Book 2 in the Cowboy Fairytales series: a reverse-Cinderella story
If the boot fits…
There’s nothing glamorous about Ethan Townsend’s life. At twenty-five, he’s given up his college education and pretty much everything else to run the family dairy farm in north Texas and provide for his two spoiled stepbrothers. When he meets a real-life princess, he can’t help but be attracted to her beauty—even though he knows she’s way out of his league.
Princess Mia of Glorvaird is visiting the States to help manage her sister’s upcoming engagement ball. Bonus: she can escape the media blitz over her last—very public—breakup back home. When she meets hard-working Ethan, she realizes she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places.
Even though attraction sparks, how can Ethan expect to build a real relationship with a princess? Especially when his stepbrothers sabotage him at every turn?
Cowboy Charming is a contemporary western retelling of the Cinderella fairytale and Book 2 in the Cowboy Fairytales series.
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .
This is the second book in this series. I really liked the first one. This one felt a bit underdeveloped. It needs another good edit- I found enough mistakes to make it annoying and maybe that distracted me from things? I don't know. This is a cute series though. I'll probably pick up the next book- especially if it's on kindle unlimited.
What a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella fairytale! There was quite the twist on this classic and I found it to be a truly refreshing one…the person who was plagued with the trials that Cinderella faced in the fairytale was the hero of the novella! And the author pulled it off splendidly!
Ethan Townsend had to persevere through so many setbacks in his life. He kept pushing on and doing the best he could for his ungrateful stepbrothers. Ethan put aside his wants and desires without complaint. This man was a great hero. His attitude set him up to be someone that many people, including Princess Mia, could admire. I loved the relationship that developed between these two likable characters.
I had a wonderful time listening to this charming tale. Once again, the narration was very nicely done and made for a great experience. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the very romantic ending. I’m looking forward to listening to the next story in the series soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a sweet novella! I did enjoy the twist to the Cinderella tale. And while this was a likable story, it was not as good as Book 1, to me. I wish there had been a little more interaction between the main characters, and a little more of a spark. I felt the sweetness of the story, and honestly felt bad for our hero. I wanted to see him be a little more assertive though.
There were parts of the novella, where the main characters from Book 1 came to the forefront and we stepped into their story. Part of this I believe will tie in all the novels together, until the villian is caught and the storyline is complete.
Overall, as I said a sweet and cute read. Perfect for when you just have a little bit of time and want a charming tale.
Romance - clean Language - none Violence - none, (mention of the threats from Book 1)
Normally I'd be a bit skeptical about a reverse fairy-tale theme, I don't know why, but THIS was actually so much better than the first book and my favorite one of the two for the princesses of Glorvaird. And for a reverse Cinderella, I absolutely LOOOOOVED this one! *Heart eyes*
There were some other things I liked with Ethan's story (the one who was like Cinderella) and Mia (the princess) who had seen him for who he was and had seen the sacrifice and selfless love he showed to his two stepbrothers when their mom died at a young age for the boys.
There's definitely more to this novella story and I'm glad I actually put the third sisters' story on hold and started with the first book now understanding a few side things I was super confused even for a different character's story. So far I'd HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading these royal stories in order since there's a side ongoing story. Now I'm excited to pick up book 3 since it's now a cousin to three Glorvaird princesses and even had a surprise "twist" at the end of this book that well... you'll just have to read to find out. As I said, read these in order to understand fully on what's going on with the princesses of Glorvaird and it'll make more sense in this case.
I'm definitely liking Lacy Williams writing style and the way she's telling these stories. Now here's to the next book The Toad Prince AND THEN Eloise's story The Beastly Princess which I tried to start with first and soon can start that one once I of course finish book 3 which should be interesting!
2. Book 2: Cowboy Charming:4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella Cowboy Charming: Mia and Ethan in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. Drama packed. This sequel contains the revelation of a 20-year-old secret, Alessandra and Gideon start of their royal wedding planning, carefree Princess Mia’s whirlwind romance, a theft at the ranch, and a second chance at love and family for single guardian, dairy farmer and jack of all trades Ethan, who has giving up his teen years and college plans to raise his ungrateful delinquent stepbrothers.
3. Book 3: The Toad Prince: 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella The Toad Prince: McKenna and Pieter in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. Full of tension and family drama. Alessandra and Gideon return to America to find her missing half-sister before her father the king dies and, her cousin Prince Pieter comes to the USA for vengeance only to find peace with abuse surviving, rodeo queen hopeful 19-year-old McKenna Cline
4. Book 4: The Beastly Princess: 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella The Beastly Princess: Eloise and Cody in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. This is a drama and tension filled episode with only a small portion focused on Eloise’s poignant life and romance. Lacy Williams seamless blends a wedding for Alessandra, the death of the king, a pregnancy for Mia, an unexpected romance forburn scarred Eloise with medically sidelined professional bull rider Cody Austin, the locating of the “lost Princess” Kylie Winters, and the continued concerns regarding the unstable escaped Aunt.
5. Book 5: The Lost Princess: 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella The Lost Princess: Kylie and Nick in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. Contains a fair amount of violence and a heartwarming ending. Set mainly in America this sequel combines Gideons search for Kylie, Pieter’s search for his mother, Kylie’s reunion romance and brief updates on the other princesses. Feeling adrift after her estranged mother’s sudden death, Chicago CPA Kylie Harris takes her mother’s dog snow on a one year cross country trip retracing the homes of her youth hoping to find peace and closure only to wind up in Bear Lake, Oklahoma, stopped by the Police, reunited with her childhood neighbor, and a target of violent crime.
6. Book 6: Kissing Kelsey: 3 stars I purchased a copy of the novella Kissing Kelsey: Kelsey and Matt in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. Bittersweet and poignant featuring the heartbreak and rocky relationships of the two remaining Triple-H Texas Ranch siblings Matt and Carrie, this sequel proposes a happy ending for Matt but more disquiet and self-inflicted heart ache for Carrie. Feeling adrift after being medically discharged with amnesia from a TBI, former Air Force Sergeant Matt Hale returns home to the Triple-H ranch in Texas where his first memory is of “his girlfriend” Olympic Silver Medalist runner Kelsey Whitley prior to their breakup ten years ago. While at the same time, hairdresser, abuse survivor and single mom Carrie struggles to raise her asthmatic young daughter Scarlet while fighting her attraction to Trey, her fear of losing her independence and her distrust of Alpha men.
7. Book 7: Courting Carrie: 4 Stars I purchased a copy of the novella Courting Carrie: Carrie and Trey in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. A Poignant story of love and homecoming with some drama and a happy ending. Heartbroken but still loving Carrie almost two years after she has broken up with him, ranch hand Trey Reynolds finds himself leaving the woman, family, and land he loves in hopes of reducing Carrie’s stress and pain only to have Scarlet’s plot to gain a husband for her mother by Christmas and the unexpected appearance of her abusive father push Trey and Carrie together. Provides glimpses into the disintegrating relationship of Carrie’s best friend veterinarian Sarah Campbell and, of a friend from high school,ranch hand Chase’s feelings for Carrie. 8. Book 8: Stealing Sarah: 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella Stealing Sarah: Sarah and Chase in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. A tension filled sequel with some violence, the themes of abandonment, foster care and reduced sense of self- worth which are blended with Sarah and Chase’s friends to more romance and, with glimpses into her sister Kayla’s unsettled life. Veterinarian Sarah Campbell’s life is turned upside down when her assistant goes on maternity leave, Sarah suffers a brutal attack, her fiancé breaks up with her on her 30th birthday and, she finds herself attracted to her a former high school friend, Triple-H ranch hand Chase. Contains a suspenseful teaser for the sequel which involves Café Owner and dog rescue hopeful Kayla. 9. Book 9: Keeping Kayla: 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella Keeping Kayla: Kayla and Nate in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. A short fast paced story containing wonderful characters and some drama. A rash action at age nineteen comes back to haunt Kayla Campbell but turns out to be a blessing in disguise when she decides to foster ten-year-old orphan Miles. After ten years, a technicality reunites Triple H Foreman Nate O’Malley with his childhood bride, dog rescuing former foster child Kayla Campbell, reinforcing his determination to win her back. . 10. Book 10: Melting Megan: 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novella Melting Megan: Megan and Dan in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. Interesting characters and a bit of drama. Former Triple H ranch hand and reformed gambler Dan Evans receives early parole, is welcomed back to the ranch, struggles with his sense of self worth and need to pay the Hale’s back while falling in love with single guardian Dr. Megan Fuller.
Totally loved Cowboy Charming. The Cinderella story was such a great fit for Ethan!!! And Mia was such a darling. Can't wait for The Toad Prince. These are great stories. Enjoyed that so much of the story involved Gideon and Alessandra too.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 4 narrator Such an adorable princess romance! I am thoroughly hooked on this series of audiobooks. It is so charming, and it makes me feel happy. This short audiobook (almost 3 hours) is "clean" - no sex, just kissing. There not even a mention of sex, and the two primary characters are virgins in their 20's. Somehow, this situation feels totally plausible while listening to this story. There was barely any mention of God, so I do not classify it as a Christian romance, although Christian romance readers would probably like it. I would call it a sweet contemporary romance with a fairy tale plot. This Cinderella story has a man (Ethan) as the downtrodden, self-sacrificing good guy who is badgered by his two ungrateful younger stepbrothers. Ethan's parents had died when he was young. Then, when he was 19, his unpleasant stepmother died, and he volunteered to become guardian to his 9- and 10-year-old stepbrothers, delaying his dream of becoming a veterinarian. He meets Mia, a princess of a small European kingdom. She is visiting her sister Alessandra, who is engaged to an ex-Navy SEAL who runs a ranch in Texas (see Book 1). Mia has been unlucky in love and does not want to rush into a relationship with the wrong man again. Both Mia and Ethan are so likeable and have admirable characteristics. Although this audiobook is not perfect, I was highly entertained by it. There are short bits of awkward wording, and the writing might be a bit too simplistic sometimes. However, this story really cheered me up. Mia and Ethan were so sweet together! The narrator was pretty good. To my Southern ears, her Texas accents seemed very authentic. She did not attempt to give the European princess a European accent, but I was able to ignore that snafu after a short time. She was passable at men's voices. She occasionally made the book sound a little too hokey with how she sometimes pauses and overemphasizes certain words in a sentence. Still, I think the narrator has a very pleasant voice, and I was mostly pleased by her performance. This series is best listened to in order because there are a couple of story arcs that stretch beyond each novella. Also, some characters from Book 1 get a couple of chapters in this Book 2, which I enjoyed. I also liked how the last scene of the audiobook is a teaser for what will happen in the next novella. In addition, a short excerpt from Book 3 is included at the end. I love this contemporary twist on Cinderella with cowboys and princesses. Lacy Williams has made such a charming series of audiobooks that I can't wait to listen to the rest of them. Books 1 & 2 are going in my list of beloved audiobooks that put a smile on my face. I received a free copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Life of Glorvaird royalty continues with Princess Mia's story in this Cinderella re-telling. Ethan is a dairy farmer raising his two step-brothers while also working odd jobs to make ends meet. While working on Gideon's ranch (introduced in Once Upon a Cowboy) he meets Princess Mia and a friendship blossoms.
I love re-tellings of classic stories, fairy tales, etc. and Cowboy Charming was one of the first re-tellings that I could actually see the obvious correlations to the original tale. I really enjoyed that fact since most re-tellings are so loosely related that it's hard to differentiate the connections.
As much as I enjoyed the first book, I liked this one even more. What's odd is that this one was half the length of the first book in the series, but for a novella, it was a great read. I really liked the hero, Ethan. Mia was a great heroine, as well, but Ethan stole the show. He was a genuinely honorable man and I felt bad when he was often taken advantage of by his step-brothers. At the same time, Mia was a strong and independent woman who quickly saw the real Ethan and didn't judge him by his circumstances.
As Mia and Ethan's story ties up in this book and Gideon and Alexandra's continues to move towards their wedding, the next book's main character is introduced. It sounds like a good one and I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Audiobook notes: I both read a digital copy and listened to an audiobook of Cowboy Charming. As with the first book the narrator does a great job. While I often speed up audiobooks to 1.25, I found that I preferred the narrators natural pacing. This was a first for me, because I tend to be a fast reader and find most audiobooks painfully slow.
I love these short and sweet novellas! I didn’t realize this until I started this second one, but really I think all the novellas are really just one big story. They are not stand alone. Each has a new mini romance, but in this book we still got a continuation of Gideon and Alessandra story from the first book. I loved it! Ethan is the perfect Cinderella-like character. He is kind, selfless, self sacrificing, sweet, and humble. The audio was great and I will definitely be continuing on with the series.
SPOILERS and book notes: I love Ethen. He is the Cinderella like character in this story. So loving and sweet and kind and humble. He is taking care of his two teenage step brothers even though they are punks and don’t appreciate him. He sacrificed so much for them. And I love that the two main characters from the first book are still in this one! They get POV too. It’s like this whole series is one continuous book. Oh my heck I love that she got him to take her to her first American football game and gave him her number on his flip phone. Wow what a sad ending. His step brothers get taken away from him and get put into foster care. But he did everything he could. But I
Cowboy Charming picks up where Once Upon A Cowboy (book 1) leaves off. Princess Mia returns with Alessandra and Gideon to the ranch to help arrange an engagement ball for her sister. This fairytale spinoff of Cinderella has the hero, Ethan, working multiple jobs to care for his two selfish, rebellious teenage step-brothers. When he meets Mia there is a connection of friendship and more that helps lighten the burden on his shoulders...until he discovers that she is a princess and way out of his impovished league. Alessandra's and Gideon's story continues too, as Gideon not only searches for the person who attacked the royal family, but also searches for the person stealing money from the ranch. Tensions rise for the princesses as their prince charmings wonder if they are up to the challenge that loving the princesses pose, but there is nothing like the magic of a romantic ball to put things in perspective. This story has its happily ever after, but there are some storylines that remain intriguing.
The Story Of the two I have listened to so far I think this one was my favorite – I loved the twist on the old Cinderella fairytale! Definitely an enchanting and romantic story!
The Audioook This collection is a fun escape from the humdrum of everyday life and into the world of princesses and knights in Stetsons, not shining armor. Each one is a fairly quick read, or as in my case, listen.
I listened to the audiobook version of Cowboy Fairytales: The Complete Collection and I really enjoyed it. The narration was good, in fact, the same person narrated the entire collection which lent an air of continuity.
Sweet cowboy romance with a dash of whimsy and suspense. If you are looking for a good, clean, read or listen with a touch of faith, definitely check out this neat series from Lacy Williams.
(I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
3.5🌟 Audiobook: Sometimes, the perfect read for me is a novella. Something short and sweet. Which is why the Cowboy Fairytales caught my eye. This second book in the series features Princess Mia and the reverse-Cinderella hero, Ethan, in a sweet romance. I definitely wanted to brain those ugly step-brothers and was glad when that was resolved. Alessandra and Gideon (heroine and hero from book #1) not only appear in this story but have POVs and a separate story thread. Will that continue through the series? I guess I’ll find out because I intend to keep listening.
Robin’s Ratings 5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite. 4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. 3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. 2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more. 1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
What a fun and delightful novella. Ethan Townsend is a twenty-five year old who has given up everything. He was very close to his father and when his father died, Ethan's world becomes even worse. He has a hateful stepmother and two lazy, good for nothing step brothers. He has given up a full college scholarship to take care of these step brothers once their mother is gone. He is trying hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. We get to meet Princess Mia and learn more about this younger sister. There is attraction between these two but Ethan feels he has nothing to offer someone as important as Mia. After all she is a real life princess. Mia, known as the kissing princess sees Ethan and realizes all her previous relationships were not the real deal. She now knows what she is looking for.
3.5 Stars This was an inventive modern retelling of Cinderella. The role reversals added another dimension and kept the story fresh and interesting. I enjoyed the continuation of Alessandra and Gideon’s story, though I think there was too much of their story when the focus should have been more on Mia and Ethan. Because of that, I felt that Mia and Ethan’s relationship was underdeveloped; we learned about most of their interactions and developing feelings through the author telling us instead of showing us what was occurring between them. The writing was decent, but like the first novel, it definitely needed a thorough proofreading. The mistakes throughout took me out of the story and interrupted the flow. Overall, I did enjoy this novella and would recommend it to readers who like clean, modern fairytale retellings.
There are few books that I've wanted to keep reading badly enough to buy multiple of the next books in the series right after I finished the first one, it happened with this series and I must say that I don't regret it. I love cowboy stories and fairytales, this is the best combination of the two that I can think of.
The only think that bugged me a bit, was that there is quite a few places where the wrong letter or word seems to have been used, which was some what annoying but not terribly so because I enjoyed the story and my brain seems to auto correct it when I read. I loved the story enough to still give it 5 stars because the spelling mistakes didn't feel like enough reason to take a whole star away, if I could I'd give it 4 3/4 stars because of that.
I enjoyed this second title in this series. I didn't realize it till about 65% into the story line but it was a unique twist to the traditional Cinderella story. I liked Ethan and Mia. I was especially touched by Ethan's story. He is a remarkable young man. I wonder if there are really young people like him who would sacrifice for a family that does not even appreciate him. Mia became kind of a secondary character to me. Her story wasn't as strong as Ethan's but I still liked her. I also liked having a glimpse of Gideon and Alessandra within this book. I wonder when they're "happy ending" marriage will take place. Will everyone in this series gets married before them? Kinda makes me want to grab the next one in this series just so I can see how it ends with them.
This clean romance tale by Lacy Williams had me almost bawling at different times for the hard-working, hurting hero. I couldn't put the book down and I still want to read more. I guess that's how you know for certain a book deserves all five stars. :) I think in this book, I felt more of a kinship with the hero than the heroine. I know what it's like to work, work, and work to only feel like you're spinning your wheels. Then to have the people you feel closest to rub failures or doubts in your face is so utterly draining and discouraging. This is a modern day cowboy fairytale romance I think you'll find aptly titled. If you enjoy clean reads, cowboys, fairytales, romance, princesses, adventure, and mystery, you should definitely give this one a try.
This is a type of Cinderella story revamp with a Princess instead of Prince and a Cowboy instead of maiden. Ethan lost his dad at age 10. Then just as he was accepted to university his stepmother passed away leaving him as guardian to his stepbrothers that do not respect the fact he is working to keep them from foster care. Princess Mia is visiting the ranch of her future brother in law with her older sister. She notices Ethan and becomes his friend. You can read how they become close in this short novelette.
Ethan has had such a rough life - loved him. He is a much sweeter guy than Gideon and I'd call him a Beta but still my favorite. He meets Princess Mia and sparks fly. He doesn't feel worthy and she wants to be wanted for her not for who she is. I liked that she pursued him - in a good way not overbearing or pushy. He needed to feel wanted and good enough. Loved the epilogue and also getting to hear about Alessandra & Gideon from book 1. Highly recommend.
This is the second in a series of interrelated romances, each featuring a different couple but describing an overall story arc. Certainly it can be read alone! The first novel was the middle sister's HEA; this one is for the youngest sister. If you keep in mind these are meant to be fairy tales, you can suspend disbelief a wee bit and enjoy a really sweet, if unexpected, romance. Imaginative and good character development!
Very cute gender flip version of Cinderella (the guy has the Cinderella role and he meets a princess) which isn’t all that believable but, again, very pleasant entertainment. You can’t help like these main characters! You definitely need to read these books in order because the story from the first book continues and the epilogue sets up who is going to be introduced in the next installment. These are quite fun reads. I happen to have access and, unless I get bored, I’m going straight through.
Mia made a promise to herself that she wouldn’t kiss a guy until she knew he was the one she would marry. While Mia is visiting her sister in Texas she meets Ethan. Ethan doesn’t know that Mia is a princess but soon finds out that her really like her, but knows that he isn’t anywhere in her league. He’s too busy trying to keep the dairy farm afloat and deal with his two wild stepbrothers. Can he really become a prince for Mia?
Mia comes to help her sister with her engagement ball, after finding happiness with a rancher. Meeting Ethan who gave up a lot to kept the family dairy ranch going, and two ungrateful step brothers. He does so without complaints, or thinking of his future. The loyalty , Mia couldn’t help admire, and be attracted to him. A delightful retelling of Cinderella, with the man , instead of a woman.
A great twist on a Cinder-story. Ethan has been trying for years to keep his family together, too often at the expense of his own happiness and future. Mia is fun and ready to make her own, serious choices. Ethan deserves so much with everything he went through. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Sweet romance I couldn't put down. Loved all the characters, which were all well developed. Love the entire Cowboy Fairytales series. Each book is a great stand alone, but you also get to see more of the other beloved characters from the other books in the series. Highly recommend all the books in this series and this author.
Cowboy Charming was another great read by Lacy Williams. This is book two in The Cowboy Fairytales Series. Ethan has loved a rough life. He gave up college to take care of his spoiled step brothers. He meets Princess Mia while she was visiting the United States. I loved Mia and Ethan’s story.
I felt the story was good, but that it could be more in-depth. The story felt like it did not have a long time span but there was an Insta-love type thing and they were married a week after the first kiss? while it is fiction, it seemed far fetched and I wish there was a little more build up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.