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A Big Sky Romance #3
The Trouble with Cowboys
Only one pair of boots - and the cowboy wearing them - can get Annie out of the mess she's in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek's premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie's column is cancelled, she's given first shot at a new lovelorn column - and she can't afford to turn it down. Only problem is...Annie's never been in love.
Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town's smooth-talking ladies' man Dylan Taylor: She'll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he'll help her answer the reader letters.
Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can't risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister's antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.
When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn't know what to trust - her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
232 people are currently reading
1580 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
85 books4,702 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
March 1, 2013
Well, I read The Trouble with Cowboys in less than two days. Actually, it was more like I devoured it. And I knew it would end up with my doing so. Denise Hunter’s writing always does that to me. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will be ALL IN once I start one of her books.
The Trouble with Cowboys is the third book in her latest series called Big Sky Romance. I’ve had the fortune to read and review each of these books as they’ve come out in the last year or so. I’m not one to necessarily pick up a contemporary romance in the first place—as historical romance is more my addiction—so it’s something to say that Denise Hunter’s stellar writing and story-telling makes me turn from the norm time and time again.
The Trouble with Cowboys was a ride and a half. I adored the main characters, the minor characters and their subplots. I loved how everything is so intricately related, and how the reader is able to draw some important conclusions along the way from the strategically placed hints throughout the book. But holy cow, it doesn’t matter what or how many conclusions you might gather as you read, your jaw is still dropped when you discover the truth. And that is why I LOVE Denise Hunter’s books!
Life is messy, and she has a way of taking the messy lives of her characters, revealing God’s truth to them, pointing them in the right direction and then giving them the deepest desires and dreams of their hearts—the one’s they didn’t think they’d ever deserve.
I was given a paperback copy of this book by Thomas Nelson in order to read and give my honest review. I give Denise Hunter’s The Trouble with Cowboys 5 Stars.
The Trouble with Cowboys is the third book in her latest series called Big Sky Romance. I’ve had the fortune to read and review each of these books as they’ve come out in the last year or so. I’m not one to necessarily pick up a contemporary romance in the first place—as historical romance is more my addiction—so it’s something to say that Denise Hunter’s stellar writing and story-telling makes me turn from the norm time and time again.
The Trouble with Cowboys was a ride and a half. I adored the main characters, the minor characters and their subplots. I loved how everything is so intricately related, and how the reader is able to draw some important conclusions along the way from the strategically placed hints throughout the book. But holy cow, it doesn’t matter what or how many conclusions you might gather as you read, your jaw is still dropped when you discover the truth. And that is why I LOVE Denise Hunter’s books!
Life is messy, and she has a way of taking the messy lives of her characters, revealing God’s truth to them, pointing them in the right direction and then giving them the deepest desires and dreams of their hearts—the one’s they didn’t think they’d ever deserve.
I was given a paperback copy of this book by Thomas Nelson in order to read and give my honest review. I give Denise Hunter’s The Trouble with Cowboys 5 Stars.
September 29, 2012
I was talking with a friend about this novel and I realized just how much I really enjoyed this last book in the Moose Creek series. It has such a fun quality to the story, but holding onto that mature (note: not edgy) texture I’ve come to expect from the author’s talented pen.
This last book set in Moose Creek, Montana might be my favorite of the three. Maybe it was the characters. Maybe it was the dialogue. Maybe it was because it felt like a forbidden romance that was thriving to succeed anyway. Whatever it was, I thought this book was more than worth the hours I spent reading it.
Dylan is a bad boy hero after my own heart. Now in real life, I’ll take the man who’s livin’ the straight and narrow, but in fiction, give me the bad boy any day. Hmm, saying something more about me then maybe I want to admit? ;-)
Annie is a sweet heroine, but she has her spunk and spark. Nothing is easy for this girl and I had to respect her need to provide and protect those she loved. But watching her release those worries and fears was one of the best places in the book.
Truly, a blissful romance. I’m sorry to see the series come to an end, but ever so eager for news on the next tale sure to give my heart a sigh.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
This last book set in Moose Creek, Montana might be my favorite of the three. Maybe it was the characters. Maybe it was the dialogue. Maybe it was because it felt like a forbidden romance that was thriving to succeed anyway. Whatever it was, I thought this book was more than worth the hours I spent reading it.
Dylan is a bad boy hero after my own heart. Now in real life, I’ll take the man who’s livin’ the straight and narrow, but in fiction, give me the bad boy any day. Hmm, saying something more about me then maybe I want to admit? ;-)
Annie is a sweet heroine, but she has her spunk and spark. Nothing is easy for this girl and I had to respect her need to provide and protect those she loved. But watching her release those worries and fears was one of the best places in the book.
Truly, a blissful romance. I’m sorry to see the series come to an end, but ever so eager for news on the next tale sure to give my heart a sigh.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
May 8, 2016
Denise Hunter has become one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! This was a really good read that I very much enjoyed! I liked both Annie and Dylan, they were both great characters, and I don't want to spoil anything but the moment in which Dylan held Wade's eleven month old son on the porch swing just totally made me melt, there is just something about a man with a baby, be still my heart! :D
I have not read the first two books in this series and while I don't think it was necessary as the books in this series do stand alone I found myself really wanting to read them and see Dylan and Annie's first introductions!
I especially loved all the similarities to Pride and Prejudice, it was really neat to see loose similarities to that classic as the story went on! As a lifelong rider and horse trainer, Annie's occupation was a huge part of the reason why I wanted to read this book, and the story with Braveheart was great, I loved the metaphorical message beneath the surface, but honestly the horse scenes in this book really left me wanting, it wasn't that they were bad or inaccurate, they weren't, it's just that they were fairly simple with not that much detail and I was disappointed that the character's passion for horses and the feeling of just how special and amazing it is to have a partnership with such an amazing animal didn't really come across. At least I didn't really feel it, it is obvious that Denise Hunter did her homework and I applaud her for that, this is probably something that only an equestrian would notice and doesn't stop The Trouble with Cowboys from being a great book that I will probably read again, the book just didn't feature as much of the "Magic!" (If you will) as I had hoped to see! It also would have been great if there had been even more horse scenes!
Overall I really enjoyed The Trouble with Cowboys and look forward to reading the first two books in the Big Sky romance series as well as Denise's other books in the future!
I did not get this book to review, I read it simply for pleasure!
I have not read the first two books in this series and while I don't think it was necessary as the books in this series do stand alone I found myself really wanting to read them and see Dylan and Annie's first introductions!
I especially loved all the similarities to Pride and Prejudice, it was really neat to see loose similarities to that classic as the story went on! As a lifelong rider and horse trainer, Annie's occupation was a huge part of the reason why I wanted to read this book, and the story with Braveheart was great, I loved the metaphorical message beneath the surface, but honestly the horse scenes in this book really left me wanting, it wasn't that they were bad or inaccurate, they weren't, it's just that they were fairly simple with not that much detail and I was disappointed that the character's passion for horses and the feeling of just how special and amazing it is to have a partnership with such an amazing animal didn't really come across. At least I didn't really feel it, it is obvious that Denise Hunter did her homework and I applaud her for that, this is probably something that only an equestrian would notice and doesn't stop The Trouble with Cowboys from being a great book that I will probably read again, the book just didn't feature as much of the "Magic!" (If you will) as I had hoped to see! It also would have been great if there had been even more horse scenes!
Overall I really enjoyed The Trouble with Cowboys and look forward to reading the first two books in the Big Sky romance series as well as Denise's other books in the future!
I did not get this book to review, I read it simply for pleasure!
August 13, 2014
okay I enjoyed reading this one the only thing that made my eye twitch was the younger sister. The younger sister became pregnant at 16 and is now 20 but she really got on my nerves. She is so immature she quits every job her older sister scrapes to get for her and stays out all night with "friends" leaving the son with older sister to watch then drags in, in the morning and screams that she's grown and to leave her alone. Except she acts like she is still 16 and she's a mother. the whole time the older one is working her butt off and struggling to support herself, the sister and the nephew and the younger sister is like la dee da someone else will worry about the bills. The younger sister was 5 classes away from her degree and just up and quits college after her older sister has spent over $30,000 in tuition for her to go to school so she could get a good job. And anytime there is an argument she gets the son and gets in her car and storms off leaving her sister to worry about everything else. It was a good book but I couldn't stand the younger sister and honestly she kind of ruined it for me.
October 7, 2013
I enjoyed this one. I've read this series out of order, but luckily its one where the books stand on their own. I'd actually like to read more in this series, its a fun setting.
I liked Annie and Dylan. They have good chemistry and it was fun to watch their relationship unfold. Annie's sister drove me nuts, she was so ungrateful and since Annie is always bailing her out of trouble she has never learned to take responsibility for anything. I have doubts about her HEA. Anyway, I liked the growth that Dylan and Annie went through and was happy with how everything turned out.
Overall, a fun read. I enjoyed all the books in this series and look forward to checking out more of Ms. Hunters books.
Content: Clean. Religious content I would say is mild-moderate. Not too preachy and does not overshadow the story.
I liked Annie and Dylan. They have good chemistry and it was fun to watch their relationship unfold. Annie's sister drove me nuts, she was so ungrateful and since Annie is always bailing her out of trouble she has never learned to take responsibility for anything. I have doubts about her HEA. Anyway, I liked the growth that Dylan and Annie went through and was happy with how everything turned out.
Overall, a fun read. I enjoyed all the books in this series and look forward to checking out more of Ms. Hunters books.
Content: Clean. Religious content I would say is mild-moderate. Not too preachy and does not overshadow the story.
December 2, 2017
If you have a cowboy hat grab it quick -- you'll need it to fan yourself when the heat starts rising from these smoldering pages. Be still my heart. The trouble with cowboys indeed! And you know what? You might want to have a fire brigade on standby -- ready to put out any fires that might start courtesy of all the sparks flying between Dylan and Annie. Phew! This is one toe-curling, heart-stomping read.
Hunter showcases God's grace through the messy lives of this hero and heroine. Love the depth in the faith thread -- it's simple and powerful but often hard to remember when we are in the midst of life's trials. And if the romance isn't enough to discombobulate you, the twists and turns in the plot will finish the job. Ah, the sweet stuff rabid readers are made from!
Hunter showcases God's grace through the messy lives of this hero and heroine. Love the depth in the faith thread -- it's simple and powerful but often hard to remember when we are in the midst of life's trials. And if the romance isn't enough to discombobulate you, the twists and turns in the plot will finish the job. Ah, the sweet stuff rabid readers are made from!
May 6, 2018
Meet the most unqualified relationship columnist ever.
Annie Wilkerson is just trying to keep her head above water. With a younger sister and her sister's child to take care of, Annie can't afford life to throw her any kind of curve balls. But who said life was fair. Her horse advice column is cut from the newspaper and now she has one choice....start writing for the relationship column or not eat. One problem...she's never been in love before.
Dylan isn't used to women being immune to his charms. Annie is one tough cookie to crack. She's an expert with horses and that's what he really needs. He's desperate and so is she so he strikes her up a deal....he can help her with her relationship column and she can help him with his horse going blind.
Denise Hunter is a master storyteller I've had the pleasure of getting to know her work. I recommend this book for ages 13+ for some mature (non graphic and non sexual) content.
Annie Wilkerson is just trying to keep her head above water. With a younger sister and her sister's child to take care of, Annie can't afford life to throw her any kind of curve balls. But who said life was fair. Her horse advice column is cut from the newspaper and now she has one choice....start writing for the relationship column or not eat. One problem...she's never been in love before.
Dylan isn't used to women being immune to his charms. Annie is one tough cookie to crack. She's an expert with horses and that's what he really needs. He's desperate and so is she so he strikes her up a deal....he can help her with her relationship column and she can help him with his horse going blind.
Denise Hunter is a master storyteller I've had the pleasure of getting to know her work. I recommend this book for ages 13+ for some mature (non graphic and non sexual) content.
December 25, 2020
A fun story about a woman and her sister who are scarred by their mother’s serial marriages and are suspicious of men because of the past. Annie is absolutely certain Dylan is bad news because he’s overly friendly with all the ladies and because he makes her pulse jump just a little too high. Touches of humor and a horse going blind keep the story moving forward.
Romance: plenty of kisses; 16+ for Christian girls.
Romance: plenty of kisses; 16+ for Christian girls.
August 14, 2016
The Trouble with Cowboys is the third book in Denise Hunter’s A Big Sky Romance series, coming after A Cowboy’s Touch and The Accidental Bride. I have really, really loved this series so far, but I think this novel is my favorite of the three. The story was just so completely perfect, and I loved Dylan from the first moment I met him back in A Cowboy’s Touch so I was super excited to find out he was getting his own book. Once I started this story and was introduced to Annie, I found I loved her just as much, and I knew that they were a perfect match, so I was cheering for them from day one.
Annie Wilkerson is by far my favorite female character from this series. Although I didn’t always agree with the way she bossed her little sister Sierra around—even though that’s probably exactly how I would be if I were in her situation—I still loved her fire and determination and her love for Sierra and her son. She is such a hard worker and just wants to do her best by her sister and the promise she made to their grandfather on his deathbed, and that is something worth admiring. Plus, I just love the way that Denise shows how human Annie really is. She struggles with fear and control just like so many others, and I love how Denise weaves that in, and shows how Annie can be open and realize her faults and learn to fix them.
Dylan Taylor is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series, but I haven’t yet decided if he or Travis from the second book is my absolute favorite. I love them both. Dylan may seem like a bit of a womanizer at first, but I knew from the start that it was just a façade to hide something deeper going on, and as I made my way through this book and learned the truth behind his scars, I couldn’t help loving him all the more. My heart went out to him, especially as I watched him set aside his fears and open his heart to Annie, and that just made this book so much more enjoyable for me.
All in all, I really loved this book, and I’ve already given it a permanent place on my all-time favorites list. Clearly, I can’t give The Trouble with Cowboys anything other than all five bookshelves, and it has just helped me to remember once again why I love Denise and her writing. I’m so glad I had the chance to read more of her older novels, and now I’m even more excited for her latest book, Just a Kiss, that releases next month!
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
Annie Wilkerson is by far my favorite female character from this series. Although I didn’t always agree with the way she bossed her little sister Sierra around—even though that’s probably exactly how I would be if I were in her situation—I still loved her fire and determination and her love for Sierra and her son. She is such a hard worker and just wants to do her best by her sister and the promise she made to their grandfather on his deathbed, and that is something worth admiring. Plus, I just love the way that Denise shows how human Annie really is. She struggles with fear and control just like so many others, and I love how Denise weaves that in, and shows how Annie can be open and realize her faults and learn to fix them.
Dylan Taylor is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series, but I haven’t yet decided if he or Travis from the second book is my absolute favorite. I love them both. Dylan may seem like a bit of a womanizer at first, but I knew from the start that it was just a façade to hide something deeper going on, and as I made my way through this book and learned the truth behind his scars, I couldn’t help loving him all the more. My heart went out to him, especially as I watched him set aside his fears and open his heart to Annie, and that just made this book so much more enjoyable for me.
All in all, I really loved this book, and I’ve already given it a permanent place on my all-time favorites list. Clearly, I can’t give The Trouble with Cowboys anything other than all five bookshelves, and it has just helped me to remember once again why I love Denise and her writing. I’m so glad I had the chance to read more of her older novels, and now I’m even more excited for her latest book, Just a Kiss, that releases next month!
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
October 3, 2012
The third and final installment of The Big Sky Romance series, "The Trouble With Cowboys" by Denise Hunter, doesn't disappoint. While some authors are devoted to pumping out books like a bubble gum factory, Denise has a way of writing characters that leave an imprint on your heart that you won't forget. You don't mind that you have to wait for months in between novels because you always know what you're going to get in return: consistent storylines with memorable characters and a lesson that will help grow your faith.
Forced to grow up too fast, Annie Wilkerson makes a promise to her dying grandfather and takes on the responsibility of caring for her unruly teenage sister. Determined to put her sister through college, Annie is a horse trainer by day and moonlights as the writer for a column solely devoted to imparting her wisdom as a trainer. However, as the world becomes more and more attached that wonderful invention called the `internet' (thanks, Al Gore...) she learns from her editor that her column is being replaced by a topic that you can never have enough answers for: love, and they want Annie to write it. Wholly unqualified to write a column for the local lovelorn, Annie seeks the advice of all-knowing and confident Dylan Taylor. After all, he's romanced just about every woman in Moose Creek... he has to know SOMETHING about love, right?
The budding friendship and firecracker chemistry that existed between Annie and Dylan will keep you turning the pages until the very last one. Some of the one-liners that Dylan would throw at Annie even had me rolling my eyes at times, but Annie was just the girl to put him in his place. While I LOVED this story, I am so disappointed that I won't be returning to Moose Creek, Montana any time soon. (But that's why I keep the books I love - to revisit!) Since we had the pleasure of a visit from Sawyer Smitten in this novel, perhaps we'll get to read about Moose Creek's best-loved residents in another story in the future. (Fingers crossed!)
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of "The Trouble With Cowboys" from the author in exchange for my honest opinion and review (thanks for signing it, Denise!). A positive review was not required, only an honest one. I am so honored that she chose to bless me with an advanced copy. I can only hope that I have returned the favor of the blessing with my review.
Forced to grow up too fast, Annie Wilkerson makes a promise to her dying grandfather and takes on the responsibility of caring for her unruly teenage sister. Determined to put her sister through college, Annie is a horse trainer by day and moonlights as the writer for a column solely devoted to imparting her wisdom as a trainer. However, as the world becomes more and more attached that wonderful invention called the `internet' (thanks, Al Gore...) she learns from her editor that her column is being replaced by a topic that you can never have enough answers for: love, and they want Annie to write it. Wholly unqualified to write a column for the local lovelorn, Annie seeks the advice of all-knowing and confident Dylan Taylor. After all, he's romanced just about every woman in Moose Creek... he has to know SOMETHING about love, right?
The budding friendship and firecracker chemistry that existed between Annie and Dylan will keep you turning the pages until the very last one. Some of the one-liners that Dylan would throw at Annie even had me rolling my eyes at times, but Annie was just the girl to put him in his place. While I LOVED this story, I am so disappointed that I won't be returning to Moose Creek, Montana any time soon. (But that's why I keep the books I love - to revisit!) Since we had the pleasure of a visit from Sawyer Smitten in this novel, perhaps we'll get to read about Moose Creek's best-loved residents in another story in the future. (Fingers crossed!)
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of "The Trouble With Cowboys" from the author in exchange for my honest opinion and review (thanks for signing it, Denise!). A positive review was not required, only an honest one. I am so honored that she chose to bless me with an advanced copy. I can only hope that I have returned the favor of the blessing with my review.
December 9, 2019
This is a cute read! I enjoyed it, flying through it quickly. Denise Hunter is a talented writer and the whole series was fun to read. I wish I got more of Annie and Dylan together with their walls down like the car wash scene. I also wish the lovelorn column was more prominent to the story and continued through to the end, I was anticipating more romantic debates but that thread fizzled out midway. Bummer.
The biggest negative to this book was Annie's sister, Sierra. ***Sorry, but I really need to rant about this character. The issue of Annie letting go of control in her relationship with Sierra was completely irrelevant to me because it seemed like Annie wasn't the big problem. Sierra was. She's flighty and inconsiderate, letting Annie shoulder the financial burden of taking care of herself and her child while she refuses to keep a job to help their situation. She keeps insisting throughout the book that she is an adult, but, in truth, she acts like a child. I don't think Annie should have been the one always apologizing for what went wrong in their relationship. I think that's what bothered me most about Annie's relationship with Sierra. If Sierra wanted to prove that she's an independent and responsible adult, she should have done it with substantial action and not by slamming doors and throwing tantrums.*** She is just a secondary character, but I found her extremely irritating. Despite all of that, I wouldn't let her character deter you from reading this book.
Overall, a sweet read with great chemistry, flirtations and rebuffs.
The biggest negative to this book was Annie's sister, Sierra. ***Sorry, but I really need to rant about this character. The issue of Annie letting go of control in her relationship with Sierra was completely irrelevant to me because it seemed like Annie wasn't the big problem. Sierra was. She's flighty and inconsiderate, letting Annie shoulder the financial burden of taking care of herself and her child while she refuses to keep a job to help their situation. She keeps insisting throughout the book that she is an adult, but, in truth, she acts like a child. I don't think Annie should have been the one always apologizing for what went wrong in their relationship. I think that's what bothered me most about Annie's relationship with Sierra. If Sierra wanted to prove that she's an independent and responsible adult, she should have done it with substantial action and not by slamming doors and throwing tantrums.*** She is just a secondary character, but I found her extremely irritating. Despite all of that, I wouldn't let her character deter you from reading this book.
Overall, a sweet read with great chemistry, flirtations and rebuffs.
August 6, 2022
The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter A Big Sky Romance #3 289 pages PB story ends on 272
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance > Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance; Westerns, Inspirational
Featuring: Epigraphs, Sisters, Money Troubles, Horse Training, Columnist, Moose Creek and Bozeman, Montana; Small Rural Town, Trust Issues, Jane Austen, Losing Control, Money Woes, Reading Group Guide, Author's Letter, Book Preview: The Convenient Groom (Nantucket #2) - 10 pages
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Mine" by Taylor Swift
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: Page 20 of 272 Ch. 4 - Print does it every time. I'm ready for bed now. It took a minute to refresh my memory but I figured it out and these characters are great. I don't know what the plot is yet.
📖 106 Ch. 15 - This book has the best flow of the series so far. I've been upset all afternoon that I had to put this one down, but I've finally got to a point where I actually want to take a break, perfect drama.
📖 171 Ch. 23 - I'm surprised that I'm not frustrated with this plot, I do have some theories, it's not as slow as the previous books despite the no coupling and being more than halfway through the story. I don't know what exactly this trope is there is some prejudices but it's not a misunderstanding trope, so I need to find out what that's called, it's very Pride and Prejudice but not at the same time.
📖 256 Ch. 35 - I was loving this story until my least favorite secret trope decided to get involved.
I was on the road to 5 stars until the the sister's storyline got on my last nerve and took over. After that detour I was still annoyed and the ending felt rushed, so that blocked my 5 star hopes. I still don't quite the trope of this book. MC A is presumptuous towards MC B and he has been pursuing her relentlessly, so it's not enemies to lovers as the hate is one-sided. So they need to name that trope, maybe Pepé Le Pew, I don't know.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I didn't love the second book but this series has been great. I'm a little sad it's over.
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance > Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance; Westerns, Inspirational
Featuring: Epigraphs, Sisters, Money Troubles, Horse Training, Columnist, Moose Creek and Bozeman, Montana; Small Rural Town, Trust Issues, Jane Austen, Losing Control, Money Woes, Reading Group Guide, Author's Letter, Book Preview: The Convenient Groom (Nantucket #2) - 10 pages
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Mine" by Taylor Swift
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: Page 20 of 272 Ch. 4 - Print does it every time. I'm ready for bed now. It took a minute to refresh my memory but I figured it out and these characters are great. I don't know what the plot is yet.
📖 106 Ch. 15 - This book has the best flow of the series so far. I've been upset all afternoon that I had to put this one down, but I've finally got to a point where I actually want to take a break, perfect drama.
📖 171 Ch. 23 - I'm surprised that I'm not frustrated with this plot, I do have some theories, it's not as slow as the previous books despite the no coupling and being more than halfway through the story. I don't know what exactly this trope is there is some prejudices but it's not a misunderstanding trope, so I need to find out what that's called, it's very Pride and Prejudice but not at the same time.
📖 256 Ch. 35 - I was loving this story until my least favorite secret trope decided to get involved.
I was on the road to 5 stars until the the sister's storyline got on my last nerve and took over. After that detour I was still annoyed and the ending felt rushed, so that blocked my 5 star hopes. I still don't quite the trope of this book. MC A is presumptuous towards MC B and he has been pursuing her relentlessly, so it's not enemies to lovers as the hate is one-sided. So they need to name that trope, maybe Pepé Le Pew, I don't know.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I didn't love the second book but this series has been great. I'm a little sad it's over.
July 6, 2017
Denise Hunter hit a home run with the leading men in her Big Sky series and Dylan Taylor was someone I had wanted to know more about since the first book, The Cowboy’s Touch. He came across as a total ladies’ man, but I always knew there was a heart of gold underneath the Casanova front. The heroine, Annie, was a great character, but she could frustrate the daylights out of you with her pride and prejudices. This book was about letting go of control and letting God control, which is a hard lesson to learn. It was a thoroughly enjoyable finale to the series, and I’m going to miss Moose Creek.
October 18, 2020
Someday, someday I want to visit Moose Creek. I don't care that it's fictitious. I want to be simply be amongst the characters from this Big Sky Romance series. They are flawed, and seeking redemption. They have been broken and continue searching for healing. They look after and care fiercely for their friends and family. The gossip wheel works easily with the best of intentions.
November 10, 2016
There was nothing really wrong with this novel, Dylan was quite charming and I emphasized with Annie quite a bit, but the novel never came together for me. This is a Christian Romance, so there is quite a bit of talk about God helping folk find their way and 'Lord please tell me what I should do'. This isn't ordinarily a problem for me, but because I couldn't engage in the novel every single time Annie pleaded with God to show her the right path it grated on my nerves.
Honestly, Annie was an independent, self-sufficient and intelligent woman. Despite the setbacks that keep hurtling her way she is on the right path all on her own. Mind she's stubborn and unduly judgmental at times, but by in large it always comes from a caring place. Well except in the case of cowboys. That comes from a mother who really sucked at making the right decisions and Annie assuming that meant bad decision making was genetic.
Dylan for his part...I understood his jumble of emotional problems much better. His past love really did a number on him. He however recognizes his difficulties and shows marked progress throughout the story in working through his problems and coming to terms with them. I appreciated that Hunter didn't shrink away from showing that Dylan was possibly even more vulnerable then Annie. Whereas Annie's problems stem from assumptions and presumptions, Dylan had pretty conclusive proof that you can be screwed over by someone claiming to love you.
However in the end I just could not care enough. Sierra was harebrained--I don't think Hunter spent enough time showing that she was a responsible a parent as Annie or she kept saying. She definitely didn't come off as a responsible person. A lot of her problem seemed to be as much as she wanted Annie to give her space to be independent she made decisions based on her own interests and expected Annie to clean up the mess. The other secondary characters were all pretty much staples of small town romances--wise older woman, sassy friends, sympathetic recently married friends. Part of this may be because this is the third book in an ongoing series for Hunter, but for a newcomer like me they fell flat.
Honestly, Annie was an independent, self-sufficient and intelligent woman. Despite the setbacks that keep hurtling her way she is on the right path all on her own. Mind she's stubborn and unduly judgmental at times, but by in large it always comes from a caring place. Well except in the case of cowboys. That comes from a mother who really sucked at making the right decisions and Annie assuming that meant bad decision making was genetic.
Dylan for his part...I understood his jumble of emotional problems much better. His past love really did a number on him. He however recognizes his difficulties and shows marked progress throughout the story in working through his problems and coming to terms with them. I appreciated that Hunter didn't shrink away from showing that Dylan was possibly even more vulnerable then Annie. Whereas Annie's problems stem from assumptions and presumptions, Dylan had pretty conclusive proof that you can be screwed over by someone claiming to love you.
However in the end I just could not care enough. Sierra was harebrained--I don't think Hunter spent enough time showing that she was a responsible a parent as Annie or she kept saying. She definitely didn't come off as a responsible person. A lot of her problem seemed to be as much as she wanted Annie to give her space to be independent she made decisions based on her own interests and expected Annie to clean up the mess. The other secondary characters were all pretty much staples of small town romances--wise older woman, sassy friends, sympathetic recently married friends. Part of this may be because this is the third book in an ongoing series for Hunter, but for a newcomer like me they fell flat.
March 22, 2016
There's more to being a Christian than going to church on Sunday and not having premarital sex. But not in this book. This story reads exactly like a secular romance without the sex. Oh, I think one of the MCs mentioned a Bible verse once. The characters act like non-Christians and the values reflected in the book aren't Christian, either. The good advice contained in this book is all about "feelings" and "chemistry". Apparently life without God is fine but without love it's "nothing".
The loser boyfriend is kind, steady, reliable, wears glasses and maybe has allergies, so of course he's no good. Character doesn't count for anything, right? The "heroine" is judgmental, immature and full of self-pity. But she goes to church most Sundays, so she's a Christian. Then there's the "hero", the guy who doesn't sleep around because "I'm a Christian man; that means something to me." But he admits to hurting many girls' feelings and claims that's not his problem because he "warns them" first. He mocks the other guy, calling him names like "Spreadsheet" and "boring", kisses a girl who has repeatedly said she's not interested in him and in fact is going with another man. All in all he's a real winner. The best I can say is that they deserve each other.
I know Christians aren't perfect, and I definitely prefer reading books about realistic people, but this was ridiculous. It is possible to write a good Christian story that reflects Biblical values without everyone being a prig. This book doesn't do that, but instead tacks a few Christian terms onto a very non-Christian novel. At 85% in the MC finally had an epiphany and actually included God in her thoughts. He began to speak to her and she listened. But to me it was really too little too late. Very disappointing. I'll not bother with this author again.
The loser boyfriend is kind, steady, reliable, wears glasses and maybe has allergies, so of course he's no good. Character doesn't count for anything, right? The "heroine" is judgmental, immature and full of self-pity. But she goes to church most Sundays, so she's a Christian. Then there's the "hero", the guy who doesn't sleep around because "I'm a Christian man; that means something to me." But he admits to hurting many girls' feelings and claims that's not his problem because he "warns them" first. He mocks the other guy, calling him names like "Spreadsheet" and "boring", kisses a girl who has repeatedly said she's not interested in him and in fact is going with another man. All in all he's a real winner. The best I can say is that they deserve each other.
I know Christians aren't perfect, and I definitely prefer reading books about realistic people, but this was ridiculous. It is possible to write a good Christian story that reflects Biblical values without everyone being a prig. This book doesn't do that, but instead tacks a few Christian terms onto a very non-Christian novel. At 85% in the MC finally had an epiphany and actually included God in her thoughts. He began to speak to her and she listened. But to me it was really too little too late. Very disappointing. I'll not bother with this author again.
October 9, 2012
I wanted to shake Annie so hard! It is clear Dylan is head over heels for her but she can't get over her misconceptions that all cowboys are trouble and refuse to let him get close to her. She tries so hard to put a man in between them that is comfortable to her but boring as day old soup. They so obviously are a mixed matched couple but Annie is so hard headed because of heartaches her family has had to deal with involving cowboys in the past. This always tends to gripe me about how folks stereotype others because of things somebody else has done.
Annie is a good person and awesome character that she tries very hard to do the right things but in doing so she comes off as hard and tight lipped especially to her younger sister which causes way more problems than it's worth. Thru the better first half of the story I felt she really needed a good roll in the hay to loosen her feathers a bit but she woulda probable done so with the stuffy banker, John whom I couldn't stand!
This story is about letting go of the reins and living a bit as well as understanding no matter how good your intentions you can't live another's life for them..all you can do is be there when they need you and let folks learn from their own mistakes.
Annie is a good person and awesome character that she tries very hard to do the right things but in doing so she comes off as hard and tight lipped especially to her younger sister which causes way more problems than it's worth. Thru the better first half of the story I felt she really needed a good roll in the hay to loosen her feathers a bit but she woulda probable done so with the stuffy banker, John whom I couldn't stand!
This story is about letting go of the reins and living a bit as well as understanding no matter how good your intentions you can't live another's life for them..all you can do is be there when they need you and let folks learn from their own mistakes.
September 30, 2012
A light, clean Christian story about faith, family, romance and cowboys. My reaction through most of this book though was, "seriously?". I get fluffy romances and that women love cowboys, but this one was just too implausible for me. Dylan and Annie were likeable enough characters, but the idea that she couldn't write a lovelorn column on her own and needed the help of a man she doesn't like was far-fetched. And, Annie's sister Sierra was seriously annoying. Honestly, she ruined any enjoyment of this book for me with her selfish antics.
Third in the Big Sky Romance trilogy, you can read my reviews of A Cowboy's Touch and The Accidental Bride. The books stand alone well but, like with most series, reading all the books helps with character development and history. This one was my least favorite of the series and I enjoyed The Accidental Bride the most. Fans of Denise Hunter will love it and most reviews I've seen are much more positive than mine.
Third in the Big Sky Romance trilogy, you can read my reviews of A Cowboy's Touch and The Accidental Bride. The books stand alone well but, like with most series, reading all the books helps with character development and history. This one was my least favorite of the series and I enjoyed The Accidental Bride the most. Fans of Denise Hunter will love it and most reviews I've seen are much more positive than mine.
August 2, 2012
With The Trouble with Cowboys, Denise Hunter once again delivers a heartfelt feel good story about a girl determined to avoid the handsome cowboy at all costs. On the surface, Dylan appears to be the typical cowboy she has built up in her mind from years of cowboys coming and going in her mother's life. Dylan is determined to prove Annie how wrong she is about him.
This is another wonderful addition to Hunter's Big Sky series. You always feel like you know her characters personally when you read one of her books. Her books are full of heartfelt stories with characters that you can relate to. She presents positive messages in a feel good story. Luckily, I was provided with an opportunity to receive an advanced copy of The Trouble with Cowboys and don't have to wait until October. Her books are always worth the wait and as always, I can't wait until the next one!
This is another wonderful addition to Hunter's Big Sky series. You always feel like you know her characters personally when you read one of her books. Her books are full of heartfelt stories with characters that you can relate to. She presents positive messages in a feel good story. Luckily, I was provided with an opportunity to receive an advanced copy of The Trouble with Cowboys and don't have to wait until October. Her books are always worth the wait and as always, I can't wait until the next one!
October 4, 2012
No matter how cheesy, l think books set in Montana and have the word 'cowboy'' in the title always have a draw. Plus this book cover has a pretty Fall scene of the mountains. The book is not really about Fall, but the descriptions of the country are really clear and makes you want to visit Montana anyway. The story is super stylistic and fluffy but its still fun. Its written sort of like a romantic comedy.
The only set back is the relationship between Annie and her sister Sierra. Annie was just too mom-ish all the time. Reading the nagging and the whining for half the book was a struggle for me. The whole character of Sierra was annoying regardless. The second half of this book had the stupidest story lines. I didn't enjoy it at all. It was eye roll worthy. Because of that I had to lower my rating. The story could have been developed much better.
The only set back is the relationship between Annie and her sister Sierra. Annie was just too mom-ish all the time. Reading the nagging and the whining for half the book was a struggle for me. The whole character of Sierra was annoying regardless. The second half of this book had the stupidest story lines. I didn't enjoy it at all. It was eye roll worthy. Because of that I had to lower my rating. The story could have been developed much better.
October 2, 2014
Denise Hunter is one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance. Her Big Sky Romance series has been a lot of fun to read, and The Trouble with Cowboys is no exception. Annie Wilkerson is just trying to keep it all together, and that means staying as far away as possible from cowboys. She learned from watching the string her mother kept around that cowboys bring a load of hurt with them. Besides she's too busy trying to control...er help...her sister pull her life together. Too bad Dylan Taylor's horse needs her.
I enjoyed returning to big sky country with these characters. And I found myself relating all too well to Annie's need to control life. I also needed the reminder that it's when we let go that life really happens.
This is a great read for those who love contemporary romance with great characters who you will hate leaving when you reach the end.
I enjoyed returning to big sky country with these characters. And I found myself relating all too well to Annie's need to control life. I also needed the reminder that it's when we let go that life really happens.
This is a great read for those who love contemporary romance with great characters who you will hate leaving when you reach the end.
January 19, 2016
I have a thing about book covers--and this series just doesn't have my favorite covers. Haha. For there being so much I didn't like about this book. I'm surprised I liked it. I'm glad Annie was willing to admit she was wrong and that I saw her trying to change. I was just so glad Miss Lucy told Annie what's what. Sometimes, I wish authors would have someone put those annoying female characters in their place more. I mean, I'm all for the guy forgiving the girl and whatnot... but sometimes it just needs to be done.
June 17, 2013
I have enjoyed all three books in this series but this one was definitely my favorite. The tension between Dylan and Annie kept me reading way too late last night! The only thing I thought was a bit unbelievable in the story was Dylan's lack of understanding as to why Annie would think that he was a playboy. He intentionally dated or flirted with every woman he came in contact with, including Annie, just for fun but was angered by the idea that Annie thought he left a string of broken hearts. As someone who tends to lean more to the historical fiction genre, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this series so much. Highly recommended!
October 11, 2012
I'm a big fan of Denise Hunter, despite my dislike of contemporary westerns, so "The Trouble with Cowboys" did not disappoint. Fast moving, well-written, with one of her most likeable heroes and an uptight-but-not-annoying heroine. I can't quite give it 5 stars because I'm pretty stingy with those 5-star-ratings, but it definitely edges towards 4.5 in my opinion. Definitely the best of the three books in this series. Recommended.
June 4, 2016
This book was pretty cute. I liked the slow burn romance a lot, though Annie did frustrate me at times. I did like her, though. Who I really couldn't stand was her sister, Sierra. Sierra almost ruined the book for me. She's so selfish and childish and I just wanted to smack her for most of the book. Besides that, though, I liked watching Annie and Dylan's relationship and it was a pretty enjoyable book.
September 12, 2012
Once I started reading this book I couldn't stop until I finished reading it. I spent the whole book wondering how things were going to turn out. There are also parts of the book that totally shocked me and I never would have seen some of the turns that it took. Parts of it I totally predicted but I was still interested enough to keep reading it.
September 16, 2012
Wow! Another great book from Denise. It's a great ending to the Big Sky Romance series. Chemistry, didn't see that coming, and love. This book has it all. We knew from the previous books that Dylan was sweet, but we don't find out until this book just how sweet, or the reason he is the way he is around woman (get a Kleenex ready for that part). Great book. Great ending.
December 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this series. There's something about cowboys! Although I'm not a big animal-living on a farm-dust kind of girl, I love reading about and romanticing it. This was fun and flirty and not too preachy.
Moral Note: Clean except they do talk about a couple of people "getting pregnant". No details.
Moral Note: Clean except they do talk about a couple of people "getting pregnant". No details.
September 27, 2017
4.5 stars
I loved this story. The slow burn romance between Dylan and Annie was perfect. I love the Pride and Prejudice references and how Annie realized who she has acting like. It made her behavior believable in that context.
I loved this story. The slow burn romance between Dylan and Annie was perfect. I love the Pride and Prejudice references and how Annie realized who she has acting like. It made her behavior believable in that context.
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