Boots and the Bachelor

Ugly Stick Saloon #9

by Myla Jackson

A cowboy takes a woman and her son under his wing…and teaches their hearts to fly.

Ugly Stick Saloon, Book 9

Angus McFarlan’s mother can’t be serious. Sell the ranch? Yet Mom has a point. Bringing the Rafter M out of bankruptcy has kept Angus and his brother too busy to date, let alone have children to inherit the legacy.

The last thing Angus wants is to get half-naked for the Ugly Stick Saloon’s Annual Cowboy Auction, but it’s a jump start into the dating scene. His buyer turns out to be a Dallas businesswoman, all legs and curves—a challenge to unwrap from that sexy, buttoned-down suit.

CEO Gwendolyn Graves has no time for a relationship. All she needs is a male role model for her young son, Dalton. She never thought her bachelor cowboy would impose conditions of his own. Like make her agree to spend time with him. Alone.

As Angus teaches Dalton what it means to be a man, he and Gwen discover a passion that ignites flames they thought they didn’t have time to fan. And soon find themselves learning how to open their hearts and be a family. Just when they start thinking longer term, Dalton’s father re-enters the picture—and trouble isn’t far behind.

Quiet, sexy cowboy and woman in a tight suit get all unwrapped and tangled in the sheets in Texas.

Genres: Erotica, Romance

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Twenty years of livin' and lovin' on a South Texas ranch raising horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus left an indelible impression on Myla Jackson, one she likes to instill in her red-hot stories. Myla pens wildly sexy, fun adventures of all genres including historical westerns, medieval tales, romantic suspense, contemporary romance and paranormal beasties of all shapes and sexy sizes. or spending time with her family. She lives in the tree-covered hills of Northwest Arkansas with her husband of 20+ years and her muses— the human-wanna-be canines—Chewy and Sweetpea.
To learn more about Myla Jackson and her stories visit her website at www.mylajackson.com.

Reviews

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ugly Stick Saloon books just keep getting better and better.

I purchased a copy of this book in 2015 when it was originally published with Samhain. Below is a copy of that original review.

Standalone; no cliffhanger.

I have loved all of the Ugly Stick Saloon books and this one is no exception. Angus McFarlan has given up a lot for his family. He gave up a promising career as an architect and moved back to the family ranch when his father died. Six months later his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer from which she recovered.

Now his mother has given him and his two brothers an ultimatum: settle down, get married and produce heirs or she will see the ranch. Seven years ago a young woman broke Angus’s heart and he’s pretty much sworn off women since then; he has no interest in getting married.

Gwendolyn Graves is the owner/CEO of an up and coming cosmetics company and a single mother; she has no time for romance. Lured back to Temptation by her good friend, Mona they go to Girls Night Out at the Ugly Stick Saloon. After having too much to drink she bids on Angus during the date with a cowboy auction. Angus broke her heart seven years ago but she wants a few dates with him so he can provide her son with a good example of how a man behaves. Gwen knows who Angus is but he doesn’t recognize her as the woman who broke his heart so long ago.

After their first “date” things seem to be going well between Angus and Gwen, until her ex-husband shows up demanding custody of the son he’s never even met.

This story has romance, love of family, great sexy time and a bit of suspense. I thorough enjoyed my return to the Ugly Stick Saloon and look forward to reading stories for Angus’s two brothers, Brody and Colin.

Even though this is part of a series it stands alone; you won’t miss anything if you haven’t read the other books. However, if you like this one you really should read the others in the series, too, because they’re great.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the universal conspires against two people who were madly deeply in love do we call it fate or bad timing? It had been 7 years since Gwen Graves had been back to the only home she ever knew. She left here with 2 years to go in college but it was wonderful whirlwind summer for she fell in love.
That summer before her junior year while she was home she fell hard for Angus McFarlan he was an up and coming Architect. He had been home from Dallas at his because his father had just passed away. Since his brothers were not able to do it he had to take over the operations of the family ranch and get his foreman’s up to par before he went back to his own life.
Gwen leaves to go back to college which he encouraged and they say they would keep in contact. She couldn’t have him see her off at the station, she knew it would break her, so their last night of love making the night before she left she sticks a letter in an envelope. While he’s still asleep under the stars in the bed of the truck she reaches for his pants and stuffs the letter in his back pocket to read later. In it she tells him if he had asked her to stay and never to leave him she would have. Most of all that she loved him. Then she gave him her dorm number, address, and phone number.
When she came home for Christmas break and still had no call from him she just figured she was just his summer screw. When she got home her parents hit her with the news that they bought an RV and they were hitting the road to see the world and that they were moving to Florida. Her life was changing unfortunately without him.
For Angus he so wanted to contact her or go after her but yet again his life had taken a bad turn again. His mom found out she had breast cancer. That sealed it for him he had to move back home for good. His fast track career he was rising quickly in, was ending even faster. He would no longer be able to take larger bigger projects but he could contact the smaller ones to keep his feet in the pool so to speak.
He updated his father’s home office to meet his needs. Which leaving Dallas rat race suited him just fine. He amped up his own breeding operation which was now booming. He has always been better with horses than people, maybe that’s why they call him the “horse whisperer.”
Now his mom has issued he ultimatum of two months for all her boys to be living and married on the ranch. Or she will sell it. Since none of them has the capital to buy it out right they have to do as she asks. Including her surprise attack of signing them up as bachelors for Ugly Stick Saloon’s Bachelor Auction benefiting battered women right there in Temptation, Texas.
The thing that throws him totally off his mark is that he gets bought for a huge amount but the person that bought him. It is none other than the woman he has not seen in 7 years Gwen Graves. All he has to do now is get her to sell those dates back to him. He can’t go on one date with her let alone 4 that his mom signed him up for…Gwen has her own surprise that she wants these dates for…
I really enjoyed this short erotica. One because it truly had a story involved. The characters were a hoot I especially liked Gwen’s friend Mona. She was so funny. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
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[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fan of cowboy stories like me? You really should check out Myla Jackson's Ugly Stick Saloon series. This is has hot cowboys, lots of fun characters, and of course when you are looking at a Myla Jackson story you know it's going to be a great story.

Angus McFarlan is a true cowboy at heart. When his father passed away he and his brother came home to help their mom take care of the ranch. Now Mom wants grand kids and to see her kids settled. She will do what ever she has to in order for them to settle down and find Ms. Right.

Angus and his brother go to town to chat and maybe figure out how to talk their Mom out of her plan. Little do they know the Ugly Stick Saloon is hosting it's Bachelor auction. Oh my!

Gwendolyn Graves has been busy building her company and raising her adorable little boy. Dalton has reached an age where Gwen things it is time for a male influence in his life. She goes home to visit her best friend and ends up at the Ugly Stick Saloon's Bachelor auction. A few drinks later she sees her old flame Angus up for bid. OH my that is when the fun starts!

The sparks between these two are hotter then any fireworks display. Their feelings and attraction are just as strong now as when they were younger. They both have things going on in their lives and are just not sure now is the time for a relationship.

I love when there are kids involved in story lines. They just seem to add so much to the story. Dalton is adorable and takes quickly to Angus, his brother, and his mother. They whole family falls instantly for both mother and child. I loved watching Angus interact with Dalton. This big hunky cowboy is so cute and gentle with little Dalton that has never been on a ranch before.

Gwen has a few problems to deal with that leads to some pretty strong drama. I loved watching how a bunch of people pulled together to try to help her with her problem.

Overall I really enjoyed this story. It was fun getting a chance to visit the Ugly Stick Saloon and see some old friends from previous books. I quickly found a great connection with Gwen and I just plain adored Dalton. Angus is handsome and has all those great cowboy traits that I love in these stories. He's charming, caring, gentle, but strong, independent, and willing to kick butt when someone threats those he cares about. The storyline was intriguing and kept me turning pages. There are some pretty hot steamy scenes, a nice reunion romance story, and plenty of humor as well.

Boots and The Bachelor are part of the Ugly Stick Saloon series but can easily stand alone. If you have read any of the previous books you will find some familiar faces in the crowd at Ugly Stick though. I liked to catch up with old friends and see how they are doing. I think that is my favorite things about series.

I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Boots and the Bachelor.

I am excited to see what is next in this series. I hope it is one of the other McFarlan brothers. Their mom wants them to find wives and I just can't wait to see how that plays out for the other two brothers.

[Shannon Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of the Ugly Stick Saloon, I was very excited for Book 9, Boots and the Bachelor.
First off…Angus McFarland. The name alone gives you the image of a muscular, strapping hulk of a man…and Ms. Jackson delivers exactly that. I love when the name totally fits the character and his personality. I immediately loved Angus ( and his feisty, take no crap mother, Maggie). You’ve gotta love a cowboy who takes a dressing down from his mama, with the respect she deserves.

Angus has been nursing a broken heart for seven years, delivered (he thought) intentionally by Gwendolyn. Life and circumstances kept him from going after the woman who left him high and dry. Thanks to an ultimatum and some “coincidental” good timing, both delivered compliments of his mother, Angus finds himself part of the bachelor auction at the Ugly Stick. And a very inebriated Gwen.

Gwendolyn Graves has been in love with Angus for 7 years. She was trying to avoid that awkward “morning after”, counting on the fact that Angus would find her note and he would contact her at school. She has no idea that Angus couldn’t leave town due to family matters and assumes he got what he wanted and is done with her. Fast forward to a drunken night in Vegas, a quickie marriage with a substitute man a, quickie divorce and a baby. Gwen is perfectly fine raising her son on her own, until he starts turning into a “little man” and needs a male influence in his life. Glitch-between time with her son and being CEO of her own company, she has no time to meet a man, let alone date. During a visit back home, her best friend Molly convinces her that buying a cowboy during the annual auction at the Ugly Stick is the perfect solution. Buy the cowboy for her son, not herself. While the idea has merit, Gwen is still skeptical…and nervous. However, after several shots of tequila, her thinking brain has shut down and she finds herself bidding .

*Not wanting to give away the whole story, I will say that Ms. Jackson does a wonderful and realistic job of taking us through the ups and downs of reuniting two long lost loves.* As I’ve gotten older, my reading tastes have turned more towards “hot and sexy romance with a happy ending” and less towards stories with children. That said, I absolutely adored Dalton! He was an important part of the story, without turning the book into a “single mom finds her happy ending” storyline. Dalton was lovable and smart as a whip. He made me laugh and smile, just as much as the adult characters.

Suffice it to say, Ms. Jackson does not disappoint….there is a HEA ending. While this book was definitely not as “sexed up” as some of the other books in the Ugly Stick series, it was plenty hot and very sexy. I love the appearance of beloved characters from previous books and how the Ugly Stick family is kept intact and prominent. I can’t wait for Angus’s brothers, Colin and Brody, to have a story of their own. Ms. Jackson has definitely left me wanting more of both the McFarland and Ugly Stick family!! Well done.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Boots and the Bachelor! I read Boots and Chaps years ago and remembered enjoying it and all its naughty glory, so I jumped at the chance to revisit the Ugly Stick Saloon once I realized this could be read as a standalone. Boy am I glad I did because Angus and Gwen’s second-chance romance was the perfect combination of funny, sweet and sexy.

I found it absolutely hilarious that Angus’s mother got him and his brother entered into the charity cowboy auction without their knowledge. This is one of those books that I wish came with pictures because I can only imagine that the look on Angus’s face when his name was announced was PRICELESS!!! Add to that the looks on his face when the town’s gray-haired librarian bid on him and when he was “SOLD” for the highest bid ever of $5000. Yes, definitely would have loved pictures with this book. But once we get past the extremely amusing auction night, the book really gets good when Gwen arrives for her first date – which she intends to actually be a play-date between Angus and her five year-old son Dalton. However Angus has other ideas and insists that in order for him to fulfill the “dates” with her son, she has to abide by their four dates.

I actually didn’t mind one bit that Angus intended to use their dates to get Gwen in bed or to convince his mom that he was serious about her ultimatum because Ms. Jackson was nice enough to let us peek inside Angus’s head, which made it clear that his feelings for Gwen were just as strong now as they were seven years ago. However, I was shocked that they actually talked about their summer together and learned rather quickly about the miscommunications and assumptions that led to their losing touch with one another. I was actually glad that the author didn’t drag the misunderstanding out and gave them the chance to reconnect sooner. Not to mention, it paved the way for the conflict involving Dalton’s father and I absolutely LOVED how Angus took care of that bottom feeder. Because of their history and the obvious connection they still had, Gwen and Angus’s decision to pursue a relationship did not feel rushed even if it did occur rather quickly. The timing just felt right for them. While the sex is unquestionably hot, the romance between Gwen and Angus is even hotter because of Dalton and the instant family they all have the potential of gaining. Even though I read Boots and the Bachelor as a standalone, I hope to go back and read some of the earlier books in the series to catch up on what’s been happening at the Ugly Stick Saloon. But after that ending, I sooooo cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ugly Stick Saloon books just keep getting better and better.

Standalone; no cliffhanger.

I have loved all of the Ugly Stick Saloon books and this one is no exception. Angus McFarlan has given up a lot for his family. He gave up a promising career as an architect and moved back to the family ranch when his father died. Six months later his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer from which she recovered.

Now his mother has given him and his two brothers an ultimatum: settle down, get married and produce heirs or she will see the ranch. Seven years ago a young woman broke Angus’s heart and he’s pretty much sworn off women since then; he has no interest in getting married.

Gwendolyn Graves is the owner/CEO of an up and coming cosmetics company and a single mother; she has no time for romance. Lured back to Temptation by her good friend, Mona they go to Girls Night Out at the Ugly Stick Saloon. After having too much to drink she bids on Angus during the date with a cowboy auction. Angus broke her heart seven years ago but she wants a few dates with him so he can provide her son with a good example of how a man behaves. Gwen knows who Angus is but he doesn’t recognize her as the woman who broke his heart so long ago.

After their first “date” things seem to be going well between Angus and Gwen, until her ex-husband shows up demanding custody of the son he’s never even met.

This story has romance, love of family, great sexy time and a bit of suspense. I thorough enjoyed my return to the Ugly Stick Saloon and look forward to reading stories for Angus’s two brothers, Brody and Colin.

Even though this is part of a series it stands alone; you won’t miss anything if you haven’t read the other books. However, if you like this one, though, you really should read the others in the series, too, because they’re great.

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a reunion romance with a hot, sexy, and sensitive cowboy? Then Myla Jackson's Boots and the Bachelor is for you. This is the ninth book from her Ugly Stick Saloon series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I liked it so much, I added the other books in the series to my TBR list.

This is the story of CEO Gwendolyn Graves, and successful horse whisperer and rancher Angus McFarlan. About seven years ago Gwen and Angus spent a romantic summer together and fell madly in love. Unfortunately, due to some miscommunication, their relationship never developed into the forever that they both desperately wanted. They both moved on with their lives but never forgot about the love they once shared.

Visiting her best friend Mona, Gwen is back in town with her young son Dalton, who just happens to be as cute as a button. Seeing Angus at the local saloon quickly brings back feelings Gwen thought were long gone. As a result, she gets drunk and spends $5000 to win four dates with him at the charity bachelor auction. Angus is more than thrilled to see Gwen again, and he is hopeful that they can work through their past and begin a future together.

Ms. Jackson packs a lot of passion into this love story and I really liked the way she rekindled Gwen and Angus's relationship. Due to Ms. Jackson’s way with words, I don't think I will ever forget how Gwen felt when she was confronted by her slimy ex-husband. Similarly, I was able to feel Angus’s passion and need to make all of Gwen’s troubles go away. Overall, this is well-written and exciting book that twists and turns in all the right places.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angus’ mom threatens to sell the ranch if he and his brothers do not get married in the next two months. Gwendolyn is the owner and CEO of a cosmetics company and needs a strong male role model. As past lovers, they reconnect at the Ugly Stick Saloon during Girls Night and Gwen bids on the hunky cowboy so he can show her son how a man really acts. Angus has his own demands in mind and wants to spend some one on one time with the busy women whose heart he broke many years ago.

This is a charming cowboy romance with a couple that has a past. Angus is strong, sexy, and pure alpha cowboy. Gwendolyn has been hurt in the past – by Angus and by her ex-husband – and does not have the time or desire for a relationship. She is strong and knows what she wants, but is having a hard time raising her son as a single mother. When his father comes back into their lives, things get complicated when he demands custody of the son he has never met.

I love how protective Angus is. He broke Gwendolyn’s heart so she would follow her college dreams and become the woman she is today. After his father passed away and his mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer, he knew he had to step up and move back to the ranch to care for it and his mom. He really is a sweet cowboy, even if he can be a bit pushy at times. Gwendolyn has issues because of her past, but she still has such strong feelings for Angus. I love how this story progressed and they reconnected after years of being apart.

This is a sexy, but sweet book for anyone that loves a good contemporary cowboy romance. Even though it’s number nine in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

*I received a complimentary copy for review

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwendolyn Graves doesn’t have time for a relationship but her son needs a male role model and sets out to get one but she gets quite a surprise when Angus imposes conditions of his own in this charming contemporary western romance.
Angus gets surprised when his old flame wants him to be her son’s role model but he’s soon thinking long term and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as Gwen and Angus soon learn how to open their hearts and be a family. The attraction between Gwen and Angus burns hot and sparks fly and emotions erupt adding lots of spice when their passions ignite flames that they really wasn’t looking for. These strong compelling characters captivate readers from the very beginning and the fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with sparks and romance.
Tension builds as old issues try to tear Angus and Gwen apart and Angus makes a few mistakes while trying to do the right thing which adds lots of depth to the story. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination while the fiery passion that fly from the pages between Angus and Gwen ensure that the reader wants to know everything.
I enjoy every visit to the Ugly Stick Saloon and this one is no different, of course, I find that all of the characters are charming, fun and love attention, so until next time….

[Paige Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute read but I as pulling my hair out.


I love the premise of the book but then I'm a sucker for cowboy and rekindling with your first love.
I was immediately drawn into the book. I loved Mama McFarland and her sassy attitude. I thought the she played her hand well in putting her boys up for auction. This being said I had a few issues with our main characters.
Angus is resident cowboy who is still pining over his first love. I liked him but he was a bit all over the map. He's cowboy, who tends to horses, and also is an architect on the side.
Gwendolyn is a savvy business woman who is raising her son, alone. The issue I had with her is that she didn't secure her son's future with her. She was also too wishy washy. She's always loved Angus but when it he wants her to stay she runs away. This was a constant theme in the book. I was waiting for her to give our cowboy a big hug.

The book could have used a bit more heat. A bit more passion between Angus and Gwen.

I received an ARC for an honest review

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I love every opportunity to visit the Ugly Stick Saloon and this was no exception. After sacrificing his career to come home and help take care of the ranch when his father died, his mother is now giving him the ultimatum of finding a wife or she will sell the ranch. Then Gwendolyn Graves bids on Angus during a date with a cowboy auction and sparks fly. But will their pasts get in the way of the future? Sexy and sweet read, with plenty of drama, the story had me hooked from beginning to end. Looking forward to more.

[Porchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This is book 9 in the Ugly Stick Saloon series. It is a stand alone book with a HEA. I do recommend reading them in order just to get all the wonderful characters stories that build to this story. Angus loved Gwen 7 years ago but due to a miscommunication they lost each other. Now can they get a second chance at love. Highly recommend this book to all cowboy lovers

[Kerry Pruett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the McFarland cowboys when I read Angus and Gwen's story. It is the perfect cowboy love story. You can't go wrong when a big strong cowboy is put between a rock and a hard place when their mother gives them an ultimatum. Throw in a beautiful strong woman and all the antics of family and friends you can't go wrong. The Ugly Stick Saloon always is the place to find love, lust, and fun.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boots and the Bachelor by Myla Jackson is an awesome read. This book is well written. Ms Jackson has given us fabulous characters, drama, suspense and sizzle. Angus and Gwen's story is a fast paced, fun read. Boots and the Bachelor is book 9 in the Ugly Stick Saloon Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I enjoyed Boots and the Bachelor and look forward to reading more from Myla Jackson in the future.

[Vero Stro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I haven't read this series before abut I was totally hooked by the story! The caharacters are great. the plot is interesting. the romance is hot. What else could I ask? Throroughly enjoyable!

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boots and the Bachelor

Very good book. I loved this series. I am glad this had more to theses books. I am so ready to read the next book.