What do you think?
Rate this book
Cowboys of Duncan Ranch #1
Dependable Cowboy
Now that Joy is back in Rocky Ridge, she’s hoping she’s made the right decision. Though life with her husband in LA had been turbulent, she’d at least had a job and a steady income. Now she’s got to rebuild from the ground up and jobs aren’t as plentiful in the small mountain town as they were in the city. Her daughter is depending on her, so this move to her home town has to work.
Running into Joy was the last thing Aaron expected. She’d been his best friend and his biggest crush back in the day. They tried to date once. He’d been smitten and she’d decided that a guy with Hollywood stars in his eyes was better for her than a small town cowboy.
He’d heard a little about her since she left their home town, but he didn’t pay attention to the town gossip. One thing was for sure, though… he’d never forgotten her or that one kiss.
Memories flood back as they chat. She’d loved him so much—as a friend. She’d wanted that one high school kiss to open the door to her future, but it hadn’t.
Her sweet daughter makes it impossible to have regrets. But given the mess her life has turned into, she wonders what might have been if she’d never left Montana. For the first time since she drove out of LA, she’s hopeful life will be better. Could Aaron be part of her future and not just her past?
Running into Joy was the last thing Aaron expected. She’d been his best friend and his biggest crush back in the day. They tried to date once. He’d been smitten and she’d decided that a guy with Hollywood stars in his eyes was better for her than a small town cowboy.
He’d heard a little about her since she left their home town, but he didn’t pay attention to the town gossip. One thing was for sure, though… he’d never forgotten her or that one kiss.
Memories flood back as they chat. She’d loved him so much—as a friend. She’d wanted that one high school kiss to open the door to her future, but it hadn’t.
Her sweet daughter makes it impossible to have regrets. But given the mess her life has turned into, she wonders what might have been if she’d never left Montana. For the first time since she drove out of LA, she’s hopeful life will be better. Could Aaron be part of her future and not just her past?
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
About the author
April Murdock
152 books205 followersUSA Today Bestselling author April Murdock loves romance, especially sweet stories that make you sigh out loud. She loves to write stories inspired by people in her life - past and present. She doesn't live on a ranch, but some of her favorite memories are visiting her cousins at their horse farm. And they've been helpful sharing information that sometimes shows up in her stories.
April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy.
Join April's Readers Group and get a free book - Finding Her Cowboy - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kaauknd86j
April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy.
Join April's Readers Group and get a free book - Finding Her Cowboy - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kaauknd86j
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 3, 2024
This is a really good love story between Joy Randall and Aaron Hunter. We start off with Joy and Kara, her 8 year-old daughter moving back to her home town of Rocky Ridge, Montana from Los Angeles, California. She was married but had not seen her husband Wayne for almost 2 years. He was a wanna be actor but could just not get his foot in the door. She knows that he got into drugs and was on something. She had checked with everyone she could think of, put up missing posters and contacted the police but to no avail. He was gone and she was not even sure if he was still alive. So she decided to move back home where she had her parents to help with Kara if needed. They had hated Wayne so she did not even want to talk to them about him being missing. In California she had gotten a job on a soap opera set styling hair and loved it. The pay was good but California was too expensive.
Today she had errands to run with Kara. They had to get her enrolled in school as it started back next week. And she had wanted to check the area for jobs. She had gone to school and gotten her beauticians license. She has to start over and rebuild her life again. Right now they were staying with her parents but that could not last forever. She and Kara shared a twin size bed and her room was still the same as when she was a teenager.
While she was in town she ran into Aaron Hunter, a friend of hers since childhood. He had always secretly loved Joy and still did. He was afraid to ask about her husband and just assumed she was divorced. They renew their friendship and slowly it grows to be more. Aaron is always there to help out when he is needed regardless of what the chore is. Him and Kara get along great and she even requests him for bed time stories at times. Aaron has just been promoted to ranch manager at the Duncan Ranch where he works. Sometimes his days are really long but he always makes time for them. Dinner a movie or just spending a few hours together. I had gotten a job at the local beauty shop and loved it. The people were all so friendly and we finally got a small apartment. So life was going great. Until Aaron found out that I was not divorced yet. He would not date her without the divorce at least in process. So she went and filed papers for the divorce. Everything was wonderful until one day when Wayne showed up at the apartment out of the blue.
I am proud to say that I am part of the ARC Team for April Murdock and will be glad to leave my review.
Today she had errands to run with Kara. They had to get her enrolled in school as it started back next week. And she had wanted to check the area for jobs. She had gone to school and gotten her beauticians license. She has to start over and rebuild her life again. Right now they were staying with her parents but that could not last forever. She and Kara shared a twin size bed and her room was still the same as when she was a teenager.
While she was in town she ran into Aaron Hunter, a friend of hers since childhood. He had always secretly loved Joy and still did. He was afraid to ask about her husband and just assumed she was divorced. They renew their friendship and slowly it grows to be more. Aaron is always there to help out when he is needed regardless of what the chore is. Him and Kara get along great and she even requests him for bed time stories at times. Aaron has just been promoted to ranch manager at the Duncan Ranch where he works. Sometimes his days are really long but he always makes time for them. Dinner a movie or just spending a few hours together. I had gotten a job at the local beauty shop and loved it. The people were all so friendly and we finally got a small apartment. So life was going great. Until Aaron found out that I was not divorced yet. He would not date her without the divorce at least in process. So she went and filed papers for the divorce. Everything was wonderful until one day when Wayne showed up at the apartment out of the blue.
I am proud to say that I am part of the ARC Team for April Murdock and will be glad to leave my review.
October 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this first book in this new series Cowboys of Duncan Ranch. It was nice to see the Duncan family members in this book. In this story Joy and Aaron had been best friends from childhood. In HS they had dated each other and Aaron had wanted a future with Joy. She broke his heart when she ended their relationship and she married another man leaving Rocky Ridge. He was shocked to see her back in Rocky Ridge with a daughter but where was her husband?
Joy had rebelled against her parents and married a man they didn't like. That had broken her relationship with them when she moved to LA for her husband to pursue an acting career. Life with her husband hadn't been easy and then he just disappeared. She had done her best to try to find him but after over a year she decided to return back to Rocky Ridge. She needed a job and a place to live and seeing her old friend Aaron brought back memories of their close friendship.
Joy agrees to start meeting Aaron for lunch or dinner as a friend. She never expected to begin to have stronger feelings for him. She loved how good he was with her daughter, Kara. Aaron had never stopped loving Joy and he's excited to finally have a second chance with her but he has no idea that she is still legally married. Will these two actually get a chance to be together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joy had rebelled against her parents and married a man they didn't like. That had broken her relationship with them when she moved to LA for her husband to pursue an acting career. Life with her husband hadn't been easy and then he just disappeared. She had done her best to try to find him but after over a year she decided to return back to Rocky Ridge. She needed a job and a place to live and seeing her old friend Aaron brought back memories of their close friendship.
Joy agrees to start meeting Aaron for lunch or dinner as a friend. She never expected to begin to have stronger feelings for him. She loved how good he was with her daughter, Kara. Aaron had never stopped loving Joy and he's excited to finally have a second chance with her but he has no idea that she is still legally married. Will these two actually get a chance to be together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2024
Dependable Cowboy ~ Cowboys of Duncan Ranch #1 by April Murdock
New series from April, and I am a fan of her writing, so when a new book gets released I know that I am going to enjoy reading it.
We are back in Rockey Ridge and meet the Duncan Family, who run the Duncan Ranch. This is Aaron Hunter and Joy Randall's story. Joy left Rockey Ridge and started a family in California, her husband Wayne has disappeared for two years and Joy believes he is dead. So she heads home to Rockey Ridge to build her life with her daughter Kara.
It is a beautiful story that has been written well and a strong storyline that starts this new series. The characters are wonderful and have good chemistry.
I highly recommend this book to all, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
New series from April, and I am a fan of her writing, so when a new book gets released I know that I am going to enjoy reading it.
We are back in Rockey Ridge and meet the Duncan Family, who run the Duncan Ranch. This is Aaron Hunter and Joy Randall's story. Joy left Rockey Ridge and started a family in California, her husband Wayne has disappeared for two years and Joy believes he is dead. So she heads home to Rockey Ridge to build her life with her daughter Kara.
It is a beautiful story that has been written well and a strong storyline that starts this new series. The characters are wonderful and have good chemistry.
I highly recommend this book to all, and I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2024
A top-notch read that covered some serious issues happening within a marriage and at the end causing Joy to move from California back home to Montana. Where she ran into her ex-boyfriend, Aaron. He had always loved Joy and still did. He was just afraid to ask about her husband. The story had some mystery and intrigue with Joy's husband just disappearing into thin air without a trace. She knew he had been using drugs which had not helped matters any. Aaron would not date her without the divorce at least in process. There were sections of the story that demonstrated real humor throughout the book. When ever the chips were down whether at work, with his family, or Joy, you would find Aaron there to help out. An absolute must read for a feel good small town read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2024
Sounded like a great story of friends turned lovers but life changed and cause them to go different paths but, in a way, it was like that but not. I couldn't connect with the charters and made this a hard to stay connected for a under 200 page story.
Aaron was always in love with Joy since they were kids, even dated but she was not in love with him and truthfully after a decade apart she still seems like she only sees Aaron as a friend and nothing more. He said that he said the L-word back then and the next thing he knew, she high tailed it to California with another man, I'm sorry dude but time to close down that chapter and move on to someone who will give you back what you give.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aaron was always in love with Joy since they were kids, even dated but she was not in love with him and truthfully after a decade apart she still seems like she only sees Aaron as a friend and nothing more. He said that he said the L-word back then and the next thing he knew, she high tailed it to California with another man, I'm sorry dude but time to close down that chapter and move on to someone who will give you back what you give.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2024
This is a sweet second chance romance featuring Aaron and Joy. They were best friends first, sweethearts next. Evidently Joy did not feel as strongly for Aaron as he felt for her because she let a suave man looking to be a hollywood star turn her head and she married him against her parents wishes. After many years of supporting the family, having a daughter and discovering her husband had been a drug addict, he disappears with no word for over a year. Fearing the worst has happened to her husband, she and her daughter return to Montana. Running into Aaron on her first day back was unexpected but after reconnecting they once again become close. Be sure to pick up the book to read their story.
October 4, 2024
Joy returns to the town she grew up in feeling as though she failed, and everyone will judge her. She has her daughter to think about. She left a lot of heartache behind when she got caught up in the Hollywood dreams of her husband who is now missing. Back in her hometown in Montana, Joy reconnects with her family and finds friendship in a new job and then her old boyfriend with whom she broke up with many years ago. This story is an easy read as you get emersed in how Joy finds love with her Dependable Cowboy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2024
Joy has struggled since her wanna be actor husband’s drug abuse and disappearance. She came home so she has support for her daughter Kara. At first she becomes friends again with Aaron, who she hurt when she chose her current husband and his bold ambitions over him. She gets close romantically to Aaron and should have told him she was still married. But then her angry husband comes back and makes things more complicated. I loved her artistic daughter Kara. Joy sounds like she found her way as a hairstylist, something she was forced into to support her family. This was a kisses only romance. It was great to catch up with other characters in the series and their growing families.
October 4, 2024
This is a clean romance. TW - Does touch on DV.
Joy and her daughter return to her small hometown after her husband has been missing for over a year. She can no longer afford to stay in Hollywood. She gets a job as a hairstylist and the one of the first people she runs into is her former best friend and ex-boyfriend Aaron. She needs a friend right now and they let bygones be bygones. Can a romance be re-kindled?
This was a good story with a couple twists. I think the theme of this story is "grace". Giving to grace to others and yourself. It was a good read and one I didn't want to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joy and her daughter return to her small hometown after her husband has been missing for over a year. She can no longer afford to stay in Hollywood. She gets a job as a hairstylist and the one of the first people she runs into is her former best friend and ex-boyfriend Aaron. She needs a friend right now and they let bygones be bygones. Can a romance be re-kindled?
This was a good story with a couple twists. I think the theme of this story is "grace". Giving to grace to others and yourself. It was a good read and one I didn't want to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2024
Joy and Aaron went to school together and were best friends while growing up. When they were in high school, Aaron wanted more than friendship but Joy didn't feel that way. She ended up falling for and marrying Wayne. They moved to Los Angeles where Wayne wants an acting career. It's been about 10 years and Wayne has disappeared. Joy decides to move back home with her daughter, Kara. She and Aaron meet up again and Joy feels more this time. This is a sweet, clean second chance romance and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2024
Such a sweet, charming story of grace. The characters are just like our neighbors. You will fall in love with each one especially Kara.
Joy comes home with her daughter, Kara, to start life over so to speak with the help of her parents since her husband disappeared nearly 2 years ago. She renews her friendship with an old friend Aaron. He assumes she is divorced since she never mentions her husband. Things were great until Joy's husband shows up. while Joy is divorcing him and having him declared dead or something like that.
Joy comes home with her daughter, Kara, to start life over so to speak with the help of her parents since her husband disappeared nearly 2 years ago. She renews her friendship with an old friend Aaron. He assumes she is divorced since she never mentions her husband. Things were great until Joy's husband shows up. while Joy is divorcing him and having him declared dead or something like that.
July 25, 2025
Dependable. What does that mean to you? I have an idea that most men while wanting to be known as being dependable it might be like hearing someone say they’re nice. For Joy, dependable is just what she needs. It is exactly what her husband wasn’t. If he was dependable, he wouldn’t have been missing, leaving her wondering if he was dead or alive. Aaron has loved Joy since they were kids, but once she left town with Wayne has tried to put out of his mind. This is a sweet story of Joy and Aaron finding their way back.
October 5, 2024
I enjoyed this book about Joy returning home to Rocky Ridge, Montana with her eight year old daughter, Kara. It was interesting how she immediately ran into her first boyfriend, Aaron. They had been friends since kindergarten until Joy broke his heart and married someone else. I liked that they were given a second chance. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
October 6, 2024
This read is a sweet, second chance, friends to more romance. It has just enough drama and a few surprises to keep you turning pages. The characters are exceptional and the storyline is heartwarming and emotional. A lovely story about finding yourself, growing, acceptance and most of all love. 100% recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2024
Great story with lots of emotions. Joy’ husband, Wayne, disappeared almost two years ago. She returned home to Rocky Ridge and reconnected with Aaron, her childhood friend. Their relationship is filled with memories, uncertainty and confusion. I really enjoyed reading this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2024
This was a sweet second chance romance book. Aaron and Joy are very likable characters that make you feel like you’re in this small town. Aaron and the issues at the ranch and then Joy with her family issues. But finding love with her old high school sweetheart is a struggle to get there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2024
Joy has decided to come back home with her daughter in tow, she has nothing left in CA. She has no idea where her husband, as she has not heard from him in years. Aaron is the one that was left behind, does he have a second chance with her?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2024
This book is a great start to a new series. Joy and Aaron's story is a sweet, heartwarming second chance romance. It has just the right amount of conflict to keep you turning the pages. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2024
Joy just wants to start over with her daughter Kara since her husband has been missing for 18 months . Aaron has know her for a long time and has loved her forever. Since she's moved back he's going to help her and make them his.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2024
"Dependable Cowboy" (Cowboys of Duncan Ranch Book 1) by April Murdock was a great read. I liked Aaron and Joy's story. This story had romance, family, cowboys, second chances, and more. This was a nice start to this series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series. I recommend it to all fans of romance, cowboys, and series.
September 28, 2024
This is a cute second-chance/cowboy romance.. I enjoyed it.. It is sweet and charming, with very likable characters..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2024
They were childhood friends. He loved her but she chose another and left for Hollywood. Now she's back, but is she available? Will she choose dependable or leave again for the excitement like before?.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given
September 30, 2024
Joy returns to her hometown and reconnect with her childhood friend Aaron. Their renewed relationship hits unexpected bumps but Aaron shows himself to be honorable and dependable. Loved the characters. This is a delightful second chance romance.
October 4, 2024
Really Great Series
Aaron has loved Joy most of his life. Joy only saw him as her best friend. She's back in town with a young daughter, Kara. Their story is a great second chance romance that I read into the night. I so enjoyed seeing them get their HEA. A really great read.
Aaron has loved Joy most of his life. Joy only saw him as her best friend. She's back in town with a young daughter, Kara. Their story is a great second chance romance that I read into the night. I so enjoyed seeing them get their HEA. A really great read.
October 21, 2024
Wow!! What a start to a new series.
I love this book. It flowed well together about Aaron's and Joy along with her daughter is this journey to find their love story. It was so well written that you see it and fell it too. It is so so entertaining.
I love this book. It flowed well together about Aaron's and Joy along with her daughter is this journey to find their love story. It was so well written that you see it and fell it too. It is so so entertaining.
May 28, 2025
#1 👍🏻
The first book in the “Cowboys of Duncan Ranch” series was EXCELLENT!!
I LOVED the characters, the storyline and the way that love triumphs once again❤️❤️❤️
Looking forward to Book #2 😉
The first book in the “Cowboys of Duncan Ranch” series was EXCELLENT!!
I LOVED the characters, the storyline and the way that love triumphs once again❤️❤️❤️
Looking forward to Book #2 😉
January 23, 2025
Not my favorite
This was a good book. I like this author. I recommend this book and author. I cannot wait to read the next book soon by this author.
This was a good book. I like this author. I recommend this book and author. I cannot wait to read the next book soon by this author.
July 29, 2025
I enjoyed reading Joy and Aaron's story
January 21, 2026
Good Story. Loved Aaron. Wasn't completely surprised about her husband. Enjoyed the engagement at the end of the book.
April 30, 2025
Aaron and Joy get their second chance. There was so much that happened in their past that they had to get through it. But also Joy's ex was a problem especially when he reappeared after disappearing for so long. I really enjoyed their story. It was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews