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The Dixon Ranch #1
Cowboy Sanctuary
Dana Waterfield’s well-organized life gets tipped upside down when the brutal murder of her twin sister Danielle threatens to unravel everything she’s worked so hard to achieve. Having found herself the sole guardian of her sister’s newborn lovechild, Jeremy, and at the receiving end of her ex-brother-in-law’s unchecked rage, Dana flees to the safety of Dixon Ranch and the strong, muscled arms of Brock Dixon. In order to protect the baby from the wrath of Danielle’s husband and murderer, Dana must assimilate into the daily routine of ranch life, and rethink who she really is. When the wrath of a madman threatens the life of her nephew and everything she holds dear, will Dana put her trust in Brock or let the winds of change tear her family apart?
Falling for her sister’s lover was never part of the plan, but there’s something about a cowboy that no woman can resist. After all, the safest place to be is in a cowboy’s arms…
Falling for her sister’s lover was never part of the plan, but there’s something about a cowboy that no woman can resist. After all, the safest place to be is in a cowboy’s arms…
297 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2017
402 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Hughes
89 books507 followersMichelle Hughes is an American author who writes contemporary romance. She was awarded a Kindle Press contract for her 2017 release, Cowboy Sanctuary, and has 29 other books self-published. Hughes studied journalism at Jefferson State college. Prior to a career in publishing she worked as a respiratory therapist. Michelle was also a Nashville recording artist who performed under the stage name, Regina Michelle.
Her continuing book publications include the Tears of Crimson series, Fantasy’s Bar & Grill series, and the You Don’t Know Jack series. Well known single book titles include, Five Nights, Rude, and Sin. A new series released September 3rd, 2018 is Fantasy Isle a continuation of the Fantasy’s Bar & Grill series.
Hughes lives in Verbena, Alabama with her husband. They have five children. Her goals are to continue writing and sharing her love of romance with readers.
Her continuing book publications include the Tears of Crimson series, Fantasy’s Bar & Grill series, and the You Don’t Know Jack series. Well known single book titles include, Five Nights, Rude, and Sin. A new series released September 3rd, 2018 is Fantasy Isle a continuation of the Fantasy’s Bar & Grill series.
Hughes lives in Verbena, Alabama with her husband. They have five children. Her goals are to continue writing and sharing her love of romance with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 10, 2017
This book was chosen by Kindle Scout for a publishing contract.
September 30, 2016
"What a Stunning Cowboy Romance!"
You will fall in love with the awesome cover!. Plus the storyline is amazing, and the characters will win your heart!. Every good country gal has heard the saying save a horse ride a cowboy well you will most certainly want to ride Michelle Hughes cowboys long and hard lol!.
Brock is a sexy cowboy he trains and races horses. While at the Kentucky Derby he met what he thought was the gal of his dreams Danielle. Only she was just playing him!. She ruined his reparation on top of that she turned out to be married!. Brock vowed never to trust another woman!.
Danielle did not know her ride on the sexy cowboy would end up her getting pregnant. After she had her son Jeremy she turns to the one person she could trust her twin sister Dana. Danielle plans to divorce her evil husband Derrick. Then she ends up killed Dana is sure Derrick killed her but could not prove it!. Dana is worried Derrick will harm Jeremy. So she goes to the one person she hopes can help Jeremy's real Dad Brock. Will Brock give them Sanctuary?. Will he believe Jeremy is his?. Can he protect them from the evil Derrick?. You can find all the answers in this incredible exciting, suspenseful, funny, sweet, and scorching hot cowboy romance!. This is a must must read book!.
You will fall in love with the awesome cover!. Plus the storyline is amazing, and the characters will win your heart!. Every good country gal has heard the saying save a horse ride a cowboy well you will most certainly want to ride Michelle Hughes cowboys long and hard lol!.
Brock is a sexy cowboy he trains and races horses. While at the Kentucky Derby he met what he thought was the gal of his dreams Danielle. Only she was just playing him!. She ruined his reparation on top of that she turned out to be married!. Brock vowed never to trust another woman!.
Danielle did not know her ride on the sexy cowboy would end up her getting pregnant. After she had her son Jeremy she turns to the one person she could trust her twin sister Dana. Danielle plans to divorce her evil husband Derrick. Then she ends up killed Dana is sure Derrick killed her but could not prove it!. Dana is worried Derrick will harm Jeremy. So she goes to the one person she hopes can help Jeremy's real Dad Brock. Will Brock give them Sanctuary?. Will he believe Jeremy is his?. Can he protect them from the evil Derrick?. You can find all the answers in this incredible exciting, suspenseful, funny, sweet, and scorching hot cowboy romance!. This is a must must read book!.
January 23, 2017
Great read. Love the country feeling and the strong couple the story focuses on. I'm thinking maybe
Travis' book will be next?
Travis' book will be next?
December 23, 2018
Sexy cowboy
3.5 - 4 Stars
I had a few issues with this book but they were all mainly due to Dana. She was either too hot or too cold, up or down. I guess I couldn't connect with her nor understand many of her actions.
Brock, HOWEVER, was one hell of a yummy cowboy! Protective, strong, and not to mention, sexy too! He worked hard, had good family values, and had quite a few swoon-worthy moments that had me liking his character more and more.
The storyline was intriguing. Though there were some hiccups along the way (minor editing issues), nothing major or bad enough to throw me off. I still found myself wanting to know how the whole mess Brock and Dana found themselves in would resolve.
Good read if you're in the mood to meet a sexy cowboy and enjoy some mystery and suspense.
3.5 - 4 Stars
I had a few issues with this book but they were all mainly due to Dana. She was either too hot or too cold, up or down. I guess I couldn't connect with her nor understand many of her actions.
Brock, HOWEVER, was one hell of a yummy cowboy! Protective, strong, and not to mention, sexy too! He worked hard, had good family values, and had quite a few swoon-worthy moments that had me liking his character more and more.
The storyline was intriguing. Though there were some hiccups along the way (minor editing issues), nothing major or bad enough to throw me off. I still found myself wanting to know how the whole mess Brock and Dana found themselves in would resolve.
Good read if you're in the mood to meet a sexy cowboy and enjoy some mystery and suspense.
July 6, 2019
One convoluted story. Though some will love this, it just left a sour note. Too many things annoyed me with this story.
Two twin sisters, one is a wild child and married to an abusive criminal, the other is an innocent virgin.
The wild twin sister DANIELLE, purposely seduces a cowboy, BROCK, and rips him off on a horse breeding fee. Danielle gets pregnant after saying she is safe. She is then murdered by her abusive husband DERRICK.
The good virgin twin sister DANA, has custody of the nephew JEREMY, as Derrick is in prison but not for Dani’s murder.
Dana takes Jeremy to Brock his father, for protection.
Started off on a sour note for me as the sister/aunt Dana and the cowboy/father Brock, were getting it on pretty much as soon as they meet. No getting to know the other, just lust and hormones. Same as he was with the sister Dani and I felt this flowed over to Dana without any separation of the sisters.
Especially annoying as he talks about always gloving up so he didn’t have kids out of wedlock, WHY then does he have sex multiple times over a weeks timeframe with the sister with NO condom? Just because she said she was safe he believes her?
We also have Dana doing the TSTL act which always annoys me.
The only one who was talking sense was his brother Travis, who warned him repeatedly about Danielle, but Brock was thinking with his little head.
Finished the book but wasn’t feeling that I enjoyed it.
Though I liked the family I just didn’t like this story enough to invest in reading the rest.
Read through KU.
Two twin sisters, one is a wild child and married to an abusive criminal, the other is an innocent virgin.
The wild twin sister DANIELLE, purposely seduces a cowboy, BROCK, and rips him off on a horse breeding fee. Danielle gets pregnant after saying she is safe. She is then murdered by her abusive husband DERRICK.
The good virgin twin sister DANA, has custody of the nephew JEREMY, as Derrick is in prison but not for Dani’s murder.
Dana takes Jeremy to Brock his father, for protection.
Started off on a sour note for me as the sister/aunt Dana and the cowboy/father Brock, were getting it on pretty much as soon as they meet. No getting to know the other, just lust and hormones. Same as he was with the sister Dani and I felt this flowed over to Dana without any separation of the sisters.
Especially annoying as he talks about always gloving up so he didn’t have kids out of wedlock, WHY then does he have sex multiple times over a weeks timeframe with the sister with NO condom? Just because she said she was safe he believes her?
We also have Dana doing the TSTL act which always annoys me.
The only one who was talking sense was his brother Travis, who warned him repeatedly about Danielle, but Brock was thinking with his little head.
Finished the book but wasn’t feeling that I enjoyed it.
Though I liked the family I just didn’t like this story enough to invest in reading the rest.
Read through KU.
July 6, 2019
Safe Place
Danielle did so stupid things but having her son Jeremy wasn't, unfortunately now she is dead and her sister, Dana, brought him to her blood father for safety. Brock met Danielle when she wanted her horse breed but ended up sleeping with him and screwing him out of the money. Dana brought Jeremy for safety but it might be more.
Danielle did so stupid things but having her son Jeremy wasn't, unfortunately now she is dead and her sister, Dana, brought him to her blood father for safety. Brock met Danielle when she wanted her horse breed but ended up sleeping with him and screwing him out of the money. Dana brought Jeremy for safety but it might be more.
July 11, 2019
Fantastic book
Loved this book. A lot of tension and action and a lot of love. The fact that a family will stick behind you makes it a perfect story.
Loved this book. A lot of tension and action and a lot of love. The fact that a family will stick behind you makes it a perfect story.
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July 18, 2019Read this a while back and all I remember is that I wasn't a fan.
March 25, 2017
Absolutely loved this book. You start with a hot cowboy and a woman he gets pregnant. Throw in a murder, a twin sister, this hot cowboy again and they lots of mystery and suspense and so much more. You have a very well written highly recommended book.
February 6, 2017
I have to admit that when I started reading the first few pages I thought “where is this going?” but when that ended and I realized what was going on, I laughed so hard picturing the guy’s face I just knew I was in for a treat. The story is narrated by both Dana and Brock’s first person POV and although not my favorite it actually worked pretty well here.
Dana and Brock met in the least possible imaginable way. As the twin sister of Brock’s ex-lover, Dana never imagined she’d be the one to tell Brock the child she’s holding in her arms is his but when her sister’s ex-husband is back in their lives she’s got no where to go but the only place she thought safe place for her nephew.
This was my first read from this author. It was a quick-paced, funny, and enjoyable read. Dana was so innocent and naïve that she tended to sound silly at times but not enough to hate her character. Besides, I think it was part of her being so young and still trying to find her place in the world. If anything, it was Brock that I have some problems with. Every five minutes he would say something as silly as “my woman,” “my girl,” “a man needs to protect his woman.” Mine, mine, mine. One thing is to be protective and caring but this man’s attitude was borderline proprietorial. He was also a bit retrograde when it came to Dana’s mind. Some of their arguments were because he didn’t get that she had a mind of her own and he thought she didn’t need to worry because he was there to save the day.
Not my kind of guy, honestly. Then again when he was not behaving like a complete Neanderthal (like when he got jealous because she was dancing with his brothers) he could be really sweet and loving (like when they made love and he prepared her a bath to relieve sore muscles) and could pass for a gentleman. My issue is that I don’t think men need to act like jerks to be manly men. They can be protective and powerful yet sweet and loving. In the end I think he finally got the idea or at I think he at least kind of made a promise that he’d try to be better so we’ll have to see in future books about any changes.
The rest of the family Dixon, specially mamma Mary, added the perfect balance of drama and fun to the story. Jer-Ber, Brock’s baby was well-depicted and the fact that he cried at the most crucial moments actually made me chuckle, as in “yep, that’s a baby for you.”
All in all, it was a nice story with interesting characters and I will definitely continue reading the series and more from this author.
*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
Dana and Brock met in the least possible imaginable way. As the twin sister of Brock’s ex-lover, Dana never imagined she’d be the one to tell Brock the child she’s holding in her arms is his but when her sister’s ex-husband is back in their lives she’s got no where to go but the only place she thought safe place for her nephew.
This was my first read from this author. It was a quick-paced, funny, and enjoyable read. Dana was so innocent and naïve that she tended to sound silly at times but not enough to hate her character. Besides, I think it was part of her being so young and still trying to find her place in the world. If anything, it was Brock that I have some problems with. Every five minutes he would say something as silly as “my woman,” “my girl,” “a man needs to protect his woman.” Mine, mine, mine. One thing is to be protective and caring but this man’s attitude was borderline proprietorial. He was also a bit retrograde when it came to Dana’s mind. Some of their arguments were because he didn’t get that she had a mind of her own and he thought she didn’t need to worry because he was there to save the day.
Not my kind of guy, honestly. Then again when he was not behaving like a complete Neanderthal (like when he got jealous because she was dancing with his brothers) he could be really sweet and loving (like when they made love and he prepared her a bath to relieve sore muscles) and could pass for a gentleman. My issue is that I don’t think men need to act like jerks to be manly men. They can be protective and powerful yet sweet and loving. In the end I think he finally got the idea or at I think he at least kind of made a promise that he’d try to be better so we’ll have to see in future books about any changes.
The rest of the family Dixon, specially mamma Mary, added the perfect balance of drama and fun to the story. Jer-Ber, Brock’s baby was well-depicted and the fact that he cried at the most crucial moments actually made me chuckle, as in “yep, that’s a baby for you.”
All in all, it was a nice story with interesting characters and I will definitely continue reading the series and more from this author.
*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
February 2, 2017
I liked this cowboy romance with its suspenseful twists.
When Dana finds Brock to tell him about his baby, he thinks she's Danielle. The woman he had one night with a year and a half earlier and stiffed him a breeding fee of $100,000. But Dana was Danielle's twin. Brock is madder than h#ll at Danielle for disappearing on him. He changed his tune when he found out she was dead and Dana believed Derrick, her husband, murdered her. Dana goes to Brock because she thinks the baby will be safer with his real father than with Derrick who she is worried will harm him.
This is a good story with lots of emotions - anger, love, lust, humor and has super characters. Brock is a sexy cowboy who is a world class horse trainer. His protectiveness for the little boy is endearing. I loved how strong and brave Dana was to take the baby without Derrick knowing and go to Brock. She had no idea what to expect when she told Brock that Jeremy was his but did it anyway.
I am so glad I won this book through Kindle Scout. It's a wonderful, sweet romance. You've got a cowboy and baby. What's not to love?
When Dana finds Brock to tell him about his baby, he thinks she's Danielle. The woman he had one night with a year and a half earlier and stiffed him a breeding fee of $100,000. But Dana was Danielle's twin. Brock is madder than h#ll at Danielle for disappearing on him. He changed his tune when he found out she was dead and Dana believed Derrick, her husband, murdered her. Dana goes to Brock because she thinks the baby will be safer with his real father than with Derrick who she is worried will harm him.
This is a good story with lots of emotions - anger, love, lust, humor and has super characters. Brock is a sexy cowboy who is a world class horse trainer. His protectiveness for the little boy is endearing. I loved how strong and brave Dana was to take the baby without Derrick knowing and go to Brock. She had no idea what to expect when she told Brock that Jeremy was his but did it anyway.
I am so glad I won this book through Kindle Scout. It's a wonderful, sweet romance. You've got a cowboy and baby. What's not to love?
January 24, 2017
Oh how I love a good cowboy book! Brock meets girl, girl seduces Brock, Brock impregnated girl, girl runs off and is never heard from again. Fast forward and we meet Dana, the aunt of Jeremy who is on the run from her sister's murderous husband. She decides to run back to the ranch her sister told her about, to save her nephew and herself. But what she didn't expect is to get caught up in the good looks of her nephew's father. Will Brock feel the same way? Can he trust Dana, or is she just a swindler like her sister? One thing is for sure, his son will not be leaving the ranch ever again. A great read with some suspense as the "father" decides he wants his son back and sister in law. Will Brock allow that? You don't want to miss this one. It's one heck of a hot read too. Lots of great characters and alpha-ness. Loved it!
February 6, 2017
OMG what an amazing storyline and book. I am such a sucker for tight jeans, boots, cowboy hats and of course the sexy men wearing them (and stepping out of them). But throw in a rancher, horse breeder, family man and "his woman" and Kid coming first and I am in 7th Heaven. Safe to say, Ms. Hughes' Cowboy Sanctuary had me hooked from the start. I don't do spoilers so I won't give away more than the synopsis says but I will tell you this is one Fabulous book and I hope beyond hope that Ms. Hughes has plans for the other brothers and ranch hands at Dixon Ranch. FYI: That is over 100 cowboys and Seals and Lawmen and YEEHAW! 2 Thumbs up for a MUST READ.
February 25, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this story. Dana takes her murdered twin sister's, Danielle, little boy to meet his father. Brock didn't know he was a father but instantly recognised his son & felt love for him. He also felt a protectiveness towards Dana. She was running from Danielle's husband, Derrick who she believes murdered her. A great storyline developes between Brock & Dana.
February 26, 2017
Great Dixon Ranch story
A child a Aunt who made a life by going the extra mile for the child's father. Without even thinking of what her life would change
A child a Aunt who made a life by going the extra mile for the child's father. Without even thinking of what her life would change
January 21, 2017
I love Michelle Hughes books and Cowboy Sanctuary is no exception. She stretched herself and wrote in a different genre and a lighter, more contemporary style. And she nailed it. It's really a great story and I'll be honest, I get kinda gooey for a man who loves kids like that. Dana has a great personality and I love how she has grit and stands up to Brock's Alpha tendencies. They are a perfect fit. What a fun read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 5 stars from me!
February 4, 2017
Great book to read
I gave this a 4 star could of been 5
This was a good contemporary romance for this author. It keeps you turning the pages. For me personally I like her other books more erotic and I have read them all. I will read the next one. I received this through kindle scout approval
I gave this a 4 star could of been 5
This was a good contemporary romance for this author. It keeps you turning the pages. For me personally I like her other books more erotic and I have read them all. I will read the next one. I received this through kindle scout approval
January 4, 2017
Great romance story !
This was a sexy cowboy loving love story . Who wouldn't fall in love with Brock and his family of sexy brothers . Dana is one lucky girl .
This was a sexy cowboy loving love story . Who wouldn't fall in love with Brock and his family of sexy brothers . Dana is one lucky girl .
January 12, 2017
Now That I Am Hooked on "Cowboy Sanctuary"
Having A Texas Cowboy in Your Life is 5
Having A Texas Cowboy in Your Life is 5
February 8, 2017
This book is so different from what Michelle Hughes has written before. And that's a good thing. Sweet, dramatic, and undeniably hot. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
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February 6, 2017Safety & Cowboys
It is so true that you can find safety and protection in a cowboy's arms, at least from my own experience. I can't wait to read more of this series.
It is so true that you can find safety and protection in a cowboy's arms, at least from my own experience. I can't wait to read more of this series.
January 18, 2017
Excellent
Twisty plot full of sensual heat. A page turning read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Twisty plot full of sensual heat. A page turning read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 7, 2017
Great
Love this book. I don't read a lot of romance books but this one makes me want to read more.
Love this book. I don't read a lot of romance books but this one makes me want to read more.
January 16, 2018
NEEDS EDITING! Why do I have to keep saying this with so many books I read? Do authors not care anymore about the quality of their books? Are they just trying to publish as much as they can, as fast as they can? This is a good story although I have problems with how quickly they fell in love with each other. But overall it's not a bad read. Dana's twin is killed and Dana runs away with her sister's son. She takes him to Texas to meet his father who isn't aware he has a son. Her reception isn't so great because he thinks she is her cheating sister and to top it off she is worried about her sister's murderer, the husband, following her to get the boy back. I might have given it four stars if it hadn't needed editing.
July 7, 2019
Without a doubt, this story covered everything from cowboys, horses, cattle and branding, to kidnapping, FBI, mobster and romance. What a combination! Dana and her twin, Danielle, are total opposites with one being innocent and college graduate, while the other was wild, promiscuous and married. Then Jeremy arrived, Brock Dixon got a shock and mobsters wanted money. Whew! Other than some typos that could get annoying, the story-line is good. I did wonder about the house in Chicago and a small car but no doubt Brock took care of all that.
This book is an adult read due to language and sensual content.
This book is an adult read due to language and sensual content.
July 9, 2017
Recieved this book from Kindle Scout for my review.
I liked this book. Very predictable but a good quick read. Dana runs to Dixon Ranch with her nephew for safety and because Brock Dixon is Jeremy's father and doesn't know it. Danielle, Dana's twin sister, was in an abusive relationship and things take a turn for the worst. Dana meets the Dixon clan and realizes that she loves them all. Danielle's husband is now trying to track down Dana and Jeremy. A lot of romance and little suspense. I will try another one of this author's books.
I liked this book. Very predictable but a good quick read. Dana runs to Dixon Ranch with her nephew for safety and because Brock Dixon is Jeremy's father and doesn't know it. Danielle, Dana's twin sister, was in an abusive relationship and things take a turn for the worst. Dana meets the Dixon clan and realizes that she loves them all. Danielle's husband is now trying to track down Dana and Jeremy. A lot of romance and little suspense. I will try another one of this author's books.
August 21, 2017
The beginning of this book started out a bit racy, but then it got better. It's a romance with substance. Yes, it has the usual misinterpretations between the male and female main characters (why don't they ever "talk" things through?) and the heated love scenes, but it also has a story to tell. If you like hot, sexy cowboys, you'll want to give this book a read. It's looks like the first in a series, but it's complete in itself. I can see future books continuing the story with the other brothers (and cousins).
May 13, 2019
When Danielle, Dana’s twin sister, is murdered,Dana takes Jeremy, Danielle’s baby boy, to his father in Texas. At first, Brock thinks Dana is Danielle, but she soon sets him straight. If you’re looking for a steamy cowboy read, with suspense, a feisty heroine, and ranch life, then this is the perfect book for you. No spoilers, so grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with the Dixon clan.
July 8, 2019
Best book !!!
If you want a book you don’t want to put down buy this one !!! They both needed trust, love, talking things out , they had been burned before. A city girl turn country. Lots of suspense too! She had brought one special thing to him ! Such a wonderful book , it gives you hope in love finding that one person that clicks with you ! Great author also !
Darlene Lindstrom
If you want a book you don’t want to put down buy this one !!! They both needed trust, love, talking things out , they had been burned before. A city girl turn country. Lots of suspense too! She had brought one special thing to him ! Such a wonderful book , it gives you hope in love finding that one person that clicks with you ! Great author also !
Darlene Lindstrom
February 23, 2020
This was a great read! Lots of steamy loving, as well as some intrigue. The Dixons are a strong family. The border situation is very much on the minds of anyone who lives near it. I know how much the hands of law enforcement are tied by the current government. Hoping that situation changes. As long as there is a demand in the US for drugs, the cartels will keep on doing what they do. I love this series. Am just reading the second book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews