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Big Sky Cowboys #2
Outlaw Cowboy
BIG SKY TROUBLE
Ever since his father's accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he'd mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He's a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life...or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.
Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.
Delia's been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there's nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn't need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts...
Ever since his father's accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he'd mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He's a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life...or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.
Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.
Delia's been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there's nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn't need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts...
314 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
43 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Helm
308 books498 followersNicole Helm is the national bestselling author of fast-paced romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue and down-to-earth contemporary romance. Her Intrigues routinely land on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list, and she’s received starred PW reviews for her contemporary romances. She’s written over 75 books, known for their emotional depth and happily ever afters.
Nicole also writes with Megan Crane/Caitlin Crews as Hazel Beck writing the Witchlore series, which began with SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC in 2022.
In her spare time, Nicole loves losing herself in genealogy research, watching Cardinals baseball, and hiking with her family. She lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons.
You can contact her via email: Nicole@nicolehelm.com
You can sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/V973n
Nicole also writes with Megan Crane/Caitlin Crews as Hazel Beck writing the Witchlore series, which began with SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC in 2022.
In her spare time, Nicole loves losing herself in genealogy research, watching Cardinals baseball, and hiking with her family. She lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons.
You can contact her via email: Nicole@nicolehelm.com
You can sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/V973n
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 18, 2016
Rosalie's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Caleb Shaw is a rancher that has had some rough times. From finding out, in his adult life, that he has a sister he never knew about, helping his paralyzed father, and battling alcoholism, he has had a rough go at life to say the least. Deciding that he was going to live life in a better light, with his new found sister living in the Shaw residence with him, hasn't been easy...and becomes even harder when he finds the unwanted visitor in his grandfather's cabin...the one and only Delia Rogers.
Delia and Caleb have always had an attraction to each other, but they have never, since childhood, really acted on it. Caleb saved her life from her abusive father, but was it really a blessing or a curse to Delia? Running from an abusive man and trying to escape being convicted of something she never did has ended Delia back at Caleb. Through the ride of this read, these two find that they are oh so compatible and Caleb is the angel cowboy that Delia has always needed.
This read was not your typical giddyup Cowboy read I was used to. Not a lot of rodeos and ranching happening here, but two children from EXTREMELY dysfunctional families that grew up and had to live life, basically alone. Watching Caleb be the man I knew he was from the beginning, made me cry, more than once. This read is a feel good (but OHHHHHH SOOOOO HOTTTTT!!) that will definitely be on your reread list!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Caleb Shaw is a rancher that has had some rough times. From finding out, in his adult life, that he has a sister he never knew about, helping his paralyzed father, and battling alcoholism, he has had a rough go at life to say the least. Deciding that he was going to live life in a better light, with his new found sister living in the Shaw residence with him, hasn't been easy...and becomes even harder when he finds the unwanted visitor in his grandfather's cabin...the one and only Delia Rogers.
Delia and Caleb have always had an attraction to each other, but they have never, since childhood, really acted on it. Caleb saved her life from her abusive father, but was it really a blessing or a curse to Delia? Running from an abusive man and trying to escape being convicted of something she never did has ended Delia back at Caleb. Through the ride of this read, these two find that they are oh so compatible and Caleb is the angel cowboy that Delia has always needed.
This read was not your typical giddyup Cowboy read I was used to. Not a lot of rodeos and ranching happening here, but two children from EXTREMELY dysfunctional families that grew up and had to live life, basically alone. Watching Caleb be the man I knew he was from the beginning, made me cry, more than once. This read is a feel good (but OHHHHHH SOOOOO HOTTTTT!!) that will definitely be on your reread list!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 21, 2016
3.5 stars
Outlaw Cowboy was an emotional, heartfelt and entertaining read.
The storyline held my interest from the first page until the end, the characters were both stubborn, frustrating, likable and I wanted nothing but the best for them.
My heart went out to both Caleb and Delia, both are dealing with pain from their past and trying to find peace and happiness, something they don't think they deserve.
Caleb and Delia were perfect for each other, I had no doubt these two would have a long and happy life together.
I'm really enjoying the Big Sky Cowboys series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Outlaw Cowboy was an emotional, heartfelt and entertaining read.
The storyline held my interest from the first page until the end, the characters were both stubborn, frustrating, likable and I wanted nothing but the best for them.
My heart went out to both Caleb and Delia, both are dealing with pain from their past and trying to find peace and happiness, something they don't think they deserve.
Caleb and Delia were perfect for each other, I had no doubt these two would have a long and happy life together.
I'm really enjoying the Big Sky Cowboys series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the advance copy.
December 2, 2017
3.5 stars
April 17, 2016
3.5 stars. The title is a little misleading. Caleb isn't an outlaw in any sense of the word. Really he's trying to be a better person and save his failing ranch. Delia was the girl who he always looked after in subtle ways and she's in big trouble. Helping her conflicts with what he's trying to achieve but he can't help but give in. The story took me a bit to get into. Delia has suffered a lot at the hand of her father and her single most purpose has been to get her sisters out from under his thumb. She has said and done whatever she's needed to achieve that and some parts are harder to accept than others. She's very rough around the edges, with an almost stubborn drive. Eventually, you see a side of her you can't help but admire. Caleb was at war mostly with himself but soon enough he sees reason. Like I said, this wasn't love at first chapter for me but it grew to be a neat tale. Safety: No OW/OM/sharing. They use condoms. No rape. There is physical abuse : Father to daughters.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2017
This just did not work for me at all--it felt very melodramatic in a way I don't associate with Nicole Helm. I did a lot of skimming just to make it through, and that made me sad. At least the other two in this series worked better for me.
July 26, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads. This in no way affects my review or rating.
Now, I’m not a big reader of contemporary romance. Especially adult contemporary romance. However, I ended up really enjoying Outlaw Cowboy.
Caleb and Delia are both a little rough around the edges. She comes from an abusive home and has spent the last ten years finding ways to get her four younger sisters the hell away from their abusive father. Meanwhile Caleb is haunted by something his mother said, just before she walked out on the family forever. Both spent their teens getting into trouble, and both are trying to find their way as adults.
Caleb wants his family ranch. His older sister, Mel, is married now and no longer a Shaw, so he wants Shaw in his name, to be his legacy. In order to prove to Mel that he can handle running Shaw and bring the finances out of the red, he agrees to a land rental deal with the contingency that he must NOT have any dealings with any unsavory characters. And that’s exactly what Delia is.
Delia meanwhile is running from the law, and trying to find a way to get her youngest sister away from their father. After taking shelter in Caleb’s old cabin on his property, things get hot.
Now, the first almost half of this book is each of these characters internal monologues repeating over and over again what they need to do: “I need to get my sister out” or “I need to prove to Mel that I can run Shaw” etc. Had this not been a buddy read with Katie @ Just Another Girl and Her Blog, I probably would have quit. I’m glad I didn’t though, because about halfway through, things pick up. The story starts to move. It almost feels like the author needed to add to her word count, so she just repeated the same internal dialogue over and over again for the first half. But after that first half, it’s so worth it!
I actually really did like both of the characters. They were tough on the outside, but gooey on the inside, though they didn’t even realize it at first. I loved the history they had together, there were sweet moments and not so savory ones as well. In the end, they just fit. All of the problems were resolved in realistic ways. Toward the end I thought there was no way the author could wrap this up, but… she did. And well.
I’m not sure I’d go back and read the first book, about Caleb’s older sister Mel, but I’d certainly read one about younger sister Summer, she was a breath of fresh air amidst all the angst in this book!
This book also contains the longest sex scene I've ever read. It wasn’t super smutty, but I think it was hot enough to make romance fans happy. It was also very humorous. Yep, sexy and humorous. That’s a win!
I think fans of contemporary romance will eat this one up.
Quotes:
“You can’t go in there alone.”
“Why not? I’m a man with a gun.”
“You’re the one who said she could be dangerous!”
“I repeat, I am a man with a gun.”
(Re: a banging noise coming from outside)
A shadow lingered, but without any kind of light he couldn’t make it what it was.
Tree? Raccoon? Bloodthirsty thief?
He rolled his eyes at himself. Because bloodthirsty thieves were known for knocking on doors.
“But if you had something that was yours, that made you who you are, that gave you a reason to get up in the morning, wouldn’t you do everything to keep it? Wouldn’t you fight to keep the thing that made you feel like you weren’t a complete waste of space?”
“I know you don’t think of yourself as much of a knight in shining armor, and you’re kind of a dips hit, but you did save my life…”
But last night Caleb had fussed over her and put her in one of his T-shirts, and had not copped one feel.
Asshole.
…Time and time again, life had given her Caleb in her darkest moments.
Now she was going to make sure he was there in the lightest ones too.
Now, I’m not a big reader of contemporary romance. Especially adult contemporary romance. However, I ended up really enjoying Outlaw Cowboy.
Caleb and Delia are both a little rough around the edges. She comes from an abusive home and has spent the last ten years finding ways to get her four younger sisters the hell away from their abusive father. Meanwhile Caleb is haunted by something his mother said, just before she walked out on the family forever. Both spent their teens getting into trouble, and both are trying to find their way as adults.
Caleb wants his family ranch. His older sister, Mel, is married now and no longer a Shaw, so he wants Shaw in his name, to be his legacy. In order to prove to Mel that he can handle running Shaw and bring the finances out of the red, he agrees to a land rental deal with the contingency that he must NOT have any dealings with any unsavory characters. And that’s exactly what Delia is.
Delia meanwhile is running from the law, and trying to find a way to get her youngest sister away from their father. After taking shelter in Caleb’s old cabin on his property, things get hot.
Now, the first almost half of this book is each of these characters internal monologues repeating over and over again what they need to do: “I need to get my sister out” or “I need to prove to Mel that I can run Shaw” etc. Had this not been a buddy read with Katie @ Just Another Girl and Her Blog, I probably would have quit. I’m glad I didn’t though, because about halfway through, things pick up. The story starts to move. It almost feels like the author needed to add to her word count, so she just repeated the same internal dialogue over and over again for the first half. But after that first half, it’s so worth it!
I actually really did like both of the characters. They were tough on the outside, but gooey on the inside, though they didn’t even realize it at first. I loved the history they had together, there were sweet moments and not so savory ones as well. In the end, they just fit. All of the problems were resolved in realistic ways. Toward the end I thought there was no way the author could wrap this up, but… she did. And well.
I’m not sure I’d go back and read the first book, about Caleb’s older sister Mel, but I’d certainly read one about younger sister Summer, she was a breath of fresh air amidst all the angst in this book!
This book also contains the longest sex scene I've ever read. It wasn’t super smutty, but I think it was hot enough to make romance fans happy. It was also very humorous. Yep, sexy and humorous. That’s a win!
I think fans of contemporary romance will eat this one up.
Quotes:
“You can’t go in there alone.”
“Why not? I’m a man with a gun.”
“You’re the one who said she could be dangerous!”
“I repeat, I am a man with a gun.”
(Re: a banging noise coming from outside)
A shadow lingered, but without any kind of light he couldn’t make it what it was.
Tree? Raccoon? Bloodthirsty thief?
He rolled his eyes at himself. Because bloodthirsty thieves were known for knocking on doors.
“But if you had something that was yours, that made you who you are, that gave you a reason to get up in the morning, wouldn’t you do everything to keep it? Wouldn’t you fight to keep the thing that made you feel like you weren’t a complete waste of space?”
“I know you don’t think of yourself as much of a knight in shining armor, and you’re kind of a dips hit, but you did save my life…”
But last night Caleb had fussed over her and put her in one of his T-shirts, and had not copped one feel.
Asshole.
…Time and time again, life had given her Caleb in her darkest moments.
Now she was going to make sure he was there in the lightest ones too.
February 12, 2016
Delia is one of those women who like to poke the bear, and Caleb makes a fine bear, “you look just fine the way you are,” she said, a sultry note to her voice. “Or are you worried about… shrinkage?” Ha! Like anything on him was shrinking right now. He looked around for something to cover himself" Delia isn't a patient woman especially when it comes to sex, so pushing Caleb's buttons seems to make him work faster, “I can give you compliments about your size later. Why don’t you put yourself to work?” I mean seriously the girl gets impatient and frustrated, “stop being so… noble about it!” She pushed him, but just enough so she could get her hands to the snap of her jeans. “Just eff me, okay?” She started pushing the pants over her hips, mumbling about him being an idiot . “All I want is an orgasm. The rest you can shut up about.” I enjoyed this book Delia was a spitfire which made her perfect for Caleb.
May 5, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TukN7i
Ahhh cowboys! Love me some cowboys. Some sexy times. Some drama. A second chance sort of romance and watching two damaged people grow and heal? Yeah. Nicole Helm had my attention from page one of Outlaw Cowboy and threw me all through a wringer...and it was quite the ride!
The quick of it is that Delia has come back to town to save her baby sister from a bad situation and needing to hide out she pretty much squats on Caleb's land in an old cabin. That is until Caleb discovers her. And then all sorts of growly sexy goodness begins. He may be attracted to Delia but dammit! Caleb does not need the trouble that always follows Delia around. Not when he's trying to turn his life--and ranch--around. A battle of wills...they're gonna have. And it's gonna be messy.
Alright so Delia and Caleb. Whew boy, yall. These are two characters that make you work for it. Delia was a handful. She's pretty much feral and would be so very easy to dislike. She reminded me of an abused animal that lashes out in fear and is just unpredictable and wild. But damn if I didn't feel for her and the horrors she's been through that turned her into that. And Caleb. The guy is trying so hard to survive. He hit rock bottom a while back and everything in his life right now is about staying clean (he's an alcoholic) and trying to save the family ranch that's in dire straights. I liked him. I really did. And his battles for being good enough and proving himself tugged at my heart.
There was a lot of push and pull between these two. Holy hell. These two are so fucked up! Love, romance, peace, life in general are battles for these two. Nothing comes easy and they really had to fight for everything.
Their drama. I'll give it to them. Their drama is brutal. Seriously brutal. She went through years of extreme abuse as a child and everything she's done since then has been trying to save her sisters who are still stuck in that hell. She's barely scraping by--like malnourished, has nothing, etc--and like I mentioned she's feral in both her reactions and her need to save her family. And Caleb's family has been in it's own hell--abandoned by their mother then dealing with an angry injured father, their home ranch being near bankrupt and trying to claw their way back and being vulnerable to others. You could feel both of their desperation and how very thin their hold on everything was.
In the end I enjoyed Outlaw Cowboy. The characters weren't easy and their lives far from perfect but they tugged at my heart and won me over. It was quite the journey and full of bumps and bruises and frustrations (on their part and mine). Worth it though. I wasn't sure they'd be able to pull it all off but they had me rooting for them and so very happy seeing them grow and heal and find the peace and love they so very much deserved.
And just so you don't think it was totally depressing and heavy. There were some very sexy moments and oh gah some hilarious ones too. This had me rolling!
Bang.
He pushed out of bed. The room was cold and his feet were freezing, but he needed to find the source of that noise first. Before it woke up Dad. Unless it was Dad.
His pace quickened, another bang sounded as he stepped out into the hall. He was almost certain it came from the door to the rickety old second-story porch. No one had been out there in ages.
He inched his way toward it. Probably an animal or the wind, but...
Bang bang.
It sounded awfully human. Standing to the side of the door, he tried to peer out of the gap between the window on the door and the curtain. A shadow lingered, but without any kind of light he couldn't make out what it was. Tree? Raccoon? Bloodthirsty thief?
He rolled his eyes at himself. Because bloodthirsty thieves were known for banging on doors. It couldn't be a person. It was a second-story porch. He unbolted the door and pushed it open.
"It's about time."
The sound that came out of him was decidedly unmanly, and it was only thanks to his grip on the door that he didn't sink to his knees.
"The fuck, Delia?"
"Let me in. I'm f-freezing."
January 22, 2020
Read these awhile ago. Comments and review to follow.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
Find me on Goodreads
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
Find me on Goodreads
May 9, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Wicked Reads.
This was a relatively quick and easy read for me. I will say that I did not read the first book, so I did miss a little bit starting from the second. I didn't get the entire back story behind Caleb's sister, Summer, or know what had happened with his dad.
I wouldn't consider Caleb an outlaw. He's more of a bad boy trying to keep straight and narrow. He's in a tight spot and trying to make things run smoothly when his old friend Delia pops quietly, but not so smoothly back into his life.
Delia is in trouble. She knows she can get Caleb to help her, but she isn't sure she call pull everything that she's trying to do off and she doesn't want to get Caleb hurt in the process.
Neither is prepared for the flare of attraction between them, and it hits like a tornado, threatening to tear everything apart. Can they survive it?
Overall, this was nice read. It was more overcoming struggle than romance, but the romance was harsh, hot, and heavy giving the reader plenty of frustrated satisfaction. I would recommend this to romance fans and suggest reading the first book before the second.
This was a relatively quick and easy read for me. I will say that I did not read the first book, so I did miss a little bit starting from the second. I didn't get the entire back story behind Caleb's sister, Summer, or know what had happened with his dad.
I wouldn't consider Caleb an outlaw. He's more of a bad boy trying to keep straight and narrow. He's in a tight spot and trying to make things run smoothly when his old friend Delia pops quietly, but not so smoothly back into his life.
Delia is in trouble. She knows she can get Caleb to help her, but she isn't sure she call pull everything that she's trying to do off and she doesn't want to get Caleb hurt in the process.
Neither is prepared for the flare of attraction between them, and it hits like a tornado, threatening to tear everything apart. Can they survive it?
Overall, this was nice read. It was more overcoming struggle than romance, but the romance was harsh, hot, and heavy giving the reader plenty of frustrated satisfaction. I would recommend this to romance fans and suggest reading the first book before the second.
May 3, 2016
I liked this - more like 3.5 stars. I loved Caleb and Delia to start but their romance didn't grab me as the book went on. Review to come
April 15, 2018
Great story
Caleb grew up thinking he was a bad seed when he turns out to be a good man. Delia and her sisters story broke my heart. So glad they were able to get out of their parents house and hopefully have a happy life. Looking forward to reading Sumner's story
Caleb grew up thinking he was a bad seed when he turns out to be a good man. Delia and her sisters story broke my heart. So glad they were able to get out of their parents house and hopefully have a happy life. Looking forward to reading Sumner's story
June 30, 2019
Fantastic
Fantastic read with great writing and wonderful characters in Caleb and Delia. Both have troubled pasts but if they stick together the future could be bright. Recommended read.
Fantastic read with great writing and wonderful characters in Caleb and Delia. Both have troubled pasts but if they stick together the future could be bright. Recommended read.
September 28, 2023
Nancy
This is a very good book. The characters had depth and strength. The storyline was a tough one, but it had a great outcome. The romance was awesome. I loved learning about the characters again in this ongoing series. Thanks
This is a very good book. The characters had depth and strength. The storyline was a tough one, but it had a great outcome. The romance was awesome. I loved learning about the characters again in this ongoing series. Thanks
November 4, 2017
This one was rough. They both have a tragic past and are working to get through it. Caleb and Delia's story was dramatic and a little extreme but still enjoyable!
January 27, 2017
3.5 stars
May 9, 2016
Outlaw Cowboy is the second installment in Nicole Helm’s angst-ridden Big Sky Cowboys series. This latest offering pairs reforming bad boy Caleb Shaw with the equally troubled Delia Rogers and their resulting romance is sweet yet full of drama.
Caleb is determined to prove to his sister Mel and the townspeople that he has left his drinking and irresponsible behavior behind him. Trying his best to save the family ranch without help from his wealthy brother-in-law, he has agreed to their neighbor’s ridiculous terms to lease some of their pastureland but if anyone discovers Delia on the ranch, the deal is off. Although he has a lot to lose, Caleb cannot bring himself to make her leave and their contentious relationship eventually turns romantic. With both his heart and the ranch on the line, will Caleb forgive Delia once he discovers the secret she has been keeping from him?
The Shaw family has more than its share of secrets and scars and Caleb is carrying around a world of hurt. Believing the accusation his mother hurled at him before abandoning the family, he has certainly tried to live up (or down in his case) to her expectations. Now sober and dedicated to saving his legacy, Caleb is carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders and like his sisters, Mel and Summer, he refuses to reveal why he is so deeply troubled. While he knows he is taking a huge risk letting Delia remain on the ranch, Caleb shares a long history with her that makes it impossible for him to stop trying to protect her.
Delia is not exactly the most likable person when she is first introduced. She comes from a dysfunctional home and she has spent the last several years rescuing her younger sisters from their abusive father. She will use anyone and do anything to help bring her plans to fruition and poor Caleb does not stand a chance against her. She blackmails him into helping her and even after their relationship deepens, she holds back vital information in order to remain on the ranch. While her reasons for going to such lengths are understandable, it is difficult watching her continue to manipulate Caleb.
Although their relationship is somewhat unconventional, there is never any doubt that Delia and Caleb share a simmering attraction for one another. There is also genuine respect and affection between them and their complicated history provides a firm foundation for their transition from friends to lovers. Despite their unhealthy behavior, Caleb and Delia really are good for one another. With Delia, Caleb’s more tender side comes out as he pushes aside his needs in order to help her. Delia’s rougher edge begin to soften as she becomes more invested in helping Caleb work through his family issues. They are combustible once they begin to trust each other and their sex scenes are sizzling hot and intensely intimate as their emotional barriers begin to lower.
In addition to Caleb and Delia’s romance, the Shaw family begins to make progress on fixing their fractured relationships. Delia’s effect on their father is positive although Caleb and Summer are hurt by their easy rapport with one another. Caleb stops walking on eggshells around his father as he finally allows himself to point out a few home truths about how deeply his behavior is hurting him and his sisters. The changes in their father’s attitude are small but hopefully this is just the first step in repairing the rift between him and his children.
Outlaw Cowboy is an emotional addition to Nicole Helm’s Big Sky Cowboys series. The characters are multi-layered, flawed and deeply wounded by their pasts. The storyline is engaging and well-written although a little overly dramatic on occasion. The romance between Caleb and Delia is believable and somehow manages to thrive despite the complications they both bring to the relationship. The tantalizing glimpses of Summer will leave readers impatiently awaiting the release of True-Blue Cowboy Christmas.
Caleb is determined to prove to his sister Mel and the townspeople that he has left his drinking and irresponsible behavior behind him. Trying his best to save the family ranch without help from his wealthy brother-in-law, he has agreed to their neighbor’s ridiculous terms to lease some of their pastureland but if anyone discovers Delia on the ranch, the deal is off. Although he has a lot to lose, Caleb cannot bring himself to make her leave and their contentious relationship eventually turns romantic. With both his heart and the ranch on the line, will Caleb forgive Delia once he discovers the secret she has been keeping from him?
The Shaw family has more than its share of secrets and scars and Caleb is carrying around a world of hurt. Believing the accusation his mother hurled at him before abandoning the family, he has certainly tried to live up (or down in his case) to her expectations. Now sober and dedicated to saving his legacy, Caleb is carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders and like his sisters, Mel and Summer, he refuses to reveal why he is so deeply troubled. While he knows he is taking a huge risk letting Delia remain on the ranch, Caleb shares a long history with her that makes it impossible for him to stop trying to protect her.
Delia is not exactly the most likable person when she is first introduced. She comes from a dysfunctional home and she has spent the last several years rescuing her younger sisters from their abusive father. She will use anyone and do anything to help bring her plans to fruition and poor Caleb does not stand a chance against her. She blackmails him into helping her and even after their relationship deepens, she holds back vital information in order to remain on the ranch. While her reasons for going to such lengths are understandable, it is difficult watching her continue to manipulate Caleb.
Although their relationship is somewhat unconventional, there is never any doubt that Delia and Caleb share a simmering attraction for one another. There is also genuine respect and affection between them and their complicated history provides a firm foundation for their transition from friends to lovers. Despite their unhealthy behavior, Caleb and Delia really are good for one another. With Delia, Caleb’s more tender side comes out as he pushes aside his needs in order to help her. Delia’s rougher edge begin to soften as she becomes more invested in helping Caleb work through his family issues. They are combustible once they begin to trust each other and their sex scenes are sizzling hot and intensely intimate as their emotional barriers begin to lower.
In addition to Caleb and Delia’s romance, the Shaw family begins to make progress on fixing their fractured relationships. Delia’s effect on their father is positive although Caleb and Summer are hurt by their easy rapport with one another. Caleb stops walking on eggshells around his father as he finally allows himself to point out a few home truths about how deeply his behavior is hurting him and his sisters. The changes in their father’s attitude are small but hopefully this is just the first step in repairing the rift between him and his children.
Outlaw Cowboy is an emotional addition to Nicole Helm’s Big Sky Cowboys series. The characters are multi-layered, flawed and deeply wounded by their pasts. The storyline is engaging and well-written although a little overly dramatic on occasion. The romance between Caleb and Delia is believable and somehow manages to thrive despite the complications they both bring to the relationship. The tantalizing glimpses of Summer will leave readers impatiently awaiting the release of True-Blue Cowboy Christmas.
May 8, 2016
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 4 stars.
This is the first novel I've read by this author, but it's the second book in her Big Sky Cowboys series, and I believe the title is misleading. The hero, Caleb Shaw, isn't an outlaw--he's a troubled, self-doubting, self-destructive rancher trying to keep hold of the family ranch all by himself, stay sober, and fight what he believes to be his innate badness. His mother left the ranch and her family when Caleb was 5 years old, blaming him for her departure and leaving Caleb and his sister, Mel, as well as her husband, who was devastated by her loss. She was pregnant when she left, and apparently, in the previous novel, readers learned that the child she bore, Summer, returned to the ranch, and that her now wheelchair-bound father has refused to so much as speak to her in the year since she arrived, and his communication with Caleb and his sister is almost nonexistent as well.
The Shaw family isn't the only dysfunctional one in Blue Valley, Montana. The Rogers family also lives there, and when Summer, who lives in a caravan on the Shaw property, reports sighting a possible intruder at the abandoned cabin on the property, Caleb goes to investigate and finds Delia Rogers, someone he knew back in elementary school, holed up there. He's not happy to see her because she brings back the memory of the night he nearly killed her abusive father, who had a loaded gun to her head. Delia's been missing for some time, but for the past decade, she's been rescuing her four other sisters from their violent father, and with only her 16-year-old sister, Steph, still living there, she's determined to rescue her, no matter what. What Caleb doesn't know is that she's running from the law--there's a warrant out for her arrest because her previous boyfriend turned out to be a drug dealer.
Caleb, with his spotted history of errors in judgement, trouble-making, alcohol-fueled fights and other petty crimes has just struck a deal to lease some of the Shaw land to another rancher, one who knows his history and who insists that Caleb sign a contract stipulating that any involvement with alcohol, fighting or fraternizing with former disreputable associates will void the lease, and he'll receive no payment at all. He needs that lease money to save the ranch, and Delia knows that she can't tell him about the trouble she's in. Complicating matters further, is the attraction between Delia and Caleb, who have been so scarred by their pasts that they find it difficult to trust anyone, or even hope for something better.
This is not your typical cowboy romance, it's a novel about dysfunctional families and the effects of verbal and physical abuse on the people raised in such households and the struggle to overcome the past and move forward despite it all. Caleb and Delia are well-developed, complex characters and so is their relationship. Will they be able to rise above the hands they've been dealt? Will Delia be able to rescue her sister? Will the law catch up with her? What will happen when Caleb finds out that Delia's presence on Shaw land could cost him the ranch? Will Delia and Caleb be able to help heal each other? To find out, you're going to have to read this well-written and deeply moving novel.
This is the first novel I've read by this author, but it's the second book in her Big Sky Cowboys series, and I believe the title is misleading. The hero, Caleb Shaw, isn't an outlaw--he's a troubled, self-doubting, self-destructive rancher trying to keep hold of the family ranch all by himself, stay sober, and fight what he believes to be his innate badness. His mother left the ranch and her family when Caleb was 5 years old, blaming him for her departure and leaving Caleb and his sister, Mel, as well as her husband, who was devastated by her loss. She was pregnant when she left, and apparently, in the previous novel, readers learned that the child she bore, Summer, returned to the ranch, and that her now wheelchair-bound father has refused to so much as speak to her in the year since she arrived, and his communication with Caleb and his sister is almost nonexistent as well.
The Shaw family isn't the only dysfunctional one in Blue Valley, Montana. The Rogers family also lives there, and when Summer, who lives in a caravan on the Shaw property, reports sighting a possible intruder at the abandoned cabin on the property, Caleb goes to investigate and finds Delia Rogers, someone he knew back in elementary school, holed up there. He's not happy to see her because she brings back the memory of the night he nearly killed her abusive father, who had a loaded gun to her head. Delia's been missing for some time, but for the past decade, she's been rescuing her four other sisters from their violent father, and with only her 16-year-old sister, Steph, still living there, she's determined to rescue her, no matter what. What Caleb doesn't know is that she's running from the law--there's a warrant out for her arrest because her previous boyfriend turned out to be a drug dealer.
Caleb, with his spotted history of errors in judgement, trouble-making, alcohol-fueled fights and other petty crimes has just struck a deal to lease some of the Shaw land to another rancher, one who knows his history and who insists that Caleb sign a contract stipulating that any involvement with alcohol, fighting or fraternizing with former disreputable associates will void the lease, and he'll receive no payment at all. He needs that lease money to save the ranch, and Delia knows that she can't tell him about the trouble she's in. Complicating matters further, is the attraction between Delia and Caleb, who have been so scarred by their pasts that they find it difficult to trust anyone, or even hope for something better.
This is not your typical cowboy romance, it's a novel about dysfunctional families and the effects of verbal and physical abuse on the people raised in such households and the struggle to overcome the past and move forward despite it all. Caleb and Delia are well-developed, complex characters and so is their relationship. Will they be able to rise above the hands they've been dealt? Will Delia be able to rescue her sister? Will the law catch up with her? What will happen when Caleb finds out that Delia's presence on Shaw land could cost him the ranch? Will Delia and Caleb be able to help heal each other? To find out, you're going to have to read this well-written and deeply moving novel.
May 24, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Cowboy? Definitely. Outlaw? Hmm, more like a guy who’s been through hell and is climbing out of that hole by his fingertips on a very slippery slope.
Caleb is a man determined to be better than he used to be. A recovering alcoholic, Caleb has the weight of his family’s ranch on his shoulders. As well as his injured, now wheelchair bound father and other family members who need him to walk the straight and narrow. In a desperate need for cash to keep the ranch running, he’s leased off some of the land – but that lease comes with a crap load of “you must do this..” rules. And one of those rules will be broken to smithereens if he gets involved with Delia.
Running from the law? Maybe. The charge? Being stupid in her choice of ex-boyfriends.
In her younger years, Delia had been firmly under the thumb of her abusive father. Then she got old enough and determined enough to fight back and leave. Since then she has been slowly getting her sisters away from the man she despises, the man who thinks nothing of further abusing the daughters he was supposed to love and protect. Now with one last sister to rescue, Delia is back in her hometown, and desperate to stay off of the radar of the townsfolk and the police who want to question her.
She’s hiding out on Caleb’s property. He was the one person she shouldn’t have run to, he didn’t need her troubles on top of his own. But logic has no place in the mind of a woman determined to save her sister or claim the man she could love for the rest of her life.
Outlaw Cowboy pack a powerful emotional punch. And it brings to light Domestic Violence and Family Abuse, something that I am always glad to see an author address, for it exists far more than most of us ever realize. Delia and Caleb were not bad people, and they really hadn’t done anything world ending bad – they had made poor choices, yes. She had survived her father’s abuse. He had turned his life around and said no to the drinks that would destroy his life. In some ways they are each a product of their upbringing, and equally determined to make their lives so much different than their past.
With sassy banter, quirky wit and some serious sexual tension, Outlaw Cowboy is a fun, engaging read. Yes, fun, in spite of some of the subject matter that is touched upon – Caleb and Delia’s interaction is often simply fun to read.
I don’t believe you have to have read the first story in this series to understand and enjoy this one. But, of course, all series make much more sense if read in order. I enjoyed my time spent with Caleb and Delia. And I would definitely recommend Outlaw Cowboy and the series, Big Sky Cowboys to anyone who enjoys a good, solid story and a fun romance.
*I received an e-ARC of Outlaw Cowboy from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Cowboy? Definitely. Outlaw? Hmm, more like a guy who’s been through hell and is climbing out of that hole by his fingertips on a very slippery slope.
Caleb is a man determined to be better than he used to be. A recovering alcoholic, Caleb has the weight of his family’s ranch on his shoulders. As well as his injured, now wheelchair bound father and other family members who need him to walk the straight and narrow. In a desperate need for cash to keep the ranch running, he’s leased off some of the land – but that lease comes with a crap load of “you must do this..” rules. And one of those rules will be broken to smithereens if he gets involved with Delia.
Running from the law? Maybe. The charge? Being stupid in her choice of ex-boyfriends.
In her younger years, Delia had been firmly under the thumb of her abusive father. Then she got old enough and determined enough to fight back and leave. Since then she has been slowly getting her sisters away from the man she despises, the man who thinks nothing of further abusing the daughters he was supposed to love and protect. Now with one last sister to rescue, Delia is back in her hometown, and desperate to stay off of the radar of the townsfolk and the police who want to question her.
She’s hiding out on Caleb’s property. He was the one person she shouldn’t have run to, he didn’t need her troubles on top of his own. But logic has no place in the mind of a woman determined to save her sister or claim the man she could love for the rest of her life.
Outlaw Cowboy pack a powerful emotional punch. And it brings to light Domestic Violence and Family Abuse, something that I am always glad to see an author address, for it exists far more than most of us ever realize. Delia and Caleb were not bad people, and they really hadn’t done anything world ending bad – they had made poor choices, yes. She had survived her father’s abuse. He had turned his life around and said no to the drinks that would destroy his life. In some ways they are each a product of their upbringing, and equally determined to make their lives so much different than their past.
With sassy banter, quirky wit and some serious sexual tension, Outlaw Cowboy is a fun, engaging read. Yes, fun, in spite of some of the subject matter that is touched upon – Caleb and Delia’s interaction is often simply fun to read.
I don’t believe you have to have read the first story in this series to understand and enjoy this one. But, of course, all series make much more sense if read in order. I enjoyed my time spent with Caleb and Delia. And I would definitely recommend Outlaw Cowboy and the series, Big Sky Cowboys to anyone who enjoys a good, solid story and a fun romance.
*I received an e-ARC of Outlaw Cowboy from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
April 27, 2016
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 3rd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492621277 (ISBN13: 9781492621270)
Edition Language English
Series Big Sky Cowboys #2
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Ever since his father’s accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he’d mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He’s a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life…or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.
Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.
Delia’s been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there’s nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn’t need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts…
When he was only a young child Caleb’s mother left him, his older sister and their father. That still causes all three pain all these many years later and even worse Caleb feels guilt for her leaving as he thinks it was his fault.
In his teen years Caleb ran with a crowd that knew no boundaries and got into trouble at every opportunity.
Now an adult Caleb Shaw regrets those wasted years and has vowed to leave all that behind him so he can make the Shaw ranch a viable enterprise once again.
Doing the right thing does not come easy for Caleb Shaw but when push comes to shove he finds himself unable to do anything less for Delia Rogers, even if it costs him the dream he has held to his heart that has kept him on the straight and narrow path he has had to tread.
Funny thing about dreams is they change when you least expect them to and for Caleb his new dream is closer within his reach than the old one ever was.
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 3rd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492621277 (ISBN13: 9781492621270)
Edition Language English
Series Big Sky Cowboys #2
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Ever since his father’s accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he’d mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He’s a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life…or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.
Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.
Delia’s been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there’s nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn’t need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts…
My Thoughts
When he was only a young child Caleb’s mother left him, his older sister and their father. That still causes all three pain all these many years later and even worse Caleb feels guilt for her leaving as he thinks it was his fault.
In his teen years Caleb ran with a crowd that knew no boundaries and got into trouble at every opportunity.
Now an adult Caleb Shaw regrets those wasted years and has vowed to leave all that behind him so he can make the Shaw ranch a viable enterprise once again.
Doing the right thing does not come easy for Caleb Shaw but when push comes to shove he finds himself unable to do anything less for Delia Rogers, even if it costs him the dream he has held to his heart that has kept him on the straight and narrow path he has had to tread.
Funny thing about dreams is they change when you least expect them to and for Caleb his new dream is closer within his reach than the old one ever was.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
May 28, 2016
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
Caleb Shaw still craves having a drink in his hands but he knows that it's the last thing he needs. He's kept his distance from all the vices of his past that have led to nothing but trouble, but when he stumbles upon trouble hiding out in an abandoned cabin on his family's property, Caleb knows getting rid of Delia Rogers is easier said than done. She's as feisty as ever, and while she may technically be trespassing, Delia is going to force the issue. She needs to stay hidden, what with a warrant out for her arrest, no thanks to her drug dealing ex-boyfriend, and she has to find a way to get her youngest sister out of their abusive father's house. She's already helped her three other sisters and with one left, Delia is this close to finally seeing all those years of scrimping and saving being a success. But Caleb can't afford to have Delia around, not when there's a deal on the table to bring in some much needed income to the ranch and it requires Caleb stay away from those he was known to associate with before. Unfortunately, Delia tempts him to associate with her in ways he can't help but fantasize about. Both Caleb and Delia have end goals to meet and family issues to be resolved. With way too much baggage, will being with someone bad prove to be a good thing?
Delia and Caleb are far from perfect and these two have issues that are still hounding them, especially when it comes to family. There was many a time that Delia's snarky comments and thinly veiled taunts at Caleb made me want to strangle her, but you quickly realize that these are defense mechanisms for her. She does what she has to and wards off attempts at kindness because she doesn't want to be indebted to anyone. She's been so used to being alone and having to do things on her own, so even though I was peeved that she didn't even make an effort to say thank you to Caleb the first few times he helped her out, she is the way she is because of her crappy home life growing up. You see the kind of woman she is--a survivor and a heroine--when you find out what she's done for her sisters. So, even though her attitude in the first half of the book may have pissed me off, I couldn't help but admire her until I eventually found myself liking the sarcastic woman! Then there's Caleb, whose own story broke my heart, because he still has to struggle with his demons and simply wants to find a place in this world where he belongs. Outlaw Cowboy was a story about love, family, and redemption and I enjoyed every single page of it. Five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
Caleb Shaw still craves having a drink in his hands but he knows that it's the last thing he needs. He's kept his distance from all the vices of his past that have led to nothing but trouble, but when he stumbles upon trouble hiding out in an abandoned cabin on his family's property, Caleb knows getting rid of Delia Rogers is easier said than done. She's as feisty as ever, and while she may technically be trespassing, Delia is going to force the issue. She needs to stay hidden, what with a warrant out for her arrest, no thanks to her drug dealing ex-boyfriend, and she has to find a way to get her youngest sister out of their abusive father's house. She's already helped her three other sisters and with one left, Delia is this close to finally seeing all those years of scrimping and saving being a success. But Caleb can't afford to have Delia around, not when there's a deal on the table to bring in some much needed income to the ranch and it requires Caleb stay away from those he was known to associate with before. Unfortunately, Delia tempts him to associate with her in ways he can't help but fantasize about. Both Caleb and Delia have end goals to meet and family issues to be resolved. With way too much baggage, will being with someone bad prove to be a good thing?
Delia and Caleb are far from perfect and these two have issues that are still hounding them, especially when it comes to family. There was many a time that Delia's snarky comments and thinly veiled taunts at Caleb made me want to strangle her, but you quickly realize that these are defense mechanisms for her. She does what she has to and wards off attempts at kindness because she doesn't want to be indebted to anyone. She's been so used to being alone and having to do things on her own, so even though I was peeved that she didn't even make an effort to say thank you to Caleb the first few times he helped her out, she is the way she is because of her crappy home life growing up. You see the kind of woman she is--a survivor and a heroine--when you find out what she's done for her sisters. So, even though her attitude in the first half of the book may have pissed me off, I couldn't help but admire her until I eventually found myself liking the sarcastic woman! Then there's Caleb, whose own story broke my heart, because he still has to struggle with his demons and simply wants to find a place in this world where he belongs. Outlaw Cowboy was a story about love, family, and redemption and I enjoyed every single page of it. Five stars. ♥
May 2, 2016
Wow, there’s a lot of hurt in this book. Caleb and Delia are two people who have essentially been written off as “bad”, but what they truly are is hurt. Caleb was just a child when his mother told him he had the devil inside and left, leaving him feeling both responsible for her leaving and that her words were true. Granted, he did plenty for a while to live up to that, but deep down he’s a good guy who doesn’t believe he deserves a chance.
Delia comes from a nasty situation, with an abusive father and several younger sisters that she’s been fighting to save. She’s a good person underneath it all too, but her experiences have made her hard, and she hasn’t been given the chance to do things right or by the book, because life isn’t kind that way. The only good thing in her life is Caleb – he’s the only person who has ever been kind to her, and she can’t trust him because of it.
This is an emotional book, full of conflicted feelings and messy relationships. Caleb wants to be good, but doesn’t recognise when he is, while Delia thinks the only way she can get what she needs is to use Caleb. They both have serious issues and there were times when I really didn’t like the way they treat each other, even though I knew why they did it and from their point of view the reasons were good. It definitely tugged my emotions around throughout – but they’re both well written, complicated characters with a romance that I really wanted to read. Because when they let everything else slide away, the way they see each other is beautiful. Delia not only sees the good in Caleb but can draw it out as well, while he softens her hard edges and wins her trust. I wanted so badly for them to settle down and succeed, even when it seemed impossible.
Beyond these two, there’s also an exploration of wider family, with plenty more pain to go around for other characters. I really liked getting to know more about Summer, the secret sister, and I liked what we saw of Delia’s sisters too – particularly Rose.
In all I enjoyed this one. It’s emotional and the characters are conflicted and difficult throughout, but for me it never slipped over into melodrama and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next one – I need to know more about Summer.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Delia comes from a nasty situation, with an abusive father and several younger sisters that she’s been fighting to save. She’s a good person underneath it all too, but her experiences have made her hard, and she hasn’t been given the chance to do things right or by the book, because life isn’t kind that way. The only good thing in her life is Caleb – he’s the only person who has ever been kind to her, and she can’t trust him because of it.
This is an emotional book, full of conflicted feelings and messy relationships. Caleb wants to be good, but doesn’t recognise when he is, while Delia thinks the only way she can get what she needs is to use Caleb. They both have serious issues and there were times when I really didn’t like the way they treat each other, even though I knew why they did it and from their point of view the reasons were good. It definitely tugged my emotions around throughout – but they’re both well written, complicated characters with a romance that I really wanted to read. Because when they let everything else slide away, the way they see each other is beautiful. Delia not only sees the good in Caleb but can draw it out as well, while he softens her hard edges and wins her trust. I wanted so badly for them to settle down and succeed, even when it seemed impossible.
Beyond these two, there’s also an exploration of wider family, with plenty more pain to go around for other characters. I really liked getting to know more about Summer, the secret sister, and I liked what we saw of Delia’s sisters too – particularly Rose.
In all I enjoyed this one. It’s emotional and the characters are conflicted and difficult throughout, but for me it never slipped over into melodrama and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next one – I need to know more about Summer.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
May 1, 2016
Caleb Shaw is determined to turn over a new leaf and be a better version of himself, and leave his wild ways far behind him. He gave up drinking and wild one-nighters with random women for a more subdued life, he has a ranch to care for now, and an unwavering drive to prove to his family that he can handle the demands of their family ranch. Just when he thinks he has a handle on things, he stumbles onto some unexpected trouble... in the form of an infuriating and oh so sexy woman! The minute Delia Rogers walks back into his life he's ready to turn her right back around and send her back to wherever she came from, because she represents trouble, and he can't afford any distractions right now, let alone whatever trouble she has brought along with her this time!!
Delia Rogers knows the minute she wanders onto the Shaw ranch she is asking for trouble, but she doesn't have anywhere else to go, or anyone else she can trust to help her with her current situation. She turned to Caleb in the past when she needed help escaping her horrible home life, and he came through for her, so she has hopes that he'll once again come to her aid. The problem is the last time they were around one another things were left on bad terms, and she isn't so sure he has forgiven her for the past, but she is willing to take her chances and hope that seeing her again might just erase away the bad...
I have been anxious to return to this series for some time now, and have the opportunity to get better acquainted with Mr. Caleb Shaw... and I have to say boy was he WELL worth the wait!! There is nothing sexier than a strong, able bodied cowboy on a mission to save the woman he loves...the minute he waltzed onto the page he had my attention and my heart!! This series has been one of my favorite literary discoveries this year, each installment has been packed with steamy romance, a touch of mystery, and addictive story lines that are destined to capture your heart!
Highly recommend you meet the men of the Big Sky Cowboy Series, they are destined to steal your heart and have you blushing the whole way through!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
Delia Rogers knows the minute she wanders onto the Shaw ranch she is asking for trouble, but she doesn't have anywhere else to go, or anyone else she can trust to help her with her current situation. She turned to Caleb in the past when she needed help escaping her horrible home life, and he came through for her, so she has hopes that he'll once again come to her aid. The problem is the last time they were around one another things were left on bad terms, and she isn't so sure he has forgiven her for the past, but she is willing to take her chances and hope that seeing her again might just erase away the bad...
I have been anxious to return to this series for some time now, and have the opportunity to get better acquainted with Mr. Caleb Shaw... and I have to say boy was he WELL worth the wait!! There is nothing sexier than a strong, able bodied cowboy on a mission to save the woman he loves...the minute he waltzed onto the page he had my attention and my heart!! This series has been one of my favorite literary discoveries this year, each installment has been packed with steamy romance, a touch of mystery, and addictive story lines that are destined to capture your heart!
Highly recommend you meet the men of the Big Sky Cowboy Series, they are destined to steal your heart and have you blushing the whole way through!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
September 8, 2016
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Delia Rogers needs a place to land, she has no where to go, no money, and one sister left that she needs to save from their violent father. The only place she can go is to an abandoned cabin on Shaw land and to the man that saved her but ruined her life in the process Caleb Shaw.
Caleb has vowed to take over and save his families ranch, stop his wild ways, and he's doing everything he can to prove that he's changed. Until, his sister Summer sees a woman at the cabin, and goes to check it out. Caleb knows Delia is hiding something, but isn't sure what. Once he discovers that she is set on saving her sister he vows to help. Caleb has never thought he was a good man, especially with his mothers parting final words, but his family knows he has a big heart. He's willing to do what it takes to make sure everyone he cares about is taken care of.
Caleb and Delia are complex, world wary, in some ways broken characters, but together they find their way. These characters have a happy ending not only with each other, but their families as well. It took me a while to get into this book, I didn't really get into it until the second 1/2, and it really shows the development and growth of these characters. In the end, I enjoyed this book.
Received ARC in exchange for honest review from NetGalley
Delia Rogers needs a place to land, she has no where to go, no money, and one sister left that she needs to save from their violent father. The only place she can go is to an abandoned cabin on Shaw land and to the man that saved her but ruined her life in the process Caleb Shaw.
Caleb has vowed to take over and save his families ranch, stop his wild ways, and he's doing everything he can to prove that he's changed. Until, his sister Summer sees a woman at the cabin, and goes to check it out. Caleb knows Delia is hiding something, but isn't sure what. Once he discovers that she is set on saving her sister he vows to help. Caleb has never thought he was a good man, especially with his mothers parting final words, but his family knows he has a big heart. He's willing to do what it takes to make sure everyone he cares about is taken care of.
Caleb and Delia are complex, world wary, in some ways broken characters, but together they find their way. These characters have a happy ending not only with each other, but their families as well. It took me a while to get into this book, I didn't really get into it until the second 1/2, and it really shows the development and growth of these characters. In the end, I enjoyed this book.
Received ARC in exchange for honest review from NetGalley
April 27, 2016
Delia's father is/was a very violent person. And Delia has taken on the job upon herself to get her sisters away from their father. One by one she has stolen them from their father. She has one sister left to get away from him. However, she's run out of options as to where to go since the police are after her. She heads to the only place where she can think of, even though it's not a great idea....back to bad boy Caleb.
Caleb is determined to become a better person since his father's accident and rid himself of his "bad boy" image. His sister, Mel, keeps him in line (or so she believes). He also found out he has another sister, Summer who doesn't believe she's part of this family so she sleeps in her Caravan? Summer tells Caleb one day that she saw lights on in their abandoned cabin. He investigates and as soon as he sees the boots he knows who it is.....Delia. Great! Part of his past that he doesn't want anything to do with! She wants to live in his cabin but not tell anyone she's there. Can he keep her secret?
I enjoyed this book, it was my first Nicole Helm book. Loved Caleb and his struggle to maintain being a "good guy".
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Caleb is determined to become a better person since his father's accident and rid himself of his "bad boy" image. His sister, Mel, keeps him in line (or so she believes). He also found out he has another sister, Summer who doesn't believe she's part of this family so she sleeps in her Caravan? Summer tells Caleb one day that she saw lights on in their abandoned cabin. He investigates and as soon as he sees the boots he knows who it is.....Delia. Great! Part of his past that he doesn't want anything to do with! She wants to live in his cabin but not tell anyone she's there. Can he keep her secret?
I enjoyed this book, it was my first Nicole Helm book. Loved Caleb and his struggle to maintain being a "good guy".
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
September 24, 2016
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program in the hopes that I would leave an honest review.
I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, I'm not a huge fan of the standard formula for romance in general, and when it doesn't come paired with either historical or paranormal elements, I find it a bit tedious. That was absolutely the case for me with Outlaw Cowboy in the beginning. There was a whole lot of "just tell each other what's going on and everything will be fine" going on and it annoyed me, a lot.
Once one of the pair spilled their beans and laid their cards on the table (hello mixed metaphors!), things became a lot more intriguing and a lot less annoying. That was the point where I found myself finally enjoying the story and actually wanting to keep reading. There were a few times toward the end where I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation even, waiting and hoping for the ending I think we all expect from romance.
Overall I give Outlaw Cowboy 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Originally reviewed at Just Another Girl and Her Books blog
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...
I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, I'm not a huge fan of the standard formula for romance in general, and when it doesn't come paired with either historical or paranormal elements, I find it a bit tedious. That was absolutely the case for me with Outlaw Cowboy in the beginning. There was a whole lot of "just tell each other what's going on and everything will be fine" going on and it annoyed me, a lot.
Once one of the pair spilled their beans and laid their cards on the table (hello mixed metaphors!), things became a lot more intriguing and a lot less annoying. That was the point where I found myself finally enjoying the story and actually wanting to keep reading. There were a few times toward the end where I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation even, waiting and hoping for the ending I think we all expect from romance.
Overall I give Outlaw Cowboy 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Originally reviewed at Just Another Girl and Her Books blog
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...
April 18, 2016
Helm has created a beautifully picturesque and wildly original novel that takes readers deep into the lives of ranchers today, barely eeking out a living, struggling for everything they have. At the same time, she’s thrown in some twists that are very poignant. This tale was chock full of emotions and hardships. Everything is right there, in your face, forcing you to face it.
The characters in this novel are very well developed. I found that I got to know them very well. The relationships between them were also well laid out, and never easy. The complicated relationships were so real that I found them easy to picture. The various relationships I can’t go into the relationship between the main characters without having some massive spoilers, but let’s just say that it irked me the wrong way more than once.
This may not be my favourite novel by this talented author, but I definitely did enjoy it. It’s a good read on its own or as part of the series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this novel are very well developed. I found that I got to know them very well. The relationships between them were also well laid out, and never easy. The complicated relationships were so real that I found them easy to picture. The various relationships I can’t go into the relationship between the main characters without having some massive spoilers, but let’s just say that it irked me the wrong way more than once.
This may not be my favourite novel by this talented author, but I definitely did enjoy it. It’s a good read on its own or as part of the series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2016
Delia has been barely scraping by since she broke free of her abusive father. Slowly, over the last few years, she has managed to get all but one of her sisters out and away. Her youngest sister is only 16 and still considered a minor. It will take planning and care to legally remove her.
Caleb is slowly losing his ranch. He cannot afford any missteps over the next few months or even the hope of saving his dreams will be gone. Oh sure, his older sister is willing to take over but then where would he be?
With a great supporting cast living on the property and sticking their respective noses in, what could possibly go wrong?
I found it hard to connect with the characters but I appreciated the story. The thought processes were difficult to understand and follow. Why seek out help from someone you are not willing to trust with necessary information?
THank you Netgalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.
Caleb is slowly losing his ranch. He cannot afford any missteps over the next few months or even the hope of saving his dreams will be gone. Oh sure, his older sister is willing to take over but then where would he be?
With a great supporting cast living on the property and sticking their respective noses in, what could possibly go wrong?
I found it hard to connect with the characters but I appreciated the story. The thought processes were difficult to understand and follow. Why seek out help from someone you are not willing to trust with necessary information?
THank you Netgalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2016
Emotional. That's how I felt reading the second book in the Big Sky series. Each can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order.
Delia was delt a bad hand with her parents. Growing up in an abusive home, she gets out and makes it her life to save her 4 sisters doing whatever she had to do. She's got the youngest sister to save now. But she doesn't have a plan and ends up at the Shaw ranch.
Caleb is trying to save Shaw ranch and fighting his own demons. When he finds Delia hiding out on his property, he doesn't know what to feel. But what ever it is, he needs to fight it.
Told in both Delia and Caleb's points of view. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was heavy on the emotions, but good. The writing was great and it flowed seamlessly.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha.
Delia was delt a bad hand with her parents. Growing up in an abusive home, she gets out and makes it her life to save her 4 sisters doing whatever she had to do. She's got the youngest sister to save now. But she doesn't have a plan and ends up at the Shaw ranch.
Caleb is trying to save Shaw ranch and fighting his own demons. When he finds Delia hiding out on his property, he doesn't know what to feel. But what ever it is, he needs to fight it.
Told in both Delia and Caleb's points of view. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was heavy on the emotions, but good. The writing was great and it flowed seamlessly.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha.
May 30, 2016
**** I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net-galley in exchange for an honest review. ****
Caleb Shaw has been working hard to overcome his bad boy reputation and rebuild the bridges he’s burned along the way. Delia is a blast from Caleb’s past who‘s come back to save her youngest sister from their abuse father.
It took me a while to get into this book, but when I did I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed Caleb’s character development. He seemed to lack something in the first book a secondary character, but is more complete as the hero of this story. Delia did come across as bit harsh when we first met. She is suspicious of everyone. I did enjoy the book and I hope there will be a third book focusing on Summer, Caleb’s younger sister.
Caleb Shaw has been working hard to overcome his bad boy reputation and rebuild the bridges he’s burned along the way. Delia is a blast from Caleb’s past who‘s come back to save her youngest sister from their abuse father.
It took me a while to get into this book, but when I did I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed Caleb’s character development. He seemed to lack something in the first book a secondary character, but is more complete as the hero of this story. Delia did come across as bit harsh when we first met. She is suspicious of everyone. I did enjoy the book and I hope there will be a third book focusing on Summer, Caleb’s younger sister.
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