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Forever Texan #1
The Cowboy Contract
Trey Walker thought he was cursed when it came to women, but after a disaster destroyed nearly everything veterinarian Maddie Brooks owned, Trey offered the petite redhead shelter at 2 Hope Ranch. Maddie was smart, sexy and good with animals… impossible to resist, yet he vowed not to break her heart.
Maddie knew the temporary arrangement she made with Trey was strictly business. For over a year she’d tried to get the handsome rancher to notice her, but the man never seemed interested. Now, she’d be living under his roof and using his barn to treat animals.
Could she be the woman to break the Walker Curse?
Maddie knew the temporary arrangement she made with Trey was strictly business. For over a year she’d tried to get the handsome rancher to notice her, but the man never seemed interested. Now, she’d be living under his roof and using his barn to treat animals.
Could she be the woman to break the Walker Curse?
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2005
1070 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Sands
493 books193 followersCharlene Sands is a USA Today Bestselling author writing over 50 contemporary and western historical romances. Her books have been honored with the National Readers' Choice Award, the Cataromance Reviewer’s Choice Award and she's a two time winner of the Booksellers Best Award. Her book, The Texas Renegade Returns, was voted Best HQ Desire of 2014.
She married her high school sweetheart and has a beautiful and growing family. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California beaches, bowling on a Valley Girls team, sipping delicious Mocha Lattes or going on “date” nights of dinner and a movie with her hero-like husband.
She married her high school sweetheart and has a beautiful and growing family. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California beaches, bowling on a Valley Girls team, sipping delicious Mocha Lattes or going on “date” nights of dinner and a movie with her hero-like husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 4, 2017
This is a lovely easy cowboy romance with a taciturn hero who thinks he and his family is cursed to not find true love and a heroine who is patience personified, a caring veterinarian who has a magical way with animals. They are both attracted to each other but she’s just about given up on him ever caring for her. When a fire destroyed her surgery and home, however, Maddie Brooks is offered a place to stay and work on the 2 Hope Ranch of Trey Walker. It is meant to be a business only arrangement but love has a way of changing even the best laid plans!
Whilst Trey’s curse beliefs are somewhat tenuous and difficult to reconcile with the ranch-owning, hardworking, rugged cowboy persona and his push me - pull you attitude to Maddie sometimes drove me mad, it is still an enjoyable story to escape into. The characters are great, easy to relate to (and feel like figuratively hugging or throttling at times). Maddie’s interactions with animals are superbly portrayed and the ending great. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more in this series!
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
Whilst Trey’s curse beliefs are somewhat tenuous and difficult to reconcile with the ranch-owning, hardworking, rugged cowboy persona and his push me - pull you attitude to Maddie sometimes drove me mad, it is still an enjoyable story to escape into. The characters are great, easy to relate to (and feel like figuratively hugging or throttling at times). Maddie’s interactions with animals are superbly portrayed and the ending great. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more in this series!
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
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August 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/27/2019)! 🎁
August 2, 2024
"Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review"
2.5 stars
You’d have to believe in the premise of the genetic curse threatening the hero to fully enjoy this book and since for me it’s not strong/convincing enough in fictional terms I wasn’t moved by this story.
The characters are nice enough, there’s some attraction and pushing away, some “incredible sex” involving the “unreadable hero” who is a “man’s man” with a “granite chest” and sometimes a “granite erection”, an inexperienced heroine who has, nevertheless, “female intuition” and knows that the hero wants her despite his resistance. There’s also a stallion and a mare that seem to remotely evoke the romantic couple quest. (Quotes from ARC)
Even with a lot of elements that I usually enjoy – a veterinarian, an emotionally wounded hero, ranch life, animals – I couldn’t connect neither with the story nor the characters and I found that the author spent too much time explaining the characters thoughts and feelings. Still, others might enjoy this story.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, the author, Charlene Sands, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
2.5 stars
You’d have to believe in the premise of the genetic curse threatening the hero to fully enjoy this book and since for me it’s not strong/convincing enough in fictional terms I wasn’t moved by this story.
The characters are nice enough, there’s some attraction and pushing away, some “incredible sex” involving the “unreadable hero” who is a “man’s man” with a “granite chest” and sometimes a “granite erection”, an inexperienced heroine who has, nevertheless, “female intuition” and knows that the hero wants her despite his resistance. There’s also a stallion and a mare that seem to remotely evoke the romantic couple quest. (Quotes from ARC)
Even with a lot of elements that I usually enjoy – a veterinarian, an emotionally wounded hero, ranch life, animals – I couldn’t connect neither with the story nor the characters and I found that the author spent too much time explaining the characters thoughts and feelings. Still, others might enjoy this story.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, the author, Charlene Sands, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
August 28, 2019
OK
It was a little slow going to me..A nice premise but slow reading tome.Sorry I just had a hard time finishing this one.
It was a little slow going to me..A nice premise but slow reading tome.Sorry I just had a hard time finishing this one.
June 1, 2018
Commitment phobia
I love Maddie not so much Trey.
I admired the veterinarian's spirit but I would have shown Trey the door a long time ago. I however did like how she tamed the man and the stallion. Supporting characters definitely helped especially cousin Jack.
I love Maddie not so much Trey.
I admired the veterinarian's spirit but I would have shown Trey the door a long time ago. I however did like how she tamed the man and the stallion. Supporting characters definitely helped especially cousin Jack.
February 19, 2017
Taming the Texas Cowboy is Trey and Maddie’s story and definitely an emotionally charged read; with misplaced self-doubt, compelling attraction and a soul deep connection that no amount of resistance or denial will extinguish.
Finding a new author is always exciting, but even more so when the story is so seamlessly written and tugs at the heartstrings from the very first chapter. Wonderfully charming characters, a gripping storyline and just enough angst make this book everything a romance is intended to be, so putting this book down before you’ve read the very last page is impossible.
Good thing that it’s only a medium length novella, and I’m hoping that the next story won’t be too far away.
Finding a new author is always exciting, but even more so when the story is so seamlessly written and tugs at the heartstrings from the very first chapter. Wonderfully charming characters, a gripping storyline and just enough angst make this book everything a romance is intended to be, so putting this book down before you’ve read the very last page is impossible.
Good thing that it’s only a medium length novella, and I’m hoping that the next story won’t be too far away.
April 30, 2014
Although I tried my best I could not stay interested in this book. Although the plot was good it skipped all over the place without giving you any warnings that it was changing perspectives, days, or weeks.
April 12, 2022
Maddie Brooks, town veterinarian, has lost everything in a fire. She moves to Trey's ranch where he rents her a room in his home and a barn to reopen her veterinarian office. Both are attracted to the other; but Trey believes in the Walker curse which means he will hurt her, so he tries to keep his distance. Maddie is open to trying a relationship since she loves him. Trey tries to avoid her but eventually gives into temptation then pushes her away. Maddie tries to give him up, but she has hopes that love will conquer all, but will it?
I enjoyed this story. I liked Maddie and Trey. Trey is stubborn. Maddie is also. She is not ready to give up. She is persistent. She is like the mare in Trey's barn, Julip. Trey is like Storm, the stallion he bought but cannot tame. Somehow the females work on the males. Neither backs down. The story was good. The secondary characters are good and will be in future books. I did not read this series in order. You don't have to. It is easy to figure how everyone fits in the story. I look forward to reading the books I haven't read yet.
I enjoyed this story. I liked Maddie and Trey. Trey is stubborn. Maddie is also. She is not ready to give up. She is persistent. She is like the mare in Trey's barn, Julip. Trey is like Storm, the stallion he bought but cannot tame. Somehow the females work on the males. Neither backs down. The story was good. The secondary characters are good and will be in future books. I did not read this series in order. You don't have to. It is easy to figure how everyone fits in the story. I look forward to reading the books I haven't read yet.
April 19, 2020
I really liked the main characters, Trey and Maddie. They were well-portrayed and had great chemistry. The minor characters were well-done as well. The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars is that I just didn't get why Trey thought he'd end up like his father. I think if the author had added more details, like Trey's memories or dealings with his mother and/or some of the other women that his father had had relationships with and had hurt, that might have made Trey's hesitance to get into a relationship with a woman more understandable. I admired Maddie for her persistence though, and I liked how the stallion came to represent Trey. All-in-all a very enjoyable read.
did-not-finish
August 26, 2024The family curse is really not remotely believable. So Trey giving it so much weight just makes me think less of him.
Maddie rode the wild horse way too soon. Just because he lets you touch his face, doesn’t mean you should go straight to saddling him up for a ride! What happened to gradually getting him used to the weight of a blanket and building up to riding slowly with many steps along the way? So she’s acting too stupid for her characterization.
I also don’t believe that someone doing hard physical labour, like a country vet, would wear thong underwear with their work clothes! Not remotely believable.
Bailed at 46% read.
Maddie rode the wild horse way too soon. Just because he lets you touch his face, doesn’t mean you should go straight to saddling him up for a ride! What happened to gradually getting him used to the weight of a blanket and building up to riding slowly with many steps along the way? So she’s acting too stupid for her characterization.
I also don’t believe that someone doing hard physical labour, like a country vet, would wear thong underwear with their work clothes! Not remotely believable.
Bailed at 46% read.
January 26, 2021
This is such a good book and I like the cover as it fits the story perfect. I loved the storyline as it has to do with animals and a loss that the veterinarian has suffered. Then with no other decision to make Maddie, the veterinarian decides that moving in with Trey for a red hot moment would be alright. That is when things turn for the worse. I like the way Charlene writes and have read many of her books and Charlene has hit the ball passed the third baseman up the line and to the left fielder for a triple!
February 9, 2022
At first, in the main character’s POV we get a sense that there is a greater reason as to why he can’t be with the heroine and why there’s this push and pull game happening despite his obvious interest. He first refers to it as a curse. It’s not even that. It’s absolutely unwarranted.
The ending felt rushed, not in the sense that their conflict resolution wasn’t justified, but rather that the following declarations were unexpected and a bit too instantaneous .
The ending felt rushed, not in the sense that their conflict resolution wasn’t justified, but rather that the following declarations were unexpected and a bit too instantaneous .
August 28, 2019
The Stallion and the Cowboy
I enjoyed the symbolism between the stallion and his cowboy. The advancement of trust between Maddie and Trey, as well as, Maddie and Storm makes you aware of just how observant Maddie is. Trey's stubbornness and fear finally pushes Maddie away, that is, until he witnesses the miracle between Julip and Storm. Can he convince Maddie to stay and love him?~
I enjoyed the symbolism between the stallion and his cowboy. The advancement of trust between Maddie and Trey, as well as, Maddie and Storm makes you aware of just how observant Maddie is. Trey's stubbornness and fear finally pushes Maddie away, that is, until he witnesses the miracle between Julip and Storm. Can he convince Maddie to stay and love him?~
September 9, 2019
Boring
In the interest of full disclosure, I only read about 25% of this. It is a light, shallow romance, competently written with pleasant characters and an interesting premise. But I am tired of the amazingly handsome, kind and thoughtful rancher disillusioned about marriage who is healed by the love of a good woman. If love were that simple there would be a lot fewer divorces.
In the interest of full disclosure, I only read about 25% of this. It is a light, shallow romance, competently written with pleasant characters and an interesting premise. But I am tired of the amazingly handsome, kind and thoughtful rancher disillusioned about marriage who is healed by the love of a good woman. If love were that simple there would be a lot fewer divorces.
May 23, 2023
This is a really nicely written cowboy romance. His ever cheaten’ daddy died convincing him that he would be a cheater too. Alas, cancelling his first wedding plan confirmed that for him. Enter the new farm vet who has the hots for him. Her home/office burning down results in her living and working on his ranch. All the townspeople want her to stay and want him to change his mind. Yes, there is some sex, but it moves the story forward. I really like the townspeople, especially Jack.
September 15, 2024
Taming the Rexas Cowboy
I loved the characters and the storyline. The author kept the tension all the way to the happy ending. I think they should have resolved the situation between them a bit sooner, but it was still a good book. The love scenes were tastefully handled; and no vulgar language was used ,or needed to tell the tale well and to keep it interesting. I look forward to "Jack'story next!!
I loved the characters and the storyline. The author kept the tension all the way to the happy ending. I think they should have resolved the situation between them a bit sooner, but it was still a good book. The love scenes were tastefully handled; and no vulgar language was used ,or needed to tell the tale well and to keep it interesting. I look forward to "Jack'story next!!
August 28, 2019
Great Story
Maddie loses her Vet practice to a fire, she is able to save the few animals that were in residence. Trey offers his old barn for a clinic and she rents a room from him. She has had a thing for him and him her but he doesn't think he can do long term. Can the make it work.
Maddie loses her Vet practice to a fire, she is able to save the few animals that were in residence. Trey offers his old barn for a clinic and she rents a room from him. She has had a thing for him and him her but he doesn't think he can do long term. Can the make it work.
September 30, 2019
Great Book
It is time evaporating can't put down. The characters are wonderful. Makes you want to really know them and be friends. Also makes you want to grab up the next book, right away, and not stop tell they are all done and still want more. Love the setting also, makes me home sick, as I grue up in Ft Worth. Am looking forward to your next book.
It is time evaporating can't put down. The characters are wonderful. Makes you want to really know them and be friends. Also makes you want to grab up the next book, right away, and not stop tell they are all done and still want more. Love the setting also, makes me home sick, as I grue up in Ft Worth. Am looking forward to your next book.
October 23, 2019
Taming the Texas Cowboy(Forever Texan Book 1)
I choose this book because I love reading cowboy books and this one didn't deceive me . I loved reading about Trey and Maddie story and all that Trey took them through to find out that they were really meant to be together .I really enjoyed the book and know you will to .
I choose this book because I love reading cowboy books and this one didn't deceive me . I loved reading about Trey and Maddie story and all that Trey took them through to find out that they were really meant to be together .I really enjoyed the book and know you will to .
January 5, 2020
Slow burn
Trey Walker likes Maddie the town vet. When her building catches on fire Trey offers Maddie a place to stay. He likes her. She likes him. Trey hangs onto the notion of a family curse and won’t give in to his feelings.
Not a terrible ready but not a great read. Sweet. I would recommend as a light read. I won’t continue the series.
Trey Walker likes Maddie the town vet. When her building catches on fire Trey offers Maddie a place to stay. He likes her. She likes him. Trey hangs onto the notion of a family curse and won’t give in to his feelings.
Not a terrible ready but not a great read. Sweet. I would recommend as a light read. I won’t continue the series.
March 22, 2023
Strong and likeable characters with issues
Maddie was such a sweetheart...caring, compassionate and with such love
and concern for her patients (the animals). Trey and Maddie were perfect fir each other, but Trey had too much internal 'baggage' that he needed to release. Maddie had such stubborn love for Trey that we hoped would win.
Maddie was such a sweetheart...caring, compassionate and with such love
and concern for her patients (the animals). Trey and Maddie were perfect fir each other, but Trey had too much internal 'baggage' that he needed to release. Maddie had such stubborn love for Trey that we hoped would win.
April 5, 2023
Taming
Trey and Madrid's story has them coming together when her vet building burnt down and she needed a place to house her animals and herself, and his ranch 2 Hope had enough room. But after realizing what he would be losing when she left the ranch he came to see he loved her and wanted to be together
Trey and Madrid's story has them coming together when her vet building burnt down and she needed a place to house her animals and herself, and his ranch 2 Hope had enough room. But after realizing what he would be losing when she left the ranch he came to see he loved her and wanted to be together
August 23, 2024
I want to say it's a well written romance, but the underlying theme grew old before the end of the story. The characters are well developed, the editing is clean, and if it weren't for the vanilla sex scenes and repetitive resistance from the hero, would have rated 5 stars. I got tired of the flimsy excuse that drove the book forward.
November 4, 2025
Trey and Maddie are both stubborn and strong willed and they make a great couple. I love that Maddie recognises that Trey and Storm have a lot in common and just like Storm can be tamed by the right mare she hopes the same can be said for Trey. An emotionally charged romance with a touch of steam and HEA.
August 29, 2019
When the cowboy has the wrong idea!
A tantalising story of a love so deep but when one of the participants has no faith in himself, what's the lady to do? I enjoyed this story very much and was rooting for love to overcome doubts.
A tantalising story of a love so deep but when one of the participants has no faith in himself, what's the lady to do? I enjoyed this story very much and was rooting for love to overcome doubts.
Read
October 25, 2019The family curse
Trey believes there is a family curse to keep him from having a forever love. Still be can't fight his attraction to Maddie, the new get in town. When her office/home burns down, she comes to live at his ranch. Will this break down his wall?
Trey believes there is a family curse to keep him from having a forever love. Still be can't fight his attraction to Maddie, the new get in town. When her office/home burns down, she comes to live at his ranch. Will this break down his wall?
July 9, 2020
Sweet with a little heat
Sweet, wholesome vet Maddie is thrown into a situation with hunky, commitment shy rancher Trey after her practice and apartment burn to the ground. Read to find out how that relationship went as well as Maddie taming a wild stallion, or is that the same?
Sweet, wholesome vet Maddie is thrown into a situation with hunky, commitment shy rancher Trey after her practice and apartment burn to the ground. Read to find out how that relationship went as well as Maddie taming a wild stallion, or is that the same?
March 19, 2023
Texas Cowboy
This was a very good book with interesting characters in an interesting setting. Maddie and Trey were obviously meant to be together and it took a village to finally convince Trey he could handle a relationship.
This was a very good book with interesting characters in an interesting setting. Maddie and Trey were obviously meant to be together and it took a village to finally convince Trey he could handle a relationship.
March 20, 2023
Good book but!
A good story but got frustrated with Trey, too much going on about the past and the mistakes the rest of his family made with relationships and it ended abruptly. A one day read. Will read the next one and hopefully it might flesh out this one a bit more.
A good story but got frustrated with Trey, too much going on about the past and the mistakes the rest of his family made with relationships and it ended abruptly. A one day read. Will read the next one and hopefully it might flesh out this one a bit more.
April 1, 2023
claiming the stallions
A wonderful story that I almost gave up on. I was kinda done with repeating words of Trey and his worth to a woman, but Storm is the reason I kept reading…definitely worth finishing!
A wonderful story that I almost gave up on. I was kinda done with repeating words of Trey and his worth to a woman, but Storm is the reason I kept reading…definitely worth finishing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews