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Callister #1
The Love Of A Cowboy
Texas widow Dahlia Montgomery has traveled to Idaho to find peace for her troubled soul. Luke McRae has traveled to town to argue with the Forest Service. When Luke, a man with plenty of troubles of his own, accidentally crashes into her and knocks her to the floor in the Forest Service offices, neither of them suspects it's a life-altering moment. In the ensuing summer, , they each find something in each other they hadn't expected, but a satisfying resolution is a journey.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When Texas beauty Dahlia Montgomery’s husband winds up dead in a car crash with another woman by his side, Dahlia is forced to face challenges she had never imagined. Not only had he been unfaithful, he left her broke and saddled with a small Dallas software company under investigation by the SEC and the IRS.
She handled all of it with her usual calm efficiency, but she had to take bankruptcy and abandon a promising business career of her own. With no other options, Shattered and depressed, she moved back to her small West Texas hometown to live with her father and help him in his mom and pop grocery store.
Two years later, her life still is going nowhere and she's miserable. She allows her best friend to drag her off to the Idaho wilderness to work on a surveying crew for the summer. The friend’s idea is for a different environment to elevate Dahlia’s mood and give her a different perspective on life. And it does. Just when she thought she would never meet another man she could or would trust, she runs into, literally, wealthy cattle rancher, Luke McRae.
Luke is the manager of a huge, family-owned, ranching dynasty, which includes thousands of acres of grassland and timber. Having found love in the wrong place as a randy nineteen-year-old, he’s now saddled with more than taking care of the ranch. He has an alcoholic ex-wife, with whom he has an ongoing feud over custody of their two teenage daughters, a mentally and physically challenged son who suffers from FAS and a mother who has no intention of letting him forget how he got into his predicament.
When he meets Dahlia, the new half-Filipino beauty in town from Texas, he’s in no mood for love. Sex is all he’s after. He usually satisfies his needs out of town, but the mix of beauty and brains he finds in Dahlia is hard to resist. They spend a lusty, romantic summer.
As thoughts of her start to fill all of his waking and sleeping moments, he begins to worry over what he’s going to do about her. He loves her, but bringing a woman who's an outsider into his family presents way too many obstacles. His solution is to cut and run.
Meanwhile, Dahlia's aged father suffers a sudden stroke and she's called to return to Texas immediately. Neither she nor Luke knows that when she leaves Idaho, she carries Luke's child. Months later, in a letter from her best friend, Luke learns she has given birth to a perfect son, a potential heir to the McRae dynasty. He’s driven to travel to Texas to try to recapture what he and Dahlia had through that fateful Idaho summer and to claim his son. That is, if she doesn’t send him packing all the way back to Idaho.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When Texas beauty Dahlia Montgomery’s husband winds up dead in a car crash with another woman by his side, Dahlia is forced to face challenges she had never imagined. Not only had he been unfaithful, he left her broke and saddled with a small Dallas software company under investigation by the SEC and the IRS.
She handled all of it with her usual calm efficiency, but she had to take bankruptcy and abandon a promising business career of her own. With no other options, Shattered and depressed, she moved back to her small West Texas hometown to live with her father and help him in his mom and pop grocery store.
Two years later, her life still is going nowhere and she's miserable. She allows her best friend to drag her off to the Idaho wilderness to work on a surveying crew for the summer. The friend’s idea is for a different environment to elevate Dahlia’s mood and give her a different perspective on life. And it does. Just when she thought she would never meet another man she could or would trust, she runs into, literally, wealthy cattle rancher, Luke McRae.
Luke is the manager of a huge, family-owned, ranching dynasty, which includes thousands of acres of grassland and timber. Having found love in the wrong place as a randy nineteen-year-old, he’s now saddled with more than taking care of the ranch. He has an alcoholic ex-wife, with whom he has an ongoing feud over custody of their two teenage daughters, a mentally and physically challenged son who suffers from FAS and a mother who has no intention of letting him forget how he got into his predicament.
When he meets Dahlia, the new half-Filipino beauty in town from Texas, he’s in no mood for love. Sex is all he’s after. He usually satisfies his needs out of town, but the mix of beauty and brains he finds in Dahlia is hard to resist. They spend a lusty, romantic summer.
As thoughts of her start to fill all of his waking and sleeping moments, he begins to worry over what he’s going to do about her. He loves her, but bringing a woman who's an outsider into his family presents way too many obstacles. His solution is to cut and run.
Meanwhile, Dahlia's aged father suffers a sudden stroke and she's called to return to Texas immediately. Neither she nor Luke knows that when she leaves Idaho, she carries Luke's child. Months later, in a letter from her best friend, Luke learns she has given birth to a perfect son, a potential heir to the McRae dynasty. He’s driven to travel to Texas to try to recapture what he and Dahlia had through that fateful Idaho summer and to claim his son. That is, if she doesn’t send him packing all the way back to Idaho.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
51 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jeffrey
24 books160 followersAnna Jeffrey is an award-winning author of romance novels as well as romantic comedy/mystery. She has written 11 romance novels and co-authored 8 as USA Today Bestselling author, Dixie Cash. Her most recent book is "The Cattleman."
Her Anna Jeffrey books have won the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Aspen Gold, and the More Than Magic awards. Her books have been finalists in the Colorado Romance Writers award, the Golden Quill and Southern Magic as well as the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Aspen Gold and the More than Magic awards. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and NINC.
Anna is a fifth generation Texan. She was born and grew up in West Texas, where most of her family members were farmers and ranchers or worked in the oil fields. She left Texas for many years and lived in four of the western states, a rich experience she'll never forget.
She loves most things western, from the customs and culture to the philosophy of life. She enjoys many hobbies, i.e., reading, painting and drawing, crafting, needlework and beading.
These days, she's back home in Texas. She and her husband currently live in Granbury, Texas, a small town not far from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Her Anna Jeffrey books have won the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Aspen Gold, and the More Than Magic awards. Her books have been finalists in the Colorado Romance Writers award, the Golden Quill and Southern Magic as well as the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Aspen Gold and the More than Magic awards. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and NINC.
Anna is a fifth generation Texan. She was born and grew up in West Texas, where most of her family members were farmers and ranchers or worked in the oil fields. She left Texas for many years and lived in four of the western states, a rich experience she'll never forget.
She loves most things western, from the customs and culture to the philosophy of life. She enjoys many hobbies, i.e., reading, painting and drawing, crafting, needlework and beading.
These days, she's back home in Texas. She and her husband currently live in Granbury, Texas, a small town not far from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 6, 2018
3 stars
Took me a while. I thought I wouldn't warm up to the H, but he followed through toward the end. H's mom doesn't like the h because she is an "outsider", h is half-filipino, and the mom wants the H to marry OW next-ranch neighbor. H has 3 kids by alcoholic ex-wife. The youngest child has fetal alcohol syndrome. Because of the H's past with ex, he doesn't want commitment or more children. When H/h's relationship starts to get hot and heavy, pressures of ranching and ex trying to get custody of kids causes H to back off from the relationship. I agree with some other reviewers that the 2nd half of the book is better.
Took me a while. I thought I wouldn't warm up to the H, but he followed through toward the end. H's mom doesn't like the h because she is an "outsider", h is half-filipino, and the mom wants the H to marry OW next-ranch neighbor. H has 3 kids by alcoholic ex-wife. The youngest child has fetal alcohol syndrome. Because of the H's past with ex, he doesn't want commitment or more children. When H/h's relationship starts to get hot and heavy, pressures of ranching and ex trying to get custody of kids causes H to back off from the relationship. I agree with some other reviewers that the 2nd half of the book is better.
July 20, 2012
3.5 Stars
Every now and then I like a little cowboy to go along with my romance. When Luke McRae's story popped up on Amazon as a freebie for Kindle, I invited him to join me. Along with managing the family ranch in Idaho, Luke also has an alcoholic ex-wife who he is continually fighting in order to keep custody of his two teenage daughters and an adorable mentally challenged son. Then there is Luke’s mother, who is generous with her strong opinions on how Luke should live his life, as well as being quick to remind him of his past marital mistakes. Luke by himself brings along enough baggage to keep a story interesting.
But everyone knows that a cowboy needs a gal to love. So we invited the new girl in town into the mix. And this is when the plot began to fire up. After her husband was killed in an automobile accident, along with his girlfriend, Dahlia had to face the facts that not only had her husband been unfaithful, but he had also left her a business that was under criminal investigation forcing her into bankruptcy. Distraught and desperate for some relief, Dahlia and a friend moved to Idaho where they made arrangements for a summer job. Upon arriving, Dahlia plows right into Luke McRae. Sparks ignite and the two settle into a summer fling.
What began as a simple fling soon turns to more and our cowboy thinks there are too many obstacles and problems to overcome for this to work out. Luke makes a big mistake in his decision to call a halt to his relationship with Dahlia. Before he can make things right again, an unexpected emergency sends Dahlia rushing back to Texas – carrying Luke’s unborn child with her. Time passes and Luke learns that Dahlia has given birth to his son sending him to Texas to confront her and try to make things right between them.
Worth mentioning to readers is that there are some editing issues throughout the text. These minor errors are not so bad as to distract from the storyline but they are noticeable. Another heads up is that some readers have already made their feelings known and others may as well find offensive the number of times overweight people in the story are described in a rather obtrusive and rude manner. There are also some passages within the text where the lead female character is upset by the negative remarks made in regards to her mixed heritage.
All in all, this is a solid and entertaining story with some captivating characters.
Every now and then I like a little cowboy to go along with my romance. When Luke McRae's story popped up on Amazon as a freebie for Kindle, I invited him to join me. Along with managing the family ranch in Idaho, Luke also has an alcoholic ex-wife who he is continually fighting in order to keep custody of his two teenage daughters and an adorable mentally challenged son. Then there is Luke’s mother, who is generous with her strong opinions on how Luke should live his life, as well as being quick to remind him of his past marital mistakes. Luke by himself brings along enough baggage to keep a story interesting.
But everyone knows that a cowboy needs a gal to love. So we invited the new girl in town into the mix. And this is when the plot began to fire up. After her husband was killed in an automobile accident, along with his girlfriend, Dahlia had to face the facts that not only had her husband been unfaithful, but he had also left her a business that was under criminal investigation forcing her into bankruptcy. Distraught and desperate for some relief, Dahlia and a friend moved to Idaho where they made arrangements for a summer job. Upon arriving, Dahlia plows right into Luke McRae. Sparks ignite and the two settle into a summer fling.
What began as a simple fling soon turns to more and our cowboy thinks there are too many obstacles and problems to overcome for this to work out. Luke makes a big mistake in his decision to call a halt to his relationship with Dahlia. Before he can make things right again, an unexpected emergency sends Dahlia rushing back to Texas – carrying Luke’s unborn child with her. Time passes and Luke learns that Dahlia has given birth to his son sending him to Texas to confront her and try to make things right between them.
Worth mentioning to readers is that there are some editing issues throughout the text. These minor errors are not so bad as to distract from the storyline but they are noticeable. Another heads up is that some readers have already made their feelings known and others may as well find offensive the number of times overweight people in the story are described in a rather obtrusive and rude manner. There are also some passages within the text where the lead female character is upset by the negative remarks made in regards to her mixed heritage.
All in all, this is a solid and entertaining story with some captivating characters.
September 10, 2015
For me, the more interesting part of the book was the second half. It's there we see how Dahlia copes after Luke breaks up with her (regardless of what he says later, that is essentially what he did) and having to deal with losing her father and taking on the store. I disagree with other reviewers saying how Dahlia was a shrew and that Luke was so good to put up with her. He never once went after her. Why? Because I honestly believe she wasn't important to him. He only ended up going to Texas because Piggy (who I wouldn't have forgiven that easily) sent him a photo of the baby. So he didn't actually go to Texas for her, but for the baby.
Having said all that, I do believe that he was sincere in his efforts to make their relationship work. I also believe he would be a faithful husband and that he loves her.
The reason I only rated it two stars was because I felt the ending (which should have actually been the real story) was way too rushed and too many things were left unresolved. I would've liked seeing how Dahlia dealt with living on the ranch and learning to build relationships with Luke's family. Reading the story as is, I don't believe Dahlia and Joe would've been accepted by his family (meaning his parents and one of his sisters) and that there would still be some bitterness and resentment. I would've liked to have seen Luke actually stick up for Dahlia and Joe in front of her so she could feel more secure in their relationship. The easy acceptance his mother had seemed to come out of the blue and didn't seem to fit her character's personality.
Having said all that, I do believe that he was sincere in his efforts to make their relationship work. I also believe he would be a faithful husband and that he loves her.
The reason I only rated it two stars was because I felt the ending (which should have actually been the real story) was way too rushed and too many things were left unresolved. I would've liked seeing how Dahlia dealt with living on the ranch and learning to build relationships with Luke's family. Reading the story as is, I don't believe Dahlia and Joe would've been accepted by his family (meaning his parents and one of his sisters) and that there would still be some bitterness and resentment. I would've liked to have seen Luke actually stick up for Dahlia and Joe in front of her so she could feel more secure in their relationship. The easy acceptance his mother had seemed to come out of the blue and didn't seem to fit her character's personality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I'm hesitant to recommend because it had some tediousness and odd word choices that I found off putting or distracting. However, it has that spark and I think these characters will stick with me.
August 7, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
4.5 Stars
This book was recommended to me by a friend on Facebook. I’ve never read this author before but I bought it on her recommendation and in the process I discovered another author whose work I enjoy. The Love of a Cowboy by Anna Jeffery is about two women who travel from Texas to Idaho to be surveyors for the U.S. Forest Service for the summer. They soon find out that summer in Idaho is a lot different from Texas and being “outsiders” in a small community isn’t easy.
Dahlia Montgomery has had a rough couple of years; she’s buried her husband, dealt with a bankruptcy, and moved back “home” to live and work with her Dad. To be honest her life is in a holding pattern and she really doesn’t have any idea how to move forward. Shortly after arriving in Callister, Idaho she’s pretty sure this summer job is the worst decision she’s made in a long time.
Luke McRae has lived the majority of his life in Callister. He’s in charge of his family’s ranch and assorted businesses. He’s divorced and has three children; two teenage girls and a seven year old son who is disabled. His life is busy between his business obligations, his family, and dealing with his crazy ex-wife. He doesn’t have time for socializing and conducts his “affairs” away from town although the town is more than happy to talk about “all the women” he’s had.
When Luke literally bumps into Dahlia it’s obvious that there is awareness on both their parts, but they both brush it off and move on. They wind up meeting a couple of more times and then Luke starts asking Dahlia out. She resists and personally I can’t say I blame her because Luke is about as far from a silver tongue cowboy as you can get. At times I wonder if he’s dense, egotistical, or just born in a barn. Some of the things that come out of his mouth and me thinking, “did he really just say that to her”? Eventually they end up in the same place at the same time and start an intensely physical relationship. Throughout their association Dahlia begins to develop feelings for Luke even though she knows it’s not smart and she’ll be leaving soon. It’s obvious Luke feels something for Dahlia but when they are confronted by his meddling and overbearing parents, things begin to unravel pretty quickly.
So much happens in this story and I found myself wondering what else was going to be thrown at this couple. Never in recent memory have I read a book where a couple has to endure so much to be together. Both of these characters are strong and determined and if they weren’t there is no way they would have been able to work through it all to be together. I very much enjoyed The Love Of a Cowboy and found it hard to put down because I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. This is not a light and fluffy romance book, yes there is romance and sex in this book, but it is about relationships (good and bad), family responsibilities, loss, healing, and eventually trusting your instincts to do what is best for you. Anyone who has ever had to endure the bad to get to the good will appreciate what this couple goes through to find their happily ever after.
4.5 Stars
This book was recommended to me by a friend on Facebook. I’ve never read this author before but I bought it on her recommendation and in the process I discovered another author whose work I enjoy. The Love of a Cowboy by Anna Jeffery is about two women who travel from Texas to Idaho to be surveyors for the U.S. Forest Service for the summer. They soon find out that summer in Idaho is a lot different from Texas and being “outsiders” in a small community isn’t easy.
Dahlia Montgomery has had a rough couple of years; she’s buried her husband, dealt with a bankruptcy, and moved back “home” to live and work with her Dad. To be honest her life is in a holding pattern and she really doesn’t have any idea how to move forward. Shortly after arriving in Callister, Idaho she’s pretty sure this summer job is the worst decision she’s made in a long time.
Luke McRae has lived the majority of his life in Callister. He’s in charge of his family’s ranch and assorted businesses. He’s divorced and has three children; two teenage girls and a seven year old son who is disabled. His life is busy between his business obligations, his family, and dealing with his crazy ex-wife. He doesn’t have time for socializing and conducts his “affairs” away from town although the town is more than happy to talk about “all the women” he’s had.
When Luke literally bumps into Dahlia it’s obvious that there is awareness on both their parts, but they both brush it off and move on. They wind up meeting a couple of more times and then Luke starts asking Dahlia out. She resists and personally I can’t say I blame her because Luke is about as far from a silver tongue cowboy as you can get. At times I wonder if he’s dense, egotistical, or just born in a barn. Some of the things that come out of his mouth and me thinking, “did he really just say that to her”? Eventually they end up in the same place at the same time and start an intensely physical relationship. Throughout their association Dahlia begins to develop feelings for Luke even though she knows it’s not smart and she’ll be leaving soon. It’s obvious Luke feels something for Dahlia but when they are confronted by his meddling and overbearing parents, things begin to unravel pretty quickly.
So much happens in this story and I found myself wondering what else was going to be thrown at this couple. Never in recent memory have I read a book where a couple has to endure so much to be together. Both of these characters are strong and determined and if they weren’t there is no way they would have been able to work through it all to be together. I very much enjoyed The Love Of a Cowboy and found it hard to put down because I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. This is not a light and fluffy romance book, yes there is romance and sex in this book, but it is about relationships (good and bad), family responsibilities, loss, healing, and eventually trusting your instincts to do what is best for you. Anyone who has ever had to endure the bad to get to the good will appreciate what this couple goes through to find their happily ever after.
November 5, 2013
Why do I like cowboys so much? I really don't have an idea... When I was younger I just LOVED to watch McLeod's Daughters. I still have all the seasons on DVD in my room and I'm planning to watch all the episodes again. I love ranches, cowboys, horses, ... although I don't have one of those elements around me in everyday life. Maybe that's why I like them so much. ;)
I liked this book by Anna Jeffrey about a woman who falls in love with a stubborn cowboy, Luke. It's a very typical story and that's the reason why I only gave 4 stars. You just know how it will all end, but that's also part of the fun.
A sidenote: sometimes the story was very slow. You know what will happen next, but it doesn't seem to come. I don't like waiting for things I already know will happen. The book could be 50 pages shorter without a problem. But that's just a little thing I didn't like. It was a good read for lovers of chicklit and cowboys, nothing less, nothing more.
I liked this book by Anna Jeffrey about a woman who falls in love with a stubborn cowboy, Luke. It's a very typical story and that's the reason why I only gave 4 stars. You just know how it will all end, but that's also part of the fun.
A sidenote: sometimes the story was very slow. You know what will happen next, but it doesn't seem to come. I don't like waiting for things I already know will happen. The book could be 50 pages shorter without a problem. But that's just a little thing I didn't like. It was a good read for lovers of chicklit and cowboys, nothing less, nothing more.
May 17, 2009
If there were a higher score than 5 stars I'd give it to this book. And, we almost didn't read it. One of those flutes. My daughter picked it up at work and wasn't really interested in it from the blurb on the back but she had just finished reading one and needed something for her break. From the time she picked it up she could hardly put it down and brought it over to me. Same thing, I read the blurbs and wouldn't have started the book but for her over enthusiastic recommendation. I loved it. But, I stayed up until 2:00 in the morning to finish it so be careful.
I also immediately on finishing it order two others of Anna's. The Love of a Stranger and The Love of a Rancher. I'm thinking I've found another must buy Author and look forward to watching for her on the bookshelves.
I also immediately on finishing it order two others of Anna's. The Love of a Stranger and The Love of a Rancher. I'm thinking I've found another must buy Author and look forward to watching for her on the bookshelves.
July 5, 2021
5++++++ stars!!! Anna Jeffrey is my new favorite author!
This book is truly an amazing read! The Love of a Cowboy is the wonderful love story of Luke and Dahlia, two strong and passionate characters involved in a believable modern-day romance. This book took me through a whole range of different emotions: happiness, anxiety, anger, elation, sorrow... The author's writing style is superb, and the story and characters are very well developed. What a great story! What a great book!!
This book is truly an amazing read! The Love of a Cowboy is the wonderful love story of Luke and Dahlia, two strong and passionate characters involved in a believable modern-day romance. This book took me through a whole range of different emotions: happiness, anxiety, anger, elation, sorrow... The author's writing style is superb, and the story and characters are very well developed. What a great story! What a great book!!
January 26, 2019
A young wife from Texas goes to Idaho with a friend. Her cheating husband was killed in a wreck with another woman. She meets a wealthy divorced cowboy who pursues her then drops her. He has a very good reason but she is heartbroken and goes back to Texas. Of course that is not the end of the story. I don’t usually like books about cowboys but this is about families and responsibilities. Very good book.
October 18, 2021
Good story
Liked the freshness of the characters. Looking forward to reading the next two books in the series. Anna Jeffrey good story teller!
Liked the freshness of the characters. Looking forward to reading the next two books in the series. Anna Jeffrey good story teller!
February 23, 2012
The beginning of this book was good. I liked Dahlia and thought of her as a strong willed independent woman. I loved Luke, his character won me over and I was delighted to know that a rough cowboy could also be a nurturing family man. It warmed my heart that he was so gentle and patient with his handicapped son. The intimate scenes were well written and as hot as a Texas summer.
What I could have done without, though, was the last part of the book. Dahlia turned into an ungrateful shrew and would not consider taking Luke back. Luke did his part through the whole book by doing the right thing. I also did not care for his Mother. Talk about shrew. She was just a plain out bitch! The end of the book seemed rushed and I did not get the feeling that Dahlia and Joe would be accepted by Luke's family, even after his Mother gave him her so-called "blessing."
I would not read this book again because I was disappointed with the ending and how Dahlia is portrayed after she has Joe. I give this book only 2 stars because it disappointed me.
What I could have done without, though, was the last part of the book. Dahlia turned into an ungrateful shrew and would not consider taking Luke back. Luke did his part through the whole book by doing the right thing. I also did not care for his Mother. Talk about shrew. She was just a plain out bitch! The end of the book seemed rushed and I did not get the feeling that Dahlia and Joe would be accepted by Luke's family, even after his Mother gave him her so-called "blessing."
I would not read this book again because I was disappointed with the ending and how Dahlia is portrayed after she has Joe. I give this book only 2 stars because it disappointed me.
July 31, 2012
This is a great story, a western with a contemporary setting. An Idaho cowboy, Lucas MacRae, and a Texas gal, Dahlia Montgomery, take you along on a great read about love the second time around. This gets listed as one of my "Favorites."
August 16, 2012
I loved the characters, and the plot, and especially the realness of the relationships... But damn was this drawn out... some parts seemed to go on and on, while others flew by... The sex scenes where awesome, very hot...
August 3, 2014
I found this to be overall a good, pleasant read. The ending didn't flow very smooth for me, though.
July 5, 2012
Fun, quick, easy read, and, most importantly, it is an a free Kindle book!
January 21, 2019
Book Review- The Love of a Cowboy by Anna Jeffrey
This story starts out horribly for Dahlia Montgomery. Her life is falling apart in one of the worst ways. She ends up back in her hometown trying to pick up the pieces. You find yourself in her corner from the beginning. When her friend Piggy drags her to Idaho for the summer, it is definitely a needed change.
She comes face to face with Luke McRae. He is a rancher that literally knocks her off her feet. He comes across as totally arrogant. I’m not a fan in the beginning. In fact, it takes me a while to like them together. He is such a jerk and doesn’t treat her very well. I’m surprised that Luke is extremely successful on the ranch and other aspects in his life, yet he can’t take control of his own personal life. His mother dictates a lot. That is a complete turn off for me. That was a huge strike against him. I didn’t like the dynamics of his family. They were extremely exclusive and closed minded to anyone considered an outsider no matter if they were the best person ever.
I like the basic idea of the storyline. There was a lot that each character had to deal with as the story unfolded. I liked Dahlia immensely. Even by the end she was trying to do the best she could to protect herself. The reader truly understands. It was a crazy read, not what I was expecting. I give it a 4 out of 5.
This story starts out horribly for Dahlia Montgomery. Her life is falling apart in one of the worst ways. She ends up back in her hometown trying to pick up the pieces. You find yourself in her corner from the beginning. When her friend Piggy drags her to Idaho for the summer, it is definitely a needed change.
She comes face to face with Luke McRae. He is a rancher that literally knocks her off her feet. He comes across as totally arrogant. I’m not a fan in the beginning. In fact, it takes me a while to like them together. He is such a jerk and doesn’t treat her very well. I’m surprised that Luke is extremely successful on the ranch and other aspects in his life, yet he can’t take control of his own personal life. His mother dictates a lot. That is a complete turn off for me. That was a huge strike against him. I didn’t like the dynamics of his family. They were extremely exclusive and closed minded to anyone considered an outsider no matter if they were the best person ever.
I like the basic idea of the storyline. There was a lot that each character had to deal with as the story unfolded. I liked Dahlia immensely. Even by the end she was trying to do the best she could to protect herself. The reader truly understands. It was a crazy read, not what I was expecting. I give it a 4 out of 5.
August 9, 2019
Dahlia Montgomery is half Filipino and from Texas. When her husband was killed with another woman from her office, her life falls apart and she returns home from Dallas to Loretta TX to help her dad run the local grocery store. Two years later, her best friend Pegine (Piggie) talks her into going to Moscow, ID to work with her cousin for the summer. One of the first people she meets is cowboy rancher Luke McRae. Married to an alcoholic, Luke has 2 "normal" daughters and a son born with fetal alcohol syndrome and major health problems. Dahlia and Luke are attracted and become lovers and Dahlia hopes for more. Luke refuses to admit she's different than his ex and they part badly. Dahlia's dad has a stroke and she goes back to care for him and the store. She also discovers she's pregnant, but refuses to tell Luke. Three months after her son is born and 5 months after her dad dies leaving her without any family, Piggie writes and tells Luke he's a dad. He comes to TX to try and talk Dahlia into joint custody at lest. After a lot of misunderstandings and pigheadedness, they finally admit their attraction and work it out. Shallow relationship could be helped with less alcohol and sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
It’s been a while since I’d read any stories with cowboys but I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Luke had me on the edge of my seat with joy, hatred, sorrow and omg.... It was quite odd how quickly the mood of the characters changed, it sometimes seemed unnecessary but it touched deep because a lot of persons are like that.
Needless to say I loved the flow of raw emotions between the characters and how headstrong Dahlia was at the end when faced with Luke again.
Wished the story didn’t end the way it did though, I wanted more.
Needless to say I loved the flow of raw emotions between the characters and how headstrong Dahlia was at the end when faced with Luke again.
Wished the story didn’t end the way it did though, I wanted more.
July 28, 2017
This was such an enjoyable read. I'm always up for some diversity in my romance. The heroine had some awful self-hate issues going on, but aside from that, this was typical fare for the cowboy romance genre. I would have loved a sequel or extension to the book to work through some of the obvious family issues that were on the horizon. Either way though, this was a solid romance.
June 22, 2017
I can't help but think that he wouldn't have ever went to her if there wasn't a baby in the picture.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
Love of a Cowboy
Really good contemporary western. Luke and Dahlia overcome heartache, deception, and bias to find a way to the love of a family. Should be an interesting trilogy.
Really good contemporary western. Luke and Dahlia overcome heartache, deception, and bias to find a way to the love of a family. Should be an interesting trilogy.
June 1, 2019
Predictable. Dragged on. No chemistry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
Great Read
This book held my interest so much that it was hard to put down. I would recommend it to everyone that this type of book. It is very well written.
This book held my interest so much that it was hard to put down. I would recommend it to everyone that this type of book. It is very well written.
March 2, 2023
3.5 stars
dnf
June 20, 2023DNF @ 6%.
January 30, 2025
I don't know... The first part was very nice for me. They were cute, he pursued her and they were progressing. I love grovel but this one didn't feel satisfying. It is very difficult to believe he didn't bother to call, write or anything.
July 21, 2012
Dahlia’s had a rough few years. Her husband dies in a car accident and in the aftermath she learns he’s been unfaithful and has been cheating the IRS. Forcing Dahlia to file for bankruptcy and move home with her father.
Dahlia has settled into life with her Dad, helping him in his grocery store, when her best friend convinces her to go to Idaho for the summer to work for the Forestry service doing surveying. On her second day in town she gets bowled over by Luke Mcrae, after her experiences with her no-good husband Dahlia is not in the mood to start an affair with the sexy cowboy. However, one thing leads to another and Luke and Dahlia are involved in one steamy affair.
Luke has a lot on his plate. He’s responsible for running a huge ranch, his ex-wife is nothing but trouble and he’s a father to three kids, one of whom is mentally challenged. His past affairs have all been with women who knew the score and didn’t expect anything from him emotionally, but Dahlia is different she makes him feel all kinds of things.
When things get tough in Luke’s family he makes the decision to break things off with Dahlia. He ends things with Dahlia right after she finds out her dad has had a stroke and she needs to go back to Texas ASAP, he couldn’t have picked a worse time. Dahlia’s tough, though so she picks herself up and go home to do what is necessary for her father.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that Dahlia is and she manages to survive no matter what life throws at her. I didn’t like that she held on to her anger and bitterness for so long with Luke at the end, but could understand since when he returned he wasn’t spouting his undying love. Luke’s a good man, even though he acts like a jerk occasionally, and his communication skills need a little help.
Dahlia has settled into life with her Dad, helping him in his grocery store, when her best friend convinces her to go to Idaho for the summer to work for the Forestry service doing surveying. On her second day in town she gets bowled over by Luke Mcrae, after her experiences with her no-good husband Dahlia is not in the mood to start an affair with the sexy cowboy. However, one thing leads to another and Luke and Dahlia are involved in one steamy affair.
Luke has a lot on his plate. He’s responsible for running a huge ranch, his ex-wife is nothing but trouble and he’s a father to three kids, one of whom is mentally challenged. His past affairs have all been with women who knew the score and didn’t expect anything from him emotionally, but Dahlia is different she makes him feel all kinds of things.
When things get tough in Luke’s family he makes the decision to break things off with Dahlia. He ends things with Dahlia right after she finds out her dad has had a stroke and she needs to go back to Texas ASAP, he couldn’t have picked a worse time. Dahlia’s tough, though so she picks herself up and go home to do what is necessary for her father.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that Dahlia is and she manages to survive no matter what life throws at her. I didn’t like that she held on to her anger and bitterness for so long with Luke at the end, but could understand since when he returned he wasn’t spouting his undying love. Luke’s a good man, even though he acts like a jerk occasionally, and his communication skills need a little help.
June 18, 2012
This was a good read but I found it hard to concentrate on it. It seemed like there was lots of parts that were real dull and droned on and on and on. My first impression of Luke was that he was a jerk and it took awhile to warm up to him. But when I finally did warm up to him, it was hard not to fall hard for him. He was sweet, romantic, and attentive. Even when he couldn't commit because his family and the ranch came first, it was still hard not to love him because he was honorable and deticated.
The first quater of the book was getting to know the characters and Luke and Dahila meeting. After they start up a relationship, it takes a nosedive into erotica and romance. About halfway through the book things come to a climax and Dahila ends up leaving Idaho (and Luke) to go back to Texas after hearing her father had a stroke. It takes a sad turn reading how Dahila is taking care of her father, trying to keep the family grocery store afloat and learning that she is pregnant with Lukes baby and doing all of this completely alone. The last couple of chapters was well worth reading the book. Luke finds out about the baby and rushes to Texas to meet the child he didn't know he wanted and women he realizes he's in love with. He fights to keep this little family together but also convince Dahila to move her and the baby home with him to his ranch where he has his parents, two teenage daughters and mentally handicap son.
Very much worth the read if you can manage the dull parts.
The first quater of the book was getting to know the characters and Luke and Dahila meeting. After they start up a relationship, it takes a nosedive into erotica and romance. About halfway through the book things come to a climax and Dahila ends up leaving Idaho (and Luke) to go back to Texas after hearing her father had a stroke. It takes a sad turn reading how Dahila is taking care of her father, trying to keep the family grocery store afloat and learning that she is pregnant with Lukes baby and doing all of this completely alone. The last couple of chapters was well worth reading the book. Luke finds out about the baby and rushes to Texas to meet the child he didn't know he wanted and women he realizes he's in love with. He fights to keep this little family together but also convince Dahila to move her and the baby home with him to his ranch where he has his parents, two teenage daughters and mentally handicap son.
Very much worth the read if you can manage the dull parts.
July 6, 2012
Over 15 years ago I was addicted to romance novels, this is my first since then. I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down; I was drawn in immediately. Luke was definetly not the average hero and I enjoyed that. A lot of unusual fmaily twists and turns. This is a very refreshing romance story, very believable. I could've used a little less of the sex indepth details and a little more put into the story details but it is a romance novel and I still loved it. If you're into romance fiction I highly recomend this one!
September 30, 2007
11/26/05 #209
TITLE/AUTHOR: THE LOVE OF A COWBOY by Anna Jeffrey
RATING: 4/B
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Romance, 2003, 352 pgs
COMMENTS: Dahlia is a young widow from Texas who takes on a summer job w/ the Forest Service in Idaho. Her marriage was not a happy one and she is hesitant about men. She meets Luke McRae, local cowboy & rancher. They have a lusty summer together but is it love. Good debut!
TITLE/AUTHOR: THE LOVE OF A COWBOY by Anna Jeffrey
RATING: 4/B
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Romance, 2003, 352 pgs
COMMENTS: Dahlia is a young widow from Texas who takes on a summer job w/ the Forest Service in Idaho. Her marriage was not a happy one and she is hesitant about men. She meets Luke McRae, local cowboy & rancher. They have a lusty summer together but is it love. Good debut!
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