Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Hometown Sweethearts #1

Kissed by a Cowboy

Rate this book
Just shy of her thirtieth birthday, Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She thinks she’s ready for this homecoming. She’s spent years escaping her perpetual shyness and being Katie Michaels’ tag-along friend, but being back in her hometown brings back a lot of old memories, especially when she is faced with the cowboy she never forgot — Katie’s older brother, Maddox.

Twelve years ago, Maddox Michaels was supposed to be somebody. He had everything. A football scholarship. A Division I team scouting him. Maybe even a chance at the pros. Now, he’s a burned-out cowboy working day and night to stay ahead of his brother’s medical bills and keep their family farm from going bankrupt. And trying to be a father-figure for his niece, Olivia.

When Haley and Olivia start spending time together, Maddox can’t help remembering those dreams that died alongside his sister. Will being with Haley open his heart to new dreams?

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2014

485 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read

About the author

Lacy Williams

191 books1,278 followers
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
839 (35%)
4 stars
773 (32%)
3 stars
573 (24%)
2 stars
144 (6%)
1 star
54 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
Profile Image for StMargarets.
3,205 reviews630 followers
July 11, 2020
This novella has been on my kindle forever. Maybe it was a freebie at one point? So I had no expectations when I began to read.

The H/h meet when the outsider heroine is escorted to the prom by her bff's college-age brother. He's a football star and a sweetheart. Heroine is shy and intelligent and intrigues the hero. They spend the summer as friends and then heroine goes off to college.

The bff dies in a car accident leaving an infant daughter behind. The hero quits school to take care of his niece and the family ranch.

12 years later the heroine returns to the small Oklahoma town to nurse her dying aunt in her final days. When she meets her bff's daughter, she is immediately is drawn to her. They begin an unlikely friendship making ice cream.

The hero is still intrigued with the heroine, but he has money problems and a depressed younger brother who was injured in a rodeo accident. He doesn't think he has anything to offer to the heroine, so he does the noble thing by avoiding her.

Heroine feels rejected and it impacts her hard because some jackass broke her heart a few years ago.

It all works out - with barely a kiss and never a sex scene or even sexual thoughts. This is one romance you can share with your dreamy-eyed tween who likes Hallmark movies.

Still, this is sweet and even cynical me was won over.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,905 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2018
2.5 stars. A short, sweet, and clean second chance story. Decent characterization and no OP details or drama. I liked the MCs who were adults who acted like adults.
Profile Image for Nancy Steinle gummel.
507 reviews98 followers
December 13, 2015
Kissed by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams is a story of establishing family roots. Haley, the heroine, felt insecure growing up with a father who switched jobs regularly and pulling her out of school as he moves again. The only time she even felt safe was with her Aunt Matilda. Katie befriended her and took her under her wing. Haley went to the prom with Maddox, Katies older brother, whom Haley had a secret crush with. Maddox like her too, but each did not know how the other felt. Maddox did kiss her that night and they each dreamt of the other. Ten years pass, Haley returns to town because Aunt Matilda is dying from inoperable cancer. At the bank she meets Olivia, a splitting image of her mother Katie. Katie was killed in a car crash shortly after her birth. Haley gets Olivia to come back to Aunt Matildas. She calls Maddox, who is raising Olivia. Seems Olivia rode her bike the three and a half miles into town from the farm. Haley and Maddox get reaquainted. Haley helps Maddox and Olivia with Olivia 's business proposition and even gets his brother Justin up and about. Justin is recovering from a rodeo accident where the bull trampled him and broke his pelvis. Haley and Maddox feel they aren't right for each other, but what does the attraction persists that they belong to each other.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,567 reviews1,692 followers
October 28, 2015
When Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails to care for her dying aunt she runs into the daughter of her old high school friend Katie. Katie had passed away years ago in a car accident leaving her daughter Olivia in the care of her uncle Maddox. Maddox and Haley had feelings for each other that they never acted upon back after Katie had convinced Maddox to take Haley to her senior prom.

Olivia reminds Haley so much of Katie, when Olivia shows her that she wants to start up her own ice cream business Haley can't help but get involved while she's in town. Haley spending so much time with the little girl also means spending time with Maddox again and the two slowly begin to rekindle those old flames.

A lovely story of a love that once slipped away between two people that have matured over the years and now seem meant to be. Maddox has struggled to care for his niece and injured younger brother and Haley is the breath of fresh air needed to pull the family back together.

Overall, great love story would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Maria.
208 reviews53 followers
July 29, 2016
After twelve years away Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to look after her aunt. Everybody remembers her as Katie Michaels’ tag-along friend because of her shyness, but she is determined to prove them she is no longer that girl. Especially, she wants to prove that to Maddox Michaels, Katie’s oldest brother, who kissed her during her senior year prom. Maddox has changed a lot, though. He has been forced to put his dreams aside and has worked hard to care for his brother and his little niece, Olivia, since Katie’s untimely death. Now it is time to see each other again and maybe, with the help of Olivia, they can have another chance to be together.

What a beautiful story! I loved how the author developed the plot and delineated her characters. All of them had a detailed description despite it was a short story. The main characters, Haley and Maddox, were very endearing and I enjoyed a lot their story. I clearly have a soft spot for cowboys because I grew fond of Maddox since the first pages. He is an adorable man, although life has changed him and has made him gruff and sometimes grumpy. But it simply took a sweet girl from his past to get him back to his old self again, the guy who had big dreams and who forgot them to help his family and take care of his brother and his little niece, Olivia. I loved this slowly but significant change in his attitude. Because of terrible circumstances Maddox gave up his dreams but now, thanks to Haley, he learns to live again. In my opinion, Haley is a sort of guardian angel. Although she has her own problems to deal with and a dying aunt to care for, she brings back hope and joy to the Michaels family and she has the opportunity to find her own happiness right there, where she thought there was no good for her.

A very romantic and moving story I would recommend to everyone. This was my first book by Lacy Williams but I will surely read more by this author!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,447 reviews
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Just shy of her thirtieth birthday, Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She thinks she’s ready for this homecoming. She’s spent years escaping her perpetual shyness and being Katie Michaels’ tag-along friend, but being back in her hometown brings back a lot of old memories, especially when she is faced with the cowboy she never forgot—Katie’s older brother, Maddox.

Twelve years ago, Maddox Michaels was supposed to be somebody. He had everything. A football scholarship. A Division I team scouting him. Maybe even a chance at the pros. Now, he’s a burned-out cowboy working day and night to stay ahead of his brother’s medical bills and keep their family farm from going bankrupt. And trying to be a father-figure for his niece, Olivia.

When Haley and Olivia start spending time together, Maddox can’t help remembering those dreams that died alongside his sister. Will being with Haley open his heart to new dreams?

REVIEW: This book is a good clean secular read; and although it is billed as an inspirational romance, I did not find a Christian thread in this novel. A short, sweet romance with nice characters and a plausible plot. I did especially like the little girl, Livy, and her wonderful ideas for being a young businesswoman. Quick easy read that perhaps could have been fleshed out somewhat more to make it even more interesting.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Open your heart....Don't be afraid to fall in love again. Life's too short to miss your second chances."
1,383 reviews19 followers
July 19, 2019
A bittersweet love story about high school sweethearts who meet up again and eventually start a HEA. Their lives have been challenging and they hope for a better future together.
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews180 followers
July 31, 2018
I loved Kissed by a Cowboy and thoroughly enjoyed the quick read. I found the characters so easy to identify with and fell in love with them quickly.

Haley Carston, also know as tag-along because of her perpetual shyness, returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. Haley is about to turn thirty years old and she left the town of Redbud Trails when she went away to college and never returned except for a few visits. Upon returning to the place she considered her hometown old memories come to the forefront, especially when she runs into Maddox Michaels, the cowboy she has never forgotten. He was her best friend's brother and had taken her to the senior prom as a favor to his sister.

Maddox Michaels was on the fast track to college football and possibly the pros when life intercepted his plans and he ended up back home running the family ranch. He is embarrassed and angry that he did not realize his dream, especially when he was called home one year shy of earning his degree. When he runs into Haley old feelings begin to niggle at him but he knows he is in no financial situation to consider a lasting relationship.

There were many things I liked about this book, one being the lack of angst. This author is new-to-me and I am excited to read more of her work. She writes so well and without profanity and sexual exploits, that you don't miss it at all.

If there was anything that bothered me it was that Maddox, our hero, seem to exhibit too much self-pity....a real poor me, poor me attitude.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
March 4, 2016
A sweet read! I liked Olivia and her ice cream business. The ending was nice, too. :)
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews67 followers
July 11, 2016

Kissed By A Cowboy is a Cowboy Inspirational Romance (Heart of Oklahoma) book one by Lacy Williams. It takes place in mythical Redbud Trails, Oklahoma.
Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails after being gone twelve years to care for her dying aunt. Years ago, Haley and her Father had ended up in Redbud Trails and when he decided to move on, Haley refused. Her Aunt Matilda agreed and kept her so she could finish high school here. Haley was on the outside at school, although she had one great friend, Katie Michaels. Katie made sure she was included but she never felt accepted. In fact, for their senior prom, Katie had to get her older brother Maddox to come home from college and take Haley. Haley was so embarrassed. At the prom, Maddox was totally surrounded by people wanting to meet him and talk to him about his college football career and his hopes to go pro. Finally, he left the prom taking Haley with him. They did get a dance outside and talked for a while before he kissed her. Twelve years have passed and Haley has remembered his kindness and the kiss.
Maddox had gone to college on a football scholarship; but he didn’t finish nor make it to the pros. He got hurt and returned home. Everyone had such high expectations for him and now he was running the family ranch and trying to help his brother get over being trampled by a bull and losing his chances in the rodeo, and between the two brothers, raising Katie’s daughter, Livy. Every time he thought he was getting close to at least even, more medical bills or something else came up. He wanted more but didn’t feel he would ever manage to get it. At ten, Livy was beginning to need more and more and he didn’t know how to handle her anymore. Her newest fling was to make homemade ice cream and sell it.
While she is with her aunt, Haley steps in to help Livy as Katie had helped her. She thought Livy had potential in her business and was determined to help her there too if only Maddox would let her. He was there for her once and Katie was there many times, why couldn’t he let her be there for once?
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews44 followers
May 29, 2017
Kissed by a Cowboy is an interesting way to spend a couple hours. It's definitely a novella—the audiobook runs less than three hours. And that length is what hurts it, really. The story just lacks depth that I think would have been there had the story been longer. The romance in particular felt rushed to me, and I didn't care about it as much as I'd have liked.

I did appreciate the unique details—Olivia and Haley bond over a shared love of cooking, and Olivia starts up an ice cream business. I had a few questions about how easily things fell into place regarding the business, but it was still a fun idea.

Kissed by a Cowboy really reminds me of many of the films Hallmark puts out—light, fluffy, and fun, but lacking substance. Sometimes, that's exactly what you want (I mean, I watch more than my fair share of Hallmark movies!), and it really was the perfect accompaniment to mowing. 3-1/2 stars.

Note about the audiobook: It's narrated by Emily Eldridge, and she didn't really stand out to me. I mean that in a good way—she was reading the story to me, not over-acting. It was about the story, not her performance.

Disclosure of material connection: I received a free copy of the audiobook. I was not required to leave a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews92 followers
July 18, 2020
It’s been a decade since Haley lived in Red Bud when her father uprooted her once again looking for the next greatest opportunity, but she remembers her time there fondly. Now that her Aunt, who has been her greatest support system, has terminal cancer she returns to her hometown so that she can spend as much time with her as she can.

Maddox was Haley’s best friend’s older brother who also took her to the Prom. His life has not turned out the way he wanted so he finds himself struggling financially and emotionally as he tries to do the best for his family.

Not only is the chemistry and connection between Haley and Maddox stronger than ever and she gives hope not only to him but to his entire family. He has his farm in Red Bud and her life is in Oklahoma City will they be able to find out what is truly important before it is too late? I enjoyed the pacing and tone from the narrator of this story.
Profile Image for Nicole Manning.
7 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2018
The storyline is cute and sweet and clean. The books in this series are super short though. I'd love a few more pages to really get to know the characters or follow their story longer. The books are definitely cliffhangers kind of that don't get finished...
Profile Image for Becca McCulloch.
Author 2 books13 followers
April 4, 2017
A solid story with great characters

I'm not one for romances but this one hooked me enough that I didn't stop once I'd started. The characters were strongly drawn and interesting with plenty of emotional development. My main complaint is that it wasn't long enough. There was plenty of drama and humanity to get another 100 pages and I would've enjoyed every one. The end didn't feel rushed - I was just sad the host of characters didn't get more time to really delve into the complexities and show how a missing piece can mend a family. Overall a nice read for an afternoon.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews67 followers
February 19, 2014
Haley Carston has returned to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma where she grew up. She returns to tend to her Aunt Matilda who has inoperable cancer.
Returning brings back memories of Maddox Michaels, Haley’s first kiss after the senior prom. Maddox is working day & night to save his family farm, caring for Justin, his disabled brother and acting as a father to his deceased sister’s 11-year-old daughter.
Haley meets Maddox again when she decides to help his niece, Olivia. Haley brings a new attitude and inspires both Olivia & Justin. She shows us the power of how to turn your life around by looking for positive endeavors.
Maddox is too busy working to hope for a relationship with Haley. What does the future hold for Haley & Maddox?
The characters in the story are well developed and you just feel right in the story with them.
A good read. Don’t miss it!!
I received this book as a gift from the author. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2014
This is a sweet cowboy romance story, the story is not real long so it won't take a long time to read it. It's about Haley and Maddox. Haley remembers Maddox from high school. Her friend in school Katie fixed him up with her for the prom. He was her first kiss and he was big man because he was on the football team. Years later after, Katie dies in a car crash, she meets him. He is now raising Katie's little girl since her death. They realize they still have feelings for each other, but he feels he has nothing to offer her. A good read
Profile Image for Cheryl Ellis.
127 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2014
I enjoyed this book! It didn't take long to read, and it didn't drag on. It was very clean, made me cry, made me laugh, and made me want ice cream!!!
I will be on the look out for other books by Lacy Williams.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,123 reviews13 followers
July 4, 2016
Sweet little read
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
March 15, 2018
KISSED BY A COWBOY is the first book in the Heart of Oklahoma series. I don’t know yet if they will need to be read in order, though this story was complete with no loose ends.

One of the things I liked best about this story is that there were no millionaires. These were normal, honest, hard-working people who are making it through life just like the rest of us. They have bills and dreams. They have heartbreak and hope. They have tears and laughter. I loved it. I loved Katie and could completely understand her shy, quiet nature. I felt so much for Maddox, who had the world by the horns, but has put family before his own dreams. And I cheered as they found their dreams together. There were also the dreams of a little girl to be nurtured and they made me smile as well.

All in all, this story was a big happy heart from start to finish, with just enough angst to make it interesting.

I loved listening to this story and hope I get to hear more from this author and this series.

What a sweet surprise! This gift came in my email – no contest, not my birthday, just a sweet surprise. Thank you Lacy! Note: while I was given this book as a gifted Audio book, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: KISSED BY A COWBOY
Series: Heart of Oklahoma #1
Narration by: Em Eldridge
Length: 2 hours 30 mins
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Lacy Williams (as an Audible gifted copy)
95 reviews
May 6, 2022
Life Comes Full Circle

He'd fallen for her more than a decade ago, but life had them going separate ways. She's back, but he's not what she needs, she deserves more.
He'd had to give up college and his scholarship, because his family needed him. Now he had a crippled brother, medical bills, a farm to save and a niece to raise. How could he possibly fall in love?
She graduated college and had a good job, but her Aunt was dying and she needed to be with her. She'd been Katie's friend. People here didn't even call her by name. It didn't take her long to lose her heart, but could she fall in love?
Lovely characters that will capture your heart. I didn't want the story to end. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Robin Hatcher.
Author 120 books3,252 followers
October 11, 2022
3.5🌟
Audiobook:
Lacy Williams manages to pack a lot of story into a short format. I especially loved Haley’s involvement with Olivia (the hero’s niece) at the start of the story. It was a great way to bring Maddox and Haley back together after many years apart. A sweet romance. [The narrator, Em Eldridge, was very good. No trying too hard to sound male for the guys or like a child for the little girl.]

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Profile Image for Teresa.
875 reviews
July 1, 2017
If you love a quick read that will leave you going awwww, then this book is for you. Haley and Maddox both have grown up with parents that have left them one way or another and they have to pick up the pieces of what was left of their families. Haley's experience with Maddox was a senior prom date which was arranged by Maddox's sister that was also Haley's best friend. That was when they fell in love with each other but never acted on that love. When Haley returns to take care of her aunt, she meets Olivia, her best friend's daughter who is also Maddox's niece. Come join them as they begin the road to healing.
Profile Image for Julie Jefferies.
371 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2017
Haley has been in love with Maddox since his sister Katie set him up as her Prom date, but tragedy destroyed all their lives. When Haley comes back to Redbud Trails to care for her ill Aunt Matilda, she doesn't expect to see Livy, her connection to Maddox. As soon as Maddox sees Haley, he knows his heart will never be the same, he barely survived last time.

This was a beautiful book, inspiring characters trying not to repeat the sins of their parents. A charming quick read that will warm your heart, and maybe bring a few tears as well.
343 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2017
Love Maddox and Haley's story

Haley and Maddox met when she was in high school. He was her best friend's older brother. He was off in college. He had major plans but they ended up changing years later when his sister has health issues. He is raising his niece when Haley comes back to help her Aunt. His niece is so cute. Haley and Maddox ending up helping the niece along with the people at their ranch with her business. It is a cute, fun loving, emotional story for them and their family. Love this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.