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Taming the Cowboy #1
At the Cowboy's Mercy
Kennedy Stacey couldn’t be more down on her luck. Her father, a rodeo cowboy, recently passed away after a long, expensive illness. The medical bills, combined with his habit of gambling and the fact that she had to quit her job to take care of him,has left her homeless and with no place to go but back to the rodeo. She tracks down Luke Delaney, one of her father’s proteges, and asks for help.
Luke Delaney thought of Red Stacey as a father. Kennedy didn’t call him when Red was sick, so he didn’t get to say good-bye to the man he loved like a father. He can’t forgive her for that, and turns her away.
But when she turns to his brother Liam for help instead,Luke steps forward, partly because of his concern of how his brother the player will treat her, and partly because he knows her father would want him to.
Since she’s homeless, she has to stay in his tiny RV. At first close quarters lead to sparring as they fight their attraction--and she fights to have some kind of independence when she’s leaning so heavily on him. But nature can only hold out so long, and despite their better judgement, they give in to their desires.
But Kennedy is afraid he’s taking her body in payment, and he’s afraid of the feelings he has for her as he gets to know her again, the feelings he hasn’t let himself feel since they were sixteen years old.
Luke Delaney thought of Red Stacey as a father. Kennedy didn’t call him when Red was sick, so he didn’t get to say good-bye to the man he loved like a father. He can’t forgive her for that, and turns her away.
But when she turns to his brother Liam for help instead,Luke steps forward, partly because of his concern of how his brother the player will treat her, and partly because he knows her father would want him to.
Since she’s homeless, she has to stay in his tiny RV. At first close quarters lead to sparring as they fight their attraction--and she fights to have some kind of independence when she’s leaning so heavily on him. But nature can only hold out so long, and despite their better judgement, they give in to their desires.
But Kennedy is afraid he’s taking her body in payment, and he’s afraid of the feelings he has for her as he gets to know her again, the feelings he hasn’t let himself feel since they were sixteen years old.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2012
290 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 16, 2013
What can I possibly say about Luke? Mr. Infuriating man of all men? I didn't buy the love between Luke and Kennedy. He was always mad, jealous, tense, a little resentful, always claiming or possessive of her in front of other men, a rough lover, and an alpha male who rarely let his "nice" side show. He hid away his emotions that would convey his true feelings for her. After all, he couldn't just tell her he had been in love with her for years since he was 18 now could he? No that would be too easy. And if Kennedy loved him, she sure kept her feelings tucked away close to the heart.
The book ends way too fast. All the feelings come out and his issues from their past right before it ends abruptly. I just didn't feel that it ended well and things were left unresolved.
The book ends way too fast. All the feelings come out and his issues from their past right before it ends abruptly. I just didn't feel that it ended well and things were left unresolved.
February 16, 2013
That was some smutty fun! I love bad boy cowboys. They just speak to me. :) The only real problem I had with the book was the ending. It was so rushed. I think if there was one more chapters or even a few extra pages it would have been better.
February 20, 2013
Did you say cowboy? Hehe…Let’s ride!
Kennedy Stacey is swimming in hard times after her father’s death. With family debt, medical bills, no job, money, or home—she has no choice but to turn to the Delaney brothers for help. Luke and Liam Delaney grew up with Kennedy on the rodeo circuit, but pain, loss, and pride ripped them apart. Can old wounds and stubborn hearts heal? Add pent up desire and off the charts sexual chemistry into the mix and hell…you get one hell of a reading ride! Hold on!
My biggest surprise here was how hard I fell for the rodeo. Ms. Jay brings the action, texture, color, sounds, and smells of the rodeo world to life on the page. I could hear the creak of the saddle’s leather, smell the horses, and see the strong, masculine bodies maneuver and grip the animals and earth. Very sexy atmosphere. I loved it all! The addictive, adrenaline filled world made my heart dip, flip, and swoon! Down & dirty fun.
Speaking of addictive---meet Luke and Liam Delaney. Liam’s charming, easy-going, manwhore ways and Luke’s hard working, serious nature created one mouthwatering duo! I’m hoping Ms. Jay will explore Liam’s heart a bit more in the future, but for now let’s drool over Luke.
”Luke froze in the hallway outside the bathroom, a thin towel clasped low on his belly. His hair dripped onto broad shoulders. The water trickled down over his chest, following the path of least resistance through the soft-looking hair that covered smooth muscles. She couldn’t tear her gaze away as she followed the droplets over his flat stomach to….”
Nope. You’re going to have to read the book to get the full show. ;) Luke is a sexy, possessive, dominant force on a horse and in the bedroom. Kennedy and Luke have a lot of hurt to get by, but readers will root for them the whole way through.
I did hit a bump or two along the way though. The second half of the book felt completely different to me. I missed the rhythm of the rodeo and the energy of the brothers. The location shift and time leap left emotions unsettled for me. Was Kennedy in love or just thankful for Luke? I could feel her attraction and sexual spark with Luke for sure, but I wanted to feel more than that from her. Luke’s big, fierce, thumping heart showed in every move he made, but I needed more time to see Kennedy’s true heart.
I had a lot of fun at the rodeo with Luke and Kennedy. Plus I will never look at a tractor the same way again. Ooolala…. :)
July 12, 2023
Book: At the Cowboys Mercy
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Emma Jay
Narrator: Tracy Marks
Genre: Romance, Westerns
Main Characters: Luke and Kennedy
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I loved this book.
“That’s right, Luke. I was going to fuck Liam for a place to stay. But that’s not why I fucked you.”
I wanted 3 more chapters and a HEA I felt like it ended to quickly and I needed more of an ending.
“Looks like you have to be on top tonight,” he teased. Her concerned frown melted into a smile. “You must be hurt. You hate it when I’m on top.”
I wonder if there is a book 2? I might have to check. I need more of an ending then I got lol
“Pity?” He shifted to sit on the edge of the couch. “Kennedy, I’ve loved you since I was eighteen years old.”
This book made me wanna move to the country and find me a cowboy!
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Emma Jay
Narrator: Tracy Marks
Genre: Romance, Westerns
Main Characters: Luke and Kennedy
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I loved this book.
“That’s right, Luke. I was going to fuck Liam for a place to stay. But that’s not why I fucked you.”
I wanted 3 more chapters and a HEA I felt like it ended to quickly and I needed more of an ending.
“Looks like you have to be on top tonight,” he teased. Her concerned frown melted into a smile. “You must be hurt. You hate it when I’m on top.”
I wonder if there is a book 2? I might have to check. I need more of an ending then I got lol
“Pity?” He shifted to sit on the edge of the couch. “Kennedy, I’ve loved you since I was eighteen years old.”
This book made me wanna move to the country and find me a cowboy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2019
Loved the story of Kennedy and Luke. Kennedy was a bit whiny and needed to "get a clue." There is not much in the story about Liam. Overall, good start to a series that I will continue.
January 20, 2017
DNF Brothers? Hell no....no....no. This girl is a whore regardless of her "sad life"
April 3, 2013
I feel like I've just wasted an hour and a half going through this thing, but it's my fault.
The whole story begins with a prologue of the hero finding the heroine in bed with his brother eleven years earlier. I should've stopped there, but I kept thinking why did she sleep with the brother when she seemed so interested in the hero himself.
So I kept reading on. (Note: Except for very choppy scenes, it's actually an okay read.) But then they never have her explain why she slept with his brother instead of him. The hero was like 'oh and by the way, I saw you with my brother all those years ago' and the heroine was like 'I didn't know you knew about that' and then that was literally it. No explaination, no discussion. I just felt it was a really big waste of time.
The whole story begins with a prologue of the hero finding the heroine in bed with his brother eleven years earlier. I should've stopped there, but I kept thinking why did she sleep with the brother when she seemed so interested in the hero himself.
So I kept reading on. (Note: Except for very choppy scenes, it's actually an okay read.) But then they never have her explain why she slept with his brother instead of him. The hero was like 'oh and by the way, I saw you with my brother all those years ago' and the heroine was like 'I didn't know you knew about that' and then that was literally it. No explaination, no discussion. I just felt it was a really big waste of time.
February 10, 2018
I have the kindle book but it was just too full of typos and other grammar issue that when the audio became available via Audible Romance Package, I jumped on it.
Kennedy had been through a lot to turn to her last resort. But that last resort wanted nothing to do with her. So just how far was she willing to go. Luke was unwilling to listen to Kennedy when she came to him. He didn't understand just how down on her luck she was until he so the length she was willing to go but unwilling at the same time.
Narrator Tracy Marks did a good job with giving voice to the characters. It was easy to distinguish between male and female but also two characters of the same gender.
Kennedy had been through a lot to turn to her last resort. But that last resort wanted nothing to do with her. So just how far was she willing to go. Luke was unwilling to listen to Kennedy when she came to him. He didn't understand just how down on her luck she was until he so the length she was willing to go but unwilling at the same time.
Narrator Tracy Marks did a good job with giving voice to the characters. It was easy to distinguish between male and female but also two characters of the same gender.
April 20, 2013
I LOVE IT!
All I can think about is holy mother i want my own cowboy!
Kennedy's in need of money and place to stay. After her father died and leaving her nothing but jobless after taking care of him while he was sick, she's forces to go back to her hometown and seek for help. Luke's in love with Kennedy since forever, and after seeing her with his brother Liam nights before she's leaving, his heart was broken. When he opened the door and see Kennedy soaking from wet fog, pale and desperately need helps, he sees nothing but fury. But what will happen next? Will his old love beat his fury towards Kennedy?
This story is sooo darn romantic! Why? Because it's simple and.. I don't know, romantic! The way Luke strain himself for falling all over again to Kennedy's kind of cute. Miss Jay's writing is suit me just fine.
But the ending is way too short and al little bit unsolved. I mean, it definitely need more details and at least some epilog.
But so far, I LOVE IT! Way too go, Emma Jay!
All I can think about is holy mother i want my own cowboy!
Kennedy's in need of money and place to stay. After her father died and leaving her nothing but jobless after taking care of him while he was sick, she's forces to go back to her hometown and seek for help. Luke's in love with Kennedy since forever, and after seeing her with his brother Liam nights before she's leaving, his heart was broken. When he opened the door and see Kennedy soaking from wet fog, pale and desperately need helps, he sees nothing but fury. But what will happen next? Will his old love beat his fury towards Kennedy?
This story is sooo darn romantic! Why? Because it's simple and.. I don't know, romantic! The way Luke strain himself for falling all over again to Kennedy's kind of cute. Miss Jay's writing is suit me just fine.
But the ending is way too short and al little bit unsolved. I mean, it definitely need more details and at least some epilog.
But so far, I LOVE IT! Way too go, Emma Jay!
April 30, 2015
At the Cowboy's Mercy from Taming the Cowboy, Book 1 series starts with a flashback from Luke's point of view to his teenage years when Kennedy's dad brought Liam, his brother and him to his ranch. Kennedy's dad treated the brothers like his sons and taught them rodeo skills. Moving to the present Kennedy is in trouble, her father has passed and left her destitute and she seeks help from Luke.
The story has a large number of sizzling hot sex scenes where these two can't leave each other alone followed by treating each other with icy disregard. At the same time neither will admit how they feel for the other but he worries about her and she fixes his house for him and finds furniture to make it a home. He appreciates all her hard work but resents her doing so much for him. He is proud she has made so many friends but jealous of those friendships at the same time. The interesting aspect of this story was the emotional conflict between the two main characters as they figure out that they need to communicate in order to have a future together.
The story has a large number of sizzling hot sex scenes where these two can't leave each other alone followed by treating each other with icy disregard. At the same time neither will admit how they feel for the other but he worries about her and she fixes his house for him and finds furniture to make it a home. He appreciates all her hard work but resents her doing so much for him. He is proud she has made so many friends but jealous of those friendships at the same time. The interesting aspect of this story was the emotional conflict between the two main characters as they figure out that they need to communicate in order to have a future together.
November 27, 2012
A nice robust story featuring the rodeo circuit. Luke wanted Jena when he was 19 and when he went to let her know, he caught her in bed with his brother Liam. Fast forward 10 years.
Jena shows up one day asking for a job. He's still pissed that she never told him or his brother about her father having cancer. She didn't allow him the courtesy to say goodbye to him - a man who was a father figure as well as a man he loved like a father.
Jena was skinny and pale...hungry. She was willing to stoop even lower. Luke agrees to hire her and lets her bunk in his RV until this circuit was over. Luke is surprised that lust for Jena is just as strong as 10 years ago. WTH? What is he going to do?
Jena hates the fact that she needed and asked for help. She also hates that she is attracted to Luke. What is wrong with her? She doesn't want his pity or his hand outs.
Read further to find out what happens next. Really enjoyed the book!
Jena shows up one day asking for a job. He's still pissed that she never told him or his brother about her father having cancer. She didn't allow him the courtesy to say goodbye to him - a man who was a father figure as well as a man he loved like a father.
Jena was skinny and pale...hungry. She was willing to stoop even lower. Luke agrees to hire her and lets her bunk in his RV until this circuit was over. Luke is surprised that lust for Jena is just as strong as 10 years ago. WTH? What is he going to do?
Jena hates the fact that she needed and asked for help. She also hates that she is attracted to Luke. What is wrong with her? She doesn't want his pity or his hand outs.
Read further to find out what happens next. Really enjoyed the book!
May 13, 2013
Luke & Kennedy basically grew up together with Luke's brother Liam on Kennedy's daddy's ranch. Luke fell in love with her when he was 18 but in lust much earlier. Yet, it was Liam she rode hard one night when Luke walked in on them without their knowledge. Soon, after he hit the rodeo circuit not coming back for more then 5 years just phone calls to Red whom the boys loved more then their dad. Kennedy was called home from here new life in Dallas when her dad became ill & dies, leaving her mountains of debt from gambling. So, she loses her childhood home to payoff his debts & what whatever medical bills there were. She was gone so long from her job she lost it too. She now has no money, no home & only two people to turn to & one is mad because her father did not want them called during his weakest days. So, he couldn't say goodbye. Will Luke help her? Read this interesting story of sadness, pain, joy & hope.
March 31, 2016
I don't get too many cowboy books but I had to jump on this when it came to my attention. It was a short steamy read and I really enjoyed it. Kennedy (h) was down on her luck. She had to quit her job to care for her dying dad. Luke (H) is a rodeo cowboy who has a dirty mouth and a heart of gold. His alpha possessive streak was pretty damn sexy too. The two are childhood friends who come together again after the death of Kennedy's dad. She needs his help because she literally has nowhere to go and no money to get there. I liked that the two were pretty honest with each other and didn't play games. I do wish that the ending wasn't so abrupt. It's not a cliffhanger, but it would have been nice to get a glimpse of the happy couple a few months or years down the line. So the story was tied up but just not in a pretty bow. Make sense?
story - 3.25
narrator - 3
story - 3.25
narrator - 3
April 23, 2016
This was a short quick read that was ok. Kennedy Stacey is down on her luck her father has died of a long illness she had to quit job to take care of him and with the medical bills and his gambling debt she is broke and homeless so what does she do she finds Luke but he turns her away. The chemistry between Luke and Kennedy was hot and the sex scenes oh my. The problem that I had with this book was that it felt like a lot was missing from it. Luke and Liam were upset that she didn't call them when Red her father died only because he asked her not to. Although there was some hot sex scenes in this book I felt that it could have been stronger. This was my first time reading this author the book did have a few typos in it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 29, 2022
2.5 stars
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but I just couldn’t. The amount of smut in such a brief story was astronomical. And what in the world does “white breast” even mean? Are we talking about chicken breast or something? There were so many moments I had to ask myself what I was reading. However, I liked the characters and wished there was more personal growth and development. The story was far too short and the romance wasn’t so convincing.
Still, not the worst book I’ve read.
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but I just couldn’t. The amount of smut in such a brief story was astronomical. And what in the world does “white breast” even mean? Are we talking about chicken breast or something? There were so many moments I had to ask myself what I was reading. However, I liked the characters and wished there was more personal growth and development. The story was far too short and the romance wasn’t so convincing.
Still, not the worst book I’ve read.
August 30, 2014
I was looking forward to a sexy romance with an adorable cowboy but this was just a lot of sex. Over and over and the sex scenes weren't even that well written. Too much foul language that did nothing to add to the story and the ending just fell flat.
To sum it up, shallow plot, choppy writing, mediocre characters who didn't mature and a bland ending. Fortunately, it was only a couple hours of my time. The best part of it was the gorgeous guy on front. Yum!
To sum it up, shallow plot, choppy writing, mediocre characters who didn't mature and a bland ending. Fortunately, it was only a couple hours of my time. The best part of it was the gorgeous guy on front. Yum!
November 13, 2012
I picked this one up for the cover. No lie. The story was okay-- it had some definite sexy moments --but the whole sleeping with Luke's brother thing seemed kinda skeezy. Maybe that's just me.
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 11/10/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 11/10/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 3, 2012
I didn't quite like the writing style but all together is was a decent book. I would of given it four stars but the ending was way too sudden and anti-climatic. I was hoping for a bit more, just a smidgen but wasn't given it. It made the book seem a bit uncompleted to me, unfortunately.
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December 30, 2018
Life is a rodeo get on your cowboy and ride.
Broken and vulnerable Kennedy went to Luke for help despite being the last person whom she thought would take her in. She knew he was still mad at her for not telling him about her father's sickness until after his death. In the hot steamy days that followed they both learned that despite their past love is eternal.
If you want a quick sexy cowboy read, then this book is for you if you want a deep story with an intense plot with twists and mystery, then you might want to look elsewhere. This book has a limited plot held together by good sex and a bit of rodeo to facilitate the need for cowboys for good measure. Is it a bad book? No, not by any means, it is well written and the characters, despite being very predictable were real and likeable. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick hot and steamy read to keep them warm when they can't sleep at night.
Broken and vulnerable Kennedy went to Luke for help despite being the last person whom she thought would take her in. She knew he was still mad at her for not telling him about her father's sickness until after his death. In the hot steamy days that followed they both learned that despite their past love is eternal.
If you want a quick sexy cowboy read, then this book is for you if you want a deep story with an intense plot with twists and mystery, then you might want to look elsewhere. This book has a limited plot held together by good sex and a bit of rodeo to facilitate the need for cowboys for good measure. Is it a bad book? No, not by any means, it is well written and the characters, despite being very predictable were real and likeable. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick hot and steamy read to keep them warm when they can't sleep at night.
August 29, 2023
Quick read
This is a cute little story, contemporary romance. Two people that grew up together, grew apart. He's always had feelings for her she never knew. When she hit rock bottom, she has only two places to go him or his his brother would want benefits for giving her a place to stay. Not Luke. But can he get over the fact that she didn't tell him her father was sick so he could say bye?
This is a cute little story, contemporary romance. Two people that grew up together, grew apart. He's always had feelings for her she never knew. When she hit rock bottom, she has only two places to go him or his his brother would want benefits for giving her a place to stay. Not Luke. But can he get over the fact that she didn't tell him her father was sick so he could say bye?
August 23, 2018
Great cowboy romance
Luke is a cowboy who works the rodeo circuits. He and his brother spent much of their time growing up with Kennedy and her father while growing up. After Kennedy’s father died she had to go to them for help. This is a great story that shows the power of love.
Luke is a cowboy who works the rodeo circuits. He and his brother spent much of their time growing up with Kennedy and her father while growing up. After Kennedy’s father died she had to go to them for help. This is a great story that shows the power of love.
November 7, 2021
Loved it
Loved the characters in this book.You are going to have a good time reading this book of you like a steamy romance.You will have a HEA! The author brought the characters to life and if you love a great cowboy book this is it. I rated the story line and story telling.I look forward to reading more from this author.
Loved the characters in this book.You are going to have a good time reading this book of you like a steamy romance.You will have a HEA! The author brought the characters to life and if you love a great cowboy book this is it. I rated the story line and story telling.I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 2, 2023
This was one of my stuff your kindle books and all I can say is MEH. It was fine. There were parts that I liked and parts that annoyed the hell out of me. I thought Luke was super annoying and emotionally stunted so it made it hard for me to root for their relationship. This also ended really abruptly which I did not like.
3⭐️
3⭐️
August 6, 2023
At the Cowboy's Mercy
Luke and Kennedy's story has them growing up together but when he fell for her she was having fun with his bro, Liam. Years later, her father passes and she is left with nothing she finds Luke to see if he can help her and end up together as they should've been all along
Luke and Kennedy's story has them growing up together but when he fell for her she was having fun with his bro, Liam. Years later, her father passes and she is left with nothing she finds Luke to see if he can help her and end up together as they should've been all along
May 30, 2017
Love
A heart warming story with some hot sex thrown in. The struggle of dealing with a death of someone know. The hurt of someone you love angry with you, because you carried out the wish on the one dying. The journey of finding understanding and the love buried deep within.
A heart warming story with some hot sex thrown in. The struggle of dealing with a death of someone know. The hurt of someone you love angry with you, because you carried out the wish on the one dying. The journey of finding understanding and the love buried deep within.
September 11, 2023
Wanted it to be more
Had a hard time with this book the way it was written was hard for me to grasp and get into book. Spicy scenes but again because of the style of writing just wasn’t for me.
Had a hard time with this book the way it was written was hard for me to grasp and get into book. Spicy scenes but again because of the style of writing just wasn’t for me.
February 24, 2024
Another great rodeo romance.
Emma Jay wrote a steamy love story centered around to strong characters. Was it a true enemies to lovers story, not really. You always knew they would get their happily ever after.
Emma Jay wrote a steamy love story centered around to strong characters. Was it a true enemies to lovers story, not really. You always knew they would get their happily ever after.
December 31, 2025
Good story
Follow Kennedy as she reconnects with some people from her past, after her father dies. Luke has had a crush on her for years and gets his chance finally. Not my favorite ending, but good overall story with a bit of spice 😁🔥🔥
Follow Kennedy as she reconnects with some people from her past, after her father dies. Luke has had a crush on her for years and gets his chance finally. Not my favorite ending, but good overall story with a bit of spice 😁🔥🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews