Her Cowboy Distraction

Cowboy Cafe #1

by Carla Cassidy

She'd been watching the handsome rancher for a while, just a lone cowboy eating pie with an empty chair beside him. One night, Lizzie Wiles, Cowboy Café's feisty new waitress, went over and dared to interrupt his tortured solitude. Daniel Jefferson seemed shocked by her boldness as he buried himself in guilt over his wife's mysterious death. Lizzie tried to penetrate his gloom, but in the end, found herself falling in love. Having plans to leave town, she didn't want to think of these consequences. Worse, someone really wanted her to disappear—now! Attacked and warned to leave, Lizzie had every reason to go…but she had one undeniable reason to stay.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, Ebooks

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 19, 2012

Reviews

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/06/bo...

A mysterious cowboy who follows the same schedule every week and a waitress who watches him and feels a strong pull towards him make up the protagonists of this touching and very entertaining romance. A serial killer on the loose and some expertly added suspense add more spice to this story.

I loved the cover and instantly wanted to buy the book. The blurb is just too good and sold the book to me!

'She'd been watching the handsome rancher for a while, just a lone cowboy eating pie with an empty chair beside him. One night, Lizzie Wiles, Cowboy Café's feisty new waitress, went over and dared to interrupt his tortured solitude. Daniel Jefferson seemed shocked by her boldness as he buried himself in guilt over his wife's mysterious death. Lizzie tried to penetrate his gloom, but in the end, found herself falling in love. Having plans to leave town, she didn't want to think of these consequences. Worse, someone really wanted her to disappear—now! Attacked and warned to leave, Lizzie had every reason to go…but she had one undeniable reason to stay.'

A story of two people who are completely different and their journey to find love. Daniel Jefferson comes every week to the Cowboy Cafe where he orders the same things and orders them for two people except no one ever comes. He sits looking at the door with sad eyes, speaks to no one and does nothing except sit.

"He sat, as he always did, on the side of the booth facing the door. He never picked up a menu, and he rarely greeted anyone else who might be in the cafe at the same time.
He was like an island unto himself, sculptured features set in granite as he stared at the laminated tabletop as if it might hold all of the answers to life's mysteries."

Lizzy Wiles works as a waitress in the Cowboy Cafe and she has watched him from quite sometime. With her interest piqued and unaware of his history, she tries to talk to him one day while he sits looking sad with food set for two people on his table. But instead he just ups and leaves.

What is the story behind his sadness? Who does he wait for each week?
Has Lizzy made a mistake by talking to him?

When Lizzy discovers a murdered co-worker, she is thrown in a dangerous situation with constant danger to her life.

As I read book, I was completely hooked and totally entertained. The plot is expertly conceived and executed. I loved the writing style of Carla and her development of characters, settings and scenarios. She beautifully creates a small town where everyone knows everyone with a cafe as the center of activity. The characters are beautifully sketched and although Lizzy and Daniel are the main characters, the secondary characters are also given due spotlight and they pique the readers interest. Lizzy and Daniel are almost perfect. Their attraction is confusing to them which leaves them frightened but also gives them hope. I loved the intense and emotional scenes between these two. The reader is kept interested even if they are doing mundane things like waitressing, working on the ranch etc. which is very noteworthy and shows the skill of the author in narrating her story while also keeping her readers captivated.

The dialogues are just too good and memorable. Some of my favorite are:

1) "You've made me happy again. You've made me think about life’s possibilities."
2) 'He was ready to move on from the tragedy that he had allowed to define him as a man.'
3) "...anger is an emotion that masks the real emotion beneath it."

I loved Her Cowboy Distraction and give it 4.5 out of 5. A must read, endearing romance with plenty of hotness, intense emotions and a suspense that will keep you at the edge of your seat till the very end. Carlas Cassidy is an author to look out for. I have already started on the next book in the series and am just loving it! Go buy, read and enjoy this cowboy romance as well the whole series. :)

[Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie was passing through town and got a job at the local café in town. She was making her way around the states after her mom passed away. She had kept her eye on a man who would come in, eat some pie sit a while and leave. She thought it was odd there would be two plates on the table one for him and one on the other side like he was waiting on someone. He would leave and leave the pie behind as well. One brave day Lizzie went up to the man everyone calls Daniel and sat right on down at the booth across from him.

Lizzie tried to help Daniel get over a rough patch and bring him out into the open. Daniel's shocked and gets up and leaves. As time goes on Daniel wants to help Lizzie with her bucket list, the reason she is going around the states, to fulfill some things she would like to do. The two start getting close, too close at times, and Lizzie is about to leave soon. Strange things start to happen and someone is found dead. Lizzie might be next.

I enjoyed the cute story. It was nice to see Daniel come around after such a tragedy. He closed hiself off for so long. The banter between Lizzie and Daniel was fun at times. Other times you just wanted to cry for them both. I like the bit of suspense and mystery along the way. The author leaves the book open for part two. I would like to see what happens with some more of the characters. The setting was really spot on as you felt you were there in the story following Lizzie around. The dialog was well and fast paced.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I liked Lizzy and her cheerful attitude. She was able to talk to anyone, keep things upbeat, and maintain a happy face. Daniel's self-contained misery called to her, so she plopped down and started talking to him. He was so shocked that he left the cafe, but came back the next night as he couldn't get her out of his mind. It was the first time anyone had been able to get through to him, and he found himself drawn to her vitality. He began to look forward to his visits to the cafe and invited her to his ranch for a ride. When she was attacked, he took her to stay at the ranch so he could protect her. Lizzy was attracted to Daniel, but had no intention of staying in town. She was planning to move on in a couple weeks, so didn't want to risk a relationship. But she did find herself falling in love with Daniel. When she was attacked again, he realized he loved her, but didn't know how to get her to stay. Daniel also realized that she had relieved his guilty feelings over his wife's death, but also that Lizzy had issues of her own that she needed to overcome. I liked the way it was resolved in the end, with Lizzy discovering what she really wanted. I'm also looking forward to more books in the series and seeing who killed the waitress, and what the sense of danger is that Mary is feeling.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the better books I have read, so much so I have marked the second installment in the series, to read. I loved the characters and how easy it was for them to love each other. I was kind of shocked about the 'killer' though, I had no idea it would be him. I didn't even suspect and I normally am great at reading into novels like this. Great read!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read, I enjoyed the storyline. I generally don't like story lines where the hero has lost his wife, its it's a big part of the story. I feel like it takes away from the heroine. But I though it was handled nicely in this story. I would recommend this book.

[Tracy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I hate it when a book ends with a cliffhanger. So, while I enjoyed the book I still am left feeling incomplete.

[Carol Jarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but had a cliffhanger and I hate cliffhangers. The book did not tell the name of the next installment. I would like to read it and see who killed Candy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to this series. Wonderful characters and excellent story line. Some good twists and turns.

[Susie Marino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this series. Good romance and mystery looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. To bad it wasn't available in audio.

[Simply Love Book Reviews]

Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4 Stars

This is an endearing story about a couple who struggles to overcome issue from their past, in order to be able to discover their own happiness again.

Lizzie is a waitress in a small café. She is loved by everyone and she is intrigued by a brooding cowboy that stops in every Friday night. She is not staying in town long, and has a bucket list a mile long of things she needs to accomplish. She made a promise to her mom on her death bed that she would not put her life on hold, that she would act on more impulses, and accomplish all her goals. No man, no matter how nice or attractive was going to detour her from her chosen path.

Daniel Jefferson (previous mentioned brooding cowboy) lost his wife 2 years ago. He has never forgiven himself for thinking the car accident that killed her was indirectly his fault. He has been playing the “what-if” game for years. He has virtually shut himself off from everyone and everything and just watches life pass him by. That is until one night while eating pie at the café, Lizzie slides in across from him and his world is flipped upside down.
Lizzie and Daniel are both lost in their own right. Lizzie has a difficult time trusting men. Her father always let her down and this has evolved to her relationships that she now has with men. She can’t trust, and she can’t rely on anyone but herself. Daniel has carried guilt around for so long that he doesn’t see how he can possible deserve anything good to ever come his way.

After these two spend a little time together, Lizzie is attacked and threatened to leave town. When Lizzie is injured, Daniel uncovers feelings in himself that he thought were buried for good. He sweeps in and vows to protect Lizzie. Thus their very bumpy journey down the relationship path begins. Lizzie is determined to follow her list of goals and Daniel is determined to get her to make new goals that include him.

I thought this was a typical harlequin romance it’s full of emotion, romance, and a bit predictable at times. There aren’t many sex scenes; it’s more encompassed on plot with a little suspense thrown in. There are follow up books to follow I’m sure as there are still several things that were not wrapped up in this book.

If you’re looking for a light fast paced read that has a heartwarming romantic cowboy front and center you will really enjoy this book.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating 3 out of 5 Stars


Lizzy Wiles’ dying promise to her mother was to check all of the items off of her bucket list. Never in one place too long, she began the task of living her bucket list, which is what brought her to Grady Gulch and the Cowboy Café. It’s also what threw the sad and unapproachable real-life cowboy, Daniel Jefferson, into her bucket, however long it may last.

Daniel sentenced himself to live a life of solitude; the only kind of life that was fitting of a man responsible for the death of his wife. For over a year, he’d been going to the Cowboy Café and living the hell that was a Friday night ritual for him and his wife. Every Friday, everyone in the café let him be, not interrupting his self imposed quarantine, until Lizzy. Lizzy injected herself, and in turn life, back into Daniel.

Both Lizzy and Daniel know that Lizzy’s days in Grady Gulch are numbered; she’ll be off on her bucket list mission sooner than either are letting on that they’d like. She’s contemplating when to give notice at the Café when she’s attacked. The knowledge sends Daniel into protective mode and he brings her home with him until she heals. While there, Lizzy finds it harder to resist the lull that is both Grady Gulch and Daniel Jefferson. And Daniel? Well, Daniel’s realizing that maybe he deserves a second chance, a true chance, to love again. Now, if he could just keep Lizzy safe until the attacker-at-large is caught.

Her Cowboy Distraction was a light romantic read with some good old-fashioned mystery tossed in. I do like a book that is told in both the male and female POVs, so that was a plus. The characters were likeable, the backdrop was quaint, and the mystery had me guessing until the end. The chemistry between Daniel and Lizzy was restrained given Lizzy didn’t want to stay and Daniel didn’t feel he could love again. The story seemed to ebb and flow versus keep a steady pace, especially in the beginning. There seemed to be quite a bit of story and character development that took up a good third of the book. But once the story was fully on its way, it was a book I did not want to put down and the ending was a sad surprise…

I wish Ms. Cassidy all the luck with Her Cowboy Distraction – hopefully readers won’t be too distracted by Daniel’s haunting gray eyes (hubba hubba) to love this book!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Cowboy Distraction by Carla Cassidy
4 STARS I liked it. Like the characters and would love to see more about them in the future. Part of the mystery is still unsolved the other part I really had no idea and was surprised. Its a quick read. Thier are a few love scenes. The story was quick paced. Daniel Jefferson comes into the cafe every friday night that Lizzy Wiles has worked in the cafe. Daniel orders two pieces of peach pie and a cup of coffee. He puts the pie on the other side of the table as if waiting for someone. He does not look up at the door just looks sad. Lizzy was tolld to go on break and she did something unuseal she sat down by Daniel and started talking to him and ate the pie. Lizzy even told him she liked apple pie better. Daniel sat thier stareing at her and then just got up and left the cafe. Lizzy felt terrible and went and told her boss what she had done. That is when Lizzy was told that Daniel and his wife came into the cafe every friday night and ordered two pieces of peach pie till she was killed in a car accident 18 months ago. Two women died in that accident. The next day all Daniel thought of was lizzy sitting down by him and smiling, talking to him. That next friday night Daniel came in and ordered 1 apple pie and 1 peach pic. When Lizzy came over to apoligize to him, Damiel interrupted and said he got apple pie for her. Most of the workers at the cafe live in little cabins in the back of the restraunt and one day Lizzy was asked to go get Candy she was late for work. Lizzy knocking hard on the door, it opened and she walked in and found Candy sitting on the couch with her throat slit. Later a couple of days after work Lizzy was on her way to her cabin and she was attacked and threatened. He was chased off when another waitress opened her door to talk to Lizzy saw and screamed. Lizzy was let go. The story was engaging and I hated to put the book down to keep answering the phone. I look forward to more stories about Grady Gulch, Oklahoma. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest reviews by netgalley. 06/26/2012 PUB Harlequin Harlequin Romantic Suspense

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 big Super stars

I recommend this book.

Lizzie Wiles works as a waitress at the Cowboy Café in the town of Grady Gulch, Oklahoma. Every Friday night Daniel Jefferson comes into the Café by himself and orders two peach pies and a coffee. He eats the one pie and then leaves.

So one night Lizzie is on a break and sits down and starts eating the pie and talking to Daniel. He gets up and leaves the Café. She comes to find out the pie is a tradition he had with his wife where they came into the café and had pie every Friday.

Since she was in a car accident and died he has continued to come in and have the pie. On the next Friday he comes back in and he orders the same thing and she makes her apologies for the mistake he accepts and asks her to eat pie with him.

They begin talking and she talks about a bucket list she is completing that she promised her mother before she died she would do so she would have no regrets.

A few days later a waitress named Candy is killed in the cabin next door to Lizzie and Daniel is concerned. When the next night Lizzie is attacked Daniel offers let her stay in his guest room at his ranch so she is safe.

She is attacked again in Daniels barn while feeding a horse apple slices and almost dies. Each time she is attacked the person tells her to leave town.

She decides that she really should just leave town. Daniel takes her to the Café in town and they talk about her leaving the next day. He is upset and wants her to stay.

She goes to the bathroom where she is grabbed and pulled out the back door where the cabins are.

The man pulls her into the cabin she was originally staying in and tell her he must kill her and make it look like Candy’s murder so the town will think it has a serial murderer on the loose.

To find out the answers to the below pick up the book:
Who exactly is trying to kill Lizzie and why?
Will Lizzie leave or does she stay?
What is on Lizzie’s bucket list?

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lizzie Wiles mother passed away,  she promised her mom that she would take her inheritance and cross off everything on her bucket list. That's how she ended up working at the Cowboy Café in Grady Gulch, Oklahoma. After a few weeks of working there, Lizzie notices that every Friday night a certain hot cowboy comes in and orders two pieces of pie and one coffee, but he never eats the second piece. Finally Lizzie works up the courage to introduce herself to Daniel Jefferson. Daniel mourning the loss of his wife and perky Lizzie is too much of a distraction. Daniel can't help but be attracted to her and the two strike up what is supposed to be a platonic friendship. When Lizzie finds a dead body and then she herself is attacked,  the entire town is thrown into an uproar. Can Daniel protect Lizzie?  Will Lizzie stay in town long enough for her and Daniel to be more than just friends?

I loved Lizzie 's character. She was such a free spirit and a hoot to read about. Lizzie is one of those characters that embraces everything life has to offer. It was hard not to read about her enthusiasm and not smile.

Daniel makes the perfect hero. A brooding cowboy who has walled himself off, thinking he doesn't deserve to be happy because he blames himself for his wife's death. It was fun watching Lizzie break down his barriers. When she gets attacked Daniel goes into full Alpha mode to make sure his woman is safe.

Her Cowboy Distraction is an engrossing quick read. Readers who love western romances with a little suspense thrown in should enjoy this book. I am looking forward to what the next installment in this series brings.

*review also to appear on somanyreads.com *

[Scooper Speaks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Lines: "You've made me happy again. You've made me think about life's possibilities." (p. 164, e-galley)

Her Cowboy Distraction is a tale about a man learning to live again after years spend punishing himself for his wife's death. It's also a lesson in love for its heroine who is a ray of sunshine in the lives of all she meets. What she discovers about herself by the end of the book has the capacity to alter her life forever.

This book is a classic romance with a nice suspense thread. There's murder and physical attacks, but most importantly there are two people falling in love. You see the love building with each chapter that passes. I cheered them on and never became bored even as the couple performed mundane chores such as ranch work and waitressing.


Her Cowboy Distraction is a 219 pages on my nook which explains why I read it so quickly. I didn't want to put the book down because while it had dark moments the book was all about overcoming the past to become better people. I was happy to find myself in shock when the villain was discovered, but it made sense. I've got to warn you that the secondary characters piqued my attention and probably will yours as well. I'll be reading their stories as soon as the books are released and think you might too.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tell the story of Lizzy who are on her pit stop for adventures, waitressing in a cafe where she met Daniels. She was intrigue with his routine of eating alone but ordering two serving of foods on friday that she approached him. That was the detrimental start of their relationship where they discover their attractions. However, when Lizzy was being threaten, Daniel steps in as her guard for safety. Overall, this story tell the story of discovering and choosing the happiness that one desire that does not comes in a list. It happened when you least expecting it to be.

[Rhayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a typical harlequin romance. It’s full of emotion, romance, and a bit predictable at times. There aren't many sex scenes; it’s more encompassed on plot with a little suspense thrown in. There are follow up books to follow I’m sure as there are still several things that were not wrapped up in this book.
If you’re looking for a light fast paced read that has a heartwarming romantic cowboy front and center you will really enjoy this book.

Complete Review Posted at: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie Wiles is marking items off her bucket list and meeting a cowboy is one of them. She is currently working as a waitress is a small town. The lone cowboy that comes in every Friday night has caught her attention. Daniel Jefferson is lost in his guilt over his wife's death and is shocked at Lizzie Wiles boldness but there is something about her...

This was a nice comfortable read. There is unresolved issues, though, which I despise. Still, I enjoyed the easy writing style and the overall plot.

[Natasha A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some issues with the book. Didn't like understand some of the motives and don't feel I was given enough insight into what motives were given.
Also, I didn't fully understand the suspense portion of the story, and I feel it detracted from the story.
But really? Despite all that I did enjoy it and I did devour it quickly.

[Alexa Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It felt like I was really there, a member of this small but caring community, and I didn't want it to end. Daniel's pain is palpable and Lizzy's positive influence was just what he needed. The end leaves us with a hint of future stories and I'll definitely be looking forward to those!

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzy and Daniel's story starts with Daniel grieving for his dead wife and remaining alone. He keeps a Friday night ritual of going to the café every Friday and ordering two slices of pie and only eating one. Lizzy approaches him and eats some of the pie and jerks him out of the fog he's been in. There's a murder and then Lizzy is threatened.

[Kenderly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by Carla. This was a short read for me , but I loved every word of it. Lizzie was a fun character . Daniel was sexy and sweet. I could not put this book down , full of suspense . I was not just thrilled with the ending as I felt it left me hanging so to speak. I need to see if there are more books that follow this one .

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie was working on her bucket list after burying herself in her career and losing her mother. that is how she ended up in Grady Gulch, working in Cowboy Cafe, meeting her cowboy, taking riding lessons and of course falling in love. one problem...someone wants her out of town. great romantic suspense.

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the issues with trust of the hero and heroine and the little thriller in the story, but anyway I got this feeling that there was something missing from this novel for being really good.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND HARLEQUIN FOR THE PREVIEW

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story, I liked Lizzie; she is a free spirit. Daniel is so determined not to repeat his mistakes he has a hard time accepting what he feels for Lizzie.

Full review on Sensual Reads
http://cataromance.com/2012/06/review...

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Cowboy Café

[Maria C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Cherry-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. A bit rushed though but a nice, quick read.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Great start to I hope a great series!