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Cupid's Bow, Texas #1
Falling for the Sheriff
A FRESH START
Widow Kate Sullivan moved to Cupid's Bow, Texas, to get her teenage son on the right path. But their new life in the small town gets off to a rocky start when her son is caught shoplifting by the sheriff. Kate is immediately attracted to Cole Trent, but she's not ready to fall in love again, and certainly not with another cop.
Cole should have known Cupid's matchmakers would scramble to fix him up with a smart, beautiful woman like Kate. The single dad has managed to evade their efforts until now, so he and Kate come up with a plan to keep the matchmakers at bay. Pretending to be a couple was a good idea, until Cole realizes his feelings are anything but pretend. Can he convince Kate to give their romance a real chance?
Widow Kate Sullivan moved to Cupid's Bow, Texas, to get her teenage son on the right path. But their new life in the small town gets off to a rocky start when her son is caught shoplifting by the sheriff. Kate is immediately attracted to Cole Trent, but she's not ready to fall in love again, and certainly not with another cop.
Cole should have known Cupid's matchmakers would scramble to fix him up with a smart, beautiful woman like Kate. The single dad has managed to evade their efforts until now, so he and Kate come up with a plan to keep the matchmakers at bay. Pretending to be a couple was a good idea, until Cole realizes his feelings are anything but pretend. Can he convince Kate to give their romance a real chance?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
13 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Michaels
140 books59 followersTanya Michaels is an award-winning author of more than thirty romance and women's fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories and nonfiction essays. She is a four-time finalist for the prestigious RITA, awarded annually by Romance Writers of America, and was nominated for RT Book Review’s Career Achievement in Category Romance. When she's not speaking at reader events and writer conferences, she's at home in Georgia with her husband of fifteen years and their two highly imaginative children. For a glimpse into Tanya's chaotic daily life, as well as updates on her current books and TV show addictions, follow Tanya on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 23, 2020
She recalled what he'd told her last time he'd been here, that he was a patient man. It was a seductive quality. Not only did Kate appreciate his control, it was heady that he considered her worth waiting for. Yet she couldn't in good conscience encourage him. Potentially wicked dreams aside, she couldn't say when, if ever, she might be ready to be more than his friend. pg. 118
Cute novel about a woman with a delinquent son. In a panic about his increasingly frequent criminal tendencies, she uproots her life to move in with her grandmother in Cupid's Bow, Texas.
Cole is the town sheriff and his first encounter with the family is not pleasant, he catches Luke slipping a candy bar into his five-year-old daughter's purse.
THINGS I LIKED
- Mildly funny. Not as funny as some of Michaels' other books... this one didn't make me laugh out loud but she has some slightly funny moments. You might smile a few times.
- Usually I'm very annoyed when romance novels offer the perspective of a child. But Luke's narration in this book isn't bad and it didn't annoy me. That's very rare. Perhaps this is because of Luke's age, he's 13. The younger children are the less I want to hear their narrative in a romance novel. It's a romance novel, I want to hear from fucking adults.
- Cole is a patient man, that's a turn-on. Also, he is pretty calm and even-tempered. I was afraid a lawman paired with a woman who has a delinquent son would be a disaster. But he's pretty even-keeled and he stays out of things for the most part and lets Kate handle her business. I was glad they didn't play this for drama. I also am glad they gave Cole the characteristics I find most attractive in men: patience, an even temper, the ability to be calm, and he even takes parenting advice from Kate - something that might rankle most people.
- I also think Michaels does a reasonable job of covering the fear, pain, and embarrassment of having a kid you've tried to raise right doing stuff like shoplifting and etc.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex in this book. Usually this would annoy me. Greatly. However, I understood why Michaels did not have Kate and Cole have sex. Kate's husband was a Houston cop who was shot to death, dating another LEO is really difficult for her. She also hasn't had sex since her husband was killed, and she's got some hangups about it.
She'd be making love with a man. Who wasn't her husband. It was like a macabre sort of virginity; there could only be one first time. Eyes burning with conflicting emotions, she rolled back, putting nearly a foot between them and trying to gulp in air. Damn it. pg. 186
Not to mention her son is having a very hard time dealing with the fact that she's dating again.
If this was a longer book, I'd expect sex, but since they are only dating a few weeks when the book ends, it made sense to me that they didn't have sex. YMMV.
TL;DR A sweet book. Slightly funny. I enjoyed it. It wouldn't go on my favorites list, but it was cute.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
Widow Heroine
Police Romance
He's the Sheriff; She Used to Teach Elementary School Music, but Now She Gives Private Music Lessons.
Takes Place in: Texas, the U.S.A.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
Cute novel about a woman with a delinquent son. In a panic about his increasingly frequent criminal tendencies, she uproots her life to move in with her grandmother in Cupid's Bow, Texas.
Cole is the town sheriff and his first encounter with the family is not pleasant, he catches Luke slipping a candy bar into his five-year-old daughter's purse.
THINGS I LIKED
- Mildly funny. Not as funny as some of Michaels' other books... this one didn't make me laugh out loud but she has some slightly funny moments. You might smile a few times.
- Usually I'm very annoyed when romance novels offer the perspective of a child. But Luke's narration in this book isn't bad and it didn't annoy me. That's very rare. Perhaps this is because of Luke's age, he's 13. The younger children are the less I want to hear their narrative in a romance novel. It's a romance novel, I want to hear from fucking adults.
- Cole is a patient man, that's a turn-on. Also, he is pretty calm and even-tempered. I was afraid a lawman paired with a woman who has a delinquent son would be a disaster. But he's pretty even-keeled and he stays out of things for the most part and lets Kate handle her business. I was glad they didn't play this for drama. I also am glad they gave Cole the characteristics I find most attractive in men: patience, an even temper, the ability to be calm, and he even takes parenting advice from Kate - something that might rankle most people.
- I also think Michaels does a reasonable job of covering the fear, pain, and embarrassment of having a kid you've tried to raise right doing stuff like shoplifting and etc.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex in this book. Usually this would annoy me. Greatly. However, I understood why Michaels did not have Kate and Cole have sex. Kate's husband was a Houston cop who was shot to death, dating another LEO is really difficult for her. She also hasn't had sex since her husband was killed, and she's got some hangups about it.
She'd be making love with a man. Who wasn't her husband. It was like a macabre sort of virginity; there could only be one first time. Eyes burning with conflicting emotions, she rolled back, putting nearly a foot between them and trying to gulp in air. Damn it. pg. 186
Not to mention her son is having a very hard time dealing with the fact that she's dating again.
If this was a longer book, I'd expect sex, but since they are only dating a few weeks when the book ends, it made sense to me that they didn't have sex. YMMV.
TL;DR A sweet book. Slightly funny. I enjoyed it. It wouldn't go on my favorites list, but it was cute.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
Widow Heroine
Police Romance
He's the Sheriff; She Used to Teach Elementary School Music, but Now She Gives Private Music Lessons.
Takes Place in: Texas, the U.S.A.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
January 29, 2019
Quite liked this one..wish the “flow” wasn’t so choppy towards the end of the book.
Wonder how her other books are ....
Wonder how her other books are ....
September 14, 2015
Very good book. Kate had lost her policeman husband two years earlier when he was killed in the line of duty. Since then, her son Luke has been getting into more and more trouble. She decides to remove him from the bad influences by packing up and moving to Cupid's Bow, Texas. She loved the time she spent there with her grandmother when she was a kid and hopes that Luke will feel the same. It doesn't look promising when Luke is caught shoplifting by the sheriff on their first day in town. To top it all off, her grandmother is in matchmaking mode and Kate just isn't ready to go there.
Cole is the single dad of five year old twin girls, as well as being the sheriff. He also suffers from being the target of well meaning matchmakers. He suggests to Kate that they spend some time together, give the matchmakers the impression they're together, and get themselves some peace. Neither expects to connect they way they do.
I felt for Kate. She was at her wit's end trying to deal with Luke and his problems as well as deal with her own feelings of loss. She wasn't too happy at first about the attraction she felt for Cole. The last thing she wanted was to get involved with another cop and risk that kind of heartbreak all over again. But she couldn't deny that she enjoyed his company, and the kisses were pretty hot too! It wasn't long before she was falling for him and his adorable girls. But when the reality of Cole's job brings her fears back to the surface, Kate has to decide if she wants to risk it all.
I loved Cole. He's dated some since his divorce, but hasn't found anyone that he's ready to spend the rest of his life with. That hasn't stopped his mom from frequently trying to fix him up with various women. His second meeting with Kate goes a lot more smoothly, and he's impressed with the way she connects with his daughters. Spending time with her isn't going to be hard at all.
I loved seeing the relationship between Cole and Kate develop. Though it started out as a mutual protection thing, it wasn't long until they really wanted to spend time together. Kate was really cautious, wary of letting herself get involved with another cop. In spite of that worry, she really liked the man inside the uniform. Cole knew about her fears, and as they got closer he realized he wanted more than just their pretend relationship. I loved the patience he had, as he wanted to push their relationship further, but knew that he couldn't rush her. I hurt for him when his injury sent her running away and he feared that it was the end. I loved seeing who showed Kate the error of her ways. Her big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and so very emotional.
The kids were a huge part of the story. Cole's twins were adorable. He was a great father to them and I loved seeing how hard he worked at it. I enjoyed the realism of his struggles also, especially the help he had from Kate in realizing that the girls may be twins but aren't the same. I loved the connection that Alyssa had with Kate's son Luke, and how it ended up helping Luke also. Having part of the story told from Luke's point of view was a really nice touch. I liked being able to see his thought processes and what led up to his misbehavior. His attitudes were pretty typical for the age, which added to the realism of the story. But at heart he was a good kid, and I loved his pep talk to Kate at the end.
Cole is the single dad of five year old twin girls, as well as being the sheriff. He also suffers from being the target of well meaning matchmakers. He suggests to Kate that they spend some time together, give the matchmakers the impression they're together, and get themselves some peace. Neither expects to connect they way they do.
I felt for Kate. She was at her wit's end trying to deal with Luke and his problems as well as deal with her own feelings of loss. She wasn't too happy at first about the attraction she felt for Cole. The last thing she wanted was to get involved with another cop and risk that kind of heartbreak all over again. But she couldn't deny that she enjoyed his company, and the kisses were pretty hot too! It wasn't long before she was falling for him and his adorable girls. But when the reality of Cole's job brings her fears back to the surface, Kate has to decide if she wants to risk it all.
I loved Cole. He's dated some since his divorce, but hasn't found anyone that he's ready to spend the rest of his life with. That hasn't stopped his mom from frequently trying to fix him up with various women. His second meeting with Kate goes a lot more smoothly, and he's impressed with the way she connects with his daughters. Spending time with her isn't going to be hard at all.
I loved seeing the relationship between Cole and Kate develop. Though it started out as a mutual protection thing, it wasn't long until they really wanted to spend time together. Kate was really cautious, wary of letting herself get involved with another cop. In spite of that worry, she really liked the man inside the uniform. Cole knew about her fears, and as they got closer he realized he wanted more than just their pretend relationship. I loved the patience he had, as he wanted to push their relationship further, but knew that he couldn't rush her. I hurt for him when his injury sent her running away and he feared that it was the end. I loved seeing who showed Kate the error of her ways. Her big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and so very emotional.
The kids were a huge part of the story. Cole's twins were adorable. He was a great father to them and I loved seeing how hard he worked at it. I enjoyed the realism of his struggles also, especially the help he had from Kate in realizing that the girls may be twins but aren't the same. I loved the connection that Alyssa had with Kate's son Luke, and how it ended up helping Luke also. Having part of the story told from Luke's point of view was a really nice touch. I liked being able to see his thought processes and what led up to his misbehavior. His attitudes were pretty typical for the age, which added to the realism of the story. But at heart he was a good kid, and I loved his pep talk to Kate at the end.
August 1, 2015
Michaels once again proves that romance doesn’t necessarily have good timing in this one of a kind romance. The story is simultaneously lighthearted and heartbreaking. Love and loss are forever linked in ways that readers can’t escape. The story was emotionally turbulent, highlighting aspects of the characters and their lives. Michaels also had me in stitches with this one. I’ll definitely never look at a ‘cannibal’ the same way again, at least not with a straight face.
I loved the mix of characters in this novel. Kate’s fears were so overpowering that I felt them myself. Cole’s compassion collides with his need to do what’s right for himself and for those he cares about. Seeing these two sidestep around each other and finally come together was quite entertaining. As captivating as the main characters in the novel were, it was their children that really drew me in. I loved the way that they were portrayed. Luke’s manner of dealing with his father’s death was just as important to the story as his mother’s budding relationship.
Michaels never fails to create novels that warm your heart while giving you a peak at that perfect, fantasy romance, that’s never ‘too perfect.’ This novel was no exception. The foray into Cupid’s Bow was both emotionally enriching and wildly romantic.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the mix of characters in this novel. Kate’s fears were so overpowering that I felt them myself. Cole’s compassion collides with his need to do what’s right for himself and for those he cares about. Seeing these two sidestep around each other and finally come together was quite entertaining. As captivating as the main characters in the novel were, it was their children that really drew me in. I loved the way that they were portrayed. Luke’s manner of dealing with his father’s death was just as important to the story as his mother’s budding relationship.
Michaels never fails to create novels that warm your heart while giving you a peak at that perfect, fantasy romance, that’s never ‘too perfect.’ This novel was no exception. The foray into Cupid’s Bow was both emotionally enriching and wildly romantic.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2015
This book has all of my favorite aspects of a good romance. It’s set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. It also features two single parents with some great kids. Being a single parent myself, I was totally able to relate to Kate and her fears of dating again and what affect that would have on her child.
Cole is the epitome of a Harlequin hero. He’s a hard workin’ man who loves kids—especially his kids—and cares about the community he lives in. He’s also dangerously sexy and a true romantic.
Cole and Kate were brilliant together. I loved how patient and understanding he was with her. Even though Cole wanted to go full throttle into a relationship, he respected Kate’s need to take things slow.
The secondary characters were fun and I found myself wishing the book was longer so I could learn all of their stories as well. I also liked that there were three points of view in the book: Cole’s, Kate’s, and Kate’s son, Luke. Having his point of view was essential and gave a more in-depth dynamic to Luke’s relationship with his mom.
FALLING FOR THE SHERIFF is the first book of the Cupid’s Bow, Texas series. It is a heartwarming read that will have you laughing, crying and loving right alongside the characters. I absolutely loved the book and I can’t wait to read more from Tanya Michaels!
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
Cole is the epitome of a Harlequin hero. He’s a hard workin’ man who loves kids—especially his kids—and cares about the community he lives in. He’s also dangerously sexy and a true romantic.
Cole and Kate were brilliant together. I loved how patient and understanding he was with her. Even though Cole wanted to go full throttle into a relationship, he respected Kate’s need to take things slow.
The secondary characters were fun and I found myself wishing the book was longer so I could learn all of their stories as well. I also liked that there were three points of view in the book: Cole’s, Kate’s, and Kate’s son, Luke. Having his point of view was essential and gave a more in-depth dynamic to Luke’s relationship with his mom.
FALLING FOR THE SHERIFF is the first book of the Cupid’s Bow, Texas series. It is a heartwarming read that will have you laughing, crying and loving right alongside the characters. I absolutely loved the book and I can’t wait to read more from Tanya Michaels!
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
August 9, 2015
There's been a lot of kids in the romance novels lately, and yes, I like that, seeing a big alpha man getting all soft and cuddly with a little kid is kinda hot. But this is the first time I have seen, that part of the story is told from the kid's point of view. Luke, Kate's son, gives a different, refreshing angle to the story.
Cause he is in trouble. His police officer dad died two years ago, and ever since, he has been trying to act tough, getting tired of people feeling sorry for him, pitying him. So his mom, Kate, moved them out of the city, into a small town in Texas. And before they barely arrive in town, he is in trouble again, right in front of the town sheriff.
I enjoyed the story, Cole's twin daughters are cute and entertaining. Luke means well, but keeps making bad choices. But he truly does care, and the steps he takes in maturing during the story are heartfelt.
Kate has her own demons to battle, with a fear of losing someone she loves, again in a violent matter, if she dared to date another police officer.
The meddling of the small town folks, the kids birthday party, the watermelon festival all give this tale more spice, and some humorous moments. Cole and Kate have chemistry, the 'fake' relationship doesn't hold much of a candle, when both of them are so obviously attracted to each other.
A sweet and lovely feel-good story, a joy to read
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
Cause he is in trouble. His police officer dad died two years ago, and ever since, he has been trying to act tough, getting tired of people feeling sorry for him, pitying him. So his mom, Kate, moved them out of the city, into a small town in Texas. And before they barely arrive in town, he is in trouble again, right in front of the town sheriff.
I enjoyed the story, Cole's twin daughters are cute and entertaining. Luke means well, but keeps making bad choices. But he truly does care, and the steps he takes in maturing during the story are heartfelt.
Kate has her own demons to battle, with a fear of losing someone she loves, again in a violent matter, if she dared to date another police officer.
The meddling of the small town folks, the kids birthday party, the watermelon festival all give this tale more spice, and some humorous moments. Cole and Kate have chemistry, the 'fake' relationship doesn't hold much of a candle, when both of them are so obviously attracted to each other.
A sweet and lovely feel-good story, a joy to read
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
August 13, 2015
After the death of her husband while on duty she's pretty much set herself to make sure not to go for another man that works as a cop. Its easy enought to do when her teenage son seems to be having a hard time dealing with things and getting himself into trouble. To have a fresh new start Kate goes to live back with her mother where shes is already trying to set her up with the local sheriff. Kate must learn to balance being a parents to a troubled teen as well her her blooming feeling for the sheriff.
Overall this book was a pretty good short story that kept me hooked. I loved the relationship between Kate and Cole. I loved that not only did this book have the point of view of the two main characters but the son of Kate's as well. It helped showed another side of him that would've been harder to understand if you didn't get his point of view.I loved watching the relationship between Cole and Kate and that there was just enough drama to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed this book and reocmmend you lovely readers to check out this book.
Overall this book was a pretty good short story that kept me hooked. I loved the relationship between Kate and Cole. I loved that not only did this book have the point of view of the two main characters but the son of Kate's as well. It helped showed another side of him that would've been harder to understand if you didn't get his point of view.I loved watching the relationship between Cole and Kate and that there was just enough drama to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed this book and reocmmend you lovely readers to check out this book.
August 1, 2015
enjoyed the romance story. Loved the little girls. The other characters I liked too. What a fun birthday party for the twins.
Kate Sullivan is a widow with a troubled son Luke. She decides to move him to Cupid's Bow with her grandmother to get a new start. Kate is a music teacher.
Cole Trent is the Sheriff. He is a divorced raising twin five year old girls. The twins are so different from each other. His mother is always trying to fix him up.
Cole catches Luke shoplifting right as they get to town. So does not make a good example for him.
Kate's grandmother tries to set her up to with lots of single guys. So Kate and Cole decide to date with the kids so they will not be set up with dates.
The setting is Cupid's Bow, Texas a small town in summer.
I was given Falling for the Sheriff by Harlequin and Net Galley. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it.
Kate Sullivan is a widow with a troubled son Luke. She decides to move him to Cupid's Bow with her grandmother to get a new start. Kate is a music teacher.
Cole Trent is the Sheriff. He is a divorced raising twin five year old girls. The twins are so different from each other. His mother is always trying to fix him up.
Cole catches Luke shoplifting right as they get to town. So does not make a good example for him.
Kate's grandmother tries to set her up to with lots of single guys. So Kate and Cole decide to date with the kids so they will not be set up with dates.
The setting is Cupid's Bow, Texas a small town in summer.
I was given Falling for the Sheriff by Harlequin and Net Galley. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it.
June 17, 2015
Cute
Content: mild innuendo, mild language
Content: mild innuendo, mild language
June 15, 2017
This is the first book in the Cupid’s Bow, Texas and I loved this book. I loved the characters and especially the storyline. Kate and Luke needed a new beginning after the tragic death of her husband his father. It seemed that she had stopped living and it seemed that Luke just wanted for people to quit looking at him with pity in their eyes. Cole, Amanda and Alyssa were a happily little family but he no longer had his wife and they no longer had their mother. Both Cole and Kate had similar family circumstances, they were single parents and hadn’t dated anyone in a long while. They made the perfect couple but insecurities eat up Kate maybe not so much insecurities but the profession of Cole. She was scared to lose another loved one because their dangerous career. But you have to also look at it that death comes for everyone at any time. Now as far as Luke he needed to open his eyes and see that he was doing wrong he needed to make his own decisions and not do what he thinks other people are pressuring him to do. He needs to remember that the choices he makes will forever follow him in life. I loved that he got along with Cole’s twin daughters even though there was a hiccup in the beginning of the book. They were adorable little girls. Al these characters were meant to be a big happy family.
Falling for the Sheriff was a great read. Ms. Michaels writing was spot on. The characters were well written and I loved them. The chemistry between Cole and Kate was sensual. I loved how they started off as friends then their relationship developed little by little. Yes they were attracted to each other but Cole was a gentleman and took it nice and slow.
I totally recommend this read!!!
Falling for the Sheriff was a great read. Ms. Michaels writing was spot on. The characters were well written and I loved them. The chemistry between Cole and Kate was sensual. I loved how they started off as friends then their relationship developed little by little. Yes they were attracted to each other but Cole was a gentleman and took it nice and slow.
I totally recommend this read!!!
May 17, 2019
It was very predictable. I did not care for Kate's son luke who I thought of as a spoiled child. The families were well intentioned but annying. I liked brock and jayve though.I have no idea why it says read two times when it was just once.
May 17, 2017
Cupids Bow stories are great.This one shows kids can change and life can still go on after a tragedy.
January 12, 2018
3.5 stars!!!
August 31, 2019
Single parenting
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were fun and interesting.
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were fun and interesting.
November 22, 2022
Decent book. I like books with epilogues at the end.
August 21, 2025
Finally got to finish this American from Tanya. In the interest of fairness, you should know that we critique together. Of course, we critique together because I love what she writes. If you like family stories, this one is for you. If you like teenagers and little girl twins, you need this book. I laughed. I may or may not have misted over toward the end (okay, I did), and the story was simply heart warming. Another great romance from Tanya.
September 21, 2015
Yahoo another new series from Tanya Michaels! Cupid's Bow, Texas is the setting and Falling for the Sheriff is a great start. The characters come to life and the dialogue is amazing. Fast paced from the first encounter of our main characters. A bonus is part of the story is told from a teenager's point of view - spot on for feelings and emotions! The tension builds and the book has a few extra twists and turns. Always love Tanya's books - this one is a must read! Enjoy!
August 1, 2015
I loved all the different characters in this book. I loved watching Kate and Cole dance around each other and it was so fulfilling to see them come together. I really enjoy this author's work and I look forward to reading more.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2015
Really enjoyable passionate romance that tells the story of a reluctant widow who lost her police officer husband who was killed on duty and a small town sheriff, loved the interactions between the characters.
August 30, 2015
A little too long in the middle, a little too many characters but truly an enjoyable book to read.
Read
June 30, 2016"Take one reluctant widow and a sexy sheriff in hot pursuit and you get a fantastic and utterly romantic read" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
Miniseries: Cupid's Bow, Texas
Miniseries: Cupid's Bow, Texas
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews