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He’s keeping his fortune a secret and pretending to date his crush. But if this city kid-turned cowboy wants to land true love this holiday season, he might just have to lay all his cards on the table.Holly Fields loves her small town, her job at the local café, and even her gruff boss. But life has handed her a difficult year. Her big sister passed away, breaking her heart. And Holly now has custody of her beloved niece. Making sure the bright eight-year-old has love, support, and everything she needs is a privilege that is worth any challenge she might bump into along the way. But when Holly’s mom constantly voices her fears that it’s too much for a young woman to do alone, it feels a bit like she’s just waiting for Holly to mess up. In a moment of weakness, Holly hints that she’s seeing someone, even though dating is the last thing on her mind. And when a surprise holiday visit leaves her in the lurch, help arises from the most unexpected source. Julian Cabrera just made a fortune selling a tech invention so specialized even his own family doesn’t understand it. Moving to small town Trinity Falls to be near his sister Angel gives him time to get his head around his new financial position before he has to tell anyone else about it. He works at Cassidy Farm in the mornings and spends his afternoons at the local café, trying to come up with his next project – something meaningful that might actually make the world a better place. When Julian overhears that his favorite waitress is in a jam, he steps in to help her without hesitation. After all, he has admired her kind spirit and pretty smile since his very first visit to the coffee shop. The opportunity to spend more time with the sweet young woman and her exuberant niece is too much for the cowboy-in-training to resist. But as the holiday season unfurls, will the two be able to keep up the ruse? Or is fake dating your real crush too hard after all?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

442 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

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Clara Pines

35 books187 followers

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5 stars
1,024 (78%)
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43 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,285 reviews152 followers
February 18, 2024

Holly is a hardwork waitress, she takes care of her late sister's daughter, Mara. She doesn't have time to think about love, but to put her mother's mind at peace she makes up a boyfriend. So when her mother ambush her at her work place asking to meet him, Julian, the newcomer in town, promptly becomes her lover.

Holly is lovable. She often feels inadequate, but the opposite is true, and I was glad to see Julian tell her she is kind and smart. Julian is a gentle soul, his thoughtfulness and tenderness toward Holly and Mara made me fall in love with him even before the heroine did.
I loved to witness the blooming of Julian and Holly's relationship, it was so sweet and organic that I could only support and cheer for their happily ever after.

Cowboy's Cafe Crush is a great read, I highly recommend it. Clara Pines easily became my go to author for sweet, touching stories.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,608 reviews139 followers
February 11, 2024
I love my visits to Trinity Falls and I was excited for Holly Fields and Julian Cabrera’s story. I was disappointed and this book touched me on so many levels so I have no hesitation in recommending it to all small town romance lovers.
Holly has stepped up to look after her niece after her sister passed away and the last thing she is looking for is love and a relationship but we all know love can happen when we least expect it.
I fell hard and fast for Julian especially as I watched him become protective of both Holly and her niece Mara. He was always going to be the man looking out for the ones he loved and that makes him the perfect lover to have in your corner.
Cowboy’s Cafe Crush is book three in the Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas and for me it’s a great addition to this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,608 reviews139 followers
February 11, 2024
I love my visits to Trinity Falls and I was excited for Holly Fields and Julian Cabrera’s story. I was disappointed and this book touched me on so many levels so I have no hesitation in recommending it to all small town romance lovers.
Holly has stepped up to look after her niece after her sister passed away and the last thing she is looking for is love and a relationship but we all know love can happen when we least expect it.
I fell hard and fast for Julian especially as I watched him become protective of both Holly and her niece Mara. He was always going to be the man looking out for the ones he loved and that makes him the perfect lover to have in your corner.
Cowboy’s Cafe Crush is book three in the Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas and for me it’s a great addition to this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,608 reviews139 followers
February 11, 2024
I love my visits to Trinity Falls and I was excited for Holly Fields and Julian Cabrera’s story. I was disappointed and this book touched me on so many levels so I have no hesitation in recommending it to all small town romance lovers.
Holly has stepped up to look after her niece after her sister passed away and the last thing she is looking for is love and a relationship but we all know love can happen when we least expect it.
I fell hard and fast for Julian especially as I watched him become protective of both Holly and her niece Mara. He was always going to be the man looking out for the ones he loved and that makes him the perfect lover to have in your corner.
Cowboy’s Cafe Crush is book three in the Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas and for me it’s a great addition to this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
February 20, 2024
Holly is a woman who has always put the people she cares about ahead of herself when it comes to the townspeople, her family and especially her niece Mara as they both try to heal from the loss of her sister. With her parents coming to town she finds herself in a bind as she was pretending to have a boyfriend to alleviate her mother’s concerns but she never expected that Julian would be there when she needed someone the most.

Julian finds himself at a crossroads when he sells the project he was working on and is uncertain what he wants to do next. The one thing he does know is that he enjoys being around Holly so when she needs help, he doesn’t hesitate to be there for her and her niece.

Not only is Julian who Holly and Mara need in their lives, but they are who he needs as well. They give each other purpose and love as they become the family they all deserve.
2,038 reviews
February 14, 2024
This was a wonderful story! I read it straight through on the first day it came out. When I got to the end I was crying happy tears. It was so special!


Amazon synopsis:
Holly Fields loves her small town, her job at the local café, and even her gruff boss. But life has handed her a difficult year. Her big sister passed away, breaking her heart. And Holly now has custody of her beloved niece. Making sure the bright eight-year-old has love, support, and everything she needs is a privilege that is worth any challenge she might bump into along the way. But when Holly’s mom constantly voices her fears that it’s too much for a young woman to do alone, it feels a bit like she’s just waiting for Holly to mess up.

In a moment of weakness, Holly hints that she’s seeing someone, even though dating is the last thing on her mind. And when a surprise holiday visit leaves her in the lurch, help arises from the most unexpected source.

Julian Cabrera just made a fortune selling a tech invention so specialized even his own family doesn’t understand it. Moving to small town Trinity Falls to be near his sister Angel gives him time to get his head around his new financial position before he has to tell anyone else about it. He works at Cassidy Farm in the mornings and spends his afternoons at the local café, trying to come up with his next project – something meaningful that might actually make the world a better place.

When Julian overhears that his favorite waitress is in a jam, he steps in to help her without hesitation. After all, he has admired her kind spirit and pretty smile since his very first visit to the coffee shop. The opportunity to spend more time with the sweet young woman and her exuberant niece is too much for the cowboy-in-training to resist.

But as the holiday season unfurls, will the two be able to keep up the ruse? Or is fake dating your real crush too hard after all?
Profile Image for Marea.
401 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2024
Holly Fields worked in the local café in Trinity Falls and loved it. She had a true kindred spirit, always making sure those around her at work and home were surrounded by positivity and love. This past year had had a very rough with the loss of her sister to cancer and gaining custody of her 8 year old niece Molly. As the holidays approached Holly knew it would be hard but it got harder when her parents came to visit and she didn’t want them to find out about her lie….the one where she told her mom that she had a boyfriend. She didn’t expect a total stranger that was a regular in the café to step up and play the part. Now could she handle it being fake or would she discover that love is real again.

Julian Cabrera had come back to Trinity Falls for a few reasons, one was to spend time with his family and the other was to figure out what he wanted his next project to be after selling his tech invention for a very large sum of money. Every day he would go to the café for 2 reasons, the first one was for the food, the second was to see Holly. her beautiful smile and feel her warm personality. When she was put into a double jam, Julian stepped up without question, help her niece out with math and pretend to be her boyfriend. What he wasn’t expecting was the fake romance turn into a real one with a magical connection and to be inspired for his next adventure. Both that would lead to an incredible future for everyone involved.

It is also part of a series but can be read by itself and you would still understand all the characters in it. Technically it is a Christmas romance but it actually goes beyond that because of the way it touches your heart in so many ways. I haven’t had read one of Clara Pines books before but I definitely will now. This is a great book to add to your collection.

I received an ARC for my honest review
Profile Image for TexasMomma.
76 reviews
February 13, 2024
Another stellar addition to my favorite series! I've been patiently waiting for Julian's story since we met him in his sister's story last year. I knew it would take someone special to win his heart, and I'm so glad it was Holly! Her kindness & patience were a perfect match to Julian's quiet strength & generosity.
There were so many sweet scenes in this book, I don't think I can pick a favorite, but I loved Mara's school presentation & Julian's hand in it and the scene with Holly & Mara after they put up the Christmas tree. Both scenes brought tears to my eyes, and if you really want to bawl be sure to get the bonus epilogue.
As always, Ms. Pines youngest characters are well written, with a believability not often seen in romance novels. Mara was absolutely adorable, and I loved how she was scheming to get her aunt the happily ever after she wanted for her, despite Holly's insistence that she didn't need it. It was also nice to see Benny Webb return as Mara's best friend. One if my favorite things about this series is getting to visit with characters from other books 🥰
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,511 reviews56 followers
February 10, 2024
Holly is doing her best to make sure her niece is taken care off. Since her sister passed she's been her sole provider and nothing comes before her happiness and wellbeing. Giving into the attraction she has toward Julian is not in the cards for her, no matter how wonderful it seems to be.

Julian has had a crush on the lovely waiter for a while now. He's been wandering around, helping on the in-laws farm in the mornings and trying to find the best way to get the spark back after he sold his company for a huge amount. When an opportunity presents itself he takes it and is doing all to show Holly he could be a great boyfriend to her and help her take care of her niece. But assumptions almost leave them without the HEA. But sometimes all you need to do is trust that love is all we need and let the walls down in order to find the HEA we all search for.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,279 reviews53 followers
February 13, 2024
4.5 Stars
Another great book set in Trinity Falls. Holly, Mara, and Julian had me gobbling up the pages. This book is so full of heart and the feels!! Holly is rocking being an awesome aunt and taking care of her niece. losing her sister was on hard on Holly, but she sees her in Mara all the time. To me it feels like a sign for Holly to know her sister is still with her. Julian is such a sweetheart and offers to be a fake boyfriend for Holly, but what happens when feelings start to feel all too real? Holly doesn't see herself the rock star she is for this town and her niece, but maybe with a little help she will see the awesome person she truly is. There were some moments in this book that had tears flowing. This is a perfect sweet romance that makes you feel good after reading it. I can tell I was left with a huge smile on my face. I also enjoyed seeing some of my past favorite Trinity Falls characters living their HEAs.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,660 reviews61 followers
February 12, 2024
Another absolutely delightful story set in Trinity Falls. Ms. Pines has such a wonderful way with words and her storylines always make me smile and warm my heart. But her story’s also have a special underlying message and Cowboy’s Cafe Crush is no different. It left this reader thankful for my family and friends as I too have suffered a great loss lately and have learned it’s ok to carry on the best I can and just be me. Holly and Julian’s story is so much more than just a feel good romance. It’s about finding joy in all we do and helping with all our hearts.

I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s simply outstanding and one I know I will be re-reading often. If you haven’t started Ms. Pines' amazing books surrounding the small Christmas Time town of Trinity Falls, I can’t imagine what you are waiting for. They are all amazing reads.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
31 reviews
November 4, 2024
One in a series of simple stories. Clean, with positive reinforcement of healthy relationships, but not particularly well-written.

This installment features a "tech genius" who - whenever asked what it was he created - declines to explain it in any way at all, leaving the distinct impression that the author was either unable or unwilling to complete enough research to make it appear believable. Had the character been arrogant and condescending to those less tech-savvy, it might have been less noticeable.

Over all, "Cowboy's Cafe Crush" (as with the others in the series) was disappointing, given the high percentage of 5-star reviews on amazon.com. The premise of each was promising, but the character development and the rather awkward use of vocabulary in the narration did not live up to the expectations raised by the reviews I read before purchasing the series.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,947 reviews22 followers
February 13, 2024
This book was just perfect in every way. A beautiful, emotional story with wonderful characters that will leave you wanting so much more of Trinity Falls and all the close knit community. Holly is such a warm and loving character and along with her niece, Mara, they both fall head over heels for Julian, who is in Trinity Falls trying to figure out what he wants to do with his future. The attraction between Julian and Holly is instant and mutual and when you add a precocious 8 year old, Mara, who is so much wiser than her age, and the heartbreak she has been through you know that this book will sucker punch you right in the feels. I loved this book and I love this series and I cannot get enough.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest
Profile Image for Linda.
51 reviews
February 18, 2024
Sweet Lovely Read
Cowboy Café Crush is the latest book in the series TRINITY FALLS SWEET ROMANCE - ICICLE CHRISTMAS - BOOK 3. A sweet romance does take place between Holly Fields and Julian Cabrera in the guise of an established relationship to put Holly’s mother at rest about Hollys’s future. Holly has become her young niece’s guardian when Holly’s sister dies from cancer. Julian has recently sold his tech company and has time on his hands deciding what to next with his life. I enjoy the writing prowess of Clara Pines in her down to earth real life characters and the turns in life events in her series. I sit waiting and hoping for more books and more series from this author! If you enjoy clean uplifting romance, her books are for you (and for me)!
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,832 reviews44 followers
February 28, 2024
Holly has stepped up to care for her niece but she feels that her family does not share her confidence. She works in the local cafe while her niece attends school. Holly is sweet, reliable and knows her customers well.
One of her favorites, Jullian can be found each day in the back of the cafe.
He befriends Holly and her niece and even helps with homework while Holly is attending her customers.
Jullian takes his affection for Holly a step further and pretends that he is Holly's boyfriend. Of course their friendship blossoms into so much more and now they have to reveal their farce of a relationship but they are both unsure if it truly is a lie.
Beautiful characters as well as a beautiful story
review by C. Seymour - blogger
2,069 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2024
This is the latest standalone story to come out of the Trinity Falls series, and like the others that I've read comes with it's own HEA.

There is just something so charming about this story that made it a wonderful read that had me smiling long after I finished. The writing flows nicely, and unlike a lot of books with children, Mara's actions and conversation is age appropriate. I found Holly wonderful and Julian an interesting character. I loved the interaction between everyone. I found myself smiling and giggling throughout, with a few tears as well. Whenever I've read any of these books I constantly wonder why I don't read more of them.
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
830 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2024
Holly has stepped up to care for her niece but she feels that her family does not share her confidence. She works in the local cafe while her niece attends school. Holly is sweet, reliable and knows her customers well.
One of her favorites, Jullian can be found each day in the back of the cafe.
He befriends Holly and her niece and even helps with homework while Holly is attending her customers.
Jullian takes his affection for Holly a step further and pretends that he is Holly's boyfriend. Of course their friendship blossoms into so much more and now they have to reveal their farce of a relationship but they are both unsure if it truly is a lie.
Beautiful characters as well as a beautiful story
2,295 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2024
Cowboy Cafe Crush

Sweet story of Holly Fields and Julian Cabrera. Holly is a waitress in a small town cafe that has taken on the task of raising her late sister’s daughter. Julian is a software developer who sold his company for a lot of money. He has moved to be close to his sister in Trinity Falls. He doesn’t like being idle so he works for free at Cassidy Farms in the mornings and spends his afternoon at the cafe in town trying to come up with more ideas to develop. He befriends Holly’s neice. When he overhears that Holly has claimed she has a boyfriend, he voluntarily claims to be the boyfriend. What will happen when the fake relationship is revealed?
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books612 followers
November 19, 2025
I absolutely adore this sweet Christmas romance series by Clara Pines. In Cowboy’s Café Crush, Holly has recently adopted her niece after the passing of her sister, and is trying to make a happy home for them even though they both miss her. She’s working in a diner, and Julian, who works in tech, comes in there often to work on his laptop. Holly has a lot of funny misconceptions about Julian, but he and her niece Mara instantly hit it off, and when she needs a fake boyfriend to fend off her nosy parents, he volunteers for the job. This was sweet and Christmasy and just what I needed for a cozy night of reading! 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Terry Silva.
429 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2024
This book is among the greatest ever, without a doubt. I laughed, I smiled, and there were even a few tears shed. Mara and Benny are the cutest kids and best friends, while Holly and Julian make the most adorable pair. This romance tale illustrates the lengths one will go to in order to support someone they love. This book was masterfully written by Clara Pines. I love all of her books, and after reading the following one, it quickly takes my place as my favorite as well. All of her books are highly recommended. How incredible she is as a writer.
4,589 reviews33 followers
February 24, 2024
Give me a minute to wipe away the tears. Coming from 3 generations of blended families, all a mom, daughter, and new dad, this story really got to me. Looking back to my 20/30’s from 80, makes it a little harder to remember the uncertainties of new love, but I know they were there. Clara Pines brings them all into the picture and does it perfectly. I love the romance, the humor, the questions and even at times, the head shaking naivety. What seems obvious to outsiders isn’t as certain to the participants. I have enjoyed this series and look forward to visiting Trinity Falls again.
Profile Image for Michelle Dodge.
526 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2025
Great Series!

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Holly is taking care of her niece after her sister passed away. Holly’s mom worries about her and Holly tells a little white lie about having a boyfriend. Her mom shows up unexpectedly. Julian, a customer at the restaurant Holly works at, hears the conversation and steps up as her boyfriend. Can they keep up pretenses?

This was a really cute story. A couple places were so sweet it made me cry. Very well written. Can’t wait to read the next book.
66 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2024
Well..I thought I couldn't like this book as much as the last but...I was wring. This one is officially my new favorite. Julian is my favorite sweet and thoughtful guy and what a super sweet story. These two(well, 3 actually)were absolutely meant to be! Holly is such a sweetheart and so strong and loyal...but Mara ..omg..that child broke me in the best way. Congratulations Clara Pines on making my heart swoon again in this darling love story!
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,859 reviews52 followers
February 13, 2024
Cowboy's Cafe Crush is such a sweet read. I love Holly and Julian so much. Holly is a single aunt doing everything she can for her niece and has the sweetest heart. Julian is a little lost and looking for a new purpose. I love how Julian is with Holly's niece and steps in to help Holly. This is a fake relationship to real that has a lot of heart. I love the sweet pull between Julian and Holly. I could not put this down. You need to meet Holly and Julian today.
8 reviews
February 15, 2024
I wish I lived in Trinity Falls

I have read all of the Trinity Falls books. This is the first one I wrote a review for, though. All the books were very good but I think this was, by far, my favorite one. I absolutely loved the relationship between Julian and Holly and Mara. I do a lot of reading and this is one book I had trouble putting down. Trinity Falls is such a special place. The only thing I did not like about the story is that it had to come to an end.
380 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2024
Cowboy's Cafe Crush

What a heart warming story of love and family, especially during the Christmas season. It was great to see Julian's goal of helping others after he sold his company for the software he invented. Holly was a special person who loved her niece and taken upon herself to take care of Mara, her niece.Holly loved her job as a waitress. She makes all her customers feel at home and cared about. A beautiful love story I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Millie.
280 reviews12 followers
February 17, 2024
Such a good read.

I read Cowboy's Cafe Crush by Clara Pines through the Kindle Unlimited program. All the books in this series have been good but this one just hit at the heart a bit, no make that alot! Holly, Mara and Julian were meant to be a family it just took them a little time to get there. I cried, I laughed and I rejoice when Julian asked Mara to let him adopt her. A another wonderful book in a series that I just can't get enough of.
1,391 reviews
March 23, 2024
Angel's brother, a tech genius who is now a cowboy and a friend. This is a gentle story about a man seeking his next adventure and the woman he met in a cafe. Friendship and romance. I love the Trinity Falls series -- beloved characters add richness to a great story (and tempt me to reach for the books for a reread). I am an avid reader of Clara Pines. I liken this author to Audrey Hepburn -- simple, sweet, classic, for all ages. Bravo!
2,120 reviews20 followers
April 16, 2024
I like how this book presents waitressing. Holly is outstanding in her devotion to serving, not just customers in her work, but family as well. She definitely has a calling, a ministry. She is truly gifted and humble as well. Julian seems a perfect match. He also likes serving and caring for others with a humble heart. The whole story gives a very needed message about responsibilities when blessed. A good read.
110 reviews
April 17, 2024
Loved it

A true feel good romance. Holly’s care for everyone who comes into the cafe, her loving care for her niece Mara, the realistic way they mourn the loss of Mara’ mom/Holly’s sister, and Julian’s presence in the cafe everyday and into their lives is truly a wonderful story. Clara Pines is now one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed reading and will re-read this series often.
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