After countless attempts to speak with the owner of the retreat for troubled teens she runs on the outskirts of Lone Tree, Montana, Caitlin Myers resorts to kidnapping Brandon ‘The Ogre of Lone Tree’ Barnes in a desperate attempt to change his mind about turning Stoney Brook into a vacation resort for the wealthy.
Retired rodeo star, Dalton Barnes, gets the surprise of his life when he’s abducted by a soft-spoken female with a ‘gun’ and taken to the retreat his family owns. He soon learns she’s kidnapped the wrong cowboy by mistake. She wanted his brother. Things go from bad to worse when a late spring snowstorm strands them together at the cabin. But it’s during their snow-in that Dalton learns why Caitlin has gone to such lengths to save Stoney Brook. Having had issues with his older brother himself and a not so happy past, Dalton promises to do what he can to help her.
When confronted Brandon tells Dalton he’ll hold off on his plans for the retreat, but only if Dalton agrees to stick around and help run it. Keeping his promise to Caitlin, Dalton agrees and what starts out as a common goal to turn the troubled teens’ lives around that summer ends up turning theirs around as well. Can a man who has always avoided putting down roots and a woman with a deep-seated fear of abandonment hang on to the happiness they’ve found together? Or will the past return to threaten their newfound love?
Romance author Lindsey Brookes grew up reading romance novels. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a three time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.
Stoney Brook Retreat for Wayward Teens is very important to Caitlin Myers the camp councillor, it's more than just a job it's her life and unless she can do sometime quickly it's closing down and becoming a vacation retreat for the wealthy. Brandon Barnes, or The Ogre of Lone Tree as he's known, is the man who owns the property and he's refusing to answer her letters or calls which makes Caitlin a desperate woman, desperate enough to resort to kidnapping, so Caitlin kidnaps Brandon or at least she thinks she has, in fact she's kidnapped Dalton his brother. This is a nice easy romantic read, there's no surprises or shocks, a few inconsistencies but nothing major, some good characters, two stubborn individuals, a little romance and a few troubled teens thrown in for good measure.
★★★½☆ Pretty good. I’d definitely read this author again. I found some inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story (such as when the hero, who was handcuffed with his hands behind his back, put his hands behind his head in one scene). There was also inconsistencies in pacing. Still, the author has some nice things between the H/h, though there is inconsistency there, too.
I'll never think the same way about my curling iron again!
In a desperate attempt to save Stoney Brook, a retreat for troubled teens, Caitlyn Myers kidnaps Brandon Barnes in order to make the Ogre of a man see the light of day. Kids needed the refuge. It had been the one place that Caitlyn believe had changed her for the better, making her the person she was now.
Awkward, hilarious, her plan went off with a hitch. Yes, that's right...a big hitch! What do you think happens when you've got the wrong man?
Dalton Barnes had borrowed his brother's truck for a drunken night of frivolities. He just never expected that his night would end up in a deserted cabin in nowhere's ville instead of the motel room he had booked instead of having to drive back to his brother's place to crash.
She'd kidnapped him--at gunpoint. Or so he thought.
Where Dalton was Mr. Fun and Brandon was Mr. Responsibility, Dalton finally figured out that more lay behind Caitlyn than a poorly planned abductor. Highly attracted to each other but resisting the chemistry, Dalton sets forth to help Caitlyn, choosing to be responsible for once after an agreement made with his brother.
Everyone leaves at some point, or so Caitlyn was convinced. Question is, after falling for each other, despite Caitlyn trying to avoid her heart from breaking, could Dalton show her that not everyone is like those people from her past?
"Kidnapped Cowboy" was a hilarious read. Filled with funny moments, some filled with lust and heart-warming moments, it was a definite original story from all of the cowboy romance novels I've read thus far. I can't wait for the sequel.
The Story: Soooo basically the Caitlin done kidnapped herself a cowboy. Yeah, in a crazy desperate moment she decided to kidnap her boss. He's been wanting to sell the camp for trouble teens that she runs and she's just got to convince him to change his mind. Buuuuuut she snags his brother-- the rodeo star-- instead. *blunder*
Things start off a bit madcap and silly--the wrong brother, handcuffs sans key, a freak snow storm. If it could go wrong...it did. But in such a fun way! I loved these two and that they soon formed a bit of a team--even if reluctantly so-- to try and save the camp. They have one summer and group of troubled teens to help convince his grouch of a brother to abandon sale plans. I loved seeing them get to know each other. Seeing attraction and friendship blossom. Seeing them work with the kids and form bonds and connections. It was just a fun easy read that left me smiling.
The Narration:
Was excellent. This was my first time listening to Kaleo Griffith and I liked him. He did a great job with the male voices and I adjusted to the female voices quickly enough. He brought out the fun, sassy quality to the storyline and the steamy scenes were pretty nice, too. I'd listen to him again for sure.
This is one of the BEST books I’ve ever read. I wished I could rate this book with a 10! There were times I laughed so hard, I almost cried. There were some other parts that were very emotional, and I couldn’t hold back my tears.
Caitlin had a hard life when she was growing up. She was sent to a camp named Stoney Brook when she was a teen. That summer changed her life. She grew up and got her PHD and became the camp director. Caitlin found out the owner of Stoney Brook was going to sale it and turn it into a resort. She was very committed to that camp, and couldn’t let that happen. The book starts out by her kidnapping who she thought was the owner Brandon, but mistake she kidnapped the wrong brother. Dalton took it all in stride.
She did talk the brothers into keeping the camp. I loved reading at how far the kids came in just one summer. They started off the summer with loud mouths, and fights. They were hot headed. Caitlin, and Dalton taught the kids other ways to deal with stress. At the end of the book the kids were there for Caitlin, and Dalton cheering them on. The only way this book could be better is for it to have a part 2!
A case of mistaken identity thrusts Dalton Barnes into a kidnap victim role, with the worst kidnapper in history Caitlin Myers. Everything about the awkward kidnapping has Dalton wondering who the polite kidnapper is and how in the heck he became the target.
Caitlin had a plan, it was slightly ill formed but she never expected she had the wrong man and all she wanted to do was save Camp Stoney Brook retreat for wayward teens. In the middle of a snow storm Dalton and Caitlin are snowed in, Dalton cannot help but be charmed by the beautiful woman with the quirky attitude and agrees to help her and talk to his brother who is planning on closing Stoney Brook. For Dalton it should have been an easy task, but he finds himself venturing into unchartered territory with Caitlin and the brotherly rivalry is in full swing.
I was laughing from beginning to end, Caitlin is so charming with her misguided ideas. I liked that one second she is sweet and the next she is spiting fire. Definitely seeking out more of Lindsey Brookes books.
I loved the story, but I hated the way it was formatted or set up, I'm not sure who is to blame on that. In my opinion the overall story was fun and ridiculous, but I was entertained. I don't look for perfect, look for fun and entertaining that is what I got. One review I read the person was complaining about the grammar, it didn't matter to me. I found Dalton and Caitlin and their insecurities believable. I found myself rooting for Dalton, Caitlin and the troubled teens they worked with. The one thing I wanted was more trouble caused by Alan, I believe that is something that would have made this a better story. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
I ran across this book while looking for a FREEBIE to share with my readers and boy am I glad that I did! I believe I have found yet another author I am planning on book-stalking! Hehe
From PAGE ONE I was laughing, cringing, and crying! This book literally had me hooked within minutes of picking it up! I haven't read a book lately that grabbed me this fast and kept me to the end...heck it had me hoping that there will be a book two...come on...Brandon needs his story told too!!
Anyways...enough about my inability to put the book down, let's talk story line & characters!
Caitlin is camp counselor at Stoney Brook who stands up for what she believes in...even if that means "borrowing" Brandon Barnes in order to talk some sense into him! If only her luck were better and she managed to get the right man! Caitlin is funny, strong and determined...and yet she is filled with trust issues and quirkiness that makes her character come to life.
Dalton can't believe the night he is having...did he really just get kidnapped and by a woman no less?!? WTH is the world coming to when a man can't go to his truck after a long night of drinking without getting a gun shoved in his back by one seriously nervous woman? Dalton is sweet, caring and kind. He proves his true character when the situation isn't the best he's ever been in. When he finds out why Caitlin has "borrowed" him he gives his word that he will help in any way that he can. I honestly fell in love with Dalton from the very first scene. His character is just so real, so lovable, so down to earth that it is impossible not to! I definitely wouldn't mind "borrowing" him myself sometime!
With the story line already given to you in the blurb, I honestly thought that this book wouldn't be that interesting...but hey it was free right? So I started reading...and realized rather stunningly quickly that I ADORED it! The characters have depth and are interesting, I truly cared about the outcome of their relationship and the issues in their lives. While the romance was amazing and fun to read, there was sooooo much more to this story than just a romance. It was extremely accurate of what I would expect to find in a real life situation. These characters had a life to lead and problems to deal with and the relationship just fit into it seamlessly. It was interesting to see which of the characters would make sacrifices for the other in order for their lives and love to work out.
The romance alone would have drawn me into the story. The cowboy aspect was sexy and sweet. (I am all for some sexy shirtless cowboys!) I felt that the relationship grew and built from a friendship to something more in a way that was easy to read, fun, and made you feel like a part of the story. The sex was epic and totally cowboy! Hehe I loved watching as Caitlin and Dalton fought their attraction due to issues with their lives. Their dedication to reaching their goals is endearing and just added to the over all feel of the story. Of course we do get the typical "She makes me want to be a better man" thing in this book...but it fits in so flawlessly that I didn't once compare it to other books!
We also get to see another romance/love aspect when it comes to Caitlin and Dalton's relationship with the kids. It was thick and deep and heart warming. The story is filled with positiveness and new outlooks on life and those around us.
I can honestly say that I adored this book and highly recommend it! I also wish to repeat myself once more just in case: CAN WE PLEASE HAVE BRANDON'S STORY NOW????
Caitlin Myers is desperate to save the retreat for troubled teens where she works. Having firsthand knowledge of how important the place is for the teens, she is determined to save it from being sold. Caitlin has been trying to reach the owner of the property, Brandon Barnes. When Brandon again ignores her calls, she realizes that she has to do something extreme. Caitlin decides to kidnap him so she can talk him into not selling the property. But instead of Brandon, she kidnaps Dalton; Brandon’s younger brother. Dalton only intended to go to the local bar for a drink; he ends up being kidnapped by Caitlin in a case of mistaken identity. Dalton is a retired rodeo star and has been avoiding responsibility his whole life. He is happy with his carefree life. What happens next is the story of Caitlin and Dalton as they discover each other while working to save the retreat.
I found that I really enjoyed this story. It was a sweet romance. Caitlin was too funny, she is such an inept kidnapper it was comical. But I really liked her, she is a determined woman who will stand up and fight for what she wants. She cares so much for the teens she works with she will go to great lengths to help them. I found that Dalton needed the retreat as much as the kids did. I really thought he found himself so to speak. For so many years he only needed to think about himself, now he has Caitlin and the retreat. He begins to take responsibility and he comes to realize that he actually enjoys it. Together they Dalton and Caitlin make a really sweet couple. Kidnapped Cowboy is a sweet story and I was glad that I read it.
There were times when this book came close to being good, but then the author would throw in something inane to ruin it. It started as a vapid chic lit comedy with cartoon characters, but then the characters and storyline started developing some blood and humanity, so that it looked as if she would write a warm human story. One or the other might have worked, but the author seemed unable to decide which she wanted to write, so she went full circle back to the chick lit cartoon, so that the end result was rather schizophrenic. The author TELLS us that the heroine was 28-years-old, has lots of gritty life experience, has a college degree and a track record of being a successful youth counselor who in a few short weeks can turn around troubled youth whom no one else has been able to reach. Meanwhile the author SHOWS us an air-headed dipstick with the maturity of a spoiled 13-year-old flake, who jumps to conclusions, refuses to listen, and throws childish hissy fits. She showed no common sense, logic, nor ability to think in terms of goal-directed planning or potential consequences--anyone with such inadequate skill set, street smarts, and perception of reality would not have made it is a youth counselor, heck, she probably wouldn't even survive! The book also had some inconsistencies like the hero standing behind her messaging her shoulders and admiring her beautiful face...oo-kay, we've already gathered that the bimbo's head was not on straight. The book also seemed to lack enough meat to fill out so many pages and desperately needed some condensation so that it didn't have so much drag.
This was a fun, sweet, and endearing read. Caitlin is a former troubled teen who turned her life around after being sent to "Stoney Brook" camp for troubled teens when she was 16. She's now 28 and a Psychologist who runs the camp during the summer.
When the owners of the camp contemplate selling she tries desperately to reach Brandon "The Orge" Barnes, when all her attempts go unnoticed and ignored she does the only thing she can think of....she kidnaps him! Except she kidnaps the wrong Barnes brother.
Dalton Barnes is dumbfounded and somewhat embarrassed that a ittybitty slip of a woman got the drop on him...he's big, brawny, and a retired rodeo star. He decides to take it all in stride and once he hears her cause decides to help her keep the camp. Now all they have to do convince his brother....
Kidnapped Cowboy is a really cute and fun story to read. While there is a little heat in the story, there is a more than the normal amount of heart. This is one story that will touch so many places of your heart that you will lose count. From family connections, to giving back to the community, to finding the love of your life, each new relationship within Kidnapped Cowboy really tugs at your heartstrings. Kidnapped Cowboy is also funny, starting with the opening as Caitlin kidnaps Dalton as you can read from the excerpt above. This clumsy woman has deep hidden passions for life and helping others. She sacrifices a lot to follow her dreams. Dalton learns about Caitlin's passion in many ways and it changes him as a person and as a man. If you are looking for a sweet story witha little heat and a lot of heart, pick up Kidnapped Cowboy. you will laugh and have a few aww moments. You will probably be surprised at times as well! I adored the ending because it was rather unexpected. I really don't think anyone will be disappointed if you get a chance to read Kidnapped Cowboy.
I finished this book simply because I feel I should give an author a fair shake, NOT because I was enjoying the book. As others have commented, the heroine was over-the-top flaky with her responses to the male protagonist, as well as immature as hell. But my biggest problem with the book is the huge number of grammar and word-usage errors, and the constant use of slang instead of proper English (I gave up counting the instances of "gonna" and "could of"). If a character has an accent, it is not necessary to abandon proper English to convey that. An author has a responsibility to educate, as opposed to perpetuating improper word usage and colloquialism/slang. I don't know if this author has improved since the writing of this book, but I won't be paying to find out.
This story line had real potential. I'm disappointed it wasn't realized.
This was a well written quick read. The love scenes are short and sweet, not full blown erotica. I liked the banter and simmering tension between Dalton and Caitlin. That cowboy on the cover stole the show for me! With that visual, I was half way in lust with Dalton already. The romance is rushed, but believable. The characters are fleshed out and the only complaint I have it the length. Wish it had been longer, only to give Dalton more time to reasonably pull the 180 change of mind he has and also the scene where Caitlin has an emotional meltdown when Dal leaves. Her sobbing and moping around just seemed too over blown and exaggerated. I wanted more to justify both characters' reactions. Again it was sweet and short, maybe too short?
I would still recommend this one because it has it's own elements of romance, slow build up and it was light hearted. No real angst or drama. Just straight forward HEA.
Dalton isn't the kind of man to be tied down by responsibility. He's a rodeo cowboy and by definition a free and untamed man. When Dalton finds himself in that exact situation.. tied up and by a woman no less, his life gets shook loose. Caitlin isn't going to lose this fight for Stoney Brook and she is willing to do whatever it takes. She is a pint size fireball and has mistakenly put Dalton in her sights.
Dalton and Caitlin's story was intriguing and funny from the start! I really enjoyed this book and found my self laughing at the many times while reading. I had hoped for a little more substance in the relationship between these two and a bit more character depth with the supporting characters. Even with that being said, I definitely liked this book! It's a quick easy and funny romance that any reader who enjoys romance will enjoy!
This book has a great story with characters that gel well together, Dalton the hot Rodeo cowboy, to Caitlin the dedicated manager of a retreat for troubled teens, even Brandon ( the ogre) is a likable guy by the end of the book.
It was great to read how Dalton handled the teenagers and how they grew to respect him, the relationship between Caitlin and Dalton is romantic and funny at times, Dalton has a cheeky way about him.
Great story about how the lives of people can change in a short time just because someone took the time to care, nice bit of romance thrown in along with a very hot cowboy,whats not to love?
When I saw the name of this book I did a double take. I thought I missed read it. It intrigued me. It started off pretty well. I hooked immediately. Unfortunately, it went downhill so fast. All the good and funny part were in the chapter 1. From the moment where Brandon walked in and saw Caitlyn and Dalton the morning after the storm I was bored. I almost quit it, but I went to read something else and back to skim it to the end.
It was an easy light read. If you don't want something too complicated or a big plot. You might enjoy it.
FUNNY! FUNNY! FUNNY! LOL FUNNY! LIKE WATCHING A FUNNY ROMANTIC COMEDY MOVIE, CAITLIN & DALTON ARE SO GREAT TOGETHER, FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END OF THE BOOK. THEY HAVE SUCH STEAMY HOT ATTRACTION, IT'S EXPLOSIVE. THE THINGS CAITLEN WILL DO SO SHE CAN HOLD ON TO HER SUMMER CAMP FOR TROUBLED TEENS. THE DIALOG BETWEEN CAITLIN & DALTON AND HIS BROTHER BRANDON IS HILARIOUS. I ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK, HATED FOR IT TO END. THAT'S ONE KILLER, SEXY HOT COVER ON THIS BOOK TOO. ZOOM,ZOOM!!!!!
This book was cute, fun and steamy. I could not put it down. The story line was unique, and refreshing. I loved the interactions with Dalton and Caitlin. My fave part of the book is where Dalton says she makes him want to be a better man. Any man that can say that about a woman makes a man of my dreams! Not to mention I love me some rugged cowboys! The story was thick with positiveness and really warms your heart. If you like your men rugged and southern, then read this! It was cute!
That Caitlin is an adorable character can't be denied. That Dalton is a great guy can't be denied either. I initially hated the way Caitlin overreacted to everything and played dumb most of the time. But, once the resort season started and the teens poured in, the story took a turn for the better. Loved the ending!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Where to start? It was a cute read, It had some inconsistencies here and there. But by the time I was half way thru I was wonder if there was a second book out about these characters or even a book about the brother.
Really enjoyable read, loved Dalton, with his cowboy swagger and cheeky charm, I would of happily swapped places with Caitlin you lucky girl!. Good story that sweeps you along, I did like the sound of Dalton's brother the gruff Brandon and hope he has his own book.
In the beginning, I greatly feared I would not like the heroine, but by the end, I really liked her. Even though, at times, she was a bit air-headed, especially for a therapist. I loved the hero from the first page. I would recommend this light-hearted tale. Happy reading!
This was just pure fun. The combination of a well written story and a fantastic narrator equals a really entertaining, engaging and enjoyable listen. This is one of those books you will listen to over and over just for the enjoyment of it. The story pulled me in immediately and held my attention from start to finish. I was irritated if I had to pause it for any reason and couldn't wait to get back to it. It's definitley worth your time and credit.
A little steamy romance, a good amount of humor, lovable characters and an interesting storyline without a lot of angst and drama.
Great cast of well rounded characters. Not just the main characters but all of them. Both Dalton and Caitlin were immediately likable. Especially loved the kids. They each had a personality as well. Even Brandon was not the "ogre" you first thought he was going to be. The story is told through multiple POV's giving you more insight into Dalton and Caitlin. Even Brandon gets a POV here and there.
The way in which Brandon and Caitlin meet, the kidnapping, was an unusual way to start a relationship but the way it unfolded and the humor woven into it are seriously laugh out funny, the timing on the humor is perfect and just adds to the pure fun of the story.
Kaleo Griffith narration was just the icing on the cake. He has always been one of my favorite narrators. He has one of voices that draws you into a story and makes it come to life. His narration is clearly spoken with a nice smooth pace. Great character voices. Perfect tone and delivery of the humor. He was the perfect narrator for this story. Very enjoyable.
I was provided this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.
Caitlin was in charge of Stoney Brook, a retreat for trouble teens. She kidnaps Brandon Barnes the ogre of a man, who refuses to talk to her. At gunpoint, lol or so he thinks. She takes him to one of the cabins at the retreat. Dalton had borrowed his brothers truck. Turns out. She has his brother. They work together to save the place. There are times in the book you might be laughing so hard,then other times it was a little emotional. You could tell that Caitlyn and Dalton were crazy about each other. She had a hard time realizing how he really felt about her a times.
Caitlin Meyers has been trying without success to get in touch with rancher/businessman Brandon Barnes, the owner of the resort for troubled teens she manages. In desperation she decides to kidnap him in order to talk with about his apparent plans to tear in down and rebuild as a fancy resort. She finds she has by mistake kidnapped his brother, retired bull rider Brandon.