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The Cowboys #4
My Cowboy Promises
A real man needs a real love…
To become the man he’s meant to be, one cowboy will have to be the man he never wanted anyone to know he was…
Ryder Dent is a true-blue cowboy. A devoted son, husband and father, but one who is living a costly lie. When they were both young, Ryder and his closest female friend Andy thought they’d found the perfect solution to both their problems—she was single and pregnant, and he was secretly gay—so they got married and raised Jonas together.
When Ryder gets hurt at a party, his son’s new pediatrician comes to the rescue. The connection between Ryder and Dr. Declan Winters is sudden, powerful, and undeniable. Ryder loves Andy and the family they’ve created together—but they both need more. Can they pursue their hearts’ desire without destroying the life they’ve built and losing the son they love?
To become the man he’s meant to be, one cowboy will have to be the man he never wanted anyone to know he was…
Ryder Dent is a true-blue cowboy. A devoted son, husband and father, but one who is living a costly lie. When they were both young, Ryder and his closest female friend Andy thought they’d found the perfect solution to both their problems—she was single and pregnant, and he was secretly gay—so they got married and raised Jonas together.
When Ryder gets hurt at a party, his son’s new pediatrician comes to the rescue. The connection between Ryder and Dr. Declan Winters is sudden, powerful, and undeniable. Ryder loves Andy and the family they’ve created together—but they both need more. Can they pursue their hearts’ desire without destroying the life they’ve built and losing the son they love?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
15 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 4, 2015
I was so looking forward to this book. I liked the other three books in The Cowboys series, giving each of them 4 stars.
But this one fell flat. It dragged and frustrated me to no end.
First of all, there is nary a cowboy in this story.
Declan is the new doctor in town, and Ryder works for his father's delivery company. Ryder is a Texas country boy, but that doesn't make him a cowboy.
Second of all, this isn't Ryder and Declan's story. It's Ryder's coming-out and dealing-with-what-it-means-to-be-a-family story.
Ryder is married, you see. Oh, he's gay. He knows it. And his wife, Andi, knows it. He's also not his son's "sperm donor."
Andi got knocked up by a famous rodeo star at 17, and Ryder, in his endless martyrdom, married her and claimed the baby as his own.
Ryder had dreams of leaving his small hick town, finding love, going to college, playing football (he had a scholarship even!), but nope, he leaves all that behind for Andi.
What 18-year-old does this for a friend, no matter how good a friend she is? Ryder's dad gets sick too, so he has another motive: help his distant father run his business.
Well, then. THAT makes sense.
Actually, NO, no, it fucking doesn't!
I hate that self-sacrificing martyr bullshit.
And Ryder comes across as a whiny, self-centered jerk. He dicks Declan around and runs crying the first time Declan makes him come in his pants.
Andi is wild and wants more out of life too. She wants to spread her wings and sing (not a metaphor; she actually wants to sing like country music or whatever).
But she's stuck, just like Ryder is stuck. So they're stuck together.
PERFECTLY LOGICAL, that.
There was almost no romance here. I didn't get what the two guys had in common, besides being the only two single gay men in a small Texas town, and I certainly didn't get what Declan saw in Ryder.
Andi's dad is a patronizing, abusive asshat running a big-shot ranch. This is the ranch for which Lucho and Tripp from the third book, My Cowboy Homecoming, are working. They have a two-bit part in this story, but frankly I didn't want to see them. I didn't want them working for such a douche. It made me sad.
Declan and Ryder don't really get together until 70 percent into the book, at which point Andi, in a schizophrenic outburst, freaks out and accuses Ryder of abandoning her and their son.
Because. They. Are. STILL. MARRIED.
The whole thing smacked of melodrama, and Ryder was too big of a do-my-duty doormat. I wanted to grab him by the balls and shake some sense into him.
I wasn't invested in this relationship or Ryder and Declan's happiness. The story is told from Ryder's first-person POV, so I wasn't sure what made Declan tick.
Even the epilogue, with Declan, Ryder, and Andi as one big happy family holding hands, made me cringe. Because, WTF, seriously?
But this one fell flat. It dragged and frustrated me to no end.
First of all, there is nary a cowboy in this story.
Declan is the new doctor in town, and Ryder works for his father's delivery company. Ryder is a Texas country boy, but that doesn't make him a cowboy.
Second of all, this isn't Ryder and Declan's story. It's Ryder's coming-out and dealing-with-what-it-means-to-be-a-family story.
Ryder is married, you see. Oh, he's gay. He knows it. And his wife, Andi, knows it. He's also not his son's "sperm donor."
Andi got knocked up by a famous rodeo star at 17, and Ryder, in his endless martyrdom, married her and claimed the baby as his own.
Ryder had dreams of leaving his small hick town, finding love, going to college, playing football (he had a scholarship even!), but nope, he leaves all that behind for Andi.
What 18-year-old does this for a friend, no matter how good a friend she is? Ryder's dad gets sick too, so he has another motive: help his distant father run his business.
Well, then. THAT makes sense.
Actually, NO, no, it fucking doesn't!
I hate that self-sacrificing martyr bullshit.
And Ryder comes across as a whiny, self-centered jerk. He dicks Declan around and runs crying the first time Declan makes him come in his pants.
Andi is wild and wants more out of life too. She wants to spread her wings and sing (not a metaphor; she actually wants to sing like country music or whatever).
But she's stuck, just like Ryder is stuck. So they're stuck together.
PERFECTLY LOGICAL, that.
There was almost no romance here. I didn't get what the two guys had in common, besides being the only two single gay men in a small Texas town, and I certainly didn't get what Declan saw in Ryder.
Andi's dad is a patronizing, abusive asshat running a big-shot ranch. This is the ranch for which Lucho and Tripp from the third book, My Cowboy Homecoming, are working. They have a two-bit part in this story, but frankly I didn't want to see them. I didn't want them working for such a douche. It made me sad.
Declan and Ryder don't really get together until 70 percent into the book, at which point Andi, in a schizophrenic outburst, freaks out and accuses Ryder of abandoning her and their son.
Because. They. Are. STILL. MARRIED.
The whole thing smacked of melodrama, and Ryder was too big of a do-my-duty doormat. I wanted to grab him by the balls and shake some sense into him.
I wasn't invested in this relationship or Ryder and Declan's happiness. The story is told from Ryder's first-person POV, so I wasn't sure what made Declan tick.
Even the epilogue, with Declan, Ryder, and Andi as one big happy family holding hands, made me cringe. Because, WTF, seriously?
June 25, 2015
I've really enjoyed every book in this series from ZAM. This one moves from the ranch to a new location and new guys (although a couple of old friends make a brief appearance.) It could be read as a stand alone.
This book tackles a situation I've been looking for - a gay man who married his best friend when she got pregnant, with her understanding and complicity. There is a child to think of, and Ryder has always wanted this family life. But then he meets a man, the new doctor in town, and the gay side of him that Ryder had suppressed wakes up and takes notice. But he loves his son, his wife is his best friend, and he's not sure how to combine the sudden blossoming of attraction to a man with the family he imagined he was happy to settle for. I thought his conflict was handled beautifully.
In fact, this was cruising to be a 5-star read until the last little bit. After the climax, the story wraps up well, but too fast for me. Declan is a great character too, and Ryder's wife is well-portrayed as a woman in a difficult situation of her own. But I really, really wanted to see more of how they made things work out. Those details and moments, the compromises and the new sweetness, would have been great to witness. I liked the ending, but felt a bit cheated at not getting to share some of the lead up and resolution on the page.
Still a book I enjoyed a lot, and will reread.
This book tackles a situation I've been looking for - a gay man who married his best friend when she got pregnant, with her understanding and complicity. There is a child to think of, and Ryder has always wanted this family life. But then he meets a man, the new doctor in town, and the gay side of him that Ryder had suppressed wakes up and takes notice. But he loves his son, his wife is his best friend, and he's not sure how to combine the sudden blossoming of attraction to a man with the family he imagined he was happy to settle for. I thought his conflict was handled beautifully.
In fact, this was cruising to be a 5-star read until the last little bit. After the climax, the story wraps up well, but too fast for me. Declan is a great character too, and Ryder's wife is well-portrayed as a woman in a difficult situation of her own. But I really, really wanted to see more of how they made things work out. Those details and moments, the compromises and the new sweetness, would have been great to witness. I liked the ending, but felt a bit cheated at not getting to share some of the lead up and resolution on the page.
Still a book I enjoyed a lot, and will reread.
July 29, 2015
*1.5 stars*
Sadly, this did not work for me at all. I admit I was tempted to dnf multiple times but I pushed myself hoping that something will change. Nothing did, things only got worse.
Everything pissed me off in this book:
*The martyr storyline bothers me, it's true. But here, it went way too far. Ryder is the epitome of martyrdom and self sacrifice. Lets examine his choices. Accept the scholarship and the bright future ahead of him, stay closeted until he's ready to come out and in the meanwhile support as best as he can his childhood friend OR marry her and raise the kid as the father, stay in the closet forever and live happily never after? Yes, it makes sense to choose the second option.
*For the most part of it, this book was not about the actual couple. Ryder and Declan actually got together at 70%.
Almost. At this point I really didn't care about them.
*What kind of conclusion was this? Was it a HEA? Didn't feel like one. I kept pushing because I wanted to see how things would work out eventually. And I felt cheated because, if you decide to give me a completely unrealistic ending, at least tell me how it is supposed to work for the MCs. The main characters, not everyone else.
So, while I really liked and enjoyed the previous books of the series (My Cowboy Heart was my favorite), I really disliked this one. Sorry:(
January 1, 2020
Initially read in March of 2015 - "Not my favorite in the series".
Re-read and reviewed in November 2016 - 3.75 stars. "My Cowboy Promises" is the fourth book in Z.A. Maxfield's The Cowboys series and perhaps the easiest book in the series to read as a stand-alone. While Tripp and Lucho from "My Cowboy Homecoming" make a brief appearance here, the setting has moved from the Bar-J Ranch in New Mexico to the Rocking C in Texas and introduces new characters.
When they were just teenagers, pregnant Andi and gay closeted Ryder marry and raise Jonah, a wonderful kid whom Ryder considers his son, although he's not the bio-dad. They each fiercely love Jonah but along the way they've sacrificed their true selves to live in a claustrophobic small town where they are "the loneliness people they know." Andi's dream is to sing with a band (I envision her a Patsy Cline style singer with a big gorgeous voice) which her conservative control freak of a father (owner of the Rocking-C ranch) is vehemently opposed to, as in demanding of Ryder: "Why can't you control your wife?" Ryder's life isn't much better - he gave up a football scholarship and now works at Dent's, his father's store.
The new doctor in town, Declan Winters, explodes into Ryder's life and makes him realize there is more to life than living a lie. However, I would consider this more of a "coming out" story rather than a romance. The first three books in the Cowboy series focus on the two MCs almost exclusively, while this story encompasses a lot more ground. There's a large cast of characters - Ryder, Declan, Andi, Jonah, Sterling, Ryder's father and stepmother, Dent employees, etc. and at times the pace of the story felt a bit slow.
I liked how Maxfield touchs on Ryder's relationship with his father and stepmother, and we really get a good sense of Andi and her hopes and dreams. The story is told in Ryder's POV, but I would have liked to get Declan's POV because he's pretty much a mystery throughout the book. Also, the ending felt as if there were a lot of questions that still needed answers. It appears that Declan, Andi and Ryder are forging an interesting relationship, but we never get to see what that entails.
"My Cowboy Promises" is a solid 3.75 stars and I look forward to getting to know Ryder and Dent, as well as follow along with Andi's dreams.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Re-read and reviewed in November 2016 - 3.75 stars. "My Cowboy Promises" is the fourth book in Z.A. Maxfield's The Cowboys series and perhaps the easiest book in the series to read as a stand-alone. While Tripp and Lucho from "My Cowboy Homecoming" make a brief appearance here, the setting has moved from the Bar-J Ranch in New Mexico to the Rocking C in Texas and introduces new characters.
When they were just teenagers, pregnant Andi and gay closeted Ryder marry and raise Jonah, a wonderful kid whom Ryder considers his son, although he's not the bio-dad. They each fiercely love Jonah but along the way they've sacrificed their true selves to live in a claustrophobic small town where they are "the loneliness people they know." Andi's dream is to sing with a band (I envision her a Patsy Cline style singer with a big gorgeous voice) which her conservative control freak of a father (owner of the Rocking-C ranch) is vehemently opposed to, as in demanding of Ryder: "Why can't you control your wife?" Ryder's life isn't much better - he gave up a football scholarship and now works at Dent's, his father's store.
The new doctor in town, Declan Winters, explodes into Ryder's life and makes him realize there is more to life than living a lie. However, I would consider this more of a "coming out" story rather than a romance. The first three books in the Cowboy series focus on the two MCs almost exclusively, while this story encompasses a lot more ground. There's a large cast of characters - Ryder, Declan, Andi, Jonah, Sterling, Ryder's father and stepmother, Dent employees, etc. and at times the pace of the story felt a bit slow.
I liked how Maxfield touchs on Ryder's relationship with his father and stepmother, and we really get a good sense of Andi and her hopes and dreams. The story is told in Ryder's POV, but I would have liked to get Declan's POV because he's pretty much a mystery throughout the book. Also, the ending felt as if there were a lot of questions that still needed answers. It appears that Declan, Andi and Ryder are forging an interesting relationship, but we never get to see what that entails.
"My Cowboy Promises" is a solid 3.75 stars and I look forward to getting to know Ryder and Dent, as well as follow along with Andi's dreams.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
June 25, 2015
*this may be mildly spoiler-y*
I'm not sure how I felt about this. I HATE when my romance is only 20% about the actual couple so that made me crazy and I hated the lack of any relationship conclusion bc the still being married bit didn't work for me at all. Very unsatisfying. But I have to give it good marks bc I loved Ryder and Jonas. But it really felt, unlike any of the other books in the series, completely unfinished, like we were leaving them at 70-80% of the story. Hm. Idk. Not my fav of what has been a great series. (Homecoming is still my fav so far).
Good book tho. I mean one boy isn't just a 23 yo gay virgin but a total virgin, and Doc is HOT. Their sexy times are great. But I wouldn't recommend it to my super romantic readers who like things to actually be clarified, even if just a little (like me). And I'll clarify here that I didn't need it tied up w pretty bows, but there were SO MANY questions and awkward things left very un-HEA, un-romance-y in the end. Idk. Just felt after the journey I expected more. If nothing else, an epilogue to show how the marriage itself fared with these new parameters and it's hard to believe the status quo would remain acceptable when eventually someone has to look like a really bad guy and the character is outed and the friend and the current beau are going to get territorial. It just... Would hav been nice to see them hav a way to move forward. Cuz this felt like too many characters got to hav their cake and eat it too while leaving out the Doc.
I'm not sure how I felt about this. I HATE when my romance is only 20% about the actual couple so that made me crazy and I hated the lack of any relationship conclusion bc the still being married bit didn't work for me at all. Very unsatisfying. But I have to give it good marks bc I loved Ryder and Jonas. But it really felt, unlike any of the other books in the series, completely unfinished, like we were leaving them at 70-80% of the story. Hm. Idk. Not my fav of what has been a great series. (Homecoming is still my fav so far).
Good book tho. I mean one boy isn't just a 23 yo gay virgin but a total virgin, and Doc is HOT. Their sexy times are great. But I wouldn't recommend it to my super romantic readers who like things to actually be clarified, even if just a little (like me). And I'll clarify here that I didn't need it tied up w pretty bows, but there were SO MANY questions and awkward things left very un-HEA, un-romance-y in the end. Idk. Just felt after the journey I expected more. If nothing else, an epilogue to show how the marriage itself fared with these new parameters and it's hard to believe the status quo would remain acceptable when eventually someone has to look like a really bad guy and the character is outed and the friend and the current beau are going to get territorial. It just... Would hav been nice to see them hav a way to move forward. Cuz this felt like too many characters got to hav their cake and eat it too while leaving out the Doc.
June 4, 2015
I sat out the back in the sunshine today reading this. It was a slow paced easy book to read, my first cowboy book in ageeees. I can't remember when I read one actually.
Ryder is living in a marriage of convenience. He is hiding that he is gay. So when this dishy guy comes to town who happens to be the doctor, he realizes he needs much more than what he has.
Its hot and steamy. Its not dull, just slow paced.
This is the first book I have read by this author, I'm never afraid of trying more by the same author as everyone learns, so her next one might be better and keep my attention more.
I think it definitely helped reading it out in the sunshine.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this giving my honest opinion on how I felt. Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW for my copy
July 13, 2015
The blurb says Ryder Dent is a “true-blood cowboy” and while it may run in his family, I wouldn’t consider him a cowboy. He works at his father’s farm store and lives in Texas. That’s about as cowboy as he gets. Ryder is gay but hardly anyone knows. When his friend Andi was teenager, she got pregnant by a rodeo star and didn’t want anyone to know he was the father. And since Ryder was scared for anyone to find out he was gay, both Ryder and Andi pretend Jonas, their new son, is Ryder’s biological child. They marry and try to live a life the best they can for Jonas. They share a bed, but they are never intimate. Both are honestly pretty miserable. When a new doctor named Declan comes into town, he takes an interest in Ryder’s family and wants to be his friend. Ryder has never even kissed a man, so he has a hard time dealing with Declan and his feelings.
For some reason, Ryder really rubs me the wrong way in this book. I disliked him not because he is a jerk or an ass – more because I felt like he wanted everyone to take pity on him. He tries to exude this perfect persona, but also deep down wanted people to feel sorry for him. He works at his father’s store and doesn’t like it. He let’s his dad boss him around. He is married to a woman, and he is gay. Andi wants to have a big singing career, and little poor old Ryder is stuck at home being a dad. I feel like he resents all of these things, but never tries to make his situation better. The one and only thing that did feel genuine and that Ryder was passionate about is his son. But this story is more focused on Ryder and HIS issues, than a romance with Declan.
We really don’t get to know Declan all that well. I liked him a lot better than Ryder – he seems like a decent, kind doctor – but their chemistry lacked. I wanted to know why they were attracted to each other – besides their looks. Are there any other gay people in this Texas town or is it just because Declan moves there and is gay that there is an attraction?
Does Andi want more out of life than being married to someone she can’t physically be with? There is a big a big plot set-up but then not a lot happens in this book. The poor relationship Andi and Ryder each have with their own fathers and Jonas realizing Ryder isn’t his biological father greatly overshadows Declan and his romance with Ryder.
I DNF’d book two in this series but wanted to give it another try. Going to have to say this series isn’t for me.
Rating: D
For some reason, Ryder really rubs me the wrong way in this book. I disliked him not because he is a jerk or an ass – more because I felt like he wanted everyone to take pity on him. He tries to exude this perfect persona, but also deep down wanted people to feel sorry for him. He works at his father’s store and doesn’t like it. He let’s his dad boss him around. He is married to a woman, and he is gay. Andi wants to have a big singing career, and little poor old Ryder is stuck at home being a dad. I feel like he resents all of these things, but never tries to make his situation better. The one and only thing that did feel genuine and that Ryder was passionate about is his son. But this story is more focused on Ryder and HIS issues, than a romance with Declan.
We really don’t get to know Declan all that well. I liked him a lot better than Ryder – he seems like a decent, kind doctor – but their chemistry lacked. I wanted to know why they were attracted to each other – besides their looks. Are there any other gay people in this Texas town or is it just because Declan moves there and is gay that there is an attraction?
Does Andi want more out of life than being married to someone she can’t physically be with? There is a big a big plot set-up but then not a lot happens in this book. The poor relationship Andi and Ryder each have with their own fathers and Jonas realizing Ryder isn’t his biological father greatly overshadows Declan and his romance with Ryder.
I DNF’d book two in this series but wanted to give it another try. Going to have to say this series isn’t for me.
Rating: D
July 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
This book is really only mildly connected to the previous books in the series and really could stand on it's own. While two of the characters from the first couple books are in this story they're just incidental. This opens up a whole new cast of characters in Texas and new complications.
I really enjoyed Ryder and the sort of man he's trying to be. He's still very young, but he's married with a lovely young son. Only not everything is how clear cut the picture looks. He and his wife Andi are a marriage in name only. They were best friends and when she became pregnant he married her to be the father to her child and help her out. She's the only person who's known the truth about him from the beginning. But being gay in small town Texas really isn't possible. That is until the new doctor moves to town and becomes a whole lot of temptation in Ryder's face.
I liked the way this book handled things, the chemistry between Ryder and Declan was palpable. The book address a lot of issues about how to handle the situation they all found themselves in. Of course everything comes out in the most dramatic way possible. Really this book looses the half a star because it wraps everything up too quickly. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and didn't reveal enough of how things were going to be moving forward. But it looks like the next book in the series at least takes place in Texas so hopefully we'll get a look in on how these guys are doing.
This book is really only mildly connected to the previous books in the series and really could stand on it's own. While two of the characters from the first couple books are in this story they're just incidental. This opens up a whole new cast of characters in Texas and new complications.
I really enjoyed Ryder and the sort of man he's trying to be. He's still very young, but he's married with a lovely young son. Only not everything is how clear cut the picture looks. He and his wife Andi are a marriage in name only. They were best friends and when she became pregnant he married her to be the father to her child and help her out. She's the only person who's known the truth about him from the beginning. But being gay in small town Texas really isn't possible. That is until the new doctor moves to town and becomes a whole lot of temptation in Ryder's face.
I liked the way this book handled things, the chemistry between Ryder and Declan was palpable. The book address a lot of issues about how to handle the situation they all found themselves in. Of course everything comes out in the most dramatic way possible. Really this book looses the half a star because it wraps everything up too quickly. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and didn't reveal enough of how things were going to be moving forward. But it looks like the next book in the series at least takes place in Texas so hopefully we'll get a look in on how these guys are doing.
September 21, 2015
I've really enjoyed the books in The Cowboy series but this one was... I don't know, missing something. Some spark? Some focus, maybe. It felt to me that the story had too much going on and the wrap up was rather anticlimactic. Not my favorite in this series but it had its moments.
September 25, 2015
Well, that was disappointing. My least favorite from the series.
June 16, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I always find it sad when someone feels they have to hide who they truly are for any reason. Z.A. Maxfield's My Cowboy Promises is a perfect example of a man who fears he will lose his job, his home and most importantly the family he adores if his secret is ever discovered. He just doesn't plan on the new doctor in town stirring up feelings and making him question if he's done the right thing for himself for the last six years. This is a story of supreme sacrifice, of dedication, of selflessness, and of love and it is a very good look at growing up gay in a small narrow minded town and what one will do to protect those he loves.
Ryder Dent is a one hell of a man and has done everything to give his wife and their son everything they need and the love they deserve. Ryder knew going in he would be giving up a piece of himself in the process but for his best friend and wife, Andi and their son Jonas he was more than happy to do it.
Taking over the medical practice of Bitterroot's most beloved doctor, Declan Winters has worked hard to make people feel comfortable with him and to build up their confidence in him. Declan has been able to keep his sexual orientation under wraps but meeting Ryder makes him want things with him even though he knows it will be complicated and could possibly ruin his practice.
These two men were in an impossible situation. Living in the small town of Bitterroot, Texas they don't feel they can be out and proud. Ryder married his best friend at age 17 because he felt it was the right thing to do and he loves Andi and loves and adores their son Jonas, but Ryder has never known passion or romantic love so to find himself attracted and head over heels for the town's new doctor throws him for a loop. In his mind he knows he has to stay away but his heart and his body don't agree. I felt so bad for Ryder because he is such a stand up guy and more than anything he wants to protect his family but as he begins to realize that he wants more out of life he is so conflicted. New to town Declan has kept his private life under wraps but meeting Ryder makes him want things he knows the town of Bitterroot isn't ready for and once he finds out Ryder's secrets and all about his life he wants nothing more than to help him with his situation. From the start this relationship was a struggle and they fought the lust they felt for each other but in doing so they both realized they were the ones being cheated out of something potentially wonderful. I loved that Declan was the voice of reason; calm and steady and always asking the right questions to make Ryder looks at all sides.
With life so complicated for Ryder this relationship was a slow burn that kept heating up a little more each time until it became a raging inferno. You could just feel the chemistry between these two from the first time they meet and each time it became more and more apparent. It was interesting to watch them deal with and fight their attraction until they just couldn't do it anymore.
Emotional yet sexy My Cowboy Promises serves up a complex plot that is highly entertaining.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I always find it sad when someone feels they have to hide who they truly are for any reason. Z.A. Maxfield's My Cowboy Promises is a perfect example of a man who fears he will lose his job, his home and most importantly the family he adores if his secret is ever discovered. He just doesn't plan on the new doctor in town stirring up feelings and making him question if he's done the right thing for himself for the last six years. This is a story of supreme sacrifice, of dedication, of selflessness, and of love and it is a very good look at growing up gay in a small narrow minded town and what one will do to protect those he loves.
Ryder Dent is a one hell of a man and has done everything to give his wife and their son everything they need and the love they deserve. Ryder knew going in he would be giving up a piece of himself in the process but for his best friend and wife, Andi and their son Jonas he was more than happy to do it.
Taking over the medical practice of Bitterroot's most beloved doctor, Declan Winters has worked hard to make people feel comfortable with him and to build up their confidence in him. Declan has been able to keep his sexual orientation under wraps but meeting Ryder makes him want things with him even though he knows it will be complicated and could possibly ruin his practice.
These two men were in an impossible situation. Living in the small town of Bitterroot, Texas they don't feel they can be out and proud. Ryder married his best friend at age 17 because he felt it was the right thing to do and he loves Andi and loves and adores their son Jonas, but Ryder has never known passion or romantic love so to find himself attracted and head over heels for the town's new doctor throws him for a loop. In his mind he knows he has to stay away but his heart and his body don't agree. I felt so bad for Ryder because he is such a stand up guy and more than anything he wants to protect his family but as he begins to realize that he wants more out of life he is so conflicted. New to town Declan has kept his private life under wraps but meeting Ryder makes him want things he knows the town of Bitterroot isn't ready for and once he finds out Ryder's secrets and all about his life he wants nothing more than to help him with his situation. From the start this relationship was a struggle and they fought the lust they felt for each other but in doing so they both realized they were the ones being cheated out of something potentially wonderful. I loved that Declan was the voice of reason; calm and steady and always asking the right questions to make Ryder looks at all sides.
With life so complicated for Ryder this relationship was a slow burn that kept heating up a little more each time until it became a raging inferno. You could just feel the chemistry between these two from the first time they meet and each time it became more and more apparent. It was interesting to watch them deal with and fight their attraction until they just couldn't do it anymore.
Emotional yet sexy My Cowboy Promises serves up a complex plot that is highly entertaining.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 27, 2015
When a new doctor comes to town Ryder’s lie of a life is threatened. Never before has he found a man that interested him enough to even consider letting someone besides his best friend/wife know his deepest secret. No one would suspect devoted husband, nurturing father Ryder Dent is actually a gay man. The moment Ryder sees Declan he realizes that is the type of man he has always wanted, but can never have. Declan may not wave a rainbow flag, but he doesn’t hide in a closet either. Once he finds out exactly what is going on in the Dent family household he is understanding and willing to give what he a Ryder may have a shot.
Let’s begin with what I liked. Ryder finally exploring his feelings for another man is a sweet torture. He has settled for what he believes is the only thing that he can actually have for so long his emotions are all over the place where Declan is concerned. Declan is understanding of the false marriage and he loves what Ryder has done for Jonas. Declan and Ryder and their initial bumbling interactions make for some entertaining page time.
There were several things that I just didn’t like and they just brought down some of the potential enjoyment for me. Andrea/Andi was one of my biggest dislikes here. There was one place that I actually wished her dead. The opportunity for a tragic accident presented itself and I was disappointed that it was not taken. She was horrible in her treatment of Ryder. He gave up EVERYTHING for her. Granted he feels that that void has been filled with his love of Jonas, thus he is happy with that aspect of his life. Ryder and Declan out as a gay couple created a couple of problems within the Bitterroot community. Those problems were never given any type of solution or closure.
Lucho and Tripp from My Cowboy Homecoming have been randomly tossed in here. I’m guessing they were given tiny roles to tie this book into the Cowboy series. Their roles are so tiny that a reader's interest would not even be piqued enough to go after their tale.
My Cowboy Promises easily works as a stand-alone.
Let’s begin with what I liked. Ryder finally exploring his feelings for another man is a sweet torture. He has settled for what he believes is the only thing that he can actually have for so long his emotions are all over the place where Declan is concerned. Declan is understanding of the false marriage and he loves what Ryder has done for Jonas. Declan and Ryder and their initial bumbling interactions make for some entertaining page time.
There were several things that I just didn’t like and they just brought down some of the potential enjoyment for me. Andrea/Andi was one of my biggest dislikes here. There was one place that I actually wished her dead. The opportunity for a tragic accident presented itself and I was disappointed that it was not taken. She was horrible in her treatment of Ryder. He gave up EVERYTHING for her. Granted he feels that that void has been filled with his love of Jonas, thus he is happy with that aspect of his life. Ryder and Declan out as a gay couple created a couple of problems within the Bitterroot community. Those problems were never given any type of solution or closure.
Lucho and Tripp from My Cowboy Homecoming have been randomly tossed in here. I’m guessing they were given tiny roles to tie this book into the Cowboy series. Their roles are so tiny that a reader's interest would not even be piqued enough to go after their tale.
My Cowboy Promises easily works as a stand-alone.
June 15, 2015
In the fourth book of The Cowboys series by Z.A. Maxfield, expect a whole lot of charm and laughter. Ryder Dent is a cowboy through and through but what makes him interesting is that when he was younger, he agreed to something that changed his life entirely. His best friend Andy was single and pregnant and he is secretly gay so to help each other out, they decided to get married. Now they are raising a son together, but of course Ryder is still gay.
When he meets charming and intelligent Dr. Declan Winters, their chemistry is instantaneous and explosive. This book almost reminds me of a Mary Calmes book. There’s a lot of fun going on and all the characters are so endearing and likeable that you cannot help but root for them.
Andy becomes a major problem for them. She doesn’t act very grateful towards Ryder and it’s beginning to wear on him. However, I can’t say that I disliked that because if she was all kind and supportive, it probably would’ve made for a very boring book. So I very much enjoyed Maxfield’s take on her character and the challenges her presence brought for the book. Although Ryder experiences some terrible things, I think the ending is made more brighter because of it.
Perhaps of all the books, this might be my favorite because of the original conflict presented here and how the author decides to approach it. Paired that with a couple that you simply cannot get tired of and MY COWBOY PROMISES becomes a keeper.
July 10, 2015
Ryder Dent, is a good son, a devoted father and nothing is as important as his family. The problem is that secrets never stay secrets. Ryder and his wife Andi, both have secrets that involve their marriage and their son Jonas. A catalyst for change, presents itself to Ryder in the form of the new town doctor Declan Winter. Life in a small town, and life as Ryder and Andi know it will never be the same.
For me every book in this series has gotten better. This one is no exception. This book is an emotional roller coaster. It's a heck of a ride and one I will gladly take again. The characters, the dynamics and life in a small town are explored with great aplomb on Ms. Maxfield's part. All the relationships are vibrant, amid all the confusion and pathos. A wonderful read.
For me every book in this series has gotten better. This one is no exception. This book is an emotional roller coaster. It's a heck of a ride and one I will gladly take again. The characters, the dynamics and life in a small town are explored with great aplomb on Ms. Maxfield's part. All the relationships are vibrant, amid all the confusion and pathos. A wonderful read.
July 20, 2015
Um... I just... I don't know. I wasn't expecting it to end like that and I'm not sure how I feel about it. And honestly, the way the two MC's got together was a little awkward, but that's normal for ZA Maxfield. Her stories are always a little bit off in a way that's difficult to explain. I think maybe I just need to not read her books anymore. Not that it was bad, it wasn't. I loved Ryder's relationship with his son Jonas. It just... wasn't quite what I wanted.
October 22, 2016
While I enjoyed most of this story, Ryder's continued instance on playing down his father-in-law's abuse of Ryder's wife nearly made this unreadable. Ryder basically spent the entire book telling his kid that it is ok to hit someone as long as you love them. Which is fucked up. I get not wanting to upset your kid, but that is just shitty parenting (and how little kids grow up to be abusers themselves).
The parts where it was just Ryder and Declan were probably the best. I liked their chemistry and Ryder's inability to tear himself away from the good doctor.
Ryder's wife though... Well. Let's just say I think she was self-absorbed and a bit horrible to Ryder. I honestly couldn't stand her.
The parts where it was just Ryder and Declan were probably the best. I liked their chemistry and Ryder's inability to tear himself away from the good doctor.
Ryder's wife though... Well. Let's just say I think she was self-absorbed and a bit horrible to Ryder. I honestly couldn't stand her.
to-read-asap
May 3, 2015
Up for request on NetgalleyJune 16, 2015 My Cowboy Promises
June 4, 2015
*I received a free ARC of My Cowboy Promises from Enchantress of Books Blogtours in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
Ryder, Andi and Declan were all great characters to follow through a tumultuous period in their lives.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookvies
Ryder, Andi and Declan were all great characters to follow through a tumultuous period in their lives.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookvies
October 13, 2016
3.5 stars
April 28, 2019
3.75 stars
This was a really great book, I forgot how great this author is. My Cowboy Promises had all the things I like to find in my readings, children, age gap, some drama, a lot of feelings. The only reason why I didn't give the novel an higher rating is that I didn't feel totally satisfied at the end, I needed to know more about Ryder and Declan, more about Andy and her future.
Although this is book #4 in The Cowboys series, it worked easily as a standalone, I have to admit I didn't recall the other three titles and their characters, I had no trouble at following the plot.
This was a really great book, I forgot how great this author is. My Cowboy Promises had all the things I like to find in my readings, children, age gap, some drama, a lot of feelings. The only reason why I didn't give the novel an higher rating is that I didn't feel totally satisfied at the end, I needed to know more about Ryder and Declan, more about Andy and her future.
Although this is book #4 in The Cowboys series, it worked easily as a standalone, I have to admit I didn't recall the other three titles and their characters, I had no trouble at following the plot.
June 13, 2015
3 Cowboy Loving Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Intermix | Penguin Group
Gay Cowboys? How can you go wrong? There's just something so sweet about this series. My Cowboy Promises is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. In this book we meet Ryder Dent who might be just the sweetest most loyal thing ever. Even if he is a bit confused. However, his intent and love are in the right place. Now he just has to find the balance between love, loyalty, family, friendship and happiness.
Six years ago Ryder's best friend Andi needed help. So Ryder being the honorable man he is, the solution was to marry and then become a family and raise Andi's son as his own. This idea is very sweet but not ideal when it comes to Andi and Ryder's true happiness. This was never a problem for either of them until the new handsome doctor comes to town.
The minute Ryder meets Declan his world changes. Now his most kept secret is coming out at full force causing all kinds of havoc for Ryder and his family.
~Once again, the truth did not set me free.~
I have to admit the I loved Ryder and Declan together but Andi NEVER won me over. I found her too selfish. She would always make decisions on her own but the moment Ryder would she would throw shit in his face. Every time she did this I liked her less and less.
"God, how can you doubt it? How can you doubt me? I've never given you one reason." (Exactly Andi. How?)
I liked the idea of her in his life but she just didn't pass the bill for me. Sure at the end she comes around but it was a bit too late for me. I would have been more happy with Declan, Ryder and Jonas in the end with Andi out on her own. I know that sounds harsh but it is what it is.
Declan even demeanor and open heart is the perfect combination for Ryder's loyal loving brooding ways. The may seem a bit opposite but instead are quite perfect for one another.
"You want to talk?"
"Nope."
"That may be our biggest problem if we date."
"I have noticed you like to talk about shit. A lot."
"I've noticed you prefer to brood. Some."
"That's a time-honored tradition around these parts. Strong, silent cowboys."
Besides Andi the story was good but I did feel the ending wrapped up a bit too quick after the big climax of tension of their life choices. If it was just Ryder, Declan and Jonas, they would have received 4 thumbs up for me but sadly Andi annoyed me too much to not let it effect my reading experience. Even though I didn't love Andi that does not mean I can't wait to read more about these fantastic cowboy from the great mind of Z.A. Maxfield.
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June 16, 2015
This series is heartwarming and down-home country goodness, but it also offers a little something different with each installment. As every person and their circumstances are unique so are their relationships. I like how this author brings that out. In this story, there is a young guy doing the best he can to keep his family and maybe try for some happiness along the way.
Ryder Dent, to all appearances, is a young guy with a young wife and child that he supports on his job managing his dad's store. People talk about how they had to get married and both lost their chance for college on his part and a big marriage to a wealthy rancher like her daddy on hers. People also talk about the fact that Ryder isn't Jonas' daddy and that he was duped by Andi. What they don't know is that Ryder and Andi are best friends and they married so he could protect her and her unborn baby and so that nobody would ever learn that he was not into women.
Over the years, they have become a strong, affectionate family. Andi might wish for a career in music and Ryder might wonder what it would be like not to hide, but they are both content. That is until a new doctor comes to town who Ryder can't keep his eyes off and Andi is given her break by an opening act band. Things are a changing and Ryder has to decide if it is time for everything to come out in the open and if it does, what that will do to all of them.
The story is gently paced and character-driven. Ryder was a teenager when he made the decision to protect Andi and her unborn baby. He never had a chance to fulfill high school dreams of college and football and other guys. He shouldered a family and stood strong in the face of Andi's rich rancher controlling father and even takes her emotional outbursts when she wants someone else to feel misery with her. He's just this amazing guy who does the best he can. Unfortunately, he is also naive and innocent. His growing need to be honest and restlessness when he encounters the handsome Declan are the catalysts that motivate him to set things in motion by telling Jonas the truth about Ryder not being his birth father and telling the truth about being gay. His world as he knows it goes up in flames all at once. It was quite the emotional read as a result.
Much of the story is a personal journey of growth for Ryder and he is the narrator and central figure. As such, the romance is a secondary plot that unwinds slowly. Ryder doesn't communicate well and doesn't know what he is doing much of the time since he's never kissed a guy let alone explored what it would mean to be with one so he hurts Declan and causes them to stutter step through things. Declan is as amazing as Ryder. He was hurt in the past, but he is willing to try again with Ryder. He is confused by the situation, but he is accepting as he learns to understand as Ryder slowly opens up to him. They explore the beginnings of a relationship. If I have any complaints about this story, it would be that I wanted more. The story ended more on a happy for now with a lot left unsettled.
On a side note, Trip and Lucho have a few scenes as secondary characters. I enjoyed their spotlight appearances as brief as it was.
All in all, this was another strong segment of the series and works fine as a standalone. I enjoyed being along for Ryder's awakening and steps toward being the man he was meant to be. I would recommend this one to those who enjoy M/M Cowboy or Small Town Romances.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ryder Dent, to all appearances, is a young guy with a young wife and child that he supports on his job managing his dad's store. People talk about how they had to get married and both lost their chance for college on his part and a big marriage to a wealthy rancher like her daddy on hers. People also talk about the fact that Ryder isn't Jonas' daddy and that he was duped by Andi. What they don't know is that Ryder and Andi are best friends and they married so he could protect her and her unborn baby and so that nobody would ever learn that he was not into women.
Over the years, they have become a strong, affectionate family. Andi might wish for a career in music and Ryder might wonder what it would be like not to hide, but they are both content. That is until a new doctor comes to town who Ryder can't keep his eyes off and Andi is given her break by an opening act band. Things are a changing and Ryder has to decide if it is time for everything to come out in the open and if it does, what that will do to all of them.
The story is gently paced and character-driven. Ryder was a teenager when he made the decision to protect Andi and her unborn baby. He never had a chance to fulfill high school dreams of college and football and other guys. He shouldered a family and stood strong in the face of Andi's rich rancher controlling father and even takes her emotional outbursts when she wants someone else to feel misery with her. He's just this amazing guy who does the best he can. Unfortunately, he is also naive and innocent. His growing need to be honest and restlessness when he encounters the handsome Declan are the catalysts that motivate him to set things in motion by telling Jonas the truth about Ryder not being his birth father and telling the truth about being gay. His world as he knows it goes up in flames all at once. It was quite the emotional read as a result.
Much of the story is a personal journey of growth for Ryder and he is the narrator and central figure. As such, the romance is a secondary plot that unwinds slowly. Ryder doesn't communicate well and doesn't know what he is doing much of the time since he's never kissed a guy let alone explored what it would mean to be with one so he hurts Declan and causes them to stutter step through things. Declan is as amazing as Ryder. He was hurt in the past, but he is willing to try again with Ryder. He is confused by the situation, but he is accepting as he learns to understand as Ryder slowly opens up to him. They explore the beginnings of a relationship. If I have any complaints about this story, it would be that I wanted more. The story ended more on a happy for now with a lot left unsettled.
On a side note, Trip and Lucho have a few scenes as secondary characters. I enjoyed their spotlight appearances as brief as it was.
All in all, this was another strong segment of the series and works fine as a standalone. I enjoyed being along for Ryder's awakening and steps toward being the man he was meant to be. I would recommend this one to those who enjoy M/M Cowboy or Small Town Romances.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2015
3.75 out of 5 stars
Description ~
A real man needs a real love…
To become the man he’s meant to be, one cowboy will have to be the man he never wanted anyone to know he was…
Ryder Dent is a true-blue cowboy. A devoted son, husband and father, but one who is living a costly lie. When they were both young, Ryder and his closest female friend Andy thought they’d found the perfect solution to both their problems—she was single and pregnant, and he was secretly gay—so they got married and raised Jonas together.
When Ryder gets hurt at a party, his son’s new pediatrician comes to the rescue. The connection between Ryder and Dr. Declan Winters is sudden, powerful, and undeniable. Ryder loves Andy and the family they’ve created together—but they both need more. Can they pursue their hearts’ desire without destroying the life they’ve built and losing the son they love?
My Review ~
My Cowboy Promises is the 4th book in The Cowboy series. This is the first book that I've read from this author and while it was part of the series I didn't seem to lose anything in regards to storyline. It reads as a standalone romance.
I'll admit I was a bit hesitant over the storyline for this book as I'm generally not a fan of gay characters playing it straight and denying who they are to everyone. This was more than that because it was a story of creating the family we want and need to have around us. In Ryder and Andy's case both came from families that weren't able to show affection and love and as friends they gravitated to each other to fill that need.
Ryder's taken on so much at a young age that he's not really had a chance to live his life. His friends have all mostly moved on to their own thing while he'd rearranged his life to provide for Jonas and Andy. I loved Ryder interacting with Jonas, it was so sweet and adorable that I almost resented when Andy would show up on scene. Then Ryder meets the new doc in town, Declan and so many things seem to change for him. In some ways Ryder panics over how he feels because he's shoved that part of himself into the furthest available spot so he won't want those feelings. He can't help it though with Declan, because he's just that perfect person for him.
For me, I enjoyed the storyline but I did have some issues with how things played out and that the ending wasn't really an HEA or even an HFN. And this kind of storyline lends itself to the possibility of not providing a reader with an HEA or HFN at the end of the book. I'm not sure if the author has plans to write an additional story for Declan and Ryder or if we'll see more of them over the other books in the series. So in that it left me feeling that the story was incomplete enough to get a little frustrated at the end.
Now that being said, I encourage each reader to make their own decision, create their own opinion on if the story works for them or not. As readers we are all very different and what works for one reader may or may not work for the next. This was a good story, with good pacing and character development. It is a very worthwhile read just to meet these adorable, lovable characters that the author has created.
I will definitely give this author another try, and will even search out some backlist titles to check out as well.
Description ~
A real man needs a real love…
To become the man he’s meant to be, one cowboy will have to be the man he never wanted anyone to know he was…
Ryder Dent is a true-blue cowboy. A devoted son, husband and father, but one who is living a costly lie. When they were both young, Ryder and his closest female friend Andy thought they’d found the perfect solution to both their problems—she was single and pregnant, and he was secretly gay—so they got married and raised Jonas together.
When Ryder gets hurt at a party, his son’s new pediatrician comes to the rescue. The connection between Ryder and Dr. Declan Winters is sudden, powerful, and undeniable. Ryder loves Andy and the family they’ve created together—but they both need more. Can they pursue their hearts’ desire without destroying the life they’ve built and losing the son they love?
My Review ~
My Cowboy Promises is the 4th book in The Cowboy series. This is the first book that I've read from this author and while it was part of the series I didn't seem to lose anything in regards to storyline. It reads as a standalone romance.
I'll admit I was a bit hesitant over the storyline for this book as I'm generally not a fan of gay characters playing it straight and denying who they are to everyone. This was more than that because it was a story of creating the family we want and need to have around us. In Ryder and Andy's case both came from families that weren't able to show affection and love and as friends they gravitated to each other to fill that need.
Ryder's taken on so much at a young age that he's not really had a chance to live his life. His friends have all mostly moved on to their own thing while he'd rearranged his life to provide for Jonas and Andy. I loved Ryder interacting with Jonas, it was so sweet and adorable that I almost resented when Andy would show up on scene. Then Ryder meets the new doc in town, Declan and so many things seem to change for him. In some ways Ryder panics over how he feels because he's shoved that part of himself into the furthest available spot so he won't want those feelings. He can't help it though with Declan, because he's just that perfect person for him.
For me, I enjoyed the storyline but I did have some issues with how things played out and that the ending wasn't really an HEA or even an HFN. And this kind of storyline lends itself to the possibility of not providing a reader with an HEA or HFN at the end of the book. I'm not sure if the author has plans to write an additional story for Declan and Ryder or if we'll see more of them over the other books in the series. So in that it left me feeling that the story was incomplete enough to get a little frustrated at the end.
Now that being said, I encourage each reader to make their own decision, create their own opinion on if the story works for them or not. As readers we are all very different and what works for one reader may or may not work for the next. This was a good story, with good pacing and character development. It is a very worthwhile read just to meet these adorable, lovable characters that the author has created.
I will definitely give this author another try, and will even search out some backlist titles to check out as well.
June 19, 2015
3.5 Stars.
Ryder is a stalwart, honorable man--for 23 y/o. He's gay, and only out to his wife, Andy. He and Andy have been friends since childhood and when she was to become an unwed mother from her pursuit of a completely unsuitable (and uninterested) man Ryder stepped in and took care of Andy and Jonas, foregoing a football scholarship that would have taken him far away from his small-town and the anti-gay prejudice. Ryder has been a faithful husband. Well, that's not true. He's been a monk and Andy's been a nun. They share a bed and parental roles, but not their bodies. Ryder has always been Andy's biggest cheerleader and encourages her to follow her dreams, even though it goes against her father's wishes.
Meeting Dr. Declan WInters--the new town doc--is a frightening revelation for Ryder. Declan is exactly the right man to unravel Ryder's tightly held control. Andy recognizes that Ryder is holding back and encourages him to pursue Declan--undercover.
I liked large parts of this story. I'll be honest that the "open" marriage solution was not my fave. I know, I know, it works for some folks, but I like my romance with a heaping helping of honesty. A large part of the book was devoted to keeping Ryder's secret, and it added to the tension, but I was a little uncomfortable with it. Yes, Ryder does come out--and it is like a nuclear bomb in his life. He's not sure if Andy will follow her homophobic father's advice and move out--taking his beloved Jonas away. Ryder's father isn't best-pleased, either, with extreme risk of both Ryder's home and job in the balance. And there's fallout for Dr. Winters--his small-town medical practice might be sunk.
I thought that the resolution of all this heartache was well-told. I do like to see when families heal, and deal, once the dust settles. I'd say that the exact nature of Ryder's relationships are more honest and stable at the end of the book, and for that I was happy. I didn't get the resolution I wanted between Ryder and Jonas, but only because the focus was more on Declan and Ryder, and Andy. Andy had the opportunity to really twist the knife on Ryder, especially as she was essentially destitute and with a small child. Her financial issues could have led her to accept her father's mandates and money. But she made good choices about that, and Ryder was clearly the best Daddy evah.
Having known teen parents quite closely, I've seen some of the unhealthy relationship dynamics they experience--Andy, Ryder and Jonas were some of the best emotionally adjusted characters I could have imagined. There wasn't a lot of sexytimes, but they were good. I guess I just wish there had been more openness, that Ryder could have been open about his sexuality, which would have allowed me to experience that euphoria more. Don't expect a lot of cowboy life--a couple trail rides is all you'll find--though growing up and working on Andy's family ranch, Ryder runs the ranch supply store in town.
Ryder is a stalwart, honorable man--for 23 y/o. He's gay, and only out to his wife, Andy. He and Andy have been friends since childhood and when she was to become an unwed mother from her pursuit of a completely unsuitable (and uninterested) man Ryder stepped in and took care of Andy and Jonas, foregoing a football scholarship that would have taken him far away from his small-town and the anti-gay prejudice. Ryder has been a faithful husband. Well, that's not true. He's been a monk and Andy's been a nun. They share a bed and parental roles, but not their bodies. Ryder has always been Andy's biggest cheerleader and encourages her to follow her dreams, even though it goes against her father's wishes.
Meeting Dr. Declan WInters--the new town doc--is a frightening revelation for Ryder. Declan is exactly the right man to unravel Ryder's tightly held control. Andy recognizes that Ryder is holding back and encourages him to pursue Declan--undercover.
I liked large parts of this story. I'll be honest that the "open" marriage solution was not my fave. I know, I know, it works for some folks, but I like my romance with a heaping helping of honesty. A large part of the book was devoted to keeping Ryder's secret, and it added to the tension, but I was a little uncomfortable with it. Yes, Ryder does come out--and it is like a nuclear bomb in his life. He's not sure if Andy will follow her homophobic father's advice and move out--taking his beloved Jonas away. Ryder's father isn't best-pleased, either, with extreme risk of both Ryder's home and job in the balance. And there's fallout for Dr. Winters--his small-town medical practice might be sunk.
I thought that the resolution of all this heartache was well-told. I do like to see when families heal, and deal, once the dust settles. I'd say that the exact nature of Ryder's relationships are more honest and stable at the end of the book, and for that I was happy. I didn't get the resolution I wanted between Ryder and Jonas, but only because the focus was more on Declan and Ryder, and Andy. Andy had the opportunity to really twist the knife on Ryder, especially as she was essentially destitute and with a small child. Her financial issues could have led her to accept her father's mandates and money. But she made good choices about that, and Ryder was clearly the best Daddy evah.
Having known teen parents quite closely, I've seen some of the unhealthy relationship dynamics they experience--Andy, Ryder and Jonas were some of the best emotionally adjusted characters I could have imagined. There wasn't a lot of sexytimes, but they were good. I guess I just wish there had been more openness, that Ryder could have been open about his sexuality, which would have allowed me to experience that euphoria more. Don't expect a lot of cowboy life--a couple trail rides is all you'll find--though growing up and working on Andy's family ranch, Ryder runs the ranch supply store in town.
June 15, 2015
In the fourth book of The Cowboys series by Z.A. Maxfield, expect a whole lot of charm and laughter. Ryder Dent is a cowboy through and through but what makes him interesting is that when he was younger, he agreed to something that changed his life entirely. His best friend Andy was single and pregnant and he is secretly gay so to help each other out, they decided to get married. Now they are raising a son together, but of course Ryder is still gay.
When he meets charming and intelligent Dr. Declan Winters, their chemistry is instantaneous and explosive. This book almost reminds me of a Mary Calmes book. There’s a lot of fun going on and all the characters are so endearing and likeable that you cannot help but root for them.
Andy becomes a major problem for them. She doesn’t act very grateful towards Ryder and it’s beginning to wear on him. However, I can’t say that I disliked that because if she was all kind and supportive, it probably would’ve made for a very boring book. So I very much enjoyed Maxfield’s take on her character and the challenges her presence brought for the book. Although Ryder experiences some terrible things, I think the ending is made more brighter because of it.
Perhaps of all the books, this might be my favorite because of the original conflict presented here and how the author decides to approach it. Paired that with a couple that you simply cannot get tired of and MY COWBOY PROMISES becomes a keeper.
*ARC provided by publisher
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June 19, 2015
Get Along, Little Ponies
I have consumed every book in this series as soon as it was delivered, yet this one posed a problem for me because there were already a lot of less-than-enthusiastic reviews out there that gave me a bit of hesitancy to start it.
But start it, and consume it without stopping, I did. Wow. Every stereotypical Texas character seems to be thrown in here: the solid, upstanding, hot cowboy Ryder Dent; his somewhat flighty but seriously talented wanna-be singer wife Andi; their much-too-smart five-year-old son Jonas; Andi's nasty tempered ranching mogul father Sterling; and the new man in town, the charming, multi-talented, and seriously handsome town doctor Declan Winters.
Except that they aren't all that stereotypical at all. The book blurb tells the beginning of the tale, but this one is so much more complicated because Ryder's absolute dedication to his "family," without considering his own happiness, usually sets him up for a sudden burst of inconsideration and sometimes stupidity that reels the plot line back and forth and in and out as if an unruly bass was on the hook. He is, however, a great character, as are both Declan and Andi, in their own messed-up ways, and how their stories play out are heartfelt, heartbreaking, aggravating and eventually very determined, even if a little duplicity is involved.
I am a big fan of Maxfield, and was prepared to be a bit disappointed here. But she's done the series proud again with this new twist, one which also includes the two protagonists from the previous book in the series, Tripp and Lucho, who play very little roles in the tale, but who turn out to provide a crucial, silent strength of pride that this series has sublimely presented to readers.
Let's have some more, Ms. Maxfield.
I have consumed every book in this series as soon as it was delivered, yet this one posed a problem for me because there were already a lot of less-than-enthusiastic reviews out there that gave me a bit of hesitancy to start it.
But start it, and consume it without stopping, I did. Wow. Every stereotypical Texas character seems to be thrown in here: the solid, upstanding, hot cowboy Ryder Dent; his somewhat flighty but seriously talented wanna-be singer wife Andi; their much-too-smart five-year-old son Jonas; Andi's nasty tempered ranching mogul father Sterling; and the new man in town, the charming, multi-talented, and seriously handsome town doctor Declan Winters.
Except that they aren't all that stereotypical at all. The book blurb tells the beginning of the tale, but this one is so much more complicated because Ryder's absolute dedication to his "family," without considering his own happiness, usually sets him up for a sudden burst of inconsideration and sometimes stupidity that reels the plot line back and forth and in and out as if an unruly bass was on the hook. He is, however, a great character, as are both Declan and Andi, in their own messed-up ways, and how their stories play out are heartfelt, heartbreaking, aggravating and eventually very determined, even if a little duplicity is involved.
I am a big fan of Maxfield, and was prepared to be a bit disappointed here. But she's done the series proud again with this new twist, one which also includes the two protagonists from the previous book in the series, Tripp and Lucho, who play very little roles in the tale, but who turn out to provide a crucial, silent strength of pride that this series has sublimely presented to readers.
Let's have some more, Ms. Maxfield.
July 20, 2015
I grabbed a copy of this book from Netgalley, I liked the cover and book blurb sounded good, also I'd never read any of authors work so had no expectations.
So what did I think......
I really enjoyed this book, it was not fast paced, I'd describe it as like a Sunday afternoon chill out film, but still made me keep turning pages to see the outcome.
I really liked Ryder the main man, living in a marriage of convenience that is until the new doctor moves to town, then he has to face the facts he needs more!
Andy his wife and mother of 'his' child is a party girl, her dad is a tough man, that likes to be the boss and get in the way.
Ryder and Andy make a strong team, it's their book as much as its Ryder and Declan's. It's all based In a small town where people are polite to each other and everyone knows everyone's business, so it's not long till Ryder has to make decisions.
What about smexy scenes, there's a few and they're good, they fit in with the story perfectly and are not there to just sex up the book.
A good read, I'd definitely pick up another book by this author.
3.75-4 stars
** I received an arc for an honest review **
January 31, 2016
I was missing the writing by Mrs Maxfield and I enjoyed of that in this book but not the story, many things was so wrong and inexplicable. Ryder was truly a bit naive , maybe too young when Andy got pregnant...but I don't understand if he wanted a normal family because him was ashamed to been gay or not...and also Andy was a bit selfish and their marriage a bit strange. Then there was Declan , at first he little understand of Ryder and then become his dirty secret. But is the epilogue to be surreal , considering that all happened in short time.
August 14, 2022
The main focus in this book is mostly about Ryder and his wife and kid and working on accepting himself and finding out how to keep his family intact. The romance was secondary for about 85% of the book. This is not a negative for me, but some others may have different expectations going in.
I still like when demographics of the characters aren’t cookie cutter. This author seems to actually balance some of that, so that it’s not always the older richer more experienced more dominant one with the younger smaller poorer less experienced more submissive one. It’s a nice change. Things in romance or any genre can get a little samey sometimes. This sort of thing in particular. Also, few to no euphemisms/synonyms for genitals!
I love that Declan agrees and supports Ryan for putting his kid first. I love that Ryan believes part of doing that is making sure he’s ok too. I love that Ryder looks up to his mom as his hero and takes after her - it’s very rare for a woman to be a man’s hero in anything, even a mom. Honestly this author in general does such a good job and her writing is very professional and smooth. It makes for a very good story. It’s why I’m on my way to finishing the whole series.
The negatives are statutory rape (Andi is 16 when she gets pregnant with Jonas, the father is an adult), and a soft message that being homophobic or abusive is partially excused by growing up in a different time (this is false).
I still like when demographics of the characters aren’t cookie cutter. This author seems to actually balance some of that, so that it’s not always the older richer more experienced more dominant one with the younger smaller poorer less experienced more submissive one. It’s a nice change. Things in romance or any genre can get a little samey sometimes. This sort of thing in particular. Also, few to no euphemisms/synonyms for genitals!
I love that Declan agrees and supports Ryan for putting his kid first. I love that Ryan believes part of doing that is making sure he’s ok too. I love that Ryder looks up to his mom as his hero and takes after her - it’s very rare for a woman to be a man’s hero in anything, even a mom. Honestly this author in general does such a good job and her writing is very professional and smooth. It makes for a very good story. It’s why I’m on my way to finishing the whole series.
The negatives are statutory rape (Andi is 16 when she gets pregnant with Jonas, the father is an adult), and a soft message that being homophobic or abusive is partially excused by growing up in a different time (this is false).
September 19, 2018
I liked the first and second books more than the 3rd and 4th. The 3rd book had a lot of unnecessary drama and such cliché scenes. I mean the whole thing was a bit lacking and at the same time too much.
The 4th book was not about a cowboy. It had cowboys in the story, but neither Declan nor Ryder are cowboys. The one thing I wanted to know it doesn't say: what happened to Lucho and Trip?!?
The first two books were much better. The first one was simple and believable, great characters and great setting for the following books. The second was more heavy, I could follow the story easily, the plot was good and well executed. The struggle with addiction was a tough one to stomach. The only thing I didn't like was that at first (both in this book and the first book) I thought Jimmy was in the closet but then it turns out he is no stranger to some man on man action. It's not so much I didn't like it, it's more that it took me a bit to process, and even now I'm not sure how I feel about it.
The 4th book was not about a cowboy. It had cowboys in the story, but neither Declan nor Ryder are cowboys. The one thing I wanted to know it doesn't say: what happened to Lucho and Trip?!?
The first two books were much better. The first one was simple and believable, great characters and great setting for the following books. The second was more heavy, I could follow the story easily, the plot was good and well executed. The struggle with addiction was a tough one to stomach. The only thing I didn't like was that at first (both in this book and the first book) I thought Jimmy was in the closet but then it turns out he is no stranger to some man on man action. It's not so much I didn't like it, it's more that it took me a bit to process, and even now I'm not sure how I feel about it.
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