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Sugar Coated Cowboys #1
Gimme Some Sugar
Pastry chef, Cary Crockett, is on the run. Pursued by a loan shark bent on retrieving gambling debts owed him by her deadbeat ex-boyfriend, she finds the perfect hiding place at the remote Circle W Ranch. More at home with city life, cupcakes and croissants than beef, beans and bacon, she has to convince ranch owner Micah West she’s up to the job of feeding his hired hands. The overwhelming attraction she feels toward him was nowhere in the job description.
Micah West has a big problem. The camp-cook on his central Oregon ranch has up and quit without notice, and his crew of hungry cowboys is about to mutiny. He agrees to hire Cary on a temporary basis, just until he finds the right man to fill the job. Maintaining a hands-off policy toward his sexy new cook becomes tougher than managing a herd of disgruntled wranglers.
Micah West has a big problem. The camp-cook on his central Oregon ranch has up and quit without notice, and his crew of hungry cowboys is about to mutiny. He agrees to hire Cary on a temporary basis, just until he finds the right man to fill the job. Maintaining a hands-off policy toward his sexy new cook becomes tougher than managing a herd of disgruntled wranglers.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
205 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Berget
28 books41 followersStephanie Berget was born loving horses and found her way to rodeo when she married her own, hot cowboy. She and her husband traveled throughout the Northwest while she ran barrels and her cowboy rode bucking horses. She started writing to put a realistic view of rodeo and ranching into western romance. Stephanie and her husband live on a farm, located along the Oregon/Idaho border. They raise hay, horses and cattle, with the help of Dizzy Dottie, the Border Collie and Big Al, team roping horse extraordinaire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 1, 2021
KU. 2.5 Stars. This was barely an OK read. I managed to finish it but then sat there like “what just happened?”. It was unfortunately underdeveloped. More than just an outline, but like someone randomly drew plot points out of a jar and then wrote a few sentences. Then just kept pulling a new “conflict” and adding it in as they went along.
Cary is on the run from some bad guy who her ex owes money to and ends up in a tiny town. Micah is at the local diner trying to hire a cook for his ranch. Trope achieved.
Cary can’t cook (she’s a baker), there’s a cute kid, a foreman, crazy ex-wife, jealous store owner, weird bank manager, abandoned puppy, affronted diner owner, kidnapping plot, best friend.... Speaking of weird bank manager; there’s this whole attempt at *something* having to do with the bank, signing paperwork, having Micah come in several times and the papers not being ready and ... it. is. never. resolved. I still have no clue what the author was getting at???
This was also basically inta-Love ~ except it wasn’t even love. The MCs were attracted to each other but they really didn’t spend any time getting to know each other or dating. Basically they spent all their time dealing with aforementioned “conflicts”. They kissed a few time. Cary says Micah can’t kiss her because she’s married and then they go into town to buy groceries and he’s holding her hand? I think the whole thing took place over 2 or 3 weeks.
Micah’s daughter, Willa Wild, was probably the only fully developed, consistent character in this whole thing.
I borrowed the box set via KU. I’m returning it after only finishing this story and I doubt I’ll be checking out anything by this author again.
Cary is on the run from some bad guy who her ex owes money to and ends up in a tiny town. Micah is at the local diner trying to hire a cook for his ranch. Trope achieved.
Cary can’t cook (she’s a baker), there’s a cute kid, a foreman, crazy ex-wife, jealous store owner, weird bank manager, abandoned puppy, affronted diner owner, kidnapping plot, best friend.... Speaking of weird bank manager; there’s this whole attempt at *something* having to do with the bank, signing paperwork, having Micah come in several times and the papers not being ready and ... it. is. never. resolved. I still have no clue what the author was getting at???
This was also basically inta-Love ~ except it wasn’t even love. The MCs were attracted to each other but they really didn’t spend any time getting to know each other or dating. Basically they spent all their time dealing with aforementioned “conflicts”. They kissed a few time. Cary says Micah can’t kiss her because she’s married and then they go into town to buy groceries and he’s holding her hand? I think the whole thing took place over 2 or 3 weeks.
Micah’s daughter, Willa Wild, was probably the only fully developed, consistent character in this whole thing.
I borrowed the box set via KU. I’m returning it after only finishing this story and I doubt I’ll be checking out anything by this author again.
July 2, 2016
3 stars
This was a decent story. I thought the characters were alright but the story had parts that just didn't work for me. This is the first story I've read by this author and based on this, I'm unlikely to try more of her work in the future.
Cary is a pastry chef that has a dream of opening her own bakery. Cary never knew her dad and her mother abandoned her as soon as she hit 18 (with no notice mind you). Cary had to work hard to make a better life for herself and saved whatever she could towards achieving her dream. Unfortunate, Cary's ex-boyfriend owed a loan shark some money and the loan shark decided to go after Cary for the money even though she hasn't seen her ex in months.
Micah is a cowboy that owns a ranch that's been in his family for generations. Micah never wanted to be anything but a cowboy and ranch owner but when he got married, it was to a woman, Marlene, that couldn't stand the ranch or staying in one place for long. They had a daughter, Willa Wild, and then Marlene left after about 2 years. Micah divorced her but Marlene comes back to visit every so often...usually when she needs money.
Cary was scared of the loan shark and rather than go to the police, she dumped her life and ran cross-country. Even though the loan shark wasn't supposed to come back for a week, Cary left with little money and ran out of what she did have, part way across the country. She ended up in a diner in a town called East Hope when she hears Micah talking about needing a cook. She offers to do the job temporarily and Micah agrees because he's desperate. Micah is attracted to Cary at once and knows that agreeing to hire her could lead to trouble but he's in a bind and does so anyways.
Cary has a bit of a rough start at the ranch (not realizing just what a proper breakfast for ranch hands should be) but she quickly gets the hang of things. The attraction between Cary and Micah is strong but she's worried the loan shark will come after her so she can't start anything with him because she can't stay long term. Just about this time, Marlene shows up and spreads lies and ill will like she's the Christmas grinch. She sees the attraction between Micah and Cary and is particularly vindictive and intent on breaking them up before they even get started. Things end up crashing and burning and Micah suffers from a bout of relationship dumbassedness that causes him and Cary to be separated. Thankfully, he pulls himself together and does what needs to be done and things turn into a HEA.
This was an alright story. I liked the characters for the most part, particularly Willa Wild...she was a cute kid character. My main issue with this story was the plot holes and the short timeframe during which everything happened. II mean when the MCs got their HEA and admitted their love for each other, they'd had 2 kisses and hadn't spent all that much time together. Overall, it was enjoyable if you can ignore the flaws. :)
This was a decent story. I thought the characters were alright but the story had parts that just didn't work for me. This is the first story I've read by this author and based on this, I'm unlikely to try more of her work in the future.
Cary is a pastry chef that has a dream of opening her own bakery. Cary never knew her dad and her mother abandoned her as soon as she hit 18 (with no notice mind you). Cary had to work hard to make a better life for herself and saved whatever she could towards achieving her dream. Unfortunate, Cary's ex-boyfriend owed a loan shark some money and the loan shark decided to go after Cary for the money even though she hasn't seen her ex in months.
Micah is a cowboy that owns a ranch that's been in his family for generations. Micah never wanted to be anything but a cowboy and ranch owner but when he got married, it was to a woman, Marlene, that couldn't stand the ranch or staying in one place for long. They had a daughter, Willa Wild, and then Marlene left after about 2 years. Micah divorced her but Marlene comes back to visit every so often...usually when she needs money.
Cary was scared of the loan shark and rather than go to the police, she dumped her life and ran cross-country. Even though the loan shark wasn't supposed to come back for a week, Cary left with little money and ran out of what she did have, part way across the country. She ended up in a diner in a town called East Hope when she hears Micah talking about needing a cook. She offers to do the job temporarily and Micah agrees because he's desperate. Micah is attracted to Cary at once and knows that agreeing to hire her could lead to trouble but he's in a bind and does so anyways.
Cary has a bit of a rough start at the ranch (not realizing just what a proper breakfast for ranch hands should be) but she quickly gets the hang of things. The attraction between Cary and Micah is strong but she's worried the loan shark will come after her so she can't start anything with him because she can't stay long term. Just about this time, Marlene shows up and spreads lies and ill will like she's the Christmas grinch. She sees the attraction between Micah and Cary and is particularly vindictive and intent on breaking them up before they even get started. Things end up crashing and burning and Micah suffers from a bout of relationship dumbassedness that causes him and Cary to be separated. Thankfully, he pulls himself together and does what needs to be done and things turn into a HEA.
This was an alright story. I liked the characters for the most part, particularly Willa Wild...she was a cute kid character. My main issue with this story was the plot holes and the short timeframe during which everything happened. II mean when the MCs got their HEA and admitted their love for each other, they'd had 2 kisses and hadn't spent all that much time together. Overall, it was enjoyable if you can ignore the flaws. :)
September 17, 2017
This is a good read of a fairly common romance theme...rancher who needs a cook quickly. It's got some typos that proofers didn't catch. The ending is rather abrupt and there's no explanation of why Pansy is at the ranch or if their planned business ever came to fruition. There is also no resolution to the bank "thing" with the arrogant bank president and Micah.
January 11, 2019
This was a nice read. Cary comes to work at the ranch. She meets Micah who has an ex wife that shows up. That women is nuts but thankfully her true intentions come out. Too bad the woman was willing to use her daughter. I'm just glad that in the end Micah chooses wisely and gets a HEA with Cary.
June 18, 2021
What a great western romance?
Baker meets the cowboy Micah. She talks him into hiring her on a temporary basis on a ranch in Oregon. She doesn’t expect to fall for Micah or his young daughter. Then his ex-wife shows up. And she has a secret. Some bad guys are after her.
Baker meets the cowboy Micah. She talks him into hiring her on a temporary basis on a ranch in Oregon. She doesn’t expect to fall for Micah or his young daughter. Then his ex-wife shows up. And she has a secret. Some bad guys are after her.
June 13, 2019
It drives me more than a little bit batty when I come to the end of a book I thought I was going to be head over high heels for, and I’m left feeling just “meh”. There are parts of this story I really enjoyed: Willa Wild is a force of nature and by far the best part of the story. The rest didn’t excite me the way I had hoped it would. I’m no longer a big fan of other-woman drama and this story has it in spades – way more than the book needs. The missing, Missionary mother and abandoned daughter dynamic reminds me of a Susan Elizabeth Phillips title I’ve read, and since I’m not a fan of most of her work, that opinion rubbed off a bit on this book. The nebulous bad guys lurking in the shadows don’t really manifest into anything truly frightening which meant I couldn’t connect with Cary’s terror. In fact, I wasn’t able to connect with most of the emotions in this book. The story didn’t move me the way I thought it would, but it was still an enjoyable read.
November 14, 2015
Cary Crokett was a pastery chef and her friend, Pansy was a great cook. Together they worked for a eating place. Cary's ex was in with some bad people and they threatened Cary if she didn't come up with the money he owned them. Mitch West owned and worked on his own ranch. He lived in a small town. He needed a cook. When Cary came into the little diner she hear him ask a man if he would cook for him and he turned him down. She said she could cook so he was going to give her a chance. She had to feed seven men breakfast and dinner and sandwiches for lunch. She felt she could do that. Cary was attracted to Mitch and then she met his daughter, Wild Willa and she fell in love with her. Enter into the mix a jealous and devious ex wife and some bad men and you have a great romance story. I loved this one only a few references to feelings and no sex. A good read
April 1, 2021
A very basic story with underdeveloped characters. It had the ingredients to make a great cowboy story, but it just plodded along with hardly any interesting detail and no heat whatsoever between the characters. I finished it because I’m determined, but I won’t be carrying on with the rest of the series.
January 14, 2019
Cary, a pastry chef, is on the run from a loan shark, determined to get paid what her ex-boyfriend owed. She ends up at a ranch and meets Micah and his adorable daughter Willa Wild. She knows she can’s stay long in case her past catches up with her, but that does not stop the attraction between her and Micah. When Marlene the manipulating ex wife turns up, things go sideways.
I did not think there was enough interaction between Micah and Cary for the happy ending that was rather quick and abrupt. I would have liked to have seen more development there. Its a good easy afternoon read
I received a free ARC copy for my honest opinion
I did not think there was enough interaction between Micah and Cary for the happy ending that was rather quick and abrupt. I would have liked to have seen more development there. Its a good easy afternoon read
I received a free ARC copy for my honest opinion
July 4, 2018
This was a delightful book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. I love strong cowboys. Top it off with him being a single dad, swoon. I absolutely adored little Willa Wild. I look forward to reading this rest of this series. This is a strong series opener. The book is written with dual POVs, which is a favorite of mine. It really helps me to identify with the characters. I also enjoyed Marlene's POV as well. I couldn't put this down. The story was so wonderfully written, it was enchanting.
If you love cowboy, single-dad romances, then you will definitely enjoy this one.
If you love cowboy, single-dad romances, then you will definitely enjoy this one.
January 5, 2019
A real “feel good” read
The characters in this story were wonderful and pulled me into this story.
Cary runs from a loan shark thanks to her former “boyfriend,” and ends up working as a cook on Micah’s ranch. He and his delightful daughter, Willa Wild, are quite close and slowly bring her into their “fold”. The ex shows up to try to get him back and is both overt and sneaky at the same time. Interesting characters story and characters in this well written story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The characters in this story were wonderful and pulled me into this story.
Cary runs from a loan shark thanks to her former “boyfriend,” and ends up working as a cook on Micah’s ranch. He and his delightful daughter, Willa Wild, are quite close and slowly bring her into their “fold”. The ex shows up to try to get him back and is both overt and sneaky at the same time. Interesting characters story and characters in this well written story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 22, 2019
Excellent editing, mediocre romance
Excellent editing adds a full star to this sweet, predictable, mediocre romance. Cary's supposed to be strong and clever, but instead she's reactive and runs scared at every challenge. Micah affection blows hot and cold as though he were seeking direction from tearing petals off a daisy. There's no real development of the romance. They have an instant attraction that both fight every step of the way only to decide at the end that they love each other.
Excellent editing adds a full star to this sweet, predictable, mediocre romance. Cary's supposed to be strong and clever, but instead she's reactive and runs scared at every challenge. Micah affection blows hot and cold as though he were seeking direction from tearing petals off a daisy. There's no real development of the romance. They have an instant attraction that both fight every step of the way only to decide at the end that they love each other.
January 11, 2019
This a nice quick read. I was drawn to this book because Cary is a pastry chef and Micah is a single dad. Plus it doesn't hurt that he's a yummy cowboy too. Micah's daughter is adorable. I loved the scenes between her and Cary. Really sweet moments. Sometimes life throws you some curve balls and you just have to roll with it. That's definitely what Cary has to do. I got sucked into the story right away. The characters were great and entertaining.
January 7, 2019
A real treat! This sweet little read has a good storyline; interesting characters; a crazy ex-wife; and a truly delightful HEA. If you’ve looking for a quick read—with hot cowboys—Gimme Some Sugar will definitely fill the bill. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and liked it a lot.)
December 14, 2022
story was interesting. one could flesh out the story: went to gather to start business. Don't need to have everything spelled out for you. There was interest and a spark from the beginning. She took
care of him and ranch hands and bonded with his daughter. Sometimes men can what is in front of them. It helps things along when the ex-wife is around for comparison.
care of him and ranch hands and bonded with his daughter. Sometimes men can what is in front of them. It helps things along when the ex-wife is around for comparison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2023
This is the first story I have read by this author only because it was a freebie on Kindle some months ago. The only thing that kind of kept my interest was Micah's daughter 'Willa Wild West' and the way her character was brought to life in this story, other than that, I'm not sure I will continue to read the rest of the series.
March 16, 2022
3 1/2 stars. I really liked the story line. I just wasn’t crazy about the writing style. I wish there was a little more depth in the story and with the characters. Story line moved fast—no real sexy times. That I didn’t mind.
December 24, 2023
Way too much going on... Multiple OW drama, a mobster after FMC, a POS stealing ex, fish-out-of-water-ish situation... It was too short for all of that and it felt rushed. Everything gets solved too conveniently.
January 6, 2019
This is a good quick, fun, sexy read with interesting sexy cowboy story with a happy ever after
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Hidden Gems
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Hidden Gems
January 9, 2019
Sweet romance, angry jealous ex and a cowboy looking for a HEA. I enjoyed this one. Plenty of drama and I liked the romantic ending.
February 28, 2019
This story was sweet about falling in love & what happens when the ex-wife turns up like she owns the place & the man!
April 2, 2021
Loved it!
August 24, 2021
Enjoyed this book
The storyline and characters are written in a believable manner. You feel the angst in Cary trying to deal with each challenge thrown in her path.
The storyline and characters are written in a believable manner. You feel the angst in Cary trying to deal with each challenge thrown in her path.
September 12, 2022
Gimme Some Sugar
I found this book a hilarious/romantic book. Just enough to while away a happy evening reading. I recommend this book
I found this book a hilarious/romantic book. Just enough to while away a happy evening reading. I recommend this book
March 7, 2023
Fascinating
This story wasn't what I expected, it was way better! The author got her wish, I have a smile on my face and a cowboy on my mind. Love Willa Wild too!
This story wasn't what I expected, it was way better! The author got her wish, I have a smile on my face and a cowboy on my mind. Love Willa Wild too!
July 16, 2024
New to me author. Books arrived today. Excellent story. I really enjoyed it.
September 19, 2020
Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
February 15, 2017
A woman on the run and a man who is in need of a cook. Perfect combination for a wonderful story. Cary is on the run from a loan shark and Micah is in need of a cook before his ranch hand revolt.
I really liked Cary in this story. She was a woman who was just trying to “make it”. She was a pastry chef that ended up on a farm having to cook hearty meals. Never once did she let this get her down. She needed a few moment a couple of times but she kept it together and cooked. I liked hearing her inner dialog about you head vs her body when it came to Micah.
I COULDN’T stand Micah’s ex-wife. I know that was the author’s intention but she was a horrible woman!
I really liked Cary in this story. She was a woman who was just trying to “make it”. She was a pastry chef that ended up on a farm having to cook hearty meals. Never once did she let this get her down. She needed a few moment a couple of times but she kept it together and cooked. I liked hearing her inner dialog about you head vs her body when it came to Micah.
I COULDN’T stand Micah’s ex-wife. I know that was the author’s intention but she was a horrible woman!
February 13, 2017
I had forgotten how much I love cowboy stories. The story is sweet and very real. Once you start to read, you walk right beside the characters and can't wait to see what will happen next. Great read!! :-)
October 24, 2015
i fell in love with this story and all its characters. Even though Cary was running from trouble that was placed on her without her knowledge, she ran for her life an ended up in East hope. i was happy Micah took a chance on her even though he really didn't want to. as the story progresses you find your self falling more in love with Willa wild and Cary and even Micah. I read this book in a bundle out of "A Matter Of Taste" i recommend this book to everyone. i guarantee it will leave you filled with love too
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews