Finally Found My Cowboy

The Murphys of Meadow Valley #2

by A.J. Pine

"A fabulous storyteller." ―Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author, for Second Chance Cowboy Nothing mends the heart quite like a cowboy. Dancer Beth Spence finally gets a shot at her dream―auditioning for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. But her audition concludes with a torn Achilles tendon and possibly the end of her dance career. When her sister, Delaney, flies her to Meadow Valley, California to recuperate, she is reluctant to go, but out of options. Beth has no idea that Delaney has set her up with a job managing widower Eli Murphy's veterinary clinic while staying in the guest house on his ranch. Beth and Eli's attraction is undeniable, but Beth has every intention of making a full recovery and heading back to New York. Eli has no intention of loving and losing again. Too bad their hearts have other plans. Praise for A.J. Pine's steamy cowboy "Cross my heart, this sexy, sweet romance gives…readers a fantastic ride."―Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author, for Second Chance Cowboy " Standout supporting characters ably underpin the cleverly plotted romance." ― Publishers Weekly for Holding Out for a Cowboy

Genres: Romance, Westerns

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2024

About the author

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the author of the If Only series (Entangled Embrace), the Only You series (Berkley/Intermix), the Kingston Ale House series (Entangled Select), and the Crossroads Ranch series (Forever Romance). When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is part of The Murphys of Meadow Valley series. I have read the other books in this series before picking up this book. I got pulled into this book right away, and I really loved the characters in this book. This book was so much fun to read, and I had a great time reading it. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Brianna Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute romance with a story about changing your dreams. It’s relatable because there are so many of us that go through something that ends up changing our outlook or, more, changing the plan we thought we had for our life. This one is that latter with some big life changes but with a hunky cowboy thrown in who could complain about that.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read A.J. Pine's Finally Found My Cowboy as a standalone and it works just fine. Though I have to say, now I really want to read Holding Out for a Cowboy and find out Casey and Boone's story.

My heart went out to Beth, with her injury sidelining her dreams. She's so disappointed, but digs deep and overcomes her issues. And Eli is just so sweet and charming. It's a lovely romance.

The audio version of Finally Found My Cowboy is performed by Zura Johnson.

an audiobook copy of Finally Found My Cowboy was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[A_Stylish_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great book about healing and starting over. Beth is headed to a small town to recuperate her torn Achilles with her sister. She gets tricked into working with Eli who is a grumpy veterinarian. They have a great connection and I love their tension. I really enjoyed the accept of how animals interact played a big part in this story too. The narrator did a great job with pacing and brining the story to life.

Thank you @sourcebookcasa @dreamacape_media @netgalley for a copy of the audiobook.

[Julisa Landin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I typically don’t read this type of book but I was shocked of just how much I fell in love with this story. The conversations felt real and natural as well as the chemistry between the two main characters. The one thing I had trouble with was the names. I can’t explain why but nobodies name to me felt right for their character so I would constantly get confused when somebody was getting brought up.

[Dizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet n tender….made me cry at one point 🥹…..but the only sex scene was given ye olde fade to black ☹️……..

[GrumpyGenX · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters in this novel strive to have a respectful, adult relationship in which they communicate well and each wants what is best for the other. This is refreshing and makes for an uplifting read.

Can the animal-hating city girl and the cowboy veterinarian find happiness together? Since she was a little girl, Beth Spence's life has revolved around dance. Now she has a career-threatening injury when she planned to transition from Vegas show girl to her dream job dancing with the Rockettes. To stop her from moping, her sister Delaney tricks her into temporarily moving to Meadow Valley, CA, working as the office manager for local veterinarian, Eli Murphy, and living in a guest house on his ranch. Eli is a widower of three years who has given up on love. In addition to his veterinary practice, he and his brother Boone recently started a business rehabbing injured horses on their family's ranch. Beth and Eli are attracted to each other, but both fight getting involved for their own reasons.

I had a hard time fitting this book into a romance trope. Maybe grumpy/sunshine? Small town? Throughout the book, there is a theme of animals’ power to heal humans or make their lives better. Another recurring theme is peoples’ ability to deal with and live through difficult, even tragic, events. This is book two in Pine's Meadow Valley series, although it works great as a stand-alone.

I highly recommend this uplifting, often funny, cowboy romance. Putting book one in this series on my TBR list right now!

Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, for providing an ARC copy via NetGalley.

[Addie Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be my favorite from AJ Pine yet. I love this little world she's created and how characters from her previous series find their way back to her stories. This is the long awaited love story for Eli. His wife passed away in an accident a few years before and his introverted nature has led him to a somewhat reclusive life. But then comes Beth. Beth is an injured dancer tricked by her sister to come "help" while she heals. They are put together in circumstances that they both resist but the heat and connection rises fast in this book. It was so engaging and easy to sink into. It was fun and swoony and a bit steamier than we usually get from AJ. It was a great time.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart. This one brought all the feels. I loved Eli & Beth. The way he believed in her from the moment they met to the way she helped bring him back to life. Lots of tears, but also so happy to see these two together!

[Skye Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much this one is one that made me cry I have not cried over a book in years. I would highly recommend this book if you like a story about dancing and vets. If you have also ever fancied about dating a cowboy this book is for you. Overall would totally read this book again!

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by A.J. Pine that I've read, but it's certainly not going to be my last.

I absolutely adore stories where the two main characters help each other heal. I loved the story and relationship between Beth and Eli. I think they were perfect for each other. Eli needed someone to get him out of the rut he had found himself in, and Beth needed someone to show her that they support her and believe in her dreams.

One thing that I wasn't a fan of with this book was when they had almost like a flashback type of moment, there was almost no difference in the story and it made it a little confusing at first. Other than that I really enjoyed everything else. I felt like the characters were well developed and their relationship was well written. The plot was well thought out and well paced.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me an arc copy of the book in return for my honest opinion.

[Janice Mahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little romance. Enjoyed the character development. I read this book before knowing it was part of a series but I didn't feel lost. Id you are looking for a sweet cowboy story, this is it.

[sam campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ Bought this at a Safeway don’t judge me.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75stars-FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY is the second instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult THE MURPHYS OF MEADOW VALLEY romance series -a spin off from the author’s Meadow Valley series. This is thirty year old professional dancer Beth Spence, and veterinarian / widower Dr. Eli Murphy’s story line. FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Beth is Delaney’s sister (MY ONE AND ONLY COWBOY-MEADOW VALLEY #1), and Eli is Boone’s brother (HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY 1).

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Beth and Eli) FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Three years earlier Dr. Eli Murphy lost his wife to an accident on the ranch, and has struggled to move on with his life. Working the ranch in Meadow Valley, California brings Eli up close and personal with his future in the guise of dancer Beth Spence, a thirty year old woman struggling with a potential career ending injury, and the woman with whom Eli will fall in love . What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Eli and Beth, and the potential fall-out as Beth’s time in Meadow Valley comes to a close.

The world building focuses on loss and recovery as Eli continues to struggle with the guilt of his wife’s death, and his inability to let go but all is not well, as Eli begins to suspect a possible poacher is threatening the ranch. Meanwhile Beth is worried about the end of her dance career, and an injury that is struggling to heal but falling in love was never in the future until Beth meets a man who is battle his own demons.

The relationship between Beth and Eli begins acrimoniously as Beth is ‘forced’ upon Eli as his new office assistant. Beth thought she was going to Meadow Valley to aid in her recovery, never expecting to find herself the face of Eli’s busy veterinarian facility. Eli continues to struggle in the wake of his beloved wife’s death but meeting Beth stirs something long thought dead in our story line hero. The $ex scenes are passionate but fade to black or are mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom were introduced in the previous series: Ivy and Carter (Cowboy to the Rescue ), Delaney and Sam (My One and Only Cowboy ), Charlotte and Ben (Make Mine a Cowboy), Jenna and Colt (Only a Cowboy Will Do), Casey and Boone (Holding Out for A Cowboy).

FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY is a story of loss and grief, acceptance and moving forward, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is honest and impassioned; the romance is charming and seductive; the characters are spirited and charismatic.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Susan R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second chances book! Eli and Beth's story pulled me in immediately and I was up until 3am to finish it because I couldn't put it down. Finally Found My Cowboy flowed like a Colorado river with a few rapids to navigate. Beth is recovering from surgery after a possible career- ending dancing injury. Eli is a widower, in self- imposed seclusion, holding himself responsible for the death of his wife and her beloved horse.

Fortunately, this is a HEA, but getting there takes the reader on the realistic ups and downs for each of them. Beth never plans to marry and intends to rehab and return to dancing. Eli feels he doesn't deserve anyone else and any love. Beth's sister conspires to bring her to Meadow Valley under the premise of recovering there instead of at home but things aren't at all what Beth is expecting when she arrives. Starting with Eli being sent to pick her up from the airport. As soon as they meet, there's a strong pull between them that only gets stronger. Eli's thrown off because the woman described isn't anything like h her sister described in personality. She's made it quite clear she not staying to top it off. That leaves him in a bind.

Boone, Eli's brother brought a horse home to rehab without Eli's agreement. Eli's furious especially when the horse looks like Fury, the horse that died the night someone tried to steal him and his wife died trog to save Fury. Beth and Midnight have an instant connection and Beth decides she's going to learn how to ride with Midnight. As Midnight heals, history is repeating itself and someone is snooping around the barn again just like the night Eli's wife died with the attempted horse theft. Eli is determined that to stop it this time before anyone gets hurt.

I never felt that anything was a "reach" just for the sake of the story. Each of Eli's and Beth's reactions felt authentic. I immediately connected to them and the supporting characters. They sound like a great group that I would enjoy having a neighbours.

There's little cursing and sex is kept private overall. It does get steamy.

This isn't my first AJ Pine book and won't be my last. I recommend it to those who enjoy steamy cowboy/strong female, second chances for both characters and a book that you just can't put down. Don't plan on cooking dinner! Order food in. It's all worth the expense and time!

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Found My Cowboy is the second book in A. J. Pine’s Murphy’s of Meadow Valley series. Professional dancer Beth Spence has earned an opportunity to audition for the Radio City Music Hall Rockets but in a freak accident she has suffered damage to her Achilles tendon which could have catastrophic consequences to her dance career. As Beth heals, her sister, Delaney Callahan, invites her to come to Meadow Valley, CA, the small town where her sister has settled with her husband Sam and young daughter.

What Delaney doesn’t tell Beth is that she has arranged for her sister to work for local veterinarian and widower Eli Murphy and live in one of the cottages on the Murphy ranch. Delaney had planned to explain all of this when she picked her sister up from the airport, but then her daughter takes ill and Eli goes in her stead.

Awaiting Beth and holding a sign with Beth’s name, Eli stands at baggage claim to meet her and take her back to the ranch. Not clicking when they meet, it isn’t until the next day as Beth begins her temporary job that the two begin to bond after the demise of one of Eli’s longtime patients. As the two become more comfortable with each other, Boone Murphy, Eli’s brother adds another horse to the rescue, stirring up too many memories for Eli, who lost his wife when thieves tried to take a horse looking just like this one, killing both horse and rider. With Beth’s insistence on learning to ride the horse as part of her exercise therapy, Eli is overwhelmed by his loss, which somehow forges a deeper connection between the two.

This is a very well plotted story addressing loss, grief, challenges, and new beginnings. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Found My Cowboy is the second book in The Murphys of Meadow Valley series.

Beth Spence has dreamed of being a dancer her whole life and her biggest dream has always been to dance as a Rockette on the stage of Radio City Music Hall. When she suffers an injury that may end her dance career prematurely, that dream may be over before it begins. Her sister Delaney doesn't want her to recuperate from her surgery alone, so she convinces her to come to Meadow Valley.

Eli Murphy is a veterinarian and a widower who is still grieving the loss of his wife. Eli has had a difficult time since his wife's passing and his introverted nature has lead him to be even more so since losing his wife. Delaney brings Beth to Eli's veterinary office given Beth is going to be his new office manager which is news to Beth. She also learns her well meaning sister has arranged for her to stay in Eli's guest house at his ranch. How will all of this work out?

The connection between Eli and Beth developed organically and I appreciated how they brought out the best in one another. They also were both able to help one another with the issues they had, Eli still dealing with unresolved feelings from losing his wife and Beth coming to terms with how her career could be over. I also liked how the animals, the rest of the family and the towns people played into the story as well.

You can never go wrong with a small town romance where there is healing, hope, family and love.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Found My Cowboy by AJ Pine is a wonderful romance featuring a grumpy, cowboy not yet forty, who had lost his wife and blamed himself; and a dancer who had suffered a career-ending injury and was recuperating. Beth and Eli were a pair. She had been tricked into coming to Meadow Valley, California to work for this vet by her sister. She didn’t even like animals, but it was beautiful and better than sitting around her apartment. The office was on a ranch that only had a couple of horses and no cattle. Odd. As the story evolves it turns out Eli has not been on a horse in four years, since his wife died in a horse-related accident that he thinks he might have prevented. There were two horses on the property, both rescues of his brother’s. She was efficient and soon the office was humming. But, she wanted to learn to ride, and she wanted to ride Midnight, one of the rescues. One who might not be ready.

Both excellent characters with goals of their own. Understanding each other’s goals, and adjusting to them took up much of the book. They became friends, and more. He rode again. She never gave up her dream of dancing at Radio City Music Hall. Two excellent characters, and oft repeated trope with an excellent storyteller on board. The three melded together to make a wonderful novel, full of small twists and turns, and a plethora of heart-wrenching moments. It is a wonderful romance novel. Thanks AJ Pine!

I was invited to read Finally Found My Cowboy by Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablanca #AJPine #FinallyFoundMyCowboy

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Found My Cowboy, book 2 in the Murphy’s of Meadow Valley by A.J. Pine. I just finished the book so when I say I love Eli Murphy anyone who is Reddit knows why not just because he’s a great cowboy a caring veterinarian a wounded man in one also hesitant to Love well he’s hesitant but not when it comes to his horses and the animals he cares for. When Beth comes to stay while waiting for her next chance in New York it is right after Eli gets a new wounded horse name midnight The horse was traumatized and he thought it was going to take a while but soon he learns with him and the horse all it’s going to take is a little more a Beth. When I started reading this book I stopped on chapter 4 and downloaded the first one because I knew I was going to love it as much as I was loving Eli and Beth‘s story and I was not wrong. The only negative I had was despite the narrator had a pleasant voice I don’t know why I just couldn’t comfortably listen to it although I got used to it in my opinion is usually not a common one don’t take my word for it these are really good books and whether you listen on audio or read it on Kindle like me you will want to finish it it is that good. I have never read a book by A J Pine before but sign me up I am definitely down to read another especially book 3 of the Murphy’s of Meadow Valley. Can I just say how much I loved the ending of this book there’s action romance Love family friendship and so much more this is a great book and a great Siri‘s. I want to thank dreamscape media for my free art copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of love's healing power

Eli and Beth are both healing; he's still getting over the loss of his late wife while she's a dancer mending a career-ending injury. Her sister, Delaney, all but tricks her into moving to Eli's ranch to recuperate, leaving Eli no choice but to work with her at his veterinary practice. This is a small town story wherein manipulative friends and family always have the best of intentions and are never wrong about their matchmaking.

Eli and Beth still have a long road to their HEA, however. I really enjoyed the return trip to Meadow Valley with all the familiar faces from earlier book in these series, and I was immediately captivated by the strong emotional foundation the author gave to her leading characters. There's a predictability to the plot, but only in a reassuring, angst-free way that lets us know from the start that we'll have a solid HEA by the time all the various issues are resolved.

I appreciated the way they find to work out the details of their future without either one of them having to compromise on their dreams, and I have enough experience with pet ownership to know that every word from Trudy is the gospel truth.

This is a delightful story, an excellent standalone romance that is a must-read for anyone who's already read any of the earlier books. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Shay's Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Found My Cowboy introduced me to A.J. Pine's writing, and after this delightful experience, I'm eagerly anticipating diving into more of her books!

There's a magical quality to a story where characters find solace in each other while helping one another on their paths to healing. Beth, recovering from a debilitating injury that threatens her dreams of becoming a Rockette after leaving her job as a Vegas showgirl, finds unexpected companionship in Eli. Eli himself is grappling with the profound loss of his wife. Amidst their struggles, Midnight, a lame horse Eli reluctantly rescued, becomes a pivotal figure in their journeys toward healing. The seamless character development that emerges from their connections, both with each other and with Midnight, is truly remarkable. I found myself captivated by the quickly evolving bond between these characters and the depth it added to their individual stories of healing and growth.

This was not only my first A.J. Pine book, but also my first opportunity to listen to an audiobook narrated by Zura Johnson. While I typically lean toward audiobooks with multiple narrators for variety, Zura Johnson's performance held my attention effortlessly throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

- Cowboy/vet x dancer
- Close proximity
- Single POV
- Small town
- Country boy x city girl

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Finally Found My Cowboy" by A.J. Pine, narrated by Zura Johnson, readers are taken on a heart-warming journey of healing and new beginnings. The book is the second instalment in "The Murphys of Meadow Valley" series and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.

The story follows Beth, a talented dancer whose career is put on hold due to a torn Achilles. She travels to the small town where her sister Delaney lives, to recover and finds herself working with Eli, a grumpy yet charming veterinarian. Though initially disappointed, Beth soon discovers that Eli is just the person she needs to help her heal and move forward.

What follows is a beautiful and touching romance between two people who are perfect for each other. Eli helps Beth see that her dreams are worth pursuing, even in the face of adversity, while Beth helps Eli break out of his rut and rediscover the joys of life.

Overall, "Finally Found My Cowboy" is a superbly crafted novel that expertly explores themes of healing, love, and self-discovery. It is a must-read or listening-to story for anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting story. The narrated by Zura Johnson does a great job of bringing the character alive for our listening pleasure.

[Beth C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Pine is an excellent writer and I’ve counted her as a favorite of mine for a few years now, and Finally Found My Cowboy is a lovely romance that focuses on the importance of letting go of the past to embrace the possibilities of the future. It’s easily read and emotional—page after page of heartfelt lessons in love and life, cute banter, and secondary characters that add even more warmth and humor to the story.

This definitely an “all the feels” book and I can’t deny shedding a few tears for the characters (both animal and human), but I also can’t deny that there were moments when I felt a little disconnected. Possibly because it’s been so long since I read the last book in this series, so I felt like I should know things I didn’t. Equally possibly because I just finished an epic re-read that was so different from this book. I can’t put my finger on it.

Whatever it was, though, it didn’t stop me from enjoying and engaging with Beth (great name) and Eli. Being both happy to see them overcome their obstacles and sad to reach the end of their story. Drinking up the cameos of characters past whose stories I may not remember in detail but definitely remember loving. And closing the book with an eye to the next story and hoping it arrives soon.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the second book of The Murphys Of Meadow Valley series. This book was emotional, sweet, funny and yes a little spicy 🌶️.

This book is about a woman named Beth Spence who is a dancer. She finally got a shot at her dream of auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes. Her audition ends with a torn Achilles tendon and possibly the end of her career. She reluctantly takes her sister’s offer to fly her to Meadow Valley, California to recuperate. She has no idea that Delaney has set her up with a job managing a guy named Eli. He lost the woman he loved and he is going through a little grief. He is a veterinarian. He works rehabilitating injured horses 🐎. When he meets Beth she wants nothing to do with him. The longer she stays in Meadow Valley the more her and Eli begin to click. Their attraction to one another is undeniable. She has every intention of making a full recovery and heading back to New York City. Eli has no intention of loving and losing again. Their hearts had other plans. This book had great banter between the people in this story and humor. This story also packed heat and a sweet love story.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Meadow Valley with the oldest of the Murphy brothers.
Veterinarian Eli Murphy tragically lost his wife three years ago, and since then his life has not been the same.
Meanwhile dancer Beth Spence, a former Vegas dancer, was about to audition for the NYC Rockettes when she falls and gets injured. Her sister invites her to Meadow Valley to recover as well finds her a job as Eli’s office manager.
Though at first they were oil and water, what neither of them expected was the attraction.
Can Beth be what Eli needs to heal? Will Elie and Meadow Valley be more than a healing stop for Beth? What happens if she gets a second chance to audition? Will she stay or will she give hold on to her lifetime dream?
This was a sweet and touching story about family, losses, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
Zura Johnson does a very good job with the narrations.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Dreamscape. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A post trauma love story

My Review: Finally Found My Cowboy by A.J. Pine is book #2 in The Murphys of Meadow Valley series. It features the romance between Eli and Beth.

About the Book: An injured dancer and a widowed cowboy meet and fall in love. Both were trying to move toward healing on their own. They were able to find something remarkable together.

My Final Say: This was a beautiful story about loss, love, courage, healing, and family.

Other: There were so many special moments in Eli and Beth's story. I loved them together. One very meaningful moment that revealed their hearts came with Frederick. That scene was so moving all the way around.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Status/Level: 💕
Audiobook: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was headed to 2.5 stars, but that epilogue totally ruined it for me, so 2 is fine.

I received an audio ALC for this book, and the single narrator did a good job with what she was given.

This wasn't really for me. I am deep in my cowboy romance era, and unfortunately the 3rd person narration really kept me away from connecting deeply to these characters. It also really needed another narrator, and proper dual POV and I think that would have made a bigger impact, especially in audio.

Injured dancer Beth gets tricked into moving to the small town her sister is living in and taking a job working for sad, hot, cowboyish (really he's a veterinarian that wears a stetson) Eli.

They fall in love but it never felt that deep. Not bad, but it just wasn't for me. Especially that epilogue.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for this review!

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Spence is a dancer; but had an accident and is currently in a cast. She can't dance right now, and the doctors are saying she probably will never perform again. She was all set to star in NYC in the Rockettes show.
Eli Murphy is the local vet for her sister, and she gets Beth to come to town to work for Eli. It seems Beth didn't know she was going to work for Eli. She does start working at his veterinary clinic for him. She doesn't really like animals. Eli is a widower and hasn't dated since his wife was killed. There are sparks between the two.
Beth forms a bond with a horse on the ranch that Eli wants her to stay away from. Can they find a way to let each other and trust each other.
I just love AJ Pine books.

[Maria (Miasbookadventures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely beautiful. A perfect choice for anyone looking for an authentic, heartwarming, poignant story of finding love in a season of loss and suffering. The story was written beautifully and captured a vulnerability to the characters that made them feel all the more real. I didn’t find myself annoyed with characters or questioning everything they did, but rather experienced the feelings that they did, as they happened.

The characters were realistically portrayed, they felt so natural and made me want more of the chemistry that was between them. I love how they naturally connected and the banter between them had me giggling. I would highly recommend reading this book if you especially love rugged cowboy books!

[Marissa | Readswith_marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked on this book as soon as I had begun. The plot of two characters helping each other heal all while falling in love in some of the most unusual circumstances was beautiful. The story was very relatable and authentic and again the character growth was impeccable.

I received this story as an ARC audiobook and I adored the narrator. As only being a single woman she did really well changing her voice and staying consistent with it for each character. I do think it would have elevated the story if there were a man and woman narrator. But otherwise it was great!

Such a solid story, 4 stars! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC read!