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Wishing, Texas #1
To Love a Texas Cowboy
New York artist Cassie Reynolds moves to Wishing, Texas to raise her orphaned niece, and discovers she’s in way over her head. Then she meets Ella’s financial guardian, Ty Barnett, a handsome hardworking rancher, with his own ideas on child rearing.
Ty and Cassie clash over almost everything, especially Ella, but when two people have the welfare of one child at heart, suddenly they find themselves looking at each other in a whole new light…
Will Ty make room for another lady in his life? And will Cassie allow herself to love a Texas cowboy?
Ty and Cassie clash over almost everything, especially Ella, but when two people have the welfare of one child at heart, suddenly they find themselves looking at each other in a whole new light…
Will Ty make room for another lady in his life? And will Cassie allow herself to love a Texas cowboy?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2015
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July 30, 2021
4 Stubborn Texas Love Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
I don't know what it is with this city gal loving these ranch/cowboys...
It could be I use to ride and show Western years ago and in the back of my mind, I was looking and not touching all those Cowboys. After all...married and having my sons' ride would do that...
But now with the romance bug firmly planted, I have a leaning towards these stories and when they are well done... it is a delight. This is a new series that has all of the elements to be a fun group of books. The author shared with us readers how it came about and the reality mixed with her ideas gave all of it a strong feel.
It starts out with a child losing both her parents in a plane crash. With a trusted friend coming to the main character, rancher Ty, to set up his finances for his family, the words of free-spirit, impulsive and flighty were what came to mind when he remembered how Cassie, the aunt was described. Jack wanted him to be the solid, strong, steady force to rein her in. By being the financial guardian should anything ever happen, Jack told him he would feel better.
Now, this was a reality and little Ella was having the same problems his sister did when her dad died. Aubrey was a handful and he took on the Man of the Ranch job without a blink of an eye. He, his mom, and the grandparents held it together. He would do the same for his friend. He would make sure Ella had a secure environment even if he had to step in and lay the law down with her Aunt Cassie.
Oh, that woman... A New York City Artist no less... She did things spur of the moment and seemed to court trouble just by her very being ... And for her to run the B&B her sister and husband had started... Ty wondered how all of it would play out.
We see how things are when Cassie is at the same place where everyone goes for food, drink, and pool playing. She is getting food to go for her and Ella. She is preoccupied with thinking about all the things she is trying to handle. She loves Ella with all her heart. She had had such great times with her sister at the Inn... being the Aunt that came out... did all the fun things with Ella and then back to her life in New York. She never had to discipline or say no... that was her sister's job. She also feels she will Never be as good or able as her sister was... she was the Texas Martha Stewart/Mary Poppins. She could run the Inn, cook amazing gourmet meals, and balance the position of mom and wife without a blink of an eye...How was she supposed to step into those shoes...
As she is remembering what the therapist said about not pushing Ella to speak and to just have patience...she looks down for 6-year-old Ella and she is nowhere to be found...
Ty is with all of his Texas A&M buddies from College in the pool table area. He happened to be chatting with them and pleased to just relax a little. These men created their bond when they met that first semester and every year going forward they have come to Wishing, Texas, and his ranch to just hang out. Over the years they have all gone their separate ways with different careers but all have stayed tight friends with a knowledge of how each of them will by being "Aggies" forever. The saying of "From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it." This was their bond for life and they stood by it.
Ty saw little Ella wander away from Cassie as she was paying for the to-go meal and scooped her up in his arms. Ella had strong memories of this place with her Daddy... they would play pool together all the time. As he approached Cassie, he saw the look of horror when she realized Ella was not at her side... Damn... couldn't that woman do anything right...
Cassie was about to have a major meltdown when Ty came up with Ella. With a huge sigh of relief in having Ella back with her, she now had to deal with the bane of her Wishing Texas existence, Ty. Grrrr, this man. He was stubborn, a dictator, and know it all. A my way or the highway type and here he was with Ella in his arms after she had disappeared.
Ella hasn't spoken since the crash and Cassie is trying to do everything the doctors have advised but tantrums have become a minefield for Cassie with Ella... she never knew when things could happen and right now she didn't want that. With an idea to let things be a little easy, she suggests they go and play pool; Ella smiles, and Ty looks like he might explode.
Does this woman ever think ahead... all the tables were taken... Ty offers his table with the friends and Cassie acts like it was just the thing to do. Ty watches how his friends all take to her. Yes, she is friendly and sharp-witted... yes, she is cute with short blond hair and a style all her own...
And now his friend, Zane the Player, is making his move on her... well, well... she saw right through him... hmmm she is sharp, he thought. But that little hint of interest he had for her... what the hell was that... he had to look out for Ella for the next 12 years... He could not go there ever.
Cassie wasn't immune to Ty either. He was handsome; chiseled and strong in a natural-working-on-a-ranch way... not a steroid pump iron health club way. His way was a clear winner in her book. But he was just so hard to deal with. He would take charge and not give an inch on anything. She couldn't figure out how she was going to manage all of this...and he wasn't helping.
These two have confrontation after confrontation until both of them see the light about each other. It is a very slow build-up with lots of moving pieces; there is an ex-fiance of Ty's who's ways caused him to mistrust everyone. There is the insecurity of re-establishing Cassie's artist following and business... Wishing Texas is not New York City.
And there is the Legend of the Wishing Well of Wishing, Texas which holds all of this together.
This is a very charming series and this first entry is a huge winner in my book. There are sparks and kisses- starts and stops between these two... enough to keep us waiting for them to get together. There is a sure and clear arc of growth between both of them... he to understand her...she to get why he is the way he is...it develops exactly as it should.
The ranch, horses, and way of living all add to the feel and then there is Ella...a little girl all of the characters care for...
There will be more stories for Wishing, Texas... all of the other friends will have theirs told. I think this series is more than just Wishing...I think the author has a real Winner on her hands.
To Love A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To Catch A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #2)
QUICK, IT'S FREE RIGHT NOW!
To Tame A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #3)
To Marry A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #4)
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free
I don't know what it is with this city gal loving these ranch/cowboys...
It could be I use to ride and show Western years ago and in the back of my mind, I was looking and not touching all those Cowboys. After all...married and having my sons' ride would do that...
But now with the romance bug firmly planted, I have a leaning towards these stories and when they are well done... it is a delight. This is a new series that has all of the elements to be a fun group of books. The author shared with us readers how it came about and the reality mixed with her ideas gave all of it a strong feel.
It starts out with a child losing both her parents in a plane crash. With a trusted friend coming to the main character, rancher Ty, to set up his finances for his family, the words of free-spirit, impulsive and flighty were what came to mind when he remembered how Cassie, the aunt was described. Jack wanted him to be the solid, strong, steady force to rein her in. By being the financial guardian should anything ever happen, Jack told him he would feel better.
Now, this was a reality and little Ella was having the same problems his sister did when her dad died. Aubrey was a handful and he took on the Man of the Ranch job without a blink of an eye. He, his mom, and the grandparents held it together. He would do the same for his friend. He would make sure Ella had a secure environment even if he had to step in and lay the law down with her Aunt Cassie.
Oh, that woman... A New York City Artist no less... She did things spur of the moment and seemed to court trouble just by her very being ... And for her to run the B&B her sister and husband had started... Ty wondered how all of it would play out.
We see how things are when Cassie is at the same place where everyone goes for food, drink, and pool playing. She is getting food to go for her and Ella. She is preoccupied with thinking about all the things she is trying to handle. She loves Ella with all her heart. She had had such great times with her sister at the Inn... being the Aunt that came out... did all the fun things with Ella and then back to her life in New York. She never had to discipline or say no... that was her sister's job. She also feels she will Never be as good or able as her sister was... she was the Texas Martha Stewart/Mary Poppins. She could run the Inn, cook amazing gourmet meals, and balance the position of mom and wife without a blink of an eye...How was she supposed to step into those shoes...
As she is remembering what the therapist said about not pushing Ella to speak and to just have patience...she looks down for 6-year-old Ella and she is nowhere to be found...
Ty is with all of his Texas A&M buddies from College in the pool table area. He happened to be chatting with them and pleased to just relax a little. These men created their bond when they met that first semester and every year going forward they have come to Wishing, Texas, and his ranch to just hang out. Over the years they have all gone their separate ways with different careers but all have stayed tight friends with a knowledge of how each of them will by being "Aggies" forever. The saying of "From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it." This was their bond for life and they stood by it.
Ty saw little Ella wander away from Cassie as she was paying for the to-go meal and scooped her up in his arms. Ella had strong memories of this place with her Daddy... they would play pool together all the time. As he approached Cassie, he saw the look of horror when she realized Ella was not at her side... Damn... couldn't that woman do anything right...
Cassie was about to have a major meltdown when Ty came up with Ella. With a huge sigh of relief in having Ella back with her, she now had to deal with the bane of her Wishing Texas existence, Ty. Grrrr, this man. He was stubborn, a dictator, and know it all. A my way or the highway type and here he was with Ella in his arms after she had disappeared.
Ella hasn't spoken since the crash and Cassie is trying to do everything the doctors have advised but tantrums have become a minefield for Cassie with Ella... she never knew when things could happen and right now she didn't want that. With an idea to let things be a little easy, she suggests they go and play pool; Ella smiles, and Ty looks like he might explode.
Does this woman ever think ahead... all the tables were taken... Ty offers his table with the friends and Cassie acts like it was just the thing to do. Ty watches how his friends all take to her. Yes, she is friendly and sharp-witted... yes, she is cute with short blond hair and a style all her own...
And now his friend, Zane the Player, is making his move on her... well, well... she saw right through him... hmmm she is sharp, he thought. But that little hint of interest he had for her... what the hell was that... he had to look out for Ella for the next 12 years... He could not go there ever.
Cassie wasn't immune to Ty either. He was handsome; chiseled and strong in a natural-working-on-a-ranch way... not a steroid pump iron health club way. His way was a clear winner in her book. But he was just so hard to deal with. He would take charge and not give an inch on anything. She couldn't figure out how she was going to manage all of this...and he wasn't helping.
These two have confrontation after confrontation until both of them see the light about each other. It is a very slow build-up with lots of moving pieces; there is an ex-fiance of Ty's who's ways caused him to mistrust everyone. There is the insecurity of re-establishing Cassie's artist following and business... Wishing Texas is not New York City.
And there is the Legend of the Wishing Well of Wishing, Texas which holds all of this together.
This is a very charming series and this first entry is a huge winner in my book. There are sparks and kisses- starts and stops between these two... enough to keep us waiting for them to get together. There is a sure and clear arc of growth between both of them... he to understand her...she to get why he is the way he is...it develops exactly as it should.
The ranch, horses, and way of living all add to the feel and then there is Ella...a little girl all of the characters care for...
There will be more stories for Wishing, Texas... all of the other friends will have theirs told. I think this series is more than just Wishing...I think the author has a real Winner on her hands.
To Love A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To Catch A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #2)QUICK, IT'S FREE RIGHT NOW!
To Tame A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #3) To Marry A Cowboy (Wishing Texas, #4)A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 9, 2016
This book suffered from Chekov's B&B: the inn being a B&B that Cassie is supposed to run and keep profitable because it's Ella's inheritance, and there was a huge scene where Cassie tries to learn to cook so she can make breakfast for this longtime couple who are coming to the inn for Valentine's Day. After Cassie sets the stove on fire, no further mention is made of those guests or any other guests or even any of the work that Cassie would theoretically have to do to keep the B&B running. Nope, Cassie is raising Ella, going on the guided tours with Ty, making art and that's pretty much it.
Also, it's a small town in Texas... I have a hard time believing that the principal would report Ella to the truancy court over a handful of late arrivals and a couple of excused absences when her parents DIED A MONTH AGO. Seriously? Like no one knows what's going on and that the kid suddenly has one guardian who has no clue what she's doing, and another guardian whose family has been part of the town forever? I don't buy it.
Also, it's a small town in Texas... I have a hard time believing that the principal would report Ella to the truancy court over a handful of late arrivals and a couple of excused absences when her parents DIED A MONTH AGO. Seriously? Like no one knows what's going on and that the kid suddenly has one guardian who has no clue what she's doing, and another guardian whose family has been part of the town forever? I don't buy it.
July 27, 2015
This is my first time reading a book written by Julie Benson and I would definitely read more from this author. I recommend this book to readers who like contemporary romance with couples who start out adversarial but are really “strike the match” opposites. This is a good opposites attract romance.
I liked the setting where Cassie becomes the guardian for her niece, Ella, but due to a career in another part of the country (New York vs Texas) she doesn’t have a relationship with Ella or the “parenting skills” necessary to become an instant mother. Throw in Ty who has a relationship with Ella and also helped to raise a younger sibling and you have an instant clash of personalities, viewpoints and confidence levels. This part of the story was really working for me.
If you need to be shown rather than told why something “is the way it is”, you may have a few problems with parts of the story. If this is your personality (I’m familiar with it as it’s mine) than you won’t enjoy the story as much as those who just go with the flow. There were a number of times where I felt that a plot point wasn’t logical or plausible or that the scene was a bit far-fetched. It’s a book and I totally get suspension of disbelief, however, in my world I need the author to show me that it’s realistic in her world.
I received this book from Net Galley and Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the setting where Cassie becomes the guardian for her niece, Ella, but due to a career in another part of the country (New York vs Texas) she doesn’t have a relationship with Ella or the “parenting skills” necessary to become an instant mother. Throw in Ty who has a relationship with Ella and also helped to raise a younger sibling and you have an instant clash of personalities, viewpoints and confidence levels. This part of the story was really working for me.
If you need to be shown rather than told why something “is the way it is”, you may have a few problems with parts of the story. If this is your personality (I’m familiar with it as it’s mine) than you won’t enjoy the story as much as those who just go with the flow. There were a number of times where I felt that a plot point wasn’t logical or plausible or that the scene was a bit far-fetched. It’s a book and I totally get suspension of disbelief, however, in my world I need the author to show me that it’s realistic in her world.
I received this book from Net Galley and Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2016
Ty owned a ranch in Texas. Cassie was an artist. When her sister and her husband were killed in a plane crash, Cassie became guardian to their six-year-old daughter, Ella. Ty became her financial guardian. Ella's dad was one of Ty's best friends and Jack had asked Ty to watch out for Ella and Cassie should something happen to him and his wife.
At first Cassie and Ty butt heads. She reminds him a lot of his ex, Lauren, who left him right before their rehearsal dinner. Cassie was a city girl and knew nothing about running her sister's bed and breakfast. And she certainly didn't seem qualified to care for Ella when the young girl wouldn't speak and tended to throw temper tantrums to get her own way. But as time passes, and the more time Ty spends with Cassie, things change. Their attraction grows and he starts to wonder what would happen if they became involved. She'd talked about selling the inn, maybe moving her and Ella into town but who's to say even that will satisfy her. What if her work takes her back to New York? There's a bigger market there.
It takes awhile for things to develop between Cassie and Ty but I loved this story and how one little girl brings them together. Just when it looks like things are going their way, forces conspire to come between them. A very good romance and characters you can easily fall in love with.
At first Cassie and Ty butt heads. She reminds him a lot of his ex, Lauren, who left him right before their rehearsal dinner. Cassie was a city girl and knew nothing about running her sister's bed and breakfast. And she certainly didn't seem qualified to care for Ella when the young girl wouldn't speak and tended to throw temper tantrums to get her own way. But as time passes, and the more time Ty spends with Cassie, things change. Their attraction grows and he starts to wonder what would happen if they became involved. She'd talked about selling the inn, maybe moving her and Ella into town but who's to say even that will satisfy her. What if her work takes her back to New York? There's a bigger market there.
It takes awhile for things to develop between Cassie and Ty but I loved this story and how one little girl brings them together. Just when it looks like things are going their way, forces conspire to come between them. A very good romance and characters you can easily fall in love with.
March 6, 2016
Could have been a good story.
I was very disappointed after reading this story. The plot was great, but the execution was sloppy. I am so tired of paying for a book that is filled with grammatical errors, spelling errors, and sentences that do not make sense. I just cannot fathom why an author puts his or her time and effort into writing a book, but then doesn't care enough about the final product to edit it properly. Will not read this author again.
I was very disappointed after reading this story. The plot was great, but the execution was sloppy. I am so tired of paying for a book that is filled with grammatical errors, spelling errors, and sentences that do not make sense. I just cannot fathom why an author puts his or her time and effort into writing a book, but then doesn't care enough about the final product to edit it properly. Will not read this author again.
April 23, 2017
This was a cute story but the writing could have been a bit better. There were times I had to reread some parts because of poor editing. Otherwise it was a very cute story.
July 4, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love cowboys. They are manly and rough and ruggedly cute. That goes without saying that I really liked the hero in this book. Even if he was too serious and uptight at times, he was a good man who took his responsibilities to heart. The heroine, well, it was a bit difficult to like her. I always found her flaky and inconsistent.
This is my first book from Julie Benson. I have to say that while it took me awhile to like the heroine, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole. Ty's friends, the secondary characters were all great guys with disinct personalities, and the author did a great job of giving them their individuality.
I also liked that even though I liked the hero more than the heroine, their significance to the story was equal and they were both good together. Their personalities didn't always mash, but they balanced each other out. The hero kept that heroine grounded, and the heroine made the hero nicer, easier.
I think that based on what I read, I will continue to watch for this series. I liked the atmosphere of their small town and that other characters who were introduced seemed interesting enough to get to know better. Also, I'm pretty sure I'll be checking out this author again in the future because this book was good enough for me.
I love cowboys. They are manly and rough and ruggedly cute. That goes without saying that I really liked the hero in this book. Even if he was too serious and uptight at times, he was a good man who took his responsibilities to heart. The heroine, well, it was a bit difficult to like her. I always found her flaky and inconsistent.
This is my first book from Julie Benson. I have to say that while it took me awhile to like the heroine, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole. Ty's friends, the secondary characters were all great guys with disinct personalities, and the author did a great job of giving them their individuality.
I also liked that even though I liked the hero more than the heroine, their significance to the story was equal and they were both good together. Their personalities didn't always mash, but they balanced each other out. The hero kept that heroine grounded, and the heroine made the hero nicer, easier.
I think that based on what I read, I will continue to watch for this series. I liked the atmosphere of their small town and that other characters who were introduced seemed interesting enough to get to know better. Also, I'm pretty sure I'll be checking out this author again in the future because this book was good enough for me.
July 6, 2015
Cassie and Ty are in a difficult situation, taking care of a little traumatized Ella, while mourning for Ella's parents. They tackle the situation and responsibility in an admirable way, despite the doubts Cassie have about her ability to be a parent.
The fireworks between Ty and Cassie are amazing. Though they drive each other insane, they have a spark between them, if you would call a bomb a spark...
The chemistry is palpable, but as they get to know each other, they find many things in common, and find a peace within each other's company.
There are any funny moments as they try to adjust to the new life, moments that make you sigh, and times that break your heart a bit.
Both Cassie and Ty are stubborn, prideful, independent, and used to take care of things themselves, not to ask help from anyone, and that is the biggest problem between them.
I enjoyed this story, it is one that left a smile on my face. It has charismatic characters, interesting concepts and events, good friends, and life on a Texas B&B and ranch, making it all an entertaining combination
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The fireworks between Ty and Cassie are amazing. Though they drive each other insane, they have a spark between them, if you would call a bomb a spark...
The chemistry is palpable, but as they get to know each other, they find many things in common, and find a peace within each other's company.
There are any funny moments as they try to adjust to the new life, moments that make you sigh, and times that break your heart a bit.
Both Cassie and Ty are stubborn, prideful, independent, and used to take care of things themselves, not to ask help from anyone, and that is the biggest problem between them.
I enjoyed this story, it is one that left a smile on my face. It has charismatic characters, interesting concepts and events, good friends, and life on a Texas B&B and ranch, making it all an entertaining combination
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
May 27, 2016
There are two main characters- Cassie and Ty. Cassie is an artist from New York who just gained custody of her 6 year old niece, Ella, who lost her parents in a plane crash. Ty is a rancher with a good education in finance and other things, including a good reputation. He has responsibility for Ella's finances.
I did not like Cassie at all. She is a know-it-all, stubborn, arrogant, and self-centered. Ty tries to help her with her finances and rearing Ella, but she refuses all help even though she knows nothing about children and her financial plans are stupid and illogical. Ella manipulates and runs rough-shod over Cassie because of lack of structure and discipline in her life.
Another reason for the two star rating is the lack of correct grammar and sentence structure. This has been edited???? Numerous times I had to reread and try to figure out what was being said.
I did not like Cassie at all. She is a know-it-all, stubborn, arrogant, and self-centered. Ty tries to help her with her finances and rearing Ella, but she refuses all help even though she knows nothing about children and her financial plans are stupid and illogical. Ella manipulates and runs rough-shod over Cassie because of lack of structure and discipline in her life.
Another reason for the two star rating is the lack of correct grammar and sentence structure. This has been edited???? Numerous times I had to reread and try to figure out what was being said.
December 8, 2020
Very Texas flavored
The lack I found was depth. She took a bunch of good ideas and slung them at the wall to see if one stuck. But they all stuck and it's kind of a mess. The artist making a go in a small town rang true. The single mother had moments of truth. The enemies to lovers had possibly. The traumatized child could have been done a hell of a lot better. But mix everything together and you get a book with the depth of plastic wrap. I'll forget it existed in a month.
The lack I found was depth. She took a bunch of good ideas and slung them at the wall to see if one stuck. But they all stuck and it's kind of a mess. The artist making a go in a small town rang true. The single mother had moments of truth. The enemies to lovers had possibly. The traumatized child could have been done a hell of a lot better. But mix everything together and you get a book with the depth of plastic wrap. I'll forget it existed in a month.
March 10, 2016
While there was a lot to like about this story, including the sweet-as-pie characters and the author's very lovely voice, unfortunately a real lack of editing (both content and copy/proof) made for a very tedious read for me. I'm rather interested in Ty's friends and AJ's story, but I won't be bothering.
December 23, 2020
Annoying
Cassie made me not want to finish this book. I prayed the H would “reel” her nasty attitude in and warm her up. All of what I read seemed to revolve around finances . Super boring and I was looking forward to ‘loving a Texas Cowboy’ . Normally my Texas cowboy reads have been warm and loving . This one was boring ,stiff and hateful.DNF.
Cassie made me not want to finish this book. I prayed the H would “reel” her nasty attitude in and warm her up. All of what I read seemed to revolve around finances . Super boring and I was looking forward to ‘loving a Texas Cowboy’ . Normally my Texas cowboy reads have been warm and loving . This one was boring ,stiff and hateful.DNF.
March 8, 2016
Good story but....
The grammatical errors were too much! I'm glad this book was free, otherwise I would have been angry. Not sure who helped edit this book but they did a poor job of it. If you can get past the grammatical errors this is a great story.
The grammatical errors were too much! I'm glad this book was free, otherwise I would have been angry. Not sure who helped edit this book but they did a poor job of it. If you can get past the grammatical errors this is a great story.
March 8, 2016
Could Have Been Good
This was a cute story but it obviously was not proof read. So many errors, incomplete sentences. I had to rewrite the sentences to make them work. Very disappointing!!!
This was a cute story but it obviously was not proof read. So many errors, incomplete sentences. I had to rewrite the sentences to make them work. Very disappointing!!!
July 26, 2015
** Review to follow
August 4, 2016
Where's the editor?
The story was predictable, but the editing was so horrible that it distracted me, especially when I wanted to throw my kindle
The story was predictable, but the editing was so horrible that it distracted me, especially when I wanted to throw my kindle
November 10, 2016
Not horrible but couldn't feel anything for the main characters, therefore gave up on the book
April 22, 2025
Didn’t finish after page 36 (chapter 2) We have dual pov between Ty and Cassie. Every time ty talks about/interacts with Cassie, he tells us that they basically don’t see eye to eye on things but for some reason he is attracted to her. The things that she does bothers him, but it makes him jealous when his friends flirt with her. He thinks she’s too flighty, but she’s really attractive. He thinks shes unorganized and forgetful in an annoying way, but for some reason he feels like a tongue tied teenager around her. He feels like she ain’t doing the right things for the girl in her custody, but for some reason he likes the way she looks. And each time he thinks about her attractiveness he gets aggravated that he thinks that. And then on Cassie’s pov we get that exact same narrative. Cassie thinks Ty is a know it all, but he’s really hot. She thinks he’s stubborn, but he’s good eye candy. She thinks he’s a hard ass, but he’s like a good looking cowboy. And she doesn’t want to acknowledge why she gets butterflies when she’s around him. It’s just too repetitive and it’s an overdone narrative in romance novels. For an opposites attract story, I’d rather they don’t mention their attraction at every turn. I don’t like when the characters have to always talk themselves out of their attraction every time they interact. It’s been used to death and it gets repetitive and doesn’t feel natural. It’s like the author is screaming at us that she wants to make sure that we know the love interests are trying to fight their attraction for some reason. We don’t need to be reminded every second or even at all. Why do they need to talk themselves out of the attraction. Just say hey I think this persons is hot and then move on.
But the final nail in the coffin for me not finishing was the way cassie was getting pissed at Ty for what she felt was “trying to parent Ella”. So Ty is this little girls financial caretaker. As well as someone who is close with her and her parents. But yet Cassie gets pissed at Ty trying to literally HELP Cassie with Ella when she is being difficult! For example, they’re at this bar where Ty is. They order food and decide to stay to eat and play pool. Ella doesn’t want to eat her dinner, like many kids that age, and Ella tells her that she needs to eat if she wants to play. The little girl still hesitates and Ty says, Ella you need to listen to Cassie and eat your food! And this pisses Cassie off. Why???? That was a perfectly reasonable thing to say when trying to help with a child you care about. He didn’t go over Cassie’s head. He didn’t disagree with her. He didn’t make a different suggestion. He was literally backing Cassie up. And this pisses her off why?? And then later Ella is about to throw a massive fit about having to leave and cassie starts panicking a bit like any normal parent would and she doesn’t know what to do but then Ty, seeing that Ella is about to lose it tells Ella that she won’t be able to go horseback riding with him at his farm if she doesn’t listen to Cassie. Once again BACKING UP what Cassie is telling Ella. He’s reinforcing what Cassie is telling Ella and he’s using HIS OWN consequence that he has every right to use as they’re his horses and he’s the one inviting her to ride his horses. He has every right to tell Ella that he won’t let her come ride HIS horses if she doesn’t listen to her caregiver. But again this infuriates Cassie. She says he is overstepping. Like what?? How is he overstepping when it’s his property and he’s the one in charge? What in the world is the matter with this woman?? I thought she was supposed to be this fun, carefree artsy girl. She sounds like a controlling bitch. She acts like she is the only one that is allowed to do anything for Ella. I could understand if Cassie had told Ella they needed to leave and then Ty went against that and said something like ‘no you guys don’t need to leave Ella wants to stay I think you should let her stay as long as she wants’, or something like that. That would be irritating, but again, people say stupid stuff like that all the time to parents. You don’t need to fly off the handle. But with Ty’s case, everything he’s done has been no way overstepping. He’s been helping and I would have been extremely grateful for Ty if I was in that situation. I’d be thanking him, the last thing I’d be is mad. That makes zero sense.
Anyway I just don’t really like Cassie and the author trying way too hard to cause tension between them. The tension needs to happen naturally and not feel forced or completely out of left field. Readers are smart. We can figure stuff out, we don’t need a narrative screamed at us. Nuance and subtlety go so much further to me than a book with everything spelled out. So that’s why I didn’t care to read further.
But the final nail in the coffin for me not finishing was the way cassie was getting pissed at Ty for what she felt was “trying to parent Ella”. So Ty is this little girls financial caretaker. As well as someone who is close with her and her parents. But yet Cassie gets pissed at Ty trying to literally HELP Cassie with Ella when she is being difficult! For example, they’re at this bar where Ty is. They order food and decide to stay to eat and play pool. Ella doesn’t want to eat her dinner, like many kids that age, and Ella tells her that she needs to eat if she wants to play. The little girl still hesitates and Ty says, Ella you need to listen to Cassie and eat your food! And this pisses Cassie off. Why???? That was a perfectly reasonable thing to say when trying to help with a child you care about. He didn’t go over Cassie’s head. He didn’t disagree with her. He didn’t make a different suggestion. He was literally backing Cassie up. And this pisses her off why?? And then later Ella is about to throw a massive fit about having to leave and cassie starts panicking a bit like any normal parent would and she doesn’t know what to do but then Ty, seeing that Ella is about to lose it tells Ella that she won’t be able to go horseback riding with him at his farm if she doesn’t listen to Cassie. Once again BACKING UP what Cassie is telling Ella. He’s reinforcing what Cassie is telling Ella and he’s using HIS OWN consequence that he has every right to use as they’re his horses and he’s the one inviting her to ride his horses. He has every right to tell Ella that he won’t let her come ride HIS horses if she doesn’t listen to her caregiver. But again this infuriates Cassie. She says he is overstepping. Like what?? How is he overstepping when it’s his property and he’s the one in charge? What in the world is the matter with this woman?? I thought she was supposed to be this fun, carefree artsy girl. She sounds like a controlling bitch. She acts like she is the only one that is allowed to do anything for Ella. I could understand if Cassie had told Ella they needed to leave and then Ty went against that and said something like ‘no you guys don’t need to leave Ella wants to stay I think you should let her stay as long as she wants’, or something like that. That would be irritating, but again, people say stupid stuff like that all the time to parents. You don’t need to fly off the handle. But with Ty’s case, everything he’s done has been no way overstepping. He’s been helping and I would have been extremely grateful for Ty if I was in that situation. I’d be thanking him, the last thing I’d be is mad. That makes zero sense.
Anyway I just don’t really like Cassie and the author trying way too hard to cause tension between them. The tension needs to happen naturally and not feel forced or completely out of left field. Readers are smart. We can figure stuff out, we don’t need a narrative screamed at us. Nuance and subtlety go so much further to me than a book with everything spelled out. So that’s why I didn’t care to read further.
July 20, 2025
To Love a Texas Cowboy ~ Wishing, Texas ~ Book 1, by Julie Benson started with a tragic situation when one of Ty's best friend and his wife are killed in a plane crash leaving their young daughter with Cassie, Ella's Aunt. Cassie is a professional artist from New York City so moving to a small Texas town, dealing with Ella when she has stopped talking and is not doing well in school, plus she has lost her income; she has a big adjustment to make. Ty is Ella's financial guardian so they need to work together for Ella's sake.
Ty is hard on Cassie when she struggles to deal with Ella and she just rubs him the wrong way so until she breaks down and tells him how hard she is struggling to do what is best for Ella. Ty realizes he has been too hard on her and tries to hold back his controlling personality and judgments.
They face the problems with Ella and learn to work together, help each other to find their happy ending after lots of adjustments by both of them. He learns to appreciate Cassie's grit and determination and how she stands up to him too. They learn to communicate, have disagreements and both are willing to help the other and they find common ground for a solid relationship. Ella is a smart six year old girl and adds to the plot with her accurate childish observations as she adjusts to the loss of her parents.
Ty is hard on Cassie when she struggles to deal with Ella and she just rubs him the wrong way so until she breaks down and tells him how hard she is struggling to do what is best for Ella. Ty realizes he has been too hard on her and tries to hold back his controlling personality and judgments.
They face the problems with Ella and learn to work together, help each other to find their happy ending after lots of adjustments by both of them. He learns to appreciate Cassie's grit and determination and how she stands up to him too. They learn to communicate, have disagreements and both are willing to help the other and they find common ground for a solid relationship. Ella is a smart six year old girl and adds to the plot with her accurate childish observations as she adjusts to the loss of her parents.
April 29, 2025
For a female author, she doesn't portray women in a very good light. Aubrey seems to have no sense whatsoever, and she goes behind her brothers back to take money from the ranch account.
Cassie is scatterbrained and apparently is so dense she can't follow a recipe without setting the oven on fire.
The B&B situation confused me: How did Ty need to pay Cassie out of his own pocket to run it when they had paying customers.
Oh yeah and talk about confusing, Ella's parents died in a plane crash that she survived. OK sure that happens, but there is mention that Jack only died because he went back in to help other people, it doesn't mention his wife being one of them, so his wife must be already dead, so he what, leaves his kid and goes back into the plane? Not buying it.
The story was okay enough to keep me reading, although I was tempted to DNF a couple of times.
If these were in Kindle Unlimited, I'd probably read some more if only because I want to find out what happens to the money Aubrey invested in her friends company. However, as they are not, I guess I'll never know.
Cassie is scatterbrained and apparently is so dense she can't follow a recipe without setting the oven on fire.
The B&B situation confused me: How did Ty need to pay Cassie out of his own pocket to run it when they had paying customers.
Oh yeah and talk about confusing, Ella's parents died in a plane crash that she survived. OK sure that happens, but there is mention that Jack only died because he went back in to help other people, it doesn't mention his wife being one of them, so his wife must be already dead, so he what, leaves his kid and goes back into the plane? Not buying it.
The story was okay enough to keep me reading, although I was tempted to DNF a couple of times.
If these were in Kindle Unlimited, I'd probably read some more if only because I want to find out what happens to the money Aubrey invested in her friends company. However, as they are not, I guess I'll never know.
June 30, 2018
Wonderful read
I loved this story. It had great characters and was paced at just the right speed. Cassie, a girl from New York goes to TX to raise her niece after her sister and brother-in-law died in an accident. Ty, a close friend of Cassie’s brother-in-law became financially responsible for the little girls welfare. Together he and Cassie form a relationship that compares with thunder and lightning. It is tense at times and comical at times and a very entertaining read. I hope to read this whole series. If you like romance with a little western and a little comedy mixed in then be sure to read this book. You won’t be disappointed.
I loved this story. It had great characters and was paced at just the right speed. Cassie, a girl from New York goes to TX to raise her niece after her sister and brother-in-law died in an accident. Ty, a close friend of Cassie’s brother-in-law became financially responsible for the little girls welfare. Together he and Cassie form a relationship that compares with thunder and lightning. It is tense at times and comical at times and a very entertaining read. I hope to read this whole series. If you like romance with a little western and a little comedy mixed in then be sure to read this book. You won’t be disappointed.
December 11, 2019
Sweet, funny & sexy
This first book in the series was a fun, sweet & sexy read. Tragedy brings two people together & the love of a little girl wraps around them. Caring for her orphaned niece, Cassie struggles with her inadequacy to do the job. The chaos that follows Cassie in her new life is hilarious at times but she’d rather it slow down. Ty the serious rancher doesn’t know how to take Cassie & he doesn’t know how to keep his heart safe around her either. This was my first time reading author Julie Benson & I look forward to reading more of her books. Recommend to read.
This first book in the series was a fun, sweet & sexy read. Tragedy brings two people together & the love of a little girl wraps around them. Caring for her orphaned niece, Cassie struggles with her inadequacy to do the job. The chaos that follows Cassie in her new life is hilarious at times but she’d rather it slow down. Ty the serious rancher doesn’t know how to take Cassie & he doesn’t know how to keep his heart safe around her either. This was my first time reading author Julie Benson & I look forward to reading more of her books. Recommend to read.
December 6, 2020
Wishing Well
This was a very good book written by Julie Benson and I really enjoyed reading it. A plane crash, parents death, a 6 year old niece, an artistic aunt, a neighbor rancher, a financial advisor, not talking, anger, sadness and tears, nightmares, an inn, can't cook, to sell inn or not to sell, helping with the tourist, an amazing sculpture, everybody wanting money, amazing horse, falling in love, a loan called in, wanting to help, will they break up? Will she sell the inn? Will she talk again? Will there be a happy ever after for them? I would recommend this book to everyone. This book was so had to put down. Buy the book and read it to understand. Enjoy
This was a very good book written by Julie Benson and I really enjoyed reading it. A plane crash, parents death, a 6 year old niece, an artistic aunt, a neighbor rancher, a financial advisor, not talking, anger, sadness and tears, nightmares, an inn, can't cook, to sell inn or not to sell, helping with the tourist, an amazing sculpture, everybody wanting money, amazing horse, falling in love, a loan called in, wanting to help, will they break up? Will she sell the inn? Will she talk again? Will there be a happy ever after for them? I would recommend this book to everyone. This book was so had to put down. Buy the book and read it to understand. Enjoy
July 21, 2019
Cassie Reynolds’ sister and brother-in-law are killed in a plane crash. Cassie has been named guardian for her niece. She decides to move from her home in New York to Texas to raise the child in familiar surroundings. This brings Cassie into close contact with Ty Barnett who has been charged with managing the child’s finances. Opposites attract!
March 15, 2021
Great Story
To lose both your parents in a plane crash and surviving made Ella go mute. Thank goodness her parents made her Aunt Ella her guardian. But it's been an adjustment for them all and there best friend is taking over financial responsibility. But can the two adults work it out.
To lose both your parents in a plane crash and surviving made Ella go mute. Thank goodness her parents made her Aunt Ella her guardian. But it's been an adjustment for them all and there best friend is taking over financial responsibility. But can the two adults work it out.
June 29, 2017
Cute story
This story was sweet and had some decent humor. I just wish the editor had done a better job. This book was full of errors. I found myself having to read some sentences a few times just to figure out what it was supposed to say. Other than that, it was a decent read.
This story was sweet and had some decent humor. I just wish the editor had done a better job. This book was full of errors. I found myself having to read some sentences a few times just to figure out what it was supposed to say. Other than that, it was a decent read.
July 29, 2018
Love Those Cowboys!
This is the first of a series and I am looking forward to all of them. Julie Benson is a very good author and if To Love a Texas Cowboy is a sample, bring on more of her books!
This is the first of a series and I am looking forward to all of them. Julie Benson is a very good author and if To Love a Texas Cowboy is a sample, bring on more of her books!
December 7, 2020
Maybe I needed more coffee. The story had good 'bones' but I never was able to get engaged in either the storyline or the main characters. I liked the premise. The editing could have been better in places.
December 8, 2020
Cassie's Favorite Cowboy
When Essie's parents were killed in an airplane crash, her aunt Cassie can from New York to run their B & B and take care of Essie. Ty was responsible for her finances but could they actually work together?
When Essie's parents were killed in an airplane crash, her aunt Cassie can from New York to run their B & B and take care of Essie. Ty was responsible for her finances but could they actually work together?
June 24, 2021
Good story but poorly edited
I really loved this story but got distracted by the many grammatical mistakes throughout the book. It’d be great if it were re-released after being corrected.
I really loved this story but got distracted by the many grammatical mistakes throughout the book. It’d be great if it were re-released after being corrected.
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