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Cowboy Brothers in Arms #2
Always A Maverick
Even a real-life hero needs a little healing sometimes…
Air Force test pilot Blue Donnelly has the greatest job in the world…until his F-22 crashes during a demonstration flight, leaving him with a busted body and a ton of guilt. Then horse whisperer Marin Galloway walks into his hospital room, snapping him out of self-pity with a shock of desire and some surprising her six-year-old ward thinks Blue is his daddy.
Leo isn’t really Blue’s son, much as the little boy wishes it. Still, he needs a father figure, and Blue is willing to help…at least until it’s time to report for duty. The longer Blue spends getting closer and closer to Marin and to Leo on his family’s sprawling Texas ranch, the more he questions his need to return to the sky. But when a secret is revealed, leaving his entire future uncertain, Blue must decide who he is outside the cockpit—and whether his new dream is big enough for two co-pilots.
Can't get enough of the Cowboy Brothers in Arms series?Book 1: Heart Like a CowboyBook 2: Always a MaverickBook 3: Cowboying Up - September 2024
Air Force test pilot Blue Donnelly has the greatest job in the world…until his F-22 crashes during a demonstration flight, leaving him with a busted body and a ton of guilt. Then horse whisperer Marin Galloway walks into his hospital room, snapping him out of self-pity with a shock of desire and some surprising her six-year-old ward thinks Blue is his daddy.
Leo isn’t really Blue’s son, much as the little boy wishes it. Still, he needs a father figure, and Blue is willing to help…at least until it’s time to report for duty. The longer Blue spends getting closer and closer to Marin and to Leo on his family’s sprawling Texas ranch, the more he questions his need to return to the sky. But when a secret is revealed, leaving his entire future uncertain, Blue must decide who he is outside the cockpit—and whether his new dream is big enough for two co-pilots.
Can't get enough of the Cowboy Brothers in Arms series?Book 1: Heart Like a CowboyBook 2: Always a MaverickBook 3: Cowboying Up - September 2024
- GenresRomance
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About the author
Delores Fossen
651 books815 followersThank you for finding me on Goodreads!
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 28, 2024
This is a Cowboy Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Cowboy Brothers in Arms series. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book, but I think this book can be read as a standalone without any problems. I loved the characters in this book. The storyline in this book pulled me into it from the beginning, and I did not want to stop reading this book. I really loved the ending. Great read with characters I really connected to. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Canary Street Press) or author (Delores Fossen) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
May 24, 2024
I started this book immediately after finishing the first book in the series, HEART LIKE A COWBOY. I liked that book, but, to quote my own review:
Though it was a little irritating how often characters either mumbled or snarled, and "spelled out", as in instead of "blah blah blah, she said", it's "she spelled out". I'm not sure the author really understands the context of what it means when you use "spelled out".
This book is rife with the same issues. I didn’t mention it in my first review, but that book, and this book, also had another issue, which I cannot ignore this time. The characters are constantly cursing. Not actually saying curse words, other than the occasional “hell” and quite a few “shits”. What I mean is, well, let me show you:
“He’s still in a coma,” Blue explained, and cursing, he scrubbed his hand over his face. (pg 92)
Marin uttered a single word of profanity, leaned in and did something that Blue certainly hadn’t seen coming. (pg 110)
But then, she groaned, cursed again and pressed harder. (pg 110)
He cursed, too, because he knew that his life, and Marin’s, had just gotten a hell of a lot more complicated. (pg 111)
But then he shook his head and cursed. (pg 182)
He cursed again, and this time she thought it might, indeed, be aimed at her. (pg 185)
His father cursed. (pg 199)
Audrey nodded again and surprised him when she cursed. (pg 203)
She stopped, cursed, dropped the cigarette and stomped it out. (pg 204)
When he finally got his mouth to working, he did some cursing, too, and she didn’t hold back either. (pg 205)
She made that sound again. And cursed him. (pg 221)
She paused, muttered some profanity. (pg 248)
Now, that’s twelve times in just a little over a fifty page section. And that’s just a drop in the bucket when you look at the entire book. It’s akin to watching a movie on tv and the cuss words are bleeped out, and you get tired of hearing that constant bleep! bleep! I mean, come on, if you’re going to have characters who apparently cuss like sailors, put it out there. Does doing it this way make the book “clean”? Cuz the copious amounts of sex the hero and heroine have certainly do not.
That being said, I actually liked this book a little more than the first one, thanks to the story line and the engaging characters, and I’m ready for the third book to come out. But I will probably be counting how many times the characters curse or utter profanity.
Though it was a little irritating how often characters either mumbled or snarled, and "spelled out", as in instead of "blah blah blah, she said", it's "she spelled out". I'm not sure the author really understands the context of what it means when you use "spelled out".
This book is rife with the same issues. I didn’t mention it in my first review, but that book, and this book, also had another issue, which I cannot ignore this time. The characters are constantly cursing. Not actually saying curse words, other than the occasional “hell” and quite a few “shits”. What I mean is, well, let me show you:
“He’s still in a coma,” Blue explained, and cursing, he scrubbed his hand over his face. (pg 92)
Marin uttered a single word of profanity, leaned in and did something that Blue certainly hadn’t seen coming. (pg 110)
But then, she groaned, cursed again and pressed harder. (pg 110)
He cursed, too, because he knew that his life, and Marin’s, had just gotten a hell of a lot more complicated. (pg 111)
But then he shook his head and cursed. (pg 182)
He cursed again, and this time she thought it might, indeed, be aimed at her. (pg 185)
His father cursed. (pg 199)
Audrey nodded again and surprised him when she cursed. (pg 203)
She stopped, cursed, dropped the cigarette and stomped it out. (pg 204)
When he finally got his mouth to working, he did some cursing, too, and she didn’t hold back either. (pg 205)
She made that sound again. And cursed him. (pg 221)
She paused, muttered some profanity. (pg 248)
Now, that’s twelve times in just a little over a fifty page section. And that’s just a drop in the bucket when you look at the entire book. It’s akin to watching a movie on tv and the cuss words are bleeped out, and you get tired of hearing that constant bleep! bleep! I mean, come on, if you’re going to have characters who apparently cuss like sailors, put it out there. Does doing it this way make the book “clean”? Cuz the copious amounts of sex the hero and heroine have certainly do not.
That being said, I actually liked this book a little more than the first one, thanks to the story line and the engaging characters, and I’m ready for the third book to come out. But I will probably be counting how many times the characters curse or utter profanity.
February 18, 2024
I loved the audiobook of book 1 in this series, Heart Like a Cowboy, and this story was just as good.
We are back at the Saddlebrook Ranch, where the Donnelly siblings were raised . Each with dangers jobs in the military.
Air Force test pilot Blue Donnelly loves his job but when he crashes an F-22 during a demonstration, there is a possibility his injuries might keep him from ever doing what he loves most.
While in the hospital, he gets a visit from Marin Galloway, a horse whisperer and her ward, sweet Leo who believes Blue is his Dad.
As the story develops and we get to know Marin, Blue and Leo, we also see how feelings develop. In the midst of it all, Blue is not only dealing with his guilt and injuries, but also with the uncertainty of his futures.
Meanwhile Marin, who is willing to have a fling with Blue, suspects her heart will broken when he leaves.
This is a story about family, facing one’s fears, uncertainty of the future, second chances in life and the possibility of finding true love.
A great addition to the series. Can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for the readers in her next story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
We are back at the Saddlebrook Ranch, where the Donnelly siblings were raised . Each with dangers jobs in the military.
Air Force test pilot Blue Donnelly loves his job but when he crashes an F-22 during a demonstration, there is a possibility his injuries might keep him from ever doing what he loves most.
While in the hospital, he gets a visit from Marin Galloway, a horse whisperer and her ward, sweet Leo who believes Blue is his Dad.
As the story develops and we get to know Marin, Blue and Leo, we also see how feelings develop. In the midst of it all, Blue is not only dealing with his guilt and injuries, but also with the uncertainty of his futures.
Meanwhile Marin, who is willing to have a fling with Blue, suspects her heart will broken when he leaves.
This is a story about family, facing one’s fears, uncertainty of the future, second chances in life and the possibility of finding true love.
A great addition to the series. Can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for the readers in her next story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 11, 2024
It’s been awhile since I read a cowboy romance. What was I waiting for!!! This story really grabbed me and I didn’t want to put it down. With dangerous lives and living on the ranch you know its going to be a great story. With characters that really get you involved in the story and a connection and chemistry together that can’t be missed you will want to be part of this story. I love the perfect combination of steam, romance and heart. You will love this book.
September 2, 2024
This was a great second book in a series. I really loved the romance as well as the relationship that developed between Blue and Leo. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2024
I loved this second book in a series about a family of ranchers who also serve their country. In this book, Blue Donnelly is an Air Force test pilot. Flying is all he ever wanted to do. As this book opens, Blue is in the hospital after crash-landing his jet. He is badly injured and feels guilty about the injuries received by some of the people on the ground. He's feeling pretty sorry for himself when he gets a surprise visitor.
Marin and her six-year-old ward were spectators at the air show. Young Leo is an avid fan of Blue and believes that Blue is his father. Marin needs Blue's help to show Leo the truth without hurting him.
I enjoyed Marin and Blue's first meeting. His good looks and rogueish charm stirred Marin up. Blue was blown away by Marin's beauty and stunned by the news she brought. Although Blue is not Leo's dad, I liked that he wanted to help the little boy. Marin works with abused horses, and the Donnellys had just rescued several from a neighbor, so they hired her to work with them on their ranch. This gives Marin steady work, Leo a safe and exciting place to live, and Blue needs distractions as he recovers from his injuries.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Blue and Marin. Neither was looking for anything. Marin has trust issues with men, and Blue will return to his base as soon as he is fit. As the story developed and I got to know the characters, it was easy to see how right Marin and Blue are for each other, even though the obstacles seem insurmountable. Complicating matters, Leo's real dad shows up, threatening to take Leo away from Marin. I could feel Marin's fear over what Brian would do, and I loved the support she got from Blue and the rest of the Donnellys.
The more time Marin and Blue spent together, the stronger the sparks between them grew. Each knew giving in to them was a bad idea, but neither had the strength or resolve to resist. Besides his growing feelings for Marin, Blue must also face uncertainty about his future. If his injuries don't heal enough to allow him to return to the life he loves, can he be happy doing anything else? I ached for Blue and the range of emotions he experienced as he faced a possibly life-changing decision. The ending was terrific.
I also enjoyed the Donnely family dynamics. The siblings are all stand-up characters with a deep-rooted sense of honor and family. Combining military careers with ranching is difficult, but they make it work. I liked seeing more of Egan (Heart Like a Cowboy) and his lady, Alanna. Blue's other brother, Cal, and his sister, Remi, appear in this book as their military duties allow. We also get to catch up with the elder Donnelly, who is recovering from a heart attack, and his wife, Audrey, an Air Force general. A twist involving them in the latter part of the book throws the entire family for a loop. I loved young Leo, whose hero worship of Blue was sweet. I enjoyed seeing him wiggle his way into everyone's hearts.
#netgalley
Marin and her six-year-old ward were spectators at the air show. Young Leo is an avid fan of Blue and believes that Blue is his father. Marin needs Blue's help to show Leo the truth without hurting him.
I enjoyed Marin and Blue's first meeting. His good looks and rogueish charm stirred Marin up. Blue was blown away by Marin's beauty and stunned by the news she brought. Although Blue is not Leo's dad, I liked that he wanted to help the little boy. Marin works with abused horses, and the Donnellys had just rescued several from a neighbor, so they hired her to work with them on their ranch. This gives Marin steady work, Leo a safe and exciting place to live, and Blue needs distractions as he recovers from his injuries.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Blue and Marin. Neither was looking for anything. Marin has trust issues with men, and Blue will return to his base as soon as he is fit. As the story developed and I got to know the characters, it was easy to see how right Marin and Blue are for each other, even though the obstacles seem insurmountable. Complicating matters, Leo's real dad shows up, threatening to take Leo away from Marin. I could feel Marin's fear over what Brian would do, and I loved the support she got from Blue and the rest of the Donnellys.
The more time Marin and Blue spent together, the stronger the sparks between them grew. Each knew giving in to them was a bad idea, but neither had the strength or resolve to resist. Besides his growing feelings for Marin, Blue must also face uncertainty about his future. If his injuries don't heal enough to allow him to return to the life he loves, can he be happy doing anything else? I ached for Blue and the range of emotions he experienced as he faced a possibly life-changing decision. The ending was terrific.
I also enjoyed the Donnely family dynamics. The siblings are all stand-up characters with a deep-rooted sense of honor and family. Combining military careers with ranching is difficult, but they make it work. I liked seeing more of Egan (Heart Like a Cowboy) and his lady, Alanna. Blue's other brother, Cal, and his sister, Remi, appear in this book as their military duties allow. We also get to catch up with the elder Donnelly, who is recovering from a heart attack, and his wife, Audrey, an Air Force general. A twist involving them in the latter part of the book throws the entire family for a loop. I loved young Leo, whose hero worship of Blue was sweet. I enjoyed seeing him wiggle his way into everyone's hearts.
#netgalley
May 4, 2024
Another in the Cowboy Brothers in Arms series, in which youngest brother, Air Force pilot Blue Donnelly is nursing oh so many aches and pains after his F-22 crash-lands. While recuperating at home, he keeps encountering horse whisperer Marin Calloway, who is hired by Blue's brother to come to the ranch to work with several rescued horses who have been badly abused.
While there, 6-year-old Leo, ward of Marin's, seems to be helping Blue come to terms with what his life might be like while he's trying to heal, but when the little boy's bio-father shows up on the scene demanding to meet with the boy and maybe even take custody of him, both Marin and Blue fight back. The problem is, who's going to win that battle? Especially after Leo runs away after making clear that he doesn't want to leave the ranch.
Great characters, great love scenes. What's next for these brothers?
While there, 6-year-old Leo, ward of Marin's, seems to be helping Blue come to terms with what his life might be like while he's trying to heal, but when the little boy's bio-father shows up on the scene demanding to meet with the boy and maybe even take custody of him, both Marin and Blue fight back. The problem is, who's going to win that battle? Especially after Leo runs away after making clear that he doesn't want to leave the ranch.
Great characters, great love scenes. What's next for these brothers?
April 24, 2024
Kissing me is an anchor?
When you think life at Saddlebrook Ranch in Emerald Creek, Texas can’t get more complicated, it does, as youngest son Blue finds out after he crash lands his fighter jet during a demonstration flight and is forced home to recover. Having woke up the news he’s got a ‘girlfriend’ and a son he previously knew nothing about he handles that gracefully while being riddled with guilt over the unintended fallout of his crash that hurt others. His only distraction is Marin and Leo, and making sure they stay where they belong when Leo’s actual father shows up with nefarious intentions. And that’s just a recap that barely scraps the surface among the goings on in the second installment of the series! A true page turner, I can’t wait for book three.
When you think life at Saddlebrook Ranch in Emerald Creek, Texas can’t get more complicated, it does, as youngest son Blue finds out after he crash lands his fighter jet during a demonstration flight and is forced home to recover. Having woke up the news he’s got a ‘girlfriend’ and a son he previously knew nothing about he handles that gracefully while being riddled with guilt over the unintended fallout of his crash that hurt others. His only distraction is Marin and Leo, and making sure they stay where they belong when Leo’s actual father shows up with nefarious intentions. And that’s just a recap that barely scraps the surface among the goings on in the second installment of the series! A true page turner, I can’t wait for book three.
June 15, 2024
This is the second book in this Cowboys Brothers in Arms series and I really enjoyed the storyline. In this book we meet Blue, the jet pilot right after a crash in a test jet and things are not going well. While Blue is trying to remember the crash, Marin Galloway shows up in his hospital room with a story about a young boy named Leo. Leo had been told by his mother before she died, that Blue was his father and he really wanted to meet him. This is a great story of little boys and their heroes and big boys with their dreams. The journey from the hospital bed back to a fighter jet was a very long road and we get to go with Blue every step of the way. There is a lot of drama in this family and very much worth the read.
May 3, 2024
Blue wakes up in the hospital but doesn't remember why! While finding out here come Marin.
She is there to tell him her little boy thinks he is his dad..
Blue fights to get to be able to fly again. While he does that Marin is working on the family ranch helping with horses. He finds himself talking to her when he needs an ear. He grows close to Leo, her son.
But like everything someone is threatening Marin and the little boy. Blue is trying to save them but himself as well.
A wild ride. I couldn't put the book down as I had to see what happened to all three.
Must read book!
She is there to tell him her little boy thinks he is his dad..
Blue fights to get to be able to fly again. While he does that Marin is working on the family ranch helping with horses. He finds himself talking to her when he needs an ear. He grows close to Leo, her son.
But like everything someone is threatening Marin and the little boy. Blue is trying to save them but himself as well.
A wild ride. I couldn't put the book down as I had to see what happened to all three.
Must read book!
May 7, 2024
This is the second book is Cowboy Brothers In Arm. In the book we are introducing to Blue Donnelly an Air Force test pilot dealing with guilt over F-22 crash. In walks Marin Calloway and the 6 years old little boy, Leo, she caring for. As Blue and Leo start to bond in walk Leo’s bio-father. Plus there a secret that uncovered. Find out where the secret leads Blue. How Marin and Leo deal with Leo’s father. This book gives you love, compassion and a secret to deal with. Definitely a book to read. Delores Fossen gives you a book that you don’t want to put down.
April 27, 2024
Good short read
Delores Fossen has another good book with Always a Maverick; which is Blue’s turn to fall. He’s a fighter pilot who is injured & Miren is a horse whisperer that Egan hires to train horses who have been abused by their prior owner. She has custody of a little boy who thinks Blue is his dad. As Blue rehabs his injuries & Miren works with horses & cares for Leo, they all intertwine their lives. Will it last? Read this book & see.
Delores Fossen has another good book with Always a Maverick; which is Blue’s turn to fall. He’s a fighter pilot who is injured & Miren is a horse whisperer that Egan hires to train horses who have been abused by their prior owner. She has custody of a little boy who thinks Blue is his dad. As Blue rehabs his injuries & Miren works with horses & cares for Leo, they all intertwine their lives. Will it last? Read this book & see.
May 31, 2025
Book 2 in the Cowboy in Arms series giving this a 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
Major Blue Donnelly wakes up in a hospital after a horrific crash and blames himself over and over and over again.
A fib to gain entrance into his room claiming to be his girlfriend gets a “natural horsemanship trainer” or horse whisperer a job at the ranch and the attention of Blue.
Family secrets are exposed and romance is in the air.
Major Blue Donnelly wakes up in a hospital after a horrific crash and blames himself over and over and over again.
A fib to gain entrance into his room claiming to be his girlfriend gets a “natural horsemanship trainer” or horse whisperer a job at the ranch and the attention of Blue.
Family secrets are exposed and romance is in the air.
March 21, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Delores Fossen. I loved it and I can see myself reading more books by her. This one was steamy and romantic. I loved the family dynamic of it. I especially loved the ending because it was heartfelt. I am grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2024
This was a DNF for me. I thought it had some promise, but after the second time of the MCs getting hot and bothered around horses mating, I just couldn't keep reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
June 27, 2025
This is everything you hope a book with a cover like that to be. I got lost in it sitting my the pool, enjoying all the little side plots, the romance, and the imagery. Great to read if you need a little break from reality.
Read
April 1, 2024Military Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance
Miniseries
Cowboy Brothers in Arms (Book #2)
Miniseries
Cowboy Brothers in Arms (Book #2)
May 18, 2024
ALWAYS A MAVERICK by Delores Fossen, Cowboy Brothers in Arms Book 2
Romantic, Wonderful characters, Happily Ever After, Entertaining
Romantic, Wonderful characters, Happily Ever After, Entertaining
June 18, 2024
fantastic
I think I liked this better than first!
Can’t wait for the next one.
The storyline was exciting and steamy, of course
I think I liked this better than first!
Can’t wait for the next one.
The storyline was exciting and steamy, of course
September 17, 2024
I was just bored and felt like it had too many unrealistic moments
November 9, 2024
Now I gave read the first 3 books of the series I sure hope there is a 4th!
January 6, 2025
I really liked the characters and setting but it was too tedious to keep going. Got about half way. Just lost patience with it.
September 10, 2024
This is a good book. The two main characters are Marin and Blue. Marin and her son come to live on the ranch of Blue’s family. Marin is a horse whisperer. Blue is a fighter pilot. Blue had a crash landing and got hurt. There is an attraction. Marin’s son father has come back into his life. He only wants money not his son. Marin and Blue protect him. They start dating and fall in love.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews