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Cowboy Heaven #2
Must Love Cowboys
SO MANY COWBOYS...
Shy computer specialist, dog lover, and amateur chef Tina Hayes has a thing for firefighters, but when she travels to the Circle Bar K ranch on family business, the ranch's cowboys have no trouble persuading her to stay on as their cook. Especially not when she learns that brooding Wyatt McCabe-a man who makes her heart gallop like no one else can-is also a former firefighter.
HOW DOES SHE KNOW HE'S THE ONE?
Wyatt's sizzling embraces leave Tina breathless. But being surrounded by a passel of smokin' hot ranch hands can be complicated. With so many cowboys courting Tina all at once, Wyatt must prove to Tina that she belongs with him.
Shy computer specialist, dog lover, and amateur chef Tina Hayes has a thing for firefighters, but when she travels to the Circle Bar K ranch on family business, the ranch's cowboys have no trouble persuading her to stay on as their cook. Especially not when she learns that brooding Wyatt McCabe-a man who makes her heart gallop like no one else can-is also a former firefighter.
HOW DOES SHE KNOW HE'S THE ONE?
Wyatt's sizzling embraces leave Tina breathless. But being surrounded by a passel of smokin' hot ranch hands can be complicated. With so many cowboys courting Tina all at once, Wyatt must prove to Tina that she belongs with him.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
30 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Brooks
46 books430 followersCheryl Brooks is a former critical care nurse turned romance writer. Her Cat Star Chronicles series includes Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, Stud, Wildcat, and Rebel. Her Cowboy Heaven series includes the Cowboy Delight novella and the Cowboy Heaven novel. Her self-published works include Sex Love and a Purple Bikini, Midnight in Reno, and the Unlikely Lovers series, which includes Unbridled, Uninhibited, Undeniable, and Unrivaled. As a member of the Sextet, she has also published several erotic novellas with Siren/Bookstrand. She is a member of RWA and IRWA and lives with her husband, two sons, two horses, four cats, and one dog in rural Indiana. You can visit her online at https://www.cherylbrooksonline.com/ or email her at cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 4, 2025
Tina Hayes, computer specialist, travels to Circle Bar K ranch to fulfill her grandfather’s dying wish to have his ashes scattered at the ranch.
Soon after arriving, her grandfather’s best friend has a medical emergency leaving the ranch cookless and Tina steps in.
It ends up that her grandfather’s best friend wasn’t sick but someone tried to murder him.
Tina goes from living and working at home computer geek to temptress when all the men start buzzing around her like flies to honey. Wyatt McCabe, the one man Tina is truly interested in is somewhat aloof…the silent hero type.
They must discover who is sabotaging the ranch and why before someone really gets hurt.
I honestly loved the overall mystery and picturesque landscape Brooks paints with her writing. For as much as I was in love with some, I was completely unhappy with Tina’s character flip flop and the insta-love portion of the story. I also have to give an A+ for the overall steaminess, boy do these pages burn with passion. But this is where I find myself completely divided on this one, add in more character development and it would of been awesome but I have to go with 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC copy of Must Love Cowboys from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange from a honest review. This book is set for publication April 5, 2016.
Soon after arriving, her grandfather’s best friend has a medical emergency leaving the ranch cookless and Tina steps in.
It ends up that her grandfather’s best friend wasn’t sick but someone tried to murder him.
Tina goes from living and working at home computer geek to temptress when all the men start buzzing around her like flies to honey. Wyatt McCabe, the one man Tina is truly interested in is somewhat aloof…the silent hero type.
They must discover who is sabotaging the ranch and why before someone really gets hurt.
I honestly loved the overall mystery and picturesque landscape Brooks paints with her writing. For as much as I was in love with some, I was completely unhappy with Tina’s character flip flop and the insta-love portion of the story. I also have to give an A+ for the overall steaminess, boy do these pages burn with passion. But this is where I find myself completely divided on this one, add in more character development and it would of been awesome but I have to go with 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC copy of Must Love Cowboys from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange from a honest review. This book is set for publication April 5, 2016.
April 5, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
2.5 stars
When I started reading Must Love Cowboy’s I thought that it would be an interesting read about a woman mourning the loss of her grandfather and fulfilling his legacy only to meet a man that brought her out of her shell and showed her what love was really about. Unfortunately, that’s not what I got.
Tina started off sweet and innocent and turned into a shrew within 24 hours. Maybe that’s one of the problems that I had with the story. The timeline. There was no slow romance, no build-up to love. One minute she’s a shy girl, embarrassed to be around so many men, the next she’s being kissed for fixing a computer only to be in the arms of a different man a few hours later only to drop that man for Wyatt just 48 hours later and giving him her virginity.
As for Wyatt, I really couldn’t follow his story. He was brooding and plain ignorant when Tina showed up then, within a few days, he’s telling her his life story … a story that not even his friends or employers knew about him. One minute he’s saving a life and the next he’s accusing Tina of bringing trouble to the ranch. Then, he’s acting this way because he knew that she was the woman that would make him feel again. He just confused me. And, for a man that only had sex one other time, he was supposedly pretty good at it. But, then again, that could have been the reason why he did not know about his deflowering of Tina.
The one thing that kept me interested in the story was the mystery surrounding the Circle Bar K Ranch. Even though it was a bit cheesy, it was interesting and was nicely woven into the story.
Again, unfortunately, Must Love Cowboys just didn’t do it for me. I felt the sex scenes were strained, the verbalization and descriptions of the human anatomy were extreme and not very realistic. There were some scenes that seemed forced, not natural. I would hope, as the series progresses, Ms. Brooks delves a little deeper into her characters, makes them more three-dimensional, likable; that she has the love build as the characters get to know each other.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
2.5 stars
When I started reading Must Love Cowboy’s I thought that it would be an interesting read about a woman mourning the loss of her grandfather and fulfilling his legacy only to meet a man that brought her out of her shell and showed her what love was really about. Unfortunately, that’s not what I got.
Tina started off sweet and innocent and turned into a shrew within 24 hours. Maybe that’s one of the problems that I had with the story. The timeline. There was no slow romance, no build-up to love. One minute she’s a shy girl, embarrassed to be around so many men, the next she’s being kissed for fixing a computer only to be in the arms of a different man a few hours later only to drop that man for Wyatt just 48 hours later and giving him her virginity.
As for Wyatt, I really couldn’t follow his story. He was brooding and plain ignorant when Tina showed up then, within a few days, he’s telling her his life story … a story that not even his friends or employers knew about him. One minute he’s saving a life and the next he’s accusing Tina of bringing trouble to the ranch. Then, he’s acting this way because he knew that she was the woman that would make him feel again. He just confused me. And, for a man that only had sex one other time, he was supposedly pretty good at it. But, then again, that could have been the reason why he did not know about his deflowering of Tina.
The one thing that kept me interested in the story was the mystery surrounding the Circle Bar K Ranch. Even though it was a bit cheesy, it was interesting and was nicely woven into the story.
Again, unfortunately, Must Love Cowboys just didn’t do it for me. I felt the sex scenes were strained, the verbalization and descriptions of the human anatomy were extreme and not very realistic. There were some scenes that seemed forced, not natural. I would hope, as the series progresses, Ms. Brooks delves a little deeper into her characters, makes them more three-dimensional, likable; that she has the love build as the characters get to know each other.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 16, 2016
After her grandfathers' passing Tina Hayes heads to Wyoming to carry out her grandfather's last wishes, she is in search of the Circle Bar K ranch, and the man her grandfather befriended in the Army many years ago. Calvin Douglas and her grandfather met during the Vietnam war, struck up an instant friendship, and have been exchanging letters ever since, and now that he has passed her grandfather requested all of the letters he received from Calvin be given back to him. So, Tina plots out a little travel plan and heads to Wyoming to grant his wish, and also do a little sight seeing along the way... but the best sights of her trip are discovered upon her arrival at the Circle Bark K ranch, in the form of six very enticing cowboys. She has never been around so many handsome men at one time, nor has she had so many men vying for her attention, but she is quite certain it is something she could definitely get use to!! She has always had a thing for firefighters, but after seeing all these enticing cowboys she is starting to see the appeal to them too... especially when she learns one of them use to be a firefighter! Could there be anything hotter?
As soon as Wyatt McCabe sets his sights on their beautiful visitor he knows he has to convince her to stick around, there is something about her that intrigues him and has him dying to know more about her. She was only planning on a quick visit, but unforeseen circumstances have her becoming their new temporary cook, so Wyatt figures that the situation gives him ample time to win her over...but he soon discovers he's not the only cowboy vying for her affections!
This was my first experience with Ms. Brooks writing and I have to admit that her enticing group of cowboys totally won me over, and have me VERY anxious for a return visit to the Cowboy Heaven series. Barely a chapter into it and I was hooked and on a mission to learn more about this very eccentric group of cowboys! Between the cowboys competing for Tina's attention and the mystery surrounding Calvin's illness I couldn't flip the pages fast enough, I was addicted and I knew there was no way I was putting my tablet down until the last page was turned!! This is by far one of the best first reads I have had in a while and I look for ward to reading more from this author, spending time with her well crafted cowboys was DEFINITELY time well spent!! If you like your reads with sexy smooth talking cowboys, a touch of mystery and A LOT of heat... then this is the perfect read for you!!
ARC requested through NetGalley and kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
As soon as Wyatt McCabe sets his sights on their beautiful visitor he knows he has to convince her to stick around, there is something about her that intrigues him and has him dying to know more about her. She was only planning on a quick visit, but unforeseen circumstances have her becoming their new temporary cook, so Wyatt figures that the situation gives him ample time to win her over...but he soon discovers he's not the only cowboy vying for her affections!
This was my first experience with Ms. Brooks writing and I have to admit that her enticing group of cowboys totally won me over, and have me VERY anxious for a return visit to the Cowboy Heaven series. Barely a chapter into it and I was hooked and on a mission to learn more about this very eccentric group of cowboys! Between the cowboys competing for Tina's attention and the mystery surrounding Calvin's illness I couldn't flip the pages fast enough, I was addicted and I knew there was no way I was putting my tablet down until the last page was turned!! This is by far one of the best first reads I have had in a while and I look for ward to reading more from this author, spending time with her well crafted cowboys was DEFINITELY time well spent!! If you like your reads with sexy smooth talking cowboys, a touch of mystery and A LOT of heat... then this is the perfect read for you!!
ARC requested through NetGalley and kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
February 17, 2016
***A complimentary copy of this read was furnished by NetGalley in exchange for a review***
Tina Hayes gave up her job as an IT professional and her apartment to take care of her grandfather for the last two years of his life. His will gives Tina instructions for his remains and some of his treasures. Grandpa's will lands her at the Circle Bar K ranch in Wyoming meeting the ranch cook, grandfather's best war-time buddy and pen-pal.
Over a friendly dinner with the ranch hands and the cook, Tina's invited to stay a few days to learn more about her grandfather and help with their computers since she doesn't need to rush home. The conversation has the men harmlessly flirting as they try to convince Tina they're the reason women find cowboys irresistible. Tina states her preference for firemen and all heads turn to the head of the table.
Stoic ex-fireman and current ranch hand, Wyatt McCabe stopped fighting fires after an accident left him emotionally scarred. He's one of the few ranch hands and the only one that that didn't drool when they first met. While Tina settles in, she sharpens her skills to prepare for her job hunt by helping with the computers around the ranch.
Meanwhile the ranch hands take turns polishing their 'being around a woman they didn't rent skills.' This reader liked the secondary characters but would've appreciated more depth in the leads. The ranch hands going about their jobs has Tina re-thinking her offhand comment that she a preference for firemen over cowboys.
No matter when Wyatt slyly puts his bid in and shows her an ex-fireman has the same moves as an active one and with him she'd get the bonus of a cowboy too. The secondary thread has a light mystery to round out the read.
This by the numbers outing fit Tina's naiveté and Wyatt's dubious charms well but this reader didn't feel the chemistry between them. The writing and pacing were fine and the story easy to follow. Thought part of a series this fairly straight-forward western romance can be read fairly quickly and works for a rainy day or beach read.
Rating 3.5 stars
Tina Hayes gave up her job as an IT professional and her apartment to take care of her grandfather for the last two years of his life. His will gives Tina instructions for his remains and some of his treasures. Grandpa's will lands her at the Circle Bar K ranch in Wyoming meeting the ranch cook, grandfather's best war-time buddy and pen-pal.
Over a friendly dinner with the ranch hands and the cook, Tina's invited to stay a few days to learn more about her grandfather and help with their computers since she doesn't need to rush home. The conversation has the men harmlessly flirting as they try to convince Tina they're the reason women find cowboys irresistible. Tina states her preference for firemen and all heads turn to the head of the table.
Stoic ex-fireman and current ranch hand, Wyatt McCabe stopped fighting fires after an accident left him emotionally scarred. He's one of the few ranch hands and the only one that that didn't drool when they first met. While Tina settles in, she sharpens her skills to prepare for her job hunt by helping with the computers around the ranch.
Meanwhile the ranch hands take turns polishing their 'being around a woman they didn't rent skills.' This reader liked the secondary characters but would've appreciated more depth in the leads. The ranch hands going about their jobs has Tina re-thinking her offhand comment that she a preference for firemen over cowboys.
No matter when Wyatt slyly puts his bid in and shows her an ex-fireman has the same moves as an active one and with him she'd get the bonus of a cowboy too. The secondary thread has a light mystery to round out the read.
This by the numbers outing fit Tina's naiveté and Wyatt's dubious charms well but this reader didn't feel the chemistry between them. The writing and pacing were fine and the story easy to follow. Thought part of a series this fairly straight-forward western romance can be read fairly quickly and works for a rainy day or beach read.
Rating 3.5 stars
March 24, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
My ThoughtsMust Love Cowboys is the second book in the adult contemporary series, called Cowboy heaven by Cheryl Brooks. Each of the books can be read as standalone, and this is the first title from the series that I have read. It takes pace at a ranch that really does seem like cowboy heaven. There are tons of single cowboys all living under one roof. While I loved the cowboys, obviously, I really liked the mystery plotline that ran throughout the story.
Tina shows up at the Circle Bar K ranch on a mission to deliver some letters to her grandfather's best friend, and when that friend almost dies, Tina stays on for a little while to take his place as the ranch cook. Cooking for a big group of cowboys with seemingly never ending stomachs, sounds like an awful job to me, but it is Tina's dream job. I loved seeing how excited she was over coming up with meal ideas and how excited the guys were to eat her meals. It was pretty cute.
I enjoyed the romance, though I would have loved to have gotten a few glimpses into Wyatt's mind, the story was told entirely from Tina's point of view. I loved her connection with Wyatt, but I do wish the book was spread out over a longer time period. It was my only gripe with the story. I thought the book was a good length and the story was great, but I would have enjoyed the romance a little more, and it would have been a bit more believable to see it take place over more than a week. I thought put in that context, they moved incredibly fast. But in terms of the mystery, the pacing was great.
Bottom line: if you are a fan of cowboys, this is a series you will love. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, because there are lots of awesome guys to choose from next. I know Dean is the obvious choice for the next book, but I kind of want to see Bull's story next. Who is it going to be Mrs. Brooks?
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
My ThoughtsMust Love Cowboys is the second book in the adult contemporary series, called Cowboy heaven by Cheryl Brooks. Each of the books can be read as standalone, and this is the first title from the series that I have read. It takes pace at a ranch that really does seem like cowboy heaven. There are tons of single cowboys all living under one roof. While I loved the cowboys, obviously, I really liked the mystery plotline that ran throughout the story.
Tina shows up at the Circle Bar K ranch on a mission to deliver some letters to her grandfather's best friend, and when that friend almost dies, Tina stays on for a little while to take his place as the ranch cook. Cooking for a big group of cowboys with seemingly never ending stomachs, sounds like an awful job to me, but it is Tina's dream job. I loved seeing how excited she was over coming up with meal ideas and how excited the guys were to eat her meals. It was pretty cute.
I enjoyed the romance, though I would have loved to have gotten a few glimpses into Wyatt's mind, the story was told entirely from Tina's point of view. I loved her connection with Wyatt, but I do wish the book was spread out over a longer time period. It was my only gripe with the story. I thought the book was a good length and the story was great, but I would have enjoyed the romance a little more, and it would have been a bit more believable to see it take place over more than a week. I thought put in that context, they moved incredibly fast. But in terms of the mystery, the pacing was great.
Bottom line: if you are a fan of cowboys, this is a series you will love. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, because there are lots of awesome guys to choose from next. I know Dean is the obvious choice for the next book, but I kind of want to see Bull's story next. Who is it going to be Mrs. Brooks?
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
March 27, 2016
3 Stars, 3 Flames
A woman trying to fulfill the dying wishes of her grandfather travels to the Circle K ranch to find her grandfather’s oldest friend. There she meets a bunch of cowboys looking for love and adventure. A firefighter who has been running away from his demons finds his place among the Circle K bunch.
This contemporary romance had many ups and downs that had great potential. The characters were well written and I enjoyed each of these cowboys. Yes, even Bull. Tina is a lot like me with her shy demeanor and light complexion that blushes easily. She has a hard time talking to men or being in their presence. She had gained confidence through her dealings with these cowboys. Wyatt is our serious cowboy who has dealt with tragic deaths and hasn’t confronted his past. With Tina he is able to see that he can be someone’s hero and can be loved in return.
Tina was not sure at first about Wyatt and had started to come out of her shell with Dean but could not be completely intimate with him. Her desires were ignited with Wyatt and couldn’t be contained. What sort of bugged me was that Wyatt was Tina’s first and yet she had seemed much more uninhibited than most heroines that have way more experiences than her. Yet she did not really like foul language. Some of the synopsis is misleading, she was taking care of her grandfather not her father. She also does not seem like an amateur chef to me.
Oh, I must not forget to mention that the story went on and on. Some things were not necessary which could have been cut out and the story would be just as full and entertaining to read. Then the timing seemed off; what felt like a few weeks’ time was really only a few days, a week tops. In the end it was a good read that I would probably recommend only because the characters were likable and relate-able.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review. The ratings and opinions are my own and I was in no way compensated.
A woman trying to fulfill the dying wishes of her grandfather travels to the Circle K ranch to find her grandfather’s oldest friend. There she meets a bunch of cowboys looking for love and adventure. A firefighter who has been running away from his demons finds his place among the Circle K bunch.
This contemporary romance had many ups and downs that had great potential. The characters were well written and I enjoyed each of these cowboys. Yes, even Bull. Tina is a lot like me with her shy demeanor and light complexion that blushes easily. She has a hard time talking to men or being in their presence. She had gained confidence through her dealings with these cowboys. Wyatt is our serious cowboy who has dealt with tragic deaths and hasn’t confronted his past. With Tina he is able to see that he can be someone’s hero and can be loved in return.
Tina was not sure at first about Wyatt and had started to come out of her shell with Dean but could not be completely intimate with him. Her desires were ignited with Wyatt and couldn’t be contained. What sort of bugged me was that Wyatt was Tina’s first and yet she had seemed much more uninhibited than most heroines that have way more experiences than her. Yet she did not really like foul language. Some of the synopsis is misleading, she was taking care of her grandfather not her father. She also does not seem like an amateur chef to me.
Oh, I must not forget to mention that the story went on and on. Some things were not necessary which could have been cut out and the story would be just as full and entertaining to read. Then the timing seemed off; what felt like a few weeks’ time was really only a few days, a week tops. In the end it was a good read that I would probably recommend only because the characters were likable and relate-able.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review. The ratings and opinions are my own and I was in no way compensated.
April 5, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Wicked Reads.
This turned out to be such a cute and heartfelt read! I definitely enjoyed it.
Tina has spent the last few years devoted to taking care of her ailing grandfather. She quit her IT job and focused on him. After he passes away, she is determined to respect his final wishes and deliver something to an old friend of his on a ranch in Wyoming.
After arriving on the ranch, a bizarre turn of events has her staying a bit longer to help out. Along the way, she befriends and falls for a bunch of fun and flirty cowboys. Two of them take a special interest in here, but she is most captivated by the mysterious ex-firefighter turned cowboy named Wyatt. He doesn't seem very interested at first, but as they get to know each other and go through a bunch of chaos trying to sort things out on the ranch, he realizes the little IT tech is a lot more than a pretty face, but can he convince her to choose him.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The characters were by far my favorite part. Their amusing and teasing banter throughout the story kept it fun. I also liked the touch of mystery the author added. I would recommend this to romance and western romance fans easily.
This turned out to be such a cute and heartfelt read! I definitely enjoyed it.
Tina has spent the last few years devoted to taking care of her ailing grandfather. She quit her IT job and focused on him. After he passes away, she is determined to respect his final wishes and deliver something to an old friend of his on a ranch in Wyoming.
After arriving on the ranch, a bizarre turn of events has her staying a bit longer to help out. Along the way, she befriends and falls for a bunch of fun and flirty cowboys. Two of them take a special interest in here, but she is most captivated by the mysterious ex-firefighter turned cowboy named Wyatt. He doesn't seem very interested at first, but as they get to know each other and go through a bunch of chaos trying to sort things out on the ranch, he realizes the little IT tech is a lot more than a pretty face, but can he convince her to choose him.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The characters were by far my favorite part. Their amusing and teasing banter throughout the story kept it fun. I also liked the touch of mystery the author added. I would recommend this to romance and western romance fans easily.
April 3, 2016
Hot cowboys, romance that sizzles, and enough chemistry to overheat your e-reader. Yup. This novel has it all. Top that off with a suspenseful plot and genuinely real characters and you have a story that you’ll definitely fall for.
Wyatt was the perfect hero for this story. He’s the strong silent type that everyone takes note of. Yet under it all he’s just as damaged as the rest of us, if not more so. He’s the guy that you can’t help but fall for. The hint of danger in a man who’s all heart. Tina’s shy nature covered an inner strength that was formidable. At the same time, she was so out of her element, yet trying so hard. It was priceless. Surrounded by the rest of the hilariously diverse cast of this novel, it was near perfect. I love how everyone brought new to the table.
With this novel, not only did Brooks create a vividly picturesque tale but also a whodunit that had me trying to guess the why’s and piece together the clues throughout. backed up with characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, this was definitely a winner.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Wyatt was the perfect hero for this story. He’s the strong silent type that everyone takes note of. Yet under it all he’s just as damaged as the rest of us, if not more so. He’s the guy that you can’t help but fall for. The hint of danger in a man who’s all heart. Tina’s shy nature covered an inner strength that was formidable. At the same time, she was so out of her element, yet trying so hard. It was priceless. Surrounded by the rest of the hilariously diverse cast of this novel, it was near perfect. I love how everyone brought new to the table.
With this novel, not only did Brooks create a vividly picturesque tale but also a whodunit that had me trying to guess the why’s and piece together the clues throughout. backed up with characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, this was definitely a winner.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2016
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
Even though this is a romance novel, I really enjoyed the mystery that was behind the romance. As Tina is delivering a stash of letters to her Grandfather's Vietnam buddy, she soon becomes the full-time cook for a bunkhouse full of cowboys. She does find love and happiness on the ranch but she also finds a brand new family.
Even though this is a romance novel, I really enjoyed the mystery that was behind the romance. As Tina is delivering a stash of letters to her Grandfather's Vietnam buddy, she soon becomes the full-time cook for a bunkhouse full of cowboys. She does find love and happiness on the ranch but she also finds a brand new family.
January 28, 2016
I wanted to really love this one, like the rest of the series. It was just missing something for me. I still enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite of Brooks work.
March 23, 2016
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: April 5th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 149263137X (ISBN13: 9781492631378)
Edition Language English
Series Cowboy Heaven #2
Other Editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Shy computer specialist and amateur chef Tina Hayes travels to Circle Bar K ranch to scatter her father’s ashes in the Tetons of Wyoming. Once there, her grandfather’s old army buddy and his cast of cowboy ranch hands persuade her to stay on as the ranch’s cook for a while. It’s not a hard decision, especially when she meets Wyatt McCabe, a man who makes her heart gallop like no one else. But with so many cowboys to choose from, can Wyatt show Tina that he’s the only one for her?
My Thoughts
Tina Hayes never expected to feel so at home in Wyoming, but she also never expected to end up cooking for a rowdy bunch of cowboys either.
The Circle Bar K is home to her grandfather’s old army buddy, Calvin who is the current cook until a medical emergency puts him out of commission and leads her to be the logical choice to take over until he can recuperate and resume his duties. Tina loves to cook and has long held a fantasy about cooking for a firehouse full of firefighters, cooking for a bunkhouse full of cowboys soon surpasses that fantasy and leaves it in the dust when not one but three of the men show their appreciation for her kitchen skills.
The main object of her own appreciation turns out to be Wyatt McCabe, one look or word to her on his part proves more exhilarating than the praise heaped on her for her desserts and main dishes from the rest of the cowboys combined.
Again author Cheryl Brooks takes chances with certain relationship taboos that could very well have backfired under other circumstances but worked out fine for this set of particular characters as they all took things in stride as rational adults rather than behaving badly when they did not get what they wanted.
Prequel Cowboy Delight and book 1 Cowboy Heaven were just appetizers but book 2 Must Love Cowboys is a full-blown 9 course meal, reading it has you hungry for more as Tina serves it up hot in the kitchen as well as hotter in the bedroom.
This story shows us an example of taking life changing risks that will totally make one a believer that there is no such thing as too many cowboys!
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
April 15, 2016
I had a lot of trouble finishing this book. If I hadn't read the previous books in the series, I probably would have abandoned this and not finished. But since I had read the others and liked them, I figured I'd stick with this one. I finished it, but didn't love it at all.
Tina is an IT specialist who travels to the Circle Bar K ranch in Wyoming after her grandfather dies. She's there to meet her grandfather's good friend and deliver some personal items to him. Even though Tina works in IT, she's a whiz in the kitchen and really derives joy from cooking. She's super shy, introverted, and a virgin. She's always had a thing for firefighters, not cowboys, but that changes when she meets Wyatt, who works on the ranch.
Coincidentally, Wyatt is not just a cowboy, but also a former firefighter. I'm not sure why this detail was included (other than to relate to Tina's fantasies), because not very much is said about his firefighting days. Wyatt has a traumatic past and that drama just seemed really unnecessary to me.
At first, Tina hooks up with one of the other ranch hands--not Wyatt--but she doesn't have sex with him. Then things change and she stops seeing the other guy and immediately hooks up with Wyatt and does have sex with him. Now, I don't always mind when the plot moves along quickly, but this whole book takes place over the course of a week or so, if I'm remembering correctly. That's just insane! Declarations of love and marriage proposals after a few days? Really?
Not to mention how quickly Tina's sex life moves along. A week ago, she was a shy virgin, but once she meets Wyatt, it's a sexual free-for-all, basically. I'm not buying it.
I'm bummed writing this review because I really liked the first book in the series, Cowboy Heaven. That one was SO raunchy and blatantly over-the-top. It was complete smutty fun. The other one, Cowboy Delight (book 0.5, a novella), was okay too even though I didn't love it. Must Love Cowboys, though, is definitely missing that fun, crazy vibe of the first book. There's a mystery subplot that was so random to me and I honestly didn't care about the resolution.
I had been looking forward to reading this book, but I was disappointed by it and truly had trouble finishing. I recommend books 1 and 0.5 in the series, but unfortunately not this one.
Tina is an IT specialist who travels to the Circle Bar K ranch in Wyoming after her grandfather dies. She's there to meet her grandfather's good friend and deliver some personal items to him. Even though Tina works in IT, she's a whiz in the kitchen and really derives joy from cooking. She's super shy, introverted, and a virgin. She's always had a thing for firefighters, not cowboys, but that changes when she meets Wyatt, who works on the ranch.
Coincidentally, Wyatt is not just a cowboy, but also a former firefighter. I'm not sure why this detail was included (other than to relate to Tina's fantasies), because not very much is said about his firefighting days. Wyatt has a traumatic past and that drama just seemed really unnecessary to me.
At first, Tina hooks up with one of the other ranch hands--not Wyatt--but she doesn't have sex with him. Then things change and she stops seeing the other guy and immediately hooks up with Wyatt and does have sex with him. Now, I don't always mind when the plot moves along quickly, but this whole book takes place over the course of a week or so, if I'm remembering correctly. That's just insane! Declarations of love and marriage proposals after a few days? Really?
Not to mention how quickly Tina's sex life moves along. A week ago, she was a shy virgin, but once she meets Wyatt, it's a sexual free-for-all, basically. I'm not buying it.
I'm bummed writing this review because I really liked the first book in the series, Cowboy Heaven. That one was SO raunchy and blatantly over-the-top. It was complete smutty fun. The other one, Cowboy Delight (book 0.5, a novella), was okay too even though I didn't love it. Must Love Cowboys, though, is definitely missing that fun, crazy vibe of the first book. There's a mystery subplot that was so random to me and I honestly didn't care about the resolution.
I had been looking forward to reading this book, but I was disappointed by it and truly had trouble finishing. I recommend books 1 and 0.5 in the series, but unfortunately not this one.
April 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
Vikki’s Musings
This is the first book I have read by Cheryl Brooks. When I received an invitation to read Must Love Cowboys from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, the book description sounded interesting so I accepted. I must say this is definitely an erotic romance, which was an unexpected surprise.
When Tina Hayes arrives in Wyoming to delivers letters her late grandfather had received from his old Army buddy, the dying her grandparent’s wish, she ends up cooking for the ranch cowboys when Calvin has a heart attack. The last thing the IT geek expects is a couple of the rowdy cowboys vying for her attention.
Will Tina choose Wyatt McCabe, the hottest cowboy, and former firefighter, a man who causes her dormant passion to stir, or will she play the field a bit?
Must Love Cowboys is well-written and for an ARC, exceptionally well-edited. The pacing is steady and the plot has some interesting twists. I particularly enjoyed the banter between Tina and the cowhands of the Circle Bar K ranch. There is also an intriguing mystery to solve.
This novel is written in the first person point of view of Tina Hayes. That is not my first choice since I love third person POVs, alternating between the heroine and the hero. For me, I wanted to learn more about Wyatt than what comes out during their conversations. Tina has her good points and bad. For the most part, I liked her character. I was not enthused over her lack of direction. She has a highly valued skill set, yet she easily assimilates into the position of cook. Some of her choices also did not fit with her characterization as a shy person. She’s actually quite bold in the bedroom, especially for a someone who is naïve when it comes to men.
The sexual scenes are gritty and quite explicit. While extremely hot, I would have liked more emotion with the details. I did not get a strong sense of the chemistry between Wyatt and Tina. Again, the lack of Wyatt’s introspection inhibited that a great deal, I’m sure.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, just not a great one. If you enjoy erotic romance with a bit more story and a fair amount of intrigue than is sometimes found in this sub-genre, then you will like Must Love Cowboys. Happy reading!
Vikki’s Musings
This is the first book I have read by Cheryl Brooks. When I received an invitation to read Must Love Cowboys from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, the book description sounded interesting so I accepted. I must say this is definitely an erotic romance, which was an unexpected surprise.
When Tina Hayes arrives in Wyoming to delivers letters her late grandfather had received from his old Army buddy, the dying her grandparent’s wish, she ends up cooking for the ranch cowboys when Calvin has a heart attack. The last thing the IT geek expects is a couple of the rowdy cowboys vying for her attention.
Will Tina choose Wyatt McCabe, the hottest cowboy, and former firefighter, a man who causes her dormant passion to stir, or will she play the field a bit?
Must Love Cowboys is well-written and for an ARC, exceptionally well-edited. The pacing is steady and the plot has some interesting twists. I particularly enjoyed the banter between Tina and the cowhands of the Circle Bar K ranch. There is also an intriguing mystery to solve.
This novel is written in the first person point of view of Tina Hayes. That is not my first choice since I love third person POVs, alternating between the heroine and the hero. For me, I wanted to learn more about Wyatt than what comes out during their conversations. Tina has her good points and bad. For the most part, I liked her character. I was not enthused over her lack of direction. She has a highly valued skill set, yet she easily assimilates into the position of cook. Some of her choices also did not fit with her characterization as a shy person. She’s actually quite bold in the bedroom, especially for a someone who is naïve when it comes to men.
The sexual scenes are gritty and quite explicit. While extremely hot, I would have liked more emotion with the details. I did not get a strong sense of the chemistry between Wyatt and Tina. Again, the lack of Wyatt’s introspection inhibited that a great deal, I’m sure.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, just not a great one. If you enjoy erotic romance with a bit more story and a fair amount of intrigue than is sometimes found in this sub-genre, then you will like Must Love Cowboys. Happy reading!
May 23, 2016
ARC via Publisher + Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Find more review, book looks, and giveaways on my blog No Bent Spines
Oh swoon, swoon, swoooooooon.
Oh somebody HOLD MEEEE.
In order to show y’all how darling this book is, I’m going to do a top three.
ONE- The hot guys galore. Let’s talk about how guys look in jeans when they’ve been working real hard on the ranch. Or at least how they stereotypically look. Because that toned-ness is so what is in MUST LOVE COWBOYS. And y’all, do I love me some cowboys. The ones in this book are sweet and eat a lot and are protective. They’re a family. And they’d do anything to keep their own safe, and have then feel safe. One of them specifically is Wyatt.
Isn’t that name fun to say?
TWO- The food. OOOOOOOH THE FOOOOD. Tina’s grandfather just died and his wish was for her to scatter his ashes in a place that meant something to him. So on she goes on a trip to do just that. While her grandfather was sick, he was a picky eater. Tina didn’t complain. But she has this dream to cook for a group of firefighters. This is so she can cook a whole lot and none of it will go to waste.
Instead of firefighters she got cowboys (fair trade, yes?) and goodness, can this girl cook. I was drooling for two reasons this entire book. And the food was most certainly one of them. Mmmm. I like pie and potato salad and all that other stuff too. When can I come visit?
THREE- The mystery (that’s left out of the summary? What?). WHY YES THERE IS AN INTRIGUING MYSTERY. It’s filled with attempted murder and money and long lost humans. It’s a delight and a half. Truly.
MUST LOVE COWBOYS is just what I needed. Cute with a touch of tension. Fun with a flair of the dramatic. I’ve been reading heavy books of late, and this book felt like a breeze. Now if I could just hunt me down one of those cowboys, I’ll be set.
Well, that’s not completely true. I want him and a that potato salad.
Later gators,
Jackie
Find more review, book looks, and giveaways on my blog No Bent Spines
Oh swoon, swoon, swoooooooon.
Oh somebody HOLD MEEEE.
In order to show y’all how darling this book is, I’m going to do a top three.
ONE- The hot guys galore. Let’s talk about how guys look in jeans when they’ve been working real hard on the ranch. Or at least how they stereotypically look. Because that toned-ness is so what is in MUST LOVE COWBOYS. And y’all, do I love me some cowboys. The ones in this book are sweet and eat a lot and are protective. They’re a family. And they’d do anything to keep their own safe, and have then feel safe. One of them specifically is Wyatt.
Isn’t that name fun to say?
TWO- The food. OOOOOOOH THE FOOOOD. Tina’s grandfather just died and his wish was for her to scatter his ashes in a place that meant something to him. So on she goes on a trip to do just that. While her grandfather was sick, he was a picky eater. Tina didn’t complain. But she has this dream to cook for a group of firefighters. This is so she can cook a whole lot and none of it will go to waste.
Instead of firefighters she got cowboys (fair trade, yes?) and goodness, can this girl cook. I was drooling for two reasons this entire book. And the food was most certainly one of them. Mmmm. I like pie and potato salad and all that other stuff too. When can I come visit?
THREE- The mystery (that’s left out of the summary? What?). WHY YES THERE IS AN INTRIGUING MYSTERY. It’s filled with attempted murder and money and long lost humans. It’s a delight and a half. Truly.
MUST LOVE COWBOYS is just what I needed. Cute with a touch of tension. Fun with a flair of the dramatic. I’ve been reading heavy books of late, and this book felt like a breeze. Now if I could just hunt me down one of those cowboys, I’ll be set.
Well, that’s not completely true. I want him and a that potato salad.
Later gators,
Jackie
March 12, 2016
I feel the main character is bouncing between two different people. I think its the choice to use the "naughty words" over the symbolic ones which is not what I expected after 100 pages into this story. I appreciate the conflict created from these dueling Tinas and I understand how grief can make you do uncharacteristic things, as she has been caring for her grandfather for a while and was the one to lay him to rest. I just have a hard time understanding her attraction to Dean that I seemed to materialize all of a sudden.
I'm not a fan of the grumpy male protagonist. Reserved or laid back fine but angry people are not attractive. I don't care how good the front cover is of the romance novel. If this guy on the cover was a grumpy no one would be drooling over him.
I would say the romance level is as expected, even though, it is focused on a character who isn't supposed to be the Tina's love interest. That is clear int he story. How it will be resolved is not. I will probably keep reading just to see when, how, and why she switches from Dean to Wyatt.
Disclaimer: I am reading an ARC copy from the publisher.
I'm not a fan of the grumpy male protagonist. Reserved or laid back fine but angry people are not attractive. I don't care how good the front cover is of the romance novel. If this guy on the cover was a grumpy no one would be drooling over him.
I would say the romance level is as expected, even though, it is focused on a character who isn't supposed to be the Tina's love interest. That is clear int he story. How it will be resolved is not. I will probably keep reading just to see when, how, and why she switches from Dean to Wyatt.
Disclaimer: I am reading an ARC copy from the publisher.
do-not-finish
March 19, 2016DNF-ed at 40%
While it started okay and rather appealing, as the story progressed I lost respect for Tina Hayes, the main character. Her being the POV and voice of the story (told as first person), it floated from admitting being a shy person with overactive erotic imagination to simply... accept the advances of the available and lonely cowboys in the ranch; as in plural cowboys. As for the men, it felt like high school where they vied to catch the attentions of the girl they wanted whatever the cause - friends be damned. It really was not funny.
The effort of tracking down the ranch's cook's relatives might be interesting. Alas, Tina's starving for any man's touch (she basically making out with one while thinking of the other - both the ranch hands or imagining groping the man while cooking or typing or doing something) got in the way and became too much to bear. At least for me. ):
So, so long.
ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.
While it started okay and rather appealing, as the story progressed I lost respect for Tina Hayes, the main character. Her being the POV and voice of the story (told as first person), it floated from admitting being a shy person with overactive erotic imagination to simply... accept the advances of the available and lonely cowboys in the ranch; as in plural cowboys. As for the men, it felt like high school where they vied to catch the attentions of the girl they wanted whatever the cause - friends be damned. It really was not funny.
The effort of tracking down the ranch's cook's relatives might be interesting. Alas, Tina's starving for any man's touch (she basically making out with one while thinking of the other - both the ranch hands or imagining groping the man while cooking or typing or doing something) got in the way and became too much to bear. At least for me. ):
So, so long.
ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.
January 24, 2016
"Must Love Cowboys" by Cheryl Brooks. This story tells the tale of Tina and a bunch of cowboys! Well, really just one but there are quite a few in the tale. Tina journeys to a ranch to deliver items to her deceased grandfather's friend. Events lead her to become the temporary cook and she discovers she might have found her niche. For me, this book moved really slow. Many things were repetitive and I found myself skipping over parts. Tina was a bit of a mystery to me - the author wrote her to be shy yet I never, ever found her to be so. It felt as if throughout both the reader and Tina were trying to be convinced of that fact. Her relationship with Wyatt (and Dean too!) also didn't sit well with me - especially if she was so shy. I felt the story had promise - it just needed a bit more spunk. I liked the characters, even Tina, but wanted more from the story. (received copy from NetGalley for honest review)
February 2, 2016
You can find more reviews Mademoisellesnow Blog
This was a sweet short story between the shy sweet Tina and the mysterious cowboy who use to be a fireman Wyatt. I loved the crime solving part of the quick love story that heated up quite quickly between our two main characters. There’s something about cowboys that I just can’t get enough of. I immediately fell in love with all the cowboys in that bunkhouse. And would love to read more about them!
This was a sweet short story between the shy sweet Tina and the mysterious cowboy who use to be a fireman Wyatt. I loved the crime solving part of the quick love story that heated up quite quickly between our two main characters. There’s something about cowboys that I just can’t get enough of. I immediately fell in love with all the cowboys in that bunkhouse. And would love to read more about them!
January 24, 2016
Wyatt is a sweet man, “you must’ve hung out with some real idiots,” he said with a slow wag of his head. “I can’t imagine any man not falling for you.” He can be a big, cheesy flirt at times, “hey, babe,” he said. “Something sure smells fantastic.” Hooking an arm around my waist, he tugged me closer for a kiss. “Must be you.” I liked this book so many sexy cowboys but Wyatt was the sexiest.
February 3, 2016
I received a complimentary ARC for review.
The story snagged my attention with the colorful but heartfelt characters, light humor, and a real interesting mystery to be solved. I also enjoyed the steamy passion and sexy shenanigans.
The story snagged my attention with the colorful but heartfelt characters, light humor, and a real interesting mystery to be solved. I also enjoyed the steamy passion and sexy shenanigans.
flounced
February 20, 2016Ugh, I just couldn't get through this book. The MC/narrator rubbed me the wrong way. Her internal dialogue was so immature and repetitive. Just not my cuppa.
January 17, 2024
Tina is 28 but has never had a boyfriend and has rarely been kissed. How realistic is that? Why do authors keep doing this?
I related to her about being too shy to let anyone know how she felt about them. And she couldn’t make eye contact or manage a few words.
Of course she loves cooking. Don’t all women?! A woman’s place in life.
She likes firemen and fantasizes about sleeping with the ones who aren’t married and flirting with the ones who are. Are you freaking kidding me? She wants to flirt with married men, freaking homewrecker!
The author even made sure to mention the flu had knocked Tina down earlier and she blames it on the worthless flu shot she wished she hadn’t bothered to get. Oohh, cramming that down our throats. Against flu shots? What’s next, global warming? Why don’t you just say her political party while you’re at it?
Nick, despite her thinking he looked barely out of high school, kissed her on the mouth. She’d fixed her computer was he was grateful. It was a case of the totally inexperienced virgin having all the guys after her! You know, like real life!
Tina—on the FIRST night there—heard the old man (The one who served with her grandpa and wrote him letters) tapping out for help on the adjoining wall. He seemed to be having a heart attack. He made it, but that opened up a spot for Tina as the cook since he was recovering. And she LOVES cooking! The heroine spends her whole time cooking and baking, and when she isn’t cooking and baking, she’s planning what to cook and bake!
Dean was after her hard, flirting, and Tina was hyper aware of him and desired him too, though always aware of Wyatt and having stronger reactions to him, even though he was intimidating. Dean kissed her, and she wanted to be very bad for the first time in her life. She touched him back and was willing to “let nature take its course” though she wasn’t in a rush like a movie plot would be, falling into bed. She also acknowledged that the guys were starved for female companionship and that’s why Dean wanted her.
She continued being with Dean, and he asked if the fun and games she suggested included sex. She said maybe, then wondered if she was about to have sex with a virtual stranger so soon.
It was realistic how she wondered how to refer to her body, because vagina sounded too technical.
Tina was leaning toward Wyatt but Dean was the one after her, not Wyatt. And the hickey on her neck was pointed out, and Wyatt’s fists clenched. He was always mad at her and Dean together.
Tina had enlisted everyone in checking Calvin’s letters to try to find next of kin. A young guy named Duane went to the hospital to try to see Calvin but wasn’t admitted in. Which raised questions of how he knew Calvin was hospitalized. Enter surprise romantic suspense plot that was not alluded to at all in the summary and completely came out of nowhere and didn’t belong.
She gave Wyatt another massage on his hurt shoulder and one thing led to another and he said it felt good, a good kind of pain, and she asked like a bite on the neck and he said why don’t you give it a try, and she licked his neck and bit him! He kissed her and then they stopped as someone came inside. She pointed out to herself that she’d been on the ranch not even 3 full days and she’d been kissed by 3 cowboys. And naturally, the hickey she gave him was noticed.
Tina thought Duane was Calvin’s sister’s grandson. His sister had died and Calvin didn’t know as they were estranged.
Dean kissed her after that and she went with it. It was nice and nice was good, even though she didn’t feel like she had with Wyatt. Then Wyatt apologized for kissing her and she said she didn’t mind and then he was kissing her and getting them horizontal. Then they were interrupted. She was back and forth with these two and looked soooo bad.
At dinner Wyatt wiped her tears away as she laughed and Dean saw and got mad and left. She talked to Dean about it and Tina said she couldn’t see having a casual arrangement with Wyatt like they have and Dean corrected her and said had. She said “Is that it? One hint of competition from Wyatt and you’re throwing in the towel?” Why does she want them competing for her?? That made her so unlikable that she was playing them off each other, and so much worse because she knew she liked Wyatt more.
She’d only been there 3 days in which time she’d gotten closer and thought about sleeping with another man, when she had sex with Wyatt. They jumped right into it, like barely any touching or foreplay before he plunged into her. He didn’t even have a condom. Her first time and it’s unprotected sex they just rushed into a few days after meeting. No love, no deep feelings, hardly know anything about each other. She was aware it could result in a baby she’d have to then take care of for the next 18 years and she accepted it. And he didn’t even spend the night with her, because they “wouldn’t get any sleep.” That was so irresponsible and such a turnoff and so not okay for her first time. She even referred to it as being “nailed.”
She kept saying he had a satyr-glare. What is that? Why not just a glare? Why was he being compared to a satyr all the time?? Weird..
Tina gave her first blow job ever, and “sucked a nut” into her mouth, doing it all like a pro with no hesitation or indecision, and got an orgasm. Hahaha! He was thrusting into her mouth and she started feeling it coming, held on until he climaxed, then released him and caught the rest of his sperm on her neck, and got an orgasm! WHAT!
Then she had the audacity to use the line that in many ways, it was like a first for him too. Wyatt has had a few girlfriends in high school and “made the mistake of sleeping with one of them.” He had nightmares when he was with her and it freaked her out and he never tried it again. So he never had sex again?? Because that could mean he never tried to spend the night with someone after sex. This was unclear. Why didn’t he just leave after and not stay the night??
Of course she was asked to stay on permanently as the cook, even with Calvin back. Ugh.
He was massaging her shoulders and she felt an orgasm threatening to make an appearance. What? An orgasm from a shoulder massage. Wtf!
It was a nice moment when he was going to return a favor. He was going to give her a full body massage. She asked if her masseuse would be naked and he said yes and she can do anything with him, ask him to do anything, tell him to do anything.
She had always known she was capable of intimacy, she just hadn’t given herself permission to explore those feelings.
And they had anal sex and of course everything was so smooth and perfect for the virgin.
It was so real the way she talked about planning to give him a hand job that night since she was on her period but her flow faded to the point where she could wear a panty liner. She wanted figure out how to tell him they could, so she said better keep a condom handy. She wanted to try saying something more graphic but couldn’t think of anything and thought she still had some learning to do. But he seemed to be turned on before she even got in bed, proving he didn’t need her to talk dirty to get him in the mood. It was informational at times.
Wyatt asked her to marry him. He was a cowboy who didn’t own the horse he rode and she was a cool who didn’t own the pans she cooked with. He was closer to penniless than rich. It was…not good. For either of them.
The fences had been cut before Calvin’s episode to get all the guys out of the house to get at Calvin. It was shaping up to be an attempted murder with dumping his pills with the motive that Calvin would inherit his sister’s fortune. The secondary beneficiary was a mother’s foundation and not another family member. Duane claimed to be on the board of that foundation and had been a friend of the sister and had promised her as her dying wish to find her brother. He hoped her money would go to the fund. Then Calvin found out from the lawyer that Duane was lying since he didn’t know Calvin existed until the will was read. He came back to the ranch and tried to run for it when spotted. He wanted the money to cover gambling debts and had been stealing from the foundation. He’d switched Calvin’s pills for cocaine tablets to cause a heart attack but Calvin didn’t take those pills so he dumped his nitro. Then Calvin started taking them after Tina got there to try to live longer.
Calvin wanted to give them a big chunk of money as a wedding present. The guys didn’t want their cook leaving. Wyatt said they don’t have to go anywhere or buy their own place. You’re going to stay at a bunkhouse on someone else’s property and not get your own place?? Even worse! So unattractive and unappealing. Angela, the owner, offered to sell a few acres so they could build a house. Tina said no need to do anything rash and one pointed out like getting engaged after only knowing each other a week? Yeah, how freaking ridiculous and unrealistic! And for her to do that and then make a comment about no need to be rash.
I would never read this book again.
It gives no indication that it’s a romantic suspense. But the suspense is handled so poorly, it’s hardly that either. It’s so dragged out and so under-utilized.
It’s so just not even a good idea to take the friend of your deceased grandpa and have him the victim of an attempted murder. Who wants that in a romance?
It’s also not a good romance move to have it in first person POV. That doesn’t work for this genre. It’s also entirely in the heroine’s POV.
There was so much introspection and overthinking. As an over thinker, it even got on my nerves. The heroine even herself that she thinks too much.
You have this shy, computer nerd, who initially was shy meeting the men but then had no trouble with anything the rest of the book. She talked just fine. No one gave her the time of day before, but all the single men in the bunkhouse liked her. Okayyy. It felt like she was just waiting for the first man to show an interest in her and then she was going all the way trying to get them to stay. It was so messed up and made her so unlikable.
The cover is really nice but that was the best thing about it.
I related to her about being too shy to let anyone know how she felt about them. And she couldn’t make eye contact or manage a few words.
Of course she loves cooking. Don’t all women?! A woman’s place in life.
She likes firemen and fantasizes about sleeping with the ones who aren’t married and flirting with the ones who are. Are you freaking kidding me? She wants to flirt with married men, freaking homewrecker!
The author even made sure to mention the flu had knocked Tina down earlier and she blames it on the worthless flu shot she wished she hadn’t bothered to get. Oohh, cramming that down our throats. Against flu shots? What’s next, global warming? Why don’t you just say her political party while you’re at it?
Nick, despite her thinking he looked barely out of high school, kissed her on the mouth. She’d fixed her computer was he was grateful. It was a case of the totally inexperienced virgin having all the guys after her! You know, like real life!
Tina—on the FIRST night there—heard the old man (The one who served with her grandpa and wrote him letters) tapping out for help on the adjoining wall. He seemed to be having a heart attack. He made it, but that opened up a spot for Tina as the cook since he was recovering. And she LOVES cooking! The heroine spends her whole time cooking and baking, and when she isn’t cooking and baking, she’s planning what to cook and bake!
Dean was after her hard, flirting, and Tina was hyper aware of him and desired him too, though always aware of Wyatt and having stronger reactions to him, even though he was intimidating. Dean kissed her, and she wanted to be very bad for the first time in her life. She touched him back and was willing to “let nature take its course” though she wasn’t in a rush like a movie plot would be, falling into bed. She also acknowledged that the guys were starved for female companionship and that’s why Dean wanted her.
She continued being with Dean, and he asked if the fun and games she suggested included sex. She said maybe, then wondered if she was about to have sex with a virtual stranger so soon.
It was realistic how she wondered how to refer to her body, because vagina sounded too technical.
Tina was leaning toward Wyatt but Dean was the one after her, not Wyatt. And the hickey on her neck was pointed out, and Wyatt’s fists clenched. He was always mad at her and Dean together.
Tina had enlisted everyone in checking Calvin’s letters to try to find next of kin. A young guy named Duane went to the hospital to try to see Calvin but wasn’t admitted in. Which raised questions of how he knew Calvin was hospitalized. Enter surprise romantic suspense plot that was not alluded to at all in the summary and completely came out of nowhere and didn’t belong.
She gave Wyatt another massage on his hurt shoulder and one thing led to another and he said it felt good, a good kind of pain, and she asked like a bite on the neck and he said why don’t you give it a try, and she licked his neck and bit him! He kissed her and then they stopped as someone came inside. She pointed out to herself that she’d been on the ranch not even 3 full days and she’d been kissed by 3 cowboys. And naturally, the hickey she gave him was noticed.
Tina thought Duane was Calvin’s sister’s grandson. His sister had died and Calvin didn’t know as they were estranged.
Dean kissed her after that and she went with it. It was nice and nice was good, even though she didn’t feel like she had with Wyatt. Then Wyatt apologized for kissing her and she said she didn’t mind and then he was kissing her and getting them horizontal. Then they were interrupted. She was back and forth with these two and looked soooo bad.
At dinner Wyatt wiped her tears away as she laughed and Dean saw and got mad and left. She talked to Dean about it and Tina said she couldn’t see having a casual arrangement with Wyatt like they have and Dean corrected her and said had. She said “Is that it? One hint of competition from Wyatt and you’re throwing in the towel?” Why does she want them competing for her?? That made her so unlikable that she was playing them off each other, and so much worse because she knew she liked Wyatt more.
She’d only been there 3 days in which time she’d gotten closer and thought about sleeping with another man, when she had sex with Wyatt. They jumped right into it, like barely any touching or foreplay before he plunged into her. He didn’t even have a condom. Her first time and it’s unprotected sex they just rushed into a few days after meeting. No love, no deep feelings, hardly know anything about each other. She was aware it could result in a baby she’d have to then take care of for the next 18 years and she accepted it. And he didn’t even spend the night with her, because they “wouldn’t get any sleep.” That was so irresponsible and such a turnoff and so not okay for her first time. She even referred to it as being “nailed.”
She kept saying he had a satyr-glare. What is that? Why not just a glare? Why was he being compared to a satyr all the time?? Weird..
Tina gave her first blow job ever, and “sucked a nut” into her mouth, doing it all like a pro with no hesitation or indecision, and got an orgasm. Hahaha! He was thrusting into her mouth and she started feeling it coming, held on until he climaxed, then released him and caught the rest of his sperm on her neck, and got an orgasm! WHAT!
Then she had the audacity to use the line that in many ways, it was like a first for him too. Wyatt has had a few girlfriends in high school and “made the mistake of sleeping with one of them.” He had nightmares when he was with her and it freaked her out and he never tried it again. So he never had sex again?? Because that could mean he never tried to spend the night with someone after sex. This was unclear. Why didn’t he just leave after and not stay the night??
Of course she was asked to stay on permanently as the cook, even with Calvin back. Ugh.
He was massaging her shoulders and she felt an orgasm threatening to make an appearance. What? An orgasm from a shoulder massage. Wtf!
It was a nice moment when he was going to return a favor. He was going to give her a full body massage. She asked if her masseuse would be naked and he said yes and she can do anything with him, ask him to do anything, tell him to do anything.
She had always known she was capable of intimacy, she just hadn’t given herself permission to explore those feelings.
And they had anal sex and of course everything was so smooth and perfect for the virgin.
It was so real the way she talked about planning to give him a hand job that night since she was on her period but her flow faded to the point where she could wear a panty liner. She wanted figure out how to tell him they could, so she said better keep a condom handy. She wanted to try saying something more graphic but couldn’t think of anything and thought she still had some learning to do. But he seemed to be turned on before she even got in bed, proving he didn’t need her to talk dirty to get him in the mood. It was informational at times.
Wyatt asked her to marry him. He was a cowboy who didn’t own the horse he rode and she was a cool who didn’t own the pans she cooked with. He was closer to penniless than rich. It was…not good. For either of them.
The fences had been cut before Calvin’s episode to get all the guys out of the house to get at Calvin. It was shaping up to be an attempted murder with dumping his pills with the motive that Calvin would inherit his sister’s fortune. The secondary beneficiary was a mother’s foundation and not another family member. Duane claimed to be on the board of that foundation and had been a friend of the sister and had promised her as her dying wish to find her brother. He hoped her money would go to the fund. Then Calvin found out from the lawyer that Duane was lying since he didn’t know Calvin existed until the will was read. He came back to the ranch and tried to run for it when spotted. He wanted the money to cover gambling debts and had been stealing from the foundation. He’d switched Calvin’s pills for cocaine tablets to cause a heart attack but Calvin didn’t take those pills so he dumped his nitro. Then Calvin started taking them after Tina got there to try to live longer.
Calvin wanted to give them a big chunk of money as a wedding present. The guys didn’t want their cook leaving. Wyatt said they don’t have to go anywhere or buy their own place. You’re going to stay at a bunkhouse on someone else’s property and not get your own place?? Even worse! So unattractive and unappealing. Angela, the owner, offered to sell a few acres so they could build a house. Tina said no need to do anything rash and one pointed out like getting engaged after only knowing each other a week? Yeah, how freaking ridiculous and unrealistic! And for her to do that and then make a comment about no need to be rash.
I would never read this book again.
It gives no indication that it’s a romantic suspense. But the suspense is handled so poorly, it’s hardly that either. It’s so dragged out and so under-utilized.
It’s so just not even a good idea to take the friend of your deceased grandpa and have him the victim of an attempted murder. Who wants that in a romance?
It’s also not a good romance move to have it in first person POV. That doesn’t work for this genre. It’s also entirely in the heroine’s POV.
There was so much introspection and overthinking. As an over thinker, it even got on my nerves. The heroine even herself that she thinks too much.
You have this shy, computer nerd, who initially was shy meeting the men but then had no trouble with anything the rest of the book. She talked just fine. No one gave her the time of day before, but all the single men in the bunkhouse liked her. Okayyy. It felt like she was just waiting for the first man to show an interest in her and then she was going all the way trying to get them to stay. It was so messed up and made her so unlikable.
The cover is really nice but that was the best thing about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2018
Tina Hayes does not know why she was asked by her grandfather in his will to spread his ashes in the Tetons. She also brings some boxes to an old army buddy of his who lives on a ranch nearby. Calvin Harris and her grandfather meet in boot camp and then served together in Vietnam. Calvin was a cook and her grandfather was a combat solider, but they had a friendship and it lasted until he died. Tina is trying to figure out there connection and at the same time working on herself and why she finds Wyatt McCabe active. She also notices that he is being teased by the other ranch hands because he is not a very talkative person and around her his whole personality has changed. A wonderful story of overcoming loss and finding your way. Each person has a little bit of an extra story and the cowboys did not all start out that way. You also begin to wonder if she like the cowboys will stay or move back to Kentucky. A good story with a few twists to keep the story moving along. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 20, 2019
Who wouldn't want to be working in a kitchen surrounded by all those young, sexy cowboys? Lord have mercy, I don't even have a cowboy fetish, but I honest think I may be aquiring one after this book. Loved the emotion and sexual tension in this story. And the options she has. Sweet Jesus, the options...lol. Cheryl Brooks really delivers all the feels with this book!
July 10, 2025
I wasn't the biggest fan of her sex scenes, they seemed to be written with bad porn in mind. The over all story/plot was ok. The idea of a sudden attempted murder for an inheritance that coincidentally happened when the MFC shows up, and her falling in love with such a drastic change seemed highly unlikely, but I could go along with it. The line 'blasted into oblivion' got old.
November 29, 2017
This wasn't all that bad. It was hard to stay with it because it's written in first person.
August 30, 2018
I liked it a lot more than #1! Good plot and twists and turns. Should have explained more about Angela's cowboy though...
July 25, 2019
It was fine... it was one f those quick reads that dont leave you a great lasting impression but you enjoyed enoght to finish the book...
January 30, 2020
I enjoyed reading.
February 27, 2022
Really cute story with a lot of hot cowboys. 😁
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