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The Dalton Boys #3

Cowboy Crushin'

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Five brides for five brothers…at least that’s the deal the Daltons have struck with their boys. Each son must marry in order to inherit a piece of the ranch they love so much.

Shelby has pulled up roots—again—and taken her funds from her latest divorce settlement to open a candy shop in Vixen, Texas. She wants better for her son than new men parading through his life because his mom can’t get herself together. The small town is the perfect place to avoid male interest—mainly because there aren’t many available.

When Witt spies the curvaceous new candy shop owner, he suddenly has a sweet tooth. Trouble is, so does every other man in the vicinity, including his brother Kade. Shelby seems to crave male attention, and they flock to her like bees to honey-flavored hardtack, though nothing she says or does seems genuine. Who is she really?

Burning to uncover her mysteries, Witt spends so much time in town that the ranch suffers. Afraid another man will snag her up, Witt sweeps her and her son away.

The Daltons feel like the family she’s never had and the gorgeous cowboy demands entry to her heart, but the fortress she’s built has deep foundations. Will she ever be ready to give her whole self?

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2015

307 people are currently reading
275 people want to read

About the author

Em Petrova

354 books1,449 followers

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5 stars
337 (48%)
4 stars
218 (31%)
3 stars
112 (16%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
September 7, 2022
4.25 Stars. So far this has been my favorite book so far in the series. I understood how Shelby felt. I remember once hiking a 14 footer and camping above timberline for a guy. So not me!
It was refreshing Witt wanted the real Shelby and her darling son.
Profile Image for M.
515 reviews
March 9, 2015
Quick read

This was such a good read. Witt Dalton so far is the sweetest Dalton brother. Shelby has been hurt in the past and being a single parent has made her skittish,but Witt allows her the time to decide. I loved this book and the message of family bonds is so heartfelt.
130 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2018
It was ok

I wasn't as fond of this book as I was the first two. The first two were amazing. I feel like this one fell a little flat. As hard as I tried, I just couldn't connect with Shelby's character. I just don't feel like she fit into the rhythm of the first two heroines. They were both really good women and I felt like Shelby was more of a hussy and a tease. I enjoyed Witt but just felt like things were kind of disconnected. I never truly felt like there was more than just a physical attraction on Shelby's part. I never felt the emotional connection that I felt in the first two books. I'm really hoping the next book just as good as the first two.
1,240 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2018
Appealing Story

Em Petrova is one of my favorite writers. I usually read her erotic romance novels like the Boot Knockers series, but thought I'd give her Dalton Boys series a try. This story is a sweeter story than Em's erotic series. There's romance in this book, but there is also an emphasis on getting to know the characters. I enjoyed that in depth look into the inner motivations, strengths, fears and flaws of Witt and Shelby. The Dalton Boys books appealed to my heart as well as my libido. I think it will appeal to most romance readers.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2022
Witt and Shelby

This is a great novella featuring Witt. He falls hard for a new woman in tow, Shelb, who opened a candy shop and is attracting attention from lots of single men in the area. Shelby and her 5 year old son are running from her previous life which includes 2 ex husbands and 5 ex fiancés. Her son is experiencing nightmares and want let her touch him but both blossom from the attention of Witt and the Dalton family. Can Shelby trust this won’t turn out like all of her previous relationships? Witt has his work cut out for hit.
Profile Image for Julia DeBarrioz.
Author 6 books50 followers
October 23, 2019
Cowboy Crushin'? More like Cowboy Crack! :D

This series is a whole lot of fun, without being overbearing in the God department like many western romances are.

At first I found the heroine rather infuriating. Like, why don't you just change your number, girl? But she's not perfect. Ms. Petrova made a three dimensional character, rather than a Mary Sue who does everything right all the time, and I commend her for that.

And I'm still not quite over Hank, but Witt wasn't bad at all. ;)
Profile Image for Tanya Brown.
384 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2017
Witt & Shelby. He has his work cut out for him to get past Shelby's doubt of trusting herself to make the right decision when it comes to men. Witt is not a quitter! I love how these two interact and how patient Witt is concerning Shelby. He dives right in with Shelby's son Alex and those two bond right off the bat. I'm anxious to read book 4 in this series!
667 reviews
February 8, 2023
Men, men, and more men!

Shelby had to many in her life. Too many from her past and others who wanted to be part of her present and future. The only one that matters to her is her five year old son, Alex, and he didn't even what her to hug him anymore. That was until the day that With Dalton came into her life and changed everything.
Profile Image for Sherry Wood.
578 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2018
Awesome book

I have been reading this series, The Dalton Boys, and so far I think this is the best of all. Loving and caring and sexy characters with some real life drama too. A great book for anyone to read!!!
10 reviews
February 17, 2019
Almost made me cry

This story really hits home for me seeing as I am a single mother of 3. I wish I could find a man that loves me for me but also loves my kids just as much. I am so happy shelby found someone like that.
148 reviews
September 1, 2019
Interesting twist

I'm enjoying the Dalton boys journey, especially the introduction of new characters as each tale progresses. I liked Shelley's background and her soul searching resonated with me. Alex is a fabulous characters too. All in all another fun, hot read.
Profile Image for Debra McEathron.
1,788 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2020
Great cowboy

Shelby needed to find herself and help her son. Witt wanted to find his love his wife. Shelby needed to stand on her own two feet first. Good story about learning to find what you need first and working for it.
859 reviews
August 15, 2023
Be still my heart, Witt Dalton is by far my favorite Dalton brother. I thought this book was so good and the author had me so invested in Shelby and Witt. I loved how Witt was with Shelby’s son Alex. I can’t wait to spend more time in Paradise Valley with book 4.
1,458 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2018
Something about a cowboy

Fun seriously with a bit of heat. 5 brothers who all love the land and are looking for thy’all right woman to share it with.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
January 25, 2019
Just another awesome Dalton romance!!

I just love these Dalton boys! Witt and Shelby wow that's one hot romance! And Alex is the heart of this romance!!!
Profile Image for Sarah Houck.
8 reviews
January 26, 2019
Great characters and storyline

Another happy ending and a great story getting to it. The characters are relatable. you want them to be happy.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,547 reviews
March 9, 2019
Absolutely loved it!

Wowsa I absolutely loved this book and it kept you hooked from page one until the end and the storyline rocked and characters were absolutely awesome.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,621 reviews37 followers
March 5, 2020
I enjoyed this quick read about a single mom trying to make changes and a cowboy that finds love when he least expects it and the little boy that really needs both of them.
Profile Image for Cal-Amity Jae Etti.
27 reviews
October 11, 2021
Love after hurt

Enjoyed a watching witt fall in love with Alex as much as his momma . Great story about moving past mistakes and giving love another chance.
Profile Image for Rachel.
54 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2021
Would love to visit this Candy shop. If anyone reads this review and knows a shop similar would live the location. I love the way he falls for her and her son from almost moment 1.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
249 reviews
October 15, 2023
Book Review

Really loved this one! Witt was a kind of guy most women hope to find and never do! The second reason being that meeting help not only her but her son!
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2024
Another great book under 100 pages. I’m starting to think all this series are this length. 🤔
Profile Image for Lisa.
558 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2015
This is the third in the series, but can completely be read as a stand-alone story. Each book in the story of a different brother finding is own love and happy ever after.
Shelby and her young son have moved away to start over and escape her past of disastrous relationships. She’s determined to have a fresh start with her candy shop and ignore the instant draw she has to Witt Dalton the “drool-worth-momma’s-boy-great-with-kids-gorgeous cowboy…”
Witt is tired of searching for a bride until he meets Shelby and is unable to resist the feelings that grow between them.
Em Petrova writes an emotional, loving relationship that grows quickly, but strongly between Shelby and Witt. Although this story isn’t as steamy as some of her other books. I really enjoyed the romance and playfulness between the characters.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
December 4, 2016
Not only does middle brother Witt Dalton think his parents are unfair to keep their land until he and his brothers have a wife, he's also frustrated after two unsuccessful wife hunts and swears off women. People pleasing divorced mom, Shelby's the new girl in town and the boys can't stay away from her or her sweet shop. When Witt sees Shelby then he's chasing away any competition, even the Dalton type.

Even with a string of ex boyfriends and ex fiancés the only thing Shelby thinks she's sure off is that she won't get involved with a cowboy or ranch hand. Unless it's Witt then maybe probably but her son isn't nearly as hesitant as he and Witt bond immediately. Peeks at the growing family kept continuity but this was definitely Witt's show. For my taste, Shelby was the weak link of the read and cost points.
Rating: 3.25stars
Profile Image for Marie.
5,184 reviews52 followers
October 15, 2020
Sexy fun with frosting!

Who knew confectionery could be so dirty!
Witt and Shelby are certainly have sparks when they come together but this is a far deeper, more emotional story than the first two books in the series. Whilst Witt will sweep you off your feet it is Alex who steals your heart, can the Dalton's coax this gorgeous boy back out of his shell?
I am not totally sure I like Shelby, she seems a little flighty, but this adds to the plot, so maybe I am a little harsh!
More sibling rivalry, more cowboy lovin' Dalton style and lots of hope for the future, all available on Kindle Unlimited...such a sweet treat!
1,116 reviews23 followers
January 22, 2015
This wasn't my favorite of the series, mainly because I had a hard time connecting with the heroine. She just wasn't someone I liked and I didn't care for the fact she apparently couldn't resist a sweet talking man, therefore a couple of marriages and multiple relationships. Witt, on the other hand, was adorable and I felt his relationship with Shelby out of character for him. He wanted someone like his brothers' wives, someone to love, settle down with, and raise a family. Couldn't reconcile him with Shelby.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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