When his secret baby is unexpectedly dropped off at his ranch, Beau Stephens asks his best friend, Lucy, to be his temporary nanny.
Becoming a single dad overnight was certainly not part of confirmed bachelor Beau’s plans. Neither was becoming someone’s husband, but when an old fling claims he’s a father, he’s determined to do the right thing.
Lucy’s plans to leave for Seattle and start a new life come to a screeching halt when her best friend needs help. She’s harbored a secret crush on Beau for many years but it’s too late now. He’s about to become a family man. Unless this is all a big mistake.
What truly makes a family, and can Beau and Lucy find a way to make their own?
The fun and funny characters of Stoneridge are up to their shenanigans again. Beau and Lucy are childhood friends who have been dancing around each other for years. The ladies of SORROW come up with a plan to get them together. The story will make you laugh out loud at all the crazy antics. It is a page turning thrill to to happily ever after that sees Beau and Lucy together.
This was my first Stone Ridge book. I will be looking to read more. Sweet story, Beau, a single cowboy, gets a big surprise when an ex drops off a baby saying it's his. She says she'll be back in a week. Lucy, his best friend, moves in to be the nanny....of course they all fall in love with the baby.... But is she really his? How does it end? Great story. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this story. I’ve read some of the books in this series but not all of them. This is the type of book where you can jump in even if it is in the middle of the series. All stories are standalone but you can get to know all the characters better if you read them in order.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
You gotta love Beulah and her prologue for this book. It was nice to be back in Stone Ridge and see what is happening with Beau and Lucy, his best friend/temporary nanny/maybe more. When one of his exes shows up (Rachel) and leaves a baby for him to take care of and he’s supposedly the father everything gets real, really quick for Beau. Of course, we have our wonderful ladies of SORROW to help out in addition to his mother, but he needs more full-time help and of course Lucy comes to the rescue. I loved how these two have their simmering attraction just below the surface, but they need a nudge especially with Lucy planning on moving out and on to bigger things in Seattle. I loved the ‘plan or project’ if you call it that. Between Sadie, Lenny, and Lucy’s mom, they are in cahoots behind the scenes so that Lucy is unable to live in her house because of termites then it’s vermin and other crazy scenarios come up that Lucy ends up having to stay with Beau for a while. Of course, it’s no hardship, especially when the truth comes to light and a kiss leads to more between Lucy and Beau. We also have Rachel showing back up to the scene to pick up their daughter but now she is having doubts as to whether it’s really Beau’s child or not and then we find out more information about Lucy and her past and how she came to end up in a Moses basket on the church steps. So much is going on in this story. We have the news about the baby and its parents, we have an exciting update from Sadie and Linc, we find out the truth about Lucy’s parentage and we get to see the start of something with Lucy and Beau. LOVED the ending to this story and I’m wondering what is coming up next in Stone Ridge. Wonderful book!!!
This book had me laughing out loud and wanting to knock some sense into the two main characters. Beau and Lucy have been friends for years and have had a crush on each other for longer than they want to admit. Neither has ever revealed their feelings to the other and now Lucy is determined to leave town so she can get away from Beau and his hookups. Beau doesn’t do relationships, casual dating or hookups are more of his speed. Seeing him with other women is getting too hard for her to handle. She has tried dating other men, but she can’t get Beau out of her heart. A change of scenery is just what she needs, sort of out of sight, out of mind and heart, or so she hopes. She is ready to find herself a good man, settle down and have a family of her own. She has no idea that Beau has the same feelings. He thinks if he tells Lucy he wants her as more than a friend, she will reject him and keep her distance. He believes that he isn’t the right guy for Lucy anyway. But hearing she really is leaving in a month has him in a panic. Then an ex shows up at his door and drops off a baby girl that she claims is his. Now real panic sets in and he ends up begging Lucy to help him take care of this tiny little girl.
Seeing each other with a baby in their arms sets off all kinds of reactions, inspires a few dreams and has each wondering if maybe, just maybe they could take the leap and be more than friends. First they have to talk to each other, open their hearts and lay everything on the line. Can they do it or will this chance at something special be lost?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all lovers of romance.
Beau has lived in Stone Ridge with family and friends most of his life. He has dated, of course, but isn't one for long or committed relationships. His life is completely shaken up when an ex drops off a baby girl who she claims is his. She claims to be overwhelmed and will be back in a week. Beau's mom and the ladies of SORROW, a group who always pitches in to help when it's needed, come to the rescue in many ways. All the same, Beau has work obligations so he needs help in caring for this cute, but mostly dependent baby girl. Lucy, who has had a crush of Beau forever volunteers to be a nanny. Beau is willing to pay her. Lucy needs money to further her plans to move to Seattle. She knows she needs to get away from Beau and start a new life. Neither of them realizes that many of the residents of the town are trying to push the two together. Their antics make for humor and also some sizzle. Lucy really warms to the baby who seems to have been abandoned. Lucy was allegedly found at a church on the Fourth of July and has always been dubbed the "miracle baby". Will the mystery of Lucy's past be revealed as well as the parentage of this new baby? This novel is part love story, part family drama. The two meld together perfectly. I was able to jump right into the book, even though I've only read the previous story from this series. I was happy to see that Sadie and Linc of book #6 played a pivotal role in this new one. The cast of characters from all the stories at the end of this one was so helpful. I highly recommend this charming book and will try to go back and read the back list of this series to learn more about the Cowboys Of Stone Ridge.
I love the characters in this book. Heatherly Bell has created two complicated, well-rounded and realistic characters. Even though they are kind, generous and caring people, they do not lead perfect lives. They do not always follow small-town rules or agree with their families.
For example, Beau is a confirmed bachelor who dates lots of girls with no thoughts of ever settling down. His life-long, best friend, Lucy has had a secret crush on him for years. However, since she has never hinted of her feelings to Beau, he treats her like one his pals. In fact, he usually calls her “Larry.”
Lucy finally gives up hope that Beau will ever see her as anything but friend. Therefore, she makes plans to move to Seattle and start a new life without Beau. However, Lucy’s plans are abruptly interrupted when Beau gets a shocking, unexpected visit.
A woman Beau met a year ago comes to visit him. He had spent “one crazy night” with her, and he has regretted it ever since. She brings her six-month old daughter that she claims belongs to Beau. She is leaving her with him for a week, because now it is his turn to take care of the baby. In the end, Lucy, who is unable to refuse anything for Beau, postpones her move, so she can help Beau take care of his daughter.
During that week, Lucy and Beau go through many changes. Beau’s daughter is the catalyst that he needs to change his lifestyle. And a surprising secret will remind Lucy how important her family and home are to her.
This is a delightful story with complex characters and a thought-provoking plot!
I have read all of the Men of Stone Ridge books and Unexpected Cowboy Dad was another great addition to the series. This is Beau Stephen's story. Beau is quite the ladies man of Stone Ridge. He has a charming personality and looks that always captures the ladies eyes. He loves his small town, loves his job as a building contractor but most of all he loves his best friend Lucy. Lucy is determined to leave small town life and move to Seattle. She's tired of nothing but cowboys, her loving but overbearing parents and most of all her unrequited love for her best friend Beau. When a random hookup turns up with a baby in tow, Beau is shocked. When she leaves the baby in Beau's care so that she can take a vacation, Beau is terrified. The townspeople of Stone Ridge are there to assist Beau but he needs Lucy most of all. Beau feels that Lucy can do anything so he begs for her help. This town full of busybodies knows that Beau and Lucy are meant for each other so they start working on a plan. Unexpected Cowboy Dad was a sweet story. Full of light hearted moments and behind closed doors romance. It stands alone in the series however many of the town's characters are part of the story so I do recommend going back and reading the rest of the series to get the full effect of Stone Ridge's charm. It was told from dual POV and was a wonderful way to spend a few afternoons in a fictional western world.
Whether you have read all the stories in the series, or like me, just a few, rest assure this is a stand alone. Lucy Lorenzo has lived in Stone RIdge since the day she was found in a basket at the local church. She’s been called the miracle baby. As happy as she has been with her adoptive parents, the town, and all the jobs she has, a part of her has left her with feelings of abandonment as well as a need to start over somewhere else. In this case, Seattle, where she won’t be seeing her best friend, Beau Stephens, constantly with a new girl. She’s said that multiple times, but this time she will be moving. But all that comes to a stop when Beau needs help. She drops everything to help him out. Meanwhile, some in town create a story that will force Lucy into staying with Beau while she helps him out. The more these two spend together, the more they open up to each other and reveal their feelings. In the end, will they realize they are meant to be together, or will each go their separate ways without giving their love a try? What happens when Lucy discovers the truth of her past? This is a story about family whether created by blood or by love. It’s also a story about opening one’s heart, about friendships , and lastly, about taking chances in life and love. A sweet story perfect for an afternoon of leisure. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Unexpected Cowboy Dad ~The Cowboys of Stone Ridge #7 by Heatherly Bell. PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION From the bestselling series...The Cowboys of Stone Ridge. When his secret baby is unexpectedly dropped off at his ranch, Beau Stephens asks his best friend, Lucy, to be his temporary nanny.
Simply...brilliant.What's not to love when you read a Heatherly Bell story? we have cowboys, a best friend's brother, a baby girl, (left with her dad), a secret crush, and the town's very own miracle baby girl, Lucy, who is now 30 It's all here. Here we have the seventh book in this wonderful series, I have been reading from the beginning, and this is one of my favorite series to date. Unexpected Cowboy Dad has been written brilliantly, the characters are so believable that you think that you too are there and they feel like family. I loved how Heatherly draws you in from the very first page, although this can be read as a standalone, I think it is best to read the other books in the series, as they seem to follow on with characters popping in from previous books. I highly recommend this book to all, as my words don't do it the justice it deserves, I hope Heatherly will continue this series, as it is a very enjoyable read.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
Beau Stephens and Lucy Lorenzo have been friends since elementary. Beau is a cowboy who is a handsome, sexy bachelor who lives in the small town of Stone Ridge. Lucy has lived there since she was abandoned in a basket at the local church. She was raised by her adopted parents who is always smothering her. They’re overprotective. Even the town still calls her a miracle baby and she’s an adult. She wants to move to Seattle where no one knows about her past. Where no one looks at her with pity. She’s beautiful, kind and does anything she’s asked to do. It’s hard for her to say no. When Beau finds out that he fathered a daughter, he’s shocked. Why didn’t the mother tell him? She just arrives and announces it at his ranch. She up and leaves the baby with him. Who does that? What type of mother does that? Will she return? The town comes together and helps Beau out. Lucy also steps in as the nanny. With the close proximity, will they feel the chemistry? Neither one realize that they had crushes on each other. Will Lucy move? Will she stay? It’s hard not to act on their feelings and chemistry when everyone is pushing them toward each other. Everyone knows they were meant to be together. Can they both walk away? Will his daughter come between them? These two characters are wonderful, kind and deserves a chance at love. Will they find it together or with someone else? Love this s. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this book. That being said, I would highly recommend it as it is a wonderful series.
This is written in a multiple POV format. Seeing what is happening to some of the prior characters and what they are going through really feels like connecting to an old friend.
Lucy is ready to leave town and "find" herself in Seattle. Nothing will change her mind this time around! That is until her BBF, Beau, receives the shock of a lifetime. He is a father. The mother drops off little Charlotte so she can have some "me" time.
Beau is clueless as to how to take care of a 6 month old. Beau is a lady's man. The charming cowboy enlists Lucy to help him. The town of course, comes to help out as well. That is what the small town of Stone Ridge does. After the one time of indiscretion with Charlotte's mother, Beau hasn't dated anyone. He has secretly pined for his BBF and wants her to stay but knows if she leaves, that she will be back.
Can helping to take care of baby Charlotte, help to heal Lucy's heart and soul? She had been abandoned as an infant and adopted by a wonderful couple as well as the town.
I adored this story. I love seeing the characters develop and grow. The sexy times were behind closed doors. I highly recommend this enchanting tale to anyone!
UNEXPECTED COWBOY DAD is the seventh in Heatherly Bell's The Cowboys of Stone Ridge series, an entertaining small-town setting where meddling runs rampant.
Heatherly Bell's story is almost unexpectedly poignant. The series has been a tongue-in-cheek about a town so afloat in eligible bachelors that they have created a matchmaking handbook of sorts, and in this story, all eyes turn to one of the last cowboys standing, Beau Stephens. He's juggling his family construction business with property management on the side, and enjoying being footloose and fancy-free when one of his former flings drops off a sweet baby girl, declaring him the father, before she takes off for parts unknown.
Beau thanks his lucky stars and his family and friends who step up to support him in his new fatherhood gig, especially Lucy Lorenzo, his sister's best friend and one of his as well. Lucy's long had more than friendly feelings towards Beau, which is why she's determined to move out and move on with her life. The surprise baby is truly a catalyst not only for Beau and her to acknowledge and act upon their emotions but also for her to consider and resolve her feelings about her own childhood.
A lovely read that reinforces the support and joy to be found in familial connections and the love of friends.
I really enjoyed Unexpected Cowboy Dad. In the small town of Stone Ridge the women run the town. When things need to be done they get it down. Lucy and Beau have best best friends since they were small children. When Lucy was a baby she was left at the church, beloved by the residents of Stone Ridge, Lucy has always felt different and is ready to move away for a fresh start. Beau is known as a bit of a ladies man. One day there is a knock on his door, its a one night stand with a babygirl. Who she announces is Beau's daughter and she needs a break for a week. Beau is stunned and doesnt know what to do. He calls up Lucy and asks her to be his temporary nanny. I really loved the town of Stone Ridge how everyone comes together when someone needs something. None of the residents want Lucy to leave and know her and Beau are meant to be together. They see their chance and concoct reasons to throw these together. Will it work? Pick up a copy of Unexpected Cowboy Dad and find out. Heatherly Bell has created a wonderful town with Stone Ridge. I couldnt put this book down and had to force myself to do so. ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.
Beau and Lucy have been friends since childhood. Lucy is his sister's bestie, but they are all close in age and they consider themselves good friends as well. Now both are in the mid-thirties and single. Lucy has been in love with Beau for years, and is not telling him. Beau dates often and is definitely a little clueless when it comes to women. I actually liked his character which was a little clueless but not dumb. Great family and friend's support. I love the phone tree in the town! Also, the book cover looks NOTHING like how the character is described. By the description he looks more like a young John Schnieder.
They are drawn together by an unexpected baby left for Beau. And a little conspiracy by people who want them together. The family and friends were just right, even though I have not read the other stories. Definitely a lot of characters, but enjoyable even if you have not read them. It could have moved a little faster. It slowed here and there with information that was not really necessary to the story. It is closed door which is not my favorite, but you could still sense the attraction. Funny, enjoyable read with some heart.
This has now become my favorite book by this author taking over the top spot from Once Upon a Charming Bookshop. This book is a beautifully written romance, but we also get to see just how the ladies of SORROW step up when they’re needed. Beau finds himself an unexpected dad, when Rachel shows up with Charlotte, six months old, and says she’s Beau’s daughter. She says she needs a vacation. I’d like to give her a vacation she wouldn’t soon forget. I guess you can tell I don’t like Rachel. Of course the ladies aren’t going to look after Charlotte for Beau, but they do make sure he has anything he could possibly need to help him out. Beau asks Lucy to be his nanny and since she’s saving money to move to Seattle, she agrees. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I bet you’ll fall in love with most of these characters and this amazing story. I absolutely loved the character list at the end of the book as well.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Holy wow! What’s a more thrilling amusement park ride than a roller coaster? I don’t really know, but that’s the ride this book just took me on. With sky-high climbs, colossal crashes, and a bunch of dizzy-making spins in between, Beau and Lucy’s story put me through it all. I loved watching Beau learning what it took to be a parent, and I really appreciated that Lucy was included in the learning curve; showing that parenthood isn’t any more instinctive in either gender. I adored seeing this pair being brave enough to take the necessary steps to admit their feelings to one another, and that they were able to embrace forgiveness towards the people that had hurt them. I don’t have a clue what’s next for the quirky residents of Stone Ridge, but I can’t wait to read it, whatever it may be. I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
Delightful: What a wonderful story; I loved every minute of it! I enjoyed the dialogue and seeing the rather wacky residents of this small town, ranching community interact with one another. Whilst it could technically be read as a standalone, I think it would be best enjoyed as part of the series as there are a number of interconnecting characters and it may be a little confusing otherwise. Beau and Lucy made a truly lovely couple. It was such fun and endearing watching the playboy cowboy being brought to his knees by his infant daughter. My heart also went out to Lucy as she attempted to reconcile her past with who she was as a person. Overall I found this book to be quite emotional and heart wrenching at times, yet it was still an uplifting and enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is such a cute little small town romance about two best friends, Beau and Lucy, who clearly belong together but are convinced otherwise. Everyone can see it but them. I have bed how the whole town gets involved in matchmaking and the lengths they go to. Beau thinks he’s the dad of baby Charlotte, who has just been dumped on him. Lucy wants to move away. Events conspire to throw them together and make them see sense. The relationship between Beau and Lucy is heartwarming. They’ve known each other forever and have always been there for each other, through thick and thin. The way they are with each other is beautiful. Their love for each other just shines out of them. I loved the small town setting, originally being from a small town in Texas myself. I could see this story actually happening in real life. I really enjoyed it and need to go back and read the rest of the series.
This series by Heatherly Bell is so much fun! The ladies of SORROW have a new project! Beau’s fun care free life has come to an end when one of his women drops his baby off and leaves town. How’s he going to raise a child, work his ranch and do his construction jobs? The ladies have a special woman picked out, but can they convince her not to make the planned move to the big city? Lucy was abandoned when she was a baby two decades ago, but was found at the church. The town considered her a miracle, she was adopted by a wonderful family. She and Beau have been close friends for years but fear taking their relationship to a different level could ruin their friendship. Will his baby bring them together or tear them apart? *I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
When Beau Stephens has a baby left in his care, he gets his best friend, Lucy, to help him out. Lucy agrees to help temporarily because she is determined to leave the small town life and cowboys for a fresh start in Seattle. However, everyone in Stone Ridge knows that Beau and Lucy belong together. Lucy develops a bond with the baby since she too was abandoned as an infant. Spending so much time together, Beau and Lucy have a discussion about their feelings and they realize what the townsfolk have been up to. Is the baby really Beau’s? Will Lucy decide to stay in Stone Ridge? More importantly, will Lucy get the answers that she has looked for her entire life? Don’t miss out on this installment of The Men of Stone Ridge series!
Beau has had women come and go in his life, but the one constant has been his best friend Lucy. She has always been there for him and when he finds out he is a father she is there for him once again but the more time they spend together with his daughter the more his feelings for her change.
Lucy’s feelings for Beau go much beyond friendship but she has lost hope that he would ever feel the same. She was getting ready to leave him and her hometown as being near him without being with him was becoming too much to bear however a little baby might just change everything.
Beau and Lucy have always belonged together and everyone in their lives know it and I enjoyed seeing them realize it as well.
This is a friends to lovers story. With a playboy cowboy who has a baby dropped off on his doorstep. He’s lost and reaches out to those around him. Lucy steps up and through friend’s scheming they end up taking care of the baby together.
Both have hidden and unresolved feelings for one another. And when Beau realizes Lucy truly means to move away this time he begins to panic. He feels he’s losing her forever.
Bonding over the baby and learning about each other’s feelings creates a relationship they hadn’t expected. It’s a sweet cowboy romance. No third act breakup. And a fun and easy read.
I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Another visit to Stone Ridge, involving a baby, a cowboy and a young woman planning on leaving town. Out of the blue, a past hoookup stands on his doorstep and hands over a baby, saying g this his, needs downtime and will be back in a week. He turns to Lucy for help, who has some understanding as she was left on the church steps, to be adopted and brought up by a local couple. Everyone believes they belong together, but timing, circumstances and hidden feelings have stood in their way. The child is the catalyst in a chain of events. Emotions and doubts run regularly through them and disappointment also plays its part, as this couple hover and above and around the situation
Beau has a nice life. He has a great job, lots of dates, and a plan for his dream ranch. There is just one thing missing, but that won't ever happen. He tries not to think about how he isn't good enough for Lucy. Lucy has a nice life. She has family who love her (if a little too much), lots of skills, and good friends. But her origins nag at her, and she isn't sure who she really is. Until she knows, she won't be good enough for Beau. The town schemes to get these two together by using a surprise baby as an excuse. It is very funny and very touching.
Stone Ridge does it again, another man off the SORROW list to marry off. Beau and Lucy finally take the chances on each other when he needs help with his ‘new’ daughter. Moving from friends to more is a huge risk and both are afraid to lose their friendship, but is it worth it for more? Sometimes you don’t know what you need until you have it, and this is so true for Beau and Lucy. This fun-loving cowboy novel can be read as a stand-alone or in conjunction with the series, I jumped in a bit late myself.
Beau has baby Charlotte dropped off at his house, he is told that she is his baby. Lucy his friend who he is secretly in love with wants to leave town to make a fresh start. When she was a baby she was dropped off at the church and found by Lennie. She is the towns miracle baby. Lucy is also in love with Beau but has never told him. They both have to get up the courage to tell each other before it is too late. There are secrets that come out and surprise everyone. A really good read with a good ending. I enjoyed reading this book. I received a free book and I would recommend reading it.
I haven’t read any of this series before, so it truly is a standalone. Beau is shocked when Rachel dumps his (unknown to him) baby and takes off. Beau must do a lot of growing up to take on this responsibility. Lucy, his best friend, agrees to help. And the town matchmakers have their own agenda. Great story with wonderfully written characters. Thoroughly enjoyable with lots of emotions involved. I received a fr33 copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Not romantic to me She is just depressing and her story sad They’ve loved each other for years but he is a player… she is tired and wants to leave for Seattle, she couldn’t go to college, she has no money and looks like the charity case of the small town, quite pathetic She ends up being the nanny of his supposed daughter with a fast freak in an office…honestly it’s a shit show of a book with no sex scenes but somehow I didn’t miss them! Sorry…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was great to be back in Stone Ridge! I love seeing characters from one book to another so I was already invested in the world the author has created, but this can be read as a standalone. Beau and Lucy's story was sweet, but painful. The characters learn more about themselves and others. The twist was so unexpected that I shouted out loud! GAH! I loved this small town, friends to lovers romance that ended with a beautiful HEA. I look forward to more from this author!