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Diamonds in the Rough #1
One Good Cowboy
From Ex to Eternity?
To inherit his family's empire, Texas cowboy-turned-CEO Stone McNair must prove he has a heart beneath his ruthlessly suave exterior. His trial? Finding homes for his grandmother's rescue dogs. His judge? Johanna Fletcher, the woman whose heart he broke.
Sure, Johanna can handle a week traveling the country with her ex-fiancé to fulfilll his dying grandmother's request. She and Stone want different things—plain and simple. But there's nothing plain about Stone, or simple about the heat that still flares between them. One week may not be long enough….
To inherit his family's empire, Texas cowboy-turned-CEO Stone McNair must prove he has a heart beneath his ruthlessly suave exterior. His trial? Finding homes for his grandmother's rescue dogs. His judge? Johanna Fletcher, the woman whose heart he broke.
Sure, Johanna can handle a week traveling the country with her ex-fiancé to fulfilll his dying grandmother's request. She and Stone want different things—plain and simple. But there's nothing plain about Stone, or simple about the heat that still flares between them. One week may not be long enough….
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
40 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Mann
597 books1,247 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 7, 2017
Stone McNair’s grandmother (who raised him) is dying from an inoperable brain tumor. Since she doesn't have much time left, she lets Stone know that she is giving him a test he must complete before she determines what his inheritance will be. Stone’s test involves the placement of his grandmother’s four dogs in good homes, but it is stipulated that he must do this with help from Johanna Fletcher, the ranch vet tech who also happens to be his ex-fiancée.
When I first started this book, neither the story nor the characters seemed to be drawing me in so I put the book aside and almost didn’t finish it. I decided to give the book another try at a later date and I suddenly found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I’m not sure if it was a mood thing, or if the story just got better as it went, but it turned out to be a very heartfelt read involving a reunited couple, a matchmaking grandmother, and some really cute dogs.
When I first started this book, neither the story nor the characters seemed to be drawing me in so I put the book aside and almost didn’t finish it. I decided to give the book another try at a later date and I suddenly found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I’m not sure if it was a mood thing, or if the story just got better as it went, but it turned out to be a very heartfelt read involving a reunited couple, a matchmaking grandmother, and some really cute dogs.
April 16, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
One Good Cowboy features a family, Stone and his two cousins who get to hear the heartbreaking news their grandma is sick and she has tests for them to see who can take over as CEO of their company. His test is finding new homes for her dogs and he has to do that with Johanna, his ex and the company vet. To be honest I expected the focus to be more on the dogs and visiting multipel families to find the right fit, but the focus is mostly on the romance and their trip to find places for the dogs brings them together again and force them to acknowledge their still alive feelings. The dogs certainly play a part as well and it was fun to see them find their new families, but it was more that his grandma already had potential homes lined up and they had to confirm if those were right for the dogs.
Johanna wants a family of her own while Stone makes it clear he doesn't want kids, that drove a wedge between them and why she left him, but now they are forced together and all their feelings come to the surface again. You can feel their chemistry and eventually they decide to see where it goes. While I liked these two together it felt like the kid issue was keeping them apart and it takes a while before that gets solved. I actually thought it took a bit too long at times I just wanted to shake sense in them, because while they still felt lust and even some love for each other they were both holding back and continue without really talking about the issue. And I just felt like if they talked about it all they could find a solution, if they love each other so much why couldn't they try and solve this issue? In the end I liked how it got resolved and I think they needed time together before they could talk about it, but I still wished that the issue came up earlier.
The pace of the story was nice, but the end was certainly paced faster than the beginning and things finally got solved and rolling in the end. While I understand things took time, I wish everything got rolling a bit faster. Overall it was a fun and enjoyable story, it was a bit frustrating at times as I knew the characters wouldn't have a real shot at their happy ending unless they talked about the issue which they were happy to avoid. It was nice to see the characters change and open up a bit as the story progressed. I saw one twist concerning the dogs coming early, but I was still happy with the ending and how they resolved things. I am looking forward to the next two books that deal with Stone his cousins.
Both characters had their issues and it was hard to get a grip on their personalities at first, but we learn more about them as the story progresses. I liked Johanna almost immediately, with her love for animals. I also think she made the right decision to walk away from Stone, but on the other hand also though it wasn't the right move as she never moved on and never gave it a place. Stone comes across as stone cold at times, but you do notice he has a heart as well and cared about Johanna. It was harder to like him at first, but I liked him more as the story progresses and there's a scene towards the end that illustrates the good influence Johanna has had on him. Although at first it was hard to see what connection they shared, the lust was there alright, but I never felt like they really had love. In this book they learn so much more about each other, that it was hard to imagine how their past relationship was and how they lived past each other. The ending was really sweet and I was happy with how it wrapped up and even surprised at the decisions Stone made at the end and what that said about what he learned about himself.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, I liked the family dynamics between Stone and his cousins and the plot with their grandmother giving them all a test. The addition of the dogs was also fun. The romance between the two characters was there, although I had some issues with it, especially because there was an issue that kept standing between the two of them and everyone knew they had to fix it before they could move on. They do change and open up to each other in this book, but that made me wonder why they never did so earlier. All in all it was an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to the next books in this series.
