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A Love So Sweet #1
The Cowboy's Gamble
New York Times Bestselling Author Janelle Denison brings you a classic marriage of convenience story that is fun, flirty, and filled with sensual romance. BONUS: One very hot cowboy!
Eleven years ago Seth O'Connor left Josie McAllister brokenhearted. But now the sexy, smooth talking cowboy is on her doorstep, with a legal document that laid claim not only to McAllister property but to Josie, as well.
Learning that her father had gambled away not just the family ranch, but Josie's future on one game of cards has her fighting to safeguard her home, along with protecting her daughter from a past filled with painful secrets between her and Seth.
But this cowboy is determined to claim what is now rightfully his, and Josie has a difficult choice to make. She can either give up her home to her family nemesis, or marry a man she'd taught herself to hate….
Dear Reader,
THE COWBOY’S GAMBLE was originally written as a Harlequin Romance in 1998 (as Bride Included), and is much sweeter and more traditional in tone than my current books. I’m thrilled to have the rights back to this book that has been out of print for years, and I’m equally thrilled to share some of my earlier novels with my readers.
This book was originally written at a time when cowboys, marriages of convenience, and secret babies were a very popular theme in romance novels. I’ve made a few changes to update certain aspects of the story, but the classic tone remains the same.
I hope you enjoy Seth and Josie’s story!
Happy Reading,
Janelle Denison
(small town, billionaire, millionaire, wealthy, wedding, second chance, baby, cowboy, western)
Eleven years ago Seth O'Connor left Josie McAllister brokenhearted. But now the sexy, smooth talking cowboy is on her doorstep, with a legal document that laid claim not only to McAllister property but to Josie, as well.
Learning that her father had gambled away not just the family ranch, but Josie's future on one game of cards has her fighting to safeguard her home, along with protecting her daughter from a past filled with painful secrets between her and Seth.
But this cowboy is determined to claim what is now rightfully his, and Josie has a difficult choice to make. She can either give up her home to her family nemesis, or marry a man she'd taught herself to hate….
Dear Reader,
THE COWBOY’S GAMBLE was originally written as a Harlequin Romance in 1998 (as Bride Included), and is much sweeter and more traditional in tone than my current books. I’m thrilled to have the rights back to this book that has been out of print for years, and I’m equally thrilled to share some of my earlier novels with my readers.
This book was originally written at a time when cowboys, marriages of convenience, and secret babies were a very popular theme in romance novels. I’ve made a few changes to update certain aspects of the story, but the classic tone remains the same.
I hope you enjoy Seth and Josie’s story!
Happy Reading,
Janelle Denison
(small town, billionaire, millionaire, wealthy, wedding, second chance, baby, cowboy, western)
251 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Janelle Denison
161 books559 followersIt’s hard for me to imagine that I’ve been writing romances for over twenty years now! I started at the young age of 21, just after I got married. Reading romances, and then writing them, came about as a result of having too much time on my hands. When I first married my husband Don, I was working a regular nine to five job and he worked swing shift, from four in the afternoon until midnight. It wasn’t an ideal schedule for newlyweds, and in order to pass those hours when I was alone I started reading romances, and eventually tried my hand at writing them.
The road to publication wasn’t an easy one. It took me five years and dozens of rejections to make my first sale, which was to Harlequin for their “Stolen Moments” line. THE FAMILY MAN, written under the pseudonym Danielle Kelly, was one of the twelve novellas published in 1993 for this promotional line.
It took me another two and a half years (and more rejections!) to sell my second book. HEAVEN’S GIFT (written under my own name) was published in October 1995 by Leisure Love Spell for their “An Angel’s Touch” series. Another two years passed of collecting even more rejections before I finally sold to Harlequin Romance and Harlequin Temptation. At the time, writing for both Temptation and Harlequin Romance provided me with a wonderful creative outlet for both my modern, ultra-sexy stories, and my warmer, traditional romances. But as the years passed, I realized how much I enjoyed writing the sexier stories and streamlined my career accordingly so that I was no longer writing the sweet traditional romances, and instead focused on the hotter, sexier stories for Temptation and Blaze.
After writing over two dozen books for Harlequin, I decided to branch out. I wanted to write anthologies and single titles, and came up with an idea about three sexy brothers with the last name of “Wilde”. Little did I know that those Wilde brothers would become such a sensation with readers. In the second Wilde book, WILDE THING, four Wilde cousins were introduced, and readers started writing in for their stories, too. It’s been a joy and pleasure to write each of the Wilde stories, and I want to thank everyone for purchasing those books and putting them on the USA Today Bestseller list!
I’ve been a full-time writer for years, which consists of being deep in deadlines, writing proposals (growling at the husband to fix a glitch in the computer so I can get back to work!), perusing contracts, line-edits (stressing over a scene that won’t work or characters that just won’t talk or cooperate with my plans for them!), galleys, art-fact sheets, promotion, and other publishing paperwork. Admittedly, I wouldn’t trade all the craziness in for pantyhose, rush hour traffic, and a nine-to-five job again. Writing is hard work, but I find the rewards are well worth the effort. Fan letters are one of those priceless rewards, and can keep me on a high for days! I’ve met the most wonderful people through my books, some of which I now consider good friends.
The road to publication wasn’t an easy one. It took me five years and dozens of rejections to make my first sale, which was to Harlequin for their “Stolen Moments” line. THE FAMILY MAN, written under the pseudonym Danielle Kelly, was one of the twelve novellas published in 1993 for this promotional line.
It took me another two and a half years (and more rejections!) to sell my second book. HEAVEN’S GIFT (written under my own name) was published in October 1995 by Leisure Love Spell for their “An Angel’s Touch” series. Another two years passed of collecting even more rejections before I finally sold to Harlequin Romance and Harlequin Temptation. At the time, writing for both Temptation and Harlequin Romance provided me with a wonderful creative outlet for both my modern, ultra-sexy stories, and my warmer, traditional romances. But as the years passed, I realized how much I enjoyed writing the sexier stories and streamlined my career accordingly so that I was no longer writing the sweet traditional romances, and instead focused on the hotter, sexier stories for Temptation and Blaze.
After writing over two dozen books for Harlequin, I decided to branch out. I wanted to write anthologies and single titles, and came up with an idea about three sexy brothers with the last name of “Wilde”. Little did I know that those Wilde brothers would become such a sensation with readers. In the second Wilde book, WILDE THING, four Wilde cousins were introduced, and readers started writing in for their stories, too. It’s been a joy and pleasure to write each of the Wilde stories, and I want to thank everyone for purchasing those books and putting them on the USA Today Bestseller list!
I’ve been a full-time writer for years, which consists of being deep in deadlines, writing proposals (growling at the husband to fix a glitch in the computer so I can get back to work!), perusing contracts, line-edits (stressing over a scene that won’t work or characters that just won’t talk or cooperate with my plans for them!), galleys, art-fact sheets, promotion, and other publishing paperwork. Admittedly, I wouldn’t trade all the craziness in for pantyhose, rush hour traffic, and a nine-to-five job again. Writing is hard work, but I find the rewards are well worth the effort. Fan letters are one of those priceless rewards, and can keep me on a high for days! I’ve met the most wonderful people through my books, some of which I now consider good friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 1, 2015
HMPH.... NOT enough grovelling in my opinion....
Want to Read
December 19, 2019 🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/19/2019)! 🎁
November 8, 2014
~RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW~
When you farther lose the land gambling and you have hated the man he lost it to. What do you do win that man shows up wanting the land and you? Can you hold on to the grudge that you have or can the that person you hate the most win his way into your heart? Read the book to find out more! A great story!
When you farther lose the land gambling and you have hated the man he lost it to. What do you do win that man shows up wanting the land and you? Can you hold on to the grudge that you have or can the that person you hate the most win his way into your heart? Read the book to find out more! A great story!
May 20, 2024
We See the Sowing but Where’s the Reaping?
This is a book full of lies, betrayal and lives ruined due to a vindictive brother. Robert O’Connor is far from happy when he’s told Josie is going to have his brother, Seth’s, baby. Why? A family feud that goes back three generations…. four counting the innocent baby. Sixteen year old Josie McAllister’s reputation is ruined by nasty lies, locker room talk and loose innuendos. As a result, Seth O’Connor chooses to believe the baby she’s carrying isn’t his and abandons Josie to fend for herself. And that she does, for 11 looong years. Now circumstances make it impossible for them to ignore each other and possibly mend fences. Nothing will be easy but both Josie and Seth want the same thing …. The McAllister ranch, which was the start of that 75 year old feud.
See, that ranch land use to belong to the O’Connors but the ‘sins of the fathers’ had consequences. Hatred between the families resulted and passed down through the generations. Josie and Seth had to hide their relationship …but her pregnancy could not remain hidden. Even though Seth threw Josie away, his father and brother never forgot. It cost Seth his inheritance. HIs dysfunctional dad cut him out of the will making him only a paid ranch hand.
When lies are revealed and the vindictive people exposed you’d think there would be some reaping, but not sooo fast. I explain in the below observations.
🤔OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Josie never lied, why apologize? She was the victim. If Seth wanted proof, all he had to do was request a DNA check. It seems like he WANTED to believe the ‘gossip’.
✒︎ The last half of this book is MUCH better than the first half. I almost gave up reading after the first couple chapters. Josie’s lust was unbelievable. She hated him for 11 years. How do you hate someone who threw you away, then see him in an unfriendly situation and start lusting after him? That is what made me want to quit reading.
✒︎ Also, the last half failed to show any repercussions for those who ruined Josie. Did those lying boys with loose tongues ever have to admit what they did? How much were they paid? Where are they now?
✒︎ How about Robert, the brother? His simple ‘I’m Sorry’ was not only laughable but unbelievable. Where are any consequences for Robert and those loose tongued liars?
✒︎ Why, Why use profanity? Foul language is one thing but profaning always is unnecessary.
This is a book full of lies, betrayal and lives ruined due to a vindictive brother. Robert O’Connor is far from happy when he’s told Josie is going to have his brother, Seth’s, baby. Why? A family feud that goes back three generations…. four counting the innocent baby. Sixteen year old Josie McAllister’s reputation is ruined by nasty lies, locker room talk and loose innuendos. As a result, Seth O’Connor chooses to believe the baby she’s carrying isn’t his and abandons Josie to fend for herself. And that she does, for 11 looong years. Now circumstances make it impossible for them to ignore each other and possibly mend fences. Nothing will be easy but both Josie and Seth want the same thing …. The McAllister ranch, which was the start of that 75 year old feud.
See, that ranch land use to belong to the O’Connors but the ‘sins of the fathers’ had consequences. Hatred between the families resulted and passed down through the generations. Josie and Seth had to hide their relationship …but her pregnancy could not remain hidden. Even though Seth threw Josie away, his father and brother never forgot. It cost Seth his inheritance. HIs dysfunctional dad cut him out of the will making him only a paid ranch hand.
When lies are revealed and the vindictive people exposed you’d think there would be some reaping, but not sooo fast. I explain in the below observations.
🤔OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Josie never lied, why apologize? She was the victim. If Seth wanted proof, all he had to do was request a DNA check. It seems like he WANTED to believe the ‘gossip’.
✒︎ The last half of this book is MUCH better than the first half. I almost gave up reading after the first couple chapters. Josie’s lust was unbelievable. She hated him for 11 years. How do you hate someone who threw you away, then see him in an unfriendly situation and start lusting after him? That is what made me want to quit reading.
✒︎ Also, the last half failed to show any repercussions for those who ruined Josie. Did those lying boys with loose tongues ever have to admit what they did? How much were they paid? Where are they now?
✒︎ How about Robert, the brother? His simple ‘I’m Sorry’ was not only laughable but unbelievable. Where are any consequences for Robert and those loose tongued liars?
✒︎ Why, Why use profanity? Foul language is one thing but profaning always is unnecessary.
January 4, 2020
Older Theme Love Story
This story is a revamp of a previous Harlequin book form 1998.
Rosie finds herself in a unique position. Her father has lost the ranch in a gambling game to her worse enemy, Seth. Josie and Seth have not only a family history of hate but also a personal one from 11 years before. Seth tells Josie she can marry him and keep half the ranch or leave and lose every thing. That’s the terms of the deal her dad made with him. So, of course, Josie chooses to marry him. The story pretty much is predicable from there.
This is an older story from a different time in the romance stories era, but this kind of story-my way or the highway-always bothered me even in 1998. Just once I wish the author had let the woman say “No way!” And let the story develop from there.
This story is a revamp of a previous Harlequin book form 1998.
Rosie finds herself in a unique position. Her father has lost the ranch in a gambling game to her worse enemy, Seth. Josie and Seth have not only a family history of hate but also a personal one from 11 years before. Seth tells Josie she can marry him and keep half the ranch or leave and lose every thing. That’s the terms of the deal her dad made with him. So, of course, Josie chooses to marry him. The story pretty much is predicable from there.
This is an older story from a different time in the romance stories era, but this kind of story-my way or the highway-always bothered me even in 1998. Just once I wish the author had let the woman say “No way!” And let the story develop from there.
February 9, 2018
The Cowboy's Gamble is book #2 in the Destined for Love Series. It's a modern day Hatfield and McCoy plot, well written and with great characters that have a second chance at love. This is a stand alone issue and these books do not have to be read in order. When you pick this book up be prepared to not being able to put it down until the last page. I love that there is HEA and it has little angst and drama and that there is no cliff hanger. Read Josie and Seth's story and you will fall in love too.
July 16, 2020
Fued, lies, & scheming
The feud between their two families had been going on for 75 years when her father decided to scheme his daughter's way to a happy ending, hopefully!
He shattered her 11 years ago believing the rumors instead of believing her. But what could she expect with their family feud. She tried to hate him but still loved him. She just had to keep her secret.
He was cheated out of so many things due to a family feud. Can he finally realize that it's just not worth it?
The feud between their two families had been going on for 75 years when her father decided to scheme his daughter's way to a happy ending, hopefully!
He shattered her 11 years ago believing the rumors instead of believing her. But what could she expect with their family feud. She tried to hate him but still loved him. She just had to keep her secret.
He was cheated out of so many things due to a family feud. Can he finally realize that it's just not worth it?
May 19, 2019
A happily ever after story set on a ranch. Ten years after a brief relationship in high school, rival rancher meet again when he wins her ranch in a poker game with her father (who then disappears). I really liked the book and the author's writing style, but would have like more depth in the story after he found out the truth. I guess I'm saying 90 percent of the book was a 5 star but the ending came too soon and the making up needed more (for me). Still, I definitely recommend the book.
March 24, 2019
Delightful!!!
Seth and Josie are an interesting and intriguing couple 💑. Their storyline will keep the reader's attention until the very end. Throw in a ten year old Kellie and the reader has a novel with a plot, interesting and knowing characters characters, and a story that will hold the reader's attention. A wonderful novel.
Seth and Josie are an interesting and intriguing couple 💑. Their storyline will keep the reader's attention until the very end. Throw in a ten year old Kellie and the reader has a novel with a plot, interesting and knowing characters characters, and a story that will hold the reader's attention. A wonderful novel.
June 4, 2019
Classic Harlequin
This book was originally a Harlequin Romance, and is has all of the classic elements of star crossed lovers, enemies to lovers, drama, but ultimately a happily ever after. Some of the pieces wrapped up a little too conveniently, but that's part of makes this a classic.
This book was originally a Harlequin Romance, and is has all of the classic elements of star crossed lovers, enemies to lovers, drama, but ultimately a happily ever after. Some of the pieces wrapped up a little too conveniently, but that's part of makes this a classic.
December 31, 2019
A sweet love story
From the very beginning, I enjoyed the storyline and characters. I laughed. Some passages were so filled with emotion that I even had tears in my eyes that dripped down my face at one point (no spoilers from me, you need to read the book to discover what made me cry).
From the very beginning, I enjoyed the storyline and characters. I laughed. Some passages were so filled with emotion that I even had tears in my eyes that dripped down my face at one point (no spoilers from me, you need to read the book to discover what made me cry).
January 14, 2020
Loved it
Loved it so much I couldn't put it down. The characters and story made me laugh, want to slug Seth as well has his brother, and hug the very independent and strong women that was the star of this story. Highly recommend it you would like a feel good story with a happy ending
Loved it so much I couldn't put it down. The characters and story made me laugh, want to slug Seth as well has his brother, and hug the very independent and strong women that was the star of this story. Highly recommend it you would like a feel good story with a happy ending
March 30, 2019
A great story.
I didn’t think I’d like this book but it was great! This is my first book from this author, I wasn’t sure of her style but I have to say it was hard to put down. I’ll be looking for more books from this author in the future.
I didn’t think I’d like this book but it was great! This is my first book from this author, I wasn’t sure of her style but I have to say it was hard to put down. I’ll be looking for more books from this author in the future.
December 31, 2019
This is a fun read. I liked the both the leading characters. Seth was strong enough to be weak for Josey when her feelings mattered; and Josey was also strong enough to put Seth's feelings above her own. I enjoyed this novel after an industrious day.
January 31, 2020
Wonderful
This is a well written story, filled with heartache and betrayal.
Innocent Josie kept her head held high through it all and raised her daughter. Her father lost the ranch in a poker game to the man who had hurt her 11 yrs earlier.
Wonderful ending
This is a well written story, filled with heartache and betrayal.
Innocent Josie kept her head held high through it all and raised her daughter. Her father lost the ranch in a poker game to the man who had hurt her 11 yrs earlier.
Wonderful ending
June 1, 2020
What a ga
Josie lives a quiet life on her dad's ranch with her ten her old daughter. Then her old boyfriend comes along claiming to have won the ranch from her dad in a poker game. Worse yet he has to marry her to complete the deal!
Josie lives a quiet life on her dad's ranch with her ten her old daughter. Then her old boyfriend comes along claiming to have won the ranch from her dad in a poker game. Worse yet he has to marry her to complete the deal!
May 6, 2024
Loved this story! Second chance romance trope, there’s romance from 11 years ago, physical fight between brothers, dad doing something strange but ends up showing how he knew what he was doing. Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2019
Good love story!
Who doesn't love a good love story? It took a bit to build up, but ultimately ended well like all good love stories do.
Who doesn't love a good love story? It took a bit to build up, but ultimately ended well like all good love stories do.
December 28, 2019
This was great. It's not what I typically read but this was a gem. I recommend it for when you want to read something angsty, but still cute.
January 2, 2020
The Cowboys Gamble
This is a good book. I think a lot of people will like it . There are a lot of real life emotions in it. Thanks to this Author..
This is a good book. I think a lot of people will like it . There are a lot of real life emotions in it. Thanks to this Author..
January 3, 2020
HEA
Very good book, great characters, nice people,strong females and strong males. Plot is pretty basic but moves along fairly quickly.
Very good book, great characters, nice people,strong females and strong males. Plot is pretty basic but moves along fairly quickly.
January 4, 2020
Seth and Josie
This feud is as bad as the Hatfields and the Mccoys. Take one opinionated and stubborn cowboy, add in one hot headed female. Stir briskly and watch out!
This feud is as bad as the Hatfields and the Mccoys. Take one opinionated and stubborn cowboy, add in one hot headed female. Stir briskly and watch out!
January 4, 2020
Sweet, easy read.
Liked the whole storyline. Felt it could have been spiced up some but a fun easy read on a lazy winter Saturday morning.
Liked the whole storyline. Felt it could have been spiced up some but a fun easy read on a lazy winter Saturday morning.
January 8, 2020
A sweet heart-warming book
This book made me smile and laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed reading! I love reading about second chances and true love.
This book made me smile and laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed reading! I love reading about second chances and true love.
January 8, 2020
Great read
Loved this book so well written could feel the true emotions with each chapter. Love a good family restoration book with a nice love story combined. Highly recommended
Loved this book so well written could feel the true emotions with each chapter. Love a good family restoration book with a nice love story combined. Highly recommended
January 24, 2020
Super sweet short story! Read in a couple of hours. It’s a second chance romance with a secret baby plot. Those are my guilt pleasures and I haven’t read one in ages.
Predictable but sweet mush.
Predictable but sweet mush.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Out of date
I just couldn’t handle the whole “I’m the husband and I demand my right to sex” attitude. It was gross. I’m glad he didn’t rape her just to prove a point.
I just couldn’t handle the whole “I’m the husband and I demand my right to sex” attitude. It was gross. I’m glad he didn’t rape her just to prove a point.
February 14, 2020
An enjoyable read. Worth the time.
January 26, 2024
Quick read on way to Australia.
April 29, 2024
Good book. Fun reading.great ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews