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Dundee, Idaho #8

Esperanzas del corazón

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Tyson Garnier habría deseado que su abuelo estuviese allí para ayudarlo a salir del lío en el que se encontraba. El famoso futbolista profesional estaba metido hasta el cuello en un escándalo… y en las responsabilidades que conllevaba tener un hijo ilegítimo. Si quería salvar su carrera, tenía que encontrar una niñera cuanto antes, y la sencilla y eficiente Dakota Brown era la candidata ideal.
A Dakota no le interesaba el fútbol lo más mínimo… ni tampoco un hombre que parecía no querer tener nada que ver con su propio hijo. Pero necesitaba aquel trabajo y el encantador bebé la necesitaba a ella…

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2007

200 people are currently reading
1855 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Novak

238 books6,975 followers
It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.

“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”

However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.

Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.

“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”

Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.

When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!

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5 stars
907 (35%)
4 stars
883 (34%)
3 stars
580 (22%)
2 stars
128 (5%)
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32 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
214 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in the Dundee, Idaho series that I have read, and I know I will be backtracking to the rest of them. It was written like a standalone, and I can only imagine what characters and happenings were portrayed in the others. I know I can’t wait to find out Gabe and Hannah’s story.
The main characters, Tyson and Dakota, have led totally different lives, yet both feel lost in what will unfold in their future. Dakota has lived in Dundee all of her life, and tries to care for her off and on abusive, yet seriously ill father. Tyson comes to Dundee for two months with his 9-month-old son to recuperate from a professional football knee injury. He stays in a cabin of his friend, Gabe, so that he can also receive therapy with all of the paraphernalia that is supplied, and with his therapist. He is totally clueless on taking care of his son, Braden, whose mother, Rachelle, neglected Braden. Rachelle accepted a large settlement in exchange for Tyson leaving with their son. Rachelle is not satisfied, though, and causes big-time trouble for Tyson. Dakota is hired by Tyson as a nanny for two months and with the secrets each of them carry, they gradually move forward in thinking out their own future. They clash, yet both have problems to solve, and as the mysteries unfold little by little, they help each other deal with their troubles, and in the decision making for the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was refreshing and a fast read. It keeps you guessing what will happen in relation to the manipulative Rachelle, the abusive, yet loving father to Dakota, Skelton, and how it all entangles with Tyson and Dakota. I highly recommend this!
Profile Image for Suzie Quint.
Author 12 books149 followers
June 10, 2014
Brenda Novak isn't an autobuy for me but her books are generally a solid read. This one was no different.

I did have a few quibbles however. First, the setting is a small, relatively isolated town (approx 1500 people) that's 1.5 hours from Boise. Having grown up in a small Idaho town (approx 2000 people), I know for a fact that you're not going to find any taxis in a town the size of Dundee, Idaho, yet people were taking taxis in town. These were out-of-town guests who had flown into Boise yet had failed to rent cars there, thus creating the need for taxis in a town that would not have enough business to support taxi service. The hero, in fact, flew into Boise at one point and took a cab to Dundee which had to have cost a frigging fortune. (I have actual doubts that he could get one to agree to this trip.)

Another quibble is that the hero has a relationship discussion with a male friend. Yeah, because guys do that ALL the time. Not. Men never, ever initiate a conversation about a buddy's romantic relationships. At least not heterosexual men. It's. Just. Not. Done. (Could this be why so few men read romances? They can find themselves in the stories?)

As I said, these are quibbles, but they were distracting enough to knock me out of the story.
Profile Image for Laura V..
734 reviews58 followers
abandonados-para-no-volver
February 20, 2015
51%
¿Por qué te dejé?

Seré breve, quería una lectura corta, sencilla, romántica y adorable. Con un par de personajes bonitos. Cuando vi que había un bebé involucrado, dije Oh, que adorable, pero no hay nada de eso en este libro.

No me gusta Dakota, no hay forma en que concilie con su situación. Su papel de mártir lo compraría si estuviera de otro humor, pero no hoy. Me saca con sus ganas de echar un polvo a toda costa (y de la nada) y el hecho de que sexualice a su jefe (de la nada) y esa obsesión que tiene con perder peso. Ni hablar de los prejuicios que carga hacia Tyson por la cantidad de revistas que leía. No soporto la manera en la que piensa sobre él.
Tyson sería pasable, no es un dios y no lo amaré toda la vida, pero entiendo su situación terrible y lo suyo con su hijo. NO veo romance en esto. Ni siquiera una amistad. Me aburre tener que terminar una historia que no me llena en ningún sentido y terminar calificándola con un dos o menos.

Mejor hasta aquí llegué, no es el libro que quería leer, aunque puede que funcione para otros.
Profile Image for Riri.
116 reviews34 followers
April 4, 2015
I would have gave this one 5stars...

At first, I couldn't put the book down. Even when I was standing in line, I was reading this book. It was sooo good that I could not wait to finish it and at the same time I did not want to finish it.

But finally I have reached the last part and it was discouraging. I did not expect the author to end it like that. It feels sooo rushed.
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews964 followers
December 18, 2016
It was good.

This is book 8 in the Dundee, Idaho series. It could be read as a stand-alone.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 288 pages. Swearing language: mild plus s***. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: one plus two referred to, no details. Setting: current day Dundee, Idaho. Copyright: 2007. Genre: contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2014
Tyson and Dakota had that kind of chemistry you don't feel to often in books. They complement each other. Because they are opposites it isn't always smooth sailing between them.
934 reviews15 followers
July 13, 2022
I love the wholesomeness of the Dundee series.I wasn’t a fan of Tyler’s lack of interaction with his son Braden. He hires Dixie to be the baby’s nanny & eventually they start developing feelings for each other. Tyler let’s Dixie know that he wants nothing to do with a lasting relationship. The baby’s mom Rachelle accuses Tyler of holding her hostage,this is a lie & the truth eventually comes out. In the end Tyler & Dixie find the the true love in each other that they both deserve.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,361 reviews53 followers
May 16, 2018
What I liked about this book was the hero becoming more of a man than he ever thought he could be. He starts out with a child that he wants nothing to do with and ends up totally in love with his son. The romance that develops with his nanny is an added bonus.
I listened to the audio version of the book, which was great!
Profile Image for Jennifer Kayes.
655 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2023
Another winner by Brenda. Sorry to leave Dundee behind. Hope there can be more in the future.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,500 reviews26 followers
March 4, 2021
Okay, this one wasn't the greatest. Or really good for that matter... sorry, not sorry. I couldn't get into this book at all. I'm not sure why I bothered to finish it, if I'm honest.\

Spoiler train has entered the station, leave now if you don't want to know som of the basic details of this book, cause I'm ruining it!

Famous football player, Tyson, meets slightly overweight, petite lady and figures she's ugly enough to be his nanny for his son. After all, she's fat and the only thing she has going for herself is nice skin. (cue irritation) However, almost immediately his taste changes from PlayBoy Bunny worthy women to her.

Slightly overweight lady kills herself for hours a day trying to get a sexy body.

New sexy body makes her even more tempting for her boss. He repeatedly tells her if they sleep together it'll be casual fun only. Did I mention she's a virgin? Eventually they do sleep together and she keeps it casual like he said he wanted and he gets kinda pissed off with her.

I started skipping pages somewhere around here...and of course there is more going on then this, but I'm just covering the relationship part.

Skipping ahead some more...A death in her family makes Dakota withdraw, knowing that Tyson is leaving with Braden anyway. Tyson offers, several times, for her to come with him but she keeps refusing. Some more stuff happens. Her car brakes down and Tyson picks her up and hauls her off to the local church to be married without telling her OR EVEN ASKING HER FIRST! Literally gets her to the church where the preacher and their two friends are waiting. Preacher man tells her why he's there AND THEN TYSON ASKS HER! Jesus Christ, really???? Wtf???

So these two people have only been living together for two months, have this rocky as f**k relationship full of miscommunication and purposefully misdirection, but hey, we're getting married right now!!! No thank you.

Not great...as I said. But that is just my opinion.
Profile Image for Katrina Epperson.
615 reviews
August 1, 2014
Brenda Novak brings us a contemporary romance. I enjoyed this storyline which took a unique perspective on professional football, well, it was unique for me. We meet Tyson who is an injured pro football star who has come to Idaho to not only heal, but to avoid the press. He has recently obtained sole custody of the baby he fathered with a woman he barely new and what is most news worthy is he paid her 1 million dollars. Never being around children he is clueless about the care of a baby so he enlists a friend's help to find childcare.
Dakota is a slightly overweight, 26 year old woman who works at the pharmacy and takes care of her ill father. While on vacation and needing extra money to pay overdue bills, she applies for the job as Tyson's nanny. Dakota quickly falls in love with the baby, but has reservations about Tyson and his attitude towards being a father. Suddenly a scandal erupts with Tyson and the child's mother and Dakota is trying to figure out Tyson's true character.
An enjoyable read I would recommend.
Profile Image for Marin Thomas.
Author 108 books671 followers
March 29, 2015
If you enjoy a sports hero character and small-town setting--this book is for you. I'm a sucker for men who protect children and Novak does a wonderful job of showing how protective the hero is of his child. Brenda Novak never disappoints-she's just a great story-teller!
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews127 followers
September 10, 2023
Good book. Tyson is a pro football player in a world of trouble. He has an injured knee and must get back into shape before the season starts. He discovered he'd had a child with a woman he'd spent a short time with. He wasn't happy about that, as he'd never intended to have children but paid child support. Then he found out she wasn't taking care of little Braden properly and was able to get sole custody - which only cost him a million dollars. But that isn't enough for Rachelle, who begins making accusations of heinous behavior by Tyson, potentially costing him his job and endorsements. To top everything off, Tyson has no idea how to care for a baby and no interest in learning. So, he is in search of a nanny.

Dakota has lived in Dundee all her life. Her mother died when Dakota was young, leaving her to be raised by her father. By the time this story begins, Dakota is twenty-six and lives with her father, who is sick and off and on abusive to her. Things in their past make her unwilling to leave him, so she works in town to make ends meet. A friend recommends her to Tyson as a nanny for Braden. I loved how Dakota was unimpressed by Tyson's fame and money and dismayed by his apparent lack of interest in his son. His desperation for her help was evident in the way he tried to get her to start that day.

I liked watching the relationship develop between Tyson and Dakota. Though the sparks of attraction are there, both try to ignore them. Instead, they form a solid friendship. I liked how Dakota supported Tyson as he faced Rachelle's unfounded accusations, especially the day the police detective came to question him. I also liked how Tyson was there to help Dakota deal with her father. His solution worked well to get her out of danger and help keep her father out of trouble. I enjoyed seeing their friendship grow and how Dakota helped Tyson learn to love Braden through her example.

Dakota didn't take too long to realize that her heart was in danger. Not only did she love little Braden, but Tyson was also becoming more important to her. She knows they have no future, as she is tied to Dundee, and Tyson will return to California for football season. What was fun and frustrating was watching Tyson fight his feelings. He did everything he could to convince himself he didn't care, even going so far as to introduce her to other men. The scenes at his barbecue were hilarious, especially his reaction to Dakota spending time with Joe.

While that broke through some of Tyson's resistance, he still refused to see the truth of his feelings. His issues cause him to pull away from Dakota, and she realizes that his fears are stronger than what they have between them. I liked that Dakota stood up for her needs and made plans to do what was right for her. Tyson earned his misery, and it took some straight talk from his friend Gabe for him to see the truth. His big moment at the end was a bit over-the-top, as he made his plans without asking the question first, but it worked out for him. The epilogue was good.
Profile Image for Suzie Weber.
1,009 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2023
This is book eight in the Dundee, Idaho series. Originally titled: Could Been a Cowboy, retitled: The More I Love You. Truthfully this book frustrated me. Written almost twenty years ago but still. Tyson Gaynier plays in the NFL, he is good friends with Gabe. He has been injured and needs time to rehab his knee. He also fathered a child with a groupie who is only out for how much Tyson is willing to pay. When he discovered his son, Braden was being ignored he gave her a million dollars and she signed her son over to Tyson.

This was the first thing that bothered me. Tyson’s agent, attorney all that stuff pro athletes have should have never let this get so out of control (yes, I get it, no storyline). Now she is pulling all kinds of BS about Tyson and how she wants Braden back. Tyson takes Braden and heads to Dundee in of course, a sports car. Gabe suggested Tyson hire Dakota as a nanny. Dakota could literally be labeled as trailer trash. She lives in a trailer with her dad who she cares for. (There is a secret here as to why her dad was injured, that gets revealed literally with less than ten pages to left). Her dad is drinking a lot and has started to hit her and her came at her with a knife and cut her arm. She is working at the pharmacy for eight bucks an hour and cannot keep up. This offer through Gabe is a godsend.

They are both a bit smitten with one another. Dakota has no experience with men, Tyson at least recognizes an affair, short lived romance not good for Dakota. Braden is easy to love and Tyson slowly starts to pay attention to his son. Lots of time w Gabe and Hannah. I am a little irritated no word on the success of Gabe’s surgery.
551 reviews
August 7, 2017
Grandpa Garnier used to say, Love is like a bucking bronco. It takes guts and determination to hang on, but it's worth the ride.

If only Grandpa was around now to help Tyson Garnier out of this mess. The famous pro football player is suddenly saddled with a very public scandal—and an illegitimate child. Tyson needs a good nanny now if he's going to salvage his career. And plain, no-nonsense Dakota Brown is the ideal candidate.

Dakota doesn't care for football—or for a man who doesn't seem to want his own son. But she needs this job, and that precious little baby needs her.

Dakota isn't Tyson's kind of woman. But the more he sees of her—and the more he sees of his son—the harder he wants to hang on
Profile Image for Barb.
1,203 reviews
September 6, 2017
Grandpa Garnier used to say, Love is like a bucking bronco. It takes guts and determination to hang on, but it's worth the ride.
If only Grandpa was around now to help Tyson Garnier out of this mess. The famous pro football player is suddenly saddled with a very public scandal—and an illegitimate child. Tyson needs a good nanny now if he's going to salvage his career. And plain, no-nonsense Dakota Brown is the ideal candidate.
Dakota doesn't care for football—or for a man who doesn't seem to want his own son. But she needs this job, and that precious little baby needs her.
Dakota isn't Tyson's kind of woman. But the more he sees of her—and the more he sees of his son—the harder he wants to hang on.
An enjoyable, refreshing quick read. Novak is another of my go to authors. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,103 reviews
May 31, 2021
This is the 8th book (out of 9, I already read the last one) in Brenda Novak's Dundee series. I'm on a quest to read 50 BN books and this was number 32 😁 This is a bit of a different romance with a football hero as the main character. He has a son he never wanted and finds himself in a position of needing to take care of him when the baby's mother lacks and parenting skills and desire to do anything more than seek fame and fortune via Tyson. Dakota applies for the job of being his son's nanny & life for all of them is about to change. I listened to this audiobook. A different sort of love story, romance, and that made it fun and interesting. I've enjoyed the rest of the series and this one could be read as part of the series or as a stand alone.
646 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2018
The final book in the Dundee series and it was a winner. Dakota has grown up with her dad after her mom left them and he was injured saving her life so she has made sure to take care of him even fter he started drinking too much to ease his pain and she would get hurt in the battle to help him. Tyson is a big football hero who has been injured and now has unexpected baby to take care of and its mom is truing to ruin his life but together Dakota and Tyson find the love they both need and become a family.
Brenda Novak just pull you into her books and I find myself later wondering about the characters as if they are old friends.
Loved this series.
605 reviews15 followers
June 12, 2020
I read the original book, Coulda Been A Cowboy, part of the Dundee, Idaho series. This is another excellent book by Brenda Novak. An injured major league football player has just gained custody of their month old son he didn’t know he had until the baby’s mother contacted him. He hires Dakota to be his nanny because he doesn’t have any idea how to care for his son. Both characters grow and mature through character development in this heartfelt story. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend this book, and the series, to anyone who is looking for a short romance.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
September 8, 2020
Coulda Been a Cowboy (Dundee, Idaho #8) was another great read by Brenda Novak. Tyson finds himself in a messy situation and really wished his grandpa was there to help him. Tyson is a famous football player who has found himself in the middle of a scandal with an illegitimate child. He is looking for a nanny when Dakota comes his way. Dakota isn’t very impressed by Tyson, especially since he doesn’t seem to want his son. I really enjoyed how close Tyson and Dakota become and enjoyed their journey. I also really enjoyed Grandpa Garnier’s saying’s in the beginning of the chapters. I cant wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
7 reviews
June 23, 2017
Lovely Love Story

I chose this rating because it was a pretty typical romance novel. The plot really did not have many twist or turns but it was enjoyable to read. I guess maybe I have read too many novels and expect the next one to challenge my imagination. This one did not, but still it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy a little romance.
Profile Image for Lynn Hill.
903 reviews21 followers
April 30, 2018
What a great book and a wonderful last story for this awesome series! There are lots of laughs and some anger moments and some real teary moments so be sure to have your tissues handy. I'm a bigger baby than most so I keep them real close when reading Brenda's books because she writes such heartfelt stories. Thank you Brenda!
Profile Image for Sara.
330 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2018
This book was a little different than the rest of the series and yet I absolutely loved it. This one wasn’t such a clear cut happy ending from the beginning as both Dakota and Tyson had a lot of baggage. The characters grew exponentially both individually and as a couple through out the book and it made them so realistic and relatable.
525 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2019
Another winner by Ms. Novak! She it's the mark when developing personalities and relationships. You
will love this story of Tyson, a professional football player with trust issues, and Dakota, a woman living with guilt. Opening your heart is the hardest thing to do, until the right one comes along.
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
2,138 reviews55 followers
November 12, 2019
I liked this novel. I liked the attraction between Dakota and Tyson. And I liked that Dakota knew what was important to her, and that Tyson learned from her what was important in life to him. Parts of the plot seemed to be resolved way too easily though. I also liked the character Joe and hope Ms. Novak finds a place for him in another of her books.
146 reviews
April 16, 2018
I loved this book! The characters where well rounded, believable, and the story was unique and original. Dakota takes a job as a nanny to Ty's son as he rehabs his knee so he can return to football. There are surprises, conflicts, love that they don't realize at first, fear and misunderstandings.


Profile Image for Vickie.
2,233 reviews76 followers
May 15, 2018
A feel-good romance with believable characters. Tyson is a football player in need of a nanny for his infant son Braedon. Dakota fills the position and wants a relationship with Tyson that he is not interested in.
337 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2018
Wow Brenda Novak you WROTE another wonderful story I loved it I want to know more will Ty and Dokota have any children of their own will they stay in LA or go back to Idaho for the OFF season it was great thanks for writing great books on to my next one.
Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2019
I think this book has my latest book boyfriend. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The story gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go. I loved all of it. Well was some parts that made me sad but the happy feelings were more prominent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews

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