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Cowboys of Holiday Ranch #1
A Real Cowboy
New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy brings cowboys, suspense and blazing passion under starry Oklahoma skies!
"I ride alone," cowboy Lucas Taylor warns New Yorker Nicolette Kendall. But when she and her son, Sammy, settle into Holiday Ranch, things are about to change for the sexy straight-shooting loner. After a frightening kidnapping attempt, Lucas becomes six-year-old Sammy's beloved bodyguard…while trying—in vain—to resist white-hot sparks between him and the boy's gorgeous city-slicker mom.
Nicolette can't deny the attraction either. But she's been heartbroken once too often and won't hitch her star to a cowboy interested only in a fling. Until there's a real danger to her own life…and heart! Then will she trade her high heels for cowboy boots?
"I ride alone," cowboy Lucas Taylor warns New Yorker Nicolette Kendall. But when she and her son, Sammy, settle into Holiday Ranch, things are about to change for the sexy straight-shooting loner. After a frightening kidnapping attempt, Lucas becomes six-year-old Sammy's beloved bodyguard…while trying—in vain—to resist white-hot sparks between him and the boy's gorgeous city-slicker mom.
Nicolette can't deny the attraction either. But she's been heartbroken once too often and won't hitch her star to a cowboy interested only in a fling. Until there's a real danger to her own life…and heart! Then will she trade her high heels for cowboy boots?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 20, 2015
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140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 5, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Cowboys of Holiday Ranch series. This book has a great mix of Suspense/Action and Romance. I really love the sweet romance in this book, and the suspense was really good. This book kept me guessing what was going on, and I really love the twist. The ending makes me want to pick up the next book so much. The characters in this book was so much fun learning to get to know, and this group of misfit cowboys is so great. Love this book, and I cannot wait to keep going with this book series.
January 31, 2015
There is so much about this book to keep any reader interested. There was a perfect mix of drama, suspense and romance to keep me wanting more. I loved that this book was those twists and turns and just when you think you know who is behind everything you'll be wrong. I loved that there was multiple point of view with great characters who have interesting back stories. I also loved how this book ended because I wasn't expecting it and it's got me wanting to see what happens next.
April 10, 2015
Good start to the series and nice mixture of romance and suspense. Nicolette and her son Sammy have arrived at Holiday Ranch along with her friend Cassie who inherited it when her aunt died in a tornado. The first person they meet is Lucas, one of the twelve cowboys who work the ranch. Sammy is immediately taken with "Cowboy Lucas".
Lucas came to the ranch when he was seventeen, after living on the streets of Oklahoma City for two years after his mother abandoned him. The owner of the ranch, Cass Holiday, staffed her ranch with young men she rescued, who she could train after her husband died. Cass and the other cowboys became Lucas's family. But as close as he was to them, he swore he would never open his heart to the risk of loss again.
Nicolette is also wary of involvement. She had married Sammy's father, then discovered that she had given her love to a man who didn't deserve it. Since their divorce he had never once expressed an interest in his son. For Nicolette, Sammy is her whole world, and she will do anything for him.
When they arrive on the ranch, Nicolette doesn't know what to expect. She's a little worried about Sammy's immediate attachment to Lucas, but it doesn't take her long to realize that he can be trusted. More worrisome to her is the attraction she feels for him, but since they aren't planning to stay too long, she hopes she can resist. When a masked stranger tries to kidnap Sammy, Lucas steps in to become his protector.
I loved Lucas. He is the epitome of the cowboy, honorable, considerate, kind and caring. Though he insists to Nicolette that he "rides alone" you can see that Sammy has become very important to him. I loved seeing Lucas give Sammy all the attention the little boy could possibly want from his hero. Lucas is also very protective of Nicolette, though he keeps insisting that it's only because it's the right thing to do. He admits his attraction to her, but that it's only physical. The problem is that he finds himself dreaming of a future he's too scared to go after.
I also loved Nicolette. She was a woman who had the strength of will to get herself and her son out of a bad situation. She's doing her best to give Sammy the best life she can. She's cautious when they get to Oklahoma, but it doesn't take her long to see all the benefits of their stay on the ranch. She's worried about her attraction to Lucas, because she sees how easy it would be for her to fall for him. When he saves Sammy from the kidnapper it pretty much seals the deal of her feelings for him, but she won't settle for just a fling. Especially when she has Sammy's feelings to worry about too. I really enjoyed seeing her change from city slicker to country girl and make some important decisions about what she wants from her life.
I loved the way that the relationship between them grew out of their mutual care and protection of Sammy. Being together as much as they were because of them gave them a chance to get to know each other pretty well. They become good friends and partners, even as they tried to resist their attraction. I liked the way that Nicolette saw Lucas's fear and understood it, but also knew that he was the only one who could overcome it.
The suspense of wondering who was after Sammy and why was really good. I could feel Nicolette's fear when the kidnap attempts were made, and Lucas's desperation to catch the kidnapper before he could get away. The obvious person didn't seem too likely because of his attitude, but couldn't be completely disregarded either. The end was very intense as the culprit finally made his move, but not the way I expected.
There was also the secondary story of Cassie's arrival on the ranch and her plans for it. She doesn't tell anyone on the ranch of her plans to sell for fear they will leave before it can be repaired. She is very much a city girl and can't wait to get back to New York. But in order to carry out her plans, she has to take the time to learn about the ranch, and the foreman Adam is the one to do it. You can see that there are hints that there may be something developing between them, but she has her mind set. As the last part of the repairs are prepped to begin, something happens that puts her plans on indefinite hold. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what happens with that. I have my suspicions of who might be involved with that particular problem, but only time will tell.
I also really liked the other cowboys who worked on the ranch. All of them were Cass's rescues. I loved seeing how each of them made Sammy feel so special, and how determined all of them were to keep him safe. With twelve cowboys on Holiday Ranch, I have high hopes that each will get his own story.
Lucas came to the ranch when he was seventeen, after living on the streets of Oklahoma City for two years after his mother abandoned him. The owner of the ranch, Cass Holiday, staffed her ranch with young men she rescued, who she could train after her husband died. Cass and the other cowboys became Lucas's family. But as close as he was to them, he swore he would never open his heart to the risk of loss again.
Nicolette is also wary of involvement. She had married Sammy's father, then discovered that she had given her love to a man who didn't deserve it. Since their divorce he had never once expressed an interest in his son. For Nicolette, Sammy is her whole world, and she will do anything for him.
When they arrive on the ranch, Nicolette doesn't know what to expect. She's a little worried about Sammy's immediate attachment to Lucas, but it doesn't take her long to realize that he can be trusted. More worrisome to her is the attraction she feels for him, but since they aren't planning to stay too long, she hopes she can resist. When a masked stranger tries to kidnap Sammy, Lucas steps in to become his protector.
I loved Lucas. He is the epitome of the cowboy, honorable, considerate, kind and caring. Though he insists to Nicolette that he "rides alone" you can see that Sammy has become very important to him. I loved seeing Lucas give Sammy all the attention the little boy could possibly want from his hero. Lucas is also very protective of Nicolette, though he keeps insisting that it's only because it's the right thing to do. He admits his attraction to her, but that it's only physical. The problem is that he finds himself dreaming of a future he's too scared to go after.
I also loved Nicolette. She was a woman who had the strength of will to get herself and her son out of a bad situation. She's doing her best to give Sammy the best life she can. She's cautious when they get to Oklahoma, but it doesn't take her long to see all the benefits of their stay on the ranch. She's worried about her attraction to Lucas, because she sees how easy it would be for her to fall for him. When he saves Sammy from the kidnapper it pretty much seals the deal of her feelings for him, but she won't settle for just a fling. Especially when she has Sammy's feelings to worry about too. I really enjoyed seeing her change from city slicker to country girl and make some important decisions about what she wants from her life.
I loved the way that the relationship between them grew out of their mutual care and protection of Sammy. Being together as much as they were because of them gave them a chance to get to know each other pretty well. They become good friends and partners, even as they tried to resist their attraction. I liked the way that Nicolette saw Lucas's fear and understood it, but also knew that he was the only one who could overcome it.
The suspense of wondering who was after Sammy and why was really good. I could feel Nicolette's fear when the kidnap attempts were made, and Lucas's desperation to catch the kidnapper before he could get away. The obvious person didn't seem too likely because of his attitude, but couldn't be completely disregarded either. The end was very intense as the culprit finally made his move, but not the way I expected.
There was also the secondary story of Cassie's arrival on the ranch and her plans for it. She doesn't tell anyone on the ranch of her plans to sell for fear they will leave before it can be repaired. She is very much a city girl and can't wait to get back to New York. But in order to carry out her plans, she has to take the time to learn about the ranch, and the foreman Adam is the one to do it. You can see that there are hints that there may be something developing between them, but she has her mind set. As the last part of the repairs are prepped to begin, something happens that puts her plans on indefinite hold. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what happens with that. I have my suspicions of who might be involved with that particular problem, but only time will tell.
I also really liked the other cowboys who worked on the ranch. All of them were Cass's rescues. I loved seeing how each of them made Sammy feel so special, and how determined all of them were to keep him safe. With twelve cowboys on Holiday Ranch, I have high hopes that each will get his own story.
March 11, 2015
Good book. I liked the characters, setting and story. I wanted to smack Lucas a time or two and say just go for it! Looking forward to Nick's story and more with Adam and Cassie. There was only one love scene that was passionate but very short and then they resist each other. I liked the character of Dillon too. He is the Chief of Police in Bitterroot and, after that epilogue, he will have his hands full! Speaking of the epilogue, I really wish it could have been further in Lucas and Nicolette's future, but I guess it couldn't be since this is a series.
Quotes:
“A real cowboy never sits at a table and eats with his hat on,” he explained to Sammy.
“What else does a real cowboy do?” Sammy asked.
Lucas frowned thoughtfully. “A real cowboy protects the innocent and the helpless. He never tells a lie because his word is his honor. He’s trustworthy and always helps people in trouble. He’s a good friend and takes pride in his work.” Lucas paused with a grin. “And I think that’s enough for you to take in for one day.”
“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked.
“You can tell me anything,” Lucas replied.
“I love you and I wish you were my dad.” Sammy didn’t look at him as he spoke the words. The wistful tone in his voice pierced through all of Lucas’s defenses. His tongue seemed to twist in his mouth as he thought carefully before speaking.
“I love you, too, Sammy, but you know I can’t ever be your dad.”
The boy finally looked up at Lucas and gave him a sad little smile. “I know, I just wanted you to know what I felt inside.”
“You could be our family, Lucas, and we could be yours. I know you love us and we love you.” Sammy grabbed Lucas’s hand and Nicolette knew she should stop her son, but at the moment he appeared to be a seething little bundle of raw emotion. “I know you love us, Lucas. Don’t you want to be my dad? Don’t you want to marry my mom and be happy for the rest of your life?”
“Sammy, I do love you and I love your mom, but I never told you that we would all move in together and be a family. I always thought you and your mom would be going back to New York City.”
“I think you do love us, Lucas, and I believe we could have had a wonderful future together, but I think you’re afraid to trust in that love.” She took a step back from him, her heart breaking all over again as she saw the dark torment in his eyes.
“Afraid?” Sammy appeared at her side once again. “Cowboys aren’t afraid. Real cowboys face their fears and Lucas is a real cowboy, right?”
“Not this time, buddy,” Lucas said, his words strangled as they left him. He half turned to leave, but paused as Sammy cried out his name.
“You lied to me.” Sammy pulled his hat from his head and threw it on the ground. “If you’re a real cowboy, then I don’t want to be one anymore.” He stepped in the center of his hat and then ran back to the garage. The sound of the slam of the car door made Lucas visibly jump.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“Don’t be sorry for us. We’re going to be just fine. You’re the one who is choosing a life alone.”
“And what did you realize?” she asked, trying to control the sudden quick acceleration of her heartbeat.
“I love that kid like he’s my own, and breaking his heart today shattered pieces of my own I didn’t even know I possessed.”
“He’ll get over it,” she replied.
“But I don’t know if I will. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over loving you and being foolish enough to let you go.”
“I feel like I’m at a crossroads in my life. I can continue to be the poor, scared kid who was abandoned by my mother, or I can be the man I was meant to be, the man who Cass believed me to be, and reach out for love. I need you, Nicolette. I need you and Sammy. I thought I could let you go, but I can’t. I don’t want to ride alone anymore. I want you and Sammy in my life forever.”
Quotes:
“A real cowboy never sits at a table and eats with his hat on,” he explained to Sammy.
“What else does a real cowboy do?” Sammy asked.
Lucas frowned thoughtfully. “A real cowboy protects the innocent and the helpless. He never tells a lie because his word is his honor. He’s trustworthy and always helps people in trouble. He’s a good friend and takes pride in his work.” Lucas paused with a grin. “And I think that’s enough for you to take in for one day.”
“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked.
“You can tell me anything,” Lucas replied.
“I love you and I wish you were my dad.” Sammy didn’t look at him as he spoke the words. The wistful tone in his voice pierced through all of Lucas’s defenses. His tongue seemed to twist in his mouth as he thought carefully before speaking.
“I love you, too, Sammy, but you know I can’t ever be your dad.”
The boy finally looked up at Lucas and gave him a sad little smile. “I know, I just wanted you to know what I felt inside.”
“You could be our family, Lucas, and we could be yours. I know you love us and we love you.” Sammy grabbed Lucas’s hand and Nicolette knew she should stop her son, but at the moment he appeared to be a seething little bundle of raw emotion. “I know you love us, Lucas. Don’t you want to be my dad? Don’t you want to marry my mom and be happy for the rest of your life?”
“Sammy, I do love you and I love your mom, but I never told you that we would all move in together and be a family. I always thought you and your mom would be going back to New York City.”
“I think you do love us, Lucas, and I believe we could have had a wonderful future together, but I think you’re afraid to trust in that love.” She took a step back from him, her heart breaking all over again as she saw the dark torment in his eyes.
“Afraid?” Sammy appeared at her side once again. “Cowboys aren’t afraid. Real cowboys face their fears and Lucas is a real cowboy, right?”
“Not this time, buddy,” Lucas said, his words strangled as they left him. He half turned to leave, but paused as Sammy cried out his name.
“You lied to me.” Sammy pulled his hat from his head and threw it on the ground. “If you’re a real cowboy, then I don’t want to be one anymore.” He stepped in the center of his hat and then ran back to the garage. The sound of the slam of the car door made Lucas visibly jump.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“Don’t be sorry for us. We’re going to be just fine. You’re the one who is choosing a life alone.”
“And what did you realize?” she asked, trying to control the sudden quick acceleration of her heartbeat.
“I love that kid like he’s my own, and breaking his heart today shattered pieces of my own I didn’t even know I possessed.”
“He’ll get over it,” she replied.
“But I don’t know if I will. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over loving you and being foolish enough to let you go.”
“I feel like I’m at a crossroads in my life. I can continue to be the poor, scared kid who was abandoned by my mother, or I can be the man I was meant to be, the man who Cass believed me to be, and reach out for love. I need you, Nicolette. I need you and Sammy. I thought I could let you go, but I can’t. I don’t want to ride alone anymore. I want you and Sammy in my life forever.”
March 9, 2015
What a delightful story of cowboys, loyalty, family of heart, love, and mystery.
I enjoyed every aspect of this story. The ranch and the cowboys working on there have a deep sense of loyalty, family, and brotherhood. The idea, and force behind Cass's idea, rescuing the 'lost boys' and building the ranch after her husband died, is commendable and admirable.
Lucas is a good guy, who stands behind his word, considerate, caring, and true. The relationship he forms with Sammy is so adorable, valuable, and cute. The life lessons he packs into the 'real cowboy' sayings are priceless. Truly a swoon worthy hero.
Nicolette is tough, sweet and loving mother and woman. She is not afraid to go after what she wants, and together with Lucas they not only form a team, but they have a real connection, passion, and friendship.
The mystery, suspense keeps the whole ranch on their toes, as well as the reader. It has enough surprises to keep it intriguing, and twists and danger make it meaningful. The main focus is the relationships on the ranch, but there's just enough suspense mixed in as well.
The story has flow and is very well written, there are many different elements to keep the interest, and I will be looking for more stories in this series
~ Five Spoons
http://booksandspoons.weebly.com/book...
I enjoyed every aspect of this story. The ranch and the cowboys working on there have a deep sense of loyalty, family, and brotherhood. The idea, and force behind Cass's idea, rescuing the 'lost boys' and building the ranch after her husband died, is commendable and admirable.
Lucas is a good guy, who stands behind his word, considerate, caring, and true. The relationship he forms with Sammy is so adorable, valuable, and cute. The life lessons he packs into the 'real cowboy' sayings are priceless. Truly a swoon worthy hero.
Nicolette is tough, sweet and loving mother and woman. She is not afraid to go after what she wants, and together with Lucas they not only form a team, but they have a real connection, passion, and friendship.
The mystery, suspense keeps the whole ranch on their toes, as well as the reader. It has enough surprises to keep it intriguing, and twists and danger make it meaningful. The main focus is the relationships on the ranch, but there's just enough suspense mixed in as well.
The story has flow and is very well written, there are many different elements to keep the interest, and I will be looking for more stories in this series
~ Five Spoons
http://booksandspoons.weebly.com/book...
January 31, 2015
A Real Cowboy is a romantic suspense in the Cowboys of Holiday Ranch series and is written by Carla Cassidy.
Cass Holiday of Bitterroot, Oklahoma had been killed when a limb from a tree fell on her during a tornado. She had been a stern but loving owner. She loved the cowboys on the ranch as if they were her sons. She set rules and consequences when they arrived on her ranch as scraggly teenagers who had no place else to go. She taught them to be respectful, law-abiding young men who were quite loyal to her and her memory. Now they were somewhat worried because Cass had left the ranch to her niece, Cassandra Peterson, a struggling artist from New York City. Would she stay and run the ranch? Probably not. She would probably get it back into shape and sell it. What would happen to the cowboys then?
Lucas Taylor was one of the cowboys who was worried. Would he lose his home as he had lost his mother and now Cass? He thought about buying a small place nearby and ranching for himself but that wouldn’t be home as the Holiday Ranch was. Tonight when the others went out drinking and partying, Lucas stayed at the ranch to welcome the new owner who should be arriving soon. He decided not to worry about the ranch as he could do nothing about her decision, so would wait to see what she decided.
Cassandra (Cassie) Peterson had no intention of staying on the ranch. She would get it back into shape and then sell it. How long could that take? She had brought her partner, Nicolette Kendall and her so, Sammy with her for company. Nicolette had moved in with her after her divorce from Sammy’s father. Together they started a small shop which sold Cassie’s paintings as well as clothing. It was doing OK; but not bringing in much over expenses. However, Cassie was sure once she sold the ranch and put the money into the business that is would take off. However, while she was on the ranch, she would learn what she could so that she would be better able to make a good deal on selling.
Nicolette needed a break from her life. She had divorced Samuel Kendall and left with only their son, Sammy. Samuel had no interest in marriage or children which Nicolette didn’t discover until after they were married. She just wanted out and left without money or support for herself and Sammy. Luckily her friend Cassie took them in and with Nicolette’s help, they started their store. Nicolette knew that she and Sammy could not live with Cassie forever and that she didn’t want to run a shop forever. She really wanted to finish her degree and teach. She just had to figure out how to do that. She would take the time on this vacation to figure things out. What she didn’t figure in was a handsome young cowboy named Lucas. Lucas took an interest in Sammy which his father had not done and that opened her heart to allow more than thanks in. What would she do when they left? How would she mend her broken heart as well as her son’s heart? Sammy had taken to Lucas quickly and wanted Lucas to teach him to be a cowboy.
As if that wasn’t enough, someone seemed intent on kidnapping Sammy! Nicolette had put him to bed and had gone downstairs to talk to Cassie. On her way to bed, she checked in on Sammy as she normally did and saw a masked man at Sammy’s window. When the men came to investigate, they found a ladder against Sammy’s window. Who would want to kidnap Sammy and why? She immediately ruled out Samuel because he knew that if he wanted to see Sammy, all he had to do was ask. Nicolette had made that very clear to Samuel knowing full well that he most likely never would ask to see Sammy. He had no time in his life for a son. Lucas promised her he would stay close to them until the kidnapper was found. Was staying close a good idea?
Cass Holiday of Bitterroot, Oklahoma had been killed when a limb from a tree fell on her during a tornado. She had been a stern but loving owner. She loved the cowboys on the ranch as if they were her sons. She set rules and consequences when they arrived on her ranch as scraggly teenagers who had no place else to go. She taught them to be respectful, law-abiding young men who were quite loyal to her and her memory. Now they were somewhat worried because Cass had left the ranch to her niece, Cassandra Peterson, a struggling artist from New York City. Would she stay and run the ranch? Probably not. She would probably get it back into shape and sell it. What would happen to the cowboys then?
Lucas Taylor was one of the cowboys who was worried. Would he lose his home as he had lost his mother and now Cass? He thought about buying a small place nearby and ranching for himself but that wouldn’t be home as the Holiday Ranch was. Tonight when the others went out drinking and partying, Lucas stayed at the ranch to welcome the new owner who should be arriving soon. He decided not to worry about the ranch as he could do nothing about her decision, so would wait to see what she decided.
Cassandra (Cassie) Peterson had no intention of staying on the ranch. She would get it back into shape and then sell it. How long could that take? She had brought her partner, Nicolette Kendall and her so, Sammy with her for company. Nicolette had moved in with her after her divorce from Sammy’s father. Together they started a small shop which sold Cassie’s paintings as well as clothing. It was doing OK; but not bringing in much over expenses. However, Cassie was sure once she sold the ranch and put the money into the business that is would take off. However, while she was on the ranch, she would learn what she could so that she would be better able to make a good deal on selling.
Nicolette needed a break from her life. She had divorced Samuel Kendall and left with only their son, Sammy. Samuel had no interest in marriage or children which Nicolette didn’t discover until after they were married. She just wanted out and left without money or support for herself and Sammy. Luckily her friend Cassie took them in and with Nicolette’s help, they started their store. Nicolette knew that she and Sammy could not live with Cassie forever and that she didn’t want to run a shop forever. She really wanted to finish her degree and teach. She just had to figure out how to do that. She would take the time on this vacation to figure things out. What she didn’t figure in was a handsome young cowboy named Lucas. Lucas took an interest in Sammy which his father had not done and that opened her heart to allow more than thanks in. What would she do when they left? How would she mend her broken heart as well as her son’s heart? Sammy had taken to Lucas quickly and wanted Lucas to teach him to be a cowboy.
As if that wasn’t enough, someone seemed intent on kidnapping Sammy! Nicolette had put him to bed and had gone downstairs to talk to Cassie. On her way to bed, she checked in on Sammy as she normally did and saw a masked man at Sammy’s window. When the men came to investigate, they found a ladder against Sammy’s window. Who would want to kidnap Sammy and why? She immediately ruled out Samuel because he knew that if he wanted to see Sammy, all he had to do was ask. Nicolette had made that very clear to Samuel knowing full well that he most likely never would ask to see Sammy. He had no time in his life for a son. Lucas promised her he would stay close to them until the kidnapper was found. Was staying close a good idea?
May 2, 2015
This one is going on my favorites list. Loved it. I loved the romance, suspense, friendship. I loved the brotherhood of a group of cowboys that didn't have family, the bond they shared is like a huge family. I loved the friendship between Cassie, and Nicolette. I fell in love with Sammy, Nicolette's 6 year old son. He was so polite, always willing to learn new things, and had so much energy. He wanted to be just like cowboy Lucas. There was just a touch of hero worship going on. The bond that grew between Lucas, and Sammy touched my heart.
Cass built her ranch from the ground up. she took in cowboys that needed a place to call home. they all became family. When she died, she left 12 grieving cowboys. She left the ranch to her niece Cass. Nicolette, and Cass owned a shop in New York. Cass loved the city, and had no idea about ranch life. She got her best friend, and her son to come to the ranch with her. Shortly after arriving, Sammy was almost kidnapped twice. Lucas became the little boys body guard. He made Nicolette a promise that he wouldn't let anything happen to her son. a real cowboy never breaks his promise. The suspense behind the attacks was good, but I had a suspicion on who was behind it.
This is going to be a GREAT series. I can't wait to read more about Cassie, and Adam, and follow the other cowboys. I can't wait to see if she keeps the ranch, or sales. The book is a stand alone, but was set up perfect to carry on into another book.
Cass built her ranch from the ground up. she took in cowboys that needed a place to call home. they all became family. When she died, she left 12 grieving cowboys. She left the ranch to her niece Cass. Nicolette, and Cass owned a shop in New York. Cass loved the city, and had no idea about ranch life. She got her best friend, and her son to come to the ranch with her. Shortly after arriving, Sammy was almost kidnapped twice. Lucas became the little boys body guard. He made Nicolette a promise that he wouldn't let anything happen to her son. a real cowboy never breaks his promise. The suspense behind the attacks was good, but I had a suspicion on who was behind it.
This is going to be a GREAT series. I can't wait to read more about Cassie, and Adam, and follow the other cowboys. I can't wait to see if she keeps the ranch, or sales. The book is a stand alone, but was set up perfect to carry on into another book.
March 16, 2016
3.5 Stars for A Real Cowboy
The book definitely delivers on the book blurb: some suspense, a little intrigue, a lotta cowboys. Overall this story was interesting and held my attention. I enjoyed all of the characters in the book and there were several scenes when I smiled. Anyone who loves kids in their stories will really enjoy this book - Sammy was a real treat. Although I really liked Nicolette and Lucas, I never felt any deep, raw emotion and attraction as I read their love story. Maybe it's because I'm the kind of person that throws caution to the wind and jumps head first into relationships and these two were cautious and reluctant. Still - it was a good story.
The book definitely delivers on the book blurb: some suspense, a little intrigue, a lotta cowboys. Overall this story was interesting and held my attention. I enjoyed all of the characters in the book and there were several scenes when I smiled. Anyone who loves kids in their stories will really enjoy this book - Sammy was a real treat. Although I really liked Nicolette and Lucas, I never felt any deep, raw emotion and attraction as I read their love story. Maybe it's because I'm the kind of person that throws caution to the wind and jumps head first into relationships and these two were cautious and reluctant. Still - it was a good story.
April 29, 2015
I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review: Here it is:
New Yorkers, Cassandra Peterson, her best friend and business partner, Nicholette, and Nicholette's son, Sammy, arrive at the Holiday Ranch in Oklahoma, bequeathed to Cassandra by her late aunt, Cass, who died two weeks earlier when a tornado whipped through the ranch. Cassandra's plan is to have the 12 resident cowboys repair the damages so that she can sell the ranch and return to New York. Her friend, Nicholette, is immediately drawn to Lucas, the cowboy who greets them when they arrive, and her son, Sammy, is thrilled to meet a real cowboy.
What follows is as good a romance novel as I've read in years, well-written and packed with suspense. There are several typos, expected in an ARC.
Will the attraction between Lucas, a self-proclaimed lone rider and Nicholette blossom?
Who keeps trying to kidnap young Sammy, and why?
Will Cassandra sell the ranch or fall in love with Oklahoma and decide to stay?
If Cassandra does sell, what will become of the 12 cowboys who've lived and worked the ranch since they were troubled teenagers?
And that's just for starters.
If you're a fan of contemporary western romances, don't miss this one--it's that good!
New Yorkers, Cassandra Peterson, her best friend and business partner, Nicholette, and Nicholette's son, Sammy, arrive at the Holiday Ranch in Oklahoma, bequeathed to Cassandra by her late aunt, Cass, who died two weeks earlier when a tornado whipped through the ranch. Cassandra's plan is to have the 12 resident cowboys repair the damages so that she can sell the ranch and return to New York. Her friend, Nicholette, is immediately drawn to Lucas, the cowboy who greets them when they arrive, and her son, Sammy, is thrilled to meet a real cowboy.
What follows is as good a romance novel as I've read in years, well-written and packed with suspense. There are several typos, expected in an ARC.
Will the attraction between Lucas, a self-proclaimed lone rider and Nicholette blossom?
Who keeps trying to kidnap young Sammy, and why?
Will Cassandra sell the ranch or fall in love with Oklahoma and decide to stay?
If Cassandra does sell, what will become of the 12 cowboys who've lived and worked the ranch since they were troubled teenagers?
And that's just for starters.
If you're a fan of contemporary western romances, don't miss this one--it's that good!
October 26, 2017
Great book! I accidentally read book 4 before this one so could work out some of the things that were going to happen. No big deal though. I loved Lucas, Nicolette and Sammy so was gripped by this exciting story.
March 30, 2017
I liked this story...he had a hard time accepting that he could love, and once he did...tragedy struck the ranch....
March 17, 2018
Great
This book was very well written. It kept my attention throughout the story and made me want to get to the end to see what would happen.
This book was very well written. It kept my attention throughout the story and made me want to get to the end to see what would happen.
September 26, 2023
Great meet-cute premise: city girl grows into a country lover thru a troubled cowboy. Interesting, very t.v. way to write a book: mini mystery that wraps up in one book, while series long mystery plays out bit by bit in each book.
Wasn't going to read whole series but now i realize i have to or I'll miss clues!
Wasn't going to read whole series but now i realize i have to or I'll miss clues!
November 26, 2024
I was lucky enough to find a used copy of this book, so it has been in my TBR stack for a long time. This is a well written story with great characters. This one is worth your time. The little boy makes the story. I would encourage everyone to get this one. I really think you will enjoy this one I know I did.
May 1, 2020
Nicolette and her son meet cowboy lucas when her friend Cassie inherits the ranch. Most of the book moved pretty slow for me and I felt it was way too bogged down in Lucas’s abandonment issues. I liked the characters and the plot, just Lucas’s issues went on and on.
December 28, 2016
Way too much clichés and then it ends on a cliffhanger. Not good.
March 3, 2015
4 stars
I liked the characters, the dialog, the setting and the suspense. I did not like that I have to wait till the next book comes out to find out more. There was one love scene that I skipped over.
Nicolette Kendal and her son Sammy came out to the ranch that her friend and partner inherited. She is a divorced single mom. She is a good mom.
Sammy is a cute six year old that wants to be a cowboy. His first night in town Nicolette catches sight of a masked man in her son's bedroom on the second floor.
Cassandra Peterson is an artist. She and Nicolette own a clothing store in New York city. She has been there for Nicolette and Sammy since Nicolette got divorced. Now she owns a ranch.
Lucas Taylor has been on Holiday ranch since he was 17. He misses Cass Holiday who died in a tornado that damaged a lot of the ranch. He is one of 12 cowboys that live and work on the ranch.
The setting is Cass Holiday's large ranch in Bitterroot, Oklahoma
Why has someone wearing a ski mask was on a ladder looking in the room Sammy was staying in?
Lucas volunteered to sleep in the other bunk bed in Sammy's room till they figure out who and why.
The cowboy's on the ranch are determined to keep Sammy and the ladies safe.
Some twists I did not see coming. Other surprises I did see ahead of the reveal.
I read this book in one sitting. Did not want to put it down even when I finished it I wanted more.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin and in return agreed to give honest review of A Real Cowboy.
April 20, 2015
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Bitterroot, Oklahoma
Lucas Taylor is a cowboy that works on the Holiday Ranch. When he meets New Yorker Nicolette Kendal he warns her that he rides alone. At least he always has until things change with the arrival of Nicolette and her son, Sammy. Lucas becomes Sammy’s bodyguard, a beloved one at that after a frightening kidnapping attempt. Lucas also tries hard to resist the white hot sparks between him and Sammy’s city-slicker mom.
Nicolette feels the attraction too. She has had her heart broken once too often already and isn’t willing to hitch her star to a man only interested in a fling. At least until the danger is to her life not to mention her heart. But will she trade her heels in for a pair of cowboy boots?
This is a story that is full of suspense and action. Reading how the characters overcome their different and troubled pasts makes for a read that is very hard to put down. There are also plenty of suspects as to what is happening to Sammy and his mother and makes for a story that will have readers guessing just who is behind what is going on and why it might be happening. It also has a great ending that should make the next book in the series an interesting read. It will also have readers eagerly awaiting the next book just to see what is going to happen. For a modern day western this is a fantastic book to read.
Received a review copy
Bitterroot, Oklahoma
Lucas Taylor is a cowboy that works on the Holiday Ranch. When he meets New Yorker Nicolette Kendal he warns her that he rides alone. At least he always has until things change with the arrival of Nicolette and her son, Sammy. Lucas becomes Sammy’s bodyguard, a beloved one at that after a frightening kidnapping attempt. Lucas also tries hard to resist the white hot sparks between him and Sammy’s city-slicker mom.
Nicolette feels the attraction too. She has had her heart broken once too often already and isn’t willing to hitch her star to a man only interested in a fling. At least until the danger is to her life not to mention her heart. But will she trade her heels in for a pair of cowboy boots?
This is a story that is full of suspense and action. Reading how the characters overcome their different and troubled pasts makes for a read that is very hard to put down. There are also plenty of suspects as to what is happening to Sammy and his mother and makes for a story that will have readers guessing just who is behind what is going on and why it might be happening. It also has a great ending that should make the next book in the series an interesting read. It will also have readers eagerly awaiting the next book just to see what is going to happen. For a modern day western this is a fantastic book to read.
Received a review copy
November 13, 2016
This was a good start to a new series. There were many characters that were introduced and I’m happy with the first characters that were able to get their happily ever after. Lucas, Nicolette and Sammy would make a very nice family. There is only one problem there is someone after Sammy and Lucas is being a very stubborn man that can’t let go of his past. I understand that he didn’t have the most wonderful life when he was a child or a teenager but come on everyone deserves a happily ever after. Sammy was a great little boy and he knew what he wanted and that was his mom and Lucas together. He even told Lucas that he loved him and that he wished that Lucas was his father. His father was mean and Lucas was great. There was a tear shedding moment in the end of the book where I felt so bad for Sammy because he has been let down. He no longer wanted to be a cowboy.
A Real Cowboy was a good read. Ms. Cassidy’s writing was captivating. The characters were well developed. The chemistry between Lucas and Nicolette is sensual and passionate. The storyline was excellent and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I want to know what is happening in the Holiday Ranch.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
A Real Cowboy was a good read. Ms. Cassidy’s writing was captivating. The characters were well developed. The chemistry between Lucas and Nicolette is sensual and passionate. The storyline was excellent and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I want to know what is happening in the Holiday Ranch.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
April 22, 2015
This review first appeared on my blog http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/2...
What did I think? 5 STARS!!!
Like: Chemistry between the characters,
Dislike: NOTHING!
Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would definitely recommend you check out this book. I've read a few books by Carla Cassidy before and she never disappoints!
My favorite part of this book was the ending! Carla Cassidy definitely knows how to write a cliffhanger, and I have no doubt that the next book will be just as great if not better than this one!
Overall I really loved this book and I can't wait for this summer to read the next book in the series! I think this was a great start to Carla's new series, the setting, characters, and plot were all a perfect mixture of romance and suspense!
Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
What did I think? 5 STARS!!!
Like: Chemistry between the characters,
Dislike: NOTHING!
Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would definitely recommend you check out this book. I've read a few books by Carla Cassidy before and she never disappoints!
My favorite part of this book was the ending! Carla Cassidy definitely knows how to write a cliffhanger, and I have no doubt that the next book will be just as great if not better than this one!
Overall I really loved this book and I can't wait for this summer to read the next book in the series! I think this was a great start to Carla's new series, the setting, characters, and plot were all a perfect mixture of romance and suspense!
Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 9, 2015
I am really excited about this Holiday Ranch series from M&B Romantic Suspense. This was the first book introducing the ranch, town & characters, with the next installment in June. Fantastic mix of romance and suspense, with a storyline that is broad and focus's not just on 2 characters, I really rooted for Nicolette and Lucas and hope they are mentioned in upcoming books to see what happened to them.
April 6, 2016
I actually started this series by reading the 4th book first, and now happened to have the first book in my hand. Though I knew who did it from one of the first pages it really didn't detract from my reading pleasure. I really loved the characters, especially Sammy, who shows all the exuberance of a young child. I'm actually kind of sad that the ending was so quick. I would have thought that it would have been drawn out a little more, but I'm incredibly happy with what I read. On to book 2!
December 13, 2014
Nicolette she can be ballsy at times, "I want you again." The words shocked her as they whispered from her own lips. His head shot up and he looked at her in surprise and then with a raw hunger..." Wasn't to many naughty scenes in this book but what there was they were steamy. This book was okay the story was good and it was a page turner.
Read
January 12, 2016"Solid storytelling and sympathetic, genuine characters will draw readers in from the start. Add strong suspense, a tender relationship between Lucas and Sammy, and the intense attraction between Lucas and Nicolette, and this is one amazing read" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Cowboys of Holiday Ranch
Miniseries: Cowboys of Holiday Ranch
Want to read
February 5, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14388806
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14388806
December 31, 2014
Received via NetGalley
April 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Cowboy theme with a tinge of mystery. Good characters. Am planning on reading the rest of the series.
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