Susan's Review of Only A Cowboy Will Do by A. J. Pine

A small-town woman is swept off her feet by a caring stranger in this charming western romance.

Forty candles, and one for luck. Jenna Owens wants one thing for her birthday this year: a fairy-tale ending of her own and a little relaxation at a quaint California ranch. What she didn’t want was to get caught in a storm on her way to Meadow Valley. Or to get stuck with a ridiculously hot, too-charming-for-his-own-good cowboy—one who makes Jenna reconsider her “I don't date younger guys” rule. But a little vacation flirtation might be just what she needs.

Colt Morgan isn’t interested in long-term relationships. Not since his last one crashed and burned after his fiancée found out he wanted a big family. So when he learns that Jenna has a list of items to accomplish on her trip—including having fling—Colt is all too happy to oblige. Yet the more he and Jenna get to know each other, the more Colt starts to wonder if maybe they have a chance at a real future. But when Jenna’s past upends everything Colt thought he wanted, are all bets off? Or will they find a way to make both their dreams come true?



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Only A Cowboy Will Do is a captivating story of second chances. It’s the third book in A. J. Pine’s Meadow Valley series.

The characters drew me into the story. Jenna Owens has devoted herself to raising her three nephews who have gifted her a two- week vacation to the Meadow Valley Guest Ranch. Jenna realizes that this vacation is the perfect opportunity for her to create her own happily ever after. Loved the items on her bucket list—they might seem ordinary to most people—these words represented Jenna’s hopes, dreams and wishes.

Colt Morgan is what dreams are made of—he’s sexy, sweet and an honest to God cowboy. I adored that he was immediately attracted to Jenna and he offered to help her with the bucket list. Loved his relationship with his sister and Delaney and Sam.

A.J. Pine creates a special journey for Jenna and Colt. I enjoyed reading how Colt and Jenna fell in love as they checked off the items on the bucket list. My favorite scene was when they shared beers and toffee bars underneath the stars as it was so romantic. The characters are relatable and the storyline unfolds at a perfect pace. I felt for Jenna; she stepped up and raised her nephews putting their needs above her own. Colt’s relationship with his sister gave me insight to his strength of character. Colt and Jenna desire the same thing—unconditional love and a family of their own. I rooted for this couple’s happiness as I read each page of this novel.

If you are looking for a heartwarming story filled with love and laughter —pick up a copy of Only A Cowboy Will Do. I know you will enjoy Colt and Jenna’s journey as much as I did.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

Susan's Review of Must Love Cowboys by Carly Bloom

In this charming, sexy romance, a bookish beauty needs a fake boyfriend and finds a handsome cowboy who is just the man for the job.

Beau Montgomery is living his best life . . . until he's left in charge of Rancho Cañada Verde. With his dyslexia, he'd choose a saddle over spreadsheets any day. His best hope is to ask the town librarian for tutoring. Only he's had a crush on the book-loving beauty since his junior high days—and despite being a smooth talker, he can't help getting tongue-tied every time they meet.

Alice Martin doesn't regret putting her career above personal relationships—but when Beau comes to her for help, Alice decides to see what she's been missing. She'll improve Beau's reading skills if the handsome cowboy teaches her how to flirt and agrees to be her date to an upcoming wedding. But when the town's gossip mill gets going, they're forced into a fake romance to keep their deal a secret. Soon Alice is seeing Beau in a whole new way . . . can she turn their imaginary story into a real-life happy-ever-after?

I thoroughly enjoyed Must Love Cowboys by Carly Bloom. The author has created a small town romance filled with charming characters, witty dialogue and a story that will grab at your heartstrings.

Must Love Cowboys features an unlikely pair: smooth talking rancher Beau Montgomery and Alice Martin the shy, fact spouting librarian. The Montgomery brothers Beau and Bryce, are the foremen of Rancho Canada Verde. Beau is enjoying his job and social life until Bryce accepts a new job; leaving Beau in charge of the ranch. Beau cannot make sense of the words, facts and figures that need to be inputted daily into the ranch’s excel program because he has dyslexia. I loved that Beau stepped up and asked Alice for help.

Loved Carly Bloom’s voice! Beau takes his reading lessons seriously and the author is able to add just the right amount of banter between the couple to keep the reader engaged. I loved that Alice tried different concepts to see what learning tools would work best for Beau. I could imagine hearing the excitement in Beau’s voice when he asked Alice to show him how to download a book on his phone—he wasn’t reading but, he had made huge progress! Loved the outdoor reading lessons and that Beau was able to introduce Alice to nature and help her come out of her shell. Beau’s reaction to Alice chattering about drought as they rode horses was perfect. He was attracted to Alice and saw the beauty within her. Swoon!

Carly Bloom is an amazing storyteller. Alice and Beau believed that they didn’t fit in. Alice because she was shy and intellectual and Beau because of his reading disability. The feeling of being an outsider looking in tugged at my heart. Adored that the author included subtle references to my favorite Disney movie Beauty and the Beast—Gaston the dog was perfectly named! Loved how Beau and Alice’s fun, flirty friendship lead to romance.

Must Love Cowboys has all of the story elements that I adore; well-crafted dialogue, fabulous characters and an engaging, relatable storyline. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Publisher and Net Galley

Susan: Tell us a little bit about Must Love Cowboys.

Carly: Must Love Cowboys is the third book in my Once Upon a Time in Texas series, and like the others, it’s a cowboy tryst with a fairy tale twist (Beauty and the Beast was the inspiration).

Beau is a ranch foreman who has dyslexia, and he needs some special help from Alice, the town’s librarian and, ahem… Beau’s former babysitter. In exchange, he promises to be Alice’s plus-one for an upcoming wedding. To keep their deal a secret, they end up in a fake relationship. Beau falls in love with Alice AND books (I honestly don’t know which is the better love story) and Alice, who is happily single and confidently self-partnered, falls in love right back. *You also get skinny-dipping, stargazing, cowboy strippers, and a few Latin lessons

Susan: Alice and Beau’s relationship and their hilarious banter drew me into this story. Beau really liked getting under Alice skin as much as she liked having the last word in their discussions. The witty dialogue and sexual tension between the couple reminded me of the Moonlighting TV series which starred Cybil Shepard and Bruce Willis. What inspired you to pair Alice and Beau?

Carly: I forgot all about that show! I loved it! As for pairing Beau and Alice, I really didn’t plan to pair them at all. But the attraction between opposites is pretty dang powerful, and they found each other. It was actually Claire (what a little matchmaker!) who clued me in that there might be something going on between Alice and Beau.

Susan: Was it difficult to balance the couple’s romance with Beau’s need to address his dyslexia?

Carly: The biggest tipping point in a romance (for me) is the moment when a character reveals their biggest secret; that part of themselves that makes them feel unlovable and completely bare and exposed, only to discover that they can be both seen and loved. Beau’s dyslexia provided a great medium for delivering that tipping point. And not only did Alice accept and love him, she helped him overcome his challenges.

Susan: I noticed a few sparks between Carmen and Bryce in this story—will you write a story for them?

Carly: I would love the opportunity to write about Carmen and Bryce! They’re a very unlikely pairing, so of course, I want to smoosh them together.

Susan: What book are you reading and recommending now? Favorite author?

Carly: I just finished the Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan, and I’m starting the Roommate (I’m reading them out of order). So clever and fun! My all-time favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Philips. I’ve been reading her books since the 90s. She’s the queen who turned me on to contemporary romance.

Susan: How can readers reach you?

Carly: I’m on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. I have a readers’ group called Carly’s Bloomers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/carlysbloomers

And you can sign up for my newsletter, Carly Spills the Tea, at my website: www.carlybloombooks.com

I freaking love to hear from readers. Every time someone tells me they’ve visited Big Verde, I get goosebumps, because that makes my fictional town “real.”

Carly Bloom began her writing career as a family humor columnist and blogger, a pursuit she abandoned when her children grew old enough to literally die from embarrassment. To save their delicate lives, Carly turned to penning steamy, contemporary romance. The kind with bare chests on the covers.

Carly and her husband raise their mortified brood of offspring on a cattle ranch in South Texas.

 

Susan's Review of Make Mine A Cowboy-- by A. J. Pine Meadow Valley #2

Dr. Charlotte North has no time for a player, not even one as tempting as Ben Callahan. Besides, Charlotte is only in Meadow Valley for a few months to help her grandmother. After that, it's back to New York and the career she loves. But when her gram starts to meddle in her personal life, Charlotte knows just the man to help her out. Ben's the perfect no-strings boyfriend, until Charlotte discovers that beneath that rugged, charming exterior lies a sweet and bighearted cowboy.

Ben Callahan is tired of people assuming he's an immature playboy, so when the smart and sexy Charlotte asks him to be her pretend boyfriend, he jumps at the chance to show everyone that he's changed his ways. Though he and Charlotte are calling their relationship fake, Ben's heart says otherwise. Two months with Charlotte isn't nearly enough. Will Ben be able to prove he's worthy of her for real before their time together is up, or will she leave Meadow Valley---and him---forever?


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Make Mine A Cowboy is a heart- warming novel of second chances. I loved the characters and their second chance romance.

I adored the charming, handsome Ben Callahan from the first page of the novel. Six months ago, he was misdiagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Ben kept the devastating news to himself and decided to enjoy life, beer and woman.

Dr. Charlotte North works in an extremely busy pediatrician’s office in New York City. She is consumed by her job and responsibilities and has no social life. I could relate to Charlotte and understood her work ethic and work pressures. Charlotte’s return to Meadow Valley to help her injured Grandmother run the inn provides Ben with a second chance with Charlotte.

I loved how the author blended light hearted dialogue and emotional drama in this story. Loved that Gram Pearl played the role of matchmaker for her granddaughter. Gram wanted Charlotte to have a home, friends and family. Ben endeared himself to me when he took Charlotte out on their first date – a picnic under the stars— so very romantic. Loved the chemistry between this couple and their romance and that Ben put himself out there made his feelings about Charlotte clear!

Make Mine A Cowboy is a perfect winter read! Ben-the swoony hero will capture your heart as he tries to win over the determined Dr. North. Grab a mug of tea and enjoy this story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Susan's Review of This Cowboy of MIne- by R. C. Ryan --- Wranglers of Wyoming #2

A cowboy with a wild side

Kirby Regan isn't opposed living on the edge. After all, she just quit her career in Washington, D.C, so she could move back to Wyoming and buy her family's ranch. But hiking the Tetons after dark during a snowstorm goes beyond being adventurous, especially when Kirby's boss warns her that an escaped convict is at large. Sheltering in a cave seems the safest option to ride out the blizzard-until Kirby realizes it's already occupied . . . by a ruggedly handsome cowboy.

Like the mustangs he treats, veterinarian and rancher Casey Merrick prefers to live wild and free, which is why a relationship is not in the cards for him. He doesn't mind sharing his space with a gorgeous stranger, as long as they can both keep their distance-a task that begins to seem impossible as the attraction between them heats up. But before they can worry about the spark smoldering between them, Casey must find a way to protect Kirby from nature's most ruthless conditions . . . and a convicted killer on the loose.



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RC Ryan’s This Cowboy of Mine blends romance and suspense perfectly. The author’s rich descriptive voice drew me into the story.

Veterinarian Casey Merrick has a deep respect and love for his family and the wild mustangs that live in the hills surrounding his family’s ranch. I loved the strong relationship between Casey and his great grandfather. Ham Merrick epitomizes the tough, no nonsense cowboy. The patriarch values honestly, hard work and family and he has instilled these values in Casey. These values test Casey throughout the novel.

Kirby Regan grew up on a neighboring farm. She has traded her career and lifestyle in Washington DC in order to purchase her uncles property. I like that Kirby was self-reliant and that her confidence enabled her to overcome several difficult situations.

RC Ryan does a fabulous job introducing Casey and Kirby! Think blizzard conditions, a dark cave and Kirby aiming gun at a sleeping Casey! Kirby believes she has stumbled upon an escaped convict! When the storm subsides, Casey and Kirby manage to reach his family’s ranch where she is welcomed by his family.

I enjoyed the slow burn romance that developed between Casey and Kirby. The author blends romance with suspense throughout the novel. The couple’s romance is at the heart of this novel but RC Ryan is able to maintain an element of tension throughout the novel as the convict has not been captured. This plot technique kept me turning the pages of the book.

This Cowboy of Mine is the first RC Ryan novel I have read. I loved the dynamic characters of Casey, Kirby, Ham and Gram Meg. I would love to read Aunt Liz and Jonah’s stories. The author’s descriptive writing enable me to picture the Merrick ranch and be a part of the family’s life.

This Cowboy of Mine has all the feels—it’s a feel good romance filled with fabulous characters and suspense!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by publisher

Susan's Review of A Cowboy for Keeps by Laura Drake--Chestnut Creek 3

An arrogant cowboy meets a headstrong woman determined to take custody of his niece, only to realize that she may be the family he was always searching for.

There's not much that could rattle a cowboy like Reese St. James. But when his twin brother dies in a car accident, Reese is stunned to discover he has a six-month old niece, Sawyer. Wanting to make up for lost time, Reese heads down to Unforgiven, New Mexico, to bring her home. He doesn't plan on Sawyer's guardian giving him any trouble, but the intriguing, independent woman is turning out to be more than he bargained for.

Lorelei West had given up hope of having a family of her own until her sister's tragic death brought little Sawyer into her life. And now there's no way she's going to let Reese take her away. Lorelei knows hotshot, good-looking cowboys like him -- she's dated enough of them -- and she intends to stand her ground. Yet the more time Reese and Lorelei spend together, the harder it is to deny the attraction building between them. But opening their hearts to a baby is one thing -- can they also open their hearts to the possibility of a happily-ever-after?

review

I love it when I discover a new author! Laura Drake pairs a strong, independent, café manager Lorelei West with ruggedly handsome rancher Reese St. James in A Cowboy for Keeps. The result? A well-paced, poignant, friends to lovers romance.

Both Reese and Lorelei had given up having a family of their own until a tragic accident leaves their six- month old niece an orphan. Lorelei travels to a small town in New Mexico to pick up the child and brings her home. When Reese discovers he is an uncle, he immediately drives to New Mexico. He shows up at the café asking for Lorelei. His sole purpose?—to see Sawyer.

The tension between Lorelei and Reese drew me into the story immediately. She is worried that Reese will use his wealth and family connections to obtain custody of Sawyer. Reese is concerned she won’t let him see his niece. Their first conversation does not do well as Reese blurts out his thoughts without thinking. Lorelei invites Reese to her home and wonders if he can see past the peeling paint, leaky roof and outdated kitchen and realize that Sawyer is adored by her family. Reese becomes immersed in the Wests day to day life. Loved when the overconfident cowboy changes a stinky diaper for the first time, does yard work and charms Lorelei’s mother (who calls him the Meals on Wheels boy) and her companion Sarah. Reese understands that the Wests are a family—they care and support each other unconditionally-something that he did not experience growing up.

Loved the author’s descriptive voice in this novel. I could picture Nevada behind the stove at the Chestnut Creek café, hear the hilarious conversations between Moss and Manny and see the fireworks sparkle between Lorelei and Reese at the Fourth of July celebration.

Lorelei and Reese’s love for Sawyer brings them together. I adored the couple’s slow burn love story as it unfolded during the novel. Both Lorelei and Reese had insecurities that they needed to resolve. They needed to believe in each other and in their love for Sawyer before they could take a leap of faith and fall in love. I adored both characters. I was drawn to Lorelei because she thought romance and a family of her own had passed her by. Reese charmed his way into my heart because he loved Sawyer and Lorelei and wants to become a better person for them.

The tension between Reese and Lorelei drew me into the story but, their emotional journey-grief, acceptance and love-kept me reading. A Cowboy for Keeps is a wonderful small town novel filled with engaging characters and an emotional storyline that tugs at your heart strings. Pick up a copy and enjoy this fabulous story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Laura Drake grew up in the suburbs outside Detroit. A tomboy, she’s always loved the outdoors and adventure. In 1980 she and her sister packed everything they owned into Pintos and moved to California. There she met and married a motorcycling, bleed-maroon Texas Aggie and her love affair with the West began.
In 2014, Laura realized a lifelong dream of becoming a Texan, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up the corporate CFO gig to write full time. She’s a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.