Cowboy Yard Sale - Striking Gold: Cowboys of Cady Springs

by Opal Nicks

Two Best Friends. One Unexpected Detour. A Weekend That Changes Everything.When lifelong friends Katy and Anna set out on a Fourth of July road trip to the Colorado Rockies, they’re ready for a weekend of relaxation and escape from their complicated pasts. Katy, bold but wounded, is determined to leave heartbreak and doubt in the rearview mirror, while Anna, recovering from a broken engagement, hopes to find her footing again.

But a sign along the way—"Cowboy Yard Sale"—changes everything. What begins as a lighthearted pit stop to satisfy their curiosity turns into a whirlwind adventure filled with rugged cowboys, carnival rides, gold panning, and more than a few sparks of romance.

As Katy crosses paths with the enigmatic Corky, and Anna with the charming Jess, they both face unexpected challenges to their emotional walls. Misunderstandings, trust issues, and their own self-doubt threaten to derail the possibility of something real. With the holiday weekend coming to an end, each woman must make a decision. Will they return home to their old lives, or risk it all for a new kind of happiness?

Cowboy Yard Sale - Striking Gold is the first book in Opal Nicks’ sweeping romantic trilogy, blending heartfelt drama, small-town charm, and sizzling chemistry. Sometimes, the treasures you find are the ones you least expect.If you love reading steamy instalove tales with protective alpha men and small-town romance, then you’ll love the Cowboys of Cady Springs series. A no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA guaranteed selection can be read as a stand-alone in the Cowboy Yard Sale trilogy.

Genres: Westerns

333 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2025

About the author

Opal’s steamy stories frequently feature independent, strong-willed females who find themselves surprisingly swept away by alpha males who pursue them with vigor and passion. Ultimately, they can’t resist the sweet satisfaction and protection these men offer. Who could?

On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.

In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.

Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Yard Sale - Striking Gold is Book 1 of the Cowboys of Cady Springs. It's a steamy, instalove, opposites-attract, curvy girl gets her cowboy romance. Corky is a hunky cowboy and ranch foreman. Katy is a sweet, sassy, and curvy hairstylist full of life. When she takes her bestie, Anna, on a road trip, she never expects to find love. But she and Corky are like magnets. When she bids on him at the cowboy auction, things get hot fast. These two were great together. The chemistry was hot, and their ending was happy after a little angst. I can't wait to read Anna and Jess's story next!!.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy and Anna have been best friends for live. They decide to take a trip to Colorado for the Fourth of July weekend. Along the way they see a sign stating “Cowboy Yard Sale” and decide to stop by. From the moment they arrived, they fell in love with the area and two cowboys. One look from Corky and Jess sparked a wanting in them to make them their own. Join Katy and Anna on this adventure as they discover not only the area, but also the two men who want a forever with them. The heart wants what it wants. Will they return home once the weekend is over or stay? What a delightful read. Everything about this book appealed to me. The plot and characters were well-written. Will Katy and Anna listen to their hearts and build a HEA? Great beginning to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Detour . . .

Katy and Anna have been best friends forever and head out for a trip together over the 4th of July holiday to enjoy time in the Colorado Rockies. Both are getting over a difficult experience and this is a chance to let it all go. A sign pointing to a “Cowboy Yard Sale” raises their curiosity and could turn into that new beginning if all goes well. Meeting two cowboys may be exactly what both of them needed. Katy is drawn to Corky while Anna is attracted to Jess. Will this be the start of healing and a new opportunity? Could this be a new beginning? Both men clearly want this to last. But will Katy and Anna choose to make this their home? Or will either of them feel hesitant to make such a big change and instead settle for returning home rather than risk a broken heart?

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun road trip story that ends up drastically altering the life of Katy as she quickly falls in love with the cowboy Corky. So much so that she bids on him in the Cowboy Auction. Their love is quick but feels right. Corky is confident and sure, but at the heart of it he's sensitive and nurturing. And more than anything he just wants to pleasure Katy - and boy does he ever! Can't wait to read Anna and Jess' story next. Got a fun glimpse into their beginnings, but can't wait to see where they go next.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars I would I would rate it a 10 that being said this book is about 2 single women Anna who has major boyfriend issues and Katy who's a hairdresser well after Katy comes into some money after a relative dies she is bound and determined to get a new car and go on a vacation road trip and she is even more determined to take her best friend Anna who desperately like her needs a vacation so after setting out Cady Springs and to do a lot of the things they out to do they end up at this Carnival which is where the real story line/plot starts. OH did I mention they meet two hot handsome cowboys named Corky and Jess and as the story progresses it shows how Love and Jealousy collide.
I loved this book so much I read it in one day the book was that good of a read
I very highly recommend it
Go Buy the book NOW!!
****PLEASE NOTE**** This book is very steamy in several places in the book so in my opinion this book is for readers 18+ years old only.
ENJOY READING THIS BOOK BECAUSE iI SURE LOVED AND ENJOYED THIS BOOK.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Taking a Chance Works Out -
Katy’s trip with her best friend was meant to help both of them recharge after losses in the lives, but fate provided her with the opportunity to meet her soulmate and get to live a truly fulfilling life in her most desired location. Corky knew from the moment he laid eyes on Katy that she was his one true love, but he took his time getting to know her better, by spending time together. Unfortunately, Corky and Katy’s path to forever wasn’t an easy journey, as her insecurities caused her to hesitate, but once everything settled down, they got a chance to have the life they both craved.

I was initially confused with the dual couple POV, but once I was engrossed in the story I realised it was a non issue. I really enjoyed reading this sweet small town romance story, with fascinating characters, a bit of drama and some steaminess. This story was a fun must read story, that I will be happy to recommend.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hair stylist Katy (h) wasn’t looking for love, just a getaway. A chance to clear her head, soak in the beauty of Cady Springs, and maybe strike a little gold. But when she meets Corky (H), a rugged cowboy with a past and a heart as steady as the mountains, everything changes. Anna, her best friend, isn’t so quick to trust. After a rough breakup, she’s sworn off romance. But when bull rider Jess catches her eye, old fears clash with new feelings. And when a ghost from his past stirs up doubt, she has to decide if he’s worth the risk. As Katy and Corky’s connection deepens and things heat up, so does the weight of reality. He wants her to stay. She doesn’t know if she can leave behind the life she’s built. Between the thrill of gold panning , the heat of the rodeo , and the fire of a love she never saw coming , Katy has to decide if she's ready to take a leap of faith with Corky. A steamy, contemporary cowboy romance, exploring love, second chances, trust, belonging, and discovering that sometimes, the greatest risk is the one worth taking.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read. This is book one of the series cowboys of Cady springs. I was hooked from the beginning. Wonderful characters..

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

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story, though the dual couple focus with one being primary was very different from other books I've read. The characters were clearly developed with nice background, though the "getting to know you" phase was expedited significantly. Leaving one half of the equation uncompleted was disconcerting, as I wasn't prepared for it (like not knowing your reading a book with a cliffy). Apparently book two deals more prominently with Jess and Anna, so we'll see if things get tidied up there. Overall, the writing was good and the story flowed well. If you are open minded and consider this book Corky and Kate's, with an intro to Jess abd Anna, you should definately enjoy it.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of Cowboys of Cady Springs story for Katy and Corky. I have to say this one is a reminder to trust your heart and not let others take your sunshine away. I loved how two friends find their way to this stud filled cowboy town and fall hard for the cowboy. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two as these two friends and the cowboys that steal their heart find true love. This first book gives you a glimpse at who the second book will have but Corky and Katy are the main lovers in this story. I wanted this story to keep going it was so much an enjoyable read.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

cowboy romance.
Katy is a young hairdresser who has just received her grandmother's inheritance. She then decides to go on a trip to a small town in Colorado with her best friend. While a sign displays "cowboy yard sale" they decide to go there that is when she meets the handsome but mysterious Corky whom she buys at an auction.
Corky is a man with a complicated past and who prevents him from investing in a relationship. But when he meets the beautiful Katy it's love at first sight and is ready to do anything to convince her to stay.
Will Laty be ready to leave everything behind to go with Corky or will she return home once the weekend is over...

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first part of a duet that brings together hairdresser, Katy, and ranch manager Corky. Katy and her bestie are on a road trip and the Cowboy Yard Sale sign draws them into town. Corky sees Katy, and his buddy, Jess, sees Anna at the fair and all bets are off. While this romance is complete for Corky and Katy, we do get to see the budding of Anna and Jess' romance. Both couples are dealing with difficult pasts, trust issues and drama. Doesn't stop the fun and hot chemistry from filling all the pages, though, and I loved the panning for gold ;D I'm definitely looking forward to the second book to see how Anna's romance unfolds. Good fun!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corky and Katy and Jess and Anna. Katy and Anna need a break. A getaway in Katy's new red Mustang Convertable. First thing they see upon entering the town is a carnival and a sign that says Cowboy Yard Sale. Not my first Opal Nicks book. She really knows how to put her charecters feelings and actions and events into an entertaining, intriguing and passion filled story. That brings two charecters together that didnt know what they were missing till the meet each other. Great read.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read - Book 1 of Cowboys of Cady Springs series - is well written and engaging read.
Fun road trip of Katy and Anna that is going to have quite a twist. This book is about Katy and Corky, who are great characters, but there are lot to consider. It is about trust, believing in second chances, taking risks and chances. Steamy and quite a short read to enjoy.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Katy follows her instincts and her heart. It is nice that it leads her to Corky who she falls in love with and he with her. I hope her friend Anna finds the same happiness.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked reading about Katy and Corky as well as Anna and Jess in this small-town romance book. I found myself really enjoying this book and smiling to myself at times. Some things seemed pretty realistic to me, and I loved the Colorado theme to this book.