Big Gruff Cowboy

Courage County Cowboys #2

by Mia Brody

This gruff cowboy won’t let anything stop him from claiming his curvy woman…

Lizzy

There are three things you should know about moving to Courage County:

1. There are cowboys everywhere.
2. Most of them are grumpy and scowling.
3. You’ll probably fall in love with one.

I fell hard for the gruffest cowboy of them all – Noah Maple.

Noah

There are three things Lizzy needs to know the moment I lay eyes on her:

1. She’s my soulmate.
2. She’s marrying me.
3. And I’m putting my baby in her belly.

If you love an over the top cowboy who falls hard and fast for his curvy woman, it’s time to meet Noah in Big Gruff Cowboy. One click for a story so hot you’ll need an ice cube!

It’s time to meet the Maple Brothers, the sweetest cowboys in Courage County. These OTT alpha cowboys are determined to claim the curvy women who have stolen their hearts. Cuddle up with these sexy new book boyfriends from Mia Brody today!

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Cowboy Romance, Novella

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Mia Brody is a romance author who loves big, bearded guys that are gruff on the outside and oh-so gooey on the inside. She writes swoon-worthy small town romances set in the fictional town of Courage County.

She often writes characters that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Her own struggles with muscular dystrophy and anxiety inspire many of her stories. She's passionate about showing readers that happily ever after is possible for everyone.

Get exclusive bonus scenes, early access to her latest books, and more when you sign up: https://miabrody.com/news/

Reviews

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

There may be some tears….

OOOF, this was a sucker punch at times! Two rejected and wounded souls finding love together—the heroine Lizzy had been rejected by numerous foster parents, she has a condition called alopecia and she wasn’t considered pretty. She was shown so much and so often she wasn’t wanted, that she was unloved, that she always waits for the rejection to come. She can’t believe anyone will ever keep her. Her pain was palpable, I could feel it.

The hero has also experienced abuse and pain in the foster system, but was eventually found and adopted. But he still carries the scars of his abuse.

I loved how these two broken souls found healing with each other and their love was so sweet and consuming.

There were some definite some over the top moments, but it lightened up the book and made me laugh in between the choky, tearful bits.

Super safe. Dual virgins. No others, cheating or sharing. HEA with epilogue

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written short story with strong characters in Noah and Lizzy. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with a steamy romance, determination and love and moves the story quickly and smoothly delivering a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy was in the foster system and now as an adult she finds her mother's grandfather and she moves to Courage County to help him with his bookstore. Noah is a former foster child that was adopted by the Maples with his brothers after awful neglect in foster system. These two meet and fall hard and fast for each other, but Lizzy is afraid that Noah won't stay with her and that she is not worth it. Instalove, a bit sad, sweet , bittersweet, romantic , steamy, fun to read and totally safe (both of them are virgins 😏) with an awesome HEA😍😍😍😍😍 Can't wait for the next Maple men to find his forever 👍🏻👍🏻

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah instantly claims Lizzy upon meeting her, he recognizes his soulmate. Lizzy came to town to reconnect with her grandpa who she did not know about for the longest time. She was in the forster system being hurt and rejected nearly her whole life. She has a health called alopecia and was not considered smart or beautiful enough. Noah also has scarss from his youth, until he found a real family with the Maples when he was 14 years old. Lizzy has a hard time to trust that somebody wants her and is staying, but Noah maybe a tough and gruff cowboy, but has a loyal and golden heart.
Well written love story, with great characters and the right amount of heat and romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gigi Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on Radish. Quick, hot HEA

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy has alopecia so she wears a wig. She grew up in the system and now through a DNA family site, she has found out that she has a grandpa, Walt, in Courage County. Her cat, Mr. Darcy is sick with thyroid disease and diabetes. So she takes him with her everywhere. Walt owns a little bookshop, One More Chapter. So now she lives with her grandpa and helps out at the store. Mr. Darcy hangs out with her at work and suns himself, like any respectable cat would. lol. While putting some new books out on one of the higher shelves, she slips and Noah catches her. Noah is a Maple and he realizes once she is in his arms that she is the one. There’s some misunderstandings and problems to overcome with how they grew up. But I instantly fell in love with both Lizzy and Noah. I’d already loved his brothers in their own stories. I love the brotherly banter. I laughed a lot during this book and cried over learning about Lizzy and Noah’s pasts. I love Evie, Sadie and Dotty, who are her friends and their book club. They are hilarious. I’ve read a few of Jane Austen’s books in high school, but I never got into them, but that doesn’t matter as any fan of any book understands fandom. I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to find out what happens next. There is also two cute things that happen near the end that just made me go aww.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Gruff Cowboy is Book 2 of the Courage County Cowboys series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her cowboy romance. Lizzy is a young curvy girl who works at the local bookstore with her grandfather, whom she only recently met. Noah is a hunky, flirty. Dirty-talking, gruff, and sexy cowboy. Both of them were raised in the foster care system and have baggage. Noah eventually got adopted by the Maples and had his family, but Lizzy has never felt that sense of belonging. When they meet for the first time at the bookstore, Noah promptly informs her she will be his wife and he will put a baby in her. Needless to say, she thinks he's crazy but is also insanely attracted to him. As they spend time together, she realizes how much she loves her gruff cowboy, but she is also scared of being cast aside when she messes up. Can Noah convince his sweet girl that he is all in?

“I’m not asking you to overcome a lifetime of fears and insecurities in a single night. I am asking you to let me love you through it.”

OMG, total swoonfest. Mia has done it again. She writes these perfectly imperfect characters that you just can't help but fall in love with them. Noah was completely drool-worthy and has been added to my book boyfriend collection. They had such amazing chemistry and funny banter, and we got the most perfect HEA ever. The bonus epilogue was chef's kiss perfection👌!!!

I can't wait for Sadie and Barrett's story next! I am totally and completely in love with the Maple brothers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy (h) moves to Courage County for a fresh start, leaving her troubled past behind, and to reconnect with her grandfather, Walt, helping run his bookstore. Noah (H) comes into the bookstore and is instantly drawn to her, bluntly declaring his intention to have children with Lizzy. Despite her initial shock, Lizzy is touched by Noah's unwavering determination to win her heart, and the attraction she too feels for him. As she helps Noah build his dream library and shares her love for books, she finds herself opening up about her painful childhood and her struggle with alopecia. In turn, Noah reveals his own foster care experiences, forging a deep bond between them. Despite their growing feelings, Lizzy’s insecurities cause her to run away, but there's no way Noah is going to let her get away, and with his family in tow, Noah is determined to show her how much she is loved and wanted. Sweet and steamy instalove, cowboy, small town romance, exploring love, resilience, family, hope, insecurities, and finding home.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully sweet and tender insta-love story. It also has a good amount of spice to indicate the depth of passion Noah and Lizzy feel for each other. They are meant for each other. Both were bullied as children and spent time in foster care without any real connection to anyone. Noah and his brothers were eventually adopted, but Lizzy was not so lucky. She presents a very self-assured and poised facade to others, but underneath it all, she is an emotional, insecure mess, just waiting to be rejected again. She holds tight to a painful secret that she is sure will cause Noah to deem her unworthy of being his wife.

Noah, however, proves to be a swoon worthy book boyfriend. He makes Lizzy feel beautiful, cherished and wanted. In his arms she feels safe and protected, at least until the old doubts creep in. I have to say that Noah’s patience and persistence are among his best qualities. His grand gestures make my heart melt. It was impossible not to love Noah and Lizzy.

This book is a wonderful and I will happily recommend it.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s one thing you can say for the cowboys of Courage County – they don’t mince words and their actions speak louder than words. There’s no doubt in Noah’s mind that Lizzy is the woman he’s been waiting for all his life, though I don’t know if his first words to her were the stuff of her dreams or nightmares. I loved Noah’s single-minded pursuit, but Lizzy was skittish and scarred by a lonely life, bounced around the foster care system, never staying anywhere long enough to get a sense she belonged. She was also very self-conscious about her medical condition, which ostracized her even more. I thought Noah’s gesture to show his support was the most moving thing I’d ever read and it simply melted my heart. With a strong sense of family that included Lizzy’s grandfather and Noah’s brothers, there was no doubt how Noah felt, now it was just a matter of getting Lizzy to open up to everything he offered.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 2 of the Courage County Cowboys series and focuses on Noah and Lizzy. Lizzy has spent so much of her life feeling alone and facing difficulties because of a condition that is out of her control. When she finds out she has a grandfather, she moves to Courage County to be closer to him. While working at her grandfather’s bookstore, she meets Noah, and has her life flipped upside down. Noah took one look at Lizzy and knew she was the one for him. He did everything in his power to prove to Lizzy that he was her forever and that he was her safe haven. I love how they were able to heal parts of each other and instinctively know how the other is feeling because they’d lived through similar types of experiences. This was a great story and a great addition to the series! I can’t wait to read about the rest of the Maple brothers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Mia continues to writes character with real life flaws. Noah was adopted along with his brothers by the Maples at 14. He lived a tough life and had the scars to prove it. Lizzy suffers from alopecia and was in foster care most of her life. Never smart or pretty enough to be adopted. When she reconnected with her grandfather and goes to live with him in Courage County, she still worries that he will get tired of her and send her away. Noah walks into Walt's (Lizzy's grandfathers) bookstore one day and sees Lizzy and realizes that she is meant to be his.

Noah might be gruff on the outside but that cowboy is a teddy bear for Lizzy. The way he shaves his head in solidarity for her...swooooon!!!!! I can't wait for the rest of the Maple boys to get their HEA. They all deserve it so much!!!

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy grew up in foster care, never really staying anywhere long. When she finds her grandfather on a DNA website, she heads to Courage County to meet him. She is working in his bookshop when she slips and is saved by gruff and gorgeous cowboy. He tells her she is his and she will be having his babies. She thinks he must be crazy, no one ever has wanted her.

Noah and his brothers were in foster care until Greer was placed with the Maples. Mrs. Maple pulled strings and got the other boys placed with her, Noah was fourteen by then. The Maples adopted the boys.

The pair are kindred spirits that have been hurt by adults, that should have protected them in the past. Noah will wait forever until Lizzy is ready.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing! Both Noah and Lizzy are afraid to love, but Noah has experienced love from his family at least. Both were foster children. Noah’s adopted mother adopted him along with his brothers so they could all be together. Lizzy was not as lucky. She did, however, find her grandfather. Because she always felt undeserving of love, she kept waiting for him to kick her out. Noah is able to convince her that unconditional love does exist.
I particularly found it amazing how this author, Mia Brody, does not shy away from actual medical conditions. These are difficult discussions to have in books but Mia handles them wonderfully.
This book is brilliant and a definite must read! It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah, along with his three brothers, were adopted when he was in his mid-teens. He found a wonderful family, home, and community. Now he just found his soul mate, but convincing her will be a challenge.
Lizzy was a foster child for most of her childhood. “No family wants little Lizzy. She’s not pretty or smart or outgoing,” is what was written in her file. Now she just needs to learn that she is worthy of love.

The book talks about the hardships of being a foster child that is shuffled from one family to the next, never really belonging. I also like how the heroine isn't "perfect" and she suffers from an autoimmune disease. Makes her more relatable, and down to earth. Love this story!!!.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of Courage County Cowboys starring Lizzy and Noah. WOW what a way to freak a girl out Noah, I have to say the way these two meet and the silly things that come out of the hot cowboy’s mouth will have you dropping with laughter. I loved how once Noah meets Lizzy he stops at nothing to show her just how crazy about her he is. His grand gesture was so sweet I almost cried. I loved that past pains was something these two had in common but together they can find a new beautiful life. I couldn’t stop laughing and turning the pages to see what would happen next. Can’t wait to see what the next brother brings to the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terriann Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Mia Brody's' books and this one did not disappoint! She has done it again, a great insta-love story about a gruff, insecure cowboy called Noah that finds his soulmate in Lizzy. But she has troubles and insecurities of her own and doesn't believe she is worthy or deserving of love, having never experienced it for herself. They were both taken into foster care as children and this has left scars within them both that run very deep. Can they heal together and allow the other to see through their hardened exterior protecting their hearts? Amazing book that I absolutely devoured! I could not put this down and I can't wait for the next book in this swoon worthy series! x.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love at first sight (for the MMC at least) Noah and Lizzy are two lost souls due to them being shifted from pillar to post as children. Both suffering from insecurities,emotionally scarred but when Lizzy literally falls into his arms he knows she’s his soulmate,he sees himself in her he just has to convince her she’s his forever .Love how possessive and obsessed the Maple men are. This was an emotional book with smiles, laughter, tears and so much love. Noah really is a special cowboy,Lizzy was so strong, but having endured so much rejection as a child she needed someone special to convince her she was worthy and that was Noah. Steamy too. Courage County is a special place and can’t wait for the next Maples brothers story.

[Ms. Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah tells Lizzy he is putting his baby in her belly the very first time he meets her. This felt a bit much at first but as the story goes on you realise that he, like his brother Griff, recognises his soulmate and has no reason to beat about the bush. Lizzy suffers from alopecia and the way Noah shows her how beautiful she is 🥺. Both he and Lizzy have suffered from difficult childhoods and abuse and rejection within foster care, but Noah is so understanding, and his family so loving Lizzy comes round to believing they can be together forever. There is lots of humorous interactions between the brothers and I also laughed at the mentions of alien smut romance. Plenty of hot steamy action between the two virgins and a HEA.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a sweeter and more romantic cowboy than Noah Maple, in this double virgin romance, I’ve definitely never heard of him!

From his. Very. First. Glance at Lizzy, Noah unceremoniously and unapologetically announced his intention to put his baby in her belly…it’s no wonder she thought he’d lost his ever lovin’ mind!

Just like in real life, Lizzy and Noah each carried their own emotional baggage, both stemming from a childhood spent in foster care with Lizzy’s being further complicated by health issues but, also like in real life, they found a way to compromise and work together in the way that worked best for them and their HEA. 4.5 sweet and steamy stars!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Lizzy and Noah. Lizzy has moved to Courage County to connect with the grandfather she never knew. After learning she actually had one through a ancestry site she wanted to know more about him. Now she is working in his book store part time because she is determined not to be a freeloader and wondering what the gruff cowboy Noah really wants with her. Noah knows from the moment he lays eyes on Lizzy she will be his wife and they will be together forever. The thing is he only knows one way when he meets her all out. Can these two find a HEA or has Noah's strong tactic's pushed her away permanently?

Amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy is our sweet and innocent MFC. Her fur baby, Mr. Darcy goes everywhere with her. She grew up in Foster Care and found as an adult she had a long lost grandfather. She moved to Courage County to meet him and ultamatly stayed to help him run his bookstore.
Noah is our big and handsome cowboy MMC. He also was a Foster child till he was adopted by his new mom along with his brothers.
Let me just say, the first meeting between these two is a blast! Did I mention Noah is an alpha male and very possessive and protective😁?
This is a sweet and yummy book with sooo much story line.👍🏻.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kayla Lietzau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my HEART🩷🩷🩷

I absolutely LOVED it!!!! Noah and Lizzy both had my heart aching for all that they both had endured throughout their lives!! I completely understand Lizzy’s fears and why it’s so hard for her to let people in! I also understand why it’s hard for Noah! Their souls just knew they were meant to be and could heal each other! I swooned so many times while reading this! The smexy times and filthy things coming out of his mouth were SOOOOO HOT🔥🫠🥵
This series just keeps getting better and better!! I am so obsessed! Can’t wait for the next one already!!
Highly highly recommend this wonderful book!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Big Gruff Cowboy Book 2 of Courage County Cowboys. Lizzy just found her grandfather after growing up in foster care. No one keeps Lizzy but Noah wants to. One look and he’s a goner, the only problem is the internal scars that Lizzy carries around. Noah will have to be patient to win her hart. Noah had his own share of heartache growing up in foster care as well until he was adopted. This is a sweet story and I loved the characters. I loved that it addresses an autoimmune disorder that isn’t talked about much. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Gruff Cowboy is funny, heartfelt, and so, so beautiful! I laughed, I swooned, and I cried more than once. Lizzy is such a gorgeous character, with strength, conviction, and kindness. Her traumas are real and plentiful, and she is so well-written I felt what she felt at every moment. The same is true for Noah. I love his big heart, compassion, kindness, and his ability to set his own fears aside to be exactly what Lizzy needs. This story really touched me in so many ways. The sizzling heat, all-consuming love, and deep emotions take you through all the feels absolutely loved it!!!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! It made me remember that no matter what we may see, it never tells us the struggles they are fighting on the inside every day. Lizzy came to live with her grandfather, whom she didn't know existed. She was raised in foster care and didn't know about biological family members. Noah is good friends with Lizzy's Grandfather and meets her when she first comes to town. I love how Noah fell so hard for her and the lengths he went to win her over. It actually brought tears to my eyes. The HEA is perfect for two great characters!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet baby Courage County Cowboys, these Maple brothers are something else. Each one has their own personality and each one gets better and better. This is Noah's story and how he is determined to get his Lizzy. Because of a rough start to life as well as insecurities with herself, Lizzy is not so willing to get on the Noah train. He doesn't let that deter him though and pursues her, even going as far as to shave his head to support her.
I loved Noah, probably my favorite Maple so far because he knows how lucky he is to be a part of this family and meet someone as wonderful as Lizzy.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Gruff Cowboy is book 2 in the Courage County Cowboys Series by Mia Brody. 

Noah, along with his brothers, were adopted into the Maple family. He was in his mid-teens and came to them after experiencing a difficult childhood with his parents and foster families.  He understands how fortunate he is to have ended up in such a loving home, family, and community.  When he meets Lizzy, he immediately recognizes her as having a similar upbringing and is incredibly patient and understanding of her issues. Lizzie is much slower to accept the possibility that she may be “worthy” of love and the family that comes with Noah. On top of her familial issues, she also suffers from alopecia, which causes even more insecurities.  

Together, these two flawed individuals are challenged to find a way to come together. Noah, especially because Lizzy does not make this easy. His OTT approach is also a bit overwhelming, perhaps, but is what we love about this group of brothers. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book and the series so far. These books are a bit longer than Brody's usual books but are worth the extra pages and time it takes to read them.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy grew up in foster care and just found her grandfather who lives in Courage County. Working in her grandfather’s book store she meets Noah Maple, one of the adopted sons of the Maple’s. Noah takes one look and knows she’s it for him but Lizzy can not believe that anyone can love her. But Noah will do his best to prove to her that love conquers all, he can make her feel loved, cared for and safe the rest of their lives. Beautifully written sweet and steamy romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is truly a great author. I am just a few away from having read all of her books. I jump at each one of her new books.

Small town
Cowboy
Foster children
Emotional scars
Instalove MMC

Lizzy and Noah meet in her grandfathers book store, as he saves her from hitting the ground when she falls off of the ladder. He grandfather has been asking Noah to visit to meet his granddaughter.

Will Noah be able to get Lizzy to drop her walls and give him a chance? Will they get married ans have a family? Let's finish reading to find out.