Working cowgirl, Payton Hollis, has no time for hairdryers, heels and helplessness. She must save her home, Beargrass Hills Ranch. She also has no time for men. She already is boot-deep in blue-eyed cowboy trouble.
City-boy, Cordell Morgan, isn’t who he seems. His fancy suit and slow smile hide dark secrets. Secrets as to why his hands are callused, why he never stays around and why he has really come to Marietta, Montana.
Between a shrewd old rancher, a cantankerous rodeo horse and a stud bull called Trouble, Payton and Cordell have no chance to lead separate lives. No matter how much their futures may depend upon them doing so.
When USA Today bestselling author Alissa Callen isn’t writing she plays traffic controller to four children, three dogs, two horses and one renegade cow who really does believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. After a childhood spent chasing sheep on the family farm, Alissa has always been drawn to remote areas and small towns, even when residing overseas. Once a teacher and a counsellor, she remains interested in the life journeys that people take. She also is partial to historic homesteads and country gardens and has been known to drive hours to see an open-garden. She currently lives on a small slice of rural Australia in central western New South Wales.
Cherish Me, Cowboy is the first book in The Wildflower Ranch series by Aussie author Alissa Callen. This was a sweet rural romance, which I enjoyed. Likeable characters and beautiful descriptions throughout the story. I look forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
First in The Wildflower Ranch series by Aussie author Alissa Callen, Cherish Me Cowboy is the story of Payton Hollis, sole inhabitant of Beargrass Hills Ranch in Montana, and her struggle to keep the ranch going in the severe drought they were having. With both her parents gone, Payton was flat out from dawn to dusk. The few hours she took off for a friend’s wedding saw her leaving early to check on her new calves. The distressed twin the cow had rejected was Payton’s first call – her embarrassment at being seen by the stranger, attempting to climb the fence in the dress she wore to the wedding would lead to much more.
Cordell Morgan was newly arrived in the area, looking to lease part of the property next to Beargrass Hills owned by old man Henry, who was as near as a father to Payton. Cordell had a friend’s cattle to ship from Texas for the ranch; he also had a grumpy horse by the name of Mossy, who no one could go near except Cordell. With secrets in his past, insecurities in Payton’s and a crusty Henry, there were sure to be fireworks…
Cherish Me Cowboy has a great storyline, some well written characters – especially Mossy – and a lot of angst swirling through the pages. Recommended.
I listened to this one on audio. Cowgirl Payton has no time for high heels and fancy dresses. She has a ranch to run. She doesn't need help from anyone.
City boy Cordelle isn't who he seems. Behind his fancy suits, he hides secrets and calloused hands.
🐎 Forced proximity 🐎 He falls first 🐎 Found family
An easy listen, with a twist you won't see coming.
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Working cowgirl, Payton Hollis, has no time for hairdryers, heels and helplessness. She must save her home, Beargrass Hills Ranch. She also has no time for men. She already is boot-deep in blue-eyed cowboy trouble. City-boy, Cordell Morgan, isn’t who he seems. His fancy suit and slow smile hide dark secrets. Secrets as to why his hands are callused, why he never stays around and why he has really come to Marietta, Montana. Between a shrewd old rancher, a cantankerous rodeo horse and a stud bull called Trouble, Payton and Cordell have no chance to lead separate lives. No matter how much their futures may depend upon them doing so.
3.5 stars
This was the first book in the Wildflower Ranch series of novellas. I have read them all - just catching up with the reviews...
This first book in the series was probably my favourite. I have found lately that series like these usually start out strong but lose momentum towards the end.
The characters in this book, Payton and Cordell, are well-written and likeable - something Alissa Callen does very well. Having read and loved her Australian Rural Romance novels, I have found that is something she does excel at. The chemistry between the two of them throughout the story was strong and I could tell the author loved writing about them.
Something else I appreciated was the "clean" romance aspect to this story. Some romance novels seem to get so caught up on bedroom scenes that they forget about character development and plot - certainly not the case here. It is pretty much "kiss, close the bedroom door, end of scene." And I like that. I am an adult. I know what they are doing :)
There is also a strong sense of place here as well. I know from her Australian novels that the author can write descriptive passages very well and this novella was no different. Being from somewhere other than Montana, it helped for me to "see" the landscape and locations in which the story takes place.
The story itself was probably the weakest part for me. It all felt just a little too precise, a little too polished (as a plot) for it to be nothing more than fiction - if that makes sense. I know these books are written to a bit of a formula and that I shouldn't expect a great deal more but there you have it - I did expect something more than "will they/won't they?"
Overall, a pretty good start to the series and one that I think lovers of romance stories would really like...helps that Alissa is an Australian author too!
This wasn’t as good as Her Big Sky Cowboy (I did read these books out of order so I’ve already read Trinity’s story. Book 3) And, wow! I started this book on September 30th then stopped and read several others' then finished this one. What's wrong with me? LOL...
I really didn’t understand either Cordell or Payton’s so-called problems: Payton needed to do everything herself BECAUSE she couldn’t control the death of her dad and then the death of her mother, so she didn’t want anyone’s help in running her ranch. And Cordell, though he fell in love with Payton, wasn’t sure he could stay because he spent a lot of his childhood running and hiding from his abusive father so he felt the need to always be moving. Although, he did own a business and a condo in Denver. I didn’t get that at all.
The best thing about this book was the desire that built up between the hero and heroine BUT the sex was fade-to-black. That’s much better than no desire then a sex scene plopped right smack dab into the book with no rhyme or reason.
I did like Payton’s friends Mandy and Trinity, and Rhett finally pulled his head out of his ass so he turned out pretty sweet. AND I like Cordell’s horse Mossy.
This is a cute story about a stubborn cowgirl who won't let anyone help her and a cowboy who refuses to stay in one place too long.
Peyton Hollis has it all figured out. She runs Beargrass Hills Ranch on her own and doesn't need anyone's help, least of all the help of a gorgeous new cowboy in town.
Cordell Morgan needs some place to keep his friend's cattle since the drought in Texas has left them without substantial land to live on. Larkspur Ranch is the perfect place if he can convince Henry Watson to lease some of his land to him.
Henry Watson has a plan of his own. If Peyton won't accept his help, he will make Cordell stay at her place and pay her rent. He soon realizes these two would be perfect together.
Things heat up as they share the house together. Will they be able to push aside the barriers they have created in their lives to fall in love? Or, will it fizzle out and Cordell go back home to Colorado?
This book had me hooked from the start. The author Alissa Callen’s descriptive way of writing is just beautiful. I felt at time I was reading poetry. The descriptions on the area, mountains, and the rodeo are just spot on. The main characters Payton and Cornell are so interesting. Both have lived lives that have shaped them into the people they are today. They both are struggling to go forward because of traumatic events that have happened in each others past. For me this book was a real page turner and so very tender and sweet.
I LOVE the way Alissa writes. This was a gorgeous story with gorgeous characters. A lovely sweet read with the bedroom scenes kept behind closed doors! Loved the way this book linked subtly with Rachael John's book - the first in the series. I look forward to reading more in the series.
In Cherish Me, Cowboy (Montana Born Rodeo #2, Wildflower Ranch #1) by Alissa Callen, Cordell is in Marietta to lease land for a herd of cattle he's helping for a friend in Texas. When he unexpectedly comes across cowgirl Payton, all dolled up to help a calf, he lends a hand despite her protests.
Payton likes to be in control, and never asks for help. To her that's a sign of weakness. She's on her own and she's happy that way. She has her friends and her ranch, and that's enough for her. Cordell grew up on a ranch but moved away to the city, leaving the ranch in his twin brother's hands. Even if the city doesn't quite fit him, that's his life right now. Now back in ranch land, he's determined to go about his business on his own. Her has more than just cattle business to deal with though, even if he is keeping it a secret.
When circumstances make it so that Payton and Cordell are spending a lot of time together, something about him makes Payton want him to stay around. He makes her feel things she hasn't felt in a long time. Cordell is determined to keep emotions out his life though. To him having emotions means he is weak. "To survive he couldn't allow himself to feel. No matter how high the stakes were."
Can Payton break through the walls Cordell has erected so solidly around his heart? Is there enough in Marietta to make Cordell want to stay after all?
Cherish Me, Cowboy is a fast paced, well written romance with a definite western flare! I love Alissa's descriptions of the ranch and life working the ranch. Payton is an independent, driven woman who has her own fears. Cordell is a bit of a mystery for much of Cherish Me, Cowboy. He has a past that has greatly impacted his life as an adult and while I could understand this, I was still a bit unclear on why he was how he was...I felt like something else must have happened. I would have liked a bit more background on his relationship with his brother. I did really like the connection Payton and Cordell cautiously forged, and how it gained strength despite their resistance.
It was fun to be back in Marietta and meet old and new characters. Henry is a strong secondary character in Cherish Me, Cowboy who plays a significant role.
Alissa managed to catch me off guard and keep things moving along well in Cherish Me, Cowboy, and I like how this story came together. Cherish Me, Cowboy stands well on it's own, and I'd recommend Cherish Me, Cowboy to any romance reader.
cherish me cowboy by alissa callen Book 1 - Cherish Me, Cowboy
Working cowgirl, Payton Hollis, has no time for hairdryers, heels and helplessness. She must save her home, Beargrass Hills Ranch. She also has no time for men. She already is boot-deep in blue-eyed cowboy trouble.
City-boy, Cordell Morgan, isn’t who he seems. His fancy suit and slow smile hide dark secrets. Secrets as to why his hands are callused, why he never stays around and why he has really come to Marietta, Montana.
Between a shrewd old rancher, a cantankerous rodeo horse and a stud bull called Trouble, Payton and Cordell have no chance to lead separate lives. No matter how much their futures may depend upon them doing so. what is the name of Payton Hollis's Ranch? how did Payton Hollis and Cordell Morgan meet? what is Cordell Morgan dark secrets? what is Cordell Morgan twin brother name? Will Payton Hollis and Cordell Morgan be more than friends? cherish me cowboy by alissa callen is a wonderful well written 4 stars book. I am looking forward to reading more books alissa callen. own Outback Roads (Random Romance) by Alissa Callen Beneath Outback Skies (Random Romance) by Alissa Callen What Love Sounds Like by Alissa Callen Wildflower Ranch Series
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**
Payton Hollis is a cowgirl so busy running her drought-ridden ranch, she hasn't had time for herself.The no-frills rancher doesn't care that she has to rescue a calf while wearing a dress and cowgirl boots. And, she doesn't need help from a man.
Cordell Morgan has lived a hard life, he's come to Marietta seeking out land to save a friend's herd, but he's got a secret and he's asking lots of questions around town. When he happens upon Payton, he's impressed with the cowgirl who doesn't think she needs help, but her gives her help anyway.
These two create a symbiotic working relationship which leads to sharing a lot of their pasts, goals for the future, and some fun in-between. Eventually, they realize the compatibility is more than friendship, it's the kind of love for a lifetime. As they resolve their questions of the past, they conquer all the challenges they were using to keep themselves apart. Admitting love, and the need of each other, solidifies the future without question, and promises a wonderful life together.
I really loved the way this story had twists and turns to finding all the secrets.
Ooh, a little Harlequin-y, but cute, short, and sweet. Loved the heroine, loved the hero (although his penchant for leaving was a bit annoying at times), loved the hero's horse, loved the heroine's neighbor. The pacing was good, the narration flowed nicely, it had a nice little twist toward the end...
The only thing that bothered me was the length. There was (maybe) too much crammed into the 70 pages. The whole side-plot of a would-be suitor and his three ne'er-do-well buddies was a bit redundant and seemed pushed into the sidelines toward the end, where we didn't actually see the 'conversation' unfold, but were instead told about it. Also the fact, the side-plot didn't help the main story progress, screamed of filler to me, and, in my opinion, could've easily be scraped.
Still, I enjoyed it, and was thankful neither protagonists regressed into their high-school selves (as in the previous book), and the main 'conflict', if you will, was resolved without much fuss, whining, or crying.
Cherish Me Cowboy is a keeper! It's a sweet story beautifully written, though if you're a purist you'll notice turns of phrase that give the author away as being English rather than American. Don't let that bother you though. The story of Payton and Cordell is one I enjoyed all the way from the first page to the last. Payton has struggled fiercely to run her family ranch single handed through tough times, refusing offers of help and toughing her way out of trouble through sheer pride and gritty determination. Cordell is not what he seems. At first glance he's an out of place city slicker whose help Payton certainly doesn't want to accept, but he's stubborn and before she knows it he's helped her anyway. He's in Marietta to lease some land to run cattle on but one of the conditions of the deal imposed on him is that he rent a cabin from Payton. Of course the cabin needs a little work so he ends up in a guest room in the main house and the rest, as they say is history. This book is packed with story from beginning to end and is one I'll be going back to read again one of these days.
This was a fast paced, hard hitting novella that I couldn’t put down. Callen develops a captivating story amidst the trials of ranching and an ongoing rodeo weekend in such a way that you really feel like you’re there. I found the story both touching and entertaining. There were a couple of times where the story shifted forwards in time rather unexpectedly.
I must admit I was a little nervous when I first met the main characters in this one. Fiercely independent cowgirl meets wildly secretive cowboy-cum-city boy. But Callen makes it work oh so well. The gradual development of the characters as they get to know one another and start working together is perfect. The mystery and darkness behind the male lead was quite catching. It really draws you to him, making you wonder just who he really is.
Overall, this is a fantastic, quick read that will take you on a ride you wouldn’t first expect. I’d highly recommend it to romance and rodeo lovers alike.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Payton and Cordell story is the mix of two very strong spirits struggling in the world. Cordell is looking for land to graze some cattle from Texas to Montana because of a drought in Texas. Some reason Cordell wants to transfer those cattle to Montana and lease from a gentleman named Henry. Why does he want to move them so far? There has to be closer grazing land.
Payton is on her own, running a cattle ranch and way to proud to take assistance from anyone. Henry is her neighbor and Payton is like a daughter to Henry.
Why does Henry push Cordell to Payton? What is Cordell hiding? And can Payton let her guard down and allow people to help her without thinking it is being week.
The answers are surprising. A very enjoyable read, with some shocking turns. Looking forward to what happens with Ethan, Cordell's twin.
Cherish Me, Cowboy is Montana Born Rodeo Book #2. It is written by Alissa Callen. It is the story of Payton and Cordell. Payton and Cordell have no chance at not being together. There is a wise older rancher, an ill-tempered rodeo horse, and a stud bull that are making that impossible. Payton is a working cowgirl. She has no time for "girly" endeavors; no heels, hairdryers or needing anyone to help her. She has to save her home, and she has no time for men. Cordell is a city boy. He isn't who he seems to be. He has a dawdling smile. He seems to have secrets. His hands are rough, he never sticks around and he has a reason to come to Marietta, Montana. I love the way this author wrote the descriptions about the rodeo, mountains and area of Marietta. There were changes back and forth in the story and secrets to be found. This is another great story to add to the series.
Payton and Cordell the main characters in this story made it oh so interesting. I loved Payton's independence and courage and Cordell's hes a hot cowboy with an edgy side,and he comes with a secret, his real reason for being in Marietta. This book is just such a delicious read, it had me from the first chapter,and somewhere deeper in the book it contains my very favorite saying "Just breathe!" . And when you turn the last page it leaves you with that feel good feeling and I would like to say alot more but it would be spoilers so I won't. I'm recommending it to all my friends and telling them to stop and smell the wild flowers. And I do recommend this book to all who love western romance.
Cherish Me, Cowboy has us in Marietta, Montana for the annual Copper Mountain Rodeo. Alissa Callen gives us a sweet read with Payton Hollis and Cordell Morgan's story.
Payton is a hardworking cowgirl struggling to save her home, Beargrass Hills Ranch. There's a bit of mystery to Cordell and his reasons for being in Marietta. As Payton and Cordell are thrown together and work with each other, we learn more about their pasts.
Cherish Me, Cowboy is an effortless read that engages the reader in the story and has them rooting for the characters. I really enjoyed seeing other previous met Marietta characters in Cherish Me, Cowboy.
I enjoyed this short, sweet story that takes me back to one of my favorite places, Marietta. The town is familiar and oozes country charm. Payton is busy running her farm when Cordell happens upon her one day. Payton is strong willed, determined and a sassy cowgirl who doesn't take well to people offering to help out. Cordell is not looking for anything permanent and wants to stick to his 5 year plan. Good thing plans are made to be broken and rewritten.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Payton is a feisty, independent cowgirl; Cordell is in Marietta on a mission and never stays in one place for long. When their paths cross, they both end up having to rethink their lives and emotions. I loved how stubborn Payton was. She didn't want help from anyone with her ranch. She was dead-set on saving her family ranch single-handedly. Cordell was wonderful in the way he interacted with Payton. I was surprised by the secret he revealed at the end. I really didn't see it coming. This was really a great feel-good story.
Payton is an independent cowgirl who is trying to run a ranch all by herself. Cordell shows up in Marietta, Montana chasing a secret from his past. Their paths cross and the sparks fly. It seems impossible to resist each other no matter how hard they try. This is the second book in the rodeo series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. I really like this series and can't wait for the next book. This is my first book to read by Alissa Callen. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Payton Hollis is trying to save her family ranch, praying for the rain her acreage desperately needs. She has no room in her life for love or romance. Cordell Morgan is in Marietta with a plan, a discovery to make. Payton is not part of the plan but he cannot avoid the deep attraction. Henry Watson is an older, gruff rancher looking out for Payton and, in some way, for Cordell, too. The lives of these three blend and weave into a story of friendship and love.
I loved this book I loved Cordell, "oh, I'm feeling all right," he growled as he plundered the delicate line of her soft throat." He can be quite bossy but it's for both him and his lady's pleasure, "I thought you'd never ask." His mouth found the sweet spot at the base of her throat before he lifted her from the tailgate and held her tight. "But the lace and the boots stay on." I also loved seeing a couple of familiar faces from other books.
Read/review for tule VIP insider grp for a honest opinion
I really enjoyed this fast paced romance book. It had great characters, especially liked payton and cordell the main characters. The character development between these characters were perfect for the storyline. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author and in this montana born rodeo series.