grace planned to quickly sell her dad’s ranch and take JJ back to a boarding school in NY, but everything started to combust.  There were so many more variables than she could have ever fathomed, including her ex-boyfriend Noah.

Maybe he’d made a mistake pushing her away. But he wasn’t mistaken about what they could accomplish if they worked together. They could do what was best for JJ. Together, he and that girl were unstoppable. And he had less than two weeks to prove it to her.

I don’t want to say much more, because it was so much fun watching everything unravel.  From Grace’s life back in NY, to finding a connection to JJ, to seeing people she knew from her past to even how her and Noah interacted, I found myself completely lost in their story!  And there was a lot of emotion packed into every single one of those moments.  So while it easy to connect to Grace, Noah was definitely my favorite.  He could be quiet at times but there was a lot simmering underneath his surface.  He was thoughtful, caring and had the hugest heart ever.

“But that something that used to be between us, Gracie, it’s still there. You’re pretending you don’t feel it.” He reached her, trailed a finger up her left arm. She shivered. “Don’t fight it.”

On top of all of the emotions, I loved how everything was so easy to visualize.  While I’m extremely familiar with where this book took place and have even seen the wild horses myself, the images came alive within the pages.  I loved how the words crafted such a quaint, little town to fall in love with. The only thing I was left wanting more of was Grace’s falling out with her father.  It felt like we only scratched the surface and I wanted to fully grasp her past with him.  So if you adore stories about second chance romance and finding yourself then definitely check this one out.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by Entangled:Bliss. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 
About JoAnn Sky:

JoAnn Sky writes adult contemporary romance and young adult romance with a magical twist. As J.A. Sky, she writes children’s books. For more information about her children’s stories, go to: www.dogsandbooks.com.

JoAnn is a member of Romance Writers of America and its YARWA and Golden Network chapters. Her manuscripts have seen success in various RWA-sponsored contests, including as a Golden Heart® finalist in 2014 (YA category) and 2017 (Contemporary Short category). Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her husband a.k.a. love of her life, three teenage children, and three crazy rescue dogs.

JoAnn is represented by the fabulous Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

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