One Good Cowboy features a family, Stone and his two cousins who get to hear the heartbreaking news their grandma is sick and she has tests for them to see who can take over as CEO of their company. His test is finding new homes for her dogs and he has to do that with Johanna, his ex and the company vet. To be honest I expected the focus to be more on the dogs and visiting multipel families to find the right fit, but the focus is mostly on the romance and their trip to find places for the dogs brings them together again and force them to acknowledge their still alive feelings. The dogs certainly play a part as well and it was fun to see them find their new families, but it was more that his grandma already had potential homes lined up and they had to confirm if those were right for the dogs.
Johanna wants a family of her own while Stone makes it clear he doesn't want kids, that drove a wedge between them and why she left him, but now they are forced together and all their feelings come to the surface again. You can feel their chemistry and eventually they decide to see where it goes. While I liked these two together it felt like the kid issue was keeping them apart and it takes a while before that gets solved. I actually thought it took a bit too long at times I just wanted to shake sense in them, because while they still felt lust and even some love for each other they were both holding back and continue without really talking about the issue. And I just felt like if they talked about it all they could find a solution, if they love each other so much why couldn't they try and solve this issue? In the end I liked how it got resolved and I think they needed time together before they could talk about it, but I still wished that the issue came up earlier.
The pace of the story was nice, but the end was certainly paced faster than the beginning and things finally got solved and rolling in the end. While I understand things took time, I wish everything got rolling a bit faster. Overall it was a fun and enjoyable story, it was a bit frustrating at times as I knew the characters wouldn't have a real shot at their happy ending unless they talked about the issue which they were happy to avoid. It was nice to see the characters change and open up a bit as the story progressed. I saw one twist concerning the dogs coming early, but I was still happy with the ending and how they resolved things. I am looking forward to the next two books that deal with Stone his cousins.
Both characters had their issues and it was hard to get a grip on their personalities at first, but we learn more about them as the story progresses. I liked Johanna almost immediately, with her love for animals. I also think she made the right decision to walk away from Stone, but on the other hand also though it wasn't the right move as she never moved on and never gave it a place. Stone comes across as stone cold at times, but you do notice he has a heart as well and cared about Johanna. It was harder to like him at first, but I liked him more as the story progresses and there's a scene towards the end that illustrates the good influence Johanna has had on him. Although at first it was hard to see what connection they shared, the lust was there alright, but I never felt like they really had love. In this book they learn so much more about each other, that it was hard to imagine how their past relationship was and how they lived past each other. The ending was really sweet and I was happy with how it wrapped up and even surprised at the decisions Stone made at the end and what that said about what he learned about himself.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, I liked the family dynamics between Stone and his cousins and the plot with their grandmother giving them all a test. The addition of the dogs was also fun. The romance between the two characters was there, although I had some issues with it, especially because there was an issue that kept standing between the two of them and everyone knew they had to fix it before they could move on. They do change and open up to each other in this book, but that made me wonder why they never did so earlier. All in all it was an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to the next books in this series.
February 24, 2017
Mariah McNair shocks her grandson Stone with the news she has an inoperable brain tumor and tasks him with rehoming her four precious dogs before she passes away. Final approval must come from ranch vet Johanna Fletcher, who just happens to be Stone's ex-fiance! It's a test to see if Stone should inherit the family empire, but obviously he's going to learn a few more truths along the way!
Golly, this one actually brought a tear to my eye! Or maybe that was my conjunctivitis. Either way, this was an emotional romance with two main characters who were likeable and believable. That doesn't often happen in romances, strangely enough! There's a strong emotional conflict throughout the story and I felt Stone and Johanna approached their relationship with level heads on their shoulders. No silly misunderstandings or manufactured drama to keep them apart. Just two people who need to face truths about themselves and how they work together as a couple before they can truly be together. Another rarity for this genre! I was truly taken in by this one.
Golly, this one actually brought a tear to my eye! Or maybe that was my conjunctivitis. Either way, this was an emotional romance with two main characters who were likeable and believable. That doesn't often happen in romances, strangely enough! There's a strong emotional conflict throughout the story and I felt Stone and Johanna approached their relationship with level heads on their shoulders. No silly misunderstandings or manufactured drama to keep them apart. Just two people who need to face truths about themselves and how they work together as a couple before they can truly be together. Another rarity for this genre! I was truly taken in by this one.
August 12, 2014
Very emotional book. It starts out as Stone and his cousins find out that their grandmother is dying. She hasn't made any decisions on who will run the family empire when she's gone, and has decided to test them to find out who is the best fit. She has assigned Stone to find homes for her four dogs, to show that he has a heart beneath his stony exterior. The catch? He has to take the vet, Johanna, along to supervise. She is also his ex-fiancée. They also suspect that Gran is attempting some matchmaking.
The attraction between Stone and Johanna is still very strong. Neither is very happy about being forced together for the next week to take care of the dogs, but they both love his grandmother. Each can admit to themselves that they still care, but their differences were just too much to deal with. It didn't help that neither one had actually shared their fears with the other.
Stone is used to keeping his feelings to himself. Because of his mother's addictions and the problems it caused him as a child, Stone has always felt like a bit of an outsider in his own family. He thought of himself as the one that nobody wanted. His breakup with Johanna had been painful, but he knows he can't be what she wants for her life. The idea of her being with someone else also hurts, leaving him torn over what to do.
Johanna had been in love with Stone for most of her life. Her father had worked on the ranch, so she was always around. She never really thought about their differences until they got engaged. Suddenly she found herself in situations where she felt really out of her depth, but she never shared those fears with him. And when he flat out refused to consider having children with her, she broke things off.
As they start their journey toward finding homes for the dogs, Stone and Johanna begin to face their unresolved past. The desire they felt before is still there, but both know they need more than that. Stone's fears for his grandmother have opened the door for him to share more of his feelings with Johanna. It is painful for him to expose himself that way, but it gets easier the more he does it. He has a big secret that he's never shared with anyone and he's afraid of what Johanna's reaction will be when he tells her. He doesn't know if she'll understand his reasons.
The more that Stone opened up to her, the deeper Johanna fell back in love with him. I loved the way that she could see past his stony exterior to the man he really was, but his revelations gave her even more insight into what has made him the way he is. Johanna found that she was more confident in her own abilities when Stone was with her, which gave her the courage to share her own fears with him.
I loved the ending as both Johanna and Stone finally saw the love that had been there all along, and the way that leaning on each other made them stronger. The plans they made for their future showed just how much they had learned about themselves and each other.
I really enjoyed the secondary theme of finding new homes for the dogs. I loved seeing the issue of what happens to the pets of older people when they can no longer care for them dealt with in such a wonderful way. I really loved how the author brought in characters from previous books as the new doggie parents.
The attraction between Stone and Johanna is still very strong. Neither is very happy about being forced together for the next week to take care of the dogs, but they both love his grandmother. Each can admit to themselves that they still care, but their differences were just too much to deal with. It didn't help that neither one had actually shared their fears with the other.
Stone is used to keeping his feelings to himself. Because of his mother's addictions and the problems it caused him as a child, Stone has always felt like a bit of an outsider in his own family. He thought of himself as the one that nobody wanted. His breakup with Johanna had been painful, but he knows he can't be what she wants for her life. The idea of her being with someone else also hurts, leaving him torn over what to do.
Johanna had been in love with Stone for most of her life. Her father had worked on the ranch, so she was always around. She never really thought about their differences until they got engaged. Suddenly she found herself in situations where she felt really out of her depth, but she never shared those fears with him. And when he flat out refused to consider having children with her, she broke things off.
As they start their journey toward finding homes for the dogs, Stone and Johanna begin to face their unresolved past. The desire they felt before is still there, but both know they need more than that. Stone's fears for his grandmother have opened the door for him to share more of his feelings with Johanna. It is painful for him to expose himself that way, but it gets easier the more he does it. He has a big secret that he's never shared with anyone and he's afraid of what Johanna's reaction will be when he tells her. He doesn't know if she'll understand his reasons.
The more that Stone opened up to her, the deeper Johanna fell back in love with him. I loved the way that she could see past his stony exterior to the man he really was, but his revelations gave her even more insight into what has made him the way he is. Johanna found that she was more confident in her own abilities when Stone was with her, which gave her the courage to share her own fears with him.
I loved the ending as both Johanna and Stone finally saw the love that had been there all along, and the way that leaning on each other made them stronger. The plans they made for their future showed just how much they had learned about themselves and each other.
I really enjoyed the secondary theme of finding new homes for the dogs. I loved seeing the issue of what happens to the pets of older people when they can no longer care for them dealt with in such a wonderful way. I really loved how the author brought in characters from previous books as the new doggie parents.
February 5, 2014
ARC from Netgalley.
I've read Catherine Mann's books before and I really like the author. This was a good book but I had a few issues with the main characters. First, what made Stone one good cowboy? I really didn't see anything about him that made him a good cowboy. Yes, he had a difficult childhood and was a crack baby. I can understand why he didn't want to have any children. But he wasn't nice to Johanna, he wanted to have a relationship with her, even get married, but he did not want children even though he knew she did. But he couldn't let her go and find someone else to love and have children with, especially with his cousin. Only until the end of the book where he does something out of character and nurturing does he somewhat seem like a good cowboy. Maybe Johanna sees something in him that we, as readers, can not. Second issue I had was that Johanna stayed with Stone knowing he would not change. He finally told her the truth about something, she got mad and walked away and he got mad at her for it. And then the mixed signals they gave each other. They should stay away from each other but they make-out, they say no they shouldn't be together then they are having sex. The emotions from the two were just all over the place.
I loved how they had to work together to find homes for the dogs. That was where they were the best, putting his grandmother and her dogs first. This was a good, quick read from Harlequin Desire.
I've read Catherine Mann's books before and I really like the author. This was a good book but I had a few issues with the main characters. First, what made Stone one good cowboy? I really didn't see anything about him that made him a good cowboy. Yes, he had a difficult childhood and was a crack baby. I can understand why he didn't want to have any children. But he wasn't nice to Johanna, he wanted to have a relationship with her, even get married, but he did not want children even though he knew she did. But he couldn't let her go and find someone else to love and have children with, especially with his cousin. Only until the end of the book where he does something out of character and nurturing does he somewhat seem like a good cowboy. Maybe Johanna sees something in him that we, as readers, can not. Second issue I had was that Johanna stayed with Stone knowing he would not change. He finally told her the truth about something, she got mad and walked away and he got mad at her for it. And then the mixed signals they gave each other. They should stay away from each other but they make-out, they say no they shouldn't be together then they are having sex. The emotions from the two were just all over the place.
I loved how they had to work together to find homes for the dogs. That was where they were the best, putting his grandmother and her dogs first. This was a good, quick read from Harlequin Desire.
December 6, 2018
Received review copy from NetGalley.
One Good Cowboy begins when Stone finds out some bad news about the only woman who's ever raised him his grandmother. So she sets out a test for Stone to complete to see if he will be able to run her company for her. The thing is Stone has to go with his ex fiance in order to get all this done. And Joanna and him seem to have a whole lot of unsettled business like the chemistry, and the fact that they still love each other. But there are a whole lot of other problems to get through first. And on this journey they start to find out a whole lot more about each other than ever before.
The book was okay over all, and I did like it. But I just felt like it was a little bit boring at times. I wish there had been a little more too it as well. I liked the main characters, and I loved the journey they went on that helped them each sort of find themselves and each other. I also loved the Grandmother too. But other than that the book didn't do much else for me but pass the time. It wasn't something I got lost in, but it was still enjoyable.
One Good Cowboy begins when Stone finds out some bad news about the only woman who's ever raised him his grandmother. So she sets out a test for Stone to complete to see if he will be able to run her company for her. The thing is Stone has to go with his ex fiance in order to get all this done. And Joanna and him seem to have a whole lot of unsettled business like the chemistry, and the fact that they still love each other. But there are a whole lot of other problems to get through first. And on this journey they start to find out a whole lot more about each other than ever before.
The book was okay over all, and I did like it. But I just felt like it was a little bit boring at times. I wish there had been a little more too it as well. I liked the main characters, and I loved the journey they went on that helped them each sort of find themselves and each other. I also loved the Grandmother too. But other than that the book didn't do much else for me but pass the time. It wasn't something I got lost in, but it was still enjoyable.
April 9, 2014
ARC provided by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
One Good Cowboy is a quick and entertaining read. The plot is similar to the McGregor series by Nora Roberts. Matriarch of the family plays matchmaker by putting her grandchildren through "tests" along with their potential soul mates.
I'm not quite sure how the story correlates to the title of the book. Stone is more rich businessman than cowboy so the name of the book seems a bit misleading to me.
Another issue I have is the pace of the story. It starts out at a steady pace but feels rushed at the end.
Overall One Good Cowboy by Catherine Mann is an okay read. I just wish there was better timing on how the plot unfolds and a bit more build to the story before the two lovers fall into a relationship. It lacked chemistry between the two main characters, which is not a good thing when reading a romance. I did love the Grandmother; she reminds me of the McGregor micromanaging her grandchildren the way she does throughout the book. I just love the McGregor more.
One Good Cowboy is a quick and entertaining read. The plot is similar to the McGregor series by Nora Roberts. Matriarch of the family plays matchmaker by putting her grandchildren through "tests" along with their potential soul mates.
I'm not quite sure how the story correlates to the title of the book. Stone is more rich businessman than cowboy so the name of the book seems a bit misleading to me.
Another issue I have is the pace of the story. It starts out at a steady pace but feels rushed at the end.
Overall One Good Cowboy by Catherine Mann is an okay read. I just wish there was better timing on how the plot unfolds and a bit more build to the story before the two lovers fall into a relationship. It lacked chemistry between the two main characters, which is not a good thing when reading a romance. I did love the Grandmother; she reminds me of the McGregor micromanaging her grandchildren the way she does throughout the book. I just love the McGregor more.
September 12, 2014
It is all about second chance in love to make the wrong to right for Stone and Johanna. They were engaged to each other but due to reason which I won’t put it here, it was broken. When his grandmother, Mariah who raised him told him that she is dying and she want him to fulfil her wish to find her much loved dogs new homes because she want a home for them, he agreed to her request even though his grandma assigned his ex fiancée to oversee him on the task. It is seems harder for both of them to fulfil the task in hand as they found themselves to be falling back in love with each other. Stone have a bad childhood and it affecting his life in a way. I like both of them very much and it is interesting to see how they overcome their differences to make their relationship a success a second round.
January 21, 2014
I felt like riding a roller coaster.
Happy to catch a glimpse of Troy from An Inconvenient Affair even for a very short time.
I really really couldn't wait to find out what test the other two will get from their grandmother. And somehow I really really couldn't wait for Alex' story.
eARC provided by Harlequin via Net Galley
Happy to catch a glimpse of Troy from An Inconvenient Affair even for a very short time.
I really really couldn't wait to find out what test the other two will get from their grandmother. And somehow I really really couldn't wait for Alex' story.
eARC provided by Harlequin via Net Galley
October 20, 2014
Rating 3.5 stars
April 17, 2014
One Good Cowboy is the first in the new series by the super talented Catherine Mann. When Stone and his ex fiance, Johanna, are forced on a mission by his dying grandmother to find homes for her dogs they can’t deny the sparks flying between them, or the heartache that their break-up caused. The chemistry between Stone and Johanna was intense. Not just the instant physical attraction but the history between them, you obviously have a lot of chemistry with someone you were supposed to marry.
All of the characters were really well fleshed out and their relationships were extremely believable. The plot was solid and cohesive and fun and sexy all at the same time. The family vibe was definitely strong in this one. The relationship with Stone and his grandmother was the best. I loved that Stone was a take charge kind of guy but could be brought to his knees by not only his ex but by his grandma. I also loved his weakness for Johanna. He truly loved her. He was complex and strong and yet simple. Johanna was strong in her own right as well. I loved how Stone was her weakness and she truly loved him but she also had a good, firm grasp on her own dreams and what she wanted. Some things, the things that were most important to her, she was not willing to waiver on and I really liked that about her. And Stone’s bombshell secret I never saw coming, which shows you that Mann was doing everything right!
One of favorite things about this story, aside from the incredibly hot love scenes, was visiting old characters from Mann’s previous novels. Readers were able to catch up with characters from the Alpha Brotherhood(another Desire series), and the Landis-Renshaw family, who we first heard of in the Wingman Warrior Series. It was very clever to include characters not just from one series but multiple ones and integrating them into one book. (and getting readers curious about the other series).
Mann also did a fantastic job at integrating jewels and gems into the names and places on the Ranch…and the dogs names, which were the best part in my opinion. The dogs had back stories and histories, too, which made them characters in their own right. They weren’t just there for show, they were part of the story.
I’m really looking forward to Amie and Alex’s stories and revisiting this family. The other two books can’t come fast enough for me!
All of the characters were really well fleshed out and their relationships were extremely believable. The plot was solid and cohesive and fun and sexy all at the same time. The family vibe was definitely strong in this one. The relationship with Stone and his grandmother was the best. I loved that Stone was a take charge kind of guy but could be brought to his knees by not only his ex but by his grandma. I also loved his weakness for Johanna. He truly loved her. He was complex and strong and yet simple. Johanna was strong in her own right as well. I loved how Stone was her weakness and she truly loved him but she also had a good, firm grasp on her own dreams and what she wanted. Some things, the things that were most important to her, she was not willing to waiver on and I really liked that about her. And Stone’s bombshell secret I never saw coming, which shows you that Mann was doing everything right!
One of favorite things about this story, aside from the incredibly hot love scenes, was visiting old characters from Mann’s previous novels. Readers were able to catch up with characters from the Alpha Brotherhood(another Desire series), and the Landis-Renshaw family, who we first heard of in the Wingman Warrior Series. It was very clever to include characters not just from one series but multiple ones and integrating them into one book. (and getting readers curious about the other series).
Mann also did a fantastic job at integrating jewels and gems into the names and places on the Ranch…and the dogs names, which were the best part in my opinion. The dogs had back stories and histories, too, which made them characters in their own right. They weren’t just there for show, they were part of the story.
I’m really looking forward to Amie and Alex’s stories and revisiting this family. The other two books can’t come fast enough for me!
March 28, 2014
Stone McNair has just found out his beloved grandmother is seriously ill, but she wants no tears. The McNair family matriarch wants her CEO grandson to perform a task which may decide if he is a good choice to run the family businesses. Who gets to oversee Stone on the task Gran sets for him? Why his ex-fiancee Johanna of course. Stone's task is to find Gran's much loved dogs new homes because she knows while she is in treatment for her illness, she won't have time to shower them with the very much needed affection she is used to giving them, and because her doctor told her to put her affairs in order.
The handsome, hard-working Stone, devastated by the possible loss of the one consistent human being in his life now has to deal with being in close proximity to the one woman who sets him on fire, Johanna, who publicly dumped him seven months prior. Johanna Fletcher has been in love with Stone for what seems like forever and gladly accepted his proposal, but when Stone insists that the couple never have children, a heartbroken Johanna realizes that the possibility of her never being a mother is a deal-breaker. Only problem is, even seven months later, Johanna still has feelings for Stone.
How will it be possible for these two who still have a spark for one another to spend a week flying around the country interviewing families for doggie adoption? Oh it's intense, to say the least. Stone fights his inner demons when Johanna is around, convinced that even though he's not good enough for her, he still wants her. Coming to terms with secrets he has never told a soul eat at him whenever he sees Johanna. Would she understand his motivation for not wanting to be a father? Do they love each other enough to make concessions? This and much more comes to light in ONE GOOD COWBOY by Catherine Mann.
ONE GOOD COWBOY by Catherine Mann, is an enjoyable read with a lot of feeling. Catherine Mann shows the reader that two seemingly different people from such seemingly different worlds can fit together with total and mutual understanding and without judgement. Gran knows that Stone and Johanna are meant to be together and ONE GOOD COWBOY is their discovery of that journey. Very enjoyable read.
~KIMBERLY~
April 13, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
At the beginning of One Good Cowboy, we come to find out that his grandmother is dying and she has decided to task each of her grandchildren to see if they are up to the task of taking over. Stone is the first to face his trial. Now he has to find homes for his grandmother's beloved dogs. Easy peasy. Wrong! Oh no, his grandmother has lined up potential clients, but he has to meet them and drag his ex-fianceé, Johanna, with him. Basically, this is a matchmaking scheme his grandmother concocted.
Johanna broke things off with Stone, because she didn't feel adequate with his lifestyle. However, we find out that she never inform him. Of course, there were other issues in the relationship that neither one felt the need to share with one another. During this adventure, they start to learn things about one another. Thoughts of reconciliation start to bubble.
I enjoyed One Good Cowboy. I love how the dogs played a roll in the story. When they about to deliver each dog to the potential new owner, Stone shared a little bit about their history. Which open doors to rekindling the relationship between Stone and Johanna. At certain points of the story, I felt bad for Stone, because he always viewed himself the boy who "no one wanted him." Of course, he felt like crap when Johanna dump him. The more Johanna got to see the real Stone, the more she realize she made a huge mistake. Overall, I thought this story was a fun read and an eye-opening experience for Stone and Johanna. So, if you love reunited loves, you might consider reading One Good Cowboy.
Copy provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
At the beginning of One Good Cowboy, we come to find out that his grandmother is dying and she has decided to task each of her grandchildren to see if they are up to the task of taking over. Stone is the first to face his trial. Now he has to find homes for his grandmother's beloved dogs. Easy peasy. Wrong! Oh no, his grandmother has lined up potential clients, but he has to meet them and drag his ex-fianceé, Johanna, with him. Basically, this is a matchmaking scheme his grandmother concocted.
Johanna broke things off with Stone, because she didn't feel adequate with his lifestyle. However, we find out that she never inform him. Of course, there were other issues in the relationship that neither one felt the need to share with one another. During this adventure, they start to learn things about one another. Thoughts of reconciliation start to bubble.
I enjoyed One Good Cowboy. I love how the dogs played a roll in the story. When they about to deliver each dog to the potential new owner, Stone shared a little bit about their history. Which open doors to rekindling the relationship between Stone and Johanna. At certain points of the story, I felt bad for Stone, because he always viewed himself the boy who "no one wanted him." Of course, he felt like crap when Johanna dump him. The more Johanna got to see the real Stone, the more she realize she made a huge mistake. Overall, I thought this story was a fun read and an eye-opening experience for Stone and Johanna. So, if you love reunited loves, you might consider reading One Good Cowboy.
Copy provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
April 15, 2014
This story was about more than just Stone and Johanna. You also got to meet the matriarch of the McNair family - Stone's grandmother, Mariah McNair. She is definitely the glue that holds the family together. The other blood relatives include Amethyst and Alexandrite or Amie and Alex, Stone's twin cousins. Johanna is like a granddaughter to Mariah though, being practically raised on the ranch where her father worked and herself now living and working there.
Stone and Johanna are sent out on this test because Mariah has found out she has an unoperable brain tumor. This shocks all the grandkids but affects Stone the hardest. He was raised by his grandmother as his mother was/is a drug addict - in and out of rehab continuously. He didn't find out who his father was until he was 25, and decided that he was better off without him. He made some decisions during that time that would affect his future in ways he could not imagine.
I liked the love of animals that is also portrayed in this book, and the care they took in finding these dogs homes. Makes me want to go find another furry friend to replace one that we lost to diabetes a couple of years ago.
All in all it was a quick read. I like those stories that don't lose speed and have some heat between the main characters. You knew there was attraction between Stone and Johanna, even though they both fought to ignore it. I liked it that they didn't just jump into bed with each other at the first sign that the spark was still there, but you get to feel their frustration and their confusion. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Stone and Johanna are sent out on this test because Mariah has found out she has an unoperable brain tumor. This shocks all the grandkids but affects Stone the hardest. He was raised by his grandmother as his mother was/is a drug addict - in and out of rehab continuously. He didn't find out who his father was until he was 25, and decided that he was better off without him. He made some decisions during that time that would affect his future in ways he could not imagine.
I liked the love of animals that is also portrayed in this book, and the care they took in finding these dogs homes. Makes me want to go find another furry friend to replace one that we lost to diabetes a couple of years ago.
All in all it was a quick read. I like those stories that don't lose speed and have some heat between the main characters. You knew there was attraction between Stone and Johanna, even though they both fought to ignore it. I liked it that they didn't just jump into bed with each other at the first sign that the spark was still there, but you get to feel their frustration and their confusion. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 28, 2014
One Good Cowboy by Catherine Mann
I love a good romance and Catherine Mann never fails to deliver with heart-felt emotions and gorgeous phrases that make that characters and surroundings come alive.
"She smiled with a siren's gleam in her eyes."
"Concern nipped like a feisty foal".
"Moonlight cast a dappled path through the pine trees".
"The sun sank on the horizon like a melting orange Dreamsicle."
Breathless passion and emotions that ride the soul can always be found in Mann's hero and heroine. Stone and Joanna have some major stumbling blocks and conflicts to work out but they are drawn to each other with yearning and not much self control! That's the fun part. It's a romance after all. They also go through quite a bit of emotional growth as well which brings the heart-warming to play. Very nicely done.
Stone McNair runs part of the family business but his grandmother has put stipulations on the future. Ex-finance Johanna Fletcher is the local vet and while Stone would prefer to avoid her, temptation, unresolved feelings and a matchmaking grandmother get the two together for some much needed time alone.
Harlequin Desire and Catherine Mann are a perfect match for a breathtaking romance. This book is right on target.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I love a good romance and Catherine Mann never fails to deliver with heart-felt emotions and gorgeous phrases that make that characters and surroundings come alive.
"She smiled with a siren's gleam in her eyes."
"Concern nipped like a feisty foal".
"Moonlight cast a dappled path through the pine trees".
"The sun sank on the horizon like a melting orange Dreamsicle."
Breathless passion and emotions that ride the soul can always be found in Mann's hero and heroine. Stone and Joanna have some major stumbling blocks and conflicts to work out but they are drawn to each other with yearning and not much self control! That's the fun part. It's a romance after all. They also go through quite a bit of emotional growth as well which brings the heart-warming to play. Very nicely done.
Stone McNair runs part of the family business but his grandmother has put stipulations on the future. Ex-finance Johanna Fletcher is the local vet and while Stone would prefer to avoid her, temptation, unresolved feelings and a matchmaking grandmother get the two together for some much needed time alone.
Harlequin Desire and Catherine Mann are a perfect match for a breathtaking romance. This book is right on target.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
April 7, 2014
Stone McNair has always felt different. His painful childhood memories keep reminding him that he is not like others. When Gran tells him she is dying, he is stunned. She raised him when his crack addicted mother wasn't able. She cared when no one else did. Now she has a final test for him. He has to find homes for her four dogs. She wants to know they'll be cared for after her death. The problem. He needs to work with his ex-fiancée, Johanna Fletcher, their ranch vet. Their break-up was painful. Can he be with her without their desire getting in the way? Everyone thinks he is a "cowboy Casanova" but he keeps his hopes and fears to himself. Can he learn to let love in? One Good Cowboy is an emotional story of love, forgiveness and healing. Stone is a powerful character. He doesn't want to let anyone know his fears. Johanna loves him deeply but she needs him to be more than her lover. She wants to be his companion and confidant. I loved watching Stone grow as he allowed Johanna into his life. They are passionate lovers, but that's not enough. They need to be honest. I loved seeing them open their hearts and allowed the other in. Catherine Mann is a wonderful author. She brings her characters to life with a well plotted and compelling story. This is one of her best works. One Good Cowboy is the first in the Diamonds in the Rough trilogy. I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 1, 2014
Catherine Mann has a hit with her new trilogy Diamonds in the Rough. One Good Cowboy starts off the trilogy about a family whose matriarch, Mariah, has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. Mariah leads the family’s holdings that include Diamonds in the Rough and the Hidden Gem Ranch. She announces to her three grandchildren that she is going to put each of them through a test to determine who can take charge of her holdings when something happens to her. One Good Cowboy introduces us to Stone and Johanna. There were a couple but Johanna broke off their relationship when she determined Stone truly wouldn’t have a family with her. We learn that Mariah raised Stone after his mother was repeatedly placed into drug rehabilitation centers. Mariah tasks both Stone and Johanna to place her dogs in loving, caring homes. We go on a journey with Stone and Johanna as they rediscover the love they once had. I loved this book from the beginning and was hooked from page one. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy. I would like to disclose that I received a copy of One Good Cowboy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 17, 2014
The Good
The Romance was sizzling
The characters were so likeable
The Bad
The lack of been on a ranch
Not really a cowboy romance
This book was a real mix of both good and bad for me, i read it on a train journey the other day and i had high copes for a bit of down and dirty on the ranch. We meet Stone and his cousins out on the trail with their grandma, all sounds promising, Mariah then delivers them all some bad news, shes dying, and has a test for them all to see who should undertake what role within the family business. Stones task is to rehome her dogs. Then, thats the last we see of the ranch. Their is then no real refrenece of Stone been a cowboy apart from on occasion when his ex refrences him as a half naked cowboy. So - talking of the ex, we meet her and the pair split recently because she wanted a family and stone didnt, that doesnt mean there isnt something still between the pair, because oh boy the romance is sizzling hot, and you can feel the tension between the two as the reader.I adored all the characters even down to the dogs, they were all written well and all had their own personailties.
It was a real mix hence the rating;
The Romance was sizzling
The characters were so likeable
The Bad
The lack of been on a ranch
Not really a cowboy romance
This book was a real mix of both good and bad for me, i read it on a train journey the other day and i had high copes for a bit of down and dirty on the ranch. We meet Stone and his cousins out on the trail with their grandma, all sounds promising, Mariah then delivers them all some bad news, shes dying, and has a test for them all to see who should undertake what role within the family business. Stones task is to rehome her dogs. Then, thats the last we see of the ranch. Their is then no real refrenece of Stone been a cowboy apart from on occasion when his ex refrences him as a half naked cowboy. So - talking of the ex, we meet her and the pair split recently because she wanted a family and stone didnt, that doesnt mean there isnt something still between the pair, because oh boy the romance is sizzling hot, and you can feel the tension between the two as the reader.I adored all the characters even down to the dogs, they were all written well and all had their own personailties.
It was a real mix hence the rating;
May 7, 2014
This book both left me happy and sad at the end. I enjoyed watching Johanna and Stone fall back in love, but I was sad because at the end of this trilogy, Stone’s grandmother will probably die and I’m already completely in love with her so I know it’s going to make me cry.
Stone is like stone to everyone but it’s obvious it’s a protective layer and watching him pull it down and show his real self, well that made this story very fascinating. I also loved that it was very obvious that he loved Johanna even if he thought she was too good for him.
Johanna had a little less baggage, though she wasn’t baggage free. She had to learn to forgive and love the real Stone and he had to grow more since he was the one with heavy walls around his heart.
Overall, the way they were thrown together and because of their previous relationship, it’s easy to see them rapidly falling back into love, because they never really fall out of love.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.
Stone is like stone to everyone but it’s obvious it’s a protective layer and watching him pull it down and show his real self, well that made this story very fascinating. I also loved that it was very obvious that he loved Johanna even if he thought she was too good for him.
Johanna had a little less baggage, though she wasn’t baggage free. She had to learn to forgive and love the real Stone and he had to grow more since he was the one with heavy walls around his heart.
Overall, the way they were thrown together and because of their previous relationship, it’s easy to see them rapidly falling back into love, because they never really fall out of love.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.
March 15, 2015
This is a simple situation made more complex by a few twists.
A ranch is up for grabs as the lady owner is dying, and she has not yet made her will. She tells one relative that as a test, he must arrange good homes for her four dogs. He can't take them himself and the ranch veterinarian will judge the task. He's not delighted, because this lady vet is his former fiancée. The pair have a company jet at their disposal as the ranch family's business includes mining gems and selling jewellery. They spend a week together taking the dogs to new homes.
The issues raised include whether to have children if they could inherit addiction and when to share a difficult background with a partner; also it makes a good point that we may leave pets behind which cannot be cared for by family. This is an adult romance book and a reasonable read for dog lovers and romance fans.
A ranch is up for grabs as the lady owner is dying, and she has not yet made her will. She tells one relative that as a test, he must arrange good homes for her four dogs. He can't take them himself and the ranch veterinarian will judge the task. He's not delighted, because this lady vet is his former fiancée. The pair have a company jet at their disposal as the ranch family's business includes mining gems and selling jewellery. They spend a week together taking the dogs to new homes.
The issues raised include whether to have children if they could inherit addiction and when to share a difficult background with a partner; also it makes a good point that we may leave pets behind which cannot be cared for by family. This is an adult romance book and a reasonable read for dog lovers and romance fans.
April 18, 2014
When Stone's sick grandmother asks him to help find new forever homes for her pets, he is unable to refuse even though it means forcing him to spend time with Johanna, his former fiancée. They soon discover that, despite the break up, they still have feelings for each other. As they spend time together, they learn that there were things each of them kept the other from seeing that contributed to lead to their public break up. Another great read from Catherine Mann. Hot cowboys, cute furry friends, family and, of course, love and all the rocky, emotional situations that go along with it. You can't go wrong with a book by Catherine! I'm looking forward to reading more books in the Diamonds in the Rough series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2014
This is the first book in a series. The story starts of by introducing you to the family of Stone McNair. Stone is thrown for a loop in the beginning of the book, finding out his grandmother (who raised him) is dying. She sets a task for him to prove he is worthy of inheriting the company... placing her beloved dogs in new homes. Well as grandmothers are known to do she has a secondary agenda... she wants Stone to grow up and learn who he really is. So she throws in that he has to do this with his ex-fiancé Johanna.
There are a few ups and downs and steamy moments as Stone learns his heart is not made of stone.
There are a few ups and downs and steamy moments as Stone learns his heart is not made of stone.
April 14, 2014
This is the story of Stone and Johanna. His grandmother is ill and has issued him a job to find homes for her dogs. His helper? His ex-fiance, Johanna. They both need to work to overcome past obstacles and recognize the love and chemistry they share together. Ms. Mann has once again written a story with a lot of feeling and emotion and passion. The story of the reunion of Stone and Johanna is also filled with dogs! (For dog lovers, that's a big plus!) I would highly recommend "One Good Cowboy" and look forward to the next story in the series.
April 24, 2014
Loved this story. I've not read any books by this author before. I loved her writing and the storyline was great. I read this in one sitting.
Stone and his cousins find out that their grandmother is dying. Each of the three books in this series is about the challenges their grandmother gives them.
This book is about Stones challenge. He must do this challenge with his ex fiancée. On this journey they find out more about each other.
I really enjoyed this story and will definetly be looking out for the other books in this series.
Received in return for an honest review.
Stone and his cousins find out that their grandmother is dying. Each of the three books in this series is about the challenges their grandmother gives them.
This book is about Stones challenge. He must do this challenge with his ex fiancée. On this journey they find out more about each other.
I really enjoyed this story and will definetly be looking out for the other books in this series.
Received in return for an honest review.
April 6, 2014
A great read
A great read
If you love Catherine Mann's writing as I do,then you will love this one. It's quick easy and engaging. Fans of the desire line know these books are always fast reads, and One Good Cowboy is perfect for this line. Any romance fan will love this one.
A great read
If you love Catherine Mann's writing as I do,then you will love this one. It's quick easy and engaging. Fans of the desire line know these books are always fast reads, and One Good Cowboy is perfect for this line. Any romance fan will love this one.
May 31, 2014
Really a 3.5. First of a trilogy--may read
the others. Liked the matriarch testing her heirs. H/h likable vs. compel'g. He discovered himself through the test by a realizing he was more cowboy than a CEO. That was surprising. Harlqn Desire
May 2014
the others. Liked the matriarch testing her heirs. H/h likable vs. compel'g. He discovered himself through the test by a realizing he was more cowboy than a CEO. That was surprising. Harlqn Desire
May 2014
August 26, 2014
I'm not sure what it was about this book, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. It was a decent read, there just didn't seem to really be anything that pulled me in. The characters were okay, but nothing really made me fall in love with any of them.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: Diamonds in the Rough
May 10, 2014
Review to come soon
January 13, 2015
Stereotypical harlequin romance that made me wish I had a man to be all sappy with! Nothing struck out in my mind beyond it was just a romance novel.
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