Just a Cowboy and His Baby

Spikes & Spurs #6

by Carolyn Brown

Praise for Red's Hot Cowboy

"An old-fashioned love story told well...A delight."-RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

She's Got Her Eyes on the Prize...

Gemma O'Donnell wasn't the first woman to win the ProRodeo buckle for bronc riding, but she was darn well going to be the second. What she didn't count on was her main competition sweeping her off her feet.

He'll Do Whatever It Takes To Win...

Trace Coleman isn't really after a title-he needs the cash prize to buy his dream ranch. But one sexy, determined cowgirl keeps getting in his way. In his effort to take her out of the running, he risks losing both the title-and his heart.

They're Both in For a Little Surprise...

Everybody's world is turned upside down when a pint-sized bundle of joy gets dropped right into Trace's lap...and suddenly all the stakes are higher.

Praise for Love Drunk Cowboy

"Brown revitalizes the Western romance with this fresh, funny, and sexy tale."-Booklist

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Western Romance, Cowboy Romance, Chick Lit

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2012

About the author

Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCERPT: His name was Smokin' Joe and he was a rodeo legend. Cowboys said that he could see right into the soul of a rider and could feel the fear he struck in their hearts. Well, Gemma wasn't afraid of Smokin'-damn-Joe. He wasn't a bit meaner than the bronc out on Rye's ranch that she'd trained on, and she'd shown him who was boss. Smokin' Joe was just the next bronc in a long line, so he could take his evil glare and suck it up. Tonight she was the boss. She didn't care if the other riders had made bets about how quickly into the ride he'd throw her off into the dust. She'd show them all, cowboys and bronc alike, that a cowgirl had come to town.

ABOUT 'JUST A COWBOY AND HIS BABY': Gemma O'Donnell was incensed when she wasn't the first woman to win the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Championship Association) buckle for bronc riding. This year, she heads out on the PRCA ProRodeo Tour burning to be the second.

First stop is Cody, Wyoming where her stiffest competition is Trace Coleman, who already has a jump on her. A tall, dark-haired cowboy with a sexy grin and a swagger, he doesn't really give a damn about the trophy belt buckle—he wants the purse to buy a ranch he has his eye on. He damn sure doesn't have time for a sassy bit of Irish baggage who can evidently ride anything with four legs and make anything with two legs want to take her to bed.

Gemma wins a few; Trace wins a few. In the end they both qualify for the final cut in Las Vegas. But when it comes down to the wire, only one can win the bronc-riding competition and take home one helluva prize. But in this competition, it just might be loser takes all...

MY THOUGHTS: I just love Carolyn Brown books. I think it is because she is such an honest writer. Her characters are all down-to-earth people who are easy to relate to, her plots pleasurable. You might know from the outset where the book is going to wind up, but it's an exciting journey to get there and there's always a surprise or two along the way.

Her books are always family orientated, and Just a Cowboy and His Baby is no exception. I love the sense of family she portrays and often wish I could step right into one!

Although this is book 6 in the Spikes and Spurs series, it is easily read as a stand-alone as each book contains a complete story and focuses on different characters.

Just a Cowboy and His Baby is a rivals to lovers romance; one that sizzles and sparks but without any open-door bedroom scenes.

I loved both Gemma and Trace and their competitiveness. I used to love going to rodeos when they were more common than they are now, and with Carolyn Brown's writing, I could once again smell the dust, the scent of the animals, and taste the food. I do love a good hamburger!

I would give Carolyn Brown five stars for the ending alone - it had me tearing up and grinning. It's just beautiful! She sure accomplished what she set out to do with this read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#JustaCowboyandHisBaby #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Casablanca via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Just a Cowboy and His Baby by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I combined reading and listening to Just a Cowboy and His Baby by Carolyn Brown. Tanya Eby narrates the audiobook, and I'd be pushed to pick between the audio and the print.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book to read. Gemma has put her hairdresser career on hold to follow a dream. She wants to be the second woman to win the title for bronc riding and take home the prize money. She'll then buy herself some land, start her own ranch, and find that cowboy and baby that's been predicted for her. She's doing very well, with only one other competitor really in her way.

Trace also has a dream. He wants to win enough money to buy his uncle's ranch. But in this series of rodeos he's in a fight for first place with Gemma. He figures that a little flirtation might distract her enough to give him the edge. He doesn't count on the effect she has on him.

I loved Trace and Gemma. She is feisty and determined and isn't going to let anything get in her way. Her first encounter with Trace shakes her up a bit. There are sparks when he touches her and she has to work hard not to let them distract her. Trace had been attempting to do just that, but it backfired when he found that he couldn't get her off his mind. That came in handy when he found himself rescuing her during a post rodeo dance. Trace seems pretty self-centered up to that point, with his confidence and his adoring groupies, but when Gemma passes out in his arms, he is the perfect gentleman. I loved the care he took of her.

This was the start of the relationship between Gemma and Trace. Though they remain fierce rivals in the rodeo ring, outside of it they become terrific friends. They have a lot in common and I loved seeing them learn about each other. The more time they spent with each other, the greater the attraction was, until they couldn't help but act on it. Each of them started to dream of the future, but neither wanted to rock the boat until the competition was over.

I loved the part where, between two of the rodeos, they went to help Trace's uncle on his ranch. They were each assigned ten at risk kids from the city. Gemma had the girls and Trace had the boys. I loved seeing how great they were with those kids. There was lots of fun banter, competitions between the kids, and some life lessons learned by all of them. Gemma and Trace also learned a bit about themselves as they were helping the kids.

The baby of the title shows up late in the book, though its story is not a surprise. There are hints throughout the book about what is going to happen. I loved Trace's reaction and the way he immediately stepped up. It was also fun to see him cope with not having a clue how to take care of a baby. He was so sweet and so determined. Gemma's presence and willingness to help him, made him care for her even more.

Gemma's feelings for Trace had been getting stronger the longer they were together. I loved seeing her dreams of the future adjust to the changes in her emotions. I also liked the way that her determination to win didn't change, but she also saw other possibilities. I loved the ending with the final competition and the events that unfolded after it. Trace had a much bigger romantic streak than I expected.

Another thing I enjoyed about the book was how important family was to both Gemma and Trace. It was fun to see how each of them coped with the attitudes of various family members, especially their mothers. I also had fun with how Gemma's girlfriends reacted to her relationship with Trace and the teasing she endured. It was great to see all the support that Gemma and Trace had for both their careers and their relationship.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd read

So this was actually by mistake, I saw it on Netgalley (and I am never there), and I went for it. Half way through I realised that I had actually read it 10 years ago. Ooops.

Gemma and Trace are doing the rodeo circuit and they are head to head. But only one person can win. Sure, I was rooting for Gemma, girl power and all that. Sorry Trace. They are in competition, but slowly something grows there and they start spending time together in private too.

I liked their families and the whole rodeo thing. The drama comes rather late and is quickly resolved because omg they talk about it and are there for each other.

I enjoyed it


-------------
In this Brown novel it's Gemma who gets her shot at love. She is a bronc rider and is competing for the grand prize. She is tough as nails and wont anyone walk over her, in this manly world. But she is also kind, and yes sassy.

In comes hunky Trace, of course she has checked him out and he her. But he is her most fierce competition so no chance of anything happening. But who am I kidding, of course something will happen. These two will spend months travelling the same roads, going to the same places. Fate is pushing them together.

There is a baby in the title, and something is shown a bit into the book so that one is easy to figure out.

The book was cute, filled with Texas charm and a book that you easily read in one day. You just sit down and the pages fly by.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

Out of all Carolyn's books I have read this year, this is one of my top favorites.

I enjoyed this story as it was a lot of fun to read about these two main characters Gemma and Trace. Wow! What explosive sparks this couple had. I just loved Gemma a smart sexy Holden with a lot of spunk. Trace the roughly handsome cowboy with a softer side, not your typical rodeo cowboy the love-and-leave-them type.


Gemma and Trace are in competition with one another on the circuit working toward the final prize of winning a million dollars. For Trace it would mean buying a Ranch and settling down to a place to call home and to Gemma it means proving she was the best and first woman to win this competition where the male dominate.

I have to say that Gemma was my favorite character. At every turn in this story, she amazed me at how well she read people and the compassion she had for others. She was such a loving soul with a great big heart. Fierce yet compassionate loving soul.

Trace amazed me with his talent and the way he handled having a bomb dropped on him when many would have just high-tailed it out of there. Loved the way he handled the kids who he was chaperoning on a ranch on a break between competitions. He had a big heart that was overflowing. I did not find Trace to be the playboy at all. I loved the way he cared for Gemma when she was hurt in the rodeo he was so sweet.

When I started reading this story I was addicted from the very first page. What a page-turner! I could not wait to see what happened next between this couple.It looked like they were doomed from their very first kiss. How does one fall in love with the other when there is a winning purse of a million dollars standing between them?


Gemma and Trace were an extraordinary couple who had many obstacles to overcome. Not only to achieve their dreams but to find that perfect someone who is right just for them and to find true happiness and one's soulmate. I enjoyed the plot and storyline it was very engaging with lovable characters. For some love comes easy but, others have to work at it. From the very beginning, I just could not see this couple staying together with all they had between them. When one is in competition with the other the gloves come off and sometimes it can turn deadly but, this couple seemed to make it work with very little effort for the time being but one bombshell might just jeopardize it all.

This couple where the true test that love can Conquer All!

A recommended read to all! And be sure to check out Carolyn's other books they were just as amazing as this read was. She has a long-time fan here if she keeps writing stories like these They are heartfelt reads written with love......

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Anything you can do, I can do better... or at least when it comes to bronc riding.

I know when I read a book by Carolyn Brown, I'm in for a treat. The writing flows and the words leap from the pages. I'm immersed in the world of the characters and tend to finish the book in one sitting. The same was the case for Just a Cowboy and His Baby. I devoured this book in what seemed like no time at all and thought about the characters after I put the book down.

Here's my quandary. I liked this book. I did. But for me there were aspects that tripped me up. I love animals and I tend to talk to all four of mine. When Trace talked to his dog like it was a person, I got him. Totally. But there were moments when he went on a long time. Was this bad? Not really, but it stuck with me and temporarily ripped me out of the story. Another thing was Gemma. She talked to herself a lot, too. Seeing as how I tend to talk myself through things, I could relate to her. What I had a hard time with was her overwhelming determination to be the best. Be the best, by all means, but she went overboard. Everything had to be her way and she had to win. I like strong women, but there's strong, then there's so strong I wanted her to break a bit.

Still, this book has lots of good points. The writing is solid and the storyline is fantastic. I felt the connection between Gemma and Trace and rooted for them to have their HEA. The scenes in the arena are vivid. I've never been to a bronc riding show, but I feel like I have.

If you want a book that's the right mix of sugar, spice and broncs, then this might be the book for you!

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so lame. I'm so sorry that I wasted an entire day on this.

Sometimes I judge a publishing house on the calibre of books that they put out, and this is why it has surprised me that a book at this writing level was published by Sourcebooks. It was actually rather shocking.

I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings or jar them into a crying fit or something. I'm just being sincerely honest here and saying that I did not enjoy this at all.

For me it all boils down to the writing. The storyline I could almost accept. Almost. The execution? Now that left a lot to be desired. It seemed pretty out there in terms of this stubborn, hard-headed cowgirl who hates - but thinks is hot - this cowboy, who is also her rival on the circuit, then BAM! They end up in bed together and then fall madly in love with each other.

Then there is this mysterious POV that we got, like, twice, that is supposed to be life altering - and is - but it doesn't come across that way for the characters. It especially doesn't affect said cowgirl whose name I can't be bothered to remember at this point.

Oh wait, it's Gemma. And he's Trace.

All in all not a book I'd go around recommending. Not only due to this story, but the whole bunch of crazies that appear as secondary characters.


An ARC of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Shirley Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars

This book failed to live up to my expectations. I love cowboys as heroes and feisty heroines, but there was something int the story that did not feel right.

Gemma is a determined young woman who will stop at nothing to win. She doesn't have time for a relationship, much less with Trace, a fellow competitor, who renders her silly at just the sight of his grin. Trace, likewise, doesn't want to get involved with Gemma, but every time he looks into her mossy green eyes, he can't help himself. He has to have her.

And so it began. Road buddies with privileges and great chemistry, they decide to play it out while still keeping their eye on the prize - winning the Vegas championship. What they were not counting on were the feelings that they would eventually develop for each other and the little Christmas bundle that was handed to Trace.

"Dammit to hell on a rusty poker."

That quote expresses exactly how I feel. I wanted so much to like this book, but it just fell short for me on a couple of points. My main complaint would have to be Genna's voice. I like my heroines strong and self-sufficient, but she just came across as a snob. Yes, she was gutsy and very outspoken, but to me she came across as having a chip on her shoulders which was fine in the rodeo since she was out to prove she was better than Trace, but did she have to be that way too during their relationship too? I couldn't help to think that she was just as insecure and vulnerable as she was strong. I wish I would have seen more of that part of her. It would have helped me connect to her more I think.

In addition, I couldn't understand why Gemma kept talking to herself. If it was her point of view, why talk out loud? It made me backtrack to see if I missed the character she was talking to. Very distracting. Trace did this also and it was annoying too. I could understand him talking to Sugar, his dog, once in a while, but he just went on as if he were having a conversation. At one point I was waiting for the dog to answer him, since he babbled so much.

Another thing that put me off was the amount of characters introduced. I understand the whole camp concept and even liked it. But in my opinion, the author took it way over the line. How was I supposed to keep track of who was who and who said what? Very confusing.

That said, I have to admit that concept was an interesting one. Two professional bronc riders vying for the same prize start a 'relationship', fall in love and come across some obstacles that will test their new-found love. The dialog was very good and the banter between these two was enjoyable. There were times where I didn't get the insults or the jokes because they were using some kind of rodeo speak or Texan language unknown to me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Their chemistry was hot and that first time they got together was fireworks worthy. Not overly erotic, but very sexy indeed.

I am still considering reading more from this author and just think that maybe this was not a fit for me personally. She has been recommended to me in numerous occasions by readers that share my love of cowboys and romance and maybe that is why I felt disappointed about this one since it didn't live up to my expectations. I urge you to give it a try, maybe it is the perfect fir for you.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Brown made it again: she made me fall in love
with an other cowboy.

The second book in this series (called Red's hot cowboy)
was my first cowboy romance and it was
love at first reading. Now come Holiday's
season I always tell my sister I want a cowboy for
Christmas (a thing I share with the heroine since
it's the one "item" she put in her Christmas
list).

I could tell that Carolyn Brown is the queen
of banter and she writes sweet and witty flirting
like no others. But if you've ever read one of
her books, you already know it.
I could also tell the heroine is a strong
and sassy lady and the hero a sexy and nice good ol'
boy who knows what he want but again, it's what
makes her romances such a winner.

Now let me tell you this one was the most
entertaining so far. There was so much happening
and that could have been too much but that just
made it more exciting. I was addicted first
but the lust at first sight that grabbed Trace &
Gemma. It was wonderfully described by the author,
how they were flirting with their eyes and
the sexual tension off the chart. I love that how they
instantly felt comfortable with each others in
spite of the fact it's not easy falling for your
competitor coz you can't help wondering if it's
part of a strategy for disconcert the other or
that they didn't lose focus on the contest even
with sex on the brain.

Gemma is determined to win the ProRodeo buckle
for bronc riding. But Trace is just as determined
coz he needs the money to buy his dream ranch.
I've never been to a bronc riding competition (nor
bull) so I don't know if the author did justice
in describing those scenes but I can tell it
made me feel like I was there and it definitely
made me want to be there.

I was already entertained by the story and the
way Trace and Gemma's romance was naturally
unfolding but it got even better when they
accepted to be camp counselor for a week at
Trace’s cousin’s ranch to be in charge of a
group of ten girls for Gemma and ten boys for Trace.
The kids was just as funny and high-spirited as their mentors.

An other trademark that fit even more perfectly
is when Carolyn Brown take a real country
song and wrote the lyrics while the characters
are listening to this song to express
beautifully the feelings they feel or what
they think or the situation they are in.
Trace opened the console between them and rifled
through the CDs until he came to a Rascall Flatts.
When the second song, "This Everyday Love," played,
he chuckled out loud. The singer said that every
afternoon he made a phone call to listen to the voice
that warmed his heart.
"Hell, she don't warm it,"he said aloud. "She sets it
ablaze like an out-of-control Texas wildfire,
but you are right, partner; I wouldn't change a thing
about her. Not even her fierce determination."

The only disappointment I had is the fact the
baby appeared only at the end of the book. But
the book was that good so it didn't bother me that much.

So now Santa, can I have my cowboy for Christmas ?
But not just any cowboy : a Carolyn
Brown's cowboy please!!!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series, but at times a little slow. I found myself saying "where is the baby?!?!?!!?"


The competition between these bronc riders is what made this book.


My only WTF moment was how everyone under-reacted from someone drugging her drink.... Holy crap! That's a pretty big deal!

[Donna Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, as an image, a big, strong cowboy holding a little baby is, sigh, soooo, well, you know. This was a well put together book. The characters were believable, interesting and flawed. The setting was cool, the rodeo circuit, which is quite foreign to someone from my neck of the woods. The baby addition was adorable and challenging to the plot but almost seemed a little over the top. I was pleased to have won this from the Goodreads Program and look forward to enjoying more of the author's work. Entertaining.

[Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Gemma is a pro rodeo bronc rider. She wants to go all the way to the final in Las Vegas to win it big! Trace is also a pro rodeo bronc rider and wants to win the big purse so that he can buy his Uncle's ranch. Gemma has definitely met her match when she meets Trace! The game is on in both the rodeo circuit and winning at love. Hilarious and spunky character's. Carolyn Brown knows how to draw you into the story and make you feel a part of it!

[Wminbc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Gosh those sweet cowboys are lovely!

[Ani Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Great rodeo atmosphere. The conflict is very mild and the baby trope is a bit of an afterthought, but the characters are funny and endearing. A very fun read.

[Gillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have been a 3 star book for me if not for the sudden, surprising and out of character sexism by the male lead.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a Cowboy and His Baby by Carolyn Brown is an unashamedly cowboy romance between two bronc riders: Gemma O’Donnell and Trace Coleman. The two were competing for first place and the big money. Trace wanted to buy his uncle’s ranch in Texas and Gemma wanted a place of her own just a few hundred miles away. It was hard fought, back and forth. And in the meantime they discovered one another. It was a decent romance as romances go and all was going well until there was a blast from the past. Was this going to derail everything?

Gemma was a good character: strong, stubborn, and well written. The reader got to know her. We also got to know Trace who was just as stubborn. Gemma had a loving family. Trace was an orphan with a couple of brothers and an uncle who wanted to give him the ranch, but Trace wanted to buy it. There were injuries, as there always are in rodeoing, and lots of nights spent in a trailer. It was a fulfilling and pleasant plot, filled with minor twists and turns on this journey of two people who weren’t interested in relationships to two people who were. It was fun to read, as Brown’s books always are and a bit too good to be true, but isn’t that why we are romance readers? Terrific book. I recommend it.

I was invited to read Just a Cowboy and His Baby by Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablanca #CarolynBrown #JustACowboyAndHisBaby

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace and Gemma are both on the rodeo circuit trying to get to the finals in Vegas. She is the only woman in the competition. Their attraction is immediate but can riding bucking broncs lead to a forever love?

The author created two characters with the same basic goal but with different backgrounds. I love how the author did a juxtaposition of their worlds but also showed how similar they are in so many ways. The characters have an instant spark but get the chance to know each other over a period of months. By the end of the story I was confident that they had found a perfect match! There is a surprise pregnancy/baby plot in the story. It is part of the reason Trace and Gemma end up in forced proximity. I like the addition of tension between Trace and his parents and how the author handled it. It would have been easier to make readers just hate them instead of taking time to make them human. All of the side characters add to the story, even the little dog.

If you are looking for a family centered, rodeo, instant attraction love story, give this a chance. It is written in classic Carolyn Brown style. I would start reading and then realize I had finished 5 more chapters! I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ust a Cowboy and His Baby was first published in 2012 and is just now being published again in 2024. That was lucky for me, as first time round I wasn't aware of it. This book by Carolyn Brown is a thoroughly heart warming read.

The characters are wonderful - Gemma and Trace are both good people, very competitive yet highly respectful. And there is a sizzle between them. There larger community/family are fun and really added to the story. And just wait till you meet Holly.l

The plot moved along very well, I found no dull patches, where I'd want to yawn and wonder what else I could read. There was always something happening. I liked the rodeo competition and very much liked that there was no artificial break up of the couple towards the end.  And of course there was that I wonder who will win the competition. 

All I love about romance was within the covers of Just a Cowboy and His Baby.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a Cowboy and His Baby is part of the Spikes & Spurs Series by Carolyn Brown. I did not realize this until I started reading it. It sounded so familiar so I looked the book up. It was previously published in 2012 with a different cover. I probably read it around ten years ago so I cannot say for sure if this version b has been updated or simply re-released.

The story line is solid with two characters wanting the same winning title but also very attracted to each other. At the same time this is a field that has almost no female competitors in it. This is one of Ms. Brown’s earlier books that have less sass and more romance in them. Those are books that sold me on this author back this. A fun read the second time around just like it was the first time.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just A Cowboy and His Baby is a reissue from the 2012 publication of a delightful romance filled with witty dialogue and sexy situations that will bring smiles to readers’ faces. Trace Coleman wants to win the bronc busting competition so he’ll have the money to buy a ranch. Gemma O’Donnell just wants the glory of being the second woman to win in what basically is a male sport. A lustful relationship develops as they travel from event to event, a relationship that certainly might be tested when a newborn baby is dropped into his lap. This reader loved the country music references and that while the relationship has heat, there are no erotic descriptions to offend readers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma O'Donnell wasn't the first woman to win the ProRodeo buckle for bronc riding, but she was damn well going to be the second. What she didn't count on was her main competition sweeping her off her feet.

He'll do whatever it takes to win...

Trace Coleman isn't really after a title - he needs the cash prize to buy his dream ranch. But one sexy, determined cowgirl keeps getting in his way. In his effort to take her out of the running, he risks losing both the title - and his heart.

They're both in for a little surprise...

Everybody's world is turned upside down when a pint-size bundle of joy gets dropped right into Trace's lap...and suddenly all the stakes are higher

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I didn't want it to end. How Carolyn Brown can write her books is just amazing to me. For her to be able to just make up all these characters and situations is absolutely unbelievable. As I am reading I can actual is the places she is writing about. I almost get sad when I know the book is about to end. It is like you are about to leave your family. I can't wait to start another one of her books. But the problem is I have just about read everyone she has written. If you are reading this and have never read any of Carolyn Brown's books, do not hesitate...start reading one right now!

[SandyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma O'Donnell and Trace Coleman are both competing for the top prize in rodeo - the PRCA bronco title, and they are neck and neck. What starts out as a rivalry quickly switches to a romance with the rivalry - they decide to leave their competing in the ring and they can have their sexy times the rest of the time. The story was cute, although the dialogue was a bit hokey. My biggest issue is - can you spell c-o-n-d-o-m? Where were they? And as the story unfolded it looks like Trace didn't make a habit of using them. Sigh.....

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Cowboy and His Baby is Gemma O'Donnell's story. She is a successful bronc rider. Her aim is to be the number one female bronc rider. One of her biggest competitors is Trace Coleman. Yet in spite of that the attraction between the two of them is something that cannot be ignored. Follow their journey from competition to competition and from kisses to bed. And along the way there is quite a sharp turn in the road. I loved every minute of this book and didn't want it to end. Try it and I am sure you will like it.

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma and Trace meet whilst competing on the rodeo circuit. They are both bronc riders and grew up on ranches 100 miles apart. I liked how their shared values and experiences made them gravitate towards each other and understand each other’s needs and family backgrounds. Gemma is ready to start a family so readily accepts Trace’s baby daughter when is given up by her mother. There is a lot of interesting detail about ranch life / the rodeo circuit and although it’s very much a behind closed doors romance, there is plenty of chemistry between Gemma and Trace.

[Carolyn Hone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma’s story is great!

One more Spikes & Spurs book left to read. I have loved this story. I am really amazed at the different stories Carolyn Brown has come up with for each of her characters. They have been so different and so interesting. I really enjoy that her characters do not go through “the big misunderstanding” and the hate a lot of romance authors use. All of her characters are mature people that can work through misunderstandings and life experiences.

[justthebooksMarianKreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. First of all this is a long 403 page book, and although I did enjoyed listening to Gemma and Tyler’s sex love story, this was just too long.
This book is for the girls and guys who enjoys reading cowboy romance. Also, if you are a fan of all the sex in books, than this arc read is definitely for you. If you want a book to read that’ll sort of make you laugh this worth your time in reading this book. Audiobooks have saved me with My ARC’s.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Cowboy and His Baby is a re-release of one of my favorite author's books. Actually one I had not read before. This was a sweet story and one that I really enjoyed, I loved the chemistry between Gemma and Trace. At times I laughed and at times I had a couple tears. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. Competing for the rodeo bronc riding championship brought the 2 headstrong characters together. Friendship and love kept them together and able to handle whatever came their way. I’m looking forward to reading more of Carolyn Brown’s stories and I’m sure I’ll read this one again.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fierce competitors on the rodeo circuit Gemma O’Donnell and Trace Coleman have different reasons to win. Gemma wants the bragging rights that go with the title and the purse will do just fine. Trace needs the purse to buy a ranch he’s had his eye on for a while. All’s fair in love and rodeo, these two have six more months of sexy flirting ahead.
Rating: 4stars

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to !ove?

The O'Donnell clan have become part of my "family"as I have read so many books about their lives. Gemma has always been a favorite, with her strength and determination to win a title in bronc riding. Only Trace Coleman stands in her way. Carolyn Brown has written another book that has kept me reading until I finished it.