Cowboy's Secret Baby

Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas #1

by Clara Pines

Can a secret son and a second chance at love show this wounded quarterback there’s life after football?

Ian Cassidy’s chance to play pro football was shattered when he was injured in a terrible accident. But his heart was shattered before that, when his college sweetheart dropped him and disappeared without a word.

Returning to his hometown alone with a life-changing injury instead of a seven-figure contract is humiliating for the former star quarterback. But it’s missing Faith that keeps him up at night.

So, when she appears at Cassidy Farm just in time for the holidays with an adorable baby boy, and tells Ian the baby is his, he feels like he’s going from rock bottom to the top of the world.

After all, how many people get a second chance at true love?

But Faith is resisting his attempts to win her back, his twin brother is suspicious of her motives, and with all the Christmas activities going on in smalltown Trinity Falls, it’s too easy for Faith to avoid his attempts to pin her down.

Can this tortured cowboy find a way back into her heart? Or will Faith put their chances on ice before he can find a way to win back her love, and give baby Connor the family he deserves?
Trinity Falls Sweet Romance is all about finding family – one clean & wholesome romance at a time. From an ex-football star finding out about a secret baby, to a reserved tech genius who opens his heart to a small-town barista and her adopted daughter, you’ll lose yourself in these feel-good books celebrating love, family, and the very special small town community of Trinity Falls.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Westerns, Second Chance, Fiction

250 pages, ebook

Published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy's Secret Baby is an heartwarming sweet read.

Faith arrives to Trinity Falls with her son and sister on Thanksgiving Day, they moved there to tell her ex boyfriend he is a father and to introduce father and son. It isn't easy for Faith to meet Ian again after she ran away from college without even saying him goodbye. Will they rekindle a sort of relationship for the sake of their child?

Ian is a very kind man, he instantly accepts his son, he becomes a good father, and he doesn't hide that he still has some feelings for his ex girlfriend. Faith is a sweet woman and the best mum, she doesn't want to disrupt Ian's life, and she prefers to leave instead of confronting a problem.
I loved to see how they still care for each other even if it's been two year since their breakup.
I really hoped they could overcome their reservations in order to give their love relationship a second chance.

I've read and loved some of Clara Pines' previous works, and while I've liked this storyline a lot, at times I've felt the writing a little abrupt and stilted.
All in all this was still an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read next book in the series.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secret baby no more

This book was good. The heroine annoyed me very much. She was a good person but she didn't communicate well and seemed to run from confrontation. I tend to do the same so I am sure I annoy people too. Lol. But the misunderstandings went on way way too long. I'm glad about the ending but it was a long journey there. This is a clean romance and its a little slow but the baby Connor was just way too cute. He stole the scenes. Just by smiling and saying Bah. Lol.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m slightly challenged with rating this book! While I enjoyed the storyline, I was also very frustrated with how a lack of communication and the characters default setting to jump to negative conclusions derailed their romance unnecessarily.

I enjoy all romance genres and I have no issues with clean sweet romance stories; however, these characters have zero chemistry or connection despite dating for 3+ years in college. I anticipated some angsty drama when Faith moved to town and contacted Ian out of the blue nearly 2 years after ghosting him especially with a toddler son.

Unfortunately, nearly 85% of the book is these two characters apart because neither of them were willing to actually talk or ask tough questions of the person they were so in love with. Once Faith and Ian are reconciled the story is quickly wrapped up with little time for the reader to enjoy them actually happy and together.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review Cowboy’s Secret Baby (Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas #1) by Clara Pines

I love my visits to Trinity Falls, these stories always leave me with a smile on my face, they are romantic, sweet, and with characters whose stories you cannot help but become hooked on.

I could not wait to read this one. Can they make this second chance work?

One click and find out.

[TONIA MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about reunification.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an accident ends his professional football career, Ian Cassidy heads home to his family ranch. He is also left with a broken heart by the only woman he loves. Faith didn’t tell Ian that she was pregnant with his child. She didn’t want Ian to marry her out of guilt. He had a promising career. She was afraid that he would have regrets. Now she’s in Trinity Falls. She wants him to meet their son, Connor. He’s a sweet little boy. Hopefully Ian will want to be a father to him. Lots of misunderstanding and not communicating to each other has been the caused a lot of pain. Can the two work together to be parents to Connor? Will Ian be angry with Faith? Can they put the past behind them? Will his family accept Connor and Faith? The characters are wonderful and deserve a second chance at love and family. Worth the read. It’s emotional, well written by an awesome author, Clara Pines. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a lovely small town romance. enjoyed the small town life. the strength in the community. the friendliness that should be.
there were lots of rollercoaster emotions in this story and I'm looking forward to reading about others in the town.

[Amanda Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story for any time of year…

This book was a delightful read of the love journey between Ian and Faith. Through misunderstandings and repressed feelings, this romance book was charming from start to finish. Another great book in the Trinity Falls stories by this captivating author.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian
Faith

Ian and Faith met their first year of college, Ian a former high school star football player hoping to play football and Faith on a scholarship and working to keep in school. Then senior year Faith leaves school and ghosts Ian. Ian ends up hurt in a car accident and is unable to play football, so he moves back home after graduation. The story picks up 2 years later when Faith moves to Trinity Falls so she can introduce Ian to his son. Ian and Faith both have to work through what happened in the past to move forward with a relationship. At the same time Ian is getting to know his son. The little boy Connor was cute. The acceptance of Ian’s family was very positive. This is a very good, sweet, fast reading book. I would definitely read more books by this author and this series.

[Christine Nedrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun romance book

I really liked this book. It got my attention being about a football player and a surprise baby. I enjoyed it a lot. It keeps you excited all through the book. I can't wait to read the next one. Clara pines is a great authur.

[Wanda Markstahler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cowboys secret baby

Clara Pines I won't read another of your books because of.the way you tried to get my email address BAD

[Kathy Spann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this romance about a college football player with a broken dream. Faith, his college girlfriend, comes to his hometown.

[TexasMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved visiting Trinity Falls over the last year and am so excited to be moving on with all the families to the new year. This first book in the 2nd series, Icicle Christmas, takes on one of my least favorite tropes, the secret baby trope. I already know Ms. Pines can handle the trope well (I actually loved Soldier's Secret Baby from the first series!), so I wasn't too worried about it, and I actually think she outdid herself with this book! Faith's reaction to learning she was pregnant and THINKING she knew how Ian felt was very realistic (especially if you remember she would have felt very scared and only been 21 years old or so at the time), so even though I didn't necessarily agree with her actions, Ms. Pines definitely made you understand her reasons for making the choices she did. Ian's reactions also felt very true-to-real-life. Though I honestly think he should have been more angry with Faith for missing out on Connor's first year, he was very mature about it, which fit with his personality. I loved that you could see Faith & Ian's love for each other was still there throughout the story, and that they wanted what was best for each other, even if that didn't mean they ended up together. All in all, this is an excellent example of how the secret baby trope can be done well in a sweet/closed door romance & highlights that forgiveness is something we all need in our lives.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful book in this series! A sweet romance and a wonderful family. I really recommend this book.


Amazon synopsis:
Ian Cassidy’s chance to play pro football was shattered along with his shoulder in a terrible accident. But his heart was broken before that, when his college sweetheart dropped him and disappeared without a word.

Returning to his hometown with a life-changing injury instead of a seven-figure contract is humiliating for the former star quarterback. But it’s missing Faith that keeps him up at night.

So, when she appears at Cassidy Farm just in time for the holidays with an adorable little son, and tells Ian that baby Connor is his, he feels like he’s going from the bench to the championships.

After all, how many people get a second chance at true love?

Faith is still madly in love with Ian Cassidy, but she ran from him for a reason, and she’s scared that his declarations now are just an attempt to do the right thing. Seeing him every day and participating in all the charming Christmas events happening in his picturesque small town is exquisite torture. But baby Connor is her whole world and she is determined never to do anything that could hurt his chances to be part of the extended Cassidy family.

Can the tortured cowboy find his way back into Faith’s heart? Or will she put their future as a couple on ice before he can find a way to win back her love, and give baby Connor the family he deserves?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read. Once again Ms. Pines has given readers a delightful, heartfelt romance set in the small town of Trinity Falls. Ian Cassidy was the town’s football hero who was set to make a big name for himself in the NFL. However, an accident cost him his big chance. Now, after he finished college he is back home in Trinity Falls working with his twin brother on the family farm. While he misses football his true heartache is the loss of his girl, Faith. For reasons unknown to him, she disappeared and ghosted him during their college years. To his surprise, Faith and her sister have moved to Trinity Falls along with his young son, Connor. While he’s angry she kept the knowledge of his son from him his goal now is to win her back and the three of them become the family he always dreamed of. But often things are much easier said than done.

