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Lone Star Cowboy League #4
A Family for the Soldier
A Cowboy's Homecoming
Since his return to Little Horn, Texas, former special ops soldier Grady Stillwater has felt lost. Stillwater Ranch needs his attention—and so does his brother's abandoned baby. But the injuries Grady sustained in Afghanistan have skewered his confidence. Physical therapist Chloe Miner offers hope and guidance—and a balm for the cowboy's wounded heart. Little does he know that Chloe is hiding a life-altering secret of her own. The sweet girl he remembers from high school has a baby on the way, and she may need Grady every bit as much as he does her…
Since his return to Little Horn, Texas, former special ops soldier Grady Stillwater has felt lost. Stillwater Ranch needs his attention—and so does his brother's abandoned baby. But the injuries Grady sustained in Afghanistan have skewered his confidence. Physical therapist Chloe Miner offers hope and guidance—and a balm for the cowboy's wounded heart. Little does he know that Chloe is hiding a life-altering secret of her own. The sweet girl he remembers from high school has a baby on the way, and she may need Grady every bit as much as he does her…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 15, 2015
48 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
213 books727 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 30, 2023
I wish I could give it *NO* stars. At all. That bad.
I'm working my way thru the 'Lone Star League' series, and this is book #4. The first was 'meh', the second blew goats (reallllllly bad) the third was surprising and ended up delightful, but THIS? This should never have been penned. Not. Ever.
And it's really hit or miss with Aarsen. I've read seven or eight of her books, and they're either really good or throw-at-the-wall-and-scream horrible. I've never wanted to DNF a book soooooo badly as I did this one. I mentally threw it at every wall in my house.
First is the slog factor. It's like Aarsen was using words to fill pages with absolutely NO desire to get from point A to point B. I'm not sure if she was roped into this multi-author endeavor and didn't really want to participate or what but if I tell you Grady isn't the baby's father? You've got all you need from this, and can happy toss it in your burn barrel.
I'm not even sure I can rip keepable portions out of this in order to chuck the rest.
THAT. BAD.
The basic theme of the series is that rustlers are stealing from the local ranchers. This has been going on for FOUR BOOKS now, and nobody has so much as a clue as to who's doing it. Well, they had a suspect in book #1, but all of the other authors chose to blow Derek off and he's never mentioned again. Whatevs, I guess? But geez, it's a waste. He had a good story arc going.
In fact, in *THIS* book? Aarsen decides she doesn't really give a flying fart about the thefts. Two more are mentioned in passing, but nobody gives a crap. Nobody is even really talking about it. No action is taken. I don't blame Byron for being peeved, since he's been hit something like FOUR times, now, and nobody's doing anything. Every time we see the sheriff, she's having coffee with her girlzzzz, and gossiping about Byron and his 'bullying'. ((sigh.)))
The main subplot is that a baby was left on the Stillwater ranch front porch, with a note saying "It's your turn". Problem is, the father is one of two identical twins that share the same DNA, and one is has been in Afghanistan, while the other conveniently (and immediately) goes into a coma at the end of book #1. And no, I'm not kidding.
In book #3, Vanessa Vane (who sounds like either a hooker or a drag queen) shows up three months later, claiming to be the mother of the baby, and says that Grady is the father. Problem is, she said Grady got drunk at a party and had his way with her, but Grady doesn't drink, and never had his way with anyone. Which means the baby is his brothers.
Aarsen then tells us that Ben "has no internal injuries, no head injuries, and no hematomas". No, he's just in a plot-forced coma for no good reason. Because the body ALWAYS shuts down for absolutely no good reason in a completely healthy 30-something rancher. ((((sigh.)))))
And then - if you can believe it! - only TWO WEEKS LATER, Grady comes home from the war. WoW, that's ironic timing. Because all tours of duty end exactly at the perfect time, right? Anyhow, he got shot in the hip, but for some reason got an honorable discharge instead of a medical one... not sure what's up with dat.
Y'gotta feel sorry for Grady. He gave his mobility to 'save' us from the evils way over in Afghanistan, just to have Joe Biden hand everything he fought for back to the jihadists, plus most of our artillery, planes, and machinery. That's gotta suck, bro. He's angry at the world, angry at God (and in this series, what male isn't?! Carson was mad at God for the loss of his honey, Finn was mad at God for the loss of his memory/wife/child, Tyler was mad at God for the loss of his sister/fiancée so it stands to reason that - in this book there'd be yet another dude not keen on God so that the author can bring him 'back to the chrischun fold', amen and amen. More than that, pg 96 says Ben [coma guy] "...turned away from God". So... that's coming up in book #6.
((((more sighs.))))
Chloe is a physical therapist (because this is 'Love, Inspired', and 75% of the injured vets fall for their PTs. Go with it - it's a lack of imagination). She comes to stay at the ranch because Eva (book #2) no longer can watch Cody, because marriage is just TOOOOO consuming, r'something? I can't even. Worse, Aarsen tells us Eva 'stepped up the date' of their wedding so they could start adoption proceedings. That is NOT a reason to get married in TWO months time, hello!!!
And of course Martha Rose (cook) had to go take care of her sister with a broken leg, so Mamie can't watch the baby. Which she couldn't do in book #2 when Martha Rose *WAS* there.
Don't ask. Just. Don't.
Anyhow, Chloe is going to get Grady to do PT, only she doesn't even get him to AGREE to it until pg 122 - my gosh, what an ineffectual person! She could've at least given him the foam and told him what to do, and let him self-motivate out of sight, for the love of Pete...! But he gets NO therapy for the majority of the book. I think there were three sessions, total. Not kidding.
Aarsen is over the top with her 'evil stepsister' schtick, having Vanessa Vane dig her claws in and rip at everyone, and then up and disappear, because she may/may not be the baby's mother. OKAY, WAIT. If the baby has Stillwater DNA in the paternity test... then HOW DID SHE GET HOLD OF THE BABY, if she's not the mother? And why is nobody in this book concerned about where the actual mother is/if harm has come to her? What the heck kind of STOOPID is this?!?!
Also, this could be called "the book of 'injured' people. Martha Rose's sister broke her leg, Ben's in a coma, Grady's shot in the hip, Chloe sprains her ankle, her dad rolled an ATV and 'had an injury' that caused him to be an alcoholic (but no details, because stellar writing), Grady's dad had a bale of hay drop on him which caused his wife to leave him... WHO ISN'T INJURED?!?!
Oh, and Chloe is pregnant. But she lies by omission for most of the book, because admirable, honest, straight-forward, sweet girl, right?! ((How. About. NO.)) Even the writer says, "Isn't keeping it from him a little self-serving?" YES, why yes it is. So tell me again why she's *inspirational*?
Who is she pregnant by? The guy she met at a bar and married, who was cheating on her before they even exchanged vows. But making him a dirty, dirty cheat isn't enough for Aarsen, oh-ho, no. He ALSO doesn't want his baby. ANNNNND he expedited the divorce as a way to hurt her. ANNNNNNNND he took off with all their money, leaving her penniless. Because we have to overdo it to the nth, apparently.
Another question: where are the parents? Would someone please tell me why Carson's parents are dead, Ruby's parents are gone, Amelia's parents are dead, Finn's parents are dead, Eva's parents are gone, Ben and Grady's parents are dead, and Chloe's parents are dead? IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH TEXAS THAT NOBODY MAKES IT PAST 50? That weren't born before 1940, I mean?! GAHHHH!!
The writing is crap, too. Aarsen has Amelia meeting Finn (a man working FT with the Texas Rangers) to 'talk weddings' in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday. What is that?
She has Cody crying unconsolably 'for an hour' with Grady, just to be a cherub with Chloe - a total repeat of the Eva/Cody thing from book #2 - because no imagination. Except it was believable in book #2, back when Cody was getting over colic. Now it's just cuz the author says so.
Mamie, who has been taking Cody to church for FOUR MONTHS now, asks "if he'll be okay in the nursery". Ummmm....????? And then Chloe, the brand-new nanny assures her that he's been going there for months. Mamie ain't got Alzheimer's, so... what is that?!
Pg 79: Chloe wants to take muffins to the ranch hands, as they must miss Martha Rose's cooking." (muffins is baking, but whatever?) Mamie says, "...those boys can certainly manage without her until she gets back." Pg 81 Mamie says, "You go bring those boys some muffins. I'm sure they miss all the fussing they usually get from Martha Rose." ((!!!!!))
WHY does Chloe have to give the $10K gift to the League? Did any of the gift recipients have to give their hay/iPods/clothes/saddles/gifts to the League? WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!?!?
Then there's the whole miscommunication thing. He thinks she doesn't want him because he's 'injured'. She thinks he doesn't want her because she's got a bun in the oven. And on and ON that goes, without either of them getting over themselves.
Here's a fun one: back on pg 12, Vanessa says, "I can't get over how much Grady and Ben look alike." THEY'RE. IDENTICAL. TWINS. And you could pass it off as her being an airhead, but then Chloe says, "They do look similar." Noooo. [Insert shocked face.] And this is good writing??!?!?
But my BIGGEST peeve (and this is for ALL of the books), is the vilification of Byron McKay. He donates his time to the League, same as every other serving member. He's been ripped off FOUR times as much as anyone else. And somehow he's 'bullying' them for wanting to see something happen, other than weddings and parties? I'm sorry, I don't blame the guy.
And every one of these writers have their characters crap all over him, gossiping and saying derrogatory things about him. Where is the kindness, patience, long-suffering, loving your enemies, turning the other cheek, showing goodness... where is it?! I see a clique of harpies and jerks going after a guy who is only making good points
On pg 102 he accidentally knocks into Chloe in a crowded restaurant and steadies her arm, saying, "I'm sorry, Missy, are you okay?" and Chloe shrinks like he has the plague and she caught it for him steadying her. Pg 18 Mamie says, "He's wealthy enough and he likes to let the members know it." Actually, it's the MEMBERS who point out his wealth and act like it's a reason to hate him - Byron NEVER has thrown his money in their faces.
He sees Grady for the first time since his return and greets him, telling him he's proud of him, and how he's a credit to the community. He even pulled out the chair to show respect, and Grady acts like the man's an ass for being kind to him. No, that would make GRADY the louse, actually.
Byron voices concerns about how Stillwater's ranch has never been hit by the thieves - a point that was valid, btw - and the author tells us the *ONLY* reason it's valid is because Sheriff Lucy says the same thing. Otherwise, they'd be angry with Byron for stating the facts. It's like these people treat him like crap for 1) being honest, 2) being kind, 3) expecting people to fulfill their word, and 4) wanting to see something happen.
The book that sides with Byron and in which the characters aren't hypocritical blowhards is the one I'll give five stars to. Ten to one, it doesn't happen. And *THIS* is why people dislike christchuns.
So NO. This was not a good book.
Not in any way.
I'm working my way thru the 'Lone Star League' series, and this is book #4. The first was 'meh', the second blew goats (reallllllly bad) the third was surprising and ended up delightful, but THIS? This should never have been penned. Not. Ever.
And it's really hit or miss with Aarsen. I've read seven or eight of her books, and they're either really good or throw-at-the-wall-and-scream horrible. I've never wanted to DNF a book soooooo badly as I did this one. I mentally threw it at every wall in my house.
First is the slog factor. It's like Aarsen was using words to fill pages with absolutely NO desire to get from point A to point B. I'm not sure if she was roped into this multi-author endeavor and didn't really want to participate or what but if I tell you Grady isn't the baby's father? You've got all you need from this, and can happy toss it in your burn barrel.
I'm not even sure I can rip keepable portions out of this in order to chuck the rest.
THAT. BAD.
The basic theme of the series is that rustlers are stealing from the local ranchers. This has been going on for FOUR BOOKS now, and nobody has so much as a clue as to who's doing it. Well, they had a suspect in book #1, but all of the other authors chose to blow Derek off and he's never mentioned again. Whatevs, I guess? But geez, it's a waste. He had a good story arc going.
In fact, in *THIS* book? Aarsen decides she doesn't really give a flying fart about the thefts. Two more are mentioned in passing, but nobody gives a crap. Nobody is even really talking about it. No action is taken. I don't blame Byron for being peeved, since he's been hit something like FOUR times, now, and nobody's doing anything. Every time we see the sheriff, she's having coffee with her girlzzzz, and gossiping about Byron and his 'bullying'. ((sigh.)))
The main subplot is that a baby was left on the Stillwater ranch front porch, with a note saying "It's your turn". Problem is, the father is one of two identical twins that share the same DNA, and one is has been in Afghanistan, while the other conveniently (and immediately) goes into a coma at the end of book #1. And no, I'm not kidding.
In book #3, Vanessa Vane (who sounds like either a hooker or a drag queen) shows up three months later, claiming to be the mother of the baby, and says that Grady is the father. Problem is, she said Grady got drunk at a party and had his way with her, but Grady doesn't drink, and never had his way with anyone. Which means the baby is his brothers.
Aarsen then tells us that Ben "has no internal injuries, no head injuries, and no hematomas". No, he's just in a plot-forced coma for no good reason. Because the body ALWAYS shuts down for absolutely no good reason in a completely healthy 30-something rancher. ((((sigh.)))))
And then - if you can believe it! - only TWO WEEKS LATER, Grady comes home from the war. WoW, that's ironic timing. Because all tours of duty end exactly at the perfect time, right? Anyhow, he got shot in the hip, but for some reason got an honorable discharge instead of a medical one... not sure what's up with dat.
Y'gotta feel sorry for Grady. He gave his mobility to 'save' us from the evils way over in Afghanistan, just to have Joe Biden hand everything he fought for back to the jihadists, plus most of our artillery, planes, and machinery. That's gotta suck, bro. He's angry at the world, angry at God (and in this series, what male isn't?! Carson was mad at God for the loss of his honey, Finn was mad at God for the loss of his memory/wife/child, Tyler was mad at God for the loss of his sister/fiancée so it stands to reason that - in this book there'd be yet another dude not keen on God so that the author can bring him 'back to the chrischun fold', amen and amen. More than that, pg 96 says Ben [coma guy] "...turned away from God". So... that's coming up in book #6.
((((more sighs.))))
Chloe is a physical therapist (because this is 'Love, Inspired', and 75% of the injured vets fall for their PTs. Go with it - it's a lack of imagination). She comes to stay at the ranch because Eva (book #2) no longer can watch Cody, because marriage is just TOOOOO consuming, r'something? I can't even. Worse, Aarsen tells us Eva 'stepped up the date' of their wedding so they could start adoption proceedings. That is NOT a reason to get married in TWO months time, hello!!!
And of course Martha Rose (cook) had to go take care of her sister with a broken leg, so Mamie can't watch the baby. Which she couldn't do in book #2 when Martha Rose *WAS* there.
Don't ask. Just. Don't.
Anyhow, Chloe is going to get Grady to do PT, only she doesn't even get him to AGREE to it until pg 122 - my gosh, what an ineffectual person! She could've at least given him the foam and told him what to do, and let him self-motivate out of sight, for the love of Pete...! But he gets NO therapy for the majority of the book. I think there were three sessions, total. Not kidding.
Aarsen is over the top with her 'evil stepsister' schtick, having Vanessa Vane dig her claws in and rip at everyone, and then up and disappear, because she may/may not be the baby's mother. OKAY, WAIT. If the baby has Stillwater DNA in the paternity test... then HOW DID SHE GET HOLD OF THE BABY, if she's not the mother? And why is nobody in this book concerned about where the actual mother is/if harm has come to her? What the heck kind of STOOPID is this?!?!
Also, this could be called "the book of 'injured' people. Martha Rose's sister broke her leg, Ben's in a coma, Grady's shot in the hip, Chloe sprains her ankle, her dad rolled an ATV and 'had an injury' that caused him to be an alcoholic (but no details, because stellar writing), Grady's dad had a bale of hay drop on him which caused his wife to leave him... WHO ISN'T INJURED?!?!
Oh, and Chloe is pregnant. But she lies by omission for most of the book, because admirable, honest, straight-forward, sweet girl, right?! ((How. About. NO.)) Even the writer says, "Isn't keeping it from him a little self-serving?" YES, why yes it is. So tell me again why she's *inspirational*?
Who is she pregnant by? The guy she met at a bar and married, who was cheating on her before they even exchanged vows. But making him a dirty, dirty cheat isn't enough for Aarsen, oh-ho, no. He ALSO doesn't want his baby. ANNNNND he expedited the divorce as a way to hurt her. ANNNNNNNND he took off with all their money, leaving her penniless. Because we have to overdo it to the nth, apparently.
Another question: where are the parents? Would someone please tell me why Carson's parents are dead, Ruby's parents are gone, Amelia's parents are dead, Finn's parents are dead, Eva's parents are gone, Ben and Grady's parents are dead, and Chloe's parents are dead? IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH TEXAS THAT NOBODY MAKES IT PAST 50? That weren't born before 1940, I mean?! GAHHHH!!
The writing is crap, too. Aarsen has Amelia meeting Finn (a man working FT with the Texas Rangers) to 'talk weddings' in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday. What is that?
She has Cody crying unconsolably 'for an hour' with Grady, just to be a cherub with Chloe - a total repeat of the Eva/Cody thing from book #2 - because no imagination. Except it was believable in book #2, back when Cody was getting over colic. Now it's just cuz the author says so.
Mamie, who has been taking Cody to church for FOUR MONTHS now, asks "if he'll be okay in the nursery". Ummmm....????? And then Chloe, the brand-new nanny assures her that he's been going there for months. Mamie ain't got Alzheimer's, so... what is that?!
Pg 79: Chloe wants to take muffins to the ranch hands, as they must miss Martha Rose's cooking." (muffins is baking, but whatever?) Mamie says, "...those boys can certainly manage without her until she gets back." Pg 81 Mamie says, "You go bring those boys some muffins. I'm sure they miss all the fussing they usually get from Martha Rose." ((!!!!!))
WHY does Chloe have to give the $10K gift to the League? Did any of the gift recipients have to give their hay/iPods/clothes/saddles/gifts to the League? WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!?!?
Then there's the whole miscommunication thing. He thinks she doesn't want him because he's 'injured'. She thinks he doesn't want her because she's got a bun in the oven. And on and ON that goes, without either of them getting over themselves.
Here's a fun one: back on pg 12, Vanessa says, "I can't get over how much Grady and Ben look alike." THEY'RE. IDENTICAL. TWINS. And you could pass it off as her being an airhead, but then Chloe says, "They do look similar." Noooo. [Insert shocked face.] And this is good writing??!?!?
But my BIGGEST peeve (and this is for ALL of the books), is the vilification of Byron McKay. He donates his time to the League, same as every other serving member. He's been ripped off FOUR times as much as anyone else. And somehow he's 'bullying' them for wanting to see something happen, other than weddings and parties? I'm sorry, I don't blame the guy.
And every one of these writers have their characters crap all over him, gossiping and saying derrogatory things about him. Where is the kindness, patience, long-suffering, loving your enemies, turning the other cheek, showing goodness... where is it?! I see a clique of harpies and jerks going after a guy who is only making good points
On pg 102 he accidentally knocks into Chloe in a crowded restaurant and steadies her arm, saying, "I'm sorry, Missy, are you okay?" and Chloe shrinks like he has the plague and she caught it for him steadying her. Pg 18 Mamie says, "He's wealthy enough and he likes to let the members know it." Actually, it's the MEMBERS who point out his wealth and act like it's a reason to hate him - Byron NEVER has thrown his money in their faces.
He sees Grady for the first time since his return and greets him, telling him he's proud of him, and how he's a credit to the community. He even pulled out the chair to show respect, and Grady acts like the man's an ass for being kind to him. No, that would make GRADY the louse, actually.
Byron voices concerns about how Stillwater's ranch has never been hit by the thieves - a point that was valid, btw - and the author tells us the *ONLY* reason it's valid is because Sheriff Lucy says the same thing. Otherwise, they'd be angry with Byron for stating the facts. It's like these people treat him like crap for 1) being honest, 2) being kind, 3) expecting people to fulfill their word, and 4) wanting to see something happen.
The book that sides with Byron and in which the characters aren't hypocritical blowhards is the one I'll give five stars to. Ten to one, it doesn't happen. And *THIS* is why people dislike christchuns.
So NO. This was not a good book.
Not in any way.
January 2, 2020
It was excellent and I wish there was a sequel to this family’s story!
Read
April 17, 2016Another great book in this multi-author series! This book focuses a lot more on Ben's progress and the story between him and his brother. There's still lost of questions left unanswered...
Sweet story! Sweet romance! I loved watching Grady and Chloe get together...Chloe's secret and past were also pretty heavy elements in the story.
I'm curious about Vanessa though...It just seems like that was kind of abrupt.
Sweet story! Sweet romance! I loved watching Grady and Chloe get together...Chloe's secret and past were also pretty heavy elements in the story.
I'm curious about Vanessa though...It just seems like that was kind of abrupt.
December 13, 2019
This was my least favorite book in the series so far and that's because of the miscommunication I feel like the issues in this hook could have been solved had the characters taken the time to talk instead of assuming something after overhearing a part of a conversation it's a common theme in NA romance but in adult I wasn't expecting it and had less patience for it.
May 18, 2024
a great story
The characters are great. The story line very well written and fun to read I’m glad to be able to hear how Ben is doing and hope to hear more of his story. This has been a great series. On to the next episode
The characters are great. The story line very well written and fun to read I’m glad to be able to hear how Ben is doing and hope to hear more of his story. This has been a great series. On to the next episode
August 16, 2017
I thought it was great! I wish the sequel would have gone right on !!
I thought it was great and I would like to go on with the sequel!!! I didn't want to put it down.
I thought it was great and I would like to go on with the sequel!!! I didn't want to put it down.
July 24, 2020
A sweet story with a great ending!
February 9, 2021
A well written story that dealt with family, faith and reuniting trust...
October 4, 2021
sweet story to make you forget your troubles would happily read again
August 14, 2022
fantastic book
May 19, 2017
I totally loved Grady Stillwater and his morals! Questions of parenthood, but he knew the truth. And Chloe was a trooper! Another fine story in the Love Inspired line of this continuity.
December 31, 2015
A Family For The Soldier by Carolyne Aarsen. Book number 4 in the Lone Star Cowboy League. Soldier Grady Stillwater returns home injured. His twin brother Ben is in the hospital in a coma. In this book there is slight movement in Ben. Therapist Chloe Miner was just let go of her job at the hospital because of cutbacks. Grady’s grandmother hires Chloe to take care of the baby that was dumped on there doorsteps. Also to do physical therapy with Grady. A women showed up saying she was the mother but come to find out she wasn’t really the mother. They still don’t know who the mother is. Chloe takes care of the baby and give Grady physical therapy. Chloe hadn't told anyone she was pregnant with her ex-husbands child. Chloe doesn't think Grady will love her is he knew about the baby. A nice romance story
April 29, 2016
Carolyn Aarsen has written another winner wit this sweet cowboy romance! You will feel compassion for both physical therapist, Chloe Miner and Grady Stillwater, a wounded Afghanistan veteran. Both of the main characters seem real! Sometimes we need to be honest rather than assuming we know what someone else is feeling!
I won this book in a Soul Inspirations giveaway.
I won this book in a Soul Inspirations giveaway.
February 24, 2023
A very sweet story! I really enjoyed the slow build of Grady and Chloe’s relationship. There were some heavy moments in the book (i.e. Chloe’s past and secret), but it all tied together for a satisfying ending. Would recommend.
Read
January 2, 2016Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League
September 21, 2016
What a great story of two wounded people in need of healing. This is one of the best I've read from this author! I fully enjoyed this book.
February 19, 2016
good book and series
January 1, 2017
Very good
Read
January 2, 2016Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League
Read
October 31, 2016A decent romance without all the sex scenes. Enjoyed it completely. Very good read
June 9, 2018
great story of a wonderful soldier and his physical therapist. I couldn't put it down. this whole series has been great. can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews