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Brush Creek Cowboys #2

A Companion for the Cowboy

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The Brush Creek Brides is a series of Christian western romance novels you can read in a single evening! This series features wholesome, uplifting, and satisfying "weeknight" romances.

Weeknight romances: 3 bucks. 2 hours. 1 satisfying, uplifting, and romantic story.

Cowboy and professional roper Justin Jackman has found solitude at Brush Creek Horse Ranch, preferring his time with the animals he trains over dating. With two failed engagements in his past, he's not really interested in getting his heart stomped on again. But when flirty and fun Renee Martin picks him up at a church ice cream bar--on a bet, no less--he finds himself more than just a little interested.

Renee's living with her cousin in Brush Creek, having just graduated from college. She's not ready to be an adult, has no idea what she wants to do for a career, and generally wishes everyone would just let her figure things out. She starts working for Dinosaur National Park, which has an hour-long commute that she spends thinking about Justin. With a decade separating their ages, she comes to realize that they're from different generations.

His Gen-X attitudes are attractive to her; her Millennial behaviors drive him nuts. Can Justin look past their differences and take a chance on another engagement? And if he does, will Renee be mature enough and ready for a serious relationship? Justin and Renee will have to figure out how to pray and how to listen to God to find a way to their happily-ever-after.

The Brush Creek Brides series is a spin-off series from the bestselling Gold Valley Romance novel, THROUGH THE MIST, also by Liz Isaacson.

Brush Creek Brides novels:
1. A Wedding for the Widower
2. A Companion for the Cowboy
3. A Bride for the Bronc Rider
4. A Family for the Farmer
5. A Home for the Horseman
6. A Refuge for the Rancher

127 pages, ebook

Published July 4, 2017

344 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Liz Isaacson

356 books1,184 followers
★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★

Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.

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5 stars
195 (53%)
4 stars
102 (28%)
3 stars
51 (14%)
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12 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,297 reviews
October 9, 2017
Can I first just begin this review off by stating how much I absolutely love Ms. Isaacson and all the hard work that she puts in each of her novels? She is truly magnificent and each of her stories holds a piece of her heart as she continues to share more and more of herself with her devoted readers.

"A Companion for the Cowboy" was a little slow in the beginning, I must admit; however, the further along the story went the more I was in love with this new set of characters. I must say that I think this has been the most realistic novel I have ever read by Liz Isaacson, and I love all of her work, but the emotions and feelings that were used portrayed how a real couple would struggle when first meeting and falling in love so quickly. I highly recommend this novel, I feel that it show Ms. Isaacson's strengths off very well.

Brush Creek Brides is full of wonderful new adventures which includes Landon and Megan in this spin off series about their own horse ranch training the next rodeo stars before their time. There is more love and good times to be had in this up and coming series that I am sure that each and every reader will not want to miss out on!
Profile Image for Shash.
473 reviews
July 4, 2017
This is the second book in the Brush Creek Brides series, but does stand-alone. I enjoyed being back in Brush Creek. I love a series that brings me moments with old friends as the books continue. I also love meeting new characters.

Renee has just moved to Brush Creek. She is young and full of life. Her happy spirit is infectious. Justin has been hurt badly before and is hesitant to get into a relationship. It was great to see him begin to open up. His calm manner and Renee’s energy really balanced each other out. I really liked them as a couple, and enjoyed their story.

The cowboys on the ranch share a special bond, and really seem to understand each other. I’m excited to read the rest of their stories!

I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
3,544 reviews40 followers
June 25, 2017
After reading A Wedding for the Widower, book one of this series, which by the way, I just loved, I was anxious to read this book. I was a little disappointed in this one. The reason is more personal than the author’s fault. I like more mature characters and I found Renee a bit immature for my taste.
It was a cute story about a young college graduate starting her first job and finding her place in the world , and a cowboy a few years older than she who really enjoys her company . But he has been hurt before.
I am sure a younger crowd will enjoy the story.
All that said, I look forward to future stories by this talented author.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.


Profile Image for Susan Shearer.
403 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2017
I love series from authors! You get to know the people in the towns and they become friends. You cheer for them and get upset with them. And that is exactly what Liz Isaacson does in A Companion for the Cowboy in the Brush Creek Horse Ranch series.
We meet newcomer Renee Martin whose has accepted a job at Dinosaur National Park and was living with her cousin Leah in Brush Creek. Leah was a beautiful and outgoing girl while Renee thought of herself as plain and unattractive. On a bet from Leah and her girlfriends, Renee was to ask former rodeo star Justin Jackman on a date. Leah couldn’t keep the bet secret from Justin and told her about it. He agreed to the date, a rodeo the following weekend where he was to talk to some promoters for the ranch.
And that is where the fun begins. We have two wounded souls who come together in a situation that creates friendship, revealing of self and in the end mutual trust and love.
This is a short book that can be read in one sitting and, believe me, you won’t want to! This is one I would definitely recommend for a good read! A perfect place to catch up on old friends and meet new ones.
Profile Image for Pam Graber.
1,127 reviews39 followers
July 20, 2017
Renee Martin is new to Brush Creek. Attending an ice cream social in town, her cousin dares her to pick out a cowboy and get a date with him. She chooses Justin Jackman of Brush Creek Ranch. Justin is slow to cooperate but eventually agrees to a date with the younger Renee.

As the two of them begin seeing each other, the age difference becomes more pronounced. After two failed engagements, can Justin ever trust another woman? He feels old and staid next to Renee. What does she see in Him, really?

A couple of things bothered me in this book. First, the talk of Gen-X vs. Millenials seemed out of place to me. Yes, he was older than she was. Enough said. I think it had more to do with maturity than the "generation" they were born into. Renee comes across as immature and giggly, traits that grate on Justin's nerves but not enough, apparently to stop seeing her. This theme especially got old. I also had trouble seeing these two together. Sure they had some physical chemistry but not much else. It felt like other people pushed their relationship onto them, especially onto him. I'm hoping the next book in this series feels less rushed!

I did like revisiting the characters from the last book in the series. And I liked that she worked for the National Park service. If you're looking for a quick read, the Brush Creek Ranch series would be a good one to start.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
July 6, 2017
Justin and Renee were a very sweet couple, and their love story was honestly portrayed. I did think we got a few too many reminders about Renee's youth and being a "millenial," but she was exactly who Justin needed. I liked the way we saw Renee mature from a recent college grad into a responsible, self-sufficient young woman.

The only part I wish was different was the ending; I think it needed a few modifications so the engagement wouldn't have emasculated Justin. Every young woman, even millenials but especially Christian women looking for a husband who will be a spiritual leader for their family, wants a man who has the courage to stand up for himself. Justin knew what he wanted, admitted he was ready, but lacked the courage to act because he'd been hurt before. I would have liked to have seen a little more cowboy gumption from him at the end.

Aside from that, it's a beautiful story with wonderfully written characters and setting. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,536 reviews29 followers
July 11, 2017
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Companion for the Cowboy is the 2nd book in the Brush Creek Brides series and is well written and a standalone. Also reading about old friends from former books helps to keep you up to date with them.

Justin Jackman came to Brush Creek Horse Ranch to help train horses since he was a professional roper and has retired from roping. With two failed engagements in the past he is not interested in dating until he ends up getting picked up at a church ice cream social….which is a bet…but he finds that he likes the fun, flirty, Renee.

Renee recently moved to Brush Creek after graduating from college but she isn’t sure what she wants to do with the rest of her life but she is kind of sweet on Justin only he doesn’t look her way because she is a decade younger than him but she is determined to show him that even though they are a generation apart there is way to meet in the middle….

Will they find the middle of the road with God’s help and have their HEA or will it all fall apart from distance and the generational gap??
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
July 3, 2017
This quick read is completely charming and just as sweet as the ice cream that's so instrumental in their first encounter we see. This is a much lighter read than the first book in the series, and that's no bad thing. Renee's youth and vitality infuse everything she does. Her bright spirit is as irresistible to Justin as his calm steadiness is to her. Justin's been badly burned by previous relationships and he's not sure if he has enough courage to take a chance on something real with Renee. I loved watching these two learn to get out of their own way and trust that the higher power really does have a purpose for them. Seeing Renee take responsibility for her own life and Justin open himself up to new love was inspiring. I look forward to meeting the next bride in Brush Creek.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for claire jones.
149 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2017
We are back in Brush Creek, i think, no we definitely are!!! The one thing with reading a lot of Liz Isaacson books is that you start to forget where you are and which characters belong there!
Again another sweet romance between a woman with a healthy appetite and as few extra pounds(nothing wrong with that ) and a cowboy who has been left broken hearted and is weary of falling in love again. Renee is a kind fun loving girl but is self conscious of her weight. With all the food that is mentioned throughout these books I'm surprised there hasn' t been a slightly curvier (we do not use overweight!) character before. I do like the books because the guaranteed happy ending, when one character realises that it is time to take that chance on love, puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day!
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,547 reviews88 followers
March 17, 2018
In line with the rest of the books in this series, this book is a sweet cowboy romance that is clean with Christian influences. Justin has sworn off women after having had two failed engagements, but when fun and flirty Renee, who has the disadvantage of being a plus size, giggle her way into his orbit and asks him for a date, Justin is caught off guard and agrees. From then on he finds that he agrees with most of what Renee says, even when it goes against everything he would normally want. This book is part of a series but it is nevertheless a standalone and has a happy ending. Although Justin is the strong silent type he is a likeable hero and it takes Renee’s impressible personality to break through his barriers. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,670 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2018
This was an exceptional read. I truly loved reading about the differences between Gen-Xer (Justin) and Millennial (Renee). How they dealt with the things that separate their generations. I loved this as I sometimes feel lost as I am a Baby Boomer and the younger generations confuse me! The scene at the concert was really hilarious for me as people seem to connect to their phones than to people and places around them.

This story contained by favorite dual POVs. It really helps me to understand the characters. Especially loved the scene and how they worked it out after the concert in Justin's truck. I could really see both sides of the issue. The characters seemed so real. The plot flowed so smoothly. It was like a movie played in my mind. I adored seeing Walker and Tess from the first story appear here. I highly recommend this story to anyone!!!
7,755 reviews49 followers
July 4, 2017
COMPANION FOR THE COWBOY by Liz Isaacson. Releases July 4
Renee loved ice cream, yet at social function men's interest went to her cousin. Leah. A dare from Leah, to ask an ex boyfriend of her's out for a date. She had had one date, but Justin didn't seem interested in her, but she needed the money. Justine did like her, but he wanted nothing to do with Leah, and her ideas. A date for the rodeo, to show his ex girlfriend he had moved on, might be a good idea. Will Renee and Justice find any attraction, and is he okay with her love of ice cream. A delightful story, that makes you want to read, to see if it has a happy ending. Great reading for all ages. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
627 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2017
Another great sweet western romance from Liz Isaacson. This one took place in Utah with the Brush Creek stories and didn't mention her other series other than a quick peek at those who also came to Brush Creek. I like the continuity.
Some things I like- dress size doesn't matter, age difference can be worked around, support each other through our difficulties, know your loved ones limitations (love the bit with large families), and getting to know each other in non-traditional ways. Not sure I loved that she felt she had to change even a little but she made the choice for her, or at least that's what I hoped. 
Great story as always. Good closure even though we're left wanting more of their story; I know we'll get peeks in later books. Enjoy!
2,535 reviews46 followers
July 3, 2018
This was not a fav of Isaccson's book for me. I just didn't feel the attraction between the two. It seemed like they would name a negative in the relationship and I'd think that this can't go anywhere but then they were still together and it didn't make sense to me. It is possible I may have some issues with this for personal reasons coloring my views of the book.

Justin felt like Renee was immature but sometimes I felt like his responses to her were immature as well. I can't decide if she matured over time that much or if he just found it didn't bother him as much.

It is a quick read and clean. It has religious elements but not heavy handed.

Sex: some kisses
language: no
Violence: no
591 reviews
January 21, 2023
Life principles are Best

Renee knew for the most part what she wanted of a man to be her husband. Her cousin Lana, was more of use em' and dump em' that's why Justin wanted very little to do with Renee because of who she was with, those acting like Paula leaving him standing at the alter. Renee was pretty open with him from the few go, leaving herself wide open to hurt. I was very happy to see she took Alex's advice then being able to go to the next step. Definite 5 star and wonderfully and morally clean.
228 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2017
This is a sweet clean story about Renee while at an ice cream social at church picks Justin up on a bet from her cousin. Justin is not looking for a relationship due to having two failed engagments and being left at the altar in the last one. I loved how he kept teasing her about her picking him up at a bar. He questions their relationship due to their age difference. It was really great reading how Renee proved more mature and helped him find the trust in their relationship.
1,279 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2017
As always, this book is a winner. I would expect nothing less from this author. This book is the second book in the series Brush Creek Brides and is well worth the read.
Broken relationships on both sides make for hesitations in the relationship between Renee and Justin. But when you have been hit twice, it makes it even more difficult.
I read anything and everything this author writes. She is at the top of my list of favorite authors.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,188 reviews
July 4, 2017
Renee is 24 and Justin eight years older. She is flighty and had no ambition to do anything for herself. I do not know how she is paying her rent without a steady job. Justin is hesitant to trust again after two failed engagements, but there seems to be several women who would gladly date him. Renee giggles her way through the book and neither seem to grow from their distrust and impatience. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
135 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2017
It's only the second book in this new series but I am really enjoying it. They are page turner's and draw you in so it makes them very quick reads. I loved this story about swallowing your pride and not letting a good thing go. I loved the details of their relationship based on their generations. It seemed more like a realistic relationship and it was a fun read about a relationship in today's world.
Profile Image for Lynda Peters.
115 reviews
June 10, 2017
Another good read from Liz Isaacson. I have really enjoyed the majority of books I have read by this author and this no exception. It's a simple tale well told with good characters that draw you in. No huge dramas just a good interesting story - perfect for a one day read. I am so pleased I had the chance to voluntarily review an early copy.
185 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2017
Once again Liz writes a continuing series with great characters. She knows how to keep the story line going to keep everything interesting. This book shows that even though one has been burned by love in the past, they can find it once again if they only open their hearts and let it in. I recommend Liz's books highly!
Profile Image for JaneReads.
974 reviews119 followers
July 4, 2017
Review can be found here .

Renee is pressured to ask Justin out as part of a bet from her cousin but Justin is hesitant of relationships. However he agrees to a date to get him out an awkward position. What happens between them is beautiful and encouraging. I really liked Justin and could understand his hesitation to get involved with Renee after being left not once but twice. Renee felt really young for him at the beginning but she seemed to mature over time with his influence. I also liked that Renee brought out a fun side of Justin. I enjoyed their text message conversations and his constant teasing about her picking him up in a bar (it wasn’t). I didn’t like that we never find out what really happened with his past relationships even though they are referred to quite a bit throughout, and what happened between him and Leah (Renee’s cousin). This was an enjoyable light read with a happy ending. I laughed quite a few times throughout.

(I received an ARC of this book from the author; opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)
Profile Image for Linda Moon.
54 reviews
July 6, 2017
Another charming story, but it’s not one of Liz Isaacson’s best. It was lacking in depth to the story and the relationship between Renee and Justin seemed rushed, something was lacking but I am unable to determine what. Maybe with Renee being so immature for her age, it just didn’t appeal to me. But overall it was an enjoyable read, just didn’t grab me as some of her other stories do.
Profile Image for Anne Blyth.
1,972 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2017
Justin and Renee’s story. Two people who at first don't seem to be right for each other. Justin has a lot of fear about committing to a relationship after some heartbreaking experiences and Renee is lacking in confidence. Their faith keeps them trying to overcome their issues and finally they find what they are both so desperate for. An entertaining read.
Profile Image for Stacey.
321 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2018
These stories are a quick, clean, feel good read. Whilst I wouldn’t say this particular story is my favourite from this author it was still enjoyable. Being part of a series, it’s nice to be able to see where other characters end up & how their lives interact & progress. I’ll continue on with the series but may leave off reading the next one for a little bit so as to build up the anticipation a bit ;) this author is so easy to binge read with! Especially when you’re a sucker for a nice clean western like me :)
Profile Image for Marie.
376 reviews
July 4, 2017
Justin the quiet cowboy, meets Renee 8 years his junior. Mind he is 32 with a sole of a rancher slow and steady and old....ok......traditional. Renee is fun loving and doesn't see the years as a problem. Sweet gestures lead them to everlasting love.
Profile Image for Judie.
345 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2017
For me, this couple was not that well suited to each other. I thought he might have found someone who was more compatible. I thought their relationship seemed to be more about relief at being wanted, and not wanting to be alone.
387 reviews
July 21, 2018
Quick clean story. After being left at the altar Justin was slow at entering a new relationship with Renee. He agreed to go out with her so she can win a bet from her cousin. There relationship develops over texting. Has a happy ending.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,913 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2018
Loved it

Loved the book and the bonus books. This is the second book in the Bush Creek series and it has 6 of Liz Isaacson's other books as a bonus. I love her books and was excited to have that many all together.
1,222 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2018
All of the books were excellent!

I enjoyed all of the books that were attached to the second book in this series. It was exciting to be able to read so many good books one after another.It also surprised me to see six books attached to this second book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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