This is an amazingly sweet second chance, small town, romantic book that this reader fell in love with. Grab it up asap and you too will fall in love with Ian, Faith, Connor and all Cassidy Clan. (And if you haven’t started the series - you really should - these are outstanding sweet romances with wonderful storylines that are well written and very heartwarming.


2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. While this one was not my favorite of the series it was still a good make you feel good holiday romance. I always enjoy my visits with the Cassidy family. Alice is so warm and welcoming. Faith is going to need that when she comes to Trinity Falls with her surprise son with Ian. Ian and Faith had a true love, but misunderstandings led to Faith fleeing. Now she wants to give her son a beautiful life with his father in it. Ian was in for the shock of his life when not only Faith comes back into is life, but with his son as well. Little Connor is so adorable. He is a scene stealer for sure. The key for Ian and Faith is communication. Can they learn from past mistakes and grab onto a future they always pictured? Christmastime in Trinity Falls always sounds so magical. I really want to visit the Cassidy Farm because it sounds like a family tradition. This was a beautiful story of second chances in more ways than one for Ian. The books in this series always pull on the heartstrings and this book is no different. Plus how can you not love the cover of this book!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, this talented author delivers a heartfelt story in this new spin off from he much loved Trinity Falls series.
Ian Cassidy was the HS football star everyone loved. In college he met his soulmate, Faith Andrews. A young woman who was working hard to be able to be in college, since her parents couldn’t afford to pay for her education.
The day she discovers she’s pregnant , overhearing a conversation that left her heartbroken, she flees and disappears from Ian’s life.
Ian’s promising career comes to a halt, and after college he ends up working in the family’s farm . But he never forgot Faith.
Imagine his surprise when she comes to see him, carrying a child in her arms.
From that moment on, we are taking on a rollercoaster ride filled with heartbreaks, misunderstanding, as well as hope, faith, family and the possibilities of a second chance in life and love.
A story that will touch your hearts and makes you believe in miracles.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by 1852 Media. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about Faith. I can understand she did what she thought was the right thing. I can understand she was young but still... I don't know.. But Ian now that man deserved better. He deserves the love of his home town, the dream that was taken from him, and despite me not being a huge fan of Faith, he deserved to be loved like she loved him.

He's only ever loved her and her disappearance act caused him more harm that any injury ever could. After everything that followed her disappearance, he doesn't believe he should have happiness. And here I got to give credit to Faith. She was determined to bring back the light to his eyes and would stop at nothing to achieve that. As the story unfolds you can't help but root for the second chance these two love birds have in font of them.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith left her college boyfriend based on an overheard conversation. She assumed the worse and didn't look back. It's two years later and she's determined to reunite with Ian and present him with the reason she ran, their son. Ian is working on his family's farm. He still misses Faith and wonders what he did wrong. Their reunion gives them both hope for a future together. But secrets, misunderstandings and assumptions still stand in their way to happiness. Fortunately, Faith has her sister, Felicity, and; Ian has his family for support and advice. In fact, a family intervention is what helps our lovely couple find their love. Clara Pines has created a loving and sweet community and characters. She makes us understand the confusion of our main couple and hope for their well earned happily ever after.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trinity Falls is an adorable small town romance setting and with each book Clara Pines writes in this series, I get to return to my happy place. 𝗖𝗢𝗪𝗕𝗢𝗬'𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬 is Ian and Faith’s surprise pregnancy love story. Normally I do not gravitate towards this trope but have read another by this author that I enjoyed. In this book I found myself gravitating towards Ian, the male protagonist. He was the strong silent type and he had a heart of gold. I was not too fond of Faith, there were times I wanted to reach into my kindle and shake her but I held on and in the end she grew on me. I read this sweet romance in one sitting and was glad that I did. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, heartwarning story! Faith made a difficult decision when she discovered she was pregnant, depriving Ian of being with his son the first year of Connor's life. All of his hopes and dreams have been dashed, as he lost Faith and then his passion, football.  However, Ian is exceptionally forgiving and loyal, and he sets about trying to win her back. Faith is an amazing mother to a sweet and engaging baby boy. I admire how Ian's family rallies around both him and her, and how they interact with Connor. They are a dream family! I love Clara Pines' newest book, and as always I will eagerly anticipate her next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to the next series

Loved this story about Faith and Ian to kick off the next round of books in the Trinity Falls series. These books in the "Icicle Christmas" segment follow the familiar core families but feature other siblings and new folks as the stories take place the next Christmas.
I loved Ian and Faith's story of misunderstandings and forever love. Their love for each other and sweet little Connor is heartwarming. Revisiting Cassidy Farm and having a few guest appearances from characters in previous books makes Trinty Falls a place of warmth and love.
The book can be read as a stand alone, but even better if you follow the first series. Cannot wait for the next book!

[Frances Scruggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to live in Trinity Falls

I couldn't hardly wait for this book to come out of course I have felt this way about all the Trinity Falls book. This book shows what happens when people run from their problems. It also shows what can happen when you take a chance. Faith thought she was protecting Ian but actually she was just hurting him. When she finally decided to take a chance and move to Trinity Falls and while the road was rocky for awhile they finally found their way to happiness. I loved all of this book of coarse I'm always a sucked for a cute baby. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who loves Christmas and a happy ending. You might want to have a box of tissues handy.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all my visits to Trinity Falls and I was so excited to hear we were continuing into the New Year with a new series Icicle Christmas.
Cowboy’s Secret Baby is Ian Cassidy and Faith’s emotional and second chance love story and once you add in a secret baby you get a magical start to the new series.
Ian never expected to return to his hometown but a life changing injury has him coming home instead of playing NFL football. The last person he expects to come across is his high school sweetheart so imagine h the shock when she turns up Cassidy Farm with baby Connor….
What follows is an entertaining, emotional and sweet romance that will appeal to all romance lovers. A great start to the new series which has left me excited for more visits to Trinity Falls.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to reading more of the Trinity Falls Christmas series every year at Christmas. These sweet romances are the perfect length and follow that perfect formula that always gets me in the cozy mood for the holidays. In Cowboy’s Secret Baby, Ian Cassidy had to give up his dreams of a football career after an accident. Now he’s back home working on the family ranch, and sees his college girlfriend and her young son. When he learns that Faith’s son is his, he wants nothing more than to be a part of both their lives and to repair the rift that came between him and Faith years ago. This was sweet and heartwarming and I loved all the family scenes! 4/5 stars.

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Pines Does write a good book

However, Cowboy’s Secret Baby mama was a piece of work. Ian, a gentleman and a genuinely good person who was ghosted for two years, not told about his unborn baby and missed the first 18 months of the baby’s life. Faith was a runner. It all worked out in the end, but it was Ian and his family who made the book readable. They rallied around not only their son and brother but also accepted Faith into their fold and her son, Connor became an important part of their family. HEA as you would expect. Great to read a book about a great family like Ian’s.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy's Secret Baby: Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas - Book 1 by C. Pines is a beautiful warmhearted read that gives all the feels.
Ian Cassidy is a pro football player who's suffered a careerending injury. Now he hadret with fate.
Faith is a young woman who's back at Cassidy farms just in time for the holidays with a big/little surprise in tow.
I'm a huge sucker for oops baby stories, and this is a great one. I loved the story, loved connecting with the characters, 4,5 stars.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboys Secret Baby is a sweet second chance read. I loved this one. Ian and Faith are wonderful as they reconnect. You understand why Faith is hesitant to start back up with Ian. Even after the missteps along the way they have this amazing chemistry together. Ian is a little lost and stubborn when it comes to realizing his dream. I love how Faith gives him a little push to follow his passion he did not know he wanted to do. I love how Ian did not hesitate to accept Connor into his life. I could not put this down. You need to one click this one.

[Tanya Herod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled to get to continue my trip through Trinity Falls with this new series. Faith and Ian's love story was so sweet and emotional..I had tears streaming in the last few chapters..I was touched...hurt for their lost time together and sad how people's words can tear apart such a sweet love. But in the end they knew that it was meant to be. They shared a real love and ...a precious baby Conner. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon Clara Pines Trinity Falls series and this is a beautiful start to more of this town I've grown to love.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no doubt that Clara Pines writes beautiful heartwarming stories and the first book in her new series proves yet again she always brings the romance magic and gives you that feeling of joy when you gently shake those precious snowglobes.

One overhead conversation ends a beautiful college romance for Faith and Ian, and that should never have ended, now Faith is in Ian's small town with a surprise even he didn't see coming, yet again this author delivers a page-turning story of second chances of taking you on true romance journey ride.