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Montana Adventures #1
The Irish Cowboy
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
He gave his word, refused to break a vow, and lost his one chance at true love.
Now they’ve come for his land.
Hap Wilkes is a man facing a painful past, an increasingly uncertain future, and now fights with everything left in a broken and failing body to keep the one thing still left to him – his pride.
The Irish Cowboy is a story of loss, secrets, redemption, and the always present human yearning for love and forgiveness, and marks the most personal novel to date from bestselling author D.W. Ulsterman.
He gave his word, refused to break a vow, and lost his one chance at true love.
Now they’ve come for his land.
Hap Wilkes is a man facing a painful past, an increasingly uncertain future, and now fights with everything left in a broken and failing body to keep the one thing still left to him – his pride.
The Irish Cowboy is a story of loss, secrets, redemption, and the always present human yearning for love and forgiveness, and marks the most personal novel to date from bestselling author D.W. Ulsterman.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2014
4822 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Ulsterman
88 books175 followersD.W. Ulsterman is the bestselling author of THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS MYSTERY SERIES.
His most recent novel, THE TRUTHING TREE, is now available.
All of his novels are available here: http://goo.gl/kEPU6R
"Mr. Ulsterman doesn't disappoint."
-THRILLER JUNKIE
His most recent novel, THE TRUTHING TREE, is now available.
All of his novels are available here: http://goo.gl/kEPU6R
"Mr. Ulsterman doesn't disappoint."
-THRILLER JUNKIE
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
July 21, 2022
Edit: Someone liked this review, which reminded me that this book existed, and I have to jump in to say that it's still the worst book I've read this year by far. Also, D.W. my guy, being on an Amazon bestseller list means NOTHING. Right now you're the #2 bestseller because it got labeled RODEO. The audacity you have touting this book as a ~bestseller~ is nothing short of laughable.
For months - literal MONTHS - I’ve been hounded at my job to interlibrary loan this book more than 25 times, so this is me reading it to see what the deal was. This isn’t normally my genre, but I was curious and willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.
It was awful.
It was the kind of absurdist libertarian wet dream, for lack of better words, that had me laughing hysterically. The writing was subpar, the characters were flat and stereotyped, and the plot started out exaggerated and turned comically overblown - I was skeptical throughout, but the moment Battle Hymn of the Republic came up was the moment I couldn't stop giggling at the hilarity. I would get into that, but instead I’ll just post my thoughts on the characters from the first third of the book, in case someone gets their panties in a wad over major spoilers. Yes, I literally stopped 1/3 of the way in to write the below up and complain.
--
Synopsis: it’s awful.
Characters: as follows.
Hap Wilkes - our leading man, a Horse Girl who’s every stereotype ranch guy but is Just Soft Enough to cry nonstop when he dreams of Shirley (we'll get to her in a sec)
[Ninja edit: there's no issue with a dude crying in my mind - the problem is Hap's written like he alternates between being The Toughest Guy Ever and, the next second, being The Meek Old Man Who Cries at Everything... it's disconcerting at best, annoying and headache-inducing at worst.]
January - Hap’s dead bitch of a wife
Shirley - The Love Of Hap’s Life, Which Makes It Totally Fine That He Cheated On His Wife With Her Obviously. She’s dead and left a weird letter to her grandkids about how she made sexy eyes at Hap and how they later banged.
Bill Tuttle/Federal Agents - the bad guys, so obviously evil they might as well have neon signs pointing to them, who want to kill all of Hap’s horses bc of an endangered species of lizard??? And they’re way too gleeful about sending them to the glue factory BEFORE THEY EVEN KNOW IF THE DAMN LIZARDS ARE THERE??
Sheriff Dillon Potts - the sheriff who keeps teetering between being on Hap’s Side and being on the Evil Federal Government’s Side, Oh No, Readers Totally Didn’t See This Internal Conflict Brewing, What’s He Gonna Doooooo?
Deputy Bobby Houston - the Totally Not Stereotyped token black guy, who joined the force bc he broke a bone playing college football, and did I mention he’s Totally Not Stereotyped as being an angry black man?
Connor and Sarah - Shirley’s and Hap’s grandchildren, who are evidently 17-ish going on 30 based on how totally unrealistic they are in their priorities and reactionary decision to drive from Arizona to Montana to immediately meet their Grandpa Hap, whom they JUST found out about.
Julia - Hap’s sister, who immediately tells Hap’s story to the teens when she first meets them in the most unrealistic introductory dialogue I think I've ever read. Seriously. Multiple pages are just her telling stories of Hap beating up people. (Side note: pretty much everyone speaks like they're clones of every other person. It doesn't matter if they're 16 or 80, they all sound the freaking same.)
--
TLDR: This is a disaster of a book. Don't waste your time.
For months - literal MONTHS - I’ve been hounded at my job to interlibrary loan this book more than 25 times, so this is me reading it to see what the deal was. This isn’t normally my genre, but I was curious and willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.
It was awful.
It was the kind of absurdist libertarian wet dream, for lack of better words, that had me laughing hysterically. The writing was subpar, the characters were flat and stereotyped, and the plot started out exaggerated and turned comically overblown - I was skeptical throughout, but the moment Battle Hymn of the Republic came up was the moment I couldn't stop giggling at the hilarity. I would get into that, but instead I’ll just post my thoughts on the characters from the first third of the book, in case someone gets their panties in a wad over major spoilers. Yes, I literally stopped 1/3 of the way in to write the below up and complain.
--
Synopsis: it’s awful.
Characters: as follows.
Hap Wilkes - our leading man, a Horse Girl who’s every stereotype ranch guy but is Just Soft Enough to cry nonstop when he dreams of Shirley (we'll get to her in a sec)
[Ninja edit: there's no issue with a dude crying in my mind - the problem is Hap's written like he alternates between being The Toughest Guy Ever and, the next second, being The Meek Old Man Who Cries at Everything... it's disconcerting at best, annoying and headache-inducing at worst.]
January - Hap’s dead bitch of a wife
Shirley - The Love Of Hap’s Life, Which Makes It Totally Fine That He Cheated On His Wife With Her Obviously. She’s dead and left a weird letter to her grandkids about how she made sexy eyes at Hap and how they later banged.
Bill Tuttle/Federal Agents - the bad guys, so obviously evil they might as well have neon signs pointing to them, who want to kill all of Hap’s horses bc of an endangered species of lizard??? And they’re way too gleeful about sending them to the glue factory BEFORE THEY EVEN KNOW IF THE DAMN LIZARDS ARE THERE??
Sheriff Dillon Potts - the sheriff who keeps teetering between being on Hap’s Side and being on the Evil Federal Government’s Side, Oh No, Readers Totally Didn’t See This Internal Conflict Brewing, What’s He Gonna Doooooo?
Deputy Bobby Houston - the Totally Not Stereotyped token black guy, who joined the force bc he broke a bone playing college football, and did I mention he’s Totally Not Stereotyped as being an angry black man?
Connor and Sarah - Shirley’s and Hap’s grandchildren, who are evidently 17-ish going on 30 based on how totally unrealistic they are in their priorities and reactionary decision to drive from Arizona to Montana to immediately meet their Grandpa Hap, whom they JUST found out about.
Julia - Hap’s sister, who immediately tells Hap’s story to the teens when she first meets them in the most unrealistic introductory dialogue I think I've ever read. Seriously. Multiple pages are just her telling stories of Hap beating up people. (Side note: pretty much everyone speaks like they're clones of every other person. It doesn't matter if they're 16 or 80, they all sound the freaking same.)
--
TLDR: This is a disaster of a book. Don't waste your time.
September 9, 2022
Wow! Such a compelling read, and the characters are so realistic. This book truly touched my heart. I love the characters. Tears build up in my eyes just reflecting on it! It was very rich in human emotions. I would definitely recommend it!! :)
January 2, 2015
Awesome Book!!!
I loved this book. It is the story of a love that could have and should have been, told mostly by an ageing man with many regrets. If you like a book that makes your heart swell up to full this is it. I highly recommend.
I loved this book. It is the story of a love that could have and should have been, told mostly by an ageing man with many regrets. If you like a book that makes your heart swell up to full this is it. I highly recommend.
September 30, 2019
Loved It!
This is my first time reading the author's work but it won't be my last. What an emotional journey! Hap and Shirley made me cry sad tears and happy tears. Highly recommended.
This is my first time reading the author's work but it won't be my last. What an emotional journey! Hap and Shirley made me cry sad tears and happy tears. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2016
This book seems tailor-made for me. I'm particularly fond of stories from the wild west, and I've got mostly Irish blood in my veins. But I barely made it through The Irish Cowboy, which struggles mightily to garner even a 2 bill-star rating. I'm definitely getting soft and squishy in my old age.
The writing is plain jane. I'm fine with that, but it's not smart. The characters are 2-D. The Montana landscape should be a highlight, but everything is poorly drawn by our boring third-person narrator. One cool thing. I learned that there's a place called Savage, Montana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savage,....
Worst of all is the plot. The good guys are wearing white hats and riding in on glimmering white steeds. The bad guys all wear black hats and twirl their long mustaches every time before speaking. And the repetition is maddening. Here's a cherry on top... some stilted dialogue.
Bad QOTD
Stan Potts let out a long, low whistle.
"Guess that's what people might call a big old serving of irony, huh?"
Hap Wilkes looked over at his old friend and shook his head. The rancher's hazel eyes glinted with a satisfied light under the emerging Montana sun.
"No...I'd call that justice."
- The Irish Cowboy
Ay carumba.
Not a good read.
thanks... yow, bill
October 21, 2019
An Outstanding Story
An old man tells about his long loss love and his the short happy life that all came to an end to soon. He lived on a ranch with wild horses running through. In his old age he reflects on earlier times and his remarkable life. Officials are trying to kill the wild horses and take his land from him. The town people rally around as the local Sheriff tries to help him.
This was a well written story with an excellent plot. The characters were well defined with good personalities. The story touched my heart, it was very emotional and heartbreaking as I read about the old man, his Dog, his home and his old life. A Great book, I recommend this to all.
An old man tells about his long loss love and his the short happy life that all came to an end to soon. He lived on a ranch with wild horses running through. In his old age he reflects on earlier times and his remarkable life. Officials are trying to kill the wild horses and take his land from him. The town people rally around as the local Sheriff tries to help him.
This was a well written story with an excellent plot. The characters were well defined with good personalities. The story touched my heart, it was very emotional and heartbreaking as I read about the old man, his Dog, his home and his old life. A Great book, I recommend this to all.
January 31, 2020
I listened to the audio version of this book.
This book was simply incredible. Beautiful! It made me feel so much. Compassion, anger, regret and love are just a few of the feelings that overtook me as I read this book. The narration by Greg Patmore was perfect!
The story is told from the standpoint of an old cowboy who is well into the last years of his life. He's gruff, he's in pain and he's pretty much alone. He's already lost so much in his life, but there are new threats that could take away all that he still holds dear. He gets help from unexpected sources--there are always more who care about us than we think. I challenge you not to shed a tear as you read this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this audio book. All thoughts are my own.
This book was simply incredible. Beautiful! It made me feel so much. Compassion, anger, regret and love are just a few of the feelings that overtook me as I read this book. The narration by Greg Patmore was perfect!
The story is told from the standpoint of an old cowboy who is well into the last years of his life. He's gruff, he's in pain and he's pretty much alone. He's already lost so much in his life, but there are new threats that could take away all that he still holds dear. He gets help from unexpected sources--there are always more who care about us than we think. I challenge you not to shed a tear as you read this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this audio book. All thoughts are my own.
June 29, 2022
I've always liked western stories. My father read a lot them and I followed in his path. But this one lead me down the wrong road. The first part of the novel seemed okay, setting up the plot. But then it detreated into a telling of people in the western part of the states, the attitude they have towards the federal government. Which I know is validated as we are still seeing it today. The love story between the 2 major characters turned into more of a slug fest because of the Irish cowboy losing his cool all the time. Doesn't make for good dialog. It could have much better and I didn't care for the writing style.
December 16, 2014
Tear jerker ending.
A story of people's rights being violated by bad politician and his big deal supporters. This involves old ranchers, wild horses, lost love, guilt, New found family. Has a little rough but not vulgar talk. A town who comes around a growly old man. A good politicians involvement.. great read. You can't but like the twists and turns. Many more things could be said but rtf read it for yourself!
A story of people's rights being violated by bad politician and his big deal supporters. This involves old ranchers, wild horses, lost love, guilt, New found family. Has a little rough but not vulgar talk. A town who comes around a growly old man. A good politicians involvement.. great read. You can't but like the twists and turns. Many more things could be said but rtf read it for yourself!
October 30, 2019
Dam good read
I have to say I HAVEN'T read such a beautifully written story that had me laughing and crying at the same time. The characters were well developed so much so that you made a connection to them right away. I had a hard time putting this book down and when u did I kept THINKING about it. This book is worth reading and rereading. My advise when u start to read make sure u have enough time put aside because u r going to need it. Oh and have the tissues ready.
I have to say I HAVEN'T read such a beautifully written story that had me laughing and crying at the same time. The characters were well developed so much so that you made a connection to them right away. I had a hard time putting this book down and when u did I kept THINKING about it. This book is worth reading and rereading. My advise when u start to read make sure u have enough time put aside because u r going to need it. Oh and have the tissues ready.
October 14, 2020
A bloated government alphabet agency with power issues, an elected representative using and abusing the position for personal gain. Shocking. Then add a convenient death prior to full investigation by said agency.
Would that we had additional congressman like Moore.
I really wanted to like this more, it was recommended and the reviews were positive. A couple of areas gave me hope yet it didn't follow through.
Would that we had additional congressman like Moore.
I really wanted to like this more, it was recommended and the reviews were positive. A couple of areas gave me hope yet it didn't follow through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2019
A story any of us could relate to
The main character Hap is a reminder of what & how men used to be.
A focus on responsibility & honoring your obligations at any cost.
The personal value of home & family. Of love found only to be lost. All these elements weave & bob to spin the tale that is told. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming it moves you along with the energy of life.
The main character Hap is a reminder of what & how men used to be.
A focus on responsibility & honoring your obligations at any cost.
The personal value of home & family. Of love found only to be lost. All these elements weave & bob to spin the tale that is told. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming it moves you along with the energy of life.
February 20, 2018
A big sky tale worth reading
An enjoyable quick read, very accurate portrayal of a true Montana native and his battle with authority, life and love. Would make a great movie starring Sam Elliot.
An enjoyable quick read, very accurate portrayal of a true Montana native and his battle with authority, life and love. Would make a great movie starring Sam Elliot.
August 21, 2019
What an awesome book, the characters are so realistic. It was easy to read and you felt like you were right there with the family . I would recommend it to anyone who Once a good book to curl up in a chair with.
July 14, 2014
A very satisfying story, timely and thought-provoking as well. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2019
Heartbreaking and beautiful
This story and these characters will stay with me for a long while. Well written and definitely a great read!
This story and these characters will stay with me for a long while. Well written and definitely a great read!
Read
August 26, 2019Wonderfully written
Couldn't put the book down, read in 2 sittings in 1 day. As others said, it did make me cry, and then I was laughing. Such a good read.
Couldn't put the book down, read in 2 sittings in 1 day. As others said, it did make me cry, and then I was laughing. Such a good read.
September 7, 2019
Excellent book, couldn't put it down.
September 10, 2019
Good read. Didn't want to put it down.
October 19, 2019
Great read!
This is the best book I’ve read in a very long time! I can’t imagine anyone else not thinking the very same thing after reading it.
This is the best book I’ve read in a very long time! I can’t imagine anyone else not thinking the very same thing after reading it.
July 30, 2020
Fabulous!
February 5, 2021
A true love story without the sap...............love at its finest in multiple forms. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this e-book. I will look for this author again.
August 19, 2024
This was NOT a romance. Not sure how it got tagged in that category. The story is basically a show down between an old Montana rancher and the Bureau of Land Management and includes several horrific animal deaths and a brutal confrontation between the BLM and unarmed neighbors of the rancher. I did enjoy the story (and the ending), but do not read this if you're looking for romance.
May 16, 2022
Exceptional
An exceptional story of love and honor! The Irish cowboy always kept his word, even when it meant he had to leave his true love.
Also a story of fighting the government over his land.
A must read! I recommend to all who like a good clean cowboy story!
An exceptional story of love and honor! The Irish cowboy always kept his word, even when it meant he had to leave his true love.
Also a story of fighting the government over his land.
A must read! I recommend to all who like a good clean cowboy story!
October 2, 2021
This is a book that everyone should read given the current climate of freedom and government.
Hap is an old rancher with a sad past that many readers will relate to. He has many regrets and has become an "old codger". He is a second generation immigrant who's family came from Ireland and migrated to eastern Montana where they homesteaded. He lives alone now, has suffered a stroke and is fiercely protective of his land, rights, and the wild horses that cross his land from time to time.
Hap meets his grand children (that he did not know that he had) and together he, the kids, and the town take on "Big" government trying to take his land by hook or crook for special interest groups and to promote their own agenda.
I laughed, cheered, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Hap is an old rancher with a sad past that many readers will relate to. He has many regrets and has become an "old codger". He is a second generation immigrant who's family came from Ireland and migrated to eastern Montana where they homesteaded. He lives alone now, has suffered a stroke and is fiercely protective of his land, rights, and the wild horses that cross his land from time to time.
Hap meets his grand children (that he did not know that he had) and together he, the kids, and the town take on "Big" government trying to take his land by hook or crook for special interest groups and to promote their own agenda.
I laughed, cheered, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 27, 2022
First,this has nothing to do with the novel itself, the pages kept falling out of the paperback bound book. I bought it new from Amazon. I often give the books I don't plan to keep to the local library. Can't do it with this one. Sadly, the book basically fell apart as I read. If this was a self published book, (seems to me it is since I couldn't locate a publisher) and the author reads this, you might want to check into that.
The story itself had elements I liked but many more I did not like. I felt the storytelling was awkward. Some pages spent too much emphasis on subjects that the author could have spent less time with, wrapped up, and moved on. I really hate unnecessary repetition of facts already stated, when the story should be moving forward.
I expected more with a title The Irish Cowboy, maybe more historical aspects of the Irish settling in Montana. Spoiler, The Irish Cowboy was simply the name Hap's long lost love gave him because of his alleged Irish genealogy having lived several generations on the property.
The characters never really grew on me, except for Dog and Peanut. I won't spoil it by telling what happened to Dog but I found it repulsive and exploitative only used for more "action" in the story.
I left the last pages feeling empty, like this one could have been so much more but didn't quite hit the mark for me.
The story itself had elements I liked but many more I did not like. I felt the storytelling was awkward. Some pages spent too much emphasis on subjects that the author could have spent less time with, wrapped up, and moved on. I really hate unnecessary repetition of facts already stated, when the story should be moving forward.
I expected more with a title The Irish Cowboy, maybe more historical aspects of the Irish settling in Montana. Spoiler, The Irish Cowboy was simply the name Hap's long lost love gave him because of his alleged Irish genealogy having lived several generations on the property.
The characters never really grew on me, except for Dog and Peanut. I won't spoil it by telling what happened to Dog but I found it repulsive and exploitative only used for more "action" in the story.
I left the last pages feeling empty, like this one could have been so much more but didn't quite hit the mark for me.
September 18, 2019
The best.
I have just finished this wonderful book. There are no words that can describe how much I love this book. Thank you for writing this book.
I have just finished this wonderful book. There are no words that can describe how much I love this book. Thank you for writing this book.
August 24, 2020
Hap Wilkes had a reputation as one of the toughest and now as he was older, the most miserable and inhospitable curmudgeon ever. He expected to die alone only fate had other plans.
My sister-in-law was the one who told me about this book which she couldn’t find, so I found it for her and after reading the reviews I thought; yup, I think I need to read this as well.
First of all, THE IRISH COWBOY is a real tear jerker and should not be read without a box of tissues. It is a wonderful emotional romance and love story that kept me up to finish before I could go to bed. And
naturally, there is a villain whom you’ll want to go after and strangle and do as much damage as you can.
However, it is one of the most amazing love stories I’ve read in a while combining a powerful story of love, faith and forgiveness. Tremendously emotional and one that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.
Marilyn Rondeau
My sister-in-law was the one who told me about this book which she couldn’t find, so I found it for her and after reading the reviews I thought; yup, I think I need to read this as well.
First of all, THE IRISH COWBOY is a real tear jerker and should not be read without a box of tissues. It is a wonderful emotional romance and love story that kept me up to finish before I could go to bed. And
naturally, there is a villain whom you’ll want to go after and strangle and do as much damage as you can.
However, it is one of the most amazing love stories I’ve read in a while combining a powerful story of love, faith and forgiveness. Tremendously emotional and one that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.
Marilyn Rondeau
February 21, 2021
Best I have read
Hi , D.W.....
I am an 80 year old. I am a small time writer with short stores (4)on amazon--Kindle. My first was 40 cowboy stories that are poem like and of them my favorite was COURAGE. The short paper bound titled FOR COWBOYS AND THEM THAT LOVE 'EM I think you can find it a stand alone writing under my name of Vickey Stamps. Grab a tissue or be ready for a lump in your throat. Read and enjoy about a cattle crew boss and his rescued dog...a wolf.
You are a new author to me and I am wishing I had a paperback version. It almost put a tear in my old eyes. I will be reading SAVAGE as well. I truly felt blessed to read Irish cowboy. My email is writingbyvickey2@gmail.com, should you want to reach me. I am oklahoma born and California raised.
There are a few things about me on goggle should you be inclined to search. May God keep you and your in the hollow of his hands. Your newest fan. Vickey of Crescent City, ca.
Hi , D.W.....
I am an 80 year old. I am a small time writer with short stores (4)on amazon--Kindle. My first was 40 cowboy stories that are poem like and of them my favorite was COURAGE. The short paper bound titled FOR COWBOYS AND THEM THAT LOVE 'EM I think you can find it a stand alone writing under my name of Vickey Stamps. Grab a tissue or be ready for a lump in your throat. Read and enjoy about a cattle crew boss and his rescued dog...a wolf.
You are a new author to me and I am wishing I had a paperback version. It almost put a tear in my old eyes. I will be reading SAVAGE as well. I truly felt blessed to read Irish cowboy. My email is writingbyvickey2@gmail.com, should you want to reach me. I am oklahoma born and California raised.
There are a few things about me on goggle should you be inclined to search. May God keep you and your in the hollow of his hands. Your newest fan. Vickey of Crescent City, ca.
January 26, 2021
Family is everything.
Being a horse girl, this book appealed to me. The setting was a dream for me - a family ranch in Montana with a herd of wild horses on it! This is the story of Hap, an old-time rancher living on family property passed down from his grandfather who immigrated from Ireland. In the story Hap is faced with meeting family he didn’t know he had at the same time fighting a greedy government official who was determined to take Hap’s land for his own purposes. Lines were crossed and the community comes together to stand with their “own”.
I found the story compelling and the action urgent enough to overlook a few grammatical errors and some conversations with ghosts of the past. A story I enjoyed reading.
Being a horse girl, this book appealed to me. The setting was a dream for me - a family ranch in Montana with a herd of wild horses on it! This is the story of Hap, an old-time rancher living on family property passed down from his grandfather who immigrated from Ireland. In the story Hap is faced with meeting family he didn’t know he had at the same time fighting a greedy government official who was determined to take Hap’s land for his own purposes. Lines were crossed and the community comes together to stand with their “own”.
I found the story compelling and the action urgent enough to overlook a few grammatical errors and some conversations with ghosts of the past. A story I enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews