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Harts of the Rodeo #2
Colton: Rodeo Cowboy
After years of tearing up the rodeo circuit--and shirking his family duties--Colton Hart shouldn't be surprised that his return to Thunder Ranch has been a bit thorny. His plan to put the Harts' prize stallion, Midnight, back into dangerous rodeo competition doesn't help.
Colt's stirring up trouble off the ranch as well, especially in Leah Stockton's heart. Recently divorced, Leah is determined to make a new life for her two kids. The last thing she needs is a man who acts like a child himself.
And Leah doesn't even know about the biggest mistake of Colt's life. When his shameful secret is revealed, she'll never look at him the same again. But Colt also realizes it's past time he acts like the man Leah deserves...whether she wants him or not.
Colt's stirring up trouble off the ranch as well, especially in Leah Stockton's heart. Recently divorced, Leah is determined to make a new life for her two kids. The last thing she needs is a man who acts like a child himself.
And Leah doesn't even know about the biggest mistake of Colt's life. When his shameful secret is revealed, she'll never look at him the same again. But Colt also realizes it's past time he acts like the man Leah deserves...whether she wants him or not.
- GenresRomance
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
108 books986 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 18, 2018
He kissed her so she would know that he wanted her to be his, that she could count on him, that they were meant to be...
This is more like a regular fiction book than a romance novel. One of the things I admire about Harlequin's American Romance line is its ability to deal with mundane, everyday life. People are divorced, people are widowed/widowers, people have to deal with being single parents, there are bratty children, there are problematic mothers and MILs, there is the difficulties of struggling financially. On the other hand, these things can take away from a romance instead of enhance it, and often in the HARs the daily struggles overshadow the romance.
Such is the case here.
Leah is newly divorced. She is raising her son (2) and her daughter (5) alone. She found out her husband had a woman on the side for six months. Even though her ex begs for her to come back regularly, she correctly identifies him as a shitheel and refuses to come back. Her ex-husband shows no interest in the children. She's living with her mom, who is INSISTENT she 'give Jackson another chance' and tells the kids all sorts of horrible things, like 'mommy is selfish' and 'you'll all go back to living with daddy soon and be a family again.' While Leah deals with this shit, she also has to worry about working and earning money.
Colton has been on the rodeo circuit for fourteen years. His older brother, Ace, and the other members of the family see him as an irresponsible cad. This is really unfair. Colton is hiding a big secret.
I think we are supposed to hate Colton or think low of him for this. I know Leah does when she finds out. But I have only mercy and compassion for him. I know this plot is supposed to make me think badly of him, but I don't. Sure, things aren't ideal and I think he could have handled the situation better, but things are what they are. Human beings are fuck-ups. It's only natural. It's not like he did something I think is unforgivable, like rape someone.
I can understand why Leah struggles with this aspect of Colton. Just take a look at her ex-husband and you can see why it hits close to home for her.
Of course, the book tackles all these problems.
Will Leah get a job and earn enough money to support her kids?
Will Colton finally ?
Will Leah make it clear to her mom that the divorce is final? Will her mom stop filling the kids' heads with shit?
Will Colton stand up to Ace and stop taking his shit? Will Ace finally respect Colton?
As you can see, none of these questions have to do with romance, which takes a secondary role in this book to all the domestic drama.
Leah and Colton have known each other for ages, growing up etc. When they bump into each other at a bar after not seeing each other for six years, sparks fly. Even though they had never seen each other in a sexual light before, being only friends, things have changed. The next thing you know, they are kissing. KISSING! Then Colton is throwing money down on the table and they are leaving. "My place or yours?" Well, that's when she slams on the brakes but says she'll allow him to take her home. He does, in the hopes that she'll invite him in (despite the fact that she lives with her mother! I don't know what he's thinking, certainly not with his brain). But when he walks her to the door and she mentions her children, he suddenly goes cold.
"You're right. Pancakes were a very bad idea." He took a step away from the door, away from her.
"Colt?"
"I should get going." The chill in the air cut through his shirt and the night sky seemed very bleak all of a sudden.
"You're leaving? Just like that?"
This makes her sad, and he knows the next morning that he's acted like an asshole, but they tentatively make up. He helps her move furniture. He gets her a job running the books for his mom.
After they tentatively start up a slow-moving romance again, things grind to a halt once more around 51% when he shares his secret with her. I don't agree with her assessment, but I can understand her reasoning, her being a mother and having the ex-husband she does.
More stuff happens. She can't deny their attraction, as much as she would like to.
One thing leads to another and he eats her out on a picnic table. This scene is interesting for a few reasons: one, he eats her out and then doesn't take off a stitch of his own clothing and she's like, "Aren't you wanting anything for yourself?" and he's like, "No, see you later." and it always tickles me when men do this. Also, she has hairy legs in this scene and that is pretty unique in a Harlequin. Three, the sex is vague and undescribed. It's only due to my KEEN READING SKILLS that I can even suss out that he's going down on her. Please learn how to write more descriptive sex scenes! Jeez. Fourthly, I can't believe Leah
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
See above. Only one vaguely described sex scene in the whole book, and it is a scene of him going down on her. There is no P in V sex... or indeed, any other kind of sex, in this whole novel. I hope you weren't expecting more on this front. Carmichael is skimping on the sex and she's skimping on the romance IMO.
TL;DR Well. This is less of a romance and more of a novel. The focus is on how these two people can get their lives together and stand up for themselves more than it is about how they can learn to love each other or how they fall in love.
Read at your own risk.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Friends to Lovers? Kind of?
Non-Virgin Heroine
He's a Rodeo Rider / Ranch Manager, She's an Accountant
This is more like a regular fiction book than a romance novel. One of the things I admire about Harlequin's American Romance line is its ability to deal with mundane, everyday life. People are divorced, people are widowed/widowers, people have to deal with being single parents, there are bratty children, there are problematic mothers and MILs, there is the difficulties of struggling financially. On the other hand, these things can take away from a romance instead of enhance it, and often in the HARs the daily struggles overshadow the romance.
Such is the case here.
Leah is newly divorced. She is raising her son (2) and her daughter (5) alone. She found out her husband had a woman on the side for six months. Even though her ex begs for her to come back regularly, she correctly identifies him as a shitheel and refuses to come back. Her ex-husband shows no interest in the children. She's living with her mom, who is INSISTENT she 'give Jackson another chance' and tells the kids all sorts of horrible things, like 'mommy is selfish' and 'you'll all go back to living with daddy soon and be a family again.' While Leah deals with this shit, she also has to worry about working and earning money.
Colton has been on the rodeo circuit for fourteen years. His older brother, Ace, and the other members of the family see him as an irresponsible cad. This is really unfair. Colton is hiding a big secret.
I think we are supposed to hate Colton or think low of him for this. I know Leah does when she finds out. But I have only mercy and compassion for him. I know this plot is supposed to make me think badly of him, but I don't. Sure, things aren't ideal and I think he could have handled the situation better, but things are what they are. Human beings are fuck-ups. It's only natural. It's not like he did something I think is unforgivable, like rape someone.
I can understand why Leah struggles with this aspect of Colton. Just take a look at her ex-husband and you can see why it hits close to home for her.
Of course, the book tackles all these problems.
Will Leah get a job and earn enough money to support her kids?
Will Colton finally ?
Will Leah make it clear to her mom that the divorce is final? Will her mom stop filling the kids' heads with shit?
Will Colton stand up to Ace and stop taking his shit? Will Ace finally respect Colton?
As you can see, none of these questions have to do with romance, which takes a secondary role in this book to all the domestic drama.
Leah and Colton have known each other for ages, growing up etc. When they bump into each other at a bar after not seeing each other for six years, sparks fly. Even though they had never seen each other in a sexual light before, being only friends, things have changed. The next thing you know, they are kissing. KISSING! Then Colton is throwing money down on the table and they are leaving. "My place or yours?" Well, that's when she slams on the brakes but says she'll allow him to take her home. He does, in the hopes that she'll invite him in (despite the fact that she lives with her mother! I don't know what he's thinking, certainly not with his brain). But when he walks her to the door and she mentions her children, he suddenly goes cold.
"You're right. Pancakes were a very bad idea." He took a step away from the door, away from her.
"Colt?"
"I should get going." The chill in the air cut through his shirt and the night sky seemed very bleak all of a sudden.
"You're leaving? Just like that?"
This makes her sad, and he knows the next morning that he's acted like an asshole, but they tentatively make up. He helps her move furniture. He gets her a job running the books for his mom.
After they tentatively start up a slow-moving romance again, things grind to a halt once more around 51% when he shares his secret with her. I don't agree with her assessment, but I can understand her reasoning, her being a mother and having the ex-husband she does.
More stuff happens. She can't deny their attraction, as much as she would like to.
One thing leads to another and he eats her out on a picnic table. This scene is interesting for a few reasons: one, he eats her out and then doesn't take off a stitch of his own clothing and she's like, "Aren't you wanting anything for yourself?" and he's like, "No, see you later." and it always tickles me when men do this. Also, she has hairy legs in this scene and that is pretty unique in a Harlequin. Three, the sex is vague and undescribed. It's only due to my KEEN READING SKILLS that I can even suss out that he's going down on her. Please learn how to write more descriptive sex scenes! Jeez. Fourthly, I can't believe Leah
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
See above. Only one vaguely described sex scene in the whole book, and it is a scene of him going down on her. There is no P in V sex... or indeed, any other kind of sex, in this whole novel. I hope you weren't expecting more on this front. Carmichael is skimping on the sex and she's skimping on the romance IMO.
TL;DR Well. This is less of a romance and more of a novel. The focus is on how these two people can get their lives together and stand up for themselves more than it is about how they can learn to love each other or how they fall in love.
Read at your own risk.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Friends to Lovers? Kind of?
Non-Virgin Heroine
He's a Rodeo Rider / Ranch Manager, She's an Accountant
July 17, 2012
Good book. Colt's arrival back at the ranch has created some stress. He has spent most of the last fourteen years competing in rodeos and not doing much to help out at the ranch. On his first night back he runs into Leah and feels an attraction to her that he didn't expect. He also didn't expect to find out that she's the mother of two, which scares him off. Leah is back home to start a new life for her and her kids. She also didn't expect her attraction to Colt, nor did she expect his rapid retreat. He did apologize for his attitude and then helped her get a job doing accounting for his family's ranch. This also gave him an excuse to spend time with her. Over the next few weeks they got to know each other again, and he got to know her children and become more comfortable with them. When he confessed his secret to her, she was stunned and disappointed in him. It was also a motivation for him to finally change his ways. I liked both Colt and Leah. He had been discontented for awhile and after he got home he finally figured out why. I really enjoyed seeing his growth and the way he finally took responsibility for his life. I liked Leah and the way she was determined to give her kids a more settled life. I liked the way she made sure they knew that she wasn't going back to their father without badmouthing him to them. She had a great positive effect on Colt that was just what he needed. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 14, 2013
This book starts off with a deep feeling of rodeo to it. Colton is returning home after some time on the rodeo circuit. He’s won money and buckles but he’s also sore from riding broncs. And much like those who live on the rodeo circuit he spends a lot of time away from home and family, for the rodeo is not just a passion but a way of life, those purses pay the bills and without them most cowboys would be broke and need to look for a job elsewhere. Leah is an old friend of Colton’s and also a one time barrel racer that used to hit many of the same rodeo’s that he did.
Their friendship has not been lost even though they haven’t seen each other for quite some time and there is some almost instant chemistry between the two. The ease of conversation and reliving some of their past rodeo achievements really gives you a sense of how important the rodeo is/was to Colton and Leah. There was also a hint of Colton hiding something from his family, which is why he’s working so hard to earn money through the rodeo’s and I was definitely curious to find out just what he had planned.
There was a good flow to the story, with the parts about the ranch and rodeo showing that the author either knew about those things from personal experience or had done her research, something that is important to books involving these settings. The characters had good development and they were very easy to get invested into. I liked that fact that she portrayed the young children well, picking up on all the various quirks that kids that age would do.
When Colton’s hidden secret was revealed I admit I was a bit shocked. I knew there was something significant he had been hiding from everyone but I had not expected that. It certainly changed a lot of things.
I’ll admit I didn’t like Leah’s mom one bit. She was certainly a good fit for the role of “bad guy” in this story but it also made me feel sorry for Leah having to deal with her mother. However, let’s face it, a story without some type of bad guy in it can be dull, so while she did a darn fine job of being a pain in Leha’s life she was a necessary evil for the story as a whole. In a way her actions really helped Leah move on and force herself to become more independent than before. I guess you could look at it as a very extreme case of tough love, but even that doesn’t excuse some of the things her mother did and said, especially to the kids. In the end though she did redeem herself and I appreciated her character and prior ways for that.
Overall this book was great. It had a deep family theme that is important to ranch setting stories, well developed characters, a good dose of ranch and rodeo life that was well explained and of course a great love story as well. I will definitely be looking to read the other books that link this families story together in the Harts of the Rodeo series.
Their friendship has not been lost even though they haven’t seen each other for quite some time and there is some almost instant chemistry between the two. The ease of conversation and reliving some of their past rodeo achievements really gives you a sense of how important the rodeo is/was to Colton and Leah. There was also a hint of Colton hiding something from his family, which is why he’s working so hard to earn money through the rodeo’s and I was definitely curious to find out just what he had planned.
There was a good flow to the story, with the parts about the ranch and rodeo showing that the author either knew about those things from personal experience or had done her research, something that is important to books involving these settings. The characters had good development and they were very easy to get invested into. I liked that fact that she portrayed the young children well, picking up on all the various quirks that kids that age would do.
When Colton’s hidden secret was revealed I admit I was a bit shocked. I knew there was something significant he had been hiding from everyone but I had not expected that. It certainly changed a lot of things.
I’ll admit I didn’t like Leah’s mom one bit. She was certainly a good fit for the role of “bad guy” in this story but it also made me feel sorry for Leah having to deal with her mother. However, let’s face it, a story without some type of bad guy in it can be dull, so while she did a darn fine job of being a pain in Leha’s life she was a necessary evil for the story as a whole. In a way her actions really helped Leah move on and force herself to become more independent than before. I guess you could look at it as a very extreme case of tough love, but even that doesn’t excuse some of the things her mother did and said, especially to the kids. In the end though she did redeem herself and I appreciated her character and prior ways for that.
Overall this book was great. It had a deep family theme that is important to ranch setting stories, well developed characters, a good dose of ranch and rodeo life that was well explained and of course a great love story as well. I will definitely be looking to read the other books that link this families story together in the Harts of the Rodeo series.
July 24, 2012
Review:Colton: Rodeo Cowboy by C.J.carmichael
4 STARS We are back at the Hart's of Thunder Ranch. Colton Hart is back from another rodeo but he missed his brother's wedding. Then being in time to carry rest of wedding cake inside the ranch house when the raim started coming down hard. Colton and his mom then had a fight over missing the wedding and Colton left to go too a bar. Leah Stockton is back home staying at her mom's with her two little kids till she could get into the house she rented. Leah and her mom had a fight after her kids were a sleep about trying again with her ex-husband. So Leah went to the local bar. Colton sees the attractive women at the bar and then realizes it is Leah. He has known Leah as long as he can remember. They went to school together, she barrell raced with his sister. Lots of times at different rodeo's he would run into her but he has not seen her for 5 years. That night things changed for them. They were now attracted to each other and thinking of sleeping together in the future when Colton found out she was a mother and backed off. Colton has been hiding secrets from his family for over 12 years. Why he still chasing rodeos instead of being around to help more with the family ranch. Colton has debts that no one knows about and he needs the money from the rodeo wins. Colton and his brother Aiden are always fighting over things. It did not help that the younger Hart brother did not come home from where ever he was for the wedding of Aiden & Flynn. Colton wants to put thier expensive horse Midnight they got recently, now that he is better after being abused. back into the rodeo. Aiden says no way they are risking Midnight getting hurt they have to much invested in him now as a stud. Midnight does not want to be gentle and fights all of them. I liked how Colton now figured out what he wants in his life. He is going to work and fix the things he does not like. He finds out that being around little children is not that hard to do. Thier are no warnings about the contents of this book. I want to see the characters again in the future. I fell for Leah's cute kids and would enjoy Seeing some of the singles in the older generation find love again. I enjoyed seeing the Hart family again and will look for the next book in the series. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 08/01/2012 PUB Harlequin American Romance 224 pages
4 STARS We are back at the Hart's of Thunder Ranch. Colton Hart is back from another rodeo but he missed his brother's wedding. Then being in time to carry rest of wedding cake inside the ranch house when the raim started coming down hard. Colton and his mom then had a fight over missing the wedding and Colton left to go too a bar. Leah Stockton is back home staying at her mom's with her two little kids till she could get into the house she rented. Leah and her mom had a fight after her kids were a sleep about trying again with her ex-husband. So Leah went to the local bar. Colton sees the attractive women at the bar and then realizes it is Leah. He has known Leah as long as he can remember. They went to school together, she barrell raced with his sister. Lots of times at different rodeo's he would run into her but he has not seen her for 5 years. That night things changed for them. They were now attracted to each other and thinking of sleeping together in the future when Colton found out she was a mother and backed off. Colton has been hiding secrets from his family for over 12 years. Why he still chasing rodeos instead of being around to help more with the family ranch. Colton has debts that no one knows about and he needs the money from the rodeo wins. Colton and his brother Aiden are always fighting over things. It did not help that the younger Hart brother did not come home from where ever he was for the wedding of Aiden & Flynn. Colton wants to put thier expensive horse Midnight they got recently, now that he is better after being abused. back into the rodeo. Aiden says no way they are risking Midnight getting hurt they have to much invested in him now as a stud. Midnight does not want to be gentle and fights all of them. I liked how Colton now figured out what he wants in his life. He is going to work and fix the things he does not like. He finds out that being around little children is not that hard to do. Thier are no warnings about the contents of this book. I want to see the characters again in the future. I fell for Leah's cute kids and would enjoy Seeing some of the singles in the older generation find love again. I enjoyed seeing the Hart family again and will look for the next book in the series. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 08/01/2012 PUB Harlequin American Romance 224 pages
August 15, 2012
Reviewd: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
In this the second book of the Harts of Rodeo Series we get to what lies behind the peculiar attitude of Aidan's brother Colt. He is and has never been the dependable type and his family knows it, instead he spends his days competing in as many Rodeo's as he can.
He needs the money as one night has lead to a life time of obligations and a secret no one knows about, a secret that he is not sure he will ever be ready to face up to.
Enter Leah, a single mother who is working really hard at trying to rebuild her life after a devastating betrayal led to divorce. She is also a really good friend that Colt now sees in a she drives me wild way. But to make things worse the sexy Colt that has her heart soaring and his kisses drive her mad he seems to have a certain aversion to kids and she sees no future for them.
This is where the book picked up as we see Colt pushing as hard as he can to get Leah into his life. At the same time we see the effects his secret has on his life and explains why he is the man he is and why he does what he does best. The author picked up the story from book one perfectly and took me deeper into this small and close knit family. Leah's children Jill and Davy are two of the cutest kids you will ever read about and added even more depth to the book for how can a woman love a man who is so "great" with her adorable kids and at the same time seem like he wants nothing to do with them be the man of her dreams.
The author very nicely lets the truth surface and also shows how Colton the Rodeo Cowboy becomes Colton the responsible man.
Favorite Quote :
"Our life could be like that day- one long trail ride together".
In this the second book of the Harts of Rodeo Series we get to what lies behind the peculiar attitude of Aidan's brother Colt. He is and has never been the dependable type and his family knows it, instead he spends his days competing in as many Rodeo's as he can.
He needs the money as one night has lead to a life time of obligations and a secret no one knows about, a secret that he is not sure he will ever be ready to face up to.
Enter Leah, a single mother who is working really hard at trying to rebuild her life after a devastating betrayal led to divorce. She is also a really good friend that Colt now sees in a she drives me wild way. But to make things worse the sexy Colt that has her heart soaring and his kisses drive her mad he seems to have a certain aversion to kids and she sees no future for them.
This is where the book picked up as we see Colt pushing as hard as he can to get Leah into his life. At the same time we see the effects his secret has on his life and explains why he is the man he is and why he does what he does best. The author picked up the story from book one perfectly and took me deeper into this small and close knit family. Leah's children Jill and Davy are two of the cutest kids you will ever read about and added even more depth to the book for how can a woman love a man who is so "great" with her adorable kids and at the same time seem like he wants nothing to do with them be the man of her dreams.
The author very nicely lets the truth surface and also shows how Colton the Rodeo Cowboy becomes Colton the responsible man.
Favorite Quote :
"Our life could be like that day- one long trail ride together".
September 17, 2012
KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Colton is the second book about the Hart siblings. We get to see why he shows selfish and irresponsible ways to his family, and we get to see how big a heart he truly has.
Colton Hart has lived in his brother Ace’s shadow for years, and has always felt like everyone thought he was a screw up in contrast to Ace. He has a huge secret that keeps him rodeoing for the prize money. When he sees his long time friend Leah Stockton he feels something way more than friendship towards her, and plans on acting on it until he finds out she has two small children.
Leah is coming out of a divorce, and has come home to raise her babies. She feels an immediate attraction towards Colt, but when he acts weird about her having kids and/or the fact that she got married because she was pregnant she writes him off. But Colt doesn’t let her give up on him easily. He apologizes to her for acting weird. He tells her he doesn’t judge her for her past, and tells her he doesn’t want to lose her as a friend. But can they stick to the just friends? Especially once she starts working as a bookkeeper at the ranch?
I love these two!! They throw off some serious sparks from the get go, and grab onto you heart from there too. I love how Leah helps Colt to see that he is better than he thinks, and that she gives him the motivation to grow up and face the responsibilities he has. The horse Midnight once again plays a big part in this book, and we get to see him react to Colt. Colt also may have found the reason as to why this horse is such a problem child. I hope y’all love this one as much as I have.
Colton is the second book about the Hart siblings. We get to see why he shows selfish and irresponsible ways to his family, and we get to see how big a heart he truly has.
Colton Hart has lived in his brother Ace’s shadow for years, and has always felt like everyone thought he was a screw up in contrast to Ace. He has a huge secret that keeps him rodeoing for the prize money. When he sees his long time friend Leah Stockton he feels something way more than friendship towards her, and plans on acting on it until he finds out she has two small children.
Leah is coming out of a divorce, and has come home to raise her babies. She feels an immediate attraction towards Colt, but when he acts weird about her having kids and/or the fact that she got married because she was pregnant she writes him off. But Colt doesn’t let her give up on him easily. He apologizes to her for acting weird. He tells her he doesn’t judge her for her past, and tells her he doesn’t want to lose her as a friend. But can they stick to the just friends? Especially once she starts working as a bookkeeper at the ranch?
I love these two!! They throw off some serious sparks from the get go, and grab onto you heart from there too. I love how Leah helps Colt to see that he is better than he thinks, and that she gives him the motivation to grow up and face the responsibilities he has. The horse Midnight once again plays a big part in this book, and we get to see him react to Colt. Colt also may have found the reason as to why this horse is such a problem child. I hope y’all love this one as much as I have.
September 23, 2013
First off, let me say that a storyline centering around small children is not my favorite to read. Unfortunately, this story was pretty much all about that. It wasn't obvious from the blurb on the cover, otherwise I would have given it a pass.
I really didn't like the heroine in this story as she sometimes would act immature. For instance, when she found out the hero's big secret (which really wasn't), she would make snarky comments to him. I didn't think that was necessary as obviously this guy was having issues dealing with it. Why he fell madly in love with her I'll never know.
And as for him, when he That scenario was totally unrealistic!
The heroine made some foolish decisions and unfortunately her mother found it necessary to essentially make mean comments - and to the children as well. The reason behind all this was explained later, but I didn't think it was a good enough reason.
The hero's brother was a walking neanderthal as far as I could see. Whenever they met, this guy was constantly proving that he was the better man, and instead of talking things through, was ready to start a fight.
I did like some of the characters but unfortunately they could not save the story for me.
I really didn't like the heroine in this story as she sometimes would act immature. For instance, when she found out the hero's big secret (which really wasn't), she would make snarky comments to him. I didn't think that was necessary as obviously this guy was having issues dealing with it. Why he fell madly in love with her I'll never know.
And as for him, when he That scenario was totally unrealistic!
The heroine made some foolish decisions and unfortunately her mother found it necessary to essentially make mean comments - and to the children as well. The reason behind all this was explained later, but I didn't think it was a good enough reason.
The hero's brother was a walking neanderthal as far as I could see. Whenever they met, this guy was constantly proving that he was the better man, and instead of talking things through, was ready to start a fight.
I did like some of the characters but unfortunately they could not save the story for me.
August 9, 2012
The glimpses of Colt given in the first book of this series (AIDAN: Loyal Cowboy-Cathy McDavid) intrigued me as to what might be coming in this book, so I was looking forward to reading it.
I'm really pleased that this lived up to expectation. Colton is exactly the kind of hero I like; full of pain, yet self-assured, and willing to love wholeheartedly. I adored the heroine. She is trying to make a new life for herself and her children after being badly hurt, yet she is constantly coming up against obstacles - an inconvenient attraction to Colt being one of them!
The love-story between Cold and Leah develops beautifully and the pacing of the book is spot-on, it really made me want to keep reading.
Colt's pain is very emotional, and understandable after what he has been dealing with alone for so many years. The author handles this well and doesn't hold anything back, including Leah's shock and disappointment when he confides in her.
This is a beautiful read and a great second-instalment to this series... Next please!
*N.B. ARC provided by Harlequin, with thanks, in exchange for review.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
I'm really pleased that this lived up to expectation. Colton is exactly the kind of hero I like; full of pain, yet self-assured, and willing to love wholeheartedly. I adored the heroine. She is trying to make a new life for herself and her children after being badly hurt, yet she is constantly coming up against obstacles - an inconvenient attraction to Colt being one of them!
The love-story between Cold and Leah develops beautifully and the pacing of the book is spot-on, it really made me want to keep reading.
Colt's pain is very emotional, and understandable after what he has been dealing with alone for so many years. The author handles this well and doesn't hold anything back, including Leah's shock and disappointment when he confides in her.
This is a beautiful read and a great second-instalment to this series... Next please!
*N.B. ARC provided by Harlequin, with thanks, in exchange for review.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
August 27, 2012
As a follow up to Aidan: Loyal Cowboy it was really nice to see his younger brother Colts story. Colt is really a good guy, he just has a secret that is dragging him down and he doesn't know what to do about it. Leah as a single divorced mom is trying to find her own feet, while trying to protect her kids from her own mom who is not pleased with the divorce at all. Colt has a bad boy image from his youth, and due to his secret and his families financial problems he seems to be an irresponsible rodeo cowboy to everyone. But deep down even though he's made mistakes he's not completely shirked his responsibilities and is finally ready to grow up and face them head on. Leah is a big part of the reason why he's doing this, he's fallen for her and her two young kids. But he knows he needs to right his own wrongs before anything can develop between them. But once Leah learns his secret will she still want to be with Colt. This story is a good one, and you can see that while Colt and Leah are really drawn to one another they still are cautious and both try to do the right thing. I really did enjoy this story.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
August 13, 2012
Rodeo star, Colton Hart, is the bad boy of the Hart ranching family. Somehow, that makes it okay for him to shirk his share of the responsibilities around Thunder Ranch. He has a secret that he’s kept from everyone. He needs the money that he makes on the rodeo circuit to pay for an old mistake. When Colton’s old friend, Leah Stockton comes home to Montana after a devastating divorce, Colton thinks that it’s love at first sight. But Leah’s two kids, Jill and Davey, put the brakes on Colton’s interest in their mother. Colton can’t face the idea of taking on a relationship with a single mother and her two kids.
If you like a cowboy romance, you will love this book. Colton is a risk taker and wants to enter the Hart’s prized stallion, Midnight, in rodeo events, over his older brother’s objections. The interplay between the two brothers is a compelling story of their ongoing competition. The ranch setting and Colton’s rodeo events are a rich background for the growing relationship between Colton and Leah.
Leah is determined to build a new life for her children after the breakdown of her marriage, but can she risk letting Colton into her heart?
If you like a cowboy romance, you will love this book. Colton is a risk taker and wants to enter the Hart’s prized stallion, Midnight, in rodeo events, over his older brother’s objections. The interplay between the two brothers is a compelling story of their ongoing competition. The ranch setting and Colton’s rodeo events are a rich background for the growing relationship between Colton and Leah.
Leah is determined to build a new life for her children after the breakdown of her marriage, but can she risk letting Colton into her heart?
August 3, 2012
I only started reading American Romance books late last year, and though I still haven't read many, I love them for their strong yet wounded cowboys and their sensitive yet headstrong women. And maybe it's because I'm a city girl, but there seems to be a certain old-fashioned, down home feel to these stories.
Colton is back to the family ranch after another rodeo, and he's butting heads with his brother Ace, and feeling dissatisfied with life. He runs into Leah, a woman with whom he'd had a childhood friendship, and suddenly his feelings of friendship turn into something more. Leah feels similarly about him, but she's wary of another relationship after just having been through a divorce. Plus, she has two kids, and they've already been through a lot of upheaval.
Leah's feelings for Colton grow, but when he tells her a secret he's never told another living soul, she challenges him to decide how he wants his life to be. And Colton has to come to terms with his secret before he can let love into his life.
This is a great read. I highly recommend it.
Colton is back to the family ranch after another rodeo, and he's butting heads with his brother Ace, and feeling dissatisfied with life. He runs into Leah, a woman with whom he'd had a childhood friendship, and suddenly his feelings of friendship turn into something more. Leah feels similarly about him, but she's wary of another relationship after just having been through a divorce. Plus, she has two kids, and they've already been through a lot of upheaval.
Leah's feelings for Colton grow, but when he tells her a secret he's never told another living soul, she challenges him to decide how he wants his life to be. And Colton has to come to terms with his secret before he can let love into his life.
This is a great read. I highly recommend it.
August 17, 2012
Being a huge fan of cowboys and cowboy stories, I couldn’t wait to read C.J. Carmichael’s story when I first saw it on the shelf. I brought it home and started reading it right away. I read it cover to cover, completely ignoring the chores waiting for me.
From the very first page, Colton Hart and Leah Stockton pull you into their world and into their hearts. Emotionally battered by her ex-husband’s betrayal, Leah resists Colt’s appeal for all she is worth. Colt is equally smitten and cannot force himself to stay clear of Leah in spite of knowing he isn’t good enough for her. Their battle to find love will make you cry and it will warm your heart.
I am completely and totally hooked on The Hart Family and on Carmichael’s writing. I will definitely be buying more. I highly recommend you check out Carmichael for yourself.
From the very first page, Colton Hart and Leah Stockton pull you into their world and into their hearts. Emotionally battered by her ex-husband’s betrayal, Leah resists Colt’s appeal for all she is worth. Colt is equally smitten and cannot force himself to stay clear of Leah in spite of knowing he isn’t good enough for her. Their battle to find love will make you cry and it will warm your heart.
I am completely and totally hooked on The Hart Family and on Carmichael’s writing. I will definitely be buying more. I highly recommend you check out Carmichael for yourself.
October 23, 2012
If you like your cowboys tough on the outside and tender on the inside, you’ll love Colton Hart in CJ Carmichael’s American Romance, Rodeo Cowboy. With her well honed skills in romance writing, it is no wonder Ms Carmichael could weave heart-wrenching sentiment into a rough and tumble rodeo story. If you missed the August release of the print version of ‘Rodeo Cowboy’, it’s not too late to pick it up as an ebook to find out if Colton cowboys up to his responsibilities in time to win the biggest prize of his life, the heart of Leah Stockton.
March 20, 2013
I didn't like the heroine, Leah, very much. In the story, she blames her mother for berating her choices and then she ends up doing pretty much the same thing by acting like a shrew with Colton... that was annoying.
I also disliked the overused ending where Leah thinks Colton is off with another woman based on a 'hug' and throws away their entire relationship. Yes, she is an idiot.
Four stars because the writing is good but the story was blah.
I also disliked the overused ending where Leah thinks Colton is off with another woman based on a 'hug' and throws away their entire relationship. Yes, she is an idiot.
Four stars because the writing is good but the story was blah.
August 25, 2012
I've got every C.J. Carmichael book out there. I love how this author weaves romance with family values. This novel is no different. Plus there's great descriptions and a solid storyline. Carmichael totally puts you in the world of her hero and heroine. And it certainly makes me want to read the other installments in the series. Enjoy!
August 23, 2012
Decent enough read.
The hero and heroine grew up together, then the heroine got married and moved away. Six years later, she's returned with her two children and a divorce decree. Now the hero has found out he has feelings for the heroine and even liked her children, it's time for the hero to grow up and he's doing it all for his family and himself.
The hero and heroine grew up together, then the heroine got married and moved away. Six years later, she's returned with her two children and a divorce decree. Now the hero has found out he has feelings for the heroine and even liked her children, it's time for the hero to grow up and he's doing it all for his family and himself.
August 10, 2012
I got this book as a goodreads first read winner! I liked the book. It is a good book to bring with you for a day at the beach or as a quick read while camping. It was a typical story but still enjoyable.
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June 30, 2016Miniseries: Harts of the Rodeo
Category: Heart & Home
Category: Heart & Home
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews