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Love at the Chocolate Shop #1
Melt My Heart, Cowboy
Who is the handsome cowboy who comes into small town Marietta’s chocolate shop every week to buy a box of chocolates? More importantly…who is he buying the chocolates for? These are the questions sales clerk Rosie Linn asks herself as she waits for her sadly neglected childhood home to sell so she can pursue an exciting new career in L.A.
Rosie finds out the answers the day rugged ranch hand Brant Willingham introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister. Brant’s mother has recently died, leaving him the sole guardian of eighteen-year-old Sara Maria–who has been a puzzle to Brant ever since she began exhibiting signs of autism at age two.
Rosie and Brant come up with a plan. She’ll help with his sister if he handles repairs and a new paint job for her old house. It seems the perfect solution, but a new dilemma is created when the couple start spending time together. Brant discovers he doesn’t want Rosie to sell and leave, and Rosie fears she will have to choose between love and her dreams.
Rosie finds out the answers the day rugged ranch hand Brant Willingham introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister. Brant’s mother has recently died, leaving him the sole guardian of eighteen-year-old Sara Maria–who has been a puzzle to Brant ever since she began exhibiting signs of autism at age two.
Rosie and Brant come up with a plan. She’ll help with his sister if he handles repairs and a new paint job for her old house. It seems the perfect solution, but a new dilemma is created when the couple start spending time together. Brant discovers he doesn’t want Rosie to sell and leave, and Rosie fears she will have to choose between love and her dreams.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2016
427 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
107 books830 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 9, 2017
3.5 Sometimes the Bitter With the Sweet Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael is the first of the new series, Love at the Chocolate Shop. Tule Publishing had great success with their Montana Born based books. This new series will be done the same way; using different authors and connected stand alone stories based out of the community we all know from Marietta, Montana. The main hub will be the premier chocolate shop and how customers and the community interact. All of the past characters we loved from the past make appearances with the main focus on the new additions.
The central story is a romance between two people who have more connecting them then just attraction. Each character has experienced having to "Be There" for a loved one and become a caretaker.
Rosie Linn put her future on hold when her father became ill and needed full time care. She was the younger sister and her brother many years older was already out in Los Angeles working on his writing career. With having an established author for a dad, each was encouraged to pursue dreams....and the son's was already happening. Rosie took it upon herself to look after her dad. She had no time for much of a social life...while she stayed through the years. She loved and cared for her father until his recent death.
While caring for her dad, her brother would visit and during one of the these times, he asked for Rosie to look at a script he was writing. With her input, he saw the talent she had and began to encourage her. Little by little Rosie had been working with him through emails, creating dialogue and smoothing out trouble spots. With all the teamwork, her brother wanted Rosie to come to LA and stay at his home with his wife. With no one left in Marietta, Rosie thinks this may be what she should do.
Now it will be Rosie's time because all those years as a caretaker have taken a toll... no time to date or meet with the girls...Maybe out in LA she will be able to have a little excitement....because the only excitement is the anticipation she has every Friday waiting for 5:30pm to come...
Why...Because that is when He comes into the chocolate shop where Rosie works. Like clockwork, a tall lanky hunk of a for real cowboy comes in and buys the same type of chocolates every week. A pattern developed right away... Rosie would say hello and try to introduce him to a new treat. He would always turn them down but in a cute flirty way. They would banter a bit and then he would shrug and say nope, just the regular flavor please. Eyes would look a little interested and hesitation over saying goodbye by to her from him....and then off he would go.
Was the box for a girlfriend...Rosie would wonder... and hope not.
No, the box of the very specific same chocolates were for Brant Willingham's autistic sister, Sara Marie. Brant loved his sister but he was dealing with so many changes, it was overwhelming. They both lost their mom recently in a terrible car crash. It was so traumatizing, it landed Sara Maria into the hospital for a few weeks. It took awhile but she finally started to come back and be herself but stilled needed assistance. Brant, living since he was 18 now 28 as a full time ranch hand, had no way to take care of her. The answer for now was the Assisted Living Care center.
Brant loved his sister. Yet, Brant didn't know how to be with her. When Sara Maria was born, Brant 10 years older, thought his baby sister was a wonder....she would look up at him and giggle. It would warm his heart....But when she turned 2, she was no longer speaking and giggling... she started to shutdown and Brant didn't understand what was happening...They took her for a battery of tests and when his parents learned of all the things needed....his dad couldn't deal. This left just Brant and his mom to be the support system for Sara Maria in her life. The dad did help financially but in the day to day process, young Brant became a caretaker like his mom....and she took him aside to impart this important need...He must always look out for his sister... she must not come to any harm.
That can be a heavy load for a young kid...no matter how much he loves his sis...having to watch her and not go and hang with the guys, etc....all of that seemed to take place so when he turned 18, his mom understood his need for freedom and gave it to him. She encouraged him being a rodeo rider and out in the world. After traveling around he landed back home and started working on a near by ranch, living in the bunkhouse.
It's been years now and he is kind of set in his ways. Which is making all of these changes for him hard to adjust. He goes every Friday to see his sister and although he would like to date and ask out that cute gal at the shop...he knows he can't now...Sara Maria needs him and he will not let his mom down.
The turning point of all this is when the nurses at the facility explain to Brant his sister has gotten much better and is bored and lonely there. She has not had an episode in quite some time and really needs more stimulation. He knows he needs to figure something out but he lives a town over and can't have her at the ranch...
But then he has an idea...Sara Maria is 18 and maybe that cute gal at the shop would like to come and care for his sister on her days off...She is young and friendly and maybe that would work. When Brant comes in and asks Rosie for coffee to talk about something... she hopes maybe a date!
When another caretaker position is offered, she hides her disappointment. After learning all about what Brant needs and seeing how confused and frustrated he is, Rosie says she will meet with his sister when he asks again to just think about it.
They meet at the pizza shop and seeing how nice and smart Sara Maria is....and also how much she actually likes her, Rosie offers to just be friends and do friend stuff with her. Rosie invites them to go on a hike near her home the next day. It is when they come to her house, everything changes.
First, when Sara Maria comes out of the truck, Huck, Rosie's dad's dog comes straight to her with more energy then he's had since his owner passed. These two bonding immediately making Brant happy to see his sister so animated. He is kinda shocked because she does not take change well at all.
Next Brant takes a look at Rosie's home assessing the disrepair. He puts two and two together and offers a perfect solution to both problems...He knows Rosie will not allow him to hire her to take care of Sara Maria...but she promised to do 2 or 3 days of things with her on her time off. Rosie needs to get her house fixed up to sell...He has the talent to do it so he proposes to do the work. Fair trade.
This allows both of them to spend time together which in turn causes sparks to fly. It also does something else...
We see the friendship develop between Sara Maria and Rosie. This was one of the best parts of the book. Ms.Carmichael took us through a real dynamic of what autism can feel like when someone is out of control. She gave us insight and it felt authentic not cliched. Sara Maria was a woman developing into herself and wanted more than being the little girl her older brother remembered. This was a huge part of the story and I appreciated it.
Rosie is a good character with heart, desires for a career and yet a need to figure out where is home. The relationship with Brant is a bit rocky because he is torn. Not about Rosie but how to handle everything. He still has some left over resentment of having to be a caretaker for his baby sister all those years ago and is stuck in how he sees her. There is a bit of disconnect for him and only with the help and guidance from Rosie does he see his mistakes.
I think this was a good entry to this Chocolate infused Series. We had a secondary story brewing and introductions to all of the people where other scenarios could take place. Overall, it was a quick read due to the memories of past books which enhanced my experience. I look forward to more.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Montana Secret Santa (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Cure (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Charmed by Chocolate (Love at the Chocolate Shop #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Comeback (Love at the Chocolate Shop #7) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Home Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Summer's Kiss (Love at the Chocolate Shop #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael is the first of the new series, Love at the Chocolate Shop. Tule Publishing had great success with their Montana Born based books. This new series will be done the same way; using different authors and connected stand alone stories based out of the community we all know from Marietta, Montana. The main hub will be the premier chocolate shop and how customers and the community interact. All of the past characters we loved from the past make appearances with the main focus on the new additions.
The central story is a romance between two people who have more connecting them then just attraction. Each character has experienced having to "Be There" for a loved one and become a caretaker.
Rosie Linn put her future on hold when her father became ill and needed full time care. She was the younger sister and her brother many years older was already out in Los Angeles working on his writing career. With having an established author for a dad, each was encouraged to pursue dreams....and the son's was already happening. Rosie took it upon herself to look after her dad. She had no time for much of a social life...while she stayed through the years. She loved and cared for her father until his recent death.
While caring for her dad, her brother would visit and during one of the these times, he asked for Rosie to look at a script he was writing. With her input, he saw the talent she had and began to encourage her. Little by little Rosie had been working with him through emails, creating dialogue and smoothing out trouble spots. With all the teamwork, her brother wanted Rosie to come to LA and stay at his home with his wife. With no one left in Marietta, Rosie thinks this may be what she should do.
Now it will be Rosie's time because all those years as a caretaker have taken a toll... no time to date or meet with the girls...Maybe out in LA she will be able to have a little excitement....because the only excitement is the anticipation she has every Friday waiting for 5:30pm to come...
Why...Because that is when He comes into the chocolate shop where Rosie works. Like clockwork, a tall lanky hunk of a for real cowboy comes in and buys the same type of chocolates every week. A pattern developed right away... Rosie would say hello and try to introduce him to a new treat. He would always turn them down but in a cute flirty way. They would banter a bit and then he would shrug and say nope, just the regular flavor please. Eyes would look a little interested and hesitation over saying goodbye by to her from him....and then off he would go.
Was the box for a girlfriend...Rosie would wonder... and hope not.
No, the box of the very specific same chocolates were for Brant Willingham's autistic sister, Sara Marie. Brant loved his sister but he was dealing with so many changes, it was overwhelming. They both lost their mom recently in a terrible car crash. It was so traumatizing, it landed Sara Maria into the hospital for a few weeks. It took awhile but she finally started to come back and be herself but stilled needed assistance. Brant, living since he was 18 now 28 as a full time ranch hand, had no way to take care of her. The answer for now was the Assisted Living Care center.
Brant loved his sister. Yet, Brant didn't know how to be with her. When Sara Maria was born, Brant 10 years older, thought his baby sister was a wonder....she would look up at him and giggle. It would warm his heart....But when she turned 2, she was no longer speaking and giggling... she started to shutdown and Brant didn't understand what was happening...They took her for a battery of tests and when his parents learned of all the things needed....his dad couldn't deal. This left just Brant and his mom to be the support system for Sara Maria in her life. The dad did help financially but in the day to day process, young Brant became a caretaker like his mom....and she took him aside to impart this important need...He must always look out for his sister... she must not come to any harm.
That can be a heavy load for a young kid...no matter how much he loves his sis...having to watch her and not go and hang with the guys, etc....all of that seemed to take place so when he turned 18, his mom understood his need for freedom and gave it to him. She encouraged him being a rodeo rider and out in the world. After traveling around he landed back home and started working on a near by ranch, living in the bunkhouse.
It's been years now and he is kind of set in his ways. Which is making all of these changes for him hard to adjust. He goes every Friday to see his sister and although he would like to date and ask out that cute gal at the shop...he knows he can't now...Sara Maria needs him and he will not let his mom down.
The turning point of all this is when the nurses at the facility explain to Brant his sister has gotten much better and is bored and lonely there. She has not had an episode in quite some time and really needs more stimulation. He knows he needs to figure something out but he lives a town over and can't have her at the ranch...
But then he has an idea...Sara Maria is 18 and maybe that cute gal at the shop would like to come and care for his sister on her days off...She is young and friendly and maybe that would work. When Brant comes in and asks Rosie for coffee to talk about something... she hopes maybe a date!
When another caretaker position is offered, she hides her disappointment. After learning all about what Brant needs and seeing how confused and frustrated he is, Rosie says she will meet with his sister when he asks again to just think about it.
They meet at the pizza shop and seeing how nice and smart Sara Maria is....and also how much she actually likes her, Rosie offers to just be friends and do friend stuff with her. Rosie invites them to go on a hike near her home the next day. It is when they come to her house, everything changes.
First, when Sara Maria comes out of the truck, Huck, Rosie's dad's dog comes straight to her with more energy then he's had since his owner passed. These two bonding immediately making Brant happy to see his sister so animated. He is kinda shocked because she does not take change well at all.
Next Brant takes a look at Rosie's home assessing the disrepair. He puts two and two together and offers a perfect solution to both problems...He knows Rosie will not allow him to hire her to take care of Sara Maria...but she promised to do 2 or 3 days of things with her on her time off. Rosie needs to get her house fixed up to sell...He has the talent to do it so he proposes to do the work. Fair trade.
This allows both of them to spend time together which in turn causes sparks to fly. It also does something else...
We see the friendship develop between Sara Maria and Rosie. This was one of the best parts of the book. Ms.Carmichael took us through a real dynamic of what autism can feel like when someone is out of control. She gave us insight and it felt authentic not cliched. Sara Maria was a woman developing into herself and wanted more than being the little girl her older brother remembered. This was a huge part of the story and I appreciated it.
Rosie is a good character with heart, desires for a career and yet a need to figure out where is home. The relationship with Brant is a bit rocky because he is torn. Not about Rosie but how to handle everything. He still has some left over resentment of having to be a caretaker for his baby sister all those years ago and is stuck in how he sees her. There is a bit of disconnect for him and only with the help and guidance from Rosie does he see his mistakes.
I think this was a good entry to this Chocolate infused Series. We had a secondary story brewing and introductions to all of the people where other scenarios could take place. Overall, it was a quick read due to the memories of past books which enhanced my experience. I look forward to more.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Montana Secret Santa (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Cure (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Charmed by Chocolate (Love at the Chocolate Shop #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Comeback (Love at the Chocolate Shop #7) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Home Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop #9)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Summer's Kiss (Love at the Chocolate Shop #10)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 3, 2016
Rosie Linn works at the local candy shop in the small town of Marietta where every Friday a handsome cowboy comes in to buy the same chocolates. Rosie has tried a bit of flirting but doesn't think she's ever been noticed when the cowboy comes into the shop which is just as well because as soon as she can sell her house Rosie plans on moving to L.A. with her older brother.
Brant Willingham has noticed Rosie at the candy shop when he's stopped in weekly to pick up a treat for his autistic sister but he feels he's had just too much on his plate to begin dating. Brant's mother passed away in a car accident leaving him the sole caregiver for his sister and he has no clue how to handle it on his own especially living the life of a ranch hand. Brant comes up with the idea to try to approach Rosie to spend time with his sister which leads to spending much more time together than either planned.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy is a lovely little romance set in a charming small town. As nice as the couple involved in this story seem to be and I'm sure some would be rooting for both of them to overcome their troubles and find love I think the star of this one had to be Sara Marie, Brant's autistic sister.
At eighteen, Sara Marie is ten years younger than Brant and of course that leads to a bit of a disconnect in how Brant thinks of her. He's been off working and living his life for ten years while their mother raised her so Brant is still seeing her as that little girl. Sara Marie even with her autism is still a person with feelings and hopes and that was brought to life in the story. Good job to the author on creating such a character.
Overall, another great small town romance with lovely characters would definitely recommend this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Brant Willingham has noticed Rosie at the candy shop when he's stopped in weekly to pick up a treat for his autistic sister but he feels he's had just too much on his plate to begin dating. Brant's mother passed away in a car accident leaving him the sole caregiver for his sister and he has no clue how to handle it on his own especially living the life of a ranch hand. Brant comes up with the idea to try to approach Rosie to spend time with his sister which leads to spending much more time together than either planned.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy is a lovely little romance set in a charming small town. As nice as the couple involved in this story seem to be and I'm sure some would be rooting for both of them to overcome their troubles and find love I think the star of this one had to be Sara Marie, Brant's autistic sister.
At eighteen, Sara Marie is ten years younger than Brant and of course that leads to a bit of a disconnect in how Brant thinks of her. He's been off working and living his life for ten years while their mother raised her so Brant is still seeing her as that little girl. Sara Marie even with her autism is still a person with feelings and hopes and that was brought to life in the story. Good job to the author on creating such a character.
Overall, another great small town romance with lovely characters would definitely recommend this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 10, 2016
I enjoyed this story so much. I loved its gentle tone and spirit of kindness. The main characters are people who do the right thing for the right reason and proudly live up to their obligations. The way the hero and heroine grew individually from knowing each other felt realistic and organic. The whole book made me happy--and hungry for chocolate.
October 19, 2025
Melt My Heart, Cowboy is the first book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. I wish I had read this one first, but I still enjoyed this one even though I had already read 5 of the books that follow this one. Rosie Lin works at Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop and finds it strange that the handsome cowboy that comes in every week and buys a small box of truffles doesn't say much. He seems to be showing interest in her, but who is he buying the chocolates for? Brant Willingham eventually introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister, Sara Maria. Brant’s mother has recently died, leaving him the sole guardian of his autistic eighteen-year-old sister. Rosie agrees to help and be Sara Maria's friend, until her house sells. she plans to move to LosAngeles to live with her brother and sister-in-law while continuing to write screen plays and television shows. The problem is that Brant begins to care about Rosie, and doesn't want her to move.
I really enjoyed this story. Sara Maria is a young woman with mild autism. Unfortunately, Brant treats her like a small child and this causes issues between him and Sara Maria, as well as him and Rosie. I loved how Rosie treated Sara Maria like a friend, and allowed her to do new things and things she wanted, even though it made Brant upset as well as worry. I lied both Rosie and Brant, but Sara Maria was my favourite character. I wanted Brant and Rosie to work things out, not just for them, but for Sara Maria also. I have to mention Rosie's dog, or should I say her father's dog. When Rosie's father became ill, she put her life on hold to care for him. When he passed away, Rosie began caring for him. He took to Sara Maria right away and they went on walks and spent time together. I enjoyed this story even though Brant frustrated me at times. He made sure that Rosie knew what he had given up to come and care for his sister. He also hired her to do a job, but often argued or complained about what she was trying to do with Sara Maria. This is a romance, so I knew things would work out, but I enjoyed seeing the process with this group.
I really enjoyed this story. Sara Maria is a young woman with mild autism. Unfortunately, Brant treats her like a small child and this causes issues between him and Sara Maria, as well as him and Rosie. I loved how Rosie treated Sara Maria like a friend, and allowed her to do new things and things she wanted, even though it made Brant upset as well as worry. I lied both Rosie and Brant, but Sara Maria was my favourite character. I wanted Brant and Rosie to work things out, not just for them, but for Sara Maria also. I have to mention Rosie's dog, or should I say her father's dog. When Rosie's father became ill, she put her life on hold to care for him. When he passed away, Rosie began caring for him. He took to Sara Maria right away and they went on walks and spent time together. I enjoyed this story even though Brant frustrated me at times. He made sure that Rosie knew what he had given up to come and care for his sister. He also hired her to do a job, but often argued or complained about what she was trying to do with Sara Maria. This is a romance, so I knew things would work out, but I enjoyed seeing the process with this group.
November 9, 2016
Three stars: A nice, easy romance with chocolate and friendship, but it lacks a bit of depth.
Rosie loves her job at the chocolate shop in her small hometown in Montana. She especially loves Friday afternoons when one tall, sexy cowboy strolls in and buys the same box of chocolates every week. Rosie wishes just once that he would notice her. However, it doesn't matter because soon Rosie will be leaving her childhood home behind, once it sells, to move to L.A. where she will be able to pursue her screen writing dream. Will she able to leave her town with no strings attached?
What I Liked:
*Melt My Heart Cowboy is a nice, quick, easy breezy romance without drama or angst. It was simple, light and perfect for when you need a comfort read.
*I was drawn to Sara Maria, an eighteen year girl who is intelligent and autistic. I loved getting to know Sara Maria, and I was cheering her on as she fought her battles and found her way in the world. It was nice to see a character with autism succeed.
*The romance is steady and nice. I liked that it took its time to develop and that it wasn't hurried or lustful. It starts with a long attraction built from the weekly interaction at the chocolate shop. Then it moves into a business partnership before blossoming into something more. I appreciated that it never suffered from unnecessary angst or drama, it was nice to read a simple, straightforward romance for once.
*I liked that this book focused on friendships. Rosie quickly finds herself with several new friends: Portia, Sara Marie and Brant. I liked watching each friendship develop, and I loved that they became important and impactful.
*I enjoyed the small town setting and the chocolate shop. There is something soothing to a reader when the book is set in a small town where everyone looks out for one another. I especially enjoyed the scenes in the chocolate shop with all of its decadent, chocolate creations. Yum.
*The ending was nice. There were no cliffhangers or dramatic hurdles to overcome. It was simple and neat.
And The Not So Much:
*Portia was a character whom I quickly got attached to. I wanted to know what her big secret was. Why did she leave college during her senior year? Who hurt her? I kept expecting the answers to be forthcoming, but they didn't. Then when I learned that this was the first book in the series, I quickly researched the forthcoming books. I was disappointed to learn that she is not featured as the main character in any of the upcoming books. Furthermore, I also learned that the next three books are all written by different authors, so I am not sure how it is going to work out. I was upset to see that Portia's story was left unfinished.
*I liked Rosie for the most part, but the one thing that really bothered me about her character was the way she felt about Huck, her dad's dog. I couldn't believe that she was considering leaving him behind when she moved. I didn't like that one bit.
*While I liked that the romance was light and easy, I felt like it rushed too much at the end and the happy ending felt forced. I wanted to know what happened to Rosie during that two week period.
*Even though I liked that this was a quick read, I felt that the hurried pace hurt the characters and the story. I wish there was a bit more detail and development, especially at the end.
Melt My Heart Cowboy is a nice, light read perfect for those who enjoy romances that refrain from drama and angst. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and the friendship. My hesitation with this one stems from the fact that I felt it was too rushed, and I was disappointed that one of the character's conflicts weren't explored further. Still this was a quick read, just right for when you need something easy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Rosie loves her job at the chocolate shop in her small hometown in Montana. She especially loves Friday afternoons when one tall, sexy cowboy strolls in and buys the same box of chocolates every week. Rosie wishes just once that he would notice her. However, it doesn't matter because soon Rosie will be leaving her childhood home behind, once it sells, to move to L.A. where she will be able to pursue her screen writing dream. Will she able to leave her town with no strings attached?
What I Liked:
*Melt My Heart Cowboy is a nice, quick, easy breezy romance without drama or angst. It was simple, light and perfect for when you need a comfort read.
*I was drawn to Sara Maria, an eighteen year girl who is intelligent and autistic. I loved getting to know Sara Maria, and I was cheering her on as she fought her battles and found her way in the world. It was nice to see a character with autism succeed.
*The romance is steady and nice. I liked that it took its time to develop and that it wasn't hurried or lustful. It starts with a long attraction built from the weekly interaction at the chocolate shop. Then it moves into a business partnership before blossoming into something more. I appreciated that it never suffered from unnecessary angst or drama, it was nice to read a simple, straightforward romance for once.
*I liked that this book focused on friendships. Rosie quickly finds herself with several new friends: Portia, Sara Marie and Brant. I liked watching each friendship develop, and I loved that they became important and impactful.
*I enjoyed the small town setting and the chocolate shop. There is something soothing to a reader when the book is set in a small town where everyone looks out for one another. I especially enjoyed the scenes in the chocolate shop with all of its decadent, chocolate creations. Yum.
*The ending was nice. There were no cliffhangers or dramatic hurdles to overcome. It was simple and neat.
And The Not So Much:
*Portia was a character whom I quickly got attached to. I wanted to know what her big secret was. Why did she leave college during her senior year? Who hurt her? I kept expecting the answers to be forthcoming, but they didn't. Then when I learned that this was the first book in the series, I quickly researched the forthcoming books. I was disappointed to learn that she is not featured as the main character in any of the upcoming books. Furthermore, I also learned that the next three books are all written by different authors, so I am not sure how it is going to work out. I was upset to see that Portia's story was left unfinished.
*I liked Rosie for the most part, but the one thing that really bothered me about her character was the way she felt about Huck, her dad's dog. I couldn't believe that she was considering leaving him behind when she moved. I didn't like that one bit.
*While I liked that the romance was light and easy, I felt like it rushed too much at the end and the happy ending felt forced. I wanted to know what happened to Rosie during that two week period.
*Even though I liked that this was a quick read, I felt that the hurried pace hurt the characters and the story. I wish there was a bit more detail and development, especially at the end.
Melt My Heart Cowboy is a nice, light read perfect for those who enjoy romances that refrain from drama and angst. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and the friendship. My hesitation with this one stems from the fact that I felt it was too rushed, and I was disappointed that one of the character's conflicts weren't explored further. Still this was a quick read, just right for when you need something easy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
October 24, 2016
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!!!
I can't say enough how excited I get when Tule Publishing releases a novel in their Montana Born Series, set in the picturesque town of Marietta. And there are so many! Some of my favorite authors write for this series and C.J. Carmichael is one of them.
Montana Born now introduces us to a new series;Love at the Chocolate Shop, featuring different authors. There are four books in the series as of now. I'm not sure if there will be more than the four.
So if you've read about the Carrigans of the Circle C, then you know Sage's talent for making the most delicious chocolates at her shop on Main Street. This first novel features one of her employees, Rosie Linn and her journey to love. Rosie is leaving Marietta soon and she can't wait. Unfortunately she has to sell her family home first. She is planning to move to California to live with her brother and follow her dreams of being a screen writer. Something she is talented at. The only thing stopping her from jumping on a plane is getting a buyer for the house.
Well...the house used to be her hesitation for leaving...
Brant Willingham, a rugged, good-looking cowboy works on a ranch out of town. Brant loves his job on the ranch even if he doesn't own it. Recently, on Fridays, Brant drives to Marietta and his first stop is the chocolate shop where he buys chocolates from the pretty Rosie. He wishes he could ask her out but there is too much going on in his life right now. Brant's sister is autistic and is currently living in a care facility. Brant spends his Friday evenings with Sara Maria. Brant feels guilty about keeping her in a facility but since their mother died recently, he doesn't know how to fit her in his life and keep his current job. Brant does love his sister, he just doesn't know how to take care of her.
Rosie and Brant come up with an arrangement that will benefit all of them. Brant will work on fixing up Rosie's house and making it more alluring to potential buyers. He will do this in the evenings and weekends. In exchange, Rosie will agree to spend time with Sara Maria, being a friend and companion. I liked Sara Maria a lot. And so did Rosie. So this all sounds like a great plan. Easy, right? The only problem is Rosie and Brant are trying to remain friends despite that they are attracted to each other. They shouldn't be anything more when Rosie is leaving Marietta for good.
I enjoyed watching these two give into their attraction. They knew they shouldn't but did anyway. Of course their growing feelings for each other complicate things. There are several obstacles that they had to overcome before they could have their HEA. The very end was a little rushed for me. I would have liked a bit more. That said, I'm sure we'll get a peek of what they're up to in the following novels of the series.
Currently listed on Tule's website:
Love at the Chocolate Shop series:
"Melt My Heart, Cowboy" by C.J. Carmichael 10/6/16
A Thankful Heart" by Melissa McClone 11/3/16
Montana Secret Santa" by Debra Salonen 12/1/16
The Chocolate Cure" by Roxanne Snopek 1/12/17
I can't say enough how excited I get when Tule Publishing releases a novel in their Montana Born Series, set in the picturesque town of Marietta. And there are so many! Some of my favorite authors write for this series and C.J. Carmichael is one of them.
Montana Born now introduces us to a new series;Love at the Chocolate Shop, featuring different authors. There are four books in the series as of now. I'm not sure if there will be more than the four.
So if you've read about the Carrigans of the Circle C, then you know Sage's talent for making the most delicious chocolates at her shop on Main Street. This first novel features one of her employees, Rosie Linn and her journey to love. Rosie is leaving Marietta soon and she can't wait. Unfortunately she has to sell her family home first. She is planning to move to California to live with her brother and follow her dreams of being a screen writer. Something she is talented at. The only thing stopping her from jumping on a plane is getting a buyer for the house.
Well...the house used to be her hesitation for leaving...
Brant Willingham, a rugged, good-looking cowboy works on a ranch out of town. Brant loves his job on the ranch even if he doesn't own it. Recently, on Fridays, Brant drives to Marietta and his first stop is the chocolate shop where he buys chocolates from the pretty Rosie. He wishes he could ask her out but there is too much going on in his life right now. Brant's sister is autistic and is currently living in a care facility. Brant spends his Friday evenings with Sara Maria. Brant feels guilty about keeping her in a facility but since their mother died recently, he doesn't know how to fit her in his life and keep his current job. Brant does love his sister, he just doesn't know how to take care of her.
Rosie and Brant come up with an arrangement that will benefit all of them. Brant will work on fixing up Rosie's house and making it more alluring to potential buyers. He will do this in the evenings and weekends. In exchange, Rosie will agree to spend time with Sara Maria, being a friend and companion. I liked Sara Maria a lot. And so did Rosie. So this all sounds like a great plan. Easy, right? The only problem is Rosie and Brant are trying to remain friends despite that they are attracted to each other. They shouldn't be anything more when Rosie is leaving Marietta for good.
I enjoyed watching these two give into their attraction. They knew they shouldn't but did anyway. Of course their growing feelings for each other complicate things. There are several obstacles that they had to overcome before they could have their HEA. The very end was a little rushed for me. I would have liked a bit more. That said, I'm sure we'll get a peek of what they're up to in the following novels of the series.
Currently listed on Tule's website:
Love at the Chocolate Shop series:
"Melt My Heart, Cowboy" by C.J. Carmichael 10/6/16
A Thankful Heart" by Melissa McClone 11/3/16
Montana Secret Santa" by Debra Salonen 12/1/16
The Chocolate Cure" by Roxanne Snopek 1/12/17
April 16, 2017
I tried so hard to like this book, but I just couldn't bring myself to. Rosie seemed like a wonderful, nice person, and I wanted her to have a lovely happy ending. Brant, however, was a pathetic love interest. He didn't care about his sister at all and was pretty much a whiny teenager even though he was practically thirty years old. Also, the premise itself was not that exciting, and there wasn't a strong overarching plotline.
If you haven't read my reviews before, then let me explain something. I like my chick lit to be one of two things (or both):
1. either extremely laugh-out-loud, I'm-crying-on-the-floor, practically-peeing-my-pants hilarious
2. or so cute and sappy that it's a freaking maple tree
This book was neither of these things. There wasn't much redeemable about it other than Rosie and the autistic sister, Sarah Maria.
I don't really have much interest in continuing this series, but apparently, each book is by a different author, so I may be convinced to.
And I'm out.
If you haven't read my reviews before, then let me explain something. I like my chick lit to be one of two things (or both):
1. either extremely laugh-out-loud, I'm-crying-on-the-floor, practically-peeing-my-pants hilarious
2. or so cute and sappy that it's a freaking maple tree
This book was neither of these things. There wasn't much redeemable about it other than Rosie and the autistic sister, Sarah Maria.
I don't really have much interest in continuing this series, but apparently, each book is by a different author, so I may be convinced to.
And I'm out.
July 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book because it takes place in Marietta, Montana, a small town I have come to love from reading C.J. Carmichael’s other books and those by many affiliated authors. I like that along with new characters I get to catch up with previous characters from other books in this wonderful series and the writing is wonderful. I liked the relationship between Rosie and Sara Maria just as much as the romance between Rosie and Brant and of course the happily ever after. I’m looking forward to reading more of the books in this series.
February 22, 2017
I really love this author. I have previously read and enjoyed quite a few of her romantic suspense novels and so decided to give her romance book a try as well.
Set in the small town of Marietta, ‘Melt My Heart, Cowboy’ is the story of Rosie and Brant. Rosie works at the chocolate shop where Brant comes in every week to buy a box of chocolates. Rosie has obviously noticed Brant and often wonders who he buys the chocolates for, but she tries not to think of him too much since she has no plans of sticking around. She has got a house to sell so that she can move out of the small town for goof. Brant’s mother died in an accident that left him to care for his autistic sister. With his job as a ranch hand, Brant has his plate full leaving him with no time for a social life. As fate would have it, these two lives were soon intertwined when Brant and Rosie get involved in helping each other out and they start spending time together.
It was quite fun to read about Rosie and Brant together. From mere acquaintances to friends to something more – their journey was rather nice. I loved the fact that their relationship grows throughout the book. This is no insta-love. While I did not particularly for Rosie or Brant individually, I loved them as a couple. Don’t misunderstand me – they both are great characters, I just didn’t feel like going gaga about them. Instead, Sara stole the show for me. She is such an adorable character and so easy to fall for. Brant’s struggle to care for his sister is endearing in a way as the reader can clearly see that he truly cares.
Simple writing style and engaging narrative kept me hooked till the end. And, by the way – I just loved the book cover!
http://www.ddsreviews.in/2016/11/Melt...
Set in the small town of Marietta, ‘Melt My Heart, Cowboy’ is the story of Rosie and Brant. Rosie works at the chocolate shop where Brant comes in every week to buy a box of chocolates. Rosie has obviously noticed Brant and often wonders who he buys the chocolates for, but she tries not to think of him too much since she has no plans of sticking around. She has got a house to sell so that she can move out of the small town for goof. Brant’s mother died in an accident that left him to care for his autistic sister. With his job as a ranch hand, Brant has his plate full leaving him with no time for a social life. As fate would have it, these two lives were soon intertwined when Brant and Rosie get involved in helping each other out and they start spending time together.
It was quite fun to read about Rosie and Brant together. From mere acquaintances to friends to something more – their journey was rather nice. I loved the fact that their relationship grows throughout the book. This is no insta-love. While I did not particularly for Rosie or Brant individually, I loved them as a couple. Don’t misunderstand me – they both are great characters, I just didn’t feel like going gaga about them. Instead, Sara stole the show for me. She is such an adorable character and so easy to fall for. Brant’s struggle to care for his sister is endearing in a way as the reader can clearly see that he truly cares.
Simple writing style and engaging narrative kept me hooked till the end. And, by the way – I just loved the book cover!
http://www.ddsreviews.in/2016/11/Melt...
dnf
December 6, 2017We've just moved houses and I haven't had much time to read, so I thought I would pick something light and easy to catch up on my reading challenge.
The writing seemed a bit... meh... but it was free sooooooo...........
But then:
"This town sure is full of pretty women. As Brant Willington passed a sweet, young thing, lugging a big suitcase along Main Street, his thoughts were still on the chocolate shop sales clerk."
Is this the hero of a fluffy romance novel or a psychopath from the latest James Patterson thriller?
He came across as a total creep at times, but he was hot so obviously he had no bad intentions!
*side-eye*
DNF
The writing seemed a bit... meh... but it was free sooooooo...........
But then:
"This town sure is full of pretty women. As Brant Willington passed a sweet, young thing, lugging a big suitcase along Main Street, his thoughts were still on the chocolate shop sales clerk."
Is this the hero of a fluffy romance novel or a psychopath from the latest James Patterson thriller?
He came across as a total creep at times, but he was hot so obviously he had no bad intentions!
*side-eye*
DNF
October 12, 2016
CJ Carmichael has written another sweet story. This is a great start to a series. I love the chocolate shop and beautiful Montana setting. It leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book. CJ tackles a tough subject with a very accurate portrayal.
February 18, 2018
Melt My Heart, Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop #1) by C.J. Carmichael
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I absolutely loved the book and the author.
This is a story about Rosie Linn who has given up her life to care for her father before he died, stayed living in the family home, gave up college, friendships etc and worked in the local Chocolate Shop. Enter her regular Friday evening @ 5.30pm customer, Brant, the cowboy.
What follows is a lovely story of love and friendship, learning to grow and cope with a sibling with autism.
I would recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I absolutely loved the book and the author.
This is a story about Rosie Linn who has given up her life to care for her father before he died, stayed living in the family home, gave up college, friendships etc and worked in the local Chocolate Shop. Enter her regular Friday evening @ 5.30pm customer, Brant, the cowboy.
What follows is a lovely story of love and friendship, learning to grow and cope with a sibling with autism.
I would recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
April 28, 2020
Loved this book. I really enjoyed the surprise of the autistic sister & how Brant had to deal with her care. Fun read. The characters &the setting were like able Really loved the story right amount of romance mingled with every day life. Look forward to reading rest of series.
May 12, 2023
I really couldn't see a connection between the two main characters.
Brant takes no responsibility when it comes to his sister and just dumps her on Rosie.
And Rosie said it herself, he makes time to fix her house, but doesn't make time to see his sister. Red flag!
All I wanted for Rosie was to move to LA and live her life.
Brant takes no responsibility when it comes to his sister and just dumps her on Rosie.
And Rosie said it herself, he makes time to fix her house, but doesn't make time to see his sister. Red flag!
All I wanted for Rosie was to move to LA and live her life.
May 7, 2023
not her usual
I always enjoy CJ’s books, but this one was a little hard for me to enjoy. I didn’t care much for Brant. I don’t think he really evolved during the story. I really liked Rosie and Brants sister Sara Maria. Portia too, who is Sage’s niece, who we meet in this book. I hope she gets her own story as well.
If you haven’t read this author’s books before, start with the Carrigan books or the others set in this idyllic world that is Marietta.
I always enjoy CJ’s books, but this one was a little hard for me to enjoy. I didn’t care much for Brant. I don’t think he really evolved during the story. I really liked Rosie and Brants sister Sara Maria. Portia too, who is Sage’s niece, who we meet in this book. I hope she gets her own story as well.
If you haven’t read this author’s books before, start with the Carrigan books or the others set in this idyllic world that is Marietta.
October 29, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Melt My Heart, Cowboy starts of the twelve book series, Love At The Chocolate Shop. Each story is written by a very talented Tule author, I have come to love all of their stories and the sense of small town community that Marietta, Montana has come to represent to me. If you’ve been to Marietta before then you know of Sage’s famous chocolates. If not, then don’t let that hold you back. Come on in and meet some hew friends.
Brant and Rosie have far more in common then they might think at first. Each has dreams that take them from where they are today, and each has felt the responsibility of caring for a loved one who needs help caring for themselves. For Rosie those people were her parents, and she’s seen them to the end of their lives and now her dream might be within reach. Brant has suddenly become the main caregiver for his sister, Sara Maria. He has no clue how to help his autistic sister and often simply makes matters worse. Sara Maria’s foundation has been stripped away at their mother’s death, and Brant did what was necessary at the time by having her stay at a nursing care facility. But Sara Maria has so many more abilities and a higher function level than Brant has any idea of. He’s stuck in the past, being the older brother who had to watch out for his baby sister. He sees the past mistakes and is blind to the young woman his sister is today. Don’t get the idea that Brant is a cruel person, he’s not by a long shot. He is however, out of his element since for the past ten years he’s been off being a cowboy on a working ranch while his mother had the full time care of Sara Maria alone. He remembers more vividly the child and needs to now see the present day young woman that Sara Maria has grown to be.
My affections in Melt My Heart, Cowboy were pretty divided between Rosie and Brant, and Sara Maria. Rosie and Brant began with light flirtations but they grew far beyond the casualness of even friendship. They each held back because of what was already on their plates, and had to learn that sharing makes everything easier. For me, the star that did the most shining was Sara Maria.
I have been and still am a caregiver for a loved one. And Brant’s frustration is very, very real. While obviously, our situations are different I still understood him – maybe I wanted to sit him down and have a stern talk to this young man – but at his base I got him. A good man doing the best he knew how. His growth by the ending of the story, enough confidence to step back and Let Rosie go for her dreams without any interference showed to me just how far Brant has come.
And I’m interested to see if, as I suspect, one story thread will be woven throughout the series. I hope so, but time will tell. I loved Melt My Heart, Cowboy. It was heartwarming, fun, sad and completely believable. I would highly recommend this story to any Romance reader – and keep an eye out for the rest of the series. It’s going to be amazing.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*
Melt My Heart, Cowboy starts of the twelve book series, Love At The Chocolate Shop. Each story is written by a very talented Tule author, I have come to love all of their stories and the sense of small town community that Marietta, Montana has come to represent to me. If you’ve been to Marietta before then you know of Sage’s famous chocolates. If not, then don’t let that hold you back. Come on in and meet some hew friends.
Brant and Rosie have far more in common then they might think at first. Each has dreams that take them from where they are today, and each has felt the responsibility of caring for a loved one who needs help caring for themselves. For Rosie those people were her parents, and she’s seen them to the end of their lives and now her dream might be within reach. Brant has suddenly become the main caregiver for his sister, Sara Maria. He has no clue how to help his autistic sister and often simply makes matters worse. Sara Maria’s foundation has been stripped away at their mother’s death, and Brant did what was necessary at the time by having her stay at a nursing care facility. But Sara Maria has so many more abilities and a higher function level than Brant has any idea of. He’s stuck in the past, being the older brother who had to watch out for his baby sister. He sees the past mistakes and is blind to the young woman his sister is today. Don’t get the idea that Brant is a cruel person, he’s not by a long shot. He is however, out of his element since for the past ten years he’s been off being a cowboy on a working ranch while his mother had the full time care of Sara Maria alone. He remembers more vividly the child and needs to now see the present day young woman that Sara Maria has grown to be.
My affections in Melt My Heart, Cowboy were pretty divided between Rosie and Brant, and Sara Maria. Rosie and Brant began with light flirtations but they grew far beyond the casualness of even friendship. They each held back because of what was already on their plates, and had to learn that sharing makes everything easier. For me, the star that did the most shining was Sara Maria.
I have been and still am a caregiver for a loved one. And Brant’s frustration is very, very real. While obviously, our situations are different I still understood him – maybe I wanted to sit him down and have a stern talk to this young man – but at his base I got him. A good man doing the best he knew how. His growth by the ending of the story, enough confidence to step back and Let Rosie go for her dreams without any interference showed to me just how far Brant has come.
And I’m interested to see if, as I suspect, one story thread will be woven throughout the series. I hope so, but time will tell. I loved Melt My Heart, Cowboy. It was heartwarming, fun, sad and completely believable. I would highly recommend this story to any Romance reader – and keep an eye out for the rest of the series. It’s going to be amazing.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*
October 7, 2016
Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael
Who is the handsome cowboy who comes into small town Marietta’s chocolate shop every week to buy a box of chocolates? More importantly…who is he buying the chocolates for? These are the questions sales clerk Rosie Linn asks herself as she waits for her sadly neglected childhood home to sell so she can pursue an exciting new career in L.A.
Rosie finds out the answers the day rugged ranch hand Brant Willingham introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister. Brant’s mother has recently died, leaving him the sole guardian of eighteen-year-old Sara Maria–who has been a puzzle to Brant ever since she began exhibiting signs of autism at age two.
Rosie and Brant come up with a plan. She’ll help with his sister if he handles repairs and a new paint job for her old house. It seems the perfect solution, but a new dilemma is created when the couple start spending time together. Brant discovers he doesn’t want Rosie to sell and leave, and Rosie fears she will have to choose between love and her dreams.
this is Rosie Linn and Brant Willingham’s story.
Rosie leaned against the counter, watching as he settled his hat over his dark, curly hair, and then squared his shoulders. For a moment she thought he might turn on his heels and come back inside. But five seconds later, he was on his way.
rugged ranch hand Brant Willingham introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister Sara Maria.
Who is the handsome cowboy who comes into small town Marietta’s chocolate shop every week to buy a box of chocolates?
who is Brant buying the chocolates for? read this book to find out.
I highly recommend reading this book.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 star Books.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I am looking forward to reading more books by CJ Carmichael.
CJ's Books with Tule:
Promise Me, Cowboy
Carrigans of the Circle C
The 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo
The Copper Mountain Rodeo
Good Together
Carrigans of the Circle C
Close to Her Heart
Carrigans of the Circle C
Snowbound in Montana
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Cowgirl’s Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
A Bramble House Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Book Girl’s Guide to Marietta
Melt My Heart, Cowboy
Love at the Chocolate Shop
The Love at the Chocolate Shop series
Book 1: Melt My Heart, Cowboy by C.J. Carmichael
Book 2: A Thankful Heart by Melissa McClone
Book 3: Montana Secret Santa by Debra Salonen
Book 4: The Chocolate Cure by Roxanne Snopek
Who is the handsome cowboy who comes into small town Marietta’s chocolate shop every week to buy a box of chocolates? More importantly…who is he buying the chocolates for? These are the questions sales clerk Rosie Linn asks herself as she waits for her sadly neglected childhood home to sell so she can pursue an exciting new career in L.A.
Rosie finds out the answers the day rugged ranch hand Brant Willingham introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister. Brant’s mother has recently died, leaving him the sole guardian of eighteen-year-old Sara Maria–who has been a puzzle to Brant ever since she began exhibiting signs of autism at age two.
Rosie and Brant come up with a plan. She’ll help with his sister if he handles repairs and a new paint job for her old house. It seems the perfect solution, but a new dilemma is created when the couple start spending time together. Brant discovers he doesn’t want Rosie to sell and leave, and Rosie fears she will have to choose between love and her dreams.
this is Rosie Linn and Brant Willingham’s story.
Rosie leaned against the counter, watching as he settled his hat over his dark, curly hair, and then squared his shoulders. For a moment she thought he might turn on his heels and come back inside. But five seconds later, he was on his way.
rugged ranch hand Brant Willingham introduces himself and asks for her help in managing the care of his younger sister Sara Maria.
Who is the handsome cowboy who comes into small town Marietta’s chocolate shop every week to buy a box of chocolates?
who is Brant buying the chocolates for? read this book to find out.
I highly recommend reading this book.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 star Books.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I am looking forward to reading more books by CJ Carmichael.
CJ's Books with Tule:
Promise Me, Cowboy
Carrigans of the Circle C
The 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo
The Copper Mountain Rodeo
Good Together
Carrigans of the Circle C
Close to Her Heart
Carrigans of the Circle C
Snowbound in Montana
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Cowgirl’s Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
A Bramble House Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Book Girl’s Guide to Marietta
Melt My Heart, Cowboy
Love at the Chocolate Shop
The Love at the Chocolate Shop series
Book 1: Melt My Heart, Cowboy by C.J. Carmichael
Book 2: A Thankful Heart by Melissa McClone
Book 3: Montana Secret Santa by Debra Salonen
Book 4: The Chocolate Cure by Roxanne Snopek
February 23, 2017
A simmering story of a hot cowboy and the woman that owns a chocolate shop that steal his heart...yep, a definite MUST read! I loved the environment I found myself in as I was reading this book. It felt like I was in the shop working with our heroine and feeling the things she did and walked where she did and fell in love with the sexy cowboy like she did. I loved the scents, sounds, sights that were described in what I thought, was perfect detail. This romance is one of a kind and I am so glad to have picked this story up and read it. The cover is what first piqued my interest but it was the story itself that swept me away. It was perfectly balanced and the characters were well developed. The romance is beautiful and so darn sweet. LOVED IT!
November 3, 2016
It's cute, it's short, it kind of perfect.
If you want a fast but still nicely done romance that is not only focused on the two main character and has Ann actual story plot, I highly recommend this story!
The writing is nice and easy to read, and while I personally thought that sometimes the dialogue was a bit .... forced, I guess is the best word for it?, feeling it still a wanoderfully told story.
There is also a moment in the book where i noticed that i might need a live that is has nothing to do with books or TV Shows/movies because there was a larger amount of pies mentioned (five) that the baker did not want to eat but simply make.
And my first thought?
Dean would love this person!
Not that this has anything to do with this book - at all.
But you know... fandoms.... its a problem ...
Anyways... back to the actual book review:
In do love it when the romance in this type of book is not the very often used "seen, fell in love, a fully get to know the person" but has the actual real order of "seen, meet, get to know each other a bit and then actually fall in love".
This book is predictable, but really we all know what is coming before we start a romance book! So that was nothing would count as negative - I actually mostly read those types of books exactly for their prdicatblitly! I love that I know how it will end because then I at least don't have a stupid ending but a well know and cutesy one!
I really enjoyed that in this story the main man that he really hasn't no idea what to do with. He tries, but he never knew what to do but through out the book he tries and learns and while he doesn't become perfect at it, which I appreacet since it gives that story's a realistic feel in my option, he still betters himself in a nice way, so that was great!
So all in all?
This book was great!
Perfect for this time of year, wonderfully told and so short it almost feels like eating a very nice piece of chocolate!
Highly recommend for every romance lover - and anyone that wants to try the genre!
If you want a fast but still nicely done romance that is not only focused on the two main character and has Ann actual story plot, I highly recommend this story!
The writing is nice and easy to read, and while I personally thought that sometimes the dialogue was a bit .... forced, I guess is the best word for it?, feeling it still a wanoderfully told story.
There is also a moment in the book where i noticed that i might need a live that is has nothing to do with books or TV Shows/movies because there was a larger amount of pies mentioned (five) that the baker did not want to eat but simply make.
And my first thought?
Dean would love this person!
Not that this has anything to do with this book - at all.
But you know... fandoms.... its a problem ...
Anyways... back to the actual book review:
In do love it when the romance in this type of book is not the very often used "seen, fell in love, a fully get to know the person" but has the actual real order of "seen, meet, get to know each other a bit and then actually fall in love".
This book is predictable, but really we all know what is coming before we start a romance book! So that was nothing would count as negative - I actually mostly read those types of books exactly for their prdicatblitly! I love that I know how it will end because then I at least don't have a stupid ending but a well know and cutesy one!
I really enjoyed that in this story the main man that he really hasn't no idea what to do with. He tries, but he never knew what to do but through out the book he tries and learns and while he doesn't become perfect at it, which I appreacet since it gives that story's a realistic feel in my option, he still betters himself in a nice way, so that was great!
So all in all?
This book was great!
Perfect for this time of year, wonderfully told and so short it almost feels like eating a very nice piece of chocolate!
Highly recommend for every romance lover - and anyone that wants to try the genre!
October 5, 2016
Melt My Heart, Cowboy by C.J. Carmichael is the first book in the Love at the Chocolate series. If this book is any indication, this will be an outstanding series.
Every Friday afternoon a handsome cowboy comes into Marietta’s chocolate shop to buy a box of chocolates. Sales clerk Rosie Linn wonders who the lucky person is who will be getting these candies. Rosie is biding her time, waiting to sell her neglected family home so she can join her brother in LA and start a new career as a screenwriter. She has spent the past few years taking care of her ill father after their mother had died.
Brant Willingham’s mother died recently, leaving him as guardian to his eighteen-year old autistic sister, Sara Maria. Not sure how to deal or handle his sister he decides that maybe the sweet candy clerk would be the perfect person to ask for help.
Rosie and Brant come up with a plan. She will help with his sister if he takes care of the repairs and a new coat of paint for her old house. It appears to be the perfect solution until the couple begins spending time together. Brant, and Sara Maria, doesn’t want Rosie to sell her house and leave them. Meanwhile Rosie fears how she will be able to leave Brant and still go after her dreams.
This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. I highly recommend this book to other readers and can’t wait until the next entry in this series.
Every Friday afternoon a handsome cowboy comes into Marietta’s chocolate shop to buy a box of chocolates. Sales clerk Rosie Linn wonders who the lucky person is who will be getting these candies. Rosie is biding her time, waiting to sell her neglected family home so she can join her brother in LA and start a new career as a screenwriter. She has spent the past few years taking care of her ill father after their mother had died.
Brant Willingham’s mother died recently, leaving him as guardian to his eighteen-year old autistic sister, Sara Maria. Not sure how to deal or handle his sister he decides that maybe the sweet candy clerk would be the perfect person to ask for help.
Rosie and Brant come up with a plan. She will help with his sister if he takes care of the repairs and a new coat of paint for her old house. It appears to be the perfect solution until the couple begins spending time together. Brant, and Sara Maria, doesn’t want Rosie to sell her house and leave them. Meanwhile Rosie fears how she will be able to leave Brant and still go after her dreams.
This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. I highly recommend this book to other readers and can’t wait until the next entry in this series.
October 6, 2016
A sweet love story.
For the last few months, Rosie Linn has looked forward to the handsome Friday night cowboy coming into Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop where she works. He always buys the same box of chocolates and never tries anything else. Whoever he is buying them for must really love dark chocolate salted caramels. But Rosie has bigger things she should be focusing on besides trying to figure out the cowboy and who he is shopping for. She is trying to sell her childhood home so she can begin her dream of being a screenwriter and moving to Los Angeles.
After his mother’s death, Brant Willingham has been keeping his regular Friday night visit with his sister Sara Maria who lives at May Bell Care Home. He brings her a box of chocolate and they go out for pizza and a movie. But the staff at May Bell Care Home think Sara Maria really needs to be spending time with people her own age as she has grown bored living there. So, Brant comes up with a plan. He approaches the pretty girl at the chocolate shop and asks if she would be willing to spend time with his sister. In exchange he will help her get her house ready to sell.
As Rosie and Sara Maria become friends, Brant also finds himself drawn to Rosie. He really doesn’t have time for dating between working and driving into Marietta to see his sister. But fate has a way of working things out and Brant and Rosie soon find themselves falling in love. How will this effect Rosie’s plans of moving?
This was an enjoyable story and a good beginning to the new Love at the Chocolate Shop series. The chemistry between the two main characters was very strong and I enjoyed learning their story. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from past books and look forward to hearing more about them in the future.
For the last few months, Rosie Linn has looked forward to the handsome Friday night cowboy coming into Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop where she works. He always buys the same box of chocolates and never tries anything else. Whoever he is buying them for must really love dark chocolate salted caramels. But Rosie has bigger things she should be focusing on besides trying to figure out the cowboy and who he is shopping for. She is trying to sell her childhood home so she can begin her dream of being a screenwriter and moving to Los Angeles.
After his mother’s death, Brant Willingham has been keeping his regular Friday night visit with his sister Sara Maria who lives at May Bell Care Home. He brings her a box of chocolate and they go out for pizza and a movie. But the staff at May Bell Care Home think Sara Maria really needs to be spending time with people her own age as she has grown bored living there. So, Brant comes up with a plan. He approaches the pretty girl at the chocolate shop and asks if she would be willing to spend time with his sister. In exchange he will help her get her house ready to sell.
As Rosie and Sara Maria become friends, Brant also finds himself drawn to Rosie. He really doesn’t have time for dating between working and driving into Marietta to see his sister. But fate has a way of working things out and Brant and Rosie soon find themselves falling in love. How will this effect Rosie’s plans of moving?
This was an enjoyable story and a good beginning to the new Love at the Chocolate Shop series. The chemistry between the two main characters was very strong and I enjoyed learning their story. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from past books and look forward to hearing more about them in the future.
December 21, 2016
Melt My Heart, Cowboy is book 1 in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. The series of 12 books by different authors will be set around Sage Carrigan's Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop, and it is only fitting that CJ Carmichael kick off the series, since the chocolate shop is her creation.
Rosie stayed in Marietta to look after her father, working in the chocolate shop by day and working on screen plays for her brother in her off time. Now that her father is gone, all she has to do is sell her house and she can make the move to Los Angeles. Her impending move doesn't stop her from being intrigued by the cowboy that comes in at the same time every week to by the same box of chocolates. Brant was happy with his life, then his mother died in an accident, leaving him the sole caretaker of his autistic sister. He doesn't know how to deal with her, or have a home of his own to bring her to when the care center tells him she doesn't belong there. When Brant asks Rosie to help with his sister, it sets in motion not only a friendship with Rosie and Brant, but also with Sara Maria, his sister.
This is a sweet romance that helps two people discover that the plan they had for life may not be the right one. Rosie also helps Brant realize that, despite her autism, his sister isn't the same little girl he remembered living with.
The characters were fun and the story was a good one to curl up with, preferably with a cup of hot chocolate. I loved meeting new characters and visiting those we have seen before. I can't wait to see what life has in store for Portia, who comes home to Marietta and starts work at the shop.
Rosie stayed in Marietta to look after her father, working in the chocolate shop by day and working on screen plays for her brother in her off time. Now that her father is gone, all she has to do is sell her house and she can make the move to Los Angeles. Her impending move doesn't stop her from being intrigued by the cowboy that comes in at the same time every week to by the same box of chocolates. Brant was happy with his life, then his mother died in an accident, leaving him the sole caretaker of his autistic sister. He doesn't know how to deal with her, or have a home of his own to bring her to when the care center tells him she doesn't belong there. When Brant asks Rosie to help with his sister, it sets in motion not only a friendship with Rosie and Brant, but also with Sara Maria, his sister.
This is a sweet romance that helps two people discover that the plan they had for life may not be the right one. Rosie also helps Brant realize that, despite her autism, his sister isn't the same little girl he remembered living with.
The characters were fun and the story was a good one to curl up with, preferably with a cup of hot chocolate. I loved meeting new characters and visiting those we have seen before. I can't wait to see what life has in store for Portia, who comes home to Marietta and starts work at the shop.
April 13, 2017
Review written: February 6, 2017
Star Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy did not, in fact, melt my heart. Rosie seemed horribly judgmental, Brant came across as terribly cold-hearted, and Sara Maria was the poor put-upon sister.
I struggled with Rosie because she seemed to be all over the place: chocolate shop clerk, screenwriter, carer. She had so many roles that none of them were fleshed out. Her relationship with her brother was supposed to be very good but the only time he was mentioned was in conjunction to their work.
Brant just wanted some time for himself without the problems of a special needs sister but he alternately came across as cold or as self-pitying. He had a decided lack of chemistry with Rosie and such a terrible relationship with Sara Maria it was breathtakingly awful.
Sara Maria is a special needs adult who alternately couldn't spell a word and yet could read and understand Kant. She loves to bake pies but doesn't like to eat them. She has monumental breakdowns but feels she should be on her own. She is a study in contrasts.
With characters I could not remotely get into and a tepid plotline with no angst unless it surrounded Sara Maria, I just couldn't get into this book. I finished it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
This review is ©February 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Melt My Heart, Cowboy did not, in fact, melt my heart. Rosie seemed horribly judgmental, Brant came across as terribly cold-hearted, and Sara Maria was the poor put-upon sister.
I struggled with Rosie because she seemed to be all over the place: chocolate shop clerk, screenwriter, carer. She had so many roles that none of them were fleshed out. Her relationship with her brother was supposed to be very good but the only time he was mentioned was in conjunction to their work.
Brant just wanted some time for himself without the problems of a special needs sister but he alternately came across as cold or as self-pitying. He had a decided lack of chemistry with Rosie and such a terrible relationship with Sara Maria it was breathtakingly awful.
Sara Maria is a special needs adult who alternately couldn't spell a word and yet could read and understand Kant. She loves to bake pies but doesn't like to eat them. She has monumental breakdowns but feels she should be on her own. She is a study in contrasts.
With characters I could not remotely get into and a tepid plotline with no angst unless it surrounded Sara Maria, I just couldn't get into this book. I finished it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
This review is ©February 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
October 30, 2016
Melt My Heart Cowboy by C.J. Carmichael is a heart melting story. One that instantly hooked me from the beginning. I was fascinated by the chance meeting of the main characters. Love comes tapping on the shoulder...came to my mind while reading this. Sometimes love isn't planed. It's finds you when you're least expecting it. Here, Rosie, a sales clerk sees just how that happens. A dream come true. Every woman wants to meet that somebody special that gets them twisted into knots the way Brant has her feeling. Something magical sparks between them both. Instant chemistry, a real life perspective on what the other is truly like and then add time together and...love just happens. Melt My Heart Cowboy does exactly that. Brant is indeed a cowboy that melted my heart. The moment I learned about his life and sister's situation my heart melted for him. I fell in love with the fictional character. Then Rosie is another loveable character. Her personality and believable actions led me to enjoying her as well. Life happened and love knocked them out of whack or was it into gear? Once they were put together I was rooting the whole way. Hoping it would turn out the way I wanted it to...and well, I can't say what happened. Readers must read it. I highly recommend this entertaining contemporary romance to all. C.J. Carmichael' writing is superb. She has a way with sending readers like me, deep into her stories.
October 13, 2016
I’m always eager to read one of C. J.’s books. I like her writing and the characters she creates. I LOVE her series The Carrigan’s of the Circle C. One of the characters from that series is Sage Carrigan who owns the Cooper Mountain Chocolate Shop in Marietta. Love at the Chocolate Shop series is based around Sage’s chocolate shop. One of Sage’s employees is featured in Melt My Heart, Cowboy. As the story played out, I was not a fan of the lead male character, Brant, but he did grow on me and I was glad to see his character grow and mature. I really liked the friendship that the lead female, Rosie, had with Brant’s sister, Sara Maria, who is autistic. I enjoyed the story, the plot, and catching up with some of the characters from the small town. I’m looking forward to more sweet stories coming from the Love at the Chocolate Shop series.
October 3, 2016
I thought this book was a very nice read, nicely written, with likeable characters and I enjoyed the relationships not just the developing romance between Brant and Rosie but Brant and his sister's and Rosie and Portis's becoming fast friends willing to help each other out and the girlie stuff they did like shopping for clothes and hair and makeup do overs.
The part I didn't care for so much, and beware it could happen to you, reading about all the chocolates and pies gave me the worst craving for something sweet.
And the part I loved the best was the ending it held an awesome surprise.
I am really looking forward to the other books in the series.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The part I didn't care for so much, and beware it could happen to you, reading about all the chocolates and pies gave me the worst craving for something sweet.
And the part I loved the best was the ending it held an awesome surprise.
I am really looking forward to the other books in the series.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2016
So this is a new series called "Love at the Chocolate Shop" and the first book in the series is written by CJ Carmichael. I just love the cover and wanted to give it a try sine I love the books from the fictional town of Marietta.
This story is a sweet one with a heartwarming but also heartbreaking theme. It´s well written and just so sweet in more ways that one.
It revolves around Sage´s chocolate shop and gives us a sweet story. I liked it. I´m going to read the new in this series to see where it takes us. It´s a stand alone story and I like that. As whit stories set in a town where other stories go one, you will always get a littler more out of the story if you have more background, but nothing that will prevent you from reading this story.
This story is a sweet one with a heartwarming but also heartbreaking theme. It´s well written and just so sweet in more ways that one.
It revolves around Sage´s chocolate shop and gives us a sweet story. I liked it. I´m going to read the new in this series to see where it takes us. It´s a stand alone story and I like that. As whit stories set in a town where other stories go one, you will always get a littler more out of the story if you have more background, but nothing that will prevent you from reading this story.
October 15, 2016
I really liked this story. Although all the talk of chocolates really made me hungry. Rosie and Brant were great characters and I loved how they worked together. She had a crush on Brant before she even knew his name, as he was a regular customer at the chocolate shop where she worked. Brant's sister, his concern for his sister at least, finally brought them together outside of the chocolate shop. They were both at turning points in their lives with big decisions to make. I liked how things played out for all of them.
I really wish Sage's chocolate shop was a real place, I would definitely be a regular customer.
I really wish Sage's chocolate shop was a real place, I would definitely be a regular customer.
May 27, 2022
This book was a let down for me, sadly.
The hero in this book spends a lot of time trying to find other people to look after his sister who is on the spectrum. This sister is very high functioning, and could easily be living on her own, and we see her prove this point throughout the course of the book. It did not feel great. It felt like he just didn't want to deal with her at all, because she wasn't easy to understand when she was a kid. IT FELT WRONG!!! It made him really hard to root for as the hero.
The heroine was lovely, and I did really enjoy his sister's character. I just couldn't enjoy him.
The hero in this book spends a lot of time trying to find other people to look after his sister who is on the spectrum. This sister is very high functioning, and could easily be living on her own, and we see her prove this point throughout the course of the book. It did not feel great. It felt like he just didn't want to deal with her at all, because she wasn't easy to understand when she was a kid. IT FELT WRONG!!! It made him really hard to root for as the hero.
The heroine was lovely, and I did really enjoy his sister's character. I just couldn't enjoy him.
September 28, 2016
I admit I'm biased because I'm one of the authors in this new Montana Born series, but I've been a fan of CJ Carmichael's books for a long time. Readers will not be disappointed in her latest story. Melt My Heart, Cowboy is full of "Heart" and "family". Fans of the Marietta, Montana, stories will enjoy watching Rosie Linn and Brant overcome the obstacles in the way of their happy-ever-after and enjoy several visits to the famous Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop!
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