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Longhorn Canyon #1
Cowboy Bold
With her sassy humor and sexy cowboys, USA Today bestseller Carolyn Brown launches her new Longhorn Canyon series.
One city girl, one die-hard rancher, and eight mischievous kids. What could go wrong?
Every summer Cade Maguire looks forward to opening his Longhorn Canyon Ranch to underprivileged city kids. But this year, he's having no luck finding a counselor for the children--until Retta Palmer walks through his door.
Flat broke after selling everything she owns to pay for her father's medical bills, Retta is thrilled to hear of an opening for a counselor position. She's not as thrilled about the ranching part, or the sexy cowboy with beautiful blue eyes who's her new boss.
After being left at the altar two years before by his fiancée, Cade isn't sure he can take another heartbreak. And Retta isn't even sure she wants to stay. But the sparks between them are absolutely undeniable. And with a couple of lovable kids and two elderly folks playing matchmaker, Cade and Retta may find that the best way to heal is with each other.
One city girl, one die-hard rancher, and eight mischievous kids. What could go wrong?
Every summer Cade Maguire looks forward to opening his Longhorn Canyon Ranch to underprivileged city kids. But this year, he's having no luck finding a counselor for the children--until Retta Palmer walks through his door.
Flat broke after selling everything she owns to pay for her father's medical bills, Retta is thrilled to hear of an opening for a counselor position. She's not as thrilled about the ranching part, or the sexy cowboy with beautiful blue eyes who's her new boss.
After being left at the altar two years before by his fiancée, Cade isn't sure he can take another heartbreak. And Retta isn't even sure she wants to stay. But the sparks between them are absolutely undeniable. And with a couple of lovable kids and two elderly folks playing matchmaker, Cade and Retta may find that the best way to heal is with each other.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
828 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,115 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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August 20, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Cowboy Bold is book one in the Longhorn Canyon series by Carolyn Brown. This is my very first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect. And what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be.
Retta Palmer just lost her father to cancer three months ago. Retta has spent the last three years caring for him through his illness. Now she has just finished liquidating all of their assets, including the small ranch she grew up on, to pay his medical bills. Previously, Retta had a high powered job at a bank in Dallas before she had to leave to care for her father. She is scheduled to interview for a similar position but the interview is five weeks away. When Retta learned of a five week position as a live in camp counselor at a ranch, she thought it would be the perfect answer, a place to live for a few weeks and a chance to earn an income.
Cade Maguire and his brother run the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. Something they look forward to every summer is when they take on eight underprivileged children from the city for five weeks. Their normal female counselor wasn’t available and Cade needs a replacement. As soon as he met Retta, he felt that zing of attraction. Cade had basically been left at the alter two years prior and never fully healed from the pain. He might have an occasional one night stand but has never dated since.
Retta and Cade both feel the chemistry between them. But their focus needs to be on the children. Even though Retta loved growing up on a ranch, her goal in life was to be successful in the city. Living on Longhorn Canyon Ranch and working with the children is a wonderful job. She loves the life. But she can’t give up on her dream of going back to the city. No matter how much she is attracted to Cade.
“Home is where the heart is. Find your heart, Retta, and you’ll find your home.”
I usually like romance with a little bit more steam. The sexy scenes in this book are more of a fade to black type. But, there was just so much else to love here. These children! These are kids that don’t have anything except perhaps a big chip on their shoulders they need to survive in their worlds. Everyone on the ranch had such a special way with these kids, teaching them to work together, respect each other, and to have pride in themselves. To see how they were when they arrived and how they were when they left was so heart warming. And things happened during these five weeks that both broke my heart and made my heart soar. Retta had such a natural ability of knowing what to do with the girls she was in charge of. I do have to admit that I had tears in my eyes more than once while reading this.
This is a cowboy romance packed with so much more. It’s a book whose characters I will not forget. I’m so glad I finally read one of Carolyn Brown’s books and look forward to more in my future.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Cowboy Bold is book one in the Longhorn Canyon series by Carolyn Brown. This is my very first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect. And what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be.
Retta Palmer just lost her father to cancer three months ago. Retta has spent the last three years caring for him through his illness. Now she has just finished liquidating all of their assets, including the small ranch she grew up on, to pay his medical bills. Previously, Retta had a high powered job at a bank in Dallas before she had to leave to care for her father. She is scheduled to interview for a similar position but the interview is five weeks away. When Retta learned of a five week position as a live in camp counselor at a ranch, she thought it would be the perfect answer, a place to live for a few weeks and a chance to earn an income.
Cade Maguire and his brother run the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. Something they look forward to every summer is when they take on eight underprivileged children from the city for five weeks. Their normal female counselor wasn’t available and Cade needs a replacement. As soon as he met Retta, he felt that zing of attraction. Cade had basically been left at the alter two years prior and never fully healed from the pain. He might have an occasional one night stand but has never dated since.
Retta and Cade both feel the chemistry between them. But their focus needs to be on the children. Even though Retta loved growing up on a ranch, her goal in life was to be successful in the city. Living on Longhorn Canyon Ranch and working with the children is a wonderful job. She loves the life. But she can’t give up on her dream of going back to the city. No matter how much she is attracted to Cade.
“Home is where the heart is. Find your heart, Retta, and you’ll find your home.”
I usually like romance with a little bit more steam. The sexy scenes in this book are more of a fade to black type. But, there was just so much else to love here. These children! These are kids that don’t have anything except perhaps a big chip on their shoulders they need to survive in their worlds. Everyone on the ranch had such a special way with these kids, teaching them to work together, respect each other, and to have pride in themselves. To see how they were when they arrived and how they were when they left was so heart warming. And things happened during these five weeks that both broke my heart and made my heart soar. Retta had such a natural ability of knowing what to do with the girls she was in charge of. I do have to admit that I had tears in my eyes more than once while reading this.
This is a cowboy romance packed with so much more. It’s a book whose characters I will not forget. I’m so glad I finally read one of Carolyn Brown’s books and look forward to more in my future.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
April 22, 2018
➳A cowboy needing to find his way to fixing his broken heart, a girl trying to find herself and what she truly needs, two characters that did not seem to spark for me at all...
➳I am keeping this one very short since I don't really want to say too many bad things about the author. I'll just leave it to the rating of the novel. When it comes down to cowboy romance stories, I am a goner. Meaning, I love them all for sure. This novel... not so much.
➳Cade and Retta are the main characters, and they are met under the circumstances of working together on the same ranch. "Sparks" apparently fly between them, but I just couldn't really... feel it? The fact that Cade is still not over the heart broken relationship his previous girlfriend left him with is something that triggers me and the one thing that I utterly did not like about Cade. There is a lot of family drama as well that I don't really like to read in a romance story, therefore making this novel not worth my time re-reading ever again.
➳ARC kindly provided by the publicist, in exchange for an honest review...
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➳I am keeping this one very short since I don't really want to say too many bad things about the author. I'll just leave it to the rating of the novel. When it comes down to cowboy romance stories, I am a goner. Meaning, I love them all for sure. This novel... not so much.
➳Cade and Retta are the main characters, and they are met under the circumstances of working together on the same ranch. "Sparks" apparently fly between them, but I just couldn't really... feel it? The fact that Cade is still not over the heart broken relationship his previous girlfriend left him with is something that triggers me and the one thing that I utterly did not like about Cade. There is a lot of family drama as well that I don't really like to read in a romance story, therefore making this novel not worth my time re-reading ever again.
➳ARC kindly provided by the publicist, in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
April 8, 2023
Cowboy Bold is book one in the Longhorn Canyon series by Carolyn Brown
This novel was my first experience with Carolyn Brown’s writing. I’d heard some good things about this book and others in the series. I started with book one; because I’m a reader who perfumes to read a series in order if I can and also because I won a copy of this novel.
Now the book wasn't bad and I didn't have any issues with anything in the story. The only thing that I had trouble with was myself and not being able to get into the story. It was slow, dull, and their was no action or suspense and really nothing to keep me interested. I’d pick up the book read a chapter, seat it down, and then do it again the next day. I just couldn’t get into the novel. I think I'm learning that I need to have something like action or suspense or a little drama in my contemporary reads or they just don't capture me and keep my interest.
Cowboy Bold was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: DNF - Stopped reading at 29% Page 96.
**Note: I won a copy!
This novel was my first experience with Carolyn Brown’s writing. I’d heard some good things about this book and others in the series. I started with book one; because I’m a reader who perfumes to read a series in order if I can and also because I won a copy of this novel.
Now the book wasn't bad and I didn't have any issues with anything in the story. The only thing that I had trouble with was myself and not being able to get into the story. It was slow, dull, and their was no action or suspense and really nothing to keep me interested. I’d pick up the book read a chapter, seat it down, and then do it again the next day. I just couldn’t get into the novel. I think I'm learning that I need to have something like action or suspense or a little drama in my contemporary reads or they just don't capture me and keep my interest.
Cowboy Bold was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: DNF - Stopped reading at 29% Page 96.
**Note: I won a copy!
August 20, 2020
I'm having the hardest time characterizing this book. There's an, I dunno, simplicity? to it that got in my way a lot. Like, the kids were sweet and Retta was a natural with them. But only because there wasn't anything truly complicated about them (like, say an oppositional disorder or emotional trauma, for example). Or how perfectly Retta fit in at the Ranch because she could do all the ranch things, including fishing, hunting, and throwing a football. Yeah, I didn't know throwing a perfect spiral was a ranch thing, either, and to be fair, it isn't treated as such, it's just that of course she's great at it because that way we can work that "I can do it all" angle harder.
So we get a lot of ideals happening and the virtues of ranch living are extolled and Retta and Cade are perfect for each other and hey, all they need to do is get over their respective conflicts and we're golden. The only place that didn't happen was that Retta's conflict Which felt cheap and manufactured.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story, mostly. Once I adjusted to the simplicity of events and could let go of the desire for more complex characterizations I enjoyed it very much. The kids were endearing and the relationship worked, though I kind of took their "sparks" at their word (as they didn't really manifest so much on the page).
So this is three, maaaaybe 3½ stars that could have been rounded to four if Retta's conflict hadn't been so lame. I'll still see if I can't find the next in the series and see how we go from there.
A note about Faith: The characters attend church regularly, including on the page with the kids. Indeed, what we see of their community is centered around the church in ways that felt natural for the lifestyle depicted. That said, faith itself wasn't terribly present as such and while the characters were obviously committed church-goers they didn't bother much with God or expressions of faith beyond the cultural. So I won't tag this as faithful because I didn't think it was, really.
A note about Steamy: There are two semi-explicit sex scenes, though Brown goes vague after proceedings, er, proceed. So this is on the low end of my steam tolerance. Also, this was part of what kept this from feeling actually faithful as they didn't hesitate with sleeping together, even when they were all "this is a no-strings-attached fling". Which I can't help feeling their pastor might have had issue with...
So we get a lot of ideals happening and the virtues of ranch living are extolled and Retta and Cade are perfect for each other and hey, all they need to do is get over their respective conflicts and we're golden. The only place that didn't happen was that Retta's conflict Which felt cheap and manufactured.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story, mostly. Once I adjusted to the simplicity of events and could let go of the desire for more complex characterizations I enjoyed it very much. The kids were endearing and the relationship worked, though I kind of took their "sparks" at their word (as they didn't really manifest so much on the page).
So this is three, maaaaybe 3½ stars that could have been rounded to four if Retta's conflict hadn't been so lame. I'll still see if I can't find the next in the series and see how we go from there.
A note about Faith: The characters attend church regularly, including on the page with the kids. Indeed, what we see of their community is centered around the church in ways that felt natural for the lifestyle depicted. That said, faith itself wasn't terribly present as such and while the characters were obviously committed church-goers they didn't bother much with God or expressions of faith beyond the cultural. So I won't tag this as faithful because I didn't think it was, really.
A note about Steamy: There are two semi-explicit sex scenes, though Brown goes vague after proceedings, er, proceed. So this is on the low end of my steam tolerance. Also, this was part of what kept this from feeling actually faithful as they didn't hesitate with sleeping together, even when they were all "this is a no-strings-attached fling". Which I can't help feeling their pastor might have had issue with...
November 16, 2025
Cade runs a ranch and a ranch camp for city kids at risk. Every year they take a group of pre-teens in and let them experience some ranch life. This year Cade needs to hire someone to watch over the girls and he decides on Retta.
Retta is looking to restart her life. After quitting her effluent city job to come home and take care of her ailing father, she’s looking for something to do over the summer now that her father has past and she is moving back to the city, Dallas, to follow her career dreams .
Sparks fly between Cade and Retta but Cade is coming off being left at the alter and Retta is looking forward to following her dreams. Not to forget the 8 at risk children under their care.
When you laugh and cry and cheer fictional characters on, you know that you’ve found just what you were looking for a novel.
Utterly sweet and endearing, with that wholesome family feel that just touches your heart.
I received this ARC copy of Cowboy Bold from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Cowboy Bold is set for publication May 29, 2018.
Retta is looking to restart her life. After quitting her effluent city job to come home and take care of her ailing father, she’s looking for something to do over the summer now that her father has past and she is moving back to the city, Dallas, to follow her career dreams .
Sparks fly between Cade and Retta but Cade is coming off being left at the alter and Retta is looking forward to following her dreams. Not to forget the 8 at risk children under their care.
When you laugh and cry and cheer fictional characters on, you know that you’ve found just what you were looking for a novel.
Utterly sweet and endearing, with that wholesome family feel that just touches your heart.
I received this ARC copy of Cowboy Bold from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Cowboy Bold is set for publication May 29, 2018.
June 2, 2018
Retta takes a job at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch as girl’s camp counselor just until she can get her old city bank job back. Retta is still reeling from the loss of her father, and the family ranch, and has no idea how this “temporary” job will end up affecting her. This is a five-week camp for underprivileged city boys and girls to get away, learn responsibility, how to work on a team and have some fun. Retta doesn’t plan on losing her heart in the process, but a sexy cowboy, the ranch and the kids have her re-thinking her long-term plans.
Cade McGuire, the owner of Longhorn Canyon Ranch is smitten with Retta at first sight, but he’d like to protect his heart and keep things professional. He’s had his heart broken by one city girl before. But Retta’s different. She may claim to want the city life, but he can tell ranching is in her blood. The way she is with the camp kids melts his heart, too, and soon the pull between them becomes too irresistible to fight.
Carolyn Brown once again charms with Retta and Cade’s romance. Humor, sweet and sexy banter; it was a slow and steady progression to HEA. These two just made sense together, even if they didn’t realize it at first. The kids added a fun to the story as well. Some of them were prickly with attitude to begin with, so it was touching to see how ranching life and loving attention softened them up and got them to work together as a team.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cade McGuire, the owner of Longhorn Canyon Ranch is smitten with Retta at first sight, but he’d like to protect his heart and keep things professional. He’s had his heart broken by one city girl before. But Retta’s different. She may claim to want the city life, but he can tell ranching is in her blood. The way she is with the camp kids melts his heart, too, and soon the pull between them becomes too irresistible to fight.
Carolyn Brown once again charms with Retta and Cade’s romance. Humor, sweet and sexy banter; it was a slow and steady progression to HEA. These two just made sense together, even if they didn’t realize it at first. The kids added a fun to the story as well. Some of them were prickly with attitude to begin with, so it was touching to see how ranching life and loving attention softened them up and got them to work together as a team.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (will post to blog 5/29/18)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HAvLxs
Oh, yall, Cowboy Bold was good. The romance took a little bit of a backseat but I really didn't mind. I just had such a good time with this one.
The Gist: A ranch that runs a summer program for at risk children. A sexy cowboy. A fiery cabin mother. Lots of adventure and smoldering looks. Oh yes.
The storyline is what got me the most with Cowboy Bold. Yes, I loved Cade and Retta. I enjoyed their slow burn romance. But the storyline with the kids. It's what got me. I loved meeting the 8 kids. They're from a variety of situations and have had hard lives. They're angry and uncertain when they arrive. They fight and test boundaries. And slowly with the help of the ranch owners and hands they start to find confidence and learn skills. To form friendships and trust. It was so damn touching and made me both ache and smile for them. It's a truly special group of people who took on these kids and tried to change their lives.
Now Retta and Cade were great, too. He's all sexy cowboy with a heart of gold and ready to jump all in. She's a bit fiery, stubborn as a mule but caring as all get out. They're good people doing good things and it's impossible not to love them. Their romance is a little slower since, well, they had 8 kids they were looking after plus his brothers and the ranch staff all up in their business. Yeah, a lot of chaperones. lol But it was easy to see them together and root them on.
All in all, a lovely time was had. I wasn't read to leave this group of kids and the people supporting them. I really hope there will be tidbits about them as the series goes so we can see how they're all doing once they go back home.
August 23, 2020
4.25 Stars
This started out slow and I even thought of giving up...until the kids got there and then I couldn't get enough of them!
Yes, Retta annoyed me at some points with how stubborn and clueless she was but it didn't take away from the story...especially that Case and those kids more than made up for her!
I ended up loving this and would have LOVED to get more of Faith, Gabby, April, and all the rest of them!
This started out slow and I even thought of giving up...until the kids got there and then I couldn't get enough of them!
Yes, Retta annoyed me at some points with how stubborn and clueless she was but it didn't take away from the story...especially that Case and those kids more than made up for her!
I ended up loving this and would have LOVED to get more of Faith, Gabby, April, and all the rest of them!
Read
February 24, 2018This was wonderful. The spirit of family, the chemistry between the main characters... I wanted to hang out with all of these characters... even though I would suck at the football games.
#cowboyofthemonth
#cowboyofthemonth
June 20, 2018
Help Wanted :
Bring your heart !
Feminine counselor with experience with kids and ranchs to look after four girls between the age of 10 and 12 for the summer.
Must love children (obviously), critters, football, sitting on the porch and talking about your day.
Must not mind bickering kids, meddling brothers and must be ready to deal with the sparks blossoming between you and the boss.
Fireflies included.
A temporary position with the possibility to stay after the summer if love is in the air.
The pay is good but the fun is better !
Bring your heart !
Feminine counselor with experience with kids and ranchs to look after four girls between the age of 10 and 12 for the summer.
Must love children (obviously), critters, football, sitting on the porch and talking about your day.
Must not mind bickering kids, meddling brothers and must be ready to deal with the sparks blossoming between you and the boss.
Fireflies included.
A temporary position with the possibility to stay after the summer if love is in the air.
The pay is good but the fun is better !
May 15, 2018
She has goals involving bright city lights and this cowboy is big country all the way. Will a month on the ranch that feels like down home and eight disadvantaged kids change her mind? Another new series by a great author of heartwarming cowboy romance and I was all in for that.
Retta left home after high school for college, her business degree, her hard-earned bank position, but then ended up putting her ambition to make VP and bank branch president on hold to take care of her dad back home and then sell the old family ranch. Between heading back to the city to hire back in and pick up where she left off, she takes a job of summer counselor on a ranch to work with a group of kids from the city.
Cade tried something with a woman with big city lights in her eyes and it got him nothing, but a note and a returned ring on his wedding day. He might feel all sorts of sparks coming from an attraction to Retta, but there is no way he's going to let his heart get crushed a second time by a woman who won't stay.
This was a gently-paced, heartwarming story about more than the romance. I loved how these kids with high risk-factors were brought out to the ranch and given an opportunity to learn new skills, be praised, and cherished, and learn to trust in others again. Each had their own individual personalities.
And, it was fun being introduced to the people at Longhorn Canyon Ranch. Cade, of course, his brother Justin, their friend Levi, along with semi-retired Skip and Mavis. Oh, and let's not forget all the stray animals that Levi brings home to keep whether it is an old turtle with a cracked shell, a little donkey with a gimpy leg, a bunny, cat, or dog.
The story was told in a back and forth sharing of the narrative between Cade and Retta. Much of the conflict in the otherwise easy-going romance is Retta having this life plan that she stubbornly clings to no matter what even though its obvious to her and everyone else that what she wants is right in front of her face. But, she's going through a tough time and is just realizing that she never grieved her mother's death from years before and is still raw from losing her dad. That plan of hers has been a life raft when she was nearly drowning in it all so it kind of made sense. Cade has to weather his own fears when he knows that things have gotten real. Will he let her walk out of his life to go after what she thinks she has to have or will he try to smother her to keep her close because the last woman left him? I confess to some impatience with her because they were obviously a great pair and I loved them together.
The banter and sass, daily life, and heartwarming little moments are what make the story so good. I love this down home style for a change of pace now and then and can't recommend the author's books enough to those who enjoy contemporary cowboy romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Retta left home after high school for college, her business degree, her hard-earned bank position, but then ended up putting her ambition to make VP and bank branch president on hold to take care of her dad back home and then sell the old family ranch. Between heading back to the city to hire back in and pick up where she left off, she takes a job of summer counselor on a ranch to work with a group of kids from the city.
Cade tried something with a woman with big city lights in her eyes and it got him nothing, but a note and a returned ring on his wedding day. He might feel all sorts of sparks coming from an attraction to Retta, but there is no way he's going to let his heart get crushed a second time by a woman who won't stay.
This was a gently-paced, heartwarming story about more than the romance. I loved how these kids with high risk-factors were brought out to the ranch and given an opportunity to learn new skills, be praised, and cherished, and learn to trust in others again. Each had their own individual personalities.
And, it was fun being introduced to the people at Longhorn Canyon Ranch. Cade, of course, his brother Justin, their friend Levi, along with semi-retired Skip and Mavis. Oh, and let's not forget all the stray animals that Levi brings home to keep whether it is an old turtle with a cracked shell, a little donkey with a gimpy leg, a bunny, cat, or dog.
The story was told in a back and forth sharing of the narrative between Cade and Retta. Much of the conflict in the otherwise easy-going romance is Retta having this life plan that she stubbornly clings to no matter what even though its obvious to her and everyone else that what she wants is right in front of her face. But, she's going through a tough time and is just realizing that she never grieved her mother's death from years before and is still raw from losing her dad. That plan of hers has been a life raft when she was nearly drowning in it all so it kind of made sense. Cade has to weather his own fears when he knows that things have gotten real. Will he let her walk out of his life to go after what she thinks she has to have or will he try to smother her to keep her close because the last woman left him? I confess to some impatience with her because they were obviously a great pair and I loved them together.
The banter and sass, daily life, and heartwarming little moments are what make the story so good. I love this down home style for a change of pace now and then and can't recommend the author's books enough to those who enjoy contemporary cowboy romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2018
Cowboy Bold was such an enjoyable story to read. Some parts were a little cheesy but, all in all, I liked the story line, the characters and the overall feel of the book.
Cade Maguire was burned and burned bad. Left at the alter, he refuses to get attached to any one woman again. He learned his lesson the hard way … the same way that he learned that football wasn't where he was supposed to be … the hard way. His life is on the ranch, helping people find themselves and living life the way he knows how – simple and hard-working. Until Retta walks in and blows all his plans for his life away.
Retta Palmer is getting on with her life plan after her father's death. Get a summer job, go back to the city and get her job back and move forward. She's unsure if she's totally qualified for the counselor's job at Longhorn Canyon Ranch but she sure is going to sell what qualifications she has to get it. Then she see's Cade. Her boss. The man she ends up dreaming about every night. The one man that could possibly make her change her life plans. But, she doesn't want another ranch … she wants bright lights and the big city. Doesn't she? Isn't that where she is supposed to be?
So, what harm could a little summer fling bring? Maybe both of them losing their hearts to the other. Maybe learning how to take a chance again. Maybe finding out just where you belonged all along. And, with the help of eight kids also trying to find their way in life and 2 people who already found their way, Cade and Retta could find the one person who truly fulfills everything they ever wanted in life.
So, the kids really made this story fun and interesting. Between their attitudes, their different personalities and the war of the sexes, it just made everything so fascinating. I loved watching them come together, work together and make life-long friends … with the help of Cade, Retta, Mavis, Skip, Justin and Levi. Carolyn Brown did a beautiful job of bringing this story to life. She wrote a touching story with so many life lessons in it. I was really thrilled with the way the story ended and it's message. Home is where the heart is and Cade and Retta definitely found their home.
January 8, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Cowboy Bold is the first book in the Longhorn Canyon series that we have from Carolyn Brown. This author I have really started to enjoy more and more, especially in her audio formats. She always has such fantastic narrators and they just really work for me in every way. What is great about this author is how she writes and implements the western culture and the small town settings. They are just the best in some unique ways in their portrayal of what I love most about small towns.
The story sets off with our heroine who has come to the ranch for a job until she goes to the city to begin anew. She has recently lost her parents and had to sell the farm in doing so. But when she comes for this job where she will be working with Cabe who runs a program for struggling kids to help incorporate strong principles of hard work, accountability and some fun. As Cade and Rhetta start to work together here in this camp for kids, a connection forms between them, however, they begin to see that life just isn’t going to be as simple as they imagined, when their powerful chemistry builds into something more. Both of them have different paths but will they be able to overcome the trauma of their past and fight for what they have together....
Cowboy Bold was such a heartfelt book that had me in my feels completely. I just couldn’t get enough of this story and how much it portrayed from beginning to end. The characters were all so full of life and captures you in such a unique way. This is definitely my favorite book from this author, I love it dearly. There was many elements that I guarantee will capture your attention, I loved the family connections between everyone. These kids that are incorporated....my goodness I love them all in their own way. They all have their issues and it broke my heart but we so so many realistic elements that affect so many kids today that we all need to be aware of. I really loved the issues that this author addresses here and I was very fascinated by her mix of plots that are formulated in this story.
The romance that develops between Cade and Rhetta is pretty powerful, I have to say I was IN TEARS so many times in this book because of their powerful connection that they have together. I definitely won’t be forgetting them anytime soon and their story was so emotional because it was so they were both fighting off their feelings for each other but that love happened anyway no matter how hard they fought it but it was most empowering at the end, seeing them put the relationship as the priority in their lives and learn to not let certain opportunities pass you by even if they are unexpected.
Overall I was astounded by this story and everything that Carolyn Brown put together to emulate such a beautiful penned romance that tugged at my heartstring. SIMPLY PHENOMENAL
Cowboy Bold is the first book in the Longhorn Canyon series that we have from Carolyn Brown. This author I have really started to enjoy more and more, especially in her audio formats. She always has such fantastic narrators and they just really work for me in every way. What is great about this author is how she writes and implements the western culture and the small town settings. They are just the best in some unique ways in their portrayal of what I love most about small towns.
The story sets off with our heroine who has come to the ranch for a job until she goes to the city to begin anew. She has recently lost her parents and had to sell the farm in doing so. But when she comes for this job where she will be working with Cabe who runs a program for struggling kids to help incorporate strong principles of hard work, accountability and some fun. As Cade and Rhetta start to work together here in this camp for kids, a connection forms between them, however, they begin to see that life just isn’t going to be as simple as they imagined, when their powerful chemistry builds into something more. Both of them have different paths but will they be able to overcome the trauma of their past and fight for what they have together....
Cowboy Bold was such a heartfelt book that had me in my feels completely. I just couldn’t get enough of this story and how much it portrayed from beginning to end. The characters were all so full of life and captures you in such a unique way. This is definitely my favorite book from this author, I love it dearly. There was many elements that I guarantee will capture your attention, I loved the family connections between everyone. These kids that are incorporated....my goodness I love them all in their own way. They all have their issues and it broke my heart but we so so many realistic elements that affect so many kids today that we all need to be aware of. I really loved the issues that this author addresses here and I was very fascinated by her mix of plots that are formulated in this story.
The romance that develops between Cade and Rhetta is pretty powerful, I have to say I was IN TEARS so many times in this book because of their powerful connection that they have together. I definitely won’t be forgetting them anytime soon and their story was so emotional because it was so they were both fighting off their feelings for each other but that love happened anyway no matter how hard they fought it but it was most empowering at the end, seeing them put the relationship as the priority in their lives and learn to not let certain opportunities pass you by even if they are unexpected.
Overall I was astounded by this story and everything that Carolyn Brown put together to emulate such a beautiful penned romance that tugged at my heartstring. SIMPLY PHENOMENAL
April 27, 2018
Honestly, I wasn't really sure about this book. First time reading the author. The blurb attracted me, as did that hot cover, so I thought-give it a whirl and I'm so glad I did. What a great story, I loved the characters, the plot, the kids, the ranch, the animals the list is endless.
I loved Cade and Retta. Retta struggling after losing her father and her family farm and everything on it. This was a summer job to hold her over until she got her old job back in Dallas in the banking business. The girl was raised on a farm and since it was just her and her Dad, could handle anything that came her way. Including the city kids that came to Longhorn for summer camp.
When Cade's usual girl's bunkhouse helper begs off to go help her own daughter, he needs someone fast and Retta, is just perfect. The sparks fly from the moment they meet, Cade hires her, she drives home to pick up her feet meager belongings and returns to the ranch to settle in. Retta's still grieving hard for her father. Cade's still "getting over" a relationship that went south 3 years ago. He just doesn't let go. Other than the one off now and then at the local bar in town his life is the ranch.
They don't have a lot of time to prepare Retta for the 4 girls and 4 boys coming from the city for the summer but it flows seamlessly as does their relationship. Cade is kind and loving and so good with the kids and Retta is a natural. The kids love her, although she commands respect and expects them to respect each other. What a great story to watch unfold with these kids who are just full of sass and fire, learn to help each other and work together. Love and discipline go a long way and same goes for Cade and Retta.
There's not one thing not to like in this book. It's character driven, loaded with dialogue and interaction between the multiple characters but I loved it. I look forward to the next book in the series. Suffice to say, I'm hooked.
4.5 stars
**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
I loved Cade and Retta. Retta struggling after losing her father and her family farm and everything on it. This was a summer job to hold her over until she got her old job back in Dallas in the banking business. The girl was raised on a farm and since it was just her and her Dad, could handle anything that came her way. Including the city kids that came to Longhorn for summer camp.
When Cade's usual girl's bunkhouse helper begs off to go help her own daughter, he needs someone fast and Retta, is just perfect. The sparks fly from the moment they meet, Cade hires her, she drives home to pick up her feet meager belongings and returns to the ranch to settle in. Retta's still grieving hard for her father. Cade's still "getting over" a relationship that went south 3 years ago. He just doesn't let go. Other than the one off now and then at the local bar in town his life is the ranch.
They don't have a lot of time to prepare Retta for the 4 girls and 4 boys coming from the city for the summer but it flows seamlessly as does their relationship. Cade is kind and loving and so good with the kids and Retta is a natural. The kids love her, although she commands respect and expects them to respect each other. What a great story to watch unfold with these kids who are just full of sass and fire, learn to help each other and work together. Love and discipline go a long way and same goes for Cade and Retta.
There's not one thing not to like in this book. It's character driven, loaded with dialogue and interaction between the multiple characters but I loved it. I look forward to the next book in the series. Suffice to say, I'm hooked.
4.5 stars
**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
May 30, 2018
How could something that brought about so much inner turmoil still create a sense of peace?
I’ve read—and enjoyed—many books by Carolyn Brown but I feel comfortable saying that this one, Cowboy Bold, is my favorite. What a beautifully crafted, sweetly romantic tale it was.
Simple, warm, but moments of heartache, I loved every heartfelt minute this book had to offer. It starts gentle, flowing along in that unhurried way I associate with cowboys, and never rushes to conclusions or I love yous or decisions.
And that made Cade and Retta simply perfect. Their chemistry was easy—even when their situation was not—but palpable nonetheless, and their flirting the kind of adorable that leaves a smile on your face. Seeing them with and without the buffer of the kids—and that side story was full of feels, let me tell you—made it that much easier to connect with them both.
And connect with them, and this story, I absolutely did. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the Longhorn Canyon series, and the one beyond that, too. Cowboy Bold might be my new favorite, but I suspect it has some bold competition ahead.
Life is what you make it and if you listen to your heart it’s a simple thing, not a complicated one.
~ FIVE Little Bit STARS ~
I’ve read—and enjoyed—many books by Carolyn Brown but I feel comfortable saying that this one, Cowboy Bold, is my favorite. What a beautifully crafted, sweetly romantic tale it was.
Simple, warm, but moments of heartache, I loved every heartfelt minute this book had to offer. It starts gentle, flowing along in that unhurried way I associate with cowboys, and never rushes to conclusions or I love yous or decisions.
And that made Cade and Retta simply perfect. Their chemistry was easy—even when their situation was not—but palpable nonetheless, and their flirting the kind of adorable that leaves a smile on your face. Seeing them with and without the buffer of the kids—and that side story was full of feels, let me tell you—made it that much easier to connect with them both.
And connect with them, and this story, I absolutely did. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the Longhorn Canyon series, and the one beyond that, too. Cowboy Bold might be my new favorite, but I suspect it has some bold competition ahead.
Life is what you make it and if you listen to your heart it’s a simple thing, not a complicated one.
~ FIVE Little Bit STARS ~
June 14, 2018
ARC REVIEW
Longhorn Canyon #1, This was a great start to a new series. My opinion on it is really split there are things I really enjoyed about the book and others things that I didn't, nothing to do with Brown's ability to write, I teared up more times than I realize. It's just personal preference stuff that got on my nerves, like Cade being a Longhorns fan, as a Texas native I'm not much into football but my FIL says we root for the Aggies so we root for the Aggies. The friendly rivalry between Cade and Retta when it came to the Longhorns versus the Sooners got old real quick. There were some other things but I enjoyed the book for the most part. The family dynamic the Maguire family was nice the three brother's running the ranch and having a summer camp experience for troubled kids, where they get to learn the hard work that goes into the ranch and the value behind the hard work. I love that idea. The kids were great to they really win you over for the story. Retta and Cade's romance almost seemed like the secondary story line, the kids and the camp for me stood most for me I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. Like most of Brown's book the characters take it slow they really take the time to get to know each other and it's nice and kind of realistic the progression of their relationship, but I was disappointed in the ending.
Overall, the kids are the best part of the story, especially Sam. As the start of a new series this was a great introduction to the characters, to Longhorn Canyon, and what all they do there. (the cover model looks a little like Scott Eastwood, yummy)
Longhorn Canyon #1, This was a great start to a new series. My opinion on it is really split there are things I really enjoyed about the book and others things that I didn't, nothing to do with Brown's ability to write, I teared up more times than I realize. It's just personal preference stuff that got on my nerves, like Cade being a Longhorns fan, as a Texas native I'm not much into football but my FIL says we root for the Aggies so we root for the Aggies. The friendly rivalry between Cade and Retta when it came to the Longhorns versus the Sooners got old real quick. There were some other things but I enjoyed the book for the most part. The family dynamic the Maguire family was nice the three brother's running the ranch and having a summer camp experience for troubled kids, where they get to learn the hard work that goes into the ranch and the value behind the hard work. I love that idea. The kids were great to they really win you over for the story. Retta and Cade's romance almost seemed like the secondary story line, the kids and the camp for me stood most for me I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. Like most of Brown's book the characters take it slow they really take the time to get to know each other and it's nice and kind of realistic the progression of their relationship, but I was disappointed in the ending.
Overall, the kids are the best part of the story, especially Sam. As the start of a new series this was a great introduction to the characters, to Longhorn Canyon, and what all they do there. (the cover model looks a little like Scott Eastwood, yummy)
May 22, 2018
Four stars: A sweet, sassy and heartwarming tale about new friendships and mending hearts.
Retta is hoping to get a summer job working the Longhorn Ranch, mentoring preteen girls who come from troubled backgrounds. She needs the short term job for the money. Retta also needs a place to stay until she can move back to Dallas and return to her banking job that she left when she had to care for her dying father. She is delighted when Cade, a cowboy with striking eyes and a sassy behind gives her the job. What follows is a whirlwind summer that proves to be heart healing for everyone involved. Will Retta be able to leave the ranch?
What I Liked:
*What better way to kick off summer than with another heartwarming book from Carolyn Brown? I loved that this one was all about healing broken hearts and new beginnings. Yes, there is a whirlwind romance, but it is so much more than that. This book packs a lot of heart.
*I loved the kids. The Longhorn Ranch mentors eight kids every summer. These are kids that come from tough circumstances. Many are in foster care or single parent homes. At the beginning, some of the kids are feisty and argumentative, but as the summer explodes with all the hustle and bustle of the ranch, the rag tag group forms a family. It was a delightful experience to watch all of the characters learn to love and support one another, and it was a joy to see them evolve. I loved each and every one of them.
*I couldn’t get enough of the adorable animals. Levi, one of the ranch cowboys, is known for adopting strays. The ranch has an adorable ranch dog, a cat, a bunny, a turtle with a cracked shell, and a small donkey with a weak leg. The animals were charming.
*Benji was one of my favorite characters. He is a shy boy with a touch of autism. He doesn’t do well in social situations, but he is all heart. He is a fountain of knowledge, some of his facts made me giggle. He wiggled his way into my heart.
*Mavis and Skip are amazing. They are a nearly retired couple who spend their summers helping mentor children. They both have huge hearts, and I loved the way the stepped up to help one of the kids.
*The romance takes a bit of a back seat to the rest of the story, which was fine by me. I liked that this was a romance about healing, and that it was based on friendship and sizzling chemistry. I especially enjoying the banter and ribbing along the way. It was delightful.
*The book ended with a few tears and smiles. It was sweet and satisfactory, the perfect book for summer reading.
And The Not So Much:
*I can’t complain too much about this one. The only thing I can say is that the romance moves at whirlwind speed, so if you aren’t a fan of fast paced romances, you may not like this one.
*I hope that in the next books, we get to follow up with the kids as they return to their homes.
Cowboy Bold is the perfect way to kick off the summer. This book has a big heart and it will make you smile. I loved that this was about growing, healing and finding family in unexpected places. Grab this one for when you want a light, sweet and happy read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Retta is hoping to get a summer job working the Longhorn Ranch, mentoring preteen girls who come from troubled backgrounds. She needs the short term job for the money. Retta also needs a place to stay until she can move back to Dallas and return to her banking job that she left when she had to care for her dying father. She is delighted when Cade, a cowboy with striking eyes and a sassy behind gives her the job. What follows is a whirlwind summer that proves to be heart healing for everyone involved. Will Retta be able to leave the ranch?
What I Liked:
*What better way to kick off summer than with another heartwarming book from Carolyn Brown? I loved that this one was all about healing broken hearts and new beginnings. Yes, there is a whirlwind romance, but it is so much more than that. This book packs a lot of heart.
*I loved the kids. The Longhorn Ranch mentors eight kids every summer. These are kids that come from tough circumstances. Many are in foster care or single parent homes. At the beginning, some of the kids are feisty and argumentative, but as the summer explodes with all the hustle and bustle of the ranch, the rag tag group forms a family. It was a delightful experience to watch all of the characters learn to love and support one another, and it was a joy to see them evolve. I loved each and every one of them.
*I couldn’t get enough of the adorable animals. Levi, one of the ranch cowboys, is known for adopting strays. The ranch has an adorable ranch dog, a cat, a bunny, a turtle with a cracked shell, and a small donkey with a weak leg. The animals were charming.
*Benji was one of my favorite characters. He is a shy boy with a touch of autism. He doesn’t do well in social situations, but he is all heart. He is a fountain of knowledge, some of his facts made me giggle. He wiggled his way into my heart.
*Mavis and Skip are amazing. They are a nearly retired couple who spend their summers helping mentor children. They both have huge hearts, and I loved the way the stepped up to help one of the kids.
*The romance takes a bit of a back seat to the rest of the story, which was fine by me. I liked that this was a romance about healing, and that it was based on friendship and sizzling chemistry. I especially enjoying the banter and ribbing along the way. It was delightful.
*The book ended with a few tears and smiles. It was sweet and satisfactory, the perfect book for summer reading.
And The Not So Much:
*I can’t complain too much about this one. The only thing I can say is that the romance moves at whirlwind speed, so if you aren’t a fan of fast paced romances, you may not like this one.
*I hope that in the next books, we get to follow up with the kids as they return to their homes.
Cowboy Bold is the perfect way to kick off the summer. This book has a big heart and it will make you smile. I loved that this was about growing, healing and finding family in unexpected places. Grab this one for when you want a light, sweet and happy read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 14, 2019
I was first introduced to Carolyn Brown at a Romance Writers convention where she was a guest speaker. I never thought of myself as a Western Romance reader but loved hearing her speak; she just drew me in. I started with the book Cowboy Bold which is the first book in the Longhorn Canyon Series. I loved how Retta taught these "at risk" young girls to have respect for themselves, and how Cade and Retta made each child feel they added to the group. The romance between Retta and Cade kept me interested to the end. Thanks to Carolyn Brown I have found a new genre of books to read.
Find Cowboy Bold at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
Find Cowboy Bold at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
January 31, 2021
This was my first Carolyn Brown book...I know, *gasp* how could that have happened? I picked this one up at a local Friends of the Library sale and since I'm a sucker for a cowboy romance, I figured I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, this book was just okay for me. It was sweet, like sickly sweet, which has its place at times, but I'm not in the mood for a Hallmark movie type of book and this was certainly that. I'd say this book was more PG than PG-13 since even the sex scenes are a whole paragraph or two and vague. A lot obviously don't care about that, but if it's so sweet that it gives the reader a toothache, at least make the sex hot to make it worthwhile. I'm obviously in the minority here, so my review is probably just a 'it's me, not you' type of review that you can choose to ignore. I typically read a book in a day or two, but this one took me a whole week to get through. I just wasn't that itchy to get back to reading the book.
The best part of the book is the kids and the summer camp program that the Longhorn Canyon Ranch had for 8 Dallas foster and needy kids. I loved how their little personalities added some color to the book and how they grew into such fine young men and women by the time the book ended (from the skeptical and rude kids some were to begin with). And Benjy was just an awesome special needs kid who reminded me a lot of someone I know. It was all really heartwarming and I just wanted to adopt all of them myself by the end.
The ending was way too rushed for my liking. The whole book is a slow-burn romance. It was decently realistic in that Cade and Retta have 5 weeks to get to know one another and build on their relationship. But the last 2 pages seemed to go in hyper-speed compared to the rest of the book.
The best part of the book is the kids and the summer camp program that the Longhorn Canyon Ranch had for 8 Dallas foster and needy kids. I loved how their little personalities added some color to the book and how they grew into such fine young men and women by the time the book ended (from the skeptical and rude kids some were to begin with). And Benjy was just an awesome special needs kid who reminded me a lot of someone I know. It was all really heartwarming and I just wanted to adopt all of them myself by the end.
The ending was way too rushed for my liking. The whole book is a slow-burn romance. It was decently realistic in that Cade and Retta have 5 weeks to get to know one another and build on their relationship. But the last 2 pages seemed to go in hyper-speed compared to the rest of the book.
June 3, 2019
Sweet, cowboy romance…
Carolyn Brown is one of my favourite authors when I am in the mood for cowboys and sweet romance. And of course I’m always in the mood! Longhorn Canyon is a new series centering on the LC ranch and the family of brothers that own, run and ride it. Cade has buried himself in working the ranch ever since he got burned by love. When Retta came to help for the summer, he had to remind himself he wasn’t looking for love. Luckily, Retta was happy to let him know she wasn’t interested either. Of course, that is when the story really began…
Loss, grieving. Realizing that life was all about choices and change. About trusting and following your heart. There was a lot of soul-searching in Retta and Cade’s courtship, done under beautiful summer skies and in front of a passel of kids that made the best chaperones. Retta was strong and realistic, determined not to lose her long-held dream. Cade was equally determined she didn’t lose sight of what was even more important – what made her happy…
The push and pull as they tried to figure out what they both really wanted and needed was full of laughter and tears, quirky kids and even quirkier animals. This was the perfect read on a hot, Sunday afternoon…
Carolyn Brown is one of my favourite authors when I am in the mood for cowboys and sweet romance. And of course I’m always in the mood! Longhorn Canyon is a new series centering on the LC ranch and the family of brothers that own, run and ride it. Cade has buried himself in working the ranch ever since he got burned by love. When Retta came to help for the summer, he had to remind himself he wasn’t looking for love. Luckily, Retta was happy to let him know she wasn’t interested either. Of course, that is when the story really began…
Loss, grieving. Realizing that life was all about choices and change. About trusting and following your heart. There was a lot of soul-searching in Retta and Cade’s courtship, done under beautiful summer skies and in front of a passel of kids that made the best chaperones. Retta was strong and realistic, determined not to lose her long-held dream. Cade was equally determined she didn’t lose sight of what was even more important – what made her happy…
The push and pull as they tried to figure out what they both really wanted and needed was full of laughter and tears, quirky kids and even quirkier animals. This was the perfect read on a hot, Sunday afternoon…
June 9, 2020
Didn't believe in the chemistry between the two main characters
I enjoyed the kids more than the romance aspect
Didn't waste reading the last 4 chapters
Just overall boring for me
I enjoyed the kids more than the romance aspect
Didn't waste reading the last 4 chapters
Just overall boring for me
May 31, 2018
Retta's father passed away and she had to sell the family ranch to pay his large number of medical bills. She's a farm girl at heart, but working in the city's always been her big dream. For a few years it became reality, but when her father needed someone to take care of him Retta moved back home. Because she needs to work and the interview for her old job is a few weeks away, Retta applies for a position of counselor for the girls who are staying at Longhorn Canyon Ranch during the summer. When Cade, the owner of the ranch, meets Retta he hires her on the spot. Will she have a good time working at his ranch?
Cade is still getting over being jilted. He doesn't think he will ever be able to deal with so much heartbreak again. That's why Retta's presence at the farm proves to be a challenge. He likes her a lot, but they're both grieving and therefore they aren't ready to get involved with someone. Retta is magnificent when it comes to guiding the girls of his program and she's well loved by both the boys and the girls who are staying for the summer, but is she also perfect for Cade? While looking after eight challenging kids, sparks fly between them. What will happen when it's time for the children to go home, will Retta also leave and return to the city?
Cowboy Bold is a wonderful romantic story. Cade is a chivalrous man with a good heart. He loves looking after the children of his program and enjoys letting them spend several weeks on his farm each year. They are all kids who could use a break and that's exactly what he offers them. Retta instinctively knows how to handle each situation and she's a terrific asset to the ranch. She's loving and attentive and I enjoyed how she's protective of every single one of her girls. I admired her strong personality, her large number of useful skills and her sassy attitude. I liked the combination of romance and a meaningful program, it works incredibly well.
Carolyn Brown has an amazing heartwarming writing style. Her stories always make me smile and they all have that perfect feelgood reading factor. I love the many emotional layers, each of them is spot on. Carolyn Brown also knows how to describe true love. Her stories are filled with meaningful connections and beautiful bonds. One of the things I loved the most about Cowboy Bold is the beautiful friendship between a large variety of very different main characters. Carolyn Brown combines a gorgeous alluring story with a stunning setting, which made it easy to completely fall in love with Cowboy Bold. I highly recommend this mesmerizing enchanting and charming book.
Cade is still getting over being jilted. He doesn't think he will ever be able to deal with so much heartbreak again. That's why Retta's presence at the farm proves to be a challenge. He likes her a lot, but they're both grieving and therefore they aren't ready to get involved with someone. Retta is magnificent when it comes to guiding the girls of his program and she's well loved by both the boys and the girls who are staying for the summer, but is she also perfect for Cade? While looking after eight challenging kids, sparks fly between them. What will happen when it's time for the children to go home, will Retta also leave and return to the city?
Cowboy Bold is a wonderful romantic story. Cade is a chivalrous man with a good heart. He loves looking after the children of his program and enjoys letting them spend several weeks on his farm each year. They are all kids who could use a break and that's exactly what he offers them. Retta instinctively knows how to handle each situation and she's a terrific asset to the ranch. She's loving and attentive and I enjoyed how she's protective of every single one of her girls. I admired her strong personality, her large number of useful skills and her sassy attitude. I liked the combination of romance and a meaningful program, it works incredibly well.
Carolyn Brown has an amazing heartwarming writing style. Her stories always make me smile and they all have that perfect feelgood reading factor. I love the many emotional layers, each of them is spot on. Carolyn Brown also knows how to describe true love. Her stories are filled with meaningful connections and beautiful bonds. One of the things I loved the most about Cowboy Bold is the beautiful friendship between a large variety of very different main characters. Carolyn Brown combines a gorgeous alluring story with a stunning setting, which made it easy to completely fall in love with Cowboy Bold. I highly recommend this mesmerizing enchanting and charming book.
July 20, 2018
Cowboy Bold by Carolyn Brown is a deep touching story that tells us home is where the heart grows.
Cade owns and runs Longhorn Canyon Ranch along side his brother Justin and friend Levi. after being dumped Cade swears off anything serious with women. A quick date here and there was all he wanted. That was until he met up with with a woman who is worth loving even if she is a Sooner fan.
Retta is a small town girl that turned city, but one thing you could never do is take the country out of the girl. She returned home to help run the family farm after her dad developed cancer, after his death Retta needed a change , she found it at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and her new job as the girl camp counselor.
There is chemistry between Cade and Retta, but both unsure what to do with it. For Cade was he truly over his ex? Could he open his heart again knowing that like Julie, Retta was planning on leaving? Retta was taking a break after her fathers death before getting on with her live and job. She would not let one bold cowboy change her plans.
Mavis, Slim, Justin and Levi give Cowboy Bold a nice boost. I enjoyed their interaction with Cade and Retta. Their love and advice for Cade came through as caring, not overly done. The show stoppers for me were Kirk, Nelson, Benji, Lance, Faith, Gabby, Sasha and sweet little Alice the kids of the camp. They gave the adults a run for their money. *smiles* The plot was done in Carolyn Brown style. Strong characters all around, strong sense of growth, working together, heart. I went through quite a few tissues while reading Cowboy Bold.
Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!
Cade owns and runs Longhorn Canyon Ranch along side his brother Justin and friend Levi. after being dumped Cade swears off anything serious with women. A quick date here and there was all he wanted. That was until he met up with with a woman who is worth loving even if she is a Sooner fan.
Retta is a small town girl that turned city, but one thing you could never do is take the country out of the girl. She returned home to help run the family farm after her dad developed cancer, after his death Retta needed a change , she found it at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and her new job as the girl camp counselor.
There is chemistry between Cade and Retta, but both unsure what to do with it. For Cade was he truly over his ex? Could he open his heart again knowing that like Julie, Retta was planning on leaving? Retta was taking a break after her fathers death before getting on with her live and job. She would not let one bold cowboy change her plans.
Mavis, Slim, Justin and Levi give Cowboy Bold a nice boost. I enjoyed their interaction with Cade and Retta. Their love and advice for Cade came through as caring, not overly done. The show stoppers for me were Kirk, Nelson, Benji, Lance, Faith, Gabby, Sasha and sweet little Alice the kids of the camp. They gave the adults a run for their money. *smiles* The plot was done in Carolyn Brown style. Strong characters all around, strong sense of growth, working together, heart. I went through quite a few tissues while reading Cowboy Bold.
Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!
June 5, 2018
Check out our
Cowboy Bold
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Cade loves making the kids who come to his ranch every summer find something in themselves that they didn't realize they had. When he meets Retta, he thinks she may find something during her stay as well.
Retta's father just passed away and she needs a place to stay until she can interview for her former job in Dallas at the end of the summer. She left rural Oklahoma determined to "make it" in the big city, and with nothing left in Oklahoma, she's going back to Dallas come hell or high water.
Staying on Cade's ranch is a temporary thing, but the longer she's there, the more Retta realizes that she misses ranch life, the slow pace, the small town life. She's not sure if she can give up her dream of being successful in the business world for happiness. That is, until she realizes that they are not mutually exclusive.
Cade's ability to know what Retta needs is instinctive and just what she craves. His concern and caring for her is just want you want in an alpha male and once Retta sees Cade for the man he is, she knows her heart is lost.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Cowboy Bold (Longhorn Canyon #1) by Carolyn Brown to read and review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Cade loves making the kids who come to his ranch every summer find something in themselves that they didn't realize they had. When he meets Retta, he thinks she may find something during her stay as well.
Retta's father just passed away and she needs a place to stay until she can interview for her former job in Dallas at the end of the summer. She left rural Oklahoma determined to "make it" in the big city, and with nothing left in Oklahoma, she's going back to Dallas come hell or high water.
Staying on Cade's ranch is a temporary thing, but the longer she's there, the more Retta realizes that she misses ranch life, the slow pace, the small town life. She's not sure if she can give up her dream of being successful in the business world for happiness. That is, until she realizes that they are not mutually exclusive.
Cade's ability to know what Retta needs is instinctive and just what she craves. His concern and caring for her is just want you want in an alpha male and once Retta sees Cade for the man he is, she knows her heart is lost.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Cowboy Bold (Longhorn Canyon #1) by Carolyn Brown to read and review.
June 25, 2018
Review written by Marie for Ever After Book Reviews!
There’s just something awesome about a good, cheesy romance. Cowboy Bold fits that bill perfectly.
Our hero, Cade, is determined to throw himself in to his ranch. His goal in life is to help people find themselves and teach them the value of working hard and simply. He is determined to keep himself single and unattached to women. That is, until Retta walks in to his life.
Retta is the heroine of this story. She is trying to move on from the death of her father and lands the job of Counselor at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. She is unsure that she is a fit for the job, but when she sees her new boss, Cade, she can’t stop thinking about him.
And here is where their whirlwind romance begins.
Of course, every romance needs a little help and reassurance… and this is where the kids that Retta and Cade are trying to help come in. These kids are wonderful secondary characters and their sweet personalities made this story so poetic and sweet.
This book is full of tender moments, touching life lessons and more than a few laughs. It was a heart-