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River Ranch #1
Cowboy Stole My Heart
It takes true grit to build a billion-dollar dynasty like the Ford family ranch. But when it comes to finding love, all it takes is one handsome cowboy to steal a woman’s heart…
SHE’S RIDING SOLO
As one of the heirs to the River Ranch fortune, Mia Ford is practically Texas royalty. But that doesn’t mean she’s some pampered princess. She can saddle up and ride a horse as well as any man, even a hard-working cowboy like Sam Mendes. For years, she’s harbored a crush on the strong, silent horseman. But how can she make a move when she’s his boss?
HE’S TAKING THE REINS
Sam Mendes is through with love—or so he thought. Still recovering from a breakup, he’s doing everything in his power to resist Mia Ford. It’s bad enough she’s the kind of beauty who drives men wild with desire. It’s even worse she’s got him so worked up, aching to kiss her lips, when he’s supposed to be working her ranch. Is this lovestruck cowboy willing to risk losing his job—and breaking his heart—to win the girl of his dreams?
SHE’S RIDING SOLO
As one of the heirs to the River Ranch fortune, Mia Ford is practically Texas royalty. But that doesn’t mean she’s some pampered princess. She can saddle up and ride a horse as well as any man, even a hard-working cowboy like Sam Mendes. For years, she’s harbored a crush on the strong, silent horseman. But how can she make a move when she’s his boss?
HE’S TAKING THE REINS
Sam Mendes is through with love—or so he thought. Still recovering from a breakup, he’s doing everything in his power to resist Mia Ford. It’s bad enough she’s the kind of beauty who drives men wild with desire. It’s even worse she’s got him so worked up, aching to kiss her lips, when he’s supposed to be working her ranch. Is this lovestruck cowboy willing to risk losing his job—and breaking his heart—to win the girl of his dreams?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
24 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Soraya M. Lane
124 books2,067 followersSoraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
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January 1, 2018
Cowboy Stole My Heart is book one in the River Ranch series by Soraya Lane. This is my first book by this author and it’s the cover that drew me in.
Sam Mendes had a terrible childhood. But he knew early on that he had a way with animals. Now as an adult, he was a famous horse whisperer. Sam doesn’t do relationships. He had his heart broken in the worst of ways, more like ripped out and stomped on. Sam has never fully recovered having lost his faith in love.
Sam is asked to the Ford Ranch to see if he can help a stallion that no one can get near. He is the horse’s last chance, he’s already put one of their ranch hands in the hospital. But it’s not the horse, it’s the ranch owner’s daughter that gives Sam the biggest challenge. At first glance, he sees a beautiful woman that he assumes is a pampered princess, making a career of spending her father’s money. But what he soon realizes is that he couldn’t have been more wrong. She is a strong, hard working, self reliant woman that loves her horses with all her heart.
Mia Ford might have been born into money. But she is determined to make her own way in life. Against her father’s wishes, she turns her back on the corporate world, preferring to make her living with her horses. Mia is a professional show jumper and she’s good at what she does. But it’s the stallion she just purchased that she needs the help with. The horse is angry and won’t let anyone near him. Sam Mendes is her last chance. The horse is very special to her and she’ll do whatever it takes to save him.
Mia has always had a little crush on the famous horse whisperer. But when he walked onto her ranch with his arrogant attitude and my way or the highway way of doing things, she felt like booting him right off the property. But she needed him too much so she swallowed her pride. But it didn’t take long for both she and Sam to realize that first impressions were deceiving and for bonds to begin to form.
Mia and Sam are definitely attracted to each other but Sam tries his best to put the brakes on. Mia is technically his boss and she definitely is a relationship kind of girl. Sam will never allow himself to care for another woman again. Flings are all he is capable of and she deserves so much more. But he can’t stay away. He just doesn’t have enough will power.
“She’d never reacted to a man like this before, and she had no idea what it was about Sam that was driving her crazy.
She felt something real for him; for the first time in her life she wanted more, she’d met someone who challenged her and thrilled her, someone who saw her for who she truly was.”
I love a sexy cowboy and Sam most definitely fulfilled my expectations. But, I have to admit I kind of got tired of him letting his past experience with love ruining his chances with Mia. He really did get badly hurt but it was evident that Mia was nothing like his ex. I had a bit of trouble feeling the connection between these two for a good part of the book. But I loved the way he was with Mia’s horse. He truly cared and was dedicated to helping him. I loved the ending of the book. I finally felt the connection between Sam and Mia and the book left me with a smile.
Sam Mendes had a terrible childhood. But he knew early on that he had a way with animals. Now as an adult, he was a famous horse whisperer. Sam doesn’t do relationships. He had his heart broken in the worst of ways, more like ripped out and stomped on. Sam has never fully recovered having lost his faith in love.
Sam is asked to the Ford Ranch to see if he can help a stallion that no one can get near. He is the horse’s last chance, he’s already put one of their ranch hands in the hospital. But it’s not the horse, it’s the ranch owner’s daughter that gives Sam the biggest challenge. At first glance, he sees a beautiful woman that he assumes is a pampered princess, making a career of spending her father’s money. But what he soon realizes is that he couldn’t have been more wrong. She is a strong, hard working, self reliant woman that loves her horses with all her heart.
Mia Ford might have been born into money. But she is determined to make her own way in life. Against her father’s wishes, she turns her back on the corporate world, preferring to make her living with her horses. Mia is a professional show jumper and she’s good at what she does. But it’s the stallion she just purchased that she needs the help with. The horse is angry and won’t let anyone near him. Sam Mendes is her last chance. The horse is very special to her and she’ll do whatever it takes to save him.
Mia has always had a little crush on the famous horse whisperer. But when he walked onto her ranch with his arrogant attitude and my way or the highway way of doing things, she felt like booting him right off the property. But she needed him too much so she swallowed her pride. But it didn’t take long for both she and Sam to realize that first impressions were deceiving and for bonds to begin to form.
Mia and Sam are definitely attracted to each other but Sam tries his best to put the brakes on. Mia is technically his boss and she definitely is a relationship kind of girl. Sam will never allow himself to care for another woman again. Flings are all he is capable of and she deserves so much more. But he can’t stay away. He just doesn’t have enough will power.
“She’d never reacted to a man like this before, and she had no idea what it was about Sam that was driving her crazy.
She felt something real for him; for the first time in her life she wanted more, she’d met someone who challenged her and thrilled her, someone who saw her for who she truly was.”
I love a sexy cowboy and Sam most definitely fulfilled my expectations. But, I have to admit I kind of got tired of him letting his past experience with love ruining his chances with Mia. He really did get badly hurt but it was evident that Mia was nothing like his ex. I had a bit of trouble feeling the connection between these two for a good part of the book. But I loved the way he was with Mia’s horse. He truly cared and was dedicated to helping him. I loved the ending of the book. I finally felt the connection between Sam and Mia and the book left me with a smile.
December 27, 2017
Cowboy Stole My Heart by Soraya Lane is the first book in the new contemporary romance River Ranch series. This is a story of two people who clash upon first meeting but have an obvious attraction to one another all the while working on a ranch trying to save a horse from being put down.
Sam is a top notch horse trainer who has been called in by Mia to see if he can tame a horse that she is determined to save. The two clash but Sam sees something in the animal that he can’t walk away from putting him in contact daily with Mia where the two finally give in to their attraction.
I will say I’m a sucker for animals so as soon as I learned the backstory in this one I don’t think I could put it down until I found out what would happen to the horse in the story. The book seemed to slow down a lot in the middle but I half question if that was because it wasn’t focusing enough on the horse instead of the angst between Mia and Sam. I didn’t mind them but I also didn’t fall in love with them either.
The ending on this one did actually surprise me a bit though and I actually did rather enjoy it. To me the way this wrapped up was a bit more on the realistic side that the normal romance story and I couldn’t help but applaud Mia at that moment. So in the end I did find this one a nice enough start to the series and would see what comes next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Sam is a top notch horse trainer who has been called in by Mia to see if he can tame a horse that she is determined to save. The two clash but Sam sees something in the animal that he can’t walk away from putting him in contact daily with Mia where the two finally give in to their attraction.
I will say I’m a sucker for animals so as soon as I learned the backstory in this one I don’t think I could put it down until I found out what would happen to the horse in the story. The book seemed to slow down a lot in the middle but I half question if that was because it wasn’t focusing enough on the horse instead of the angst between Mia and Sam. I didn’t mind them but I also didn’t fall in love with them either.
The ending on this one did actually surprise me a bit though and I actually did rather enjoy it. To me the way this wrapped up was a bit more on the realistic side that the normal romance story and I couldn’t help but applaud Mia at that moment. So in the end I did find this one a nice enough start to the series and would see what comes next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 15, 2017
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mia Ford grew to love horses since she was a kid. She came from a wealthy family and they owned a ranch. It's always a first impression if someone came from a rich family, the children were spoiled brats. However, Mia embodies the opposite. She's independent and never relies on her family's fortune. As a horsewoman, she trains hard and competes in every show jumping competition. Her perseverance, determination and passion is admirable. Recently, she acquired her best friend's horse but the stallion was stubborn and reckless. So, her father hired Sam Mendes, a popular horse whisperer and a guy she had a crush on.
These two started as enemies and have bad impressions with each other. They just never get along and it's amusing to see their constant bickering which leads to attraction. I like stories about crush-to-lovers or enemies-to-lovers and this book started good but after five chapters it slowly gets boring. The sexual tension and romance between them was obvious but it just simmers and I craved for more. The author's writing style was great and engaging but in terms of plot, it's very cliché and nothing special happens. I'm slightly disappointed with Sam because he's an annoying and coward hero. He's more dramatic than Mia. Just not a huge fan of him.
The story wraps up with a happy ever after but it's bland and abrupt. I'm glad Sam worked out on his issues and make up with Mia. I might pick up the next book because it's Tanner's story (Mia's brother). This series on a good start and hopefully to see the improvement on the sequel.
Full review posted.
Mia Ford grew to love horses since she was a kid. She came from a wealthy family and they owned a ranch. It's always a first impression if someone came from a rich family, the children were spoiled brats. However, Mia embodies the opposite. She's independent and never relies on her family's fortune. As a horsewoman, she trains hard and competes in every show jumping competition. Her perseverance, determination and passion is admirable. Recently, she acquired her best friend's horse but the stallion was stubborn and reckless. So, her father hired Sam Mendes, a popular horse whisperer and a guy she had a crush on.
These two started as enemies and have bad impressions with each other. They just never get along and it's amusing to see their constant bickering which leads to attraction. I like stories about crush-to-lovers or enemies-to-lovers and this book started good but after five chapters it slowly gets boring. The sexual tension and romance between them was obvious but it just simmers and I craved for more. The author's writing style was great and engaging but in terms of plot, it's very cliché and nothing special happens. I'm slightly disappointed with Sam because he's an annoying and coward hero. He's more dramatic than Mia. Just not a huge fan of him.
The story wraps up with a happy ever after but it's bland and abrupt. I'm glad Sam worked out on his issues and make up with Mia. I might pick up the next book because it's Tanner's story (Mia's brother). This series on a good start and hopefully to see the improvement on the sequel.
Full review posted.
December 30, 2017
My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
She was as pretty as a college cheerleader, but with a maturity in her gaze that told him she probably wouldn’t appreciate the comparison.
Nate had been completely whipped by his sister, and even though he’d personally stopped believing in love, he knew his sister and Nate had the real thing going on. And if Nate ever let her down, he’d forget they’d been best friends since pre-K and beat the shit out of him.
…now she knew why she was supposed to hold that part of herself back, why she should never have let herself fall so hard for Sam. He’d wanted her for a good time, not a long time…
“Man, what happened to the bachelors, huh?” “Hey, it’s when we both start driving minivans that we have to worry,”
My Review:
This was a slowly developing story and while I enjoyed the premise, the high level of angst and slow progression of the narrative caused the story to lag and feel somewhat tiresome to get through. The positive periods in the storyline appeared all too brief and fleeting, although I greatly enjoyed their relaxed and happy periods, steamy affair, amusing humor, and the gentle and thoughtful use of the depicted rehabilitative horse therapies.
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
She was as pretty as a college cheerleader, but with a maturity in her gaze that told him she probably wouldn’t appreciate the comparison.
Nate had been completely whipped by his sister, and even though he’d personally stopped believing in love, he knew his sister and Nate had the real thing going on. And if Nate ever let her down, he’d forget they’d been best friends since pre-K and beat the shit out of him.
…now she knew why she was supposed to hold that part of herself back, why she should never have let herself fall so hard for Sam. He’d wanted her for a good time, not a long time…
“Man, what happened to the bachelors, huh?” “Hey, it’s when we both start driving minivans that we have to worry,”
My Review:
This was a slowly developing story and while I enjoyed the premise, the high level of angst and slow progression of the narrative caused the story to lag and feel somewhat tiresome to get through. The positive periods in the storyline appeared all too brief and fleeting, although I greatly enjoyed their relaxed and happy periods, steamy affair, amusing humor, and the gentle and thoughtful use of the depicted rehabilitative horse therapies.
January 12, 2018
As a renown horse whisperer trainer, Sam Mendes is called in to rehab a horse on the Ford Ranch. The money and the bragging rights alone make this an opportunity not to be passed up except for Mia Ford. After being burned in the past by a woman, Sam keeps things simple by focusing all his time and attention on his book tour, his ranch and side jobs. Women don't factor in for the long haul and that's just the way he likes it.
Mia is grateful to have someone like Sam, who really cares for the animals placed under his care but she's just as attracted to his brooding eyes and his built bod. He's the cliche'd tall dark and grouchy.
What follows is an angsty love story and an H that has to battle his own past to have a chance and happily ever after with his h.
What I liked:
The setting of this story is deep in ranch life and the love of horses. It charmed me and gave this kind of a comfy relaxed feel to whole story. I found myself really enjoying the (word) scenery the author provided.
Mia was also a likable h, she was determined, caring and just plain nice. (Maybe too nice? At least when it came to Sam, she was!)
As for Sam --> He was definitely had a glass half full mentality when it came to women and love. His past was always lurking in the background and he was kind of just compliant to it. Sort of resigned to live alone and never trust another woman again. He has some epic moments or jack-ass-ery and his grovelling was a must.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Mia is grateful to have someone like Sam, who really cares for the animals placed under his care but she's just as attracted to his brooding eyes and his built bod. He's the cliche'd tall dark and grouchy.
What follows is an angsty love story and an H that has to battle his own past to have a chance and happily ever after with his h.
What I liked:
The setting of this story is deep in ranch life and the love of horses. It charmed me and gave this kind of a comfy relaxed feel to whole story. I found myself really enjoying the (word) scenery the author provided.
Mia was also a likable h, she was determined, caring and just plain nice. (Maybe too nice? At least when it came to Sam, she was!)
As for Sam --> He was definitely had a glass half full mentality when it came to women and love. His past was always lurking in the background and he was kind of just compliant to it. Sort of resigned to live alone and never trust another woman again. He has some epic moments or jack-ass-ery and his grovelling was a must.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
November 26, 2017
It's been a while since I've read a cowboy romance and this one hit the spot nicely.
Sam Mendes has found fame doing what he loves. He would rather deal with horses than people any day. He is offered the chance to get away from the fame for a while, and back to what he loves best. They call him the horse whisperer, but this one may even be too much for him.
Headstrong Mia loves horses and works hard for what she has, even though she comes from money. She is competitive, proud and beautiful. Mia's dad has hired Sam to help with an unruly horse. From the offset, the sexual tension is dripping off these two and they rub each other up the wrong way. Both want the best for the horses, but they also want their own way. He likes to work alone. She wants to help. He's cocky and she's stubborn. The horse is special and is going to take a unique bond to win him over.
Sam is an alpha male and Mia is head strong which is my favourite combination. This book is about taming the beast, but maybe that's not just the horse ;)
Cowboy stole my heart had a really good realistic storyline, and I enjoyed the journey. It has more than a romance to offer, and the ranch/horse became important to me too. 4 stars out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Sam Mendes has found fame doing what he loves. He would rather deal with horses than people any day. He is offered the chance to get away from the fame for a while, and back to what he loves best. They call him the horse whisperer, but this one may even be too much for him.
Headstrong Mia loves horses and works hard for what she has, even though she comes from money. She is competitive, proud and beautiful. Mia's dad has hired Sam to help with an unruly horse. From the offset, the sexual tension is dripping off these two and they rub each other up the wrong way. Both want the best for the horses, but they also want their own way. He likes to work alone. She wants to help. He's cocky and she's stubborn. The horse is special and is going to take a unique bond to win him over.
Sam is an alpha male and Mia is head strong which is my favourite combination. This book is about taming the beast, but maybe that's not just the horse ;)
Cowboy stole my heart had a really good realistic storyline, and I enjoyed the journey. It has more than a romance to offer, and the ranch/horse became important to me too. 4 stars out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
January 2, 2018
If you love horses and all things horse whispery, then this is the book for you!
Mia has fought and struggled to remain independent from her father’s wealth. A horsewoman in her own right, she’s outraged to learn that he has hired one of the most talent horse whisperers in the country to help with a troubled stallion she owns. True, she is lost as to what to do to help this special animal, but her father really should’ve talked to her first.
Sam never sat out to make a name for himself teaching others how to train and handle horses, but it was a talent that came naturally and a position he fell into at a time in life when he needed something to help heal his mind. When he is confronted with Mia Ford, he’s expecting her to be a rich society lady who refuses to get her hands dirty but soon learns she is anything but.
When these two first come together sparks fly and emotions roil. Mia and Sam both have preconceived expectations but they are both quickly proven to be wrong and their relationship takes a sharp turn to the physical. However, Sam has a history that has left him hurt and bitter and he remains adamant that what they share can never be anything more than just sex.
The beginning felt a bit slow and I found myself skimming. Some of the disagreements between these two just didn’t seem to be justified. However, once they got past the “I hate you” stage I quickly became engaged in their story. I did get a bit tired of Sam keeping Mia at a distance. And when the end came I felt there needed be some real groveling take place of which there was not.
Overall, I actually enjoyed this book, a lot. It was a bit angsty in places, but not to the point of making me cringe and the steam factor was as high as the chili peppers Mia and Sam ate on their first date. I will definitely be watching for the next book in the series as well as checking out previous books from this author.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama once they meet
Possible Triggers
Mia has fought and struggled to remain independent from her father’s wealth. A horsewoman in her own right, she’s outraged to learn that he has hired one of the most talent horse whisperers in the country to help with a troubled stallion she owns. True, she is lost as to what to do to help this special animal, but her father really should’ve talked to her first.
Sam never sat out to make a name for himself teaching others how to train and handle horses, but it was a talent that came naturally and a position he fell into at a time in life when he needed something to help heal his mind. When he is confronted with Mia Ford, he’s expecting her to be a rich society lady who refuses to get her hands dirty but soon learns she is anything but.
When these two first come together sparks fly and emotions roil. Mia and Sam both have preconceived expectations but they are both quickly proven to be wrong and their relationship takes a sharp turn to the physical. However, Sam has a history that has left him hurt and bitter and he remains adamant that what they share can never be anything more than just sex.
The beginning felt a bit slow and I found myself skimming. Some of the disagreements between these two just didn’t seem to be justified. However, once they got past the “I hate you” stage I quickly became engaged in their story. I did get a bit tired of Sam keeping Mia at a distance. And when the end came I felt there needed be some real groveling take place of which there was not.
Overall, I actually enjoyed this book, a lot. It was a bit angsty in places, but not to the point of making me cringe and the steam factor was as high as the chili peppers Mia and Sam ate on their first date. I will definitely be watching for the next book in the series as well as checking out previous books from this author.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama once they meet
Possible Triggers
February 29, 2020
Disclaimer: I am really starting to dislike billionaire books..
Money, cowboys and horses. Everyone has everything they could want or use except each other.
Mia Ford was likable. She was hard working and self-reliant. She had compassion toward her charges and really cared about her wounded horse. She really had it all going for her except she sounded spoiled too. Something you can’t escape when writing about a billionairess. She had the perfect house, pool, landscaping, barns all on her fathers property. She had a history of men dating her for her money.
Sam had way to many things going for him. A veteran with PTSD but said he didn’t have PTSD. Comes back CONus and makes a new career for himself whispering to horses. In his second career he becomes famous enough to travel and do seminars, wait, how old is this guy? Sam was not my favorite H I ever read about. Would have loved to see Sam towards the end of the book going to the VA for help. It would have rounded out some of his annoying traits.
The best part of the book was the meeting between Mia and Sam’s sister.
The proposal, lets not go there.
In general the writing was very good and I got into the story. The end was a refreshing change to the normal end to a romance. However the end was just so abrupt, it felt rushed. I would have preferred more movement in the plot. The environment of the story lapses around Mia’s house. All that being said this is a good book to read and escape into.
Will I pick up book two… sure.
Footnote: The VA hospital has help for those who suffer. Please reach out for help. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
Money, cowboys and horses. Everyone has everything they could want or use except each other.
Mia Ford was likable. She was hard working and self-reliant. She had compassion toward her charges and really cared about her wounded horse. She really had it all going for her except she sounded spoiled too. Something you can’t escape when writing about a billionairess. She had the perfect house, pool, landscaping, barns all on her fathers property. She had a history of men dating her for her money.
Sam had way to many things going for him. A veteran with PTSD but said he didn’t have PTSD. Comes back CONus and makes a new career for himself whispering to horses. In his second career he becomes famous enough to travel and do seminars, wait, how old is this guy? Sam was not my favorite H I ever read about. Would have loved to see Sam towards the end of the book going to the VA for help. It would have rounded out some of his annoying traits.
The best part of the book was the meeting between Mia and Sam’s sister.
The proposal, lets not go there.
In general the writing was very good and I got into the story. The end was a refreshing change to the normal end to a romance. However the end was just so abrupt, it felt rushed. I would have preferred more movement in the plot. The environment of the story lapses around Mia’s house. All that being said this is a good book to read and escape into.
Will I pick up book two… sure.
Footnote: The VA hospital has help for those who suffer. Please reach out for help. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
November 24, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. Not only was it a great contemporary romance but I really enjoyed how much research the author must have done in order to write about Sam, the horse whisperer. It was just so much more than a great cowboy romance! Not that there is ever anything wrong with a good cowboy romance, LOL. Filled with likeable characters, a good story and the right amount of romance, this book was tough to put down. I definitely look forward to what might be in store for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
January 2, 2018
ARC REVIEW
New author for the New Year and it left me underwhelmed. What I liked about the book I liked that for a change the main characters weren't typical Texas type characters, I liked that Sam was a "horse whisperer" instead of just another rodeo cowboy or ranch hand and that Mia was professional show jumper and despite being the King ranch heiress she worked hard for everything she has. I enjoyed the over all story and how sexy it was, but, and this is just personal preference, I didn't care for the writing style how some of it was written, the way it was worded, just didn't do it for me and really editors catch those words that are different inside the states, in the states it's flashlight not torch and it's spelled yogurt not yoghurt (I know it's that way in England, NZ, and Australia and many other other places but it's really annoying that a TEXAS cowboy uses torch I really don't think Sam is that much of an anglophile to use that word. Nitpicking I know but it bugged me. Unless it was fixed for actual publication than just ignore me). I also think Sam is kind of a dick, especially to his family and the ending was eye roll worthy, it disappointed me that she went with that path. It had such a great beginning it just went downhill from there.
Mia King bought a horse, a stallion that can't be handled. She has a sentimental attachment to Tex and isn't willing to put him down no matter what. So her Father calls in the famous horse whisperer Sam Mendes. Sam just got done with a tour and was looking forward to time off with his dog, his sister and her twin girls, his best friend and finally some time on his own ranch, but one call from the tycoon Walter King about a stallion has him intrigued and since it's not far from his own ranch he decides to take a look. Once he sees Tex he knows he has to work with this horse, even if he did start off on the wrong foot with his owner Mia.
Sam made assumptions about Mia and it caused her to instantly dislike him, but she set him straight and after seeing her ride and actually getting to know her he realized just how wrong he was about her. Once they get that sorted it doesn't take them long before they kiss and wind up in bed with each other. Sam needs to keep his heart separate from Mia and their relationship a past hurt keeps him from realizing just how perfect it is. Even though Mia agreed to keep their feeling separate she couldn't help falling in love with him.
Overall, I loved the issue with Tex and how that played out and I loved the beginning but Sam wasn't very desirable, he kind of ruined the book for me. I know it seems like this is a bad review but it wasn't horrible, there are just certain aspects of it that bugged me, but you decide if you want to read it, you may end up liking it.
New author for the New Year and it left me underwhelmed. What I liked about the book I liked that for a change the main characters weren't typical Texas type characters, I liked that Sam was a "horse whisperer" instead of just another rodeo cowboy or ranch hand and that Mia was professional show jumper and despite being the King ranch heiress she worked hard for everything she has. I enjoyed the over all story and how sexy it was, but, and this is just personal preference, I didn't care for the writing style how some of it was written, the way it was worded, just didn't do it for me and really editors catch those words that are different inside the states, in the states it's flashlight not torch and it's spelled yogurt not yoghurt (I know it's that way in England, NZ, and Australia and many other other places but it's really annoying that a TEXAS cowboy uses torch I really don't think Sam is that much of an anglophile to use that word. Nitpicking I know but it bugged me. Unless it was fixed for actual publication than just ignore me). I also think Sam is kind of a dick, especially to his family and the ending was eye roll worthy, it disappointed me that she went with that path. It had such a great beginning it just went downhill from there.
Mia King bought a horse, a stallion that can't be handled. She has a sentimental attachment to Tex and isn't willing to put him down no matter what. So her Father calls in the famous horse whisperer Sam Mendes. Sam just got done with a tour and was looking forward to time off with his dog, his sister and her twin girls, his best friend and finally some time on his own ranch, but one call from the tycoon Walter King about a stallion has him intrigued and since it's not far from his own ranch he decides to take a look. Once he sees Tex he knows he has to work with this horse, even if he did start off on the wrong foot with his owner Mia.
Sam made assumptions about Mia and it caused her to instantly dislike him, but she set him straight and after seeing her ride and actually getting to know her he realized just how wrong he was about her. Once they get that sorted it doesn't take them long before they kiss and wind up in bed with each other. Sam needs to keep his heart separate from Mia and their relationship a past hurt keeps him from realizing just how perfect it is. Even though Mia agreed to keep their feeling separate she couldn't help falling in love with him.
Overall, I loved the issue with Tex and how that played out and I loved the beginning but Sam wasn't very desirable, he kind of ruined the book for me. I know it seems like this is a bad review but it wasn't horrible, there are just certain aspects of it that bugged me, but you decide if you want to read it, you may end up liking it.
January 2, 2018
This is the first book in a new series - and I loved it! I can’t wait to read more in this heartwarming series.
Mia Ford is a hard working, determined young lady and not the pampered princess that Sam Mendes initially assumed. He’s a horse whisperer and has been called in by her father to try to help a stallion that is proving too much to handle, despite previously being a talented show jumper. Despite many inaccurate negative assumptions, the two humans are drawn to each other as they strive to rehabilitate the horse.
This is a delightful, well-written, emotional story of love helping heal heartbreak and more. It has great human and animal characters who are brought vividly to life within the pages of the story. It is a tale of following your heart and daring to dream, a journey of discovery with love and redemption as the end goal. I look forward to reading more in this series and have no hesitation in recommending this story to anyone who enjoys emotive cowboy romances.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Mia Ford is a hard working, determined young lady and not the pampered princess that Sam Mendes initially assumed. He’s a horse whisperer and has been called in by her father to try to help a stallion that is proving too much to handle, despite previously being a talented show jumper. Despite many inaccurate negative assumptions, the two humans are drawn to each other as they strive to rehabilitate the horse.
This is a delightful, well-written, emotional story of love helping heal heartbreak and more. It has great human and animal characters who are brought vividly to life within the pages of the story. It is a tale of following your heart and daring to dream, a journey of discovery with love and redemption as the end goal. I look forward to reading more in this series and have no hesitation in recommending this story to anyone who enjoys emotive cowboy romances.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
January 4, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
There are books that start slow and finish strong, and there are those titles that start stronger than they finish. Unfortunately, this title was one of the latter for me.
When you initially meet Mia and Sam, the sparks of dislike fly between them, but it is written well enough that it is clear there is something interesting about each of them and getting to know the characters, while they get to know one another, was a lot of fun.
They had wonderful chemistry, and they had a great respect for one another, which made the growing relationship feel really authentic. I liked the development, the plotting and the pacing of the story a lot.
I also liked most of the ending. To say exactly the part that bothered me is a spoiler, but there was a little thing at the end that I didn't think was authentic to the characters nor was it a way that a person would act in real life. Unfortunately, they were both guilty of different actions that pulled me out of the story...in the same scene.
So, a book that I really enjoyed up to that point became one that I was slightly disappointed with when all was said and done.
I do recommend this title, and I did enjoy it overall.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog Booked All Night http://bookedallnightblog.com/ ***
There are books that start slow and finish strong, and there are those titles that start stronger than they finish. Unfortunately, this title was one of the latter for me.
When you initially meet Mia and Sam, the sparks of dislike fly between them, but it is written well enough that it is clear there is something interesting about each of them and getting to know the characters, while they get to know one another, was a lot of fun.
They had wonderful chemistry, and they had a great respect for one another, which made the growing relationship feel really authentic. I liked the development, the plotting and the pacing of the story a lot.
I also liked most of the ending. To say exactly the part that bothered me is a spoiler, but there was a little thing at the end that I didn't think was authentic to the characters nor was it a way that a person would act in real life. Unfortunately, they were both guilty of different actions that pulled me out of the story...in the same scene.
So, a book that I really enjoyed up to that point became one that I was slightly disappointed with when all was said and done.
I do recommend this title, and I did enjoy it overall.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog Booked All Night http://bookedallnightblog.com/ ***
December 30, 2017
Cowboy Stole My Heart by Soraya Lane
A contemporary romance filled with strong personalities, past debilitating pain (human and horse) plus hope.
This couple often clash but at the same time respect each other.
Sam has been hurt by love in the past so he has vowed to never make a commitment again. But the more he’s with Mia, the more he is enamored with her. Suddenly he’s noticing his car smells like old socks and his smelly dog.
He is very respectful of women and Mia in particular. Maybe it’s having sisters. Maybe it’s a female author. But when he “kissed her slowly and carefully because her didn’t want to ruin her makeup,” I was impressed with his thoughtfulness. Maybe a little leery of him. Can he be for real? But this type of behavior is repeated often. Frankly, by the end Sam had won me over.
Mia knows exactly what she wants. She goes out, earns it, and wins the day. I was amused by her constantly trying to be the dominant in every love scene. She laughs a lot and enjoys life. A woman you’d want as a friend.
The epilogue has perfect timing and closure. Happily ever after. Well done.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
A contemporary romance filled with strong personalities, past debilitating pain (human and horse) plus hope.
This couple often clash but at the same time respect each other.
Sam has been hurt by love in the past so he has vowed to never make a commitment again. But the more he’s with Mia, the more he is enamored with her. Suddenly he’s noticing his car smells like old socks and his smelly dog.
He is very respectful of women and Mia in particular. Maybe it’s having sisters. Maybe it’s a female author. But when he “kissed her slowly and carefully because her didn’t want to ruin her makeup,” I was impressed with his thoughtfulness. Maybe a little leery of him. Can he be for real? But this type of behavior is repeated often. Frankly, by the end Sam had won me over.
Mia knows exactly what she wants. She goes out, earns it, and wins the day. I was amused by her constantly trying to be the dominant in every love scene. She laughs a lot and enjoys life. A woman you’d want as a friend.
The epilogue has perfect timing and closure. Happily ever after. Well done.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
December 28, 2017
Welcome to River Ranch! Mia has finally gotten out from under her father’s bankroll, as she works the reins on her own horses on the ranch. Unlike her siblings, Mia refuses to become a part of corporate America and she wears the black sheep of the family badge proudly. Determined and proud of her own accomplishments, she loves to show off her horses but her latest addition Tex, is giving her a run for her money. Her father has invited Sam, the horse whisperer, out to the ranch to observe Tex as this difficult stallion’s situation is becoming crucial. Immediately upon seeing the stallion, Sam knows the horse needs him but when he sees Mia, he knows he should stay away but the desire for her is too strong.
Sam made an arrangement to work with Tex for a month, the amount per day was startling but he was good and they wanted the best. Mia and Sam were both independent and opinionated individuals and as they started working with Tex, they fought. I loved how they bickered and butted heads with each other, it was comical. Later, they begin to appreciate each other. Their relationship is beginning to change and it isn’t long before boss and employee are on a whole new level. This new level, Sam has to put stipulations on before he would go any further, a level that Mia was willing to accept, if it meant having Sam in her life.
But would this new relationship work? Oh, this was a steamy relationship! I mean steamy, hot! Mia and Sam could not get enough of one another. Their relationship was supposed to be a physical no-strings relationship but when these two got together, the affection, compassion, and gentleness that raced through them was not based solely on a physical bond, it was much deeper. As the days were ticking off the calendar, I wondered (and I was worried) about what would happen as the final day came closer. They have a few rough and difficult occasions along the way as they work together and juggled their relationship. I found myself deep inside the novel, not sure who I was pulling for as all the characters had a side of them they didn’t want exposed. Tex, was making progress, because this was the whole purpose of them getting together but the intensity of what was happening between Mia and Sam was about to come to an end, was that even possible?
I enjoyed this novel, I normally don’t read romance novels but this novel had a great story behind it and the romance was warm, heartfelt, and affectionate. I can’t wait to read the next novel (All Night With The Cowboy)in this series which is supposed to be released in 2018. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest opinion.
Sam made an arrangement to work with Tex for a month, the amount per day was startling but he was good and they wanted the best. Mia and Sam were both independent and opinionated individuals and as they started working with Tex, they fought. I loved how they bickered and butted heads with each other, it was comical. Later, they begin to appreciate each other. Their relationship is beginning to change and it isn’t long before boss and employee are on a whole new level. This new level, Sam has to put stipulations on before he would go any further, a level that Mia was willing to accept, if it meant having Sam in her life.
But would this new relationship work? Oh, this was a steamy relationship! I mean steamy, hot! Mia and Sam could not get enough of one another. Their relationship was supposed to be a physical no-strings relationship but when these two got together, the affection, compassion, and gentleness that raced through them was not based solely on a physical bond, it was much deeper. As the days were ticking off the calendar, I wondered (and I was worried) about what would happen as the final day came closer. They have a few rough and difficult occasions along the way as they work together and juggled their relationship. I found myself deep inside the novel, not sure who I was pulling for as all the characters had a side of them they didn’t want exposed. Tex, was making progress, because this was the whole purpose of them getting together but the intensity of what was happening between Mia and Sam was about to come to an end, was that even possible?
I enjoyed this novel, I normally don’t read romance novels but this novel had a great story behind it and the romance was warm, heartfelt, and affectionate. I can’t wait to read the next novel (All Night With The Cowboy)in this series which is supposed to be released in 2018. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 31, 2017
“When a woman gets under your skin? Only a fool walks away. Trust me.”
I’m not sure how I haven’t been reading Soraya Lane before—she has a slew of cowboy books that I’m sure I need to read—but thankfully, with Cowboy Stole My Heart, I’ve finally ‘discovered’ her.
I think she and I are going to have a good author/reader relationship. Her writing is charming and sexy without being OTT, and her characters are likable and fun. That’s certainly the case with this book. Sam and Mia were both very easy to root for, and I loved the way they came together—bonding over an animal that needed some (read: a lot) of TLC. That’s the kind of thing that makes the animal-lover in me very happy.
That’s not to say that this book was perfect. It was a little slow through the middle and, though the way Ms. Lane handled the ending—the revelation—was smart and interesting and mature, I did feel a little like there was something missing—an explanation/conversation between our leads. Despite that, I found Cowboy Stole My Heart to be a really enjoyable story—and a great start to the River Ranch series.
After all, now that I am reading Ms. Lane, I don’t want to stop.
“You know, I had you pegged as a pretty little rich girl who hardly knew the back end of a horse from the front, with no intention of ever working hard or getting her hands dirty.”
“Guess you were wrong then.”
“Yeah, about everything except the pretty part.”
~ FOUR STARS ~
I’m not sure how I haven’t been reading Soraya Lane before—she has a slew of cowboy books that I’m sure I need to read—but thankfully, with Cowboy Stole My Heart, I’ve finally ‘discovered’ her.
I think she and I are going to have a good author/reader relationship. Her writing is charming and sexy without being OTT, and her characters are likable and fun. That’s certainly the case with this book. Sam and Mia were both very easy to root for, and I loved the way they came together—bonding over an animal that needed some (read: a lot) of TLC. That’s the kind of thing that makes the animal-lover in me very happy.
That’s not to say that this book was perfect. It was a little slow through the middle and, though the way Ms. Lane handled the ending—the revelation—was smart and interesting and mature, I did feel a little like there was something missing—an explanation/conversation between our leads. Despite that, I found Cowboy Stole My Heart to be a really enjoyable story—and a great start to the River Ranch series.
After all, now that I am reading Ms. Lane, I don’t want to stop.
“You know, I had you pegged as a pretty little rich girl who hardly knew the back end of a horse from the front, with no intention of ever working hard or getting her hands dirty.”
“Guess you were wrong then.”
“Yeah, about everything except the pretty part.”
~ FOUR STARS ~
September 16, 2019
I wasn't that impressed by this story. I thought that Sam had too much of an ego to be in a serious relationship, and it made him come across as a jerk when an attempt was made! Mia screamed doormat to me, too much of a Spoiled Little Daddy's Darling than a serious horsewoman. They fell into bed entirely too fast for my tastes, and had to deal with the consequences of that for the entire book! The backstory felt like I was missing something, as if another book or series had come before it, which I didn't like, as I'm OCD enough to want the whole story. Here's hoping other books wind up being better!
December 4, 2017
After a rather harsh break-up Sam Mendes is in need of a little distraction, something to take his mind off of his broken heart, and give him a chance to put all that lingering hurt into his work, and help him forget. So, when the opportunity to work with a troubled horse comes along he figures it is the perfect avenue for him, he can put his skills to work, and put his broken heart out of his mind. But then the horse's feisty owner wanders into his world and starts turning it upside down...
From outward appearances it would seem that Mia Ford was just another spoiled little rich princess who has given everything she has... but that couldn't be farther from the truth, she has worked for every little cent she has, and she isn't about to let someone come onto her land and make her feel undeserving or entitled. So, when the knew horse whisperer Sam Mendes wanders onto her ranch and starts making assumptions, she makes sure it comes back to bite him in the butt! She can do the job just as easily as he can, and she isn't about to let him think otherwise, nor is she going to let her guard down and fall victim to the unwanted advances from the Mr. Know it all either... good plan right???
Cowboy Stole My Heart is a profoundly sweet tale that is sure to have readers singing it's praises and delighting over it's wonderfully crafted characters!! Who knew one trouble making horse could bring so much joy to two people lives, what started as a mission to correct the horses errant behavior quickly became something all together unexpected and oh so pleasurable. These two were quite the pair, when they weren't at each other's throats, or trying to outdo each other, they were swooning over one another, and trying their damnedest not to fall for one another... their story was quite a little literary treat! Being my first novel from this author I wasn't sure what to expect, but after a few chapters into I knew I had discovered something quite special, her wonderful story kept me captivated from start to finish and left me aching for more!! Highly recommend this one, these wonderful characters are sure to steal your heart and keep you quite entertained!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
From outward appearances it would seem that Mia Ford was just another spoiled little rich princess who has given everything she has... but that couldn't be farther from the truth, she has worked for every little cent she has, and she isn't about to let someone come onto her land and make her feel undeserving or entitled. So, when the knew horse whisperer Sam Mendes wanders onto her ranch and starts making assumptions, she makes sure it comes back to bite him in the butt! She can do the job just as easily as he can, and she isn't about to let him think otherwise, nor is she going to let her guard down and fall victim to the unwanted advances from the Mr. Know it all either... good plan right???
Cowboy Stole My Heart is a profoundly sweet tale that is sure to have readers singing it's praises and delighting over it's wonderfully crafted characters!! Who knew one trouble making horse could bring so much joy to two people lives, what started as a mission to correct the horses errant behavior quickly became something all together unexpected and oh so pleasurable. These two were quite the pair, when they weren't at each other's throats, or trying to outdo each other, they were swooning over one another, and trying their damnedest not to fall for one another... their story was quite a little literary treat! Being my first novel from this author I wasn't sure what to expect, but after a few chapters into I knew I had discovered something quite special, her wonderful story kept me captivated from start to finish and left me aching for more!! Highly recommend this one, these wonderful characters are sure to steal your heart and keep you quite entertained!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
January 15, 2018
If you’ve visited my blog over the years you probably have seen and read that I love cowboy stories, and I love horses. So when I saw ‘Cowboy Stole My Heart’ by Soraya Lane on Netgalley I just had to request it. And I couldn’t be more excited when I got accepted to read this book. Let me tell you, this book made my reading year start our pretty damn good.
‘Cowboy Stole My Heart’ is the first book in the River Ranch series. In this book we meet the rich Mia Ford. Mia is one of the heirs of the River Ranch fortune and everyone thinks she is just this rich girl living of her fathers money. But what they don’t know, Mia is working hard for everything she has. Mia own’s horses and does all the work herself, including the cleaning. But when Mia needs her fathers money to buy a horse she’s been searching for years, everyone thinks she is kind of crazy. This horse has issues and doesn’t let anyone get near him. After an accident with one of the crew members, Mia’s dad ask the help of ‘horse whisperer’ Sam Mendes. He is the horses only hope. But when Mia and Sam meet they bump heads immediately.
Well, I loved this book. I really did from the moment I started reading, until the very last page. I love stories involving horses, and this book was just a perfect combination of horses and romance. Mia and Sam meet and they are both definitely not looking for a relationship. But from the moment they met, there is major chemistry between them. And not to forget Mia has been interested in Sam’s work for years. Reading this book, and reading about how Mia and Sam got closer and closer.. I really thought this was a great romance read.
Mia was a character I really enjoyed. Although she grew up having everything, she never wanted anything without working for it. She has this huge passion for horses, and all she wants is for people to see her for who she really is. I loved her.
Sam really is a great guy. But he is hurt many times in the past, and he doesn’t trust anyone. Especially not with his heart. But Mia is one woman he can’t seem to forget.
The only part I didn’t really like about this book was Mia’s and Sam’s first kiss. I just didn’t feel the chemistry at that one and it happened kind of unexpected. I was really disappointed about it really. But fortunately this book got better and better after that moment, and soon I forget about that whole first kiss.
I for one can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
‘Cowboy Stole My Heart’ is the first book in the River Ranch series. In this book we meet the rich Mia Ford. Mia is one of the heirs of the River Ranch fortune and everyone thinks she is just this rich girl living of her fathers money. But what they don’t know, Mia is working hard for everything she has. Mia own’s horses and does all the work herself, including the cleaning. But when Mia needs her fathers money to buy a horse she’s been searching for years, everyone thinks she is kind of crazy. This horse has issues and doesn’t let anyone get near him. After an accident with one of the crew members, Mia’s dad ask the help of ‘horse whisperer’ Sam Mendes. He is the horses only hope. But when Mia and Sam meet they bump heads immediately.
Well, I loved this book. I really did from the moment I started reading, until the very last page. I love stories involving horses, and this book was just a perfect combination of horses and romance. Mia and Sam meet and they are both definitely not looking for a relationship. But from the moment they met, there is major chemistry between them. And not to forget Mia has been interested in Sam’s work for years. Reading this book, and reading about how Mia and Sam got closer and closer.. I really thought this was a great romance read.
Mia was a character I really enjoyed. Although she grew up having everything, she never wanted anything without working for it. She has this huge passion for horses, and all she wants is for people to see her for who she really is. I loved her.
Sam really is a great guy. But he is hurt many times in the past, and he doesn’t trust anyone. Especially not with his heart. But Mia is one woman he can’t seem to forget.
The only part I didn’t really like about this book was Mia’s and Sam’s first kiss. I just didn’t feel the chemistry at that one and it happened kind of unexpected. I was really disappointed about it really. But fortunately this book got better and better after that moment, and soon I forget about that whole first kiss.
I for one can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
November 26, 2017
This is the first book in the River Ranch series and is a cowboy/western romance. Mia Ford comes from a wealthy family, but she doesn’t take this for granted. She pays her own way and works hard to make a living on her own. She is thrilled to meet and work with Sam Mendes, the famous horse whisperer, because she admires his work and she has had a crush on him for ages.
Sam is exhausted and almost says no to the job offer to work with Mia’s troublesome stallion, but the challenge plus his attraction to Mia changes his mind. A pity his past has to get in the way.
This is a page-turner romance with angst, humor and spicy love scenes. The characters are well-rounded and the setting interesting. I would’ve preferred a slower wrap up at the end in order to savor the romantic read, but I did enjoy the epilogue.
I enjoyed Cowboy Stole My Heart very much, and look forward to further books in the series. Highly recommended.
Received via Netgalley.
Sam is exhausted and almost says no to the job offer to work with Mia’s troublesome stallion, but the challenge plus his attraction to Mia changes his mind. A pity his past has to get in the way.
This is a page-turner romance with angst, humor and spicy love scenes. The characters are well-rounded and the setting interesting. I would’ve preferred a slower wrap up at the end in order to savor the romantic read, but I did enjoy the epilogue.
I enjoyed Cowboy Stole My Heart very much, and look forward to further books in the series. Highly recommended.
Received via Netgalley.
January 4, 2018
Cowboy Stole My Heart is a well-written book by Soraya Lane. Ms. Lane has given us a book with phenomenal characters. The angst level is low to medium for our hero, but not overwhelming. Sam is a famous horse whisperer and is bitter from a past relationship. Mia is the owner of a troubled horse, her father hires Sam to work with the horse. Their story is packed with drama, humor, a little action and a bit of spice. It took me a couple chapters to really get hooked by this story but was well worth it. I enjoyed reading Cowboy Stole My Heart and look forward to my next read by Soraya Lane. Cowboy Stole My heart is book 1 of the River Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. I also won a print copy of this book from Goodreads. I must have really been meant to read this book!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. I also won a print copy of this book from Goodreads. I must have really been meant to read this book!
November 11, 2017
I read through this book in 1 sitting. I loved the story and the characters. I don't know if I would have picked this story to read if I hadn't won an advance copy (just due to how many books are on my to read list) but I'm glad I did! And I'm glad I own a copy so I can reread it when the fancy strikes.
I'm not going to copy the description of the book, or accidently give away a spoiler, but I will say I was sad to reach the end of the story, and I was happy it ended the way it did.
I hope others enjoy reading it as much as I did!
I'm not going to copy the description of the book, or accidently give away a spoiler, but I will say I was sad to reach the end of the story, and I was happy it ended the way it did.
I hope others enjoy reading it as much as I did!
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July 15, 2018http://celebrityreaders.com/2018/04/1...
This book is too slow for my tastes. I'm pretty disappointed because I love enemies to lovers stories but this one seems to be taking too long to develop and I don't have the patience to wait. That's a personal taste thing and nothing to do with the writing. This one just wasn't for me.
This book is too slow for my tastes. I'm pretty disappointed because I love enemies to lovers stories but this one seems to be taking too long to develop and I don't have the patience to wait. That's a personal taste thing and nothing to do with the writing. This one just wasn't for me.
January 29, 2018
I love country western romances. Something about hot cowboys, innocent women, and the wide-open plain appeals to me. It also doesn’t help when the book has a hot guy as a model on the cover. I went into reading Cowboy Stole My Heart with a good vibe. The good vibes continued while I was reading the book. Cowboy Stole My Heart. This book was a bit predictable but I enjoyed reading it.
Sam was a world renown horse trainer. When he gets a phone call from Mia’s father to figure out why her new horse is acting up, he jumps on it. He had worked on the ranch before he rose to fame. He was also intrigued by the offer that her father gave him. Mia was a professional show jumper who had bought a horse that was abused. She is furious when her father hires Sam. But sparks fly after their first meeting, where they clash with each other. Sam is wary of a relationship with Mia. He had been burnt in the past and that affected his relationships after that. Can Sam heal the horse and his own heart?
I liked Sam but man was he a jerk to Mia. He blew hot and cold with her. I would have been driven nuts if someone did that to me. I know that he had been burnt by his ex. But to measure every single relationship against that toxic one seemed a bit much. He was a great horse trainer, though. He found out what Tex’s issue was. Well, besides the abuse that he had been put through. I do wish that more time had been spent on that part of the book. I was very interested in it.
Mia, I was kind of “meh” about in the beginning of the book. I didn’t understand why she wanted to keep Tex so bad. She was also very prickly with Sam. I get it that her dad went over her head and hired him to help with Tex but still. She acted like a witch with a b towards him. Until she decided she was attracted to him, then she stopped being a witch with a b and started making kissy eyes at him. I also thought that she jumped to conclusions way too easily. The scene where she went to his house, saw his sister and left assuming he was married, irked me. All she had to do was ask. Instead, she assumed he was married with a kid. If I had rolled my eyes any harder, they would have been stuck permanently in the back of my head.
As much as Sam and Mia annoyed me, it didn’t take away from their sex scenes. Those were smoking hot. They had sex everywhere. Outdoor and public sex seemed to be their thing. I mean, they had sex in the barn, with the door open, while her father and brother were home. There was also sex in the pool, but that was behind a privacy fence. To sum it up, they were like bunnies.
The romance part of the book I didn’t get into. Sam had too many issues for me to think that he would be a good boyfriend in the beginning/middle/almost end of the book. Like I mentioned above, he never got over his ex cheating on him while he was overseas. I didn’t think that he would ever get over his trust issues. He did but it was almost too late.
The storyline was very typical of a romance novel. There were a couple of twists in the plot. One I saw coming from a mile away and one that I kind of saw coming but was still surprised. All the storylines were brought together at the end in a way that satisfied me as a reader.
I would give Cowboy Stole My Heart an Adult rating. There is some mild language, mild violence, and graphic sex scenes. This is not a book for anyone under the age of 21.
I gave Cowboy Stole My Heart a 3.5 rating. It was a good romance that would be perfect for the beach. Predictable but good. I would reread this book. I would also recommend to family and friends.
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review A Cowboy Stole My Heart.
All opinions stated in this review of a Cowboy Stole My Heart are mine.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
Sam was a world renown horse trainer. When he gets a phone call from Mia’s father to figure out why her new horse is acting up, he jumps on it. He had worked on the ranch before he rose to fame. He was also intrigued by the offer that her father gave him. Mia was a professional show jumper who had bought a horse that was abused. She is furious when her father hires Sam. But sparks fly after their first meeting, where they clash with each other. Sam is wary of a relationship with Mia. He had been burnt in the past and that affected his relationships after that. Can Sam heal the horse and his own heart?
I liked Sam but man was he a jerk to Mia. He blew hot and cold with her. I would have been driven nuts if someone did that to me. I know that he had been burnt by his ex. But to measure every single relationship against that toxic one seemed a bit much. He was a great horse trainer, though. He found out what Tex’s issue was. Well, besides the abuse that he had been put through. I do wish that more time had been spent on that part of the book. I was very interested in it.
Mia, I was kind of “meh” about in the beginning of the book. I didn’t understand why she wanted to keep Tex so bad. She was also very prickly with Sam. I get it that her dad went over her head and hired him to help with Tex but still. She acted like a witch with a b towards him. Until she decided she was attracted to him, then she stopped being a witch with a b and started making kissy eyes at him. I also thought that she jumped to conclusions way too easily. The scene where she went to his house, saw his sister and left assuming he was married, irked me. All she had to do was ask. Instead, she assumed he was married with a kid. If I had rolled my eyes any harder, they would have been stuck permanently in the back of my head.
As much as Sam and Mia annoyed me, it didn’t take away from their sex scenes. Those were smoking hot. They had sex everywhere. Outdoor and public sex seemed to be their thing. I mean, they had sex in the barn, with the door open, while her father and brother were home. There was also sex in the pool, but that was behind a privacy fence. To sum it up, they were like bunnies.
The romance part of the book I didn’t get into. Sam had too many issues for me to think that he would be a good boyfriend in the beginning/middle/almost end of the book. Like I mentioned above, he never got over his ex cheating on him while he was overseas. I didn’t think that he would ever get over his trust issues. He did but it was almost too late.
The storyline was very typical of a romance novel. There were a couple of twists in the plot. One I saw coming from a mile away and one that I kind of saw coming but was still surprised. All the storylines were brought together at the end in a way that satisfied me as a reader.
I would give Cowboy Stole My Heart an Adult rating. There is some mild language, mild violence, and graphic sex scenes. This is not a book for anyone under the age of 21.
I gave Cowboy Stole My Heart a 3.5 rating. It was a good romance that would be perfect for the beach. Predictable but good. I would reread this book. I would also recommend to family and friends.
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review A Cowboy Stole My Heart.
All opinions stated in this review of a Cowboy Stole My Heart are mine.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
January 15, 2018
" Cowboy Stole My Heart ", the first story in the River Ranch series introduces us to Sam Mendes, cowboy , former military and a natural horse whisperer extrodanaire ; Sam has a gift for working with unstable horses and turning them around . Sam has become a bit of a celebrity , touring and doing exhibitions of his skill, along with a book and you tube videos; but their is nothing he wants to do more than return home to his own ranch, except an offer from the Ford ranch to work with a troubled horse peaks his intrest.
Intresting enough what awaits him at the Ford ranch is two challenges, the traumatized stallion Tex; whose temperament has already hospitalized one ranch hand and his equally stubborn and beautiful owner Mia Ford.
What he can not figure out is why a spoiled rich girl like Mia would purchase such a damaged horse for and given the fact that he has only thirty days to turn this stallion around and save it's life he does not have time to play games.
Mia Ford however is not the spoiled rich girl he believes her to be she is a hard working professional jumper, and the stables on the ford ranch are her domain , she work the horses and takes care of them on her own, travels world wide working the horse jumping circuit and Tex the stallion , he may be damaged but he is a promise to her best Freind made long ago to care for one another's horses like they were their own . Mia's father may be paying for Sam to work with Tex but she pays for everything else and Mia went from crushing on Sam to thinking he is full of himself, little does she know that to spite his first impression of her, he is extremely attracted to her, but one should never get involved with your employer and Mia is most a women who would requir a relationship . Sam does not do relationships he has had his heartbroken in the past.
Sam and Mia fight this attraction they have for each other but they eventually fail , Mia agrees to a no string relationship for the month that Sam will be working with Tex.
However , good her intentions and Sam's they both fail at no strings attached the question is will there be a happy ending for them and Tex .
I enjoyed this story both main characters were strong and multilayered, with a intresting supporting cast I hope to read more about in future stories.
Arc copy supplied via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review .
Intresting enough what awaits him at the Ford ranch is two challenges, the traumatized stallion Tex; whose temperament has already hospitalized one ranch hand and his equally stubborn and beautiful owner Mia Ford.
What he can not figure out is why a spoiled rich girl like Mia would purchase such a damaged horse for and given the fact that he has only thirty days to turn this stallion around and save it's life he does not have time to play games.
Mia Ford however is not the spoiled rich girl he believes her to be she is a hard working professional jumper, and the stables on the ford ranch are her domain , she work the horses and takes care of them on her own, travels world wide working the horse jumping circuit and Tex the stallion , he may be damaged but he is a promise to her best Freind made long ago to care for one another's horses like they were their own . Mia's father may be paying for Sam to work with Tex but she pays for everything else and Mia went from crushing on Sam to thinking he is full of himself, little does she know that to spite his first impression of her, he is extremely attracted to her, but one should never get involved with your employer and Mia is most a women who would requir a relationship . Sam does not do relationships he has had his heartbroken in the past.
Sam and Mia fight this attraction they have for each other but they eventually fail , Mia agrees to a no string relationship for the month that Sam will be working with Tex.
However , good her intentions and Sam's they both fail at no strings attached the question is will there be a happy ending for them and Tex .
I enjoyed this story both main characters were strong and multilayered, with a intresting supporting cast I hope to read more about in future stories.
Arc copy supplied via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review .
January 1, 2018
Mia Ford is the daughter of a very wealthy rancher. Daddy wanted her to go into corporate America, but her heart is in working with horses and competition jumping. Mia has paid her own way through her life without daddy’s money or help until recently. She convinces him to buy her deceased best friend’s stallion. This horse is mad at the world and won’t let anyone near him.
Sam Mendes is known as the horse whisperer. Mia’s father hires him to see if he can work miracles with the stallion before he decides to put him down. Sam did not have a good childhood or young adult life. He has some serious emotional scars from both.
Sam and Mia are attracted but false assumptions, misunderstandings and miscommunications are the basis of the relationship these two have. What starts out as a 3 week no strings attached good time with lots of sex turns into more for Mia. Sam sends all kinds of mixed messages. He waffled repeatedly between being a nice guy and a total douche. I wasn’t fond of his character. By the time he finally came around it just felt too little too late.
She’s on a date with someone else. Sam kisses her heatedly and she kisses him back, in front of her date?! Not cool. Just because said date was busy on his phone and didn’t notice doesn’t make it ok.
If you don’t like the word goddamn, you won’t like this book. It gets used frequently.
However, I almost fell of the sofa laughing when Mia says to Sam, “..if you’ve dared to use my razor for a back, sack or crack..” Ewww! I’m still laughing!
The book moves slowly, almost painfully so, the first half, picks up in the middle and rushes to the end.
This is my first book by this author. Although this is the first book in the series, it felt like I was jumping into the middle of one. Nate (Sam’s best friend) and Faith (Sam’s sister) play enough of a part in this story, with all the references to the problems Sam had with their relationship and Nate’s past, it felt like I was missing an important piece to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Sam Mendes is known as the horse whisperer. Mia’s father hires him to see if he can work miracles with the stallion before he decides to put him down. Sam did not have a good childhood or young adult life. He has some serious emotional scars from both.
Sam and Mia are attracted but false assumptions, misunderstandings and miscommunications are the basis of the relationship these two have. What starts out as a 3 week no strings attached good time with lots of sex turns into more for Mia. Sam sends all kinds of mixed messages. He waffled repeatedly between being a nice guy and a total douche. I wasn’t fond of his character. By the time he finally came around it just felt too little too late.
She’s on a date with someone else. Sam kisses her heatedly and she kisses him back, in front of her date?! Not cool. Just because said date was busy on his phone and didn’t notice doesn’t make it ok.
If you don’t like the word goddamn, you won’t like this book. It gets used frequently.
However, I almost fell of the sofa laughing when Mia says to Sam, “..if you’ve dared to use my razor for a back, sack or crack..” Ewww! I’m still laughing!
The book moves slowly, almost painfully so, the first half, picks up in the middle and rushes to the end.
This is my first book by this author. Although this is the first book in the series, it felt like I was jumping into the middle of one. Nate (Sam’s best friend) and Faith (Sam’s sister) play enough of a part in this story, with all the references to the problems Sam had with their relationship and Nate’s past, it felt like I was missing an important piece to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
December 25, 2017
I fell in love with Soraya Lane's writing with her King brothers series and was sad when it came to an end. Now she is back with a new series, a spinoff. Those of you who are familiar with the Kings will remember Nate's best friend and his wife's brother Sam Mendes. The renowned "Horse Whisperer" finds that it isn't as easy as he thought to lock up his heart and say no to relationships when he meets the heiress to one of the richest men in Texas and helps her to tame a stallion that no one can seem to come close to.
Sam Mendes wasn't expecting the fame that came with his horse training videos and book. As he travels from one show to another he receives a message from River Ranch. The Fords are one of the richest families in Texas and it seems that they are in possession of a stallion that is not only headstrong but has also become dangerous to those around him. Sam is the stallion's last chance. So even though he has no need for extra jobs, he is intrigued by the stallion and decides to check him out. Upon his arrival he meets his owner, the youngest Ford, Mia Ford. She is not only stunning but also seems to be more than a spoiled and rich princess who just enjoys riding. She loves horses and is a show jumper. The stallion, Tex, holds a very special place in her heart and she is ready to do everything that she can to tame him. She knows all about Sam Mendes and is drawn to him, but they also seem to butt heads at every opportunity. But with a chemistry so intense, it's only a matter of time before they give in.
Mia Ford has made her own way in life, not depending on her family's immense fortune. She has a ranch full of horses. And has finally been able to find the stallion that she has been looking for for years. Sam Mendes is able to get close to the angry stallion and help him. And even though their mutual attraction is undeniable, Sam has some drama in his past that keeps him at a distance. Will Mia and Sam find their happily ever after?
I am thrilled that Soraya Lane is back! And so happy to run into the Kings again. Hope that this will be a long series with many many books to come!
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sam Mendes wasn't expecting the fame that came with his horse training videos and book. As he travels from one show to another he receives a message from River Ranch. The Fords are one of the richest families in Texas and it seems that they are in possession of a stallion that is not only headstrong but has also become dangerous to those around him. Sam is the stallion's last chance. So even though he has no need for extra jobs, he is intrigued by the stallion and decides to check him out. Upon his arrival he meets his owner, the youngest Ford, Mia Ford. She is not only stunning but also seems to be more than a spoiled and rich princess who just enjoys riding. She loves horses and is a show jumper. The stallion, Tex, holds a very special place in her heart and she is ready to do everything that she can to tame him. She knows all about Sam Mendes and is drawn to him, but they also seem to butt heads at every opportunity. But with a chemistry so intense, it's only a matter of time before they give in.
Mia Ford has made her own way in life, not depending on her family's immense fortune. She has a ranch full of horses. And has finally been able to find the stallion that she has been looking for for years. Sam Mendes is able to get close to the angry stallion and help him. And even though their mutual attraction is undeniable, Sam has some drama in his past that keeps him at a distance. Will Mia and Sam find their happily ever after?
I am thrilled that Soraya Lane is back! And so happy to run into the Kings again. Hope that this will be a long series with many many books to come!
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
#1 in the River Ranch romance series
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very quick and enjoyable cowboy romance. It didn't take me long to realize that this is a spin-off series from the Texas Kings series that I enjoyed previously. So it was great to revisit with this group of people, although Mia and Sam's relationship is totally new and in a different setting. I particularly liked these characters despite (or perhaps because of) their flaws. Mia is petite and tough and very talented with her horses, a strong competitor in show jumping worldwide. She's a hard worker despite her being the daughter of a very rich man, so she's got a chip on her shoulder about that, which makes her prickly at first, but we soon find that she's sweet and a lot of fun. Sam is the perfect cowboy hero--smart, talented, handsome, but not too alpha. The tension between them made sense, and their continued attempts to resist each other created a sizzling sexual tension as well. It was fun to watch them fight their attraction, and when they finally fell, things got hot in a hurry. There was an especially moving scene when Sam gives in to his emotions and his loneliness. My only complaint was that the ending was just a bit rushed, but it was still satisfying and a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very quick and enjoyable cowboy romance. It didn't take me long to realize that this is a spin-off series from the Texas Kings series that I enjoyed previously. So it was great to revisit with this group of people, although Mia and Sam's relationship is totally new and in a different setting. I particularly liked these characters despite (or perhaps because of) their flaws. Mia is petite and tough and very talented with her horses, a strong competitor in show jumping worldwide. She's a hard worker despite her being the daughter of a very rich man, so she's got a chip on her shoulder about that, which makes her prickly at first, but we soon find that she's sweet and a lot of fun. Sam is the perfect cowboy hero--smart, talented, handsome, but not too alpha. The tension between them made sense, and their continued attempts to resist each other created a sizzling sexual tension as well. It was fun to watch them fight their attraction, and when they finally fell, things got hot in a hurry. There was an especially moving scene when Sam gives in to his emotions and his loneliness. My only complaint was that the ending was just a bit rushed, but it was still satisfying and a very enjoyable read.
January 31, 2019
okay I give it 4. 5 stars.
it's an okay book, it's based around Mia Ford uber rich, and Sam Medes a horse trainer. we met Sam in a few other books. notable the story in the king series where his sister faith and his best friend Nate King fall in love.
there is emotion hard past and a little family in the story. it just didn't gel right and Nate and Faith had twins who were never actually named just called the girls or his nieces. a major reason I dropped the rating of this book.
another thing is it's the begining of the Ford series or River ranch series and the family dynamics just lacked sure it was there but it could have been so much more so could the emotional break through moments.
all and all okay but glad I found it at goodwill
it's an okay book, it's based around Mia Ford uber rich, and Sam Medes a horse trainer. we met Sam in a few other books. notable the story in the king series where his sister faith and his best friend Nate King fall in love.
there is emotion hard past and a little family in the story. it just didn't gel right and Nate and Faith had twins who were never actually named just called the girls or his nieces. a major reason I dropped the rating of this book.
another thing is it's the begining of the Ford series or River ranch series and the family dynamics just lacked sure it was there but it could have been so much more so could the emotional break through moments.
all and all okay but glad I found it at goodwill
December 29, 2017
Empathy. A trait everyone has, but so few use. Just look at the chaos the world is in today. Perhaps if more people listened with their hearts, instead of closing their minds the world might stand a chance. I believe that's why Sam and Mia spoke to me as a reader. The horse whisper and the determined dreamer come together on a journey of hope and discover their own redemption. A lesson in love, taught by a courageous horse, a gifted author and a beautiful love story.
January 2, 2018
Mia Ford loves horses she has since she was a kid. She is independent and doesn’t turn to her wealthy family for anything.
Sam Mendes also loves horses and he rather deal with animals then people. He is known as the horse whisper.
Mia’s father has hired Sam to help with a horse and when he meets Mia they sparks fly.
A great journey these two people take through out the story. A nice romantic read and you will love Mia and Sam.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book
Sam Mendes also loves horses and he rather deal with animals then people. He is known as the horse whisper.
Mia’s father has hired Sam to help with a horse and when he meets Mia they sparks fly.
A great journey these two people take through out the story. A nice romantic read and you will love Mia and Sam.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book
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