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All I need is one cowboy for one night.

Salon manager Lacey Murdock has to find a handsome single cowboy fast--one willing to be auctioned off...for charity, of course! So, what's a girl to do but go boot-scootin' and cowboy huntin' at San Diego's most popular country music club. There she runs smack into Jared Dillon. Tall, dark, and definitely handsome, Jared is the kind of man any woman would want to date--and he's perfect for the bachelor auction. Too bad he's married...

Or is he?

Single dad Jared loves his young daughter more than anything, and has worked hard to create an idyllic life on his alpaca ranch, just the two of them. The last thing he needs is to get involved with another single-minded career woman used to the big city lights instead of star-filled skies. Pretty Lacey's the kind of woman who is off limits for more reasons than he can count. But why can't he stop thinking about her? Nope. She's just not for him...

Or is she?

When one of the bachelor cowboys is a no-show at the charity auction, Jared steps in at the last minute and gallantly saves the day. One thing leads to another and Lacey and Jared are off on a romantic Dream Date Weekend at a mountain getaway designed for cozy evenings by the fire and luxurious nights in a four-poster bed.

Trouble is, Lacey's not looking for a man, let alone a much-too-hot cowboy. Her career is right on track and she's finally bouncing back from a bad breakup. No matter how he makes her feel, Jared definitely doesn't fit her logical list of "must haves." There's sizzling chemistry, for sure, but she's vowed she'll never fall for another single father again. Losing at love is one thing, but losing the love of a child...that's quite another...and a heartbreak she won't go through again.

But....add together: champagne, a hot tub, a dangerous game of twenty-questions, a romantic fire and two lonely hearts...and the delicious trouble begins. Jared knows falling for Lacey isn't the right thing for him or his little girl...but how's a cowboy supposed to resist?

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2013

153 people are currently reading
809 people want to read

About the author

Janet Wellington

17 books18 followers

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5 stars
183 (25%)
4 stars
246 (34%)
3 stars
197 (27%)
2 stars
68 (9%)
1 star
29 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy Steinle gummel.
507 reviews98 followers
November 19, 2013
Cowboy for Sale by Janet Wellington is a cute western romance. It starts out with Jared a rancher of alpacas. He has a daughter, Jamaica, whom he calls Jamie. He's divorced from a woman who put her career a head of a family, even her daughter. Jared meets Lacey at a country western bar where he's playing bass for a friend. She's the manager for a hair salon in the mall. She's career oriented and still recovering from a breakup where her exfiance was cheating on her but what really broke her heart was his little son whom she loved. She was so afraid of being involved with a single parent. Lacie needs to find a cowboy for a charity auction for pediatrics aids. They are auctioning dates from hunky men of various job sorts. Can Jared and Lacey manage to give each other a chance? The chemistry is there but can they connect?
Profile Image for Tina.
269 reviews17 followers
September 9, 2016
Lacey Murdock manages a hair salon in the mall, and she’s responsible for finding two handsome cowboys that are willing to be auctioned off at the charity event the mall is having, and she needs to find them fast. She decides the best place to find a cowboy is at the most popular country music club in San Diego. While waiting for one of her coworkers to show up she meets Jared Dillon. The handsome cowboy is perfect for the auction except he’s wearing a wedding ring, so there is no way she can ask him to a participant in the auction. Right?

Jared is a single dad who loves his little girl more than anything. He raises alpaca on his ranch and has created a decent life for just the two of them. But there is something about Lacey that peaks his interest even though he knows she is all about her career. He’s lived that life once and he’ll never do it again, but he cannot stop thinking about her. When he hears that one of the cowboys is not going to show up at the charity event he steps in. A few surprise bids lead to Jared and Lacey sharing a romantic weekend at a cabin in the mountains.

Lacey is finished dating men with children. It hurts too much when the relationships end and she has to leave the child too. She’s where she wants to be in her career and right now she is not looking to have a man in her life. And she already likes Jared’s little girl, so she cannot let herself get any closer to him. Will their time in the cabin bring them together? Or will they both walk away possibly missing out on finding true love?
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews180 followers
December 6, 2013
I want to bid on a cowboy like Jared. WOW! what a great read.

First we have Lacey who is a Salon Manager set on working her way up the corporate ladder. She has been unlucky in love with her fiancee walking out on her to marry his secretary who was carrying his child. They immediately left town with his young son in tow, the son that Lacey had grown to love as her own. She has a list of what she wants in a man and at the top of the list he must not be a father. She can't risk her heart to a man and his child that may end up walking out on her. The heartbreak was too severe and she swears not to go through it again.

Then there is Jared, the very handsome and sexy alpaca rancher who fills in as a guitarist with a very popular local band whenever he is needed. He has a five-year-old daughter and is divorced from his wife who chose her career over her husband and child. He has his own list of requirements and the main one being NO career minded women...ever!

One evening Lacey's friends insisted that she go dancing with them and wouldn't you know that hunky Jared was playing as a sub for the band. A sweet unanticipated dance was all it took for the sparks to fly.

If you like rugged cowboys and romance this is a must read. I highly recommend this book. This is the third Janet Wellington book I have read and so far they have all been super. Thank you Ms Wellington for great stories!
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,277 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2014
Up until the ending I was going to give this book a 3 star but Jamie...that damn adorable child and the things she does and says made me up my rating to a 3.50 review. This was all in all a really cute story, if you want straight up country romance then this is the book for you but if you like more sex in your reading then this is not for you.

There was a lot of self sabotage on both Jared and Lacey's part...they both refused to acknowledge their feelings because it went against everything they "THOUGHT" was right for them based on their past mistakes. Essentially they weren't even willing to TRY because they already told themselves it wouldn't work. There was also A LOT of sexual frustration throughout this entire book, even after they had sex.
I did however like both characters I just feel things could have been cleared up if they would have just told one another how they felt and admitted to themselves how they felt.
Don't get me wrong I did like this book...I just didn't LOVE this book. I still would recommend it to people especially if you love a sweet romantic love story with a HEA because that is what this was.
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,758 reviews38 followers
November 14, 2013
Cowboy For Sale is a fun story. I really enjoyed it. Lacey is a hair salon manager at a mall that is holding a bachelor for sale auction to raise funds for a local charity. Lacey and another stylist agree to find a cowboy each to be auctioned. Jared is an alpaca rancher and steps in as Lacey's cowboy for the auction when her first cowboy can't do it. Jared's sister bids and wins him, gifting him to Lacey. Being the highest bidder, she wins them a weekend at a bed and breakfast "date". They get along well and have a great time together but both decide the other is not the kind of person they should be with (because of past relationships) so they avoid each other.

I found the characters to be very well developed. The reader got a clear picture of the characters and could understand their behavior. There were several times that I wanted to tap them on the shoulder and spell things out for them.

I liked the way the relationship ended but I was surprised with it too. I would like to have known more about their lives before the epilogue and not have had it jump to a year later.
Profile Image for Raquel.
418 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2013
The overall writing style was good, but I found the story ridiculous. The characters themselves were interesting, but at the end, the only one I thought to be fully developed was the main character.

I wanted a good, fluffy, quick read for my flight. I had picked this up as a freebie not long ago because it sounded a little different and I hoped to learn something more about alpacas. I love when enthusiasts write books where their knowledge area is part of the setting because you can learn something and be entertained.

This book met my hopes in that it was fluffy and a quick read. Otherwise, it was ok but committed one of my top 5 romance FAILs.

** Mild Spoiler **
When characters can, within a margin of +/-15%, tally the number of hours they've spent in each other's company, it's always dumb for them to commit to marriage unless it is a cultural requirement such as having been arranged or a matter of propriety. That is where this book dive bombed its way to ridiculous for me.
Profile Image for Sue Parker.
1,258 reviews14 followers
September 3, 2014
This was a fun story. Lacey needs to find a cowboy to agree to be auctioned off for charity. She goes to a western bar with some co-workers where she meets two handsome men. Hank is a snake and is putting the moves on but Jared is there to lend a hand. When Hank the snake gets into trouble Lacey is now one cowboy short. Jared offers to help her out. He also has a daughter and Lacey has sworn off men with children because when things don't work out she is left missing the child. Jared has sworn off women with a career path because his ex wife decided her career was more important than their daughter and him. So they both think that they need to steer clear of each other. However Jared's sister buys him at the auction and gives him to Lacey. Well now they are stuck together for the publicity for the charity. The question is can they get away from what they think they need and see what is right in front of them?
Profile Image for Sara Luck.
800 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2013
3.5 stars. It was pretty good. Honestly I wasn't a fan of Lacey. I don't like reading about self-conscious women. I don't like weak women. In some ways she was strong and determined, but in others she was weak and naive and immature, which was way to odd for a 35 year old woman. Next big problem I had with it was the wishy washy crap. It's fine for a bit, but be confident. Make a decision and stick with it. Sorry, but for a 40 year old man and a 35 year old woman...ummm your old enough to get the the damn point. You like someone, you pursue it. You don't see a future there, you walk away. Also, bringing Courtney back to talk to Lacey was pointless. Anyway, good overall story, the end of the book progressed at the speed of light compared to the rest of the book, but it was still good.
Profile Image for Hollie.
1,680 reviews
November 14, 2013
Fast paced clean romance

Erotica is more of my favorite genre, however with that being said, this was a sweet read for a PG style romance. The "Spicy Romance" in title was a tad misleading, for this was definatley not my version of spicy. lol. It was more innocent then my normal reads, and predictable but still managed to be charming and flowed very well. I'm glad I took the time to read this. This was offered as a freebie when I got it, and that was much appreciated. I would have given this a 5 star rating, but the ending seemed too abrupt for my liking. It was still a good read and a strong 4 star book for me. Much recommended.
Profile Image for Darby.
73 reviews20 followers
August 10, 2016
Charming. Not erotic and they committed to love and marriage way too fast. The barely knew each other, which is something that really annoys me in a contemporary romance. I got the impression from the title that it might be a spicey/erotic/sexy romance there is nothing spicey, but really a sweet romance.

Charming voice and an author with great potential.
Profile Image for Kirstie.
94 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, sweet romantic read, good job done by Janet, will definitely read more of her books.
Profile Image for Sarah.
201 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2017
The book started out great. The two main characters each had previous relationship baggage that made them resist each other. The character and plot buildup were going great and then it was like the author got tired of writing and wrapped up the story in less than 5 pages. I would have rated this book a lot higher until the abrupt ending.
20 reviews
May 9, 2017
This book seemed to have a lot of potential in the beginning. Unfortunately it did not follow through. The main characters fell in love in a matter of weeks even though they only spent 2 days together and didn't talk to each other the rest of the time book.
Profile Image for cartyglendagmail.
74 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2017
Never give up !!

I really got into this book. It didn't take me two days to read it. I love books that take you away. This book will make you realise that there is still happy ends. Never say never. Love has it's on ways
Profile Image for Juanita Jester.
4 reviews
November 3, 2019
My feelings

I loved the characters their feelings and very realistic actions and emotions some scene strug out a little too much but I preferred that to the way some authors fill oddles of pages with raunchy see scenes
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2017
Good 📕

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Profile Image for Nancy Williamson.
107 reviews
January 21, 2022
A really feel good book

This was a very cute story, easy to read, hard to put down. I loved the characters and look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Caryn .
52 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2016
'Cowboy For Sale' was a simple, feel-good read without any over-done or excessive drama. Lacey, a manager of a hair salon in the mall is asked to provide two cowboys for a date auction the mall is holding. Recovering from a heart-breaking romance, she really dreads having to go to the local western bar to try and find a couple of willing men. She recruits one of her younger employees, Kandy, (who is also her best friend) to go with her and get one while she tried to get the second. This was no problem for Kandy as she was dating a cowboy who played in the band at the club. She quickly volunteers him stating she would be sure to be the one who won him. Lacey meets Jared, a man who is filling in for the guitar player out on the deck out back. He catches her brushing up on her two-step and congenially tells her it is better with two. He then steps up and begins to dance with her. Their banter immediately feels comfortable so when he is called up to begin playing, he jokingly wishes her luck on her hunt for a cowboy. Lacey returns inside and looks again to the cowboy at the door welcoming new arrivals. He seems charming and not at all abashed when it comes to putting himself out there so when she speaks to him about it, there is no hesitation before he agrees. The story continues as the progression of her relationships with each of them takes some unexpected twists and turns. Simply, there is more than meets the eye with each. Seeing where things go and how things ultimately end up is truly satisfying. Again, this is a great feel-good story, easy to read and a pleasant tale after many others that were much heavier to get through!
Profile Image for Jessica.
346 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2015
Can I bid on a cowboy like Jared? Hot Mama!

I believe this is the first Janet Wellington book that I have read and I will most likely read more. There isn't a whole lot of sex and super adulty scenes in this book, and that is okay!

Jared is an Alpaca farmer who is a single father to Jamaica, or Jamie for short!
Lacey is a salon manager and is looking for the perfect man for her, someone who isn't a single father, someone who isn't older than her, someone who doesn't mind that she works. She's also on the hunt for a Cowboy that will be in an auction to help the mall where her salon is located make money. She finds Jared, and the sparks fly right off the bat.

Honestly, I wanted to reach in and yell at both Lacey and Jared for refusing to admit their feelings about one another. They both kind of self sabotage themselves. I was happy when Lacey decided to go to Jamie's birthday party, because I thought, FINALLY, something with them is about to happen. I am glad that Jared got some balls and told Lacey how he felt.

Now, while I did like the book, this isn't a book that I just absolutely LOVED! The ending was very abrupt, and ended with too many questions. There's an engagement, and then an epilogue that is a year later. Couldn't we have read more about the wedding, the planning, the honeymoon ;) or something?

I rated this book a 4 stars because it could have been way worse, but it also could have been just a tad bit better also!
Profile Image for Nancy Stopper.
Author 16 books189 followers
November 14, 2013
The premise of this book was interesting. I liked the story up until the cabin - or more specifically the next day at the cabin. From there on out, the storyline went downhill. Next day regrets is one thing. But how Jared and Lacey dealt with it was unrealistic. He wouldn't just leave her 2 hours away to call a friend. She shouldn't have been so cold to him. Would someone really drive back one hour to get a pinecone? Then, I didn't like Chad. I get why he was introduced but his personality was awful and Lacey jumped from comparing him to Jared to agreeing to see him in Denver. And after sleeping with Jared one time, she needs to move halfway across the country to get away on him - I don't think so. Then she goes from moving to Denver to accepting a marriage proposal after one weekend date which ended horribly - and he had fallen in love with her. The middle to end was just not a realistic storyline. Would have loved to see more development of their relationship despite their concerns.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
July 20, 2015
Lacey Murdock, salon manager in a large mall needs a Cowboy for Sale in a charity auction, so she goes to the local cowboy bar to get one. Jared Dillon is a substitute band member and not looking for a woman; he has his hands full with his ranch and raising his daughter as a single Dad. They both are recovering from bad experiences with their ex-partners so neither wants what the other appears on the surface.

Cowboy for Sale is a delightful romance with a little help from friends and relatives in a story full of plot twists and just plain cowboy fun too. I loved the delightful story that was light and full of fun.
506 reviews
March 20, 2015
I enjoyed this book, it was a really fun read. Lacey and Jared were both enjoyable characters, and easy to like. It was fun watching them find their happy ever after. It was a little predictable with the auction that whisks them away to a secluded bed and breakfast. None the less, all the characters were great. I liked Jared's sister Jo, and how she was looking out for her brother Jared and trying to get him to date again after being abandoned by his first wife. His daughter is adorable and plays an interesting role in bringing the couple together. I would read more books by this author.
Profile Image for Kathy.
188 reviews
March 3, 2014
Can Lacey's Cowboy Two Step His Way into her Heart?

Jared was everything Lacey didn't want. A single father not support I 've of career women and a nice guy to boot... so why then do sparks fly every time hee is near?

Jared wants to protect his heart and especially the heart of his little girl from yet another woman more focused on her career than a family.

There is quite a dance for these two individuals as they determine if there is a common ground for them. Another great read by Janet Wellington... give it a look, you won't be sorry.
106 reviews
March 23, 2016
A Favorite!

The characters are different and refreshing. One way to engage a reader is to have relatable characters; especially ones that don't fall into the same old cliché. Jared and Lacey have both been betrayed and hurt in the past and think they have learned from their mistakes. They just never trusted second chances.

What also counts in a big way is if the author has a very good knowledge of the subject matter they are writing about. My congratulations to Janet Wellington for her wonderful stories.
813 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2013
Lacey is a working manager of a salon in a mall. The mall decides to sponsor a bachelor for sale auction and her friend, Kandy and her were responsible for two cowboys. As fate would have it, Jared steps up to the task after the cowboy that Lacey picks is no longer available. Little do either of them know Jared's sister is the highest bidder and presents Jared to Lacey as a gift. The prize is a weekend at a bed and breakfast inn located in the mountains. Will sparks fly?
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
April 28, 2019
I couldn't help but feel that the story kept going around in circles with no real direction except for the obvious. And the ending, when we finally reached it, which for a shorter novel seemed to take forever, was a quick wrap up as if the author lost interest in her own tale. Not the cleanest editing job and not the most organized plot. It was just a so-so crafted boilerplate romance with a hurried ending.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
November 20, 2013
A SPICY SEXXY ROMANCE, I ENJOYED IT. TWO PEOPLE (hair dresser & a llama cowboy strange combination ;o)WHO HAVE BEEN BADLY HURT BY LOVING THE WRONG PERSON, MEET AND ARE AFRAID TO TAKE ANOTHER CHANCE AT LOVE AGAIN. WELL WRITTEN GOOD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, A REAL CUTE STORYLINE. STEAMY LOVE SCENES NOT OVER DONE AND A LITTLE TEARFUL IN PARTS. ;D
Profile Image for Joyce.
406 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2013
Enjoyed reading this romance. It shows us that no matter what may of happened in our past, we need to let that go and focus on the individuals in our lives for who they are. This was a quick and easy read, warmed my heart to see people overcome their past to make their future all that it can be.
Profile Image for Mary Beth.
456 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2014
Okay story where both main characters had some big issues to work through. Everything ends happily ever after, but I think it could have been better if readers saw more of what happened to the characters between their interactions. Obviously they were trying to talk themselves into or out of things, but their issues seemed a little too easily resolved.
Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
September 29, 2014
This is an easy read....single Dad who's been hurt by a woman more interested in her career than their little girl and him. The heroine is a 30 something hair salon mamager who's been burned and thinks her career is very important.

The plot, while predictable, is well written, and the characters are enjoyable, realistic, and likeable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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