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Promised to the Cowboy

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Coming Soon!
Read Gabriel’s story in the final exciting instalment of the Mail Order Brides series!

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2026

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About the author

Violet Rae

219 books181 followers
Mom. Author. Chocoholic.

I am the author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romances.

Thank you for checking out my Author page. You can find me on most social media platforms.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for kymagirl.
7,553 reviews88 followers
July 26, 2026
She came back with a secret, and he answered with everything he had.

Evie plans to give Gabriel one night and nothing more. No names, no promises, no reason to look back. But when an unexpected pregnancy sends her searching for the brooding cowboy she never forgot, she finds a man carrying raw old grief and the belief that everyone he loves is better off without him.

Gabriel knows he should keep his distance. Evie is guarded, stubborn and hiding more than she's ready to share, yet every sharp exchange and vulnerable moment pulls him closer. Their chemistry never fades, and it becomes impossible to deny that she and their child already feel like home.

As danger closes in and old wounds surface, trust becomes the greatest risk either can take. Evie must decide whether she's ready to stop carrying everything alone, while Gabriel faces the guilt that's defined his life before it costs him the future he's beginning to believe is possible.

Evie lowers the walls built by years of self-reliance, discovering that vulnerability can be strength. Gabriel lets go of the guilt that tells him love always ends in loss and allows himself to hope. Together, they grow from one unforgettable night into a devoted partnership built on trust, healing, protection, and the choice to keep choosing each other.

An ultra-steamy, cowboy, one night stand to forever, unexpected pregnancy, romantic suspense filled with protective devotion, emotional healing, found family, and hard-earned trust. It explores guilt, vulnerability, resilience, forgiveness, identity, sacrifice, and the courage to believe in a future after surviving the past. It's about two wounded hearts choosing each other again and again, discovering that love isn't about being unbreakable, but about finding someone who stays when life asks everything of you.

The Elevator Pitch: A chance encounter becomes the spark for two wounded souls whose carefully guarded lives collide in ways neither can control. As buried secrets and dangerous threats test every fragile hope they've built together, love demands far more than desire or good intentions. At its heart, this is a story of trust earned through sacrifice, family found in unexpected places, and the courage to believe a broken heart can still carry a future.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
598 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
July 22, 2026
“Like you’re the stars in her sky”…
“Promised To The Cowboy” is a standalone but connected series: Havenstone, Book 6.
This is a joyful, soul stirring romance with intrigue, double dealing (not by m/c), manipulation (not by m/c, finding a new permanent place in the others heart, home.
Gabriel Sutton is our MMC. He’s tall and handsome. With broad shouldered, intriguing mixed matched eyes, one blue, one green. Damaged in heart and body.
He runs Stoneridge Ranch with his father Jacob, brothers Caleb and Daniel, with Delaney his wife. Ethan and his wife Jenna.
Our MFC is Evie (Evangeline) Gale. Beautiful, long haired, hazel eyed. A Rodeo Barrel Racer known as Lightning. Her gray mare quarter horse and working as one.
These two meet at the Bigfork Rodeo. Feeling an attraction so strongly it was like each soul recognized the other. Brought together by the universe. Or maybe just the silent recognition of different personal stories, but the sharing of the same empty space where a loving father should be.
One night, no strings, her choice. But it turn into something more with her hunting Gabriel down to give him news that’s changed both their lives. But they both couldn’t forget the connection that night.
They have challenges to meet, a surprise on who’s behind the poisoned water, barn fires (prior books) and other things pleading the two ranches. A kidnapping, a near death, a birthing and an amazing happy ending.
There’s the same amazing characters, and animals in past books in this one. Maggie the one that holds the Stoneranch in her care ever since her friend and the kids mom Caroline died. Feeding and being their anything and everything. The dad Jacob, brothers Daniel and Ethan with wives Delaney and Jenna. The amazingly cute animals Captain Winky, Cheese Puff, Biscuit, Pretzel, Doritos, Major Pecker, Glitch, Bug. And a new rescue, the mare Chance.
And of course the boys from Havenridge Cousins, Henry Angus and Tom with their wives and little Max. And the Caleb and Wire with the Vet program there. Joining together to continue to fight the corporation they don’t know that’s threatening and buying up land, for something the ground holds.
And the Three very special ladies, Ruth, Caroline and Maggie, who has and continues to lead these families they love…
Profile Image for Brandi Jackola.
352 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2026
Though this novel wraps up the goings on of the Sutton clans, there are still more stories to tell. I am glad of that, as I’ve been following this family for quite a while now. It looks like future books will still take place around the two family ranches.

Gabriel finally gets his story, and honestly, I’ve been waiting for this for quite some time. His mother passed away right after she gave birth to him, and his father basically avoids him for the next thirty years. Gabriel also has a heart defect, which kept him from following his brothers into the military. He just wanted to be treated like everyone else, wanted to fit in with the family.

Over the course of this series, there has been an overarching mystery. Fence lines cut. Water supply poisoned. A barn set on fire with someone inside. All the while, an unknown developer is trying to get both Sutton ranches into his fold.

Gabriel meets first sees Evie at a rodeo, where she’s competing in barrel races. They run into each other later at a bar, and she and Gabriel have a one-night stand, though she sneaks out of the motel room before he wakes up the next morning. Months later, she returns, trying to find the father of her child. It was at that point that I started to fill in the blanks in the overarching mystery.

I could go on for probably another five pages about just this one book, but I don’t want to spoil anything for the readers. I will say that I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I screamed. There is a happy ending here, but it’s not the last we’ll see of the Suttons, or their ranches. There are still stories to be told; they just won’t be centered on the Suttons anymore.
3,381 reviews33 followers
July 25, 2026
4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a highly emotional, accidental pregnancy, contemporary western romance between Evie, the female barrel racer and horse rehabilitator lead, and Gabriel, the male rancher lead. I empathised with both characters’ parental trauma issues and appreciated the efforts they made to ensure healthy communication for themselves. I enjoyed Evie’s surprise at the supportive and integrative nature of Gabriel’s family and that she was immediately welcomed. I enjoyed Gabriel’s growing joy at the news of their baby, and his determination to be a good parent. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the developing relationship. I enjoyed the resolution of the non-romance plot, particularly the grim certainty of the characters that they would not be defeated. I enjoyed seeing a modicum of justice served to the antagonist. I adored the peace the protagonists from the whole series found in the renewed safety and security. I enjoyed the depth and sincerity of emotion throughout this series and felt a sense of joy and relief to have these characters settled.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
1,350 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2026
This is book six in the author’s Havenstone series featuring the Sutton family, their loves and their battles with an unscrupulous businessman wanting their land for the minerals it contained.

This book featured Gabriel, the youngest son of Jacob (the first three books in the series were focused on the children of Ben, Jacob’s estranged brother). Born with a heart defect and thinking his birth was the cause of his mother’s demise, Gabriel flat out broke my heart! Not only was he ignored by his father but he felt that his birth robbed his brothers of their mother and his father of his wife, he suffered from guilt his whole life. He always felt like he was the “cause” and the sentence where he was pleading with his brother, Ethan, “Just once… Let me be the answer.” had me straight up bawling and that wasn’t the only time it had me crying—at times it was a bit of a tearjerker. For some reason, it seems like this one was a little more dramatic and angsty than the previous books in the series but I still loved it and I especially loved the ending! So if you love a little bit of drama and angst thrown in with your instalove, you really need to check this one out. 5 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,023 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2026
Gabriel, our MMC, believes he’s broken but projects a steady, calm, thoughtful persona, and the tone of this book reflects that perfectly.
I’ve only read one other book in this series (need to rectify that!) but had no problems with the large cast of characters that populate this story (people and goats, IYKYK) and the conspiracy against the Sutton ranches, the people behind LandCorp and their hostile bid to acquire, is easy to pick up the threads of and get caught up in. But the romance is between Evie and Gabriel.
They meet after a rodeo, although Gabe is immediately taken with Evie when he sees her riding, and spend the night together – her rules; one night, no last names, no strings.
Twenty weeks later she’s on the road to Montana to track Gabriel down and share her news.
That she fits so well into this family, their acceptance without question of her, and the way Gabriel and Evie make room for each other in their lives is just simply a lovely read.
There’s plenty of drama around her father and a kidnapping attempt that spices up the narrative, but overall I found this to be a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,774 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 23, 2026
This is book 6 in the Havenstone Ranch series and it was an emotional roller coaster ride for me. Evie is a barrel racer and after a run at a rodeo she goes to a bar and meets Gabriel. After a one night stand and not exchanging names or numbers she leaves. Four months later she finally finds Gabriel and informs him she's pregnant. Gabriel is over the moon. Evie didn't know that he had hired private detectives to track her down but hadn't found her. He wants her and his child but she has fears from a father who only uses her as leverage. When it's found out that the person who is trying to take the ranches is none other than Evie's father can Evie and Gabriel face the truth together or will it tear them apart. I loved this series. So well written, lots of intrigue and action packed. Plus romance and it really pulls on the heartstrings. One of the best written stories I've read in a long time. Loved it. And a big thank you to the authors for allowing to have an ARC copy. This is my honest review.
2,601 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
Gabriel Sutton first saw Evie Gale at the rodeo running barrels, where she won. Later, she sat by him at the bar, as she propositioned him with one night, no strings, and no last names. They spent a wonderful night together, but she was gone by morning. Gabriel tried everything to forget Evie but nothing worked. He even took off looking for her without luck. Fortunately, Evie had better luck in her search when she started looking for Gabriel with the help of his mismatched eyes and the first name of the competitor in the rodeo he was there to watch. The bartender was able to give her an address. Gabriel was so glad to see her, but he was even happier to hear why she was there. The entire Sutton family accepted her with open arms like she had always been part of the family even after the shocking news of who her father was. The family was finally able to start letting old hurts heal and the family was mending slowly but surely. This book was a great addition to the series and brought everyone back together again including Jacob and Ben.
Profile Image for Victoria.
5,203 reviews
July 27, 2026
4.75 - 5 stars.

This story has made me cry, smile, hold my breath and it held my attention throughout, I have loved getting to know Gabriel better, meeting and getting to know Evie, seeing them fall for each other all whilst I fell for them too. My heart weaped for both their pasts, it hurt as they hurt and it cheered at their HEA. I so enjoyed the connection and chemistry between them, and really liked how they let each other in and didn't hold things back when it could have been less painful for them to do so.

I enjoyed seeing them fight for each other, that they each gave the other peace and helped them to start healing, that they protected one another, stood by and for the other, and the love they felt and showed one another. Their journey had highs and lows, danger and peace, it wasn't always easy, but it was so worth it, they were worth it, they were enough. Their story has taken me on a rollercoaster of a ride, I've loved every moment and know I'll take that ride again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
2,094 reviews22 followers
July 26, 2026
This is really such a fabulous series and I have enjoyed each and every book and this was a great read and a great addition to the Mail Order Brides series. Evie and Gabriel have a very strong attraction when they meet and although they only spend one memorable night together it ultimately changes their lives and futures. Everything that ensues from this point is an emotional rollercoaster and it will definitely pull at your heartstrings but you will also fall in love with Evie and Gabriel and get caught up in their laughter and joy that follows their story. I have enjoyed all of the books and characters in this series but this story just held my emotions longer as there was a very different emotional aspect to the story. You will fall in love with all the Suttons and their family so give this series a shot as you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
2,095 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2026
Promised to the Cowboy is an outstanding series finale! But wait, there’s more!!! Evie and Gabriel have an electric connection from the moment they meet. Their one night together is sexy and steamy and sizzles, bringing with it more than they both asked for. Their story is twisted and complex in the BEST of ways, from their own unique emotional burdens to the challenges on the Suttons’ ranch and the family dynamics. The overarching series plot builds to an epic conclusion that explodes so many issues that have been simmering. The characters are amazing, and the plot twists unexpected and awesome. This story is such a beautifully built narrative that gripped me from start to finish. Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
772 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2026
Of all the books in this series, I think this might have been my favorite. The two main characters, Evie and Gabriel, were amazing. They both had issues with their fathers that defined who they were and what they felt about themselves. The surprising revelation about who is behind the threats to the Sutton families is revealed. I was shocked by one of the characters in the book who betrayed the families in the worst way possible. Parts of the book brought tears to my eyes due to the emotions being so intense. Then some parts made me laugh out loud. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the Havenstone book series.

I am so thankful for the author writing this book and sending me an advance copy to read. I am gladly leaving a review of this book. Well worth the read!
364 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2026
I have loved all of the books in this series but this one got me in the feels. Both Gabriel and Evie have a similar upbringing with regards to distant Dads. Gabriel’s due to the devastating loss of his Mum during his birth and Evie’s whose Dad was distant, and only interested when it benefitted him and his image.

After a one-night stand results in a pregnancy they are back in each other’s lives and start a path towards a positive future. However, things come to a head when they find out that their lives are already intwined in a devastating way. I couldn’t put this book down. I cried, I laughed and I fell in love with the Havenbridge and Stoneridge families all over again. A definite must read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
11.2k reviews27 followers
August 5, 2026
Evie is a rodeo barrel racer, and Gabriel runs Stoneridge Ranch with his family. These two meet after the Bigfork Rodeo at the local bar, and sparks fly between them. One steamy night, no strings later, they spend one unforgettable night together. Months later, she has a special surprise, and they get their happily ever after. But we all know things don't always go so smoothly, so there's family drama, unexpected twists, and a story that pulled at my heartstrings, making this a great read. The writing is well done, the characters are well developed, and the ending is perfect. Promised to the Cowboy is book six and a wonderful way to end the Havenstone: Mail Order Brides series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Melissa Wilson.
1,587 reviews9 followers
August 2, 2026
This is book 6 in Havenstone series. I love the Sutton family. They are chaotic, emotionally compressed, but fiercely loyal. Gabriel has carried guilt and grief after his mother died in childbirth with him. Feeling broken and not good enough he doesn't believe he's whole enough for another person until Evie. What was suppose to be a one night stand became so much more. An emotional read that makes you want to shake some people but also root for Evie and Gabriel. This book had all the emotions: grief, despair, love, humor, and finding home. I love that Cheese Puff the goat makes and appearance. Great read.
Profile Image for Dee Layton.
948 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
I am so excited This is Gabriel's story and I was absolutely just blown away back. Promise to a cowboy is book six in the HavenStone series and honey it did not disappoint at all. This book was delicious from the very beginning to the very end that everything in the middle. I absolutely love Violet Rae as an author and I feel like they did an amazing job with this book as well. I can't say enough good things about it everybody running by tomorrow when it releases because it absolutely deserves the love.
Profile Image for Debi Williams.
2,769 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 25, 2026
This was an exciting read. Gabriel seen Evie at a rodeo event and he fell hard for her. Which she fell hard for him too. This book will have you on a whole different level of emotional roller coaster. I’m sure you will feel the same way about it when you read it. It will pull at your heart with all the emotions, laughter, joy, crying and can’t forget about the love in this book. There will be some exciting moments too but nothing like the moment when he sees her walk down the aisle to him. I felt privileged to be able to read this book and I can’t wait for the next book
850 reviews
July 26, 2026
Evie and Gabriel meet in a bar. She propositions him, he says yes. What a way together to know each other! But Evie leaves in the morning.
Months of both these strong, stubborn people yearning for the other…and then Evie turns up at Gabriel’s home to give him some unexpected news.
Honestly? Their journey to a happy ending is full of emotion, heart ache (quite literally), danger that her evil father brings to them, friendship and humour.
I cried, I swooned and I cheered them on. A wonderful read
5,493 reviews30 followers
July 29, 2026
Evie is barrel racer and meets Gabriel the night after her performance. She asks for one night no strings, no last names. Both never forget that night and four months later, she goes back to where she met Gabriel. She is hoping to find anything she can about finding him, she is expecting his baby. Gabriel wants to keep her before he finds out about the baby. She is carrying a secret that could change everything. This one brings the end to the overall story the family has been fighting through the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kyareth14.
1,466 reviews
August 9, 2026
I love all the Havenstone stories; the Suttons are a great family fighting to hold onto their land. Gabriel was always different from his brothers—he grew up carrying guilt that wasn't his to bear, without ever receiving affection from his father, and with a heart that seemed to be a problem. He met Evie at a rodeo, and they spent one night together. Fate had something in store for them—something that would bind them together forever, but also create ties that posed a danger to the Sutton family. It was a joy to read every chapter and see Gabriel and Evie get their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Lucy.
18 reviews10 followers
Read
July 21, 2026
I knew this would be good, as the whole series has been, but have to say I was not expecting this, why isn’t there a higher rating than 5*, this book was devastatingly incredible. I ugly cried numerous times, cheered out loud and felt this story to my core. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but read this series, they’re all great, but this one is going to stay with me forever!
Profile Image for Donna McEachran.
1,750 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
I have loved this series but was waiting for Gabriel's book. The quiet brother, he always seemed distant. This book explains why that is and his feelings about his place in his family. There were tears!! He finds his place with Evie who has had her own family issues, including a surprise connection to the Sutton family.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah Freilinger.
681 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2026
Hearts beat together

I think you are going to love this book. I have been crying through half the book. It was one of those books that you don't want to put down and want to know what comes next. If you have read the other Sutton books, this will clean up at the loose ends. And everyone comes full circle. You get to see everyone one last time.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.5k reviews166 followers
July 28, 2026
Gabriel and Evie's romance was wonderful and the perfect ending to this awesome series. Emotional, angsty, raw with feelings and painfully achy in the best of ways, this one gives you the answers that you've been waiting for delivered with a stunningly beautiful romance that has a powerful punch and knows exactly how to use it.
23 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2026
absolutely wonderful

Out of all the books in this series, this one made me cry. I loved all the books in itself but the story that unfolds in this book was just so beautiful, scary, happy, and sad.
4,352 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
July 22, 2026
I love sweet Gabriel and Evie together, they were meant for each other! Such a wonderful and beautiful healing love story! Soo soo good and soo H.O.T I absolutly loved it! 🥰❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️❤️😍
Profile Image for Michele.
2,225 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
July 24, 2026
A great read filled with lots of emotion - I cried, I laughed and didn’t want the story to end. Gabriel and Evie are perfect and it was great to revisit with other members of the family!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews