Clarissa and the Cowboy

The Darcy Brothers #3.5

by Alix Nichols

What happens when a cowboy and a bluestocking...
get stranded in a cave with a 40,000-year-old phallus on the wall?

A sizzling-hot and hilarious romance, that's what!

~ Nathan ~
Right now Clarissa, our tour guide, is talking about prehistoric cave paintings.
In a moment, she'll point at the mammoth... Wait for it....
"Look at the mammoth on your right," she says.
Told ya! I've done her tour six times in two months.
Everyone gawks at the mammoth.
My eyes stay trained on Clarissa's lovely face.
After the tour, I'll ask her out, fully expecting her to say no.
I mean, why would a hotshot Parisian archeologist go on a date with a dairy farmer from the sticks?
But I need to hear Clarissa's no.
Maybe then I'll be able to forget her.

~ Clarissa ~
Nathan, aka Cowboy, is here again. Staring at me again.
I ignore him.
Just as I've ignored the hot, disturbing dreams I've been having lately.
Dreams in which a handsome cowboy undresses me.
Kisses me.
Pleasures me into oblivion.
Crazy dreams!
In real life, I'm going back to Paris to start a new job in a big museum.
The one thing I don't need during my last week in Burgundy is a roll in the hay with Nathan.
Even if that roll turns out to be better than my craziest dreams...

Fans of sexy romantic comedies by Lauren Blakely, Cora Seton and Penny Reid will love this standalone companion to the Darcy Brothers series.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2017

About the author

Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances.
She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).
At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.
She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**

Series and Books:

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

It’s Raining Royals (newest series)

1. The Boss Prince
2. The Bastard Prince
3. The Beast Prince

La Bohème (complete series)

1. 
Winter’s Gift

2. What If It’s Love?

3. Falling for Emma

4. Under My Skin
You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)

The Darcy Brothers (complete series)

1. Find You in Paris
2. Raphael’s Fling
3. The Perfect Catch
Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)

Playing to Win (complete series)

1. Playing with Fire
2. Playing for Keeps
3. Playing Dirty

Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)


The Devil’s Own Chloe
Amanda’s Guide to Love
An Autumn in Paris

ROMANTIC FANTASY

Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)

The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella)
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
4. The Samurai’s Lover

5. The Vestal’s Steward

Reviews

[Holly Bargo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it

Unfortunately, that's the best I can say about this book. It's not particularly well written. The language, names, and dialogue read more faux British than anything else. Character development leaves much to be desired.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing opposites attract love story.rissa and nathans story was hot.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Nathan & Clarissa's story. I found it interesting. And am voluntarily reviewing an advance readers copy of the book.

[Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan sees Clarissa and he knows he is way out of her league but does that stop him? No, he knows he has to try and get her. He has his chance when they are both locked away together.

The author does a great job with the details of the scenes and yes they are hot and sizzling. You don’t want to put the book down.

Clarissa’s character was for me obnoxious and wondered why Nathan was wasting his time but by the end, things come together.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jackie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Nathan see's her, he knows he probably doesn't stand a chance. They are from two different worlds, that doesn't stop his obsession with the beautiful Clarissa. Bound and determined to give it one one more try before giving up his quest for the archeologist. Nathan finds himself with the opportunity of a lifetime, Clarissa is locked away with him for the evening. He gives it his all showing her farmers aren't just dumb men who smell like manure. Will it be enough to change her attitude? Will he still want her? Will she want to be around him?
Ok, I know this book is just a fast paced, hot read- not meant to be all serious and what not, but this was hard for me to read! I know, I know,
people who read my reviews are going ** there goes Jackie again **
I had such a hard time with Clarissa's character. I couldn't fathom why on earth Nathan would want anything to do with the snotty women!
** my little spoiler rantings are hidden at bottom**
That being said, I did not put this book down even though I all over the place about the union these two would have ( I need a life it's painfully obvious ) because I had to know how this craziness was going to play out between to different types of people!
I gave this 4 stars because as always Alix Nichols added detailed scenes, an intriguing storyline, a great mixture of sweetness and sizzling hot. With a budding romance of sorts to boot that I kept me reading even if I had thoughts of offing ( ok that's harsh.. ) smacking around a character or two.
I am a fan of Alix Nichols and look forward to whatever she has in store for us next!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book

Even after she kinda sorta made her turn around realizing, Nathan the " Farmer" was, profitable, good at what he did, and could string a whole sentence together. I felt like she was just after the man's schlong ( even tho that bothered her too) and nothing else. And since this is the spoiler, what the heck is with his mother's confession? This POOR GUY I would have let the mom and Clarissa go to Paris by themselves Too much??

[T. Rosado · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 Stars

I have been a fan of Alix Nichols since I read a couple of the La Boheme books and then my favorite series of hers, The Darcy Brothers (especially, the prequel, The Devil's Own Chloe.) The gentle flow of the story-telling and lightly sensual romantic elements were what endeared me to her past books. Unfortunately, I felt like this story was a vast departure from those earlier books and didn't appeal to my reading interests. Of course, my opinion is subjective and this story may appeal to those who maybe didn't care for the earlier books. I found that the story moved lightening fast with not enough build-up to the H/h interactions and relationship development. I don't usually care one way or the other with what some describe as "insta-love," but the speed of Nathan and Clarissa's declarations were a bit too quick for me. I guess, I simply wanted more story. There was too much lust and intimacy without enough story to connect me with the characters. Although, I do have to say that while being the most developed character in the story, I did like Nathan's disposition and personality. (I voluntarily read an advanced copy of Clarissa and the Cowboy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.)

[Heather Merriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spinoff of The Darcy Brother's Series.
Dr. Penelope "Clarissa" Mueller is an archeologist at The Darcy Grotto. She's had an eye out for Sebastian Darcy for years but finally gives up on that when she realizes he's in a serious relationship. She decides maybe it is time to take that Job in Paris!
Nathan is a Dairy farmer at a neighboring farm. Nathan has been attending her weekly tours in hopes of a chance to talk to her but he loses his nerve every time. He knows she's way out of his league. They are total opposites! What could they possibly have in common?! Then one evening, Nathan stays behind after the tour to finally get up the nerve to talk to Clarissa and somehow the lock of the entrance to the Grotto mysteriously jams. Being locked in such close proximity has sparks flying!! Clarissa tells herself it's just one time so why not have a little fun! But can they stop at just one night? Plus, Clarissa has already accepted the job in Paris and will be moving soon.
This was short and sweet and definitely hot!! Perfect for reading by the pool or on the beach!! I always enjoy Alix's writing!
I received an early copy and voluntarily left my honest comment.

[B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read about two unlikely protagonists, a brainy archaeologist and a brawny dairy farmer who has a farm near the ancient caves with prehistoric drawings where Clarissa works. Nathan keeps taking the tour of the cave that she gives because he is so infatuated with her but is too shy to say anything. She notices this tall, strong quiet man and thinks of him as a cowboy. But the title is deceptive - he is a French farmer. They are such an unlikely fit as a couple, and that would have been an interesting focus for the novel. But after they actually start talking to each other, the story then moves to their sexual relations and Nathan’s, er, proportions. A bit of that is fine, but in a short read, I would have liked more about the personal interactions that brought this couple to realize that they were in love with each other.

I received a free review copy from the author for an honest review.

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be who you are, and the rest works itself out

Alix Nichols steps aside from the world of Paris and the Darcy brothers just long enough to tell the short sweet tale of Clarissa the archeologist, and the cowboy, Nathan. She's all academic pomp and starch, raised by third generation academics/archeologists to be the fourth generation ditto. While on a research gig in the Bourgogne, she meets local farmer/cattleman Nathan. He's from trade school, practicality, raised from infancy to take over the family farm, breed cows and kids, and keep papa's dream alive. As different as they seem to be, Clarissa and Nathan still manage to fall for each other. When the end of her research project comes, and they part ways, they both have to face facts: They're in over their heads and miserable. Time to look hard at what they REALLY want, and then decide exactly whose dreams they truly want to live out - their parents, their own, or maybe create something new? Quintessential Alix Nichols charm and sensibility pervade this light-hearted Gallic "meet me in the middle" romance.

[Christi Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Romance - Opposites
Stand-alone: Yes
Part of a Series: Not really but set in the Darcy Brothers timeline/story
POV: Nathan and Clarissa
Steam Level: Hot
5/5

Clarissa and the Cowboy wax a very quick, very steamy read. I got through it in an evening and it was definitely one of the steamiest Alix Nichols books so far - not only with actual sex scenes but also with innuendo. It was fun to read a naughtier novel than usual I really liked Nathan. He was sweet, funny and shy. The shyness is what I found most enduring about him. This isn't a quality we normally read about in men in romance novels but it works for him. This also is why I like Alix Nichol's work so much. Her stories and characters are unique which, to me, makes them more relatable. Another great story by Alix Nichols.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a love story novella. Nathan keeps going to Darcy Grotto as he wants to get to know Dr. Penelope Clarissa Mueller but has not got the courage to talk to her. His mother's good friend works the ticket window and is giving him a hard time about how often he has been. Nathan has a cow farm that he and his mother own. He never went to college and doesn't think that Clarissa will want anything to do with him.

I think his mother's good friend did some work behind the scenes to give Nathan a push to talk to Carissa. I felt bad that Nathan didn't feel like he was good enough for Clarissa. At first I though Clarissa was going to be a snob to Nathan, but there was something Nathan had that she loved. This was a sexy love story that I enjoyed. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella length story which is advertised as a 'sexy romantic comedy' but it really is quite hot.
The story is good. Its an opposites attract theme and I was quite relieved when the two of them, Clarissa and Nathan, finally got together as a couple but what goes on until then makes for good reading.
If it weren't for his father's influence which guided his direction in life, Nathan's life would have been very different. He just needed a bit of clarity on the truth of matters from his mother to eventually set him right.
Clarissa doesn't have time for a relationship, so why then does her body keep telling her otherwise and driving her nuts?
Both main characters are really decent people and I loved their ideals.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book and this is my unbiased review.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa And The Cowboy, or Class meets Agriculture.

Alix’s writing is hotter than ever in this opposites attract novella that is a fast paced and quick read. I really enjoy her type of story-telling that has a quirky almost Shakespearean type of ironic twist to the humour that makes you think that even though the plot might be totally unrealistic, you’re enjoying it all the same.

In this book, we can see that it doesn’t matter whether your family is rich or poor, academic or agriculturally based, children can be weighed down by the expectations of their parents. And despite herself and the lofty plans that her parents have for her, Clarissa is hopelessly attracted to Nathan, a sexy local, whom she has dubbed ‘cowboy’ in her fertile imagination.

Nathan is just as confined by the plans set in place for him by his father, but he’s helpless to resist the charms of a certain highly qualified archaeologist who gives guided presentations around the local historic rock-art caves that she is both studying and the curator of. Needless to say that six guided tours later, and no courage to approach Clarissa, he doesn’t look like a stalker at all!

When an elderly busy-body, er, cupid, lends a hand, Nathan takes the opportunity he is given, to make his move.

I say every time that I love the interactions between the books Alix writes, and it’s almost like seeing old friends again. It is definitely not necessary to read the others, but thinking, yeah, I remember that scene from Find You In Paris, and it was great to see it this time, from Clarissa’s perspective. Always great reading, and I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book. 4.5 Stars for this hot novella.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a book about an archeologist and a farmer. I love this opposites-attract type story, and this one did not disappoint. Clarissa saw Nathan watching her during the tours and never thought anything positive about him, yet she had dreams about him. She could never be with a farmer, he isn't from her world.

Nathan was instantly attracted to Clarissa and took her tour 6 times just to watch her. He knew she was too good for him but that didn't stop the feelings he had.

Then they got stuck together and the sparks flew. I love the way the author writes as they are stories on the shorter side but they don't feel that way, you see feelings develop and it never feels rushed. This book is no exception. But the problem becomes, when she gets a job offer in Paris, will the sparks stop?

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest release from Alix Nicols. This book touches on the Darcy brothers but is separate from that series. Talk about two people that are worlds away. Clarissa is an archeologist and Nathan is a dairy farmer. But Nathan can't help but see his every fantasy come to life when he looks at Clarissa. Clarissa just knows he can't possibly be for her as he is just a farmer. Little does she know this little farmer has a big secret for her. Very sexy story with trials and tribulations and ultimately love and an HEA. Great read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Nathan = 5/5
Heroine, Clarissa = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 3/5
Mystery = 1/5
Action =  1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "Clarissa and the Cowboy" by Alix Nichols. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would gladly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of this author and the contemporary romance genre in general. I've read several books by this author and have enjoyed each one. They are well written and the characters she writes are fun and interesting people with lots of quirks.
This novella is a spin off to the main Darcy series and was a fast but fun read. I have to admit I didn't "like" Clarissa (the main female character), but she somewhat redeemed herself to me by the end.
Enjoy this book... Happy Reading!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 4.5 star happy and short read with humor and heat, this is NOT a Western! The "Cowboy," Nathan, is a French dairy farmer (hence the nickname chosen for him by urbane and sophisticated Clarissa, who can't seem to resist his charm and bold physique once they connect). The story, though improbable, is the sweetest romance, but does have its steamy moments. It also revives some characters from the excellent Darcy Brothers series by the same author, though they play a very minor part. Good, plain prose, romance between seeming opposites, and a great conclusion.:-)

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a yummy quickie!

Quick as in it didn’t take long for them to end up together. And for secondary characters to so conveniently clear what they thought were insurmountable obstacles to being with each other.

Nathan is aw-shucks-sweet with a great head on his shoulders, and Clarissa is an all-too-human intellectual, despite her parents’ expectations. They make an awesome from-different-sides-of-the-tracks couple. (Side query: was Nathan “hung like a horse” as a nod to his farmer/cowboy side?)

(Read as the companion novella that was the fourth part of the Darcy brothers set)

[Pat Bettinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fair. Had high hopes for a good story and still not sure why she calls a dairy farmer Cowboy. Seems like part of the book is missing. Don't really get to know the characters develop and you are kinda wondering who they really are. They are apart, then together, a kid comes, three years pass and we missed it all. Could have been better with more time to get to know them. It read like Highlights of their life together. Felt like I missed a lot. Pretty much a miss for me. Will try another one from her as I give authors more than one chance.

[Kim Lowery · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last chapter ends with the hero and his mom. At least there’s an epilogue, although that’s 3 years later and we miss a lot. As with the other books much of this story is tell not show. There are a couple of hot sex scenes but “does it fit” only goes ahem so far. Of the books in the boxed set, I probably liked Themis couple the most although they seem to have gotten - ironically - short shrift. Oh, and the hero is a French cowboy - he runs his family dairy farm.

More in review of boxed set overall.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read. A sweet romance about two people who held a strong attraction to each other but we're very different.

I wish there had been a bit more background information on both Nathan and Clarissa. I felt like I was dropped into a romance "in progress". Even the references to the D'Arcy's would have benefited from more explanation.

I'm glad you still get your HEA, but I felt the pace of the book was somewhat rushed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, the cowboy is French and the story takes place in France. I think my strong woman is more stubborn that strong. Maybe, that’s the same thing? Clarissa and the cowboy are stuck in the grotto overnight. This allows them to talk to each other for the first time and do other things. There are some sex scenes, but not an abundance of them. I love finding out little things about France, which makes the story more enjoyable.

[Cassie Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sign Me Up for a Tour in France

I would love o be in this tour group. Nathan is a great man who went I school til he was 16 but he knows how to run a dairy farm. I like a man that can work.

Clarissa is an archeologist and her parents expect to much of her. I’m glad she meets Nathan and has some fun.

This is a fun way of watching two people fall in love and see how it works out for both of them.

Get this book and you will enjoy it from beginning to end and still want more.

[SandyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nathan Girault is a dairy farmer who has taken a fancy to an archaeologist who gives tours in a local cave. Penelope Mueller enjoys her job for the Darcy Grotto, and she knows the cowboy who keeps coming to her tour is hot for her. But she's not getting involved with a hick! Until the two get locked in the cave overnight and she realizes Nathan is more than he seems. This was a short and sexy read - not much to it, but it was okay.

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book"

Another easy read from Alix Nichols. I found this one slightly more quirky than the d’Arcy Brothers books but an enjoyable extension to the previous stories. Clarissa and Nathan are very different people but eventually find a way to make things work and also to improve their own careers. A good read.

[Kylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review. This is a quick read and I found I liked the book but didn't love it. I found it hard to connect with the female character Clarissa and at times found the story a little detached. However in saying that if you like your cowboys big in every way and like a quick romance then this is a good book for you.

[Karri Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc for a honest review. This book was a great short read. HEA! My only wish is that it wnt a little deeper with the characters no real conflict. Guy likes girl doesn't think has a chance girl secretly likes guy but her status is different then his.....turned out great and really enjoyed it just wish a little deeper! Looking for a good quick read choose this!

[Erin OBrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dynamic between Clarissa and Nathan. She's a sophisticated archeologist and he's a dairy farmer. With the help of a suspiciously uncooperative lock, they find their way to each other.
The epilogue seemed a bit abrupt. Some important pieces of the story were just thrown into an epilogue. This is why I gave it 4 stars.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! Short, sweet, and to the point. The title is a bit of a misnomer...Nathan is dairy farmer--not a Cowboy as Americans perceive them to be. But don't let that stop you from grabbing this really good read. The storyline is sweet; the characters so French; and the HEA is awesome! I loved this story.❤️

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A French cowboy?

Dairy cows spell farmer too me, but... I digress. The writing is stiff, as if written by an adolescent. The love scenes had zero heat. And I want to SEE my couple get together - not hear about it in the epilogue. Only reason I gave it a 2 and not a 1 was because it was a cute story idea.