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The Last Real Cowboy / The Rancher's Runaway Princess
The Last Real Cowboy with bonus story: The Rancher's Runaway Princess
A diamond like no other…
From the moment he turned up late to her charity’s meeting, placating everyone with a tip of his Stetson and a lazy smile, Angela Beck knew that Sam Diamond was going to be Trouble with a capital T.
Angela is the prickliest woman Sam’s ever met—let alone had to work with! He’d love to still her sharp tongue with a kiss, but first he has to get close enough to awaken the complex woman beneath the deliberately cool exterior. And that’s something only a real cowboy can do…
A diamond like no other…
From the moment he turned up late to her charity’s meeting, placating everyone with a tip of his Stetson and a lazy smile, Angela Beck knew that Sam Diamond was going to be Trouble with a capital T.
Angela is the prickliest woman Sam’s ever met—let alone had to work with! He’d love to still her sharp tongue with a kiss, but first he has to get close enough to awaken the complex woman beneath the deliberately cool exterior. And that’s something only a real cowboy can do…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Donna Alward
285 books692 followersSince 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 22, 2019
For the first time in years, Angela felt the ground shift beneath her feet. After focusing on her career, on the lives of others for so long, she wanted something for herself. And what she wanted - WHO she wanted - was Sam. It didn't matter about the justifications or reasons or differences in their lives. Nothing stopped the wanting. The only thing holding her back was that it scared her out of her wits. She wanted to believe in him so badly it terrified her. 32%
PREMISE
Angela is a survivor of abuse. Her father was terrible and abused her and her mother. When she got out from under his thumb she ended up in an abusive romantic relationship that she leaves. Now she is setting up a shelter for abused women in Cadence Creek, Canada.
This is one of Harlequins “Romance” line. They publish romance novels, but they literally have a line called “Romance.” ANYWAY.
Sam is a rich ranch owner. His dad suffered a stroke so Sam has taken over his mother's place on the board of the new shelter.
Angela and Sam had met previously at a fundraiser and clashed. He asked to get her a drink and she thought he was hitting on her and rejected him. His response was – and I'm not joking – asking her, “Do you know who I am?” like an entitled prick.
She's shocked and nervous when he comes on the board.
ANALYSIS
This was kind of a strange book in that I didn't know exactly what to make of it. Both Angela and Sam are perfectly fine people. Sam can be a bit of a dumbass, he's not a big thinker. And he tends to push Angela into a relationship, which was REALLY driving me bonkers considering her past. She's quite skittish. He should be slow, gentle, and patient with her. He has to realize that she needs time and space to wrap her head around entering into a relationship again. He shouldn't try to railroad her. I'm not even talking about physically here – the book is pretty 'clean.' There's only a bit of light kissing. I'm talking about him railroading her into entering a relationship with him.
On the good side, Alward directly addresses this. I feel like Angela knows what she needs and wants and is able to articulate her concerns and express them to Sam. He's a bit slow on the uptake, but the book ends happily with each of them getting what they want. I like that Angela is a strong heroine who knows what she wants and what she doesn't want. I like how she raised issues with Sam. Sam was a good guy, I liked him, but he was a bit thick and a dumbass at times.
The place the book suffers is in the fact that it wasn't very interesting. It wasn't boring, something I would put down out of boredom, but it was sedate and ho-hum. There was nothing riveting about it and I don't feel like Alward put any unique or interesting aspects into the book. Typical romance involving a millionaire(?) rancher. Typical plotline involving a survivor of abuse. Alward wasn't bringing anything new to the table.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex. They never have sex.
TL;DR Kind of low-key, typical romance novel without anything that stands out. It wasn't bad and Alward wasn't a bad author, but the book is not riveting or interesting. It's fine. Nothing to get excited about one way or the other.
I also don't understand why it is called “The Last Real Cowboy.” It baffles me.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Millionaire / Billionaire Romance – Sam is rich. Not sure how rich.
Non-Virgin Heroine
Rape / Abuse Survivor
He's a Rancher, She is a Social Worker
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
PREMISE
Angela is a survivor of abuse. Her father was terrible and abused her and her mother. When she got out from under his thumb she ended up in an abusive romantic relationship that she leaves. Now she is setting up a shelter for abused women in Cadence Creek, Canada.
This is one of Harlequins “Romance” line. They publish romance novels, but they literally have a line called “Romance.” ANYWAY.
Sam is a rich ranch owner. His dad suffered a stroke so Sam has taken over his mother's place on the board of the new shelter.
Angela and Sam had met previously at a fundraiser and clashed. He asked to get her a drink and she thought he was hitting on her and rejected him. His response was – and I'm not joking – asking her, “Do you know who I am?” like an entitled prick.
She's shocked and nervous when he comes on the board.
ANALYSIS
This was kind of a strange book in that I didn't know exactly what to make of it. Both Angela and Sam are perfectly fine people. Sam can be a bit of a dumbass, he's not a big thinker. And he tends to push Angela into a relationship, which was REALLY driving me bonkers considering her past. She's quite skittish. He should be slow, gentle, and patient with her. He has to realize that she needs time and space to wrap her head around entering into a relationship again. He shouldn't try to railroad her. I'm not even talking about physically here – the book is pretty 'clean.' There's only a bit of light kissing. I'm talking about him railroading her into entering a relationship with him.
On the good side, Alward directly addresses this. I feel like Angela knows what she needs and wants and is able to articulate her concerns and express them to Sam. He's a bit slow on the uptake, but the book ends happily with each of them getting what they want. I like that Angela is a strong heroine who knows what she wants and what she doesn't want. I like how she raised issues with Sam. Sam was a good guy, I liked him, but he was a bit thick and a dumbass at times.
The place the book suffers is in the fact that it wasn't very interesting. It wasn't boring, something I would put down out of boredom, but it was sedate and ho-hum. There was nothing riveting about it and I don't feel like Alward put any unique or interesting aspects into the book. Typical romance involving a millionaire(?) rancher. Typical plotline involving a survivor of abuse. Alward wasn't bringing anything new to the table.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex. They never have sex.
TL;DR Kind of low-key, typical romance novel without anything that stands out. It wasn't bad and Alward wasn't a bad author, but the book is not riveting or interesting. It's fine. Nothing to get excited about one way or the other.
I also don't understand why it is called “The Last Real Cowboy.” It baffles me.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Millionaire / Billionaire Romance – Sam is rich. Not sure how rich.
Non-Virgin Heroine
Rape / Abuse Survivor
He's a Rancher, She is a Social Worker
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
June 16, 2012
Daniella's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
The Last Real Cowboy & The Rancher’s Runaway Princess by Donna Alward is a great two in one book. You would expect them to be very short stories because of being two in one, but they are two emotion packed full length books.
The Last Real Cowboy 4.75 Stars
Angela has heard a lot about Sam and none of it good. From the moment she sees him walk into her board meeting she knows he is going to be trouble with a capitol T. Sam would rather do anything but sit on the board of this charity in his mother’s place, but it is important to his mother and he made a promise.
Angela has made it her life’s goal to help women get out of abusive situations. She is in the final stages of setting up Butterfly House, and she isn’t going to let anything stop her even if she has to drag Sam kicking and screaming to help her. Sam is running his family’s ranch, because his dad is in the process of recovering from a stroke.
I absolutely loved this book!! Sam is a wonderful man. He may fight it tooth and nail, but when he stepped up he really showed the depth of his character. Being around Angela and seeing how she cares for these abused women and this project changes something in him. I love books that take serious issues facing our world way to often and don’t gloss over the issue just to have a plot conflict. Donna does a wonderful job of showing how abuse affects everyone in the situation, and how getting over those traumas is an ongoing adjustment. I hope y’all enjoy this one as much as I have!!
The Rancher’s Runaway Princess 4.5 Stars
Lucy is still reeling from two major shocks to her life a couple months ago. Not only does she have to deal with the death of her mother, but the father her mother introduced her to just before dying. Not only is he her father, but he is a KING!! She isn’t just Lucy anymore, but is now princess with half brothers she knew nothing about. She is sent to Canada to Prairie Rose Ranch to broker a deal with the owner. She is just happy to get to be just Lucy for a couple weeks, so she hides her title in order to prove not only to her father she knows what she is doing but to Brody, the owner of Prairie Rose.
From the moment Brody and Lucy meet they go from one extreme to the other emotionally. Brody starts out judging her very harshly and lets just say he isn’t to nice. Lucy stands her ground and goes toe to toe with him. As the days go on they both open up to each other in ways they haven’t with anyone else. For every step forward it seems they tend to have two steps backward, but oh goodness is it hard for both of them to deny the attraction they are feeling.
I have to admit that this story brought tears to my eyes a bit. I love when the H/h fight like cats and dogs one minute, but can’t stop from kissing each other the next. Also I have to say the scenes between Lucy and King Alexander are so touching!! I think y’all will love this one too!!
The Last Real Cowboy & The Rancher’s Runaway Princess by Donna Alward is a great two in one book. You would expect them to be very short stories because of being two in one, but they are two emotion packed full length books.
The Last Real Cowboy 4.75 Stars
Angela has heard a lot about Sam and none of it good. From the moment she sees him walk into her board meeting she knows he is going to be trouble with a capitol T. Sam would rather do anything but sit on the board of this charity in his mother’s place, but it is important to his mother and he made a promise.
Angela has made it her life’s goal to help women get out of abusive situations. She is in the final stages of setting up Butterfly House, and she isn’t going to let anything stop her even if she has to drag Sam kicking and screaming to help her. Sam is running his family’s ranch, because his dad is in the process of recovering from a stroke.
I absolutely loved this book!! Sam is a wonderful man. He may fight it tooth and nail, but when he stepped up he really showed the depth of his character. Being around Angela and seeing how she cares for these abused women and this project changes something in him. I love books that take serious issues facing our world way to often and don’t gloss over the issue just to have a plot conflict. Donna does a wonderful job of showing how abuse affects everyone in the situation, and how getting over those traumas is an ongoing adjustment. I hope y’all enjoy this one as much as I have!!
The Rancher’s Runaway Princess 4.5 Stars
Lucy is still reeling from two major shocks to her life a couple months ago. Not only does she have to deal with the death of her mother, but the father her mother introduced her to just before dying. Not only is he her father, but he is a KING!! She isn’t just Lucy anymore, but is now princess with half brothers she knew nothing about. She is sent to Canada to Prairie Rose Ranch to broker a deal with the owner. She is just happy to get to be just Lucy for a couple weeks, so she hides her title in order to prove not only to her father she knows what she is doing but to Brody, the owner of Prairie Rose.
From the moment Brody and Lucy meet they go from one extreme to the other emotionally. Brody starts out judging her very harshly and lets just say he isn’t to nice. Lucy stands her ground and goes toe to toe with him. As the days go on they both open up to each other in ways they haven’t with anyone else. For every step forward it seems they tend to have two steps backward, but oh goodness is it hard for both of them to deny the attraction they are feeling.
I have to admit that this story brought tears to my eyes a bit. I love when the H/h fight like cats and dogs one minute, but can’t stop from kissing each other the next. Also I have to say the scenes between Lucy and King Alexander are so touching!! I think y’all will love this one too!!
May 20, 2012
My Blog: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
The Last real Cowboy was a great book! Considering the story here dealt with victims of abuse it was exceptionally well written.
The heroine Angela was a victim of abuse now a social worker in the midst of opening a shelter ‘Butterfly house’ for abused women, a shelter whose main sponsor is Sam Diamond.
This story begins with Sam and Angela butting heads but as the story progresses it is wonderful to see Angela come into her own, begin to trust and fall in love, Sam was a wonderful hero supportive and sensitive to Angela's needs an all around great guy.
The Last real Cowboy was a story of second chances; overcoming your fears and more than anything believing in yourselves.
The Last real Cowboy was a great book! Considering the story here dealt with victims of abuse it was exceptionally well written.
The heroine Angela was a victim of abuse now a social worker in the midst of opening a shelter ‘Butterfly house’ for abused women, a shelter whose main sponsor is Sam Diamond.
This story begins with Sam and Angela butting heads but as the story progresses it is wonderful to see Angela come into her own, begin to trust and fall in love, Sam was a wonderful hero supportive and sensitive to Angela's needs an all around great guy.
The Last real Cowboy was a story of second chances; overcoming your fears and more than anything believing in yourselves.
May 2, 2012
4 STARS
In the ebook I was lent has two stories but I am going to review them seperate. I enjoyed seeing what Angela Beck was able to accomplish after her trials.
Angela Beck is a social worker with a dream, she wants to make a home where women who have been abused can get on their feet again. She is going to call it Butterfly house and shes sees not just one but many around the nation.
One of the major backers has been Molly Diamond they have donated the land and money to start one. Only ask for a member of the Diamond be on the board. When Molly,s husband got sick she asked her son to step in and take her place on the board. Sam Diamond had to take over running of the ranch when his dad got ill, He is also planning to expand with new program but his dad is fighting him over it. He shows up late to board meeting.
Molly and Sam clash and she wants Sam to put in more help than just money.
Sam starts caring about the project and ends up helping Angela with Butterfly house.
05/01/2012 Harlequin Harlequin Romance
4 STARS
This was a fun romance to read with cowboys and royalty and dances. In my ebook of the Last Real Cowboy had both stories but am reviewing them seperately.
Lucy Farnsworth has become Princess in the last three months. Found out her father was a King and at same time her mother was dying. She just wants to be herself again so she is not telling them that her father the King sent her to judge the horses at the ranch.
Brody Hamilton wants to make a deal with the king of Marazur and the fameous Navarro royal stables. In the seven years he has taken over the ranch he has tried to make it better after the trials he faced. Brody is angry inside and doesn't trust Lucy because she is young and reminds him of his exwife.
Lucy wants to prove to her father that she does know horses and can take care of his stable and make good choices. She fits in with horses and not feel like a princess.
They both have to get through their anger and grief before they can go forward but they both help each other as they spend more time together.
05/01/2012 PUB Harlequin Romance
In the ebook I was lent has two stories but I am going to review them seperate. I enjoyed seeing what Angela Beck was able to accomplish after her trials.
Angela Beck is a social worker with a dream, she wants to make a home where women who have been abused can get on their feet again. She is going to call it Butterfly house and shes sees not just one but many around the nation.
One of the major backers has been Molly Diamond they have donated the land and money to start one. Only ask for a member of the Diamond be on the board. When Molly,s husband got sick she asked her son to step in and take her place on the board. Sam Diamond had to take over running of the ranch when his dad got ill, He is also planning to expand with new program but his dad is fighting him over it. He shows up late to board meeting.
Molly and Sam clash and she wants Sam to put in more help than just money.
Sam starts caring about the project and ends up helping Angela with Butterfly house.
05/01/2012 Harlequin Harlequin Romance
4 STARS
This was a fun romance to read with cowboys and royalty and dances. In my ebook of the Last Real Cowboy had both stories but am reviewing them seperately.
Lucy Farnsworth has become Princess in the last three months. Found out her father was a King and at same time her mother was dying. She just wants to be herself again so she is not telling them that her father the King sent her to judge the horses at the ranch.
Brody Hamilton wants to make a deal with the king of Marazur and the fameous Navarro royal stables. In the seven years he has taken over the ranch he has tried to make it better after the trials he faced. Brody is angry inside and doesn't trust Lucy because she is young and reminds him of his exwife.
Lucy wants to prove to her father that she does know horses and can take care of his stable and make good choices. She fits in with horses and not feel like a princess.
They both have to get through their anger and grief before they can go forward but they both help each other as they spend more time together.
05/01/2012 PUB Harlequin Romance
May 2, 2012
THE LAST REAL COWBOY from author Donna Alward is a April 2012 release from Mills & Boon Cherish and Harlequin Romance.
Angela Beck just needed moral support from Sam Diamond for her charity foundation after his mother couldn’t come due to illness. His mother was a board member but now that Sam’s dad had suffered a stroke she stayed away to nurse him.
Angela wanted Sam to show support for the project to highlight its importance to other influential people in the town. It was personal to her that her project, Butterfly House, a special women’s shelter for victims of abuse, is set up and starts operating fast. Why was an abused victim’s shelter important to Angela? Who was she waiting for to come knocking for help?
Sam Diamond had too much to do as it was with his dad sick, and he didn’t have time to sit on the foundation’s board. All he had time for is to write a check and be done with it. But meeting Angela, sparks flew. And Sam found he just couldn’t walk away after just writing the checks! Angela had been rude and prickly with Sam so when had he decided he wanted to have more to do with Angela? And why was Angela keeping away from him?
I found THE LAST REAL COWBOY to be an engrossing and an enthralling story. Angela, though hurt and still coming to terms with her childhood issues is a wonderful heroine, I very much admired. And Sam is a gorgeous hero whose strength, sensitivity and magnetism made me love him. He challenged Angela’s emotions and her priorities and made her fall for him despite her misgivings. Author Donna Alward has skillfully penned another heartwarming story which had a bit of thrill and danger as well!
My rating 4.5 out of 5 Stars!
Angela Beck just needed moral support from Sam Diamond for her charity foundation after his mother couldn’t come due to illness. His mother was a board member but now that Sam’s dad had suffered a stroke she stayed away to nurse him.
Angela wanted Sam to show support for the project to highlight its importance to other influential people in the town. It was personal to her that her project, Butterfly House, a special women’s shelter for victims of abuse, is set up and starts operating fast. Why was an abused victim’s shelter important to Angela? Who was she waiting for to come knocking for help?
Sam Diamond had too much to do as it was with his dad sick, and he didn’t have time to sit on the foundation’s board. All he had time for is to write a check and be done with it. But meeting Angela, sparks flew. And Sam found he just couldn’t walk away after just writing the checks! Angela had been rude and prickly with Sam so when had he decided he wanted to have more to do with Angela? And why was Angela keeping away from him?
I found THE LAST REAL COWBOY to be an engrossing and an enthralling story. Angela, though hurt and still coming to terms with her childhood issues is a wonderful heroine, I very much admired. And Sam is a gorgeous hero whose strength, sensitivity and magnetism made me love him. He challenged Angela’s emotions and her priorities and made her fall for him despite her misgivings. Author Donna Alward has skillfully penned another heartwarming story which had a bit of thrill and danger as well!
My rating 4.5 out of 5 Stars!
May 18, 2012
Angela is overseeing the Butterfly house a place for abused woman to get another start and make a new life for themselves. At the board meeting in walks Sam Diamond, the last person she wanted to see. Sam didn't want to show up, his dad had a stroke and his mom Molly wanted to take care of him. To Angela Sam was a man who only cared about himself. A man who got what he wanted no mater what got in the way. Angela is also scared of Sam. She doesn't want a man in her life for several reasons. Can Sam break through the thick wall of Angela's heart? Can Sam change how he is or the way Angela thinks he is.
I loved the story. The characters popped and worked well together. Sam and Angela both learn from each other and draw out the good sides to both. Angela gets some healing done and Sam learns to be a better person and think about others. The setting was pretty good you could almost picture yourself among the characters.
I will be looking for the next book. The author's writing style is remarkable.
I loved the story. The characters popped and worked well together. Sam and Angela both learn from each other and draw out the good sides to both. Angela gets some healing done and Sam learns to be a better person and think about others. The setting was pretty good you could almost picture yourself among the characters.
I will be looking for the next book. The author's writing style is remarkable.
April 23, 2012
Good book. Angela was determined to make Butterfly House a success. The home for abused women is very important and very personal for her. When Sam takes over for his mother on the board they immediately rub each other the wrong way. Angela confronts Sam about his attitude, and he sees her point. As he helps her get Butterfly House ready to open, they become closer. But she still has issues with trusting any man, and is reluctant to get involved. Sam has been having his own issues with his father and the ranch, but thanks to Angela, begins to get a handle on those. I liked the way that Sam ended up being there for Angela when she needed him.
June 15, 2012
I really liked this book. First-I love Donna Alward's cowboys. I think she portrays a strong man without the typical alpha characteristics that are so often seen. Sam was gentle yet strong. Cocky but sensitive. And I loved how patient he was with Angela. Loved Angela-she was a strong woman and really made Sam work to get to know her. I thought they had great chemistry. I'm also so happy we got to see a little of their happy ending :-)
April 10, 2012
A very nice read.
April 19, 2012
loved the book as usual Donna Alward surprises me every time. I loved the first book but the The Ranchers Runaway Princess had me rooting and crying. This book is definitely highly recommended.
July 3, 2012
4 for The Last Real Cowboy, 5 for The Rancher's Runaway Princess
March 14, 2015
Hard subject matter, great delivery.
June 18, 2012
Loved it!
February 14, 2023
Two books that were happy ever after. Both were set on the range with horses and couples finding happy ever after
May 8, 2012
I did really enjoy The Last Real Cowboy. Angela has been the victim of abuse and is now in the process of opening what she hopes will be the first of a large number of homes for abused women. Sam is the heir apparent to a large successful ranch. His mother was a major patron of Angela's foundation, giving both time and money but when her husband becomes ill, she turns her attention to him, and passes Angela and her project to her son. Angela would rather be able to everything herself; she is determined not to get in the position of needing anyone, and yet, she ends up needing Sam and he delivers.
I liked the way Donna Alward managed to work information about abuse and abusers into her plot and the way she showed why some women seem to not want to get away. Angela and Sam were great characters who had a lot of sizzle between them, yet they never make it to bed in this book.
The second story is The Rancher's Runaway Princess and while it was a quick amusing read, it just struck me as far-fetched and neither main character really caught my interest. It was about a young woman who recently discovered she was a princess and a Canadian rancher. Both are afraid of revealing themselves to the other. Both love horses. Both learn that love is worth it....
Overall, I'll give the volume a B-. I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.
I liked the way Donna Alward managed to work information about abuse and abusers into her plot and the way she showed why some women seem to not want to get away. Angela and Sam were great characters who had a lot of sizzle between them, yet they never make it to bed in this book.
The second story is The Rancher's Runaway Princess and while it was a quick amusing read, it just struck me as far-fetched and neither main character really caught my interest. It was about a young woman who recently discovered she was a princess and a Canadian rancher. Both are afraid of revealing themselves to the other. Both love horses. Both learn that love is worth it....
Overall, I'll give the volume a B-. I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.
May 10, 2013
The last real cowboy
My least favourite of Donna's novels so far.
Sam Diamond often did rub me the wrong way, he's too much of an alpha male, and I found that he treated Angela at times with an inexcuseable insensitivity even after he knew, or at least assumed, enough of her past.
The same goes for the end, the way Donna paves the way for the sequel story, or rather the way she let Sam's cousin Ty appear and react to side character Clara, felt too pushy, too insensitive that I could call it romantic.
The fact that the overall backdrop topic, domestic abuse, never lends itself for some fun and fluffy writing, was a further downer - all in all it's just not been my kind of story, I guess more traditional romance readers will like it better than I did.
I'd give it a fair three stars anyway, because there are some real moments of mutual respect, love and tenderness.
The ranchers runaway princess
Lovely story.
Fun, playful, ticking all the right boxes in the cliché department.
Besides, I liked the male lead in this one a lot better.
I do have a thing for Donna's guarded, hurt heroes.
This was clearly a strong four stars worth for me.
My least favourite of Donna's novels so far.
Sam Diamond often did rub me the wrong way, he's too much of an alpha male, and I found that he treated Angela at times with an inexcuseable insensitivity even after he knew, or at least assumed, enough of her past.
The same goes for the end, the way Donna paves the way for the sequel story, or rather the way she let Sam's cousin Ty appear and react to side character Clara, felt too pushy, too insensitive that I could call it romantic.
The fact that the overall backdrop topic, domestic abuse, never lends itself for some fun and fluffy writing, was a further downer - all in all it's just not been my kind of story, I guess more traditional romance readers will like it better than I did.
I'd give it a fair three stars anyway, because there are some real moments of mutual respect, love and tenderness.
The ranchers runaway princess
Lovely story.
Fun, playful, ticking all the right boxes in the cliché department.
Besides, I liked the male lead in this one a lot better.
I do have a thing for Donna's guarded, hurt heroes.
This was clearly a strong four stars worth for me.
January 15, 2016
Angela Beck started a shelter for abused women with the help of Molly Diamond, who's family own a huge ranch and are quite well off. When Molly's husband has a stroke, she needs to devote her time to him so Molly asks their son, Sam, to take her place on the board. Sam doesn't really have time. He's too busy running the ranch in his dad's absence while trying to get a new project off the ground. When he meets Angela, sparks fly. Angela's heard things about Sam and has formed her own opinion about him. An opinion that is constantly shown to be wrong every time she's in his company.
Truth is, Angela is attracted to him but her own abusive past makes her avoid any type of relationship with members of the opposite sex. So it's up to Sam to win her over but first he has to discover her secret, the reason she's holding back.
This was a quick read for me. The plot was simple, the characters engaging. It was one I would definitely recommend, especially if you're a fan of cowboys.
Truth is, Angela is attracted to him but her own abusive past makes her avoid any type of relationship with members of the opposite sex. So it's up to Sam to win her over but first he has to discover her secret, the reason she's holding back.
This was a quick read for me. The plot was simple, the characters engaging. It was one I would definitely recommend, especially if you're a fan of cowboys.
January 27, 2016
The Last Real Cowboy -
A young woman who was abused by her father, is in the process of opening a shelter for abused women. She has been woking with the owner of a large ranch who is sponsoring the project, when her sponsor's husband has a stroke. Now she must deal with the son and he is not at all sure that this is a worthy project.
How she works out her own demons and persuades the rancher to help the project is a good read.
The Ranchers Runaway Princess -
Just before a young woman's mother dies she tells her that her father is King of a Mediterranean Country. Her father comes to see her mother before she dies and wants his daughter to come live with him, and meet her two half-brothers.
Too many shocks at once, prevent her from settling into her new life.
Her father sends her to Canada to look into starting up a breeding program with a rancher, who has problems of his own. How this turns out makes for a good read.
A young woman who was abused by her father, is in the process of opening a shelter for abused women. She has been woking with the owner of a large ranch who is sponsoring the project, when her sponsor's husband has a stroke. Now she must deal with the son and he is not at all sure that this is a worthy project.
How she works out her own demons and persuades the rancher to help the project is a good read.
The Ranchers Runaway Princess -
Just before a young woman's mother dies she tells her that her father is King of a Mediterranean Country. Her father comes to see her mother before she dies and wants his daughter to come live with him, and meet her two half-brothers.
Too many shocks at once, prevent her from settling into her new life.
Her father sends her to Canada to look into starting up a breeding program with a rancher, who has problems of his own. How this turns out makes for a good read.
July 20, 2015
Two great stories!
Two great stories!
they both challenge snap judgements and encourage deeper relationships.
THE LAST REAL COWBOY: I loved this story and I can't wait to read about Ty!
THE RANCHERS RUNAWAY PRINCESS: it was a slower beginning than I'm used to but it was done brilliantly. I expected the ending to feel rushed but it didn't.
warning: I cried reading both of theses stories! a good cry but a cry none the less
Two great stories!
they both challenge snap judgements and encourage deeper relationships.
THE LAST REAL COWBOY: I loved this story and I can't wait to read about Ty!
THE RANCHERS RUNAWAY PRINCESS: it was a slower beginning than I'm used to but it was done brilliantly. I expected the ending to feel rushed but it didn't.
warning: I cried reading both of theses stories! a good cry but a cry none the less
June 24, 2013
I was in the mood for cowboys - luckily the library was happy to help out!
The Last Real Cowboy
A sweet story, if you're able to overlook the fact that no way would a man be able to come and go as he'd like in a battered women's shelter!
3.5 stars
The Rancher's Runaway Princess
Almost could be described as angsty. 2.5 stars
The Last Real Cowboy
A sweet story, if you're able to overlook the fact that no way would a man be able to come and go as he'd like in a battered women's shelter!
3.5 stars
The Rancher's Runaway Princess
Almost could be described as angsty. 2.5 stars
April 18, 2015
Really enjoyed this book. The aspects of the story pertaining to abused women were treated realistically but somewhat gently so that the mood of the book never became overly depressing or hopeless. I liked the writing style and the personalities of the two main characters. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
January 14, 2013
I liked what the organization stood for in the story. I liked how the hero and the heroine are with each other. I liked the story.
August 21, 2013
Loved them! These are clean and cute! They have emotional depth and good plots.
July 6, 2014
a heart-warming story really liked it ! ♥
April 19, 2014
Nice
Nice
I liked both stories. would have enjoyed more if the second had seen a continuation of the first. maybe going forward with the cousin.
Nice
I liked both stories. would have enjoyed more if the second had seen a continuation of the first. maybe going forward with the cousin.
Read
December 27, 2014Miniseries: Cadence Creek Cowboys
Category: Classic Romance
Category: Classic Romance
August 24, 2014
short and sweet.
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