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Charming the Grumpy Cowboy: Contemporary Western Family Saga
Charismatic Mediator thaws Grumpy Cowboy's Frozen Heart
Tumble into the heart of Meadowbrook where the Clayborne men rule the roost, and a city girl with a cane and a plan comes knocking. "Charming a Grumpy Cowboy" weaves a tale of loss, legacy, and the lure of love in the unlikeliest places.
Colton Clayborne, rugged and resolute, is determined to save his family's ranch from the hands of time and the clutches of greed. When Alina McKinnie, a compassionate and determined mediator with a mission, steps onto the Clayborne soil, sparks fly, and so do tempers.
With a will that leaves more questions than answers, and a family torn by old wounds, Alina and Colton must navigate a path that could save the ranch or cost them their happiness.
Together, they might find something more valuable than land—love that could last a lifetime.
Tumble into the heart of Meadowbrook where the Clayborne men rule the roost, and a city girl with a cane and a plan comes knocking. "Charming a Grumpy Cowboy" weaves a tale of loss, legacy, and the lure of love in the unlikeliest places.
Colton Clayborne, rugged and resolute, is determined to save his family's ranch from the hands of time and the clutches of greed. When Alina McKinnie, a compassionate and determined mediator with a mission, steps onto the Clayborne soil, sparks fly, and so do tempers.
With a will that leaves more questions than answers, and a family torn by old wounds, Alina and Colton must navigate a path that could save the ranch or cost them their happiness.
Together, they might find something more valuable than land—love that could last a lifetime.
306 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2024
About the author
Ciara Knight
122 books808 followersCiara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 15, 2024
I will always say Ciara Knight can do no wrong! You will always fall in love with her characters. Colton is definitely a grumpy character but you know there is heart behind all that grumpiness. This book is heartwarming and heartbreaking at times but you won't be able to put it down. Ciara pulled my heartstrings in this book and I can't wait to see what she writes next. I would definitely recommend this book and her other books as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Author Collective 20 for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Author Collective 20 for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Alina was such a great character as she sought to rise above the challenges in her life. Her ability to move on was remarkable! The Clayborne cousins were such a great group--they sounded like men you wanted in your corner. Colton was definitely grumpy but the reader could see how he carried so much of the weight of the family!
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
March 27, 2024
Charming the Grumpy Cowboy by Ciara Knight is a heart-warming story of a young man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. His uncle has just died and he, and the rest of his family, are awaiting the reading of the will. His eleven brothers/cousins, their fathers, and his own father, presumably there to grab what they could. His uncle had trained him for this moment: the moment he took over the ranch. He could hardly believe his ears when the mediator read the will and explained what was next. Things didn’t get better when, the next morning, his uncles met him on his porch to relay a thirty million dollar offer on the ranch that hadn’t even been lift to them but to their sons and him and his brothers. The mediator was a young woman named Alina, who seemed totally unsuited for the task. He turned out to be wrong about that. She had a will of steel and she was beautiful and charming. He was not the first of the boys to fall for her, but his reaction was the most serious.
Colton was taciturn and set in his ways. Odd for someone so young. It took a lot of work to get him to even sit down and listen, let alone, try anything new. She made the first inroads when Duncan, the youngest cousin, wanted to set up a YouTube channel for the ranch. Surprisingly, it took off. Then he began to see reason in sharing the burden, not only with the others, but with Alina as well. She carried a lot on her shoulders: she had lost her father at the same time she had broken her hip, giving her a life-long disability. But Colton saw what she could be, not what she wasn’t. It was a revelation. Their love grew slowly. There were plenty of outside influences on the ranch and on them. It was an interesting plot as these men came into themselves and made the ranch profitable, at the same time beginning to live their best lives. What a good book. Thanks, Ms. Knight, for romance as it should be!
I was invited to read Charming the Grumpy Cowboy by Author Collective 20. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AuthorCollectiveTwenty #CiaraKnight #CharmingTheGrumpyCowboy
Colton was taciturn and set in his ways. Odd for someone so young. It took a lot of work to get him to even sit down and listen, let alone, try anything new. She made the first inroads when Duncan, the youngest cousin, wanted to set up a YouTube channel for the ranch. Surprisingly, it took off. Then he began to see reason in sharing the burden, not only with the others, but with Alina as well. She carried a lot on her shoulders: she had lost her father at the same time she had broken her hip, giving her a life-long disability. But Colton saw what she could be, not what she wasn’t. It was a revelation. Their love grew slowly. There were plenty of outside influences on the ranch and on them. It was an interesting plot as these men came into themselves and made the ranch profitable, at the same time beginning to live their best lives. What a good book. Thanks, Ms. Knight, for romance as it should be!
I was invited to read Charming the Grumpy Cowboy by Author Collective 20. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AuthorCollectiveTwenty #CiaraKnight #CharmingTheGrumpyCowboy
April 6, 2024
In Charming the Grumpy Cowboy (first book in the Clayborne Cowboy Cousins series) Ciara Knight has presented her audience a different type of Cowboy story. With the passing of family patriarch Ford Clayborne and following the funeral services the Clayborne men, Ford’s three remaining brothers and the 12 nephews that Ford almost single-handedly raised, are awaiting the high falutin big city lawyer his uncle had engaged to put together an ironclad will.
Meeting at Sally McKinnie’s Buckin’ Bronco Tavern for the will reading, the Clayborne men sat in clusters surrounded by the town’s curious folks. All were awaiting a big city attorney and were very surprised when Sally’s pretty young niece comes from behind the bar and heads, with her cane, to the front of the room to take charge. While the estranged brothers were cut out of the will, the terms were still not making anyone particularly pleased. In particular, Colton Clayborne, eldest of the cousins who Ford had told soon before his passing that it was now up to him as the new family patriarch, was perplexed when the estate was left to the twelve cousins equally. The terms, which Alina McKinnie was there to enforce and mediate, were that all must agree on the future of the ranch or the property would be sold and proceeds given to designated charities.
Trying to enforce her own independence while also enforcing the terms of the will, Alina may just have bitten off a bite too large. But it sure is a fun ride watching her work nibble by nibble.
With wonderfully drawn characters and an intricate plot highlighting the ties Alina has to the town and even the ranch she knows nothing about, the tale takes unexpected turns along the way. This is a very fun and different story that I did very much enjoy. I do recommend this book!
Meeting at Sally McKinnie’s Buckin’ Bronco Tavern for the will reading, the Clayborne men sat in clusters surrounded by the town’s curious folks. All were awaiting a big city attorney and were very surprised when Sally’s pretty young niece comes from behind the bar and heads, with her cane, to the front of the room to take charge. While the estranged brothers were cut out of the will, the terms were still not making anyone particularly pleased. In particular, Colton Clayborne, eldest of the cousins who Ford had told soon before his passing that it was now up to him as the new family patriarch, was perplexed when the estate was left to the twelve cousins equally. The terms, which Alina McKinnie was there to enforce and mediate, were that all must agree on the future of the ranch or the property would be sold and proceeds given to designated charities.
Trying to enforce her own independence while also enforcing the terms of the will, Alina may just have bitten off a bite too large. But it sure is a fun ride watching her work nibble by nibble.
With wonderfully drawn characters and an intricate plot highlighting the ties Alina has to the town and even the ranch she knows nothing about, the tale takes unexpected turns along the way. This is a very fun and different story that I did very much enjoy. I do recommend this book!
July 9, 2025
I love this story, like many of Ms. Knight’s stories, it is about love, family, friendship and trust. The characters are all in the process of finding themselves as they come to terms with their past and future. I have to give a little bit of spoilers in this review but not enough to keep you from enjoying the story. But if you feel that it might, just stop reading this review here.
The cattle ranch that belongs to the Claybourne family is now in a state of flux. Uncle Ford, who was the sole owner of the ranch, has died and no one knows who will inherit it. All of the family, including those brothers who ran off and had nothing to do with the ranch show up for the reading of the will. Many of them are just there hoping to get some of the money.
This is a very complicated situation, because only the 16 cousins were left as children with Uncle Ford to raise. None of his brothers bothered to take care of their own sons, they just dumped the children on Uncle Ford and the ranch. Colton Claybourne was the oldest of the cousins and thought that he was responsible for keeping the ranch going after his uncle’s death.
Alina McKinnie showed up in town as the meditator of the will. It seems that Uncle Ford decided that all 16 cousins had to decide what to do with the ranch—keep it or sell it. If they could not come to unanimous agreement, it would be sold off and the money would go to charity.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns. There is a lot of history both good and bad. It is a very complex story that keeps you wanting to know more with each chapter. I will stop here because telling you more would actually spoil the story and Aline and Colton’s story is well worth reading.
The cattle ranch that belongs to the Claybourne family is now in a state of flux. Uncle Ford, who was the sole owner of the ranch, has died and no one knows who will inherit it. All of the family, including those brothers who ran off and had nothing to do with the ranch show up for the reading of the will. Many of them are just there hoping to get some of the money.
This is a very complicated situation, because only the 16 cousins were left as children with Uncle Ford to raise. None of his brothers bothered to take care of their own sons, they just dumped the children on Uncle Ford and the ranch. Colton Claybourne was the oldest of the cousins and thought that he was responsible for keeping the ranch going after his uncle’s death.
Alina McKinnie showed up in town as the meditator of the will. It seems that Uncle Ford decided that all 16 cousins had to decide what to do with the ranch—keep it or sell it. If they could not come to unanimous agreement, it would be sold off and the money would go to charity.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns. There is a lot of history both good and bad. It is a very complex story that keeps you wanting to know more with each chapter. I will stop here because telling you more would actually spoil the story and Aline and Colton’s story is well worth reading.
October 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Colton and Alina's story.
Colton was a Claybourne, one of many. When his uncle Ford died, he left the family ranch to Colton, his brothers and his cousins. Their fathers had been worthless and had never stepped up to the plate as a father, so the ranch was what they knew and even though Uncle Ford was a hard nut to crack, he showed them all love the only way he knew how. But, the ranch was in trouble and a mediator stepped in to help.
The mediator, Alina McKinnie, had tragedy in her life, as well. She had to use a cane to help navigate her way due to a childhood injury that left her feeling as if she was a burden. She was beautiful and determined to help these men make their ranch a success and she was not going to back down even though Colton was a grumpy bear.
I won't give any more of the story away but there is a happy ending and they learn that their lives are entertwined more than they knew. The story is about forgiveness, redemption, love and family. It is a clean, romantic read with a wonderful ending.
Colton was a Claybourne, one of many. When his uncle Ford died, he left the family ranch to Colton, his brothers and his cousins. Their fathers had been worthless and had never stepped up to the plate as a father, so the ranch was what they knew and even though Uncle Ford was a hard nut to crack, he showed them all love the only way he knew how. But, the ranch was in trouble and a mediator stepped in to help.
The mediator, Alina McKinnie, had tragedy in her life, as well. She had to use a cane to help navigate her way due to a childhood injury that left her feeling as if she was a burden. She was beautiful and determined to help these men make their ranch a success and she was not going to back down even though Colton was a grumpy bear.
I won't give any more of the story away but there is a happy ending and they learn that their lives are entertwined more than they knew. The story is about forgiveness, redemption, love and family. It is a clean, romantic read with a wonderful ending.
September 26, 2024
Strength and disabilities
Colton Clayborne, his bothers and cousins were all twelve raised by their uncle. When the uncle died the ranch was left to the twelve men equal. Each man had his own strength. But Colton was the oldest and had taken the leadership along with his uncle. Alina was brought in to help get the ranch profitable. Alina was hurt as a child and had a disability, she walked with a cane. She had been raised by her mother who stressed her disability. While on the ranch Colton didn't baby her and Alina found she wasn't as helpless as she though. She found new strengths and she liked what she was doing. Colton and Alina started looking at each other with love in their eyes. Alina got Colton to start asking what the others wanted to do, not telling them what he wanted them to do. A really good story.
Colton Clayborne, his bothers and cousins were all twelve raised by their uncle. When the uncle died the ranch was left to the twelve men equal. Each man had his own strength. But Colton was the oldest and had taken the leadership along with his uncle. Alina was brought in to help get the ranch profitable. Alina was hurt as a child and had a disability, she walked with a cane. She had been raised by her mother who stressed her disability. While on the ranch Colton didn't baby her and Alina found she wasn't as helpless as she though. She found new strengths and she liked what she was doing. Colton and Alina started looking at each other with love in their eyes. Alina got Colton to start asking what the others wanted to do, not telling them what he wanted them to do. A really good story.
March 25, 2026
I loved this story and the characters! It's a different type of cowboy story! The cousins on this ranch are very different and only a couple actually work on the ranch, the others have "regular" jobs. With the passing of the patriarch, Ford, it's up to Colton to figure out how to keep the Clayborne family ranch going. This is a story of loss, legacy and love. Alina is a very unlikely "match" candidate for Colton! Colton is a very grumpy guy and Alina is a compassionate woman but somehow, they worked this out through adversity! There is a will that leaves a lot of questions and old wounds to get through. Alina is there to help Colton get through it all.
This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the others! The other cousins were great in this book, and I can't wait to find out what happens with them!
This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the others! The other cousins were great in this book, and I can't wait to find out what happens with them!
March 5, 2024
Charming the Grumpy Cowboy by Ciara Knight is a charming, fun read. Colton meets Alinna upon the reading of his uncle's will. Feeling all the weight of being the oldest of 12 cousins, all of whom were raised by his uncle, Colton realizes he is now responsible to maintain the ranch, make it profitable, and continue raising and providing for his cousins. Alinna is a roadblock to all of Colton's well laid plans. Alinna is charged with mediating the will with all of the cousins. Will their wills clash or will they be 'mediated'? Will they remain antagonists or will something more develop?
A tale of faith is interwoven through the story as well as forgiveness. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.
A tale of faith is interwoven through the story as well as forgiveness. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.
March 23, 2024
Charming the Grumpy Cowboy by Ciara Knight is a heart warming and at times heart tugging story. Colton Clayborne is determined to hold on to the family ranch and legacy which is going to be one difficult job to do. A most unusual will has been read, now the mediated to the terms declared. Along the way a romance blooms or could bloom but it is a tricky journey to a place of security, trust and love.
An unusual but intriguing beginning that has me turning the pages as fast as I can read so see what happens next. So many struggles for the Clayborne nephews as well as for the mediator, Alina McKinnie. All have ties to the Meadowbrook area, the gossip, and the future outcomes. One small town read that has romance, heartache, wit and all the feels. Enjoy Charming the Grumpy Cowboy today.
An unusual but intriguing beginning that has me turning the pages as fast as I can read so see what happens next. So many struggles for the Clayborne nephews as well as for the mediator, Alina McKinnie. All have ties to the Meadowbrook area, the gossip, and the future outcomes. One small town read that has romance, heartache, wit and all the feels. Enjoy Charming the Grumpy Cowboy today.
April 2, 2024
This is the beginning of a series. It is a clean romance.
Colton’s uncle has passed away and he is waiting to hear what will become of the ranch that he has been working. Colton has lived there with his cousins. A mediator, Alina, comes out to read the will and have the cousins follow up on the contents of the will.
Alina has a limp and pain in her hip from a previous injury. Colton treats her like a regular person, not an invalid like her mother does. She is staying with her aunt while she works on this, hoping it will earn her freedom from the law office she has been working at. Can Colton and Alina work together?
Cute story with a few twists. The characters are fun and I like the strength in Alina. Looking forward to the next book.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
Colton’s uncle has passed away and he is waiting to hear what will become of the ranch that he has been working. Colton has lived there with his cousins. A mediator, Alina, comes out to read the will and have the cousins follow up on the contents of the will.
Alina has a limp and pain in her hip from a previous injury. Colton treats her like a regular person, not an invalid like her mother does. She is staying with her aunt while she works on this, hoping it will earn her freedom from the law office she has been working at. Can Colton and Alina work together?
Cute story with a few twists. The characters are fun and I like the strength in Alina. Looking forward to the next book.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
October 14, 2024
Colton was a very serious rancher. He took over when his uncle died. His uncle died and now his brothers help when they can..Alina was sent out to work with the brothers to come to an agreement on what to do with the property or ex-boyfriend gave her the job. We don’t know if it was to send her away or to keep tabs on her.. Her hip has a disability and she lips.C Colton treated her like any other woman he treated had her doing work, seen her past her disability. Later in the story, he softens up and realize that there’s something going on between him and her the brothers already knew it. so you will read what happens between Colton and Alina . It’s a great story how a grumpy ranchman turn into something different with the help of a woman.
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June 18, 2025I enjoyed the book but found a couple of places confusing. I one I remember best was when Clara accused Colton of being the father of her baby. Then Colton and his brother were racing after her seeing the accident she had. When did Colton's brother arrive? We find out later that he was there but out of sight. It lead to me having to go back several pages to reread assuming I must have missed something. Later I found out that he had been there along. This happened in a couple of other places causing me to reread but not finding clarification. It was still a good story and I'm glad I read it!
March 8, 2024
A heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Ranch life at its finest and worst. An interesting variety of men (brothers and cousins) are the basis for the ranch. The charming protagonist adds much to their life. Back stories are intriguing. Thanks for the ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary. I am wondering if there will be more stories taking place at this ranch. Lots of men to find their significant others.
March 13, 2024
I loved this story. It was heart warming and heart breaking at times but I couldn’t put it down. I read it all in one day. Alina and Colton are the perfect couple. They challenged each other and cared so much for one another. Colton never looking down at Alina, never making her feel any less. This story will pull at all the heart strings but you can’t help but love it all. A family coming together and a love blossoming!
March 13, 2024
Charming the Grumpy Cowboy is a new book in the currently popular Cowboy romance genre. Alina McKinney mediator from a Seattle Law Firm arrives at the Clayborne ranch to go through Uncle Ford Clayborne’s Will. With 12 cowboy nephews around the table it’s not going to be easy, and the eldest, Colton, is not happy at all.
https://romancebookfest.com/2024/03/1...
https://romancebookfest.com/2024/03/1...
April 2, 2024
A charming, tug at your heart, small town cowboy romance with exceptional characters that are complex and realistic. The book is full of heartache, healing, forgiveness, humor and romance. The storyline is interesting and entertaining beginning with family drama and a very unusual and odd will being read. I was immediately hooked! This story was heartwarming and once you pick this up you won't want to put it down. A great beginning to a wonderful new series.
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October 17, 2024This is a good book. The two main characters are Alina and Colton. They meet when Colton’s uncle dies and leaves the family’s ranch to all his nephews. Alina is a mediator. She gets everyone talking and the best solution. There is an instant attraction. Colton is really busy running the ranch, but Alina is very persistent she brings breakfast for everyone and gets them talking Alina and Colton start dating. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.
October 6, 2024
Not a bad book but really my cup of tea. I didn't like that literally only about 4 female characters were named (compared to about 20 male characters) and one of them had had an affair and had done lots of lying and another was a "buckle bunny" who got pregnant without being in a relationship. I also wasn't keen on the Christian message in the book. Like I said, not for me.
October 7, 2024
I liked this novel because of the initial conflict between Colton and Alina. Both were stubborn and wanted to have their own way. They were a fun couple to watch. The thread that holds the story together is the struggle to save the ranch. Some of Colton's other brothers were funny characters too.
October 14, 2024
Great story
I enjoyed the ranch and small town setting and the bond of family. The characters are well drawn and kept me wanting the best for them. I did think Alina's mother got off too easy and I was disappointed we never found out what Ford wrote to Colton, but overall an great read.
I enjoyed the ranch and small town setting and the bond of family. The characters are well drawn and kept me wanting the best for them. I did think Alina's mother got off too easy and I was disappointed we never found out what Ford wrote to Colton, but overall an great read.
March 25, 2024
Charming the Grumpy Cowboy is a well written and entertaining romance. I throughly enjoyed this book. A great plot. Cast of characters and setting. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
April 27, 2024
Great new series !
This is an excellent storyline with the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, which happens to be a favorite place of mine. It’s very well written and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
This is an excellent storyline with the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, which happens to be a favorite place of mine. It’s very well written and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
October 10, 2024
sweet read
A sweet read that reads well. Lots of characters and things going on. Characters are likeable enough but story ends a bit abruptly and some things don’t get finished, the letter from the uncle.was an okay read but won’t progress the series.
A sweet read that reads well. Lots of characters and things going on. Characters are likeable enough but story ends a bit abruptly and some things don’t get finished, the letter from the uncle.was an okay read but won’t progress the series.
November 1, 2024
I loved this book. I did not want to put it down. There are many twists and turns during the story.
I am sure you will enjoy it. There is heartache and surprises about what will happen next. I would call this a must read.
I am sure you will enjoy it. There is heartache and surprises about what will happen next. I would call this a must read.
April 19, 2024
I absolutely loved Alina. I was amazed at how she handled her disability and her job.
This book had me reading non stop. Can’t wait for the next book.
This book had me reading non stop. Can’t wait for the next book.
October 4, 2024
Great
This was a great story. I loved the interaction of the characters the suspensefulness of certain stories and of course the love. Truly a great story of love
This was a great story. I loved the interaction of the characters the suspensefulness of certain stories and of course the love. Truly a great story of love
October 5, 2024
Charming the Grumpy Cowboy
I've read over 1200 books since I 've retired & I. would put this in my best Top 10! Loved every minute of it!!!
I've read over 1200 books since I 've retired & I. would put this in my best Top 10! Loved every minute of it!!!
October 5, 2024
This story was fantabulous! I couldn’t wait to finish it but I wanted more! Good clean read!
December 11, 2024
Oh my goodness that took a disgustingly long time… first book of the month- am I okay?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews