Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
"Ms. Stone has certainly made Cotton Creek an exciting place with her fast-paced, hard to put down tales, and this one is no exception. All the characters in this series are appealing with their own unique charms, and the episodes have their own brand of allure that will pull you into each story from the very beginning and hold you captive until the very end." - Amazon Review"Love was the last thing on Kyle Stader's mind. He'd found and lost that once and he wasn't about to ever let himself feel that kind of hurt again. He was content if not happy, his quiet bad boy alpha reputation provided him a steady supply of willing bed partners. He could live without love and the pain it caused. So, when Liz Redgate shows up in Cotton Creek, he might find himself interested, but it darn sure isn't going to go anywhere except maybe the bedroom. Liz is an enigma. A woman who can handle a thoroughbred race horse better than half a dozen experienced jockeys, and one who is keeping secrets. Like why that thoroughbred horse won't run for anyone but her. Those secrets may make her more appealing but also make her dangerous. Unfortunately, Kyle's no novice to danger, and is a sucker for a mystery. Things are about to get interesting again in Cotton Creek. If you love small-town and rural, feel-good love stories like those of Robyn Carr and her Virgin River series, Ann-Marie Meyer and The Red Stilletto Book Club, Tricia O'Malley, the Siren Island series, Pamela Kelley, Nantucket Beach Plum Cove series, or any of the wonderful books by Carolyn Brown, then this is a book and a series for you!

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2016

89 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Ciana Stone

135 books257 followers
Ciana Stone has been reading since the age of three, and wrote her first story at age five. Since then she enjoyed writing as a solitary form of entertainment, before coming out of the closet to share her stories with others. She holds several post graduate degrees and has often been referred to as a professional student. Her latest fields of interest are quantum mechanics and Taoism. When she is not writing (or studying) she enjoys painting (canvas, not walls), sculpting, running, hiking and yoga. She lives with her longtime lover in several locations in the United States.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
162 (55%)
4 stars
94 (32%)
3 stars
32 (10%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,408 reviews14 followers
May 17, 2020
The last thing Kyle Stadler and Liz Redgate are looking for is a personal relationship, but their attraction to each other is immediate and strong. They both have secrets and past experiences that are driving their reluctance to form anything more than a professional bond. Of course, we all know that the heart will out. There’s a lot of action in this one with devious intent and familial machinations in the background. This is filled with plenty of drama, a bit of intrigue, violence and danger, a touch of the supernatural, and some steamy passion. Ms. Stone has certainly made Cotton Creek an exciting place with her fast-paced, hard to put down tales, and this one is no exception. All the characters in this series are appealing with their own unique charms, and the episodes have their own brand of allure that will pull you into each story from the very beginning and hold you captive until the very end.
Profile Image for Nancy Bodie.
1,125 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2017
Love this series

Okay.. overall a good story, with a good fit in the series. That said had a little bit of a tough time getting through this one, I have been binging this authors works for a few days, and once I start I NEED to finish the book before going to sleep. This one when I got to the attack scene in the bunk house and the major characters response to it I couldn't continue. For me it was a WTF moment, and I needed a break. I was able to finish today but feel like this story is not complete, to many unresolved issues and not issues that can be addressed in the next book but should have been resolved in this book.
Profile Image for Lane.
1,339 reviews
October 3, 2022
I thought this book fit with the series, but I wasn't happy with how Liz's attack was handled. I wanted the men to answer for their attempts. I liked Kyle and Liz together. It was nice to see Cody again and get a better idea of what was happening with her and Wes, if anything at all. Quinlon (the father) was a piece of work! I wanted to know what became of him. The ending was not the best to wrap it up. I felt like the story wasn't completely resolved...like I was left hanging a little. Maybe the rest of the story and how they deal with the issues will be fixed in the next book (especially if it's one of the other characters that seemed to connect).
Profile Image for Christine.
10.7k reviews33 followers
March 1, 2020
ARC review/audible For honest review. This story takes Heather Elizabeth (liz) redgate to cotton creek Texas to follow the horse that she loves and her father sold to the persels who are rivals of her family only she finds something more Kyle stader and a new family with a purpose.Awesome story 10 stars
513 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2017
Another great book in this series.

This series just gets better and better. The storylines are believable and the characters are easy to like. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes romance, friends and family.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,215 reviews
January 1, 2018
Great Book

Loving this series, a bit of mystery, suspense, danger, and a lot of cowboy sweetness and love. Having the audio book brings the characters to life. I have come to love Ciana's writing style, I definitely get a country vacation in her books.
1,493 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2018
Good read

She's running from her controlling father and he is training the horse she wants to ride. Her new boss is the son of her father's worst enemy. A whole lot more danger in this one than the previous. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Sharon.
726 reviews10 followers
August 12, 2020
Baby I'm In

I enjoyed listening to Liz and Kyle's story, you get a dose of hot cowboys and sassy women, action and emotions in one package, this series is really good

The narrator gave a good picture to imagine as I listened
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,390 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2020
Such a fun and sweet story. I have enjoyed this whole series so far, but this one might be my favorite. So much strength is shown and the will to stand by what you believe is epic in this one. I can’t wait to dive into the next.
2,837 reviews20 followers
March 21, 2020
Review of Baby I'm In

This was a very cute story and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
415 reviews
January 8, 2022
Love wins!

In this latest installment of the Honkey Tonk Angels series love wins. Family bonds are stretched and in a couple instances are broken!
Profile Image for Niki.
3,654 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2020
This book is like all of my favorite romances. Quick, easy with a little bit of drama to keep you interested plus cowboys! I am excited to read all six in the series. This was three and it is fun already knowing so many of the characters in the story.
440 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2016
I am so glad that I read this book by Ms. Ciana Stone yes I read the series out of order this being book three but this book was not hard to follow and can easily stand alone. Now granted I don’t read a lot of western cowboy romances and I regret not doing that sooner. I really am missing out on great stories well better late than never I will definitely have to get more in this genre now. It seems I am reading quite a little bit of erotica and it’s so nice to actually read a romance with some hints of intimacy but not overly descriptive but not lacking the heat department. Ms. Stone really knew how to tell a good intriguing story with great plot twists, horses, family betrayal, wonderful major/minor characters and a sweet romance all rolled into in.
Kyle Stadler is a guy who always avoids women due to his past and Liz Redgate is running away from her home which includes an awful controlling father, her deceitful brother Cooper. Liz finds herself in Cotton Creek Texas looking for a job as a jockey. While running Liz ends up lost but fortunately finds just what she is looking for her archenemy and family’s rival Wes Pursell and while meeting him also meets his horse trainer/whisperer Kyle. The attraction between Liz and Kyle is instant but can both of them avoid love?
Usually I have a hard time liking both male/female protagonists but Kyle and Liz were both admirable characters. I just loved Liz her pluckiness, spunky, feisty independent nature and strong willed personality. Liz was a great heroine yes she had secrets but she was willing to make friends and was so likable and relatable I can easily see us both hanging out at honky tonk angels bar kicking back a few beers and gorging ourselves on barbecue. Kyle was just a great cowboy to fall for even though he seemed very cynical and stoic I still liked his no nonsense gruff manner and the fact that he was handsome didn’t hurt either. Just like Liz I wanted to know more about him. I did wonder several times how old Liz since it was never mentioned so Kyle is forty two I placed Liz late twenties that was hinted it or early thirties maybe. I also hope there are more stories in the honky tonk angels series especially to see what happens with Wes, Lily, Cody and Cooper that’s why I rated the book four stars. I will also definitely get the first and second book in the series plus other book by Ms. Stone western or otherwise and can recommend it for a charming western romance!
Profile Image for Andi Downs.
1,446 reviews14 followers
August 31, 2016
I was given a copy of this book for an open and honest review, also via the Candid Book Review Group.

Now having read all the others prior, I knew I'd not be disappointed. :) I loved it. A little grittier, plenty of drama, romance and more. As with the previous books in this series, we are re united with some of the previous couples and characters of the town Cotton Creek.

This time round it was Kyle's story, the confirmed bachelor, one night stand guy! :) He works with Wes Pursell. Training horses.

Then we have Liz Redgate arriving for an interview, along with her horse. Though we soon learn there is so much more to this feisty young woman and her natural way with the horses, namely her own and that which she lost - Landing. When the horse recognizes her, it sparks many questions from both Kyle and Wes, each doing their own investigations.

Liz wants to prove a point to her father, coming from a wealthy background that she hides. Her father is not to be crossed and throws many arrows into the fire as we read. There is a little humour and great with all the families coming together against their matriarchs. And of course the romance with Kyle and Liz. :) Can't forget that part! :) Oh and of course, I must mention Joe, ;) he pops up just when he's needed. :)

Then there is her twin brother Cooper. Their family is filled with many complications and as you read you learn so much more about them. It's gripping and the words flow as does the story about all these people. If you have rad the previous books you will thoroughly enjoy this next step into Cotton Creek and its community, that just keeps on growing. And you just know there is so much more to come with regards to certain characters towards the end!!

You will just have to read to find out. And of course enjoy!! :) Thanks again Ciana Stone for another great read in the Honky Tonk Angels series.
And folks, know you can read individually, but it's much nicer to start from scratch as these great characters are welcomed and grow.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
April 4, 2016
You know a author has you good when you keep coming back for more when it comes to a series. The characters and the dynamics adds another layer to this place that it builds to more than just a story by now. When first Kyle comes on to the scene he is getting alittle drama from the opposite sex because of her exit performance. you get a bit more tidbit on him just enough to find him appealing. Next up is Liz who is trying to find her way to her next job with her horse behind her in the trailer. In thinking she might of gotten lost she meets with one she was needing to see who leads her the rest of the way. To his surprise is the fact that she is the one for the jockey job but her road to prove herself will what counts. To his surprise she is able to handle the one horse that everyone is having trouble with. Wes needs this horse to be ready to win one for him. She also though comes with secrets that find their way out. Running from a power hungry father who badgers her twin brother to get her home or else is also coming at her from the other side. Once they see she can ride and things are agreed upon then is when the story really gets going. You become caught up in the drama unfolding with Liz in the midst of it all. This is just as competitive as anything else horses and the races are. The rivalry between Wes's father and hers is just one part of this. The other is the building relationship between these two-Kyle and Liz. It is built in the right manner that will have it strong when needed. Her befriending Joe a ranch hand will also be a good thing for her too. Her will come to her rescue several times. The drama in this gets deep and players will some of them try to fight dirty but the banding together will be the winning ticket. This is just one you get caught up into, carried along with them savoring every bit and when you reach the end destination,satisfaction guaranteed.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,146 reviews
March 3, 2020
Romantic Suspense

I really enjoy the Honky Tonk Angels series because the books are more than just a romance. Kyle and Liz are the H/h in this book. Both are attracted to each other, but trying to ignore the attraction.

Liz has come to the Pursell ranch full of secrets. Kyle picks up on that fact almost immediately. Their romance develops, but the primary story for me was Liz's relationships with her father, Lucas and brother, Cooper. The underhanded and illegal actions that both Cooper's father and Wes Pursell's father were involved. Both fathers, because of a long standing rivalry, trying to beat the other at a dangerous game. Also showing no love for the children they were trying to control.

Once again, the people of Cotton Creek come together to support each other. And, of course, we can't forget Joe, who saves the day once again.

You get romance, intrigue, and suspense along with love, loyalty, friendship, and a touch of the angelic.

****UPDATE 03 MARCH 20****

I listened to the audio version of this book. I'm glad I read the book first. I liked the story, but not the narration.

I thought the majority of the characters (except the parents) were between mid to late 20's to late 40's. The narrator made most of the male characters sound like old men.

The voice used for the women wasn't too bad. Not sure if that was a Texas twang, but not unbearable. The male voices reminded me of one of those old, old western movies that you can see on TMC with the old cowboys in them.
Profile Image for Read2BeCool.
519 reviews21 followers
June 23, 2016
"Hot cowboys, spunky women, intrigue, good story!"

Would you listen to Baby I'm In again? Why?
I loved the story and the intrigue, but I have to be honest, I did not love the performance. Certainly not enough to listen again. The male voices were too similar and the female voices were annoying. But I'd definitely read the book again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Baby I'm In?
When Kyle and Liz finally revealed all their secrets to each other. Each had really bad things in their pasts. Liz dealt with so much crap from her father that my heart just broke for her. Kyle's experience from being in the war was harrowing and brought me to tears.

I also loved Joe. The mystery of Joe is enough to make me want to ready the rest of the books in the series.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?
It matched the pace of the story, but sometimes it was hard to tell which character was talking. The female voices were all virtually identical. The male voices were too similar.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Dallas Rebooted

Any additional comments?
I really enjoyed the story. Lots of family drama and intrigue, just enough steamy scenes to keep it interesting. I loved that they found a way to resolve the back stabbing and attempted law breaking shenanigans in a positive way.

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2016
Count Me In Too!!!

You won't be able to put this book down!!! The books in the Honky Tonk Angels series just keep getting better!!! Kyle Stader is a quiet and shy rancher that has women lining up for a chance to make him theirs but he wants no part of a long term relationship. He came back to Cotton Creek a changed man after serving in the military and nobody knows the why of it but accepts him the way he is. Liz Redgate is running from a controlling and ruthless father that has betrayed her and she is out to prove him wrong. Liz is on her way to Cotton Creek to apply for a jockey position on the horse her father sold out from under her. An instant attraction sizzles when Liz meets trainer Kyle but mixing businesses with passion is not a good thing. Kyle knows Liz is hiding something and he can't trust someone with secrets but that does not diminish his feelings. When things start to get bad and Liz comes clean about her past and who she is, Liz takes off to protect Kyle and her friends from her father. With the help of Liz's twin Cooper and some friends a plan is made to stop two rivals from illegal oil drilling activity and protect landowners. Can they put the plan into action before time runs out, and how far will Liz and Coopers father go to get what he wants??? This book will keep you turning the page to see what will happen. A great story and I love the way Ciana Stone writes to make you feel you are part of everything. Can't wait to read the next book!!!

Thank you Ciana Stone
Profile Image for Carrie.
898 reviews
March 15, 2016
I LOVE this series! Cotton Creek is wonderful, and this book is just another fabulous story. This entire series is a credit to Ciana Stone. Each book is connected to the previous ones but they are all completely unique, from age and profession to the plotline. This is not one of those series that each book is exactly the same and completely predictable.

HERO: Kyle Stadler -- Cowboy. Painful past, a huge attraction to the new rider. We met him in previous books, in passing, but now we really get to know him.

HEROINE: Heather Elizabeth "Liz" Quinlan Redgate -- would-be-jockey, stunt rider, exercise rider. Daughter of a rich oil tycoon.

PLOT: Kyle is training a horse for Wes Purcell, and the hope is that Landing will win this year. Liz shows up to be the jockey, and everyone is shocked. It isn't often that women get to be jockeys and even more rare for winning jockeys to be women. She is out to prove to everyone around her that she is up to the task. Her father is confident that she will fail and is out to get her, causing all kinds of complications. Through all of it, Kyle and Liz work through their painful pasts to be together.

BOOK: #3 - Can be read as a standalone but better in the context of the series. Full length.

POV: various first person, primarily Kyle and Liz

SETTING: Cotton Creek, small town in Texas

HEAT LEVEL: light, 2/5 - allusions to a few sexy scenes

ENDING: HEA, Slight Cliffhanger to lead into the next book
Profile Image for Elizabeth/snoopypeach.
313 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2016
Kyle is a horse trainer, horse whisperer and breeder. He's not looking for anything permanent or even steady in the romance department. His focus is set on training a champion racing horse. What he doesn't expect is a sassy jockey that he can't keep his eyes off of.

Liz is on a mission to prove to her father that she can be a winning jockey. After her father sold the horse she loves, she goes on a cross country trip to find him. What she finds is a horse whisperer that pushes all her buttons.

This is a fantastic romantic drama! The romance between Kyle and Liz has a slow build-up with plenty of obstacles. Kyle is sexy, calm and steady. Liz is spunky, smart and passionate. The characters are full of life and detail. This story has so many twists and turns that you have no idea what is going to happen next, which was very exciting. From horse racing, oil discoveries, family drama, and so much more there is so much going on in this story and it all works beautifully. I was left not wanting the story to end and to know what was in store for the rest of the characters as the series continues! If you have read any of the other books in this series, you get see some of the characters that were featured in the previous books. This is part of a series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. This is a great read for anyone that loves some romance with their drama and since it doesn't get overly steamy it's a great read for a lot of ages.
Profile Image for Teressa.
500 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2016

"If You Need A Lover And A Friend; Baby I'm In"

"Baby I'm In" was an awesome listen. I love this series and the author, Ciana Stone. She writes a good storyline with great characters and picturesque settings. This was almost like a mash-up of Rodeo Girls and Dallas which I really enjoyed. The drama was there. The romance was there. The likeable characters as well as the sinister character(s) were also present.

Liz and Kyle were characters that I liked a lot. They had good back stories and their current situation was pretty intense with the upcoming Endurance race as well as the oil drilling. I also loved Liz's way with horses. Liz' dad reminded me of JR Ewing. Such a nefarious old so and so. But he still played a good role in the story. All the supporting characters were good too.

I've listened to two books in the series; books two and three and I may check out the first one now. I hope the author keeps writing these. Love 'em.

The narration was outstanding. J. Scott Bennett has amazing vocal skills. He did such an excellent job with the character's voices. I'm so impressed with his work. Just Wow. He gave them all their own voice and maintained them throughout the entire story. He took a good book over the top to great.

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
Profile Image for Terri.
146 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2016
Baby I'm In (Honky Tonk Angels Book 3)

By Ciana Stone

Reviewed by Terri Allen





Love was the last thing on Kyle Stader's mind. He'd found and lost that once and he wasn't about to ever let himself feel that kind of hurt again. So, when Liz Redgate shows up in Cotton Creek, he might find himself interested, but it darn sure isn't going to go anywhere except maybe the bedroom.

Liz is an enigma. A woman who can handle a thoroughbred race horse better than half a dozen experienced jockeys, and one who is keeping secrets. Like why that thoroughbred horse won't run for anyone but her. Those secrets may make her more appealing but also make her dangerous.

Unfortunately, Kyle's no novice to danger, and is a sucker for a mystery. Things are about to get interesting again in Cotton Creek.





What a wonderful book!! I love reading Ciana's books very much. They are always a page turner and very well written.

Kyle and Liz have great chemistry. Every book gets better and better and this one definitely doesn't disappoint...

Really enjoyed all the events and wasn't sure how the book would end. Great characters and we got to see a little from the previous characters and more. I can't wait for more!! Loved it! Thank you! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Hannah.
214 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2016
Baby I'm In was fantastic! I was so excited to read another book in this series and I was not disappointed. I love these books! Each one keeps character building on the people we were gradually introduced to in the previous books and each character has such a great story. I love the romance and the true love in these books. They are so fantastic and I can't wait for the next one!

Liz is trying to prove to herself and her family that she is a better jockey than the men out there. So she heads to Cotton Creek to ride Landing, a thoroughbred that seems to be impossible to ride for most. She also has many secrets, like where she came from and who her father is, that need to stay under wraps or else she might lose her chance of riding.

Kyle is a horse trainer who has known love, and also lost it. He is determined to not ever feel that again. When Liz shows up, he knows she is keeping secrets, and he is going to get to the bottom of it. He can't trust someone who won't trust him, and with the attraction he feels toward Liz, it's posing quite the problem.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,119 reviews55 followers
June 11, 2016
This series continues on with Joe our Angel! This time, we encounter Kyle Stader, training race horses on the Purcell ranch. Along comes Liz Redgate, the only person who can seem to tame the wild "Kings Landing". No one knows that she is really the horse's original owner and trainer. Liz is trying to get out from under her father's thumb, following her dreams of being Landing's jockey and winning with him. Of course, the Purcell's and Liz's family have a long competitive history both in racing and business. Kyle and Liz have instant chemistry, and finally come to the realization that they cannot live without each other.

The children of these families, (Liz, her brother Cooper and Wes Purcell) band together, and we learn how really far Liz's dad will go to win. Joe remains the ultimate, elusive man of the day! Ciana Stone has another winner!

J Scott Bennett continues to bring this story to life for me. I love his voice with this western series, perfect pace and fits the storyline.

--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for One-Click.
709 reviews22 followers
July 2, 2016
Audiobook - narration, J. Scott Bennett - Good - very good story teller with a wide variety of character voices. I said it on the last book I listened to in this series, and I'll say it again, his voice reminds me more of a historical western narrator, but this is a modern tale. But, I didn't care, in my mind, I made it a little more Wild West than it actually was (hey, it's my head! I can do what I want)

I really enjoyed this story. Thought it was better than the last, which is always a good sign. Kyle and Liv were great characters - Kyle is the horse whisperer and trains horses for Wes. Liz is a former trick rider then Hollywood stunt rider who shows up at the ranch to attempt to acquire a jockey position so she can ride the horse -her horses arse of a- father sold out from under her. Loved the moms, but both dads in this story definitely won't be up for father of the year anytime soon.



I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from Audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review



Profile Image for Lori.
529 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2016
Really enjoyed this story.

Who doesn't love a cowboy.

Family drama, horses, romance, suspense, overbearing fathers, an independent woman and a sexy cowboy all combined into a well written, entertaining and enjoyable story with a HEA.

While this is the 3rd book in the series it is a stand alone book.

The story revolves around the cut throat business of horse training and racing. Kyle Stader the confirmed bachelor and horse trainer. Liz Redgate a horse trainer and jockey determined to live life on her own terms not her fathers.

Love how they all banded together to beat their fathers at their own game.

J Scott Bennett did a great job with the narration. He has the perfect male voice for this type of story. Slight county twang just made the narration even better. I plan on going back and listening to the rest of the books in this series and it's just a bonus that he narrates all of them.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,188 reviews
July 11, 2016
Love was the last thing on Kyle Stader's mind. He'd found and lost that once and he wasn't about to ever let himself feel that kind of hurt again. He could live without love and the pain it caused. When Liz Redgate shows up in Cotton Creek, he might find himself interested, but it isn't going to go anywhere except maybe the bedroom. Liz is an enigma. A woman who can handle a thoroughbred race horse better than half a dozen experienced jockeys, and one who is keeping secrets. Like why that thoroughbred horse won't run for anyone but her. Those secrets may make her more appealing but also make her dangerous.

Kyle was deeply injured overseas and that pain continues to haunt him. He never meant to fall in love with Liz, especially when he knows she is hiding the truth from everyone. Liz is running from her father, a very rich and dangerous man. She can only hope to prove herself to her father and her twin brother. Cotton Creek is in danger and the people do not even realize it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.