Runaway Cowboy

Rodeo #3.5

by T.J. Kline

"You had your chance, and you threw it away …" Five years ago, Jen woke up with a ring on her finger and her fiancé nowhere to be found. She swore she'd gotten over the betrayal, but when Clay unexpectedly hires on with the rodeo for a week, she finds herself torn between passion and regret. Clay left intending never to see Jen again. He's been running from his troubled past for far too long, and it's not a life he wants for her. But it's hard to run from the past when the past is your own family, and Clay finds himself thrown back into the chaos he thought he'd finally left behind. Will the truth drive Jen away, or is there a second chance at happily-ever-after for this runaway cowboy?

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Contemporary Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

T.J. Kline has been making up stories since she was old enough to talk and put her first into book form when she was ten.

Since then, she has always loved a HEA and a good thriller. When life introduced her to horses and rodeos, she knew she'd found her calling writing contemporary small-town romances filled with love, drama and, of course, cowboys.

She currently lives in the foothills outside Yosemite National Park with the love of her life, adoring her three grown children from afar and enjoying her three horses, four dogs, five cats and a noisy bunch of hens.

Reviews

[ysar · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a disappearing act several years ago, Clay's back, and Jen's not so sure she can stand having him around. He had just proposed, just celebrated their engagement with her family when Jen awoke to an empty bed and no goodbye. She hasn't stopped loving him, but she also hasn't stopped hurting, and she's not sure any explanation or excuse can put them back on solid ground.

The Verdict: If I had noticed that this was a novella, I probably never would have grabbed it, and now that I've read it, I can say that would have been a huge mistake. I've loved every book in the Rodeo series so far, so of course I jumped at the chance to read Runaway Cowboy. And you know what? It felt like a full-length, complete story, not the rushed peeks that I usually get with novellas. And getting a closer look at Jen and Clay's history was wonderful!

Runaway Cowboy takes us back to a time before the beginning, when Derek was still pretty green, Scott was still single, and Jen was heartbroken over Clay's desertion of her a few years before. They'd been passionately in love, and when he'd proposed, she was given a glimpse of the future she'd dreamed of with him. But the next morning, it was all gone, and she'd been devastated. There'd been no sign that things between them were anything except perfect, but he left without a word and never answered her calls afterward. And as if she wasn't wounded enough, he'd spoken with her brothers after leaving, but he never offered any explanation to the woman he'd claimed to love.

It's been a few years when Clay happens upon the scene again, catching Jen by terrible surprise and sending her heart into overdrive. More than anything, she wants to know why he left, why he came back, and why he didn't love her enough in between to give her even the smallest bit of closure. But even if she still loves him, she doesn't trust him, and the part of her he left broken wants to strike out and strike back before he rips her apart again.

Clay was surprisingly cocky, and I wasn't so sure I was okay with that at first. But the more I read, the more it seemed almost like a coping mechanism, as if he acted that way to somehow further convince himself that he'd done the right thing by leaving her in the first place. Turns out Clay's past is a bit on the sketchy side, and when the past came calling, he turned tail instead of dragging Jen into that mess with him. I don't want to give that secret away, as it has a big part in the more intense scenes in the book, but Clay actually convinced me that maybe his leaving was the right thing to do. Granted, he went about it all wrong, but it was more than just some misguided attempt to protect Jen.

And Jen's residual pain from their breakup read fresh and deep, pulling me right into a mess of depression and confusion alongside her. She was strong, though, insisting on the truth and making sure Clay knew just how much damage his leaving had done, and for that I was pretty proud of her.

Runaway Cowboy is a quick read, but it's written in a way that makes every moment of it count. It's second chance, cowboy romance at its absolute best, filled with emotion, chemistry, and intense drama all leading up to a well-deserved happily ever after. If you love T.J. Kline's Rodeo series, this one's the icing on the cake. And if you haven't read them? Start with this one and get hooked!

***FicCentral received this book from Tasty Book Tours for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, proposes marriage. That same night, his mother calls him to tell him his half-brother is dead and he needs to come home to take care of his half-sister. Boy leaves without a word to his love and doesn't see her for five years.

Man sees woman five years later at a rodeo and knows that he has probably not forgiven him for leaving so abruptly. His instincts are proven correctly when she has less than nothing to say to him. Unable to let things lie, he seeks her out but cannot give make himself give her explanation she needs.

Seeing Clay after all these years brings the hurt back to the forefront. As if the pain from losing her parents wasn't bad enough and suffering the frequent nightmares she has of their deaths, seeing Clay again has reopened the wounds he made when he left her.

Clay is finally convinced to tell his truth to Jen and hopefully it won't be too late for them to find happiness.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.


After reading - and loving - The Cowboy and the Angel and Learning the Ropes, I had wondered if there was a story behind Jennifer and Clay. Imagine my surprise when I started Runaway Cowboy! I had no clue that it was Jen and Clay's story. After a few moments of confusion (seriously, I double checked the previous books), I was ecstatic and went on to devour this adorable novella in record time. I normally have a love/hate relationship with novellas, but Kline's Runaway Cowboy was the perfect length. Since we already know what happens to them after they get married, finding out how they made their way to the alter was just icing on an already lovely series. Not only do we get Jen and Clay's story of reunited love, we're also treated to fun glimpses at younger Scott and even younger Derek. Fun times packed in a fun little novella.

T.J. Kline is quickly becoming a favorite author. I absolutely adore the Rodeo series... Although I have yet to read Rodeo Queen. One day! It is pretty high up on my TBR. In the meantime, I can't wait to see what she has in store for her characters next. Maybe...possibly...Candie? *hint*

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads"

This is a sweet, second chance romance that is a perfect read for a quiet evening. Clay left Jen five years ago, unable to explain to her why. Now he is back, and whilst all the strong feelings remain, just how does that betrayal get resolved. It was fun to read about a group of people who run rodeos, rather than the competing stars.

[Codi Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With steamy passion and love stories that suck you right in, T.J. Kline knows how to write from the heart. With Runaway Cowboy, you get a second chance romance that focuses on two characters, Jen and Clay, who are trying to move on from their rocky past to find the happily ever after they deserve. T.J.'s secondary characters, and tight knit family dynamics are so real, you feel like you're right smack in the middle of all the fun. This novella was sweet, contemporary cowboy romance at it's BEST!"

[Ruby Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Cowboy

This is amazing book to read Iike all the characters Jen was strong woman and she loves her family When Clay came back the love she had for him.Thank you Ruby Miller.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I'm a bit confused at this point because this is the first T.J. Yates story I've read and it's listed as 3.5 in the series. I'm confused because I've also now read #1 and am reading #2 in the series and this one definitely seems like it should have been the first one chronologically in order because Jen and Clay the protagonists in this short story are already a married couple in 2 and 3. Very confusing. Putting that aside this was an okay short story. Certainly Jen and Clay were enjoyable characters as was Mike the father figure for both. Ms. Kline has this habit of constantly repeating things like why Clay can't tell Jen why he left her the morning after he asked her to marry him. It seemed to be repeated on nearly every page. My other issue with the story is the two hoods showing up to give credence to Clay's concerns for Jen and her family's safety just seemed too contrived. Obviously I did enjoy the story enough to continue on with the series.

[Ki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella from the series Rodeo which has three books ahead of this novella. But of course you can definitely read this as a standalone and I would prefer to read this first because this book is the story of the elder sister of the two handsome rodeo cowboys we meet, see, and fall in love with in books #1 Rodeo Queen, and in books #2 The Cowboy and the Angel. But then again….if you were to have read this one after all the 3 books I suppose it would make for an even better way to see the two handsome cowboys in their younger days being mischief and all. Hahaha~

Anyways this was a super sweet and steamy read of second chance at love with learning how to trust and be honest with the past and learning to love for the future.

As the story starts, it has been five long years since Jen and Clay has seen each other and the rodeo is what brought the two back into each others’ presence. Clay being at fault for leaving Jen behind on the very day he proposed to her with a ring and a broken heart, but having his past be in the way of his happiness will only bring hurt to Jen so leaving was the only choice he got.

But Jen also had to live with the pain of losing her heart and having to grow up to care for her teen brothers and managing a rodeo and all their horses. So having Clay leave her was a wake up call, that life wasn’t always a happily ever after and that one have to stand up and walk away from the past to survive. That and to kick the living ash out of Clay when next she sees him of course.

But things got tough when Clay’s in town for a rodeo event and kicking him in the ash isn’t going as plans, for her brothers aren’t exactly on her side and Clay has gotten much too handsome from the last time she’s seen him. But then Jen has grown up too and Clay still can’t believe that he had left her the way he had and making it up to her isn’t easy but ignoring her isn’t easy either.

But when things gets complicated and they couldn’t ignore each other at the event things got heated in words, feelings, and in the bed room…. And when the past starts to catch up with them, well, lets just say they got through it and got their HEA. That is despite Clay being a stubborn meat of hotness!

So what do I have to say? I’ve enjoyed many novellas and this is another one that I want on my shelf in print. The only thing that would have help was if Clay wasn’t so stubborn and just talked it out with Jen. But then there would be no story and no second chance at love with all those sexual tensions and anger and make-up loving!!! But I did super enjoying seeing the younger Chandler brothers in their kiddo days being mischiefs and all, and knowing that they’ll grow up to be handsome rodeo cowboys in the years to come.

I have to admit that I need to get going with this series for I’ve only got one of them so……Yeah, I have to get going with it! And i got to say that cowboys and rodeos have been sparking my TBR pile because many authors I know are going in that direction; cowboys and erotic romances that is…..

So yes, This is a great novella for those quick reads when you need them to boost you up from a long day into those longer reads waiting for you. Or just to past the time at the office or some such related work field or errands.

But you got to remember, it’s super short!!! So don’t hate it when it finishes.

*This was provided from the publisher for an honest review.

[Lynn Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five years ago Jen thought life was as good as it could get. She'd just become engaged to the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Hours later her heart is shattered when she wakes up to find the man she loves has left her with only a ring to remember him by. Clay left the only woman he'd loved because he had no choice. He did what he thought was right at the time. Now he's back to apologise and Jen wants some answers. Will they be able to ignore the feelings they still harbor for each other whilst Clay is back?

On the surface Jen is a strong woman who is comfortable in her own skin. Under the surface is a someone still struggling with events from the past that have shaped her life to how it is now. She mostly does a good job of hiding her insecurities with her sassy retort, but her nightmares give away a different story.

All Clay wants to do is apologise and head back out to his next job. He's almost grateful that Jen doesn't want to give him the time of the day. But actions can be deceiving... The problems that took him away are still very real and rear their head before Clay gets a chance to explain.

The animosity between the Jen and Clay is palpable. The obvious resentment is very clear as is the underlying sexual tension. The friendly teasing by Derek and Scott adds a fun element to the proceedings-after all they are the only ones who can see the whole picture!

I really enjoyed this novella, even though I normally avoid short stories. I felt that for this particular plot, everything was covered sufficiently without feeling anything was missing. T.J. Kline is one of my go-to authors if I'm looking indulge myself in a cowboy story. Runaway Cowboy is no exception when it comes to the quality of writing I associate with this author.

4 ½ Stars

***arc received courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss***

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runaway Cowboy is a short novella that is centered on a reunion romance theme. We see a couple that come back together, after being apart for five years. Jen was proposed to five years previous, and then Clay left her that night, never to return until now. Clay is back because he still loves Jen, always has. Jen has no idea the reasons for his leaving. As the book starts off, you can sense the tension and animosity especially Jen toward Clay. I definitely understood her stand on things. If I were in her place I would probably be just as furious and angry as she is. But she still loves Clay, and she knows that he is keeping the truth from her. This story is centered on trust and honesty. I loved seeing the sparks fly between the two, and them trying to work out the kinks out. I do love westerns, and Kline has done a tremendous job at placing in the culture of the south. She pays attention to the little details, and she weaves a story about family, trust and love. This novella introduces the reader to a great series that has me intrigued. I feel like I have just been able to have a nibble of New York Cheesecake and told I can only have that. So I can tell you that this story has whetted my apeptite for this author, and I can tell you that I definitely plan on reading this author more. I can't wait to try out the previous books.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, wonderful, terrific book!

Five years ago, Clay Graham broke Jen Chandler’s heart. They had just gotten engaged the previous evening, and he left during the night without saying anything. Although he communicated with other people, she didn’t hear a word from him in all that time. Then one day, he shows up at the rodeo where she’s working. She sees him, and her anger and pain flare back as if it had happened the day before. She could try to forgive him if only he weren’t so stubborn and talk to her, explain himself.


What a joy it is to read a T.J. Kline book! Ms. Kline writes in such a flowing, easy style, and yet her prose is elegant and eloquent. How beautifully she conveys emotions and feelings: I felt Jen’s hurt as if it were my own, and I was angry at Clay for being so mulish. It’s also obvious that the author knows what she’s talking about: I could picture the life of the people who work at rodeos.


Clay and Jen’s situation was not hopeless but really difficult; I wondered how they would get back together, and Ms. Kline handled it masterfully. We get to learn everything that troubled Clay at the same time as Jen; I did not expect to need a few tissues, I seldom cried, but I did. Wow! Thank you Ms. Kline for a smashing story!

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is good but I felt like because of the shortness of the story that the way it went was all to quick. In this book we meet Jen and Clay, they were once engaged before the night after Clay asked her to marry him he left with no explanation. Now 5 years later he is back still with no explanation to Jen but she does find out that he has explained himself to her brother's and the man who became a father to them all.

Jen is hurt and has every right to be but I felt like Clay didn't really explain why he left or why he is back. He makes excuse after excuse and only tells her enough to think that he has appeased her. I felt like Jen gives in to easily about many things in this book and though she is suppose to have a stubborn streak gives in to easily.

Over all this story is really good but there are just a few parts that don't seem to flow with the how the author is trying to make the characters seem to be in the beginning of the story. I would recommend this book with caution it is a very short read so everything will move really fast in this book. Know that there is a story line it just has a few flaws in it.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay proposed to Jen one night the next morning he was gone. Hightailed it out of town. Five years later he shows up at a rodeo where Jen and her brothers are. Imagine the shock on Jen's face when she see's clay. All she can see is red and all Clay can see is a pretty woman.

Clay's past has come back to haunt him and thought it was best to leave Jen before the past could catch up to them all and drag them down. It takes a while for Jen to warm up to Clay and his sister who comes crashing in one day.

The story gets interesting when she arrives and the green monster takes over Jen. The author does a great job with the setting, characters, scenes heck the whole package. I did not want to put this book down when I started it. You really feel for both Jen and Clay. You can see yourself in the story watching the characters go back and forth.

I will be looking for more books by this author as she was new to me and I like her writing style.

[Wendy Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book from Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review.*
Review is cross-posted at www.mybookaddictionandmore.com



RUNAWAY COWBOY is one of those books that you start and just can't stop reading. I read this one in a matter of hours. The story pulls you in from page one and you just can't put it down! I was smiling at the end and I'm eager to read more from T.J. Kline. If you love cowboys you are going to love RUNAWAY COWBOY! The setting is fun, the world of rodeo and a ranch. The characters are charming and believable. The storyline is fast paced and at times you want to hurt someone but mostly you just want to keep reading! I hated to see the ending coming though. Yes it's one of those reads! I highly recommend RUNAWAY COWBOY to all contemporary romance fans!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUNAWAY COWBOY has everything you’d want in a cowboy novella except one thing…more!

The story centers on lost love and family responsibility. Both Clay and Jen have families that take up much of their time but the dynamics of both are very different. They are young and inexperienced in life’s trials so when family tragedy strikes Clay, he does what many people do when faced with insurmountable odds, run. The premise makes for an emotional story full of promise and hope.

The characters are well-defined and real with great supporting characters in Jen’s family. Each one is drawn worthy of their own book which only adds to the tale, not overpowering it. No easy task in a novella.

As I stated before, the only thing missing is more story. I wanted to know more about Clay and Jen during their time apart and when they were together. A wonderful read!

[Catherine Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances? Love them! TJ Klines pens a beautiful story of a second chance romance. The twist? You have already met this couple in her two previous books. You know you will get your HEA at the end of this sweet novella, but you have grown to love and admire the relationship Clay and Jen have with each other and Jen's brothers and family. I couldn't wait when I heard that Ms. Kline was going to tell us their story. And she did not disappoint. I felt like I was there the whole time and I didn't want to be ANYWHERE else!!!

GREAT JOB!
Full review to come soon on our blog!

[Donna Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer's fiance, Clay, proposed and the next morning Clay was gone. He left with no note and wouldn't answer her messages. He did speak to her brothers who were his friends but he never told anyone why he left. Five years later Jen runs into Clay at a rodeo. She is still providing animals for the rodeo and Clay is there for the person he works for. He tries to approach Jen but she wants nothing to do with him. Nice love story as he tries to win her back and she finally learns why he left.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute novella. I must admit I don't really agree with the H's choices or decisions but I will admit that he was a young adult when he made them. This might be a spoiler but I am really glad that they don't get into too much about other relationships that the H and h may have had while separated. It really isn't and issue and I am glad as honestly I didn't really want to know. In the end it is a cute sweet story about love and forgiveness.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful fast-paced read with enjoyable characters.

[Karen]

review to come