What do you think?
Rate this book
Code of the West #3
Cowboys Don't Stay
Rodeo cowboy Noah Tanner spent his life going down the road. He never stopped. He never stayed –until rehab from an accident stuck him in Laramie, Wyoming over the holidays.
So, fine. He’d stay with Tess. Who better to spend Christmas with than the gorgeous nurse who’d patched him up once before?
Once Tess Montgomery had loved Noah. She still had him to thank for her greatest gift — Susannah — the child Noah never knew he had.
Then Noah met Susannah, and his world changed. But could a footloose cowboy settle down? Be a dad? Show the only woman he’d ever loved that this time he was here to stay?
Or was it too late? Would Tess ever trust him with her heart again?
So, fine. He’d stay with Tess. Who better to spend Christmas with than the gorgeous nurse who’d patched him up once before?
Once Tess Montgomery had loved Noah. She still had him to thank for her greatest gift — Susannah — the child Noah never knew he had.
Then Noah met Susannah, and his world changed. But could a footloose cowboy settle down? Be a dad? Show the only woman he’d ever loved that this time he was here to stay?
Or was it too late? Would Tess ever trust him with her heart again?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2012
892 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Anne McAllister
346 books123 followersAnne McAllister has written nearly 70 romance novels for Tule Publishing and Harlequin Books.
She has won two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America — for COWBOY PRIDE and THE STARDUST COWBOY — and has had nine other books which were RITA finalists.
Her books have also been finalists for the National Readers’ Choice Award. She was named Midwest Fiction Writers “Writer of the Year” and also received Romantic Times’ Career Achievement Award as “Series Author of the Year.”
But while the awards and sales are wonderful, Anne thinks the best part of writing is telling the story. With every new book she writes, she meets new characters – or gets to know old ones even better – and discovers what makes them and their relationships tick.
It’s the relationships that interest her most and the question about “where do you get your ideas?” has always astonished her as she has more ideas than she knows what to do with!
She has won two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America — for COWBOY PRIDE and THE STARDUST COWBOY — and has had nine other books which were RITA finalists.
Her books have also been finalists for the National Readers’ Choice Award. She was named Midwest Fiction Writers “Writer of the Year” and also received Romantic Times’ Career Achievement Award as “Series Author of the Year.”
But while the awards and sales are wonderful, Anne thinks the best part of writing is telling the story. With every new book she writes, she meets new characters – or gets to know old ones even better – and discovers what makes them and their relationships tick.
It’s the relationships that interest her most and the question about “where do you get your ideas?” has always astonished her as she has more ideas than she knows what to do with!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 25, 2019
It is a heartwarming story with everything being so convenient. Noah invades Tess' home and she lets him. He makes decisions for her and their daughter, whom he didn't even know existed a few days prior, and she lets him.
November 30, 2017
Sweet and enjoyable holiday season read.
Noah Tanner and Taggart Jones, best friends are on their way home after winning the PBR championship --one in bronc riding the other in bull-riding-- when they meet with a terrible accident.
When Noah opens his eyes in the hospital, he finds the nurse looking at him is Tess Montgomery, the girl who had shown him paradise for two weeks eight years ago, having welcomed him into her life, her arms and her bed after an injury. Now, she treated him with a cool civility. Their parting hadn't been good. She had expected more from him, but he couldn't give it to her because he was a close-to-broke rodeo bronc rider then and had to get on the road to more rodeos if he had to have any money to survive. Two months later he'd called having promised her that and on Tagg's advice about not giving her false hopes and keeping her dangling, he told her not to expect him back at all.
Now, eight years later he couldn't get her to talk to him properly although he did manage to steal a passionate kiss from her. It was Christmas time and he couldn't go to his older brother's ranch as he'd liked to because he had to be near the hospital for his therapy, so he was stuck all alone and bereft in a motel room. He then decides to visit Tess, but when he reaches her place, he finds she's out. But, there's a cute seven-year old girl who stuns him when she tells him that he's her father. Tess then arrives and asks Noah to leave, but then she had to take it back when she learns that their daughter had asked for her father to come to them, not from Santa, but from God.
She however keeps Noah at a cold distance for most part of the book. Noah nevertheless has a wonderful time bonding with their daughter, Susannah, who is thrilled to have him in her life. When his daughter gets hurt and Tess was not around, he takes charge of the situation although it was a first time experience for him, which impresses Tess, who softens toward him enough to make love, but declines his proposal of marriage still not sure he'd want to hang out.
I couldn't full warm up to Tess. I get that she didn't want her heart broken again, but I felt she was only thinking about herself, not about the daughter and father relationship.
Nevertheless, Noah, Susannah, Noah's brothers and their wives and family and all other characters in the book were fun characters, which is why I found the book fun and enjoyable read.
Noah Tanner and Taggart Jones, best friends are on their way home after winning the PBR championship --one in bronc riding the other in bull-riding-- when they meet with a terrible accident.
When Noah opens his eyes in the hospital, he finds the nurse looking at him is Tess Montgomery, the girl who had shown him paradise for two weeks eight years ago, having welcomed him into her life, her arms and her bed after an injury. Now, she treated him with a cool civility. Their parting hadn't been good. She had expected more from him, but he couldn't give it to her because he was a close-to-broke rodeo bronc rider then and had to get on the road to more rodeos if he had to have any money to survive. Two months later he'd called having promised her that and on Tagg's advice about not giving her false hopes and keeping her dangling, he told her not to expect him back at all.
Now, eight years later he couldn't get her to talk to him properly although he did manage to steal a passionate kiss from her. It was Christmas time and he couldn't go to his older brother's ranch as he'd liked to because he had to be near the hospital for his therapy, so he was stuck all alone and bereft in a motel room. He then decides to visit Tess, but when he reaches her place, he finds she's out. But, there's a cute seven-year old girl who stuns him when she tells him that he's her father. Tess then arrives and asks Noah to leave, but then she had to take it back when she learns that their daughter had asked for her father to come to them, not from Santa, but from God.
She however keeps Noah at a cold distance for most part of the book. Noah nevertheless has a wonderful time bonding with their daughter, Susannah, who is thrilled to have him in her life. When his daughter gets hurt and Tess was not around, he takes charge of the situation although it was a first time experience for him, which impresses Tess, who softens toward him enough to make love, but declines his proposal of marriage still not sure he'd want to hang out.
I couldn't full warm up to Tess. I get that she didn't want her heart broken again, but I felt she was only thinking about herself, not about the daughter and father relationship.
Nevertheless, Noah, Susannah, Noah's brothers and their wives and family and all other characters in the book were fun characters, which is why I found the book fun and enjoyable read.
February 7, 2017
Such a sweet cute story,absolutely loved Noah-Tess,and the bonding and scenes with Suee was fun to read,especially the scene when Suse bumps into a tress and breaks her teeth and has few scratches,loved the way Noah-Tess both find their way to love back and Noah realises his mistakes and finally works on earning Suse and Tess's trust and love
The secondary characters were great,Noah's family was good and Noah sharing his childhood scrapbook and pics with Suse and Tess was also fun to read
Overall a Good read
Recommend it
The secondary characters were great,Noah's family was good and Noah sharing his childhood scrapbook and pics with Suse and Tess was also fun to read
Overall a Good read
Recommend it
November 23, 2019
Lovely story with a strong heroine and an amazing kid
This is my first book by this author but will not be the last.
Tess was a nurse student when she met Noah, a cowboy that was in the hospital to recover from an injury suffered during a rodeo. They shared an instant connection and spend two weeks together, being lovers and friends.
When the two weeks have passed and Noah was finally recovered, he simply left with some rodeo companions and told her that he could not stay, that he had never promised anything, and that he was not ready to settle.
After the profound connection they had shared Tessa was devastated by his leave and even more when she found out she was pregnant.
Eight years after, Noah suffers a car accident and is sent to the hospital where Tess now works.
The plot in itself is not the most original, but it was done beautifully. Tess is a serious and respectable woman, full of character and strength and her daughter Suzanna is the sweetest kid I’ve ever seen. Her interactions with Noah are too wonderful for words.
Noah is a good man too. He knows he screwed up big, he assumes his mistakes and owns them honorably.
To make good even better, the story is settle during Christmas and is full of family values and Christmas Spirit (in a very non-preachy way).
It’s a wonderful story! Lovely read.
This is my first book by this author but will not be the last.
Tess was a nurse student when she met Noah, a cowboy that was in the hospital to recover from an injury suffered during a rodeo. They shared an instant connection and spend two weeks together, being lovers and friends.
When the two weeks have passed and Noah was finally recovered, he simply left with some rodeo companions and told her that he could not stay, that he had never promised anything, and that he was not ready to settle.
After the profound connection they had shared Tessa was devastated by his leave and even more when she found out she was pregnant.
Eight years after, Noah suffers a car accident and is sent to the hospital where Tess now works.
The plot in itself is not the most original, but it was done beautifully. Tess is a serious and respectable woman, full of character and strength and her daughter Suzanna is the sweetest kid I’ve ever seen. Her interactions with Noah are too wonderful for words.
Noah is a good man too. He knows he screwed up big, he assumes his mistakes and owns them honorably.
To make good even better, the story is settle during Christmas and is full of family values and Christmas Spirit (in a very non-preachy way).
It’s a wonderful story! Lovely read.
February 11, 2018
I read the series and loved it
March 15, 2022
This was a cute story where Noah, a bronc rider, lives by the rodeo. He never stays in one place for long. After getting hit by a Semi, he's thrust into the hospital and has a long recovery ahead of him. For now, his nurse is a blast from the past. A woman he once knew and left has come back into his life and is shocked by a surprise.
A cute story has lots of sweetness and a good ending. I enjoyed it. The Christmas theme of the book was perfect for the season. I loved how sweet Noah could be.
Tess struggles with her fears, trust, and heartache because she knows that trusting in the past hurt her. It caused her pain and loneliness but when Noah shows up, she questions herself and struggles to come to terms with his part in her lfe.
A cute story has lots of sweetness and a good ending. I enjoyed it. The Christmas theme of the book was perfect for the season. I loved how sweet Noah could be.
Tess struggles with her fears, trust, and heartache because she knows that trusting in the past hurt her. It caused her pain and loneliness but when Noah shows up, she questions herself and struggles to come to terms with his part in her lfe.
December 22, 2019
Second chances romance with a cowboy from the rodeo circuit has to take a break for the holidays when he has a serious car accident while en route home to his brother's ranch.
Noah Tanner ends up in the same hospital that many years ago he met a special nurse that he fall in love and left to go back to the rodeo, but this time he is going to stick around because there is a surprise secret daughter that is now in his life. Totally impossible story, but a cute holiday themed read.
192 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Noah Tanner ends up in the same hospital that many years ago he met a special nurse that he fall in love and left to go back to the rodeo, but this time he is going to stick around because there is a surprise secret daughter that is now in his life. Totally impossible story, but a cute holiday themed read.
192 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
January 29, 2017
A sweet Christmas romance, though a bit too traditional for my liking - womenfolk in the kitchen, menfolk inspecting guns, church every Sunday and the like. But I did like the surprisingly non-bratty child. Kudos for that.
December 29, 2019
The accident and the surprise.
On the way home Noah and Tagert where in an accident, which put them both in hospital.
To Noah this seems like fate as eight year's earlier the same had happened to him, landing him in the same hospital.
Tess was surprised to read the name of her new patient, in fact it was a shock she could have done without.
This was the second time Noah had been in her life, the first time he had walked away without a word and left her to be a mother on her own nine months later.
This is book three of the series, and all the books are of hard working men who live in their worlds until the right women arrive to put them back together,and feed them love.
Please give these books a read,, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have.
On the way home Noah and Tagert where in an accident, which put them both in hospital.
To Noah this seems like fate as eight year's earlier the same had happened to him, landing him in the same hospital.
Tess was surprised to read the name of her new patient, in fact it was a shock she could have done without.
This was the second time Noah had been in her life, the first time he had walked away without a word and left her to be a mother on her own nine months later.
This is book three of the series, and all the books are of hard working men who live in their worlds until the right women arrive to put them back together,and feed them love.
Please give these books a read,, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have.
January 8, 2020
The story of Tess and Noah. It is a stand alone however there are others in the series about Noah's brothers if you want to continue reading about the family. They can be read in any order. Tess and Noah is a second chance romance. He is a Rodeo bronco champ and Tess is a nurse. The first time they met was eight years ago and she was a nursing student, he had needed somewhere to recuperate after getting out of the hospital. Tess had let him stay with her for a couple of weeks.
This time a semi broadsided his truck and him and Taggert were lucky to come out of the accident alive. Luck would have it Noah landed in the same hospital as Tess again and she was his nurse. Story goes from there.
Really ejoyed reading this book.
This time a semi broadsided his truck and him and Taggert were lucky to come out of the accident alive. Luck would have it Noah landed in the same hospital as Tess again and she was his nurse. Story goes from there.
Really ejoyed reading this book.
December 28, 2020
Four and a half stars
Cowboys Don’t Stay by Anne McAllister is the third in her Code of the West and Tanner Brothers series. Noah Tanner is chasing his rodeo dream when an injury puts him in Tess Montgomery’s path. While their time together was idyllic, Tess had no false illusions that Noah was ready to put down roots, and when he left, she was clear eyed if broken hearted.
A brutal car accident years later crosses their paths again, and this time Noah discovers not only that he’s a father, but he’s ready to embrace all of what that means.
Noah and Tess aren’t perfect by any means, but they are lovely together and their daughter Susannah is a treat. Well done, Ms McAllister!
Cowboys Don’t Stay by Anne McAllister is the third in her Code of the West and Tanner Brothers series. Noah Tanner is chasing his rodeo dream when an injury puts him in Tess Montgomery’s path. While their time together was idyllic, Tess had no false illusions that Noah was ready to put down roots, and when he left, she was clear eyed if broken hearted.
A brutal car accident years later crosses their paths again, and this time Noah discovers not only that he’s a father, but he’s ready to embrace all of what that means.
Noah and Tess aren’t perfect by any means, but they are lovely together and their daughter Susannah is a treat. Well done, Ms McAllister!
March 17, 2020
Momma don't let your boys grow up to rodeo up!
What were the chances that the second time Noah sustained serious injuries he would be lucky enough to have the same nurse he had eight years ago? Only this time his injuries were worse than before. While he thought about mending fences with Tess while his injuries continued to heal, life had more surprises in store for Noah. Life changing surprises! Enjoy the journey as this author takes you on an emotional wild ride with Noah, Tess and family!
What were the chances that the second time Noah sustained serious injuries he would be lucky enough to have the same nurse he had eight years ago? Only this time his injuries were worse than before. While he thought about mending fences with Tess while his injuries continued to heal, life had more surprises in store for Noah. Life changing surprises! Enjoy the journey as this author takes you on an emotional wild ride with Noah, Tess and family!
January 26, 2024
Noah had won a gold belt buckle at the rodeo. He is on his way home to his brother’s ranch for the holidays when a truck hit his. He ended up in the same hospital as he was in eight years ago. The same wonderful nurse was taking care of him.
He had been thinking about her but he wasn’t ready to settle down eight years ago. Now was different. His brothers were married with kids and he wanted that. But the road had always called to him before. It wasn’t until seven year old Savanna told him he was her daddy that life changed for him.
He had been thinking about her but he wasn’t ready to settle down eight years ago. Now was different. His brothers were married with kids and he wanted that. But the road had always called to him before. It wasn’t until seven year old Savanna told him he was her daddy that life changed for him.
November 30, 2019
2.5-3 stars. This was okay. Predictable, but still cute. I’m not crazy about kids in romances because they’re always overly precocious & annoying, and this one was no different. Don’t think I will continue with the series, but it was a nice quick read and overall, I was rooting for Tess & Noah. It’s so refreshing to read romance that’s not based on a dominant/submissive dynamic and doesn’t involve a hyper-aggressive alpha (which can be great, too, but gets old after a while).
March 2, 2024
Never read a bad Anne McAllister book
I started this series with this book so I have a lot to look forward to going back to Robert's & Luke's books. This book had the right amount of fun and anticipation. Jonah and Tess had a lot of catching up to do. Jonah is so cute adapting to his new family. Tess has a right to be leery. Together they make it work and I had a big smile on my face by the end of the book. Never a bad book by Anne McAllister.
I started this series with this book so I have a lot to look forward to going back to Robert's & Luke's books. This book had the right amount of fun and anticipation. Jonah and Tess had a lot of catching up to do. Jonah is so cute adapting to his new family. Tess has a right to be leery. Together they make it work and I had a big smile on my face by the end of the book. Never a bad book by Anne McAllister.
November 18, 2019
Cowboys Don’t Stay is Book #3 in the Tanner Brothers Series but it reads well as a stand alone. This is the story of Noah and Tess, a rodeo cowboy and the girl he left behind. The story is sweet and touching, of past regrets and second chances. Well written and captivating. May have to read the rest of the series.
January 20, 2020
Cowboys Don't Stay....
until they do. Noah met Tess in the hospital 8 years ago after he was injured in the rodeo. He runs into her again when injured in a car accident after the rodeo. The surprise of his life is just around the corner but what will be do when it comes time to leave again?!?!?
until they do. Noah met Tess in the hospital 8 years ago after he was injured in the rodeo. He runs into her again when injured in a car accident after the rodeo. The surprise of his life is just around the corner but what will be do when it comes time to leave again?!?!?
March 1, 2020
Tess and Noah
A sweet and somewhat spicy second chance romance. Noah, the new World Champ Bronc rider and Tess, the still beautiful but now cold and professional nurse meet again 8 years later. This time he is laid up in hospital for car accident instead of bronc riding injuries. Read along as they both stumble along for this heartwrenching attempt at reconciliation.
A sweet and somewhat spicy second chance romance. Noah, the new World Champ Bronc rider and Tess, the still beautiful but now cold and professional nurse meet again 8 years later. This time he is laid up in hospital for car accident instead of bronc riding injuries. Read along as they both stumble along for this heartwrenching attempt at reconciliation.
June 18, 2020
s. 8 Julie a Roberta
Tedy Taggerta.
Pokud má dítě šišlat a nahrazuje s/t (s. 93 byt, Tutannah), asi by na s. 96 nemělo být tsi, Jatně, jsem...
s. 96 aby jsme
jeho/svou – s. 43
čárka - s. 50, 75 (2x), 116
ji/jí - s. 45, 46 (2x), 56, 113, 114, 140
špatné dělení slov - s. 25, 33
Tedy Taggerta.
Pokud má dítě šišlat a nahrazuje s/t (s. 93 byt, Tutannah), asi by na s. 96 nemělo být tsi, Jatně, jsem...
s. 96 aby jsme
jeho/svou – s. 43
čárka - s. 50, 75 (2x), 116
ji/jí - s. 45, 46 (2x), 56, 113, 114, 140
špatné dělení slov - s. 25, 33
October 18, 2021
Noah and Tess
After an accident Noah recognized the voice he was hearing. His nurse was the same one that had cared for him seven years ago.. Noah didn't understand why Tess seemed to be avoiding him. Until tired of his motel room he looked up Tess.
What a story! The characters are believable. Great read
After an accident Noah recognized the voice he was hearing. His nurse was the same one that had cared for him seven years ago.. Noah didn't understand why Tess seemed to be avoiding him. Until tired of his motel room he looked up Tess.
What a story! The characters are believable. Great read
April 15, 2018
This was an enjoyable series but it should have stopped at book 3 with the Tanner brothers. Instead, as is the case with some of these series, it extends beyond the original concept. I, therefore, stopped at this one when I reviewed the following books and realised that the author has strayed.
February 18, 2019
The cowboy grew up, started placing his priorities appropriately and found the key to happiness. The writing and characters were excellent. The reader developed feelings for these individuals and sincerely wanted them to succeed, develop trust and achieve their HEA.
November 20, 2019
Worth rereading
I realized on about page 6 that I had read this years ago. I read a lot, and it says a lot about the quality of the book that I recalled it. Interesting, well-rounded characters, and a plot that could have been trite but feels fresh made this a pleasure to reread.
I realized on about page 6 that I had read this years ago. I read a lot, and it says a lot about the quality of the book that I recalled it. Interesting, well-rounded characters, and a plot that could have been trite but feels fresh made this a pleasure to reread.
November 22, 2019
Prayers come true
Loved the story and loved the characters. So much heartbreak but so much love. Any man can get a woman with child, but only a brave man who never gives up can be a father. Thankfully Noah was persistent.
Loved the story and loved the characters. So much heartbreak but so much love. Any man can get a woman with child, but only a brave man who never gives up can be a father. Thankfully Noah was persistent.
December 5, 2019
3 ½ *stars REALLY
THIS COULD’A BEEN A HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIE. IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF MY DAD EATING MY FIRST ATTEMPS AT COOKING. HE’D GENTLY TELL ME HOW I COULD IMPROVE BUT HE ALWAYS ATE IIT WITH GUSTO. I TRULY CHARISH MY MEMORIES OF MY WONDERFUL DADDY. SIGH! ‘D
THIS COULD’A BEEN A HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIE. IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF MY DAD EATING MY FIRST ATTEMPS AT COOKING. HE’D GENTLY TELL ME HOW I COULD IMPROVE BUT HE ALWAYS ATE IIT WITH GUSTO. I TRULY CHARISH MY MEMORIES OF MY WONDERFUL DADDY. SIGH! ‘D
December 27, 2019
Middle of the road
This book had a good premise. However I felt the author told the entire story. I never felt the characters emotions. No build up or real angst, just boom It went from nothing to you are the one. Wholesome read overall but lacking in development in my opinion.
This book had a good premise. However I felt the author told the entire story. I never felt the characters emotions. No build up or real angst, just boom It went from nothing to you are the one. Wholesome read overall but lacking in development in my opinion.
January 29, 2020
they meet and fall in love and then he leaves but 7 years later he is back and you have a secert. He wants to pick back up but you know what will happen because cowboys don't stay. A great book. need to read more by this author
December 23, 2020
Tess and Noah met when he was injured in a rodeo and needed a place to stay for a few days after his buddies moved on to the next rodeo. After 2 weeks he goes back to the rodeo and finally showed up again 8 years later. A very good read no matter how many times I read it.
April 25, 2023
I absolutely love the Tannner Brothers series. I read book 1 and 3 and loved them both. Both made me cry. I love books that strike right to my heart. So genuine and lovely. If you do too, you'll love this book and series also.
January 16, 2024
ebook
He’s a rodeo rider, gets hurt and the young nurse takes him home to mend. 8 years later it happens again but now he discovers he has a daughter and the nurse is his true love.
He’s a rodeo rider, gets hurt and the young nurse takes him home to mend. 8 years later it happens again but now he discovers he has a daughter and the nurse is his true love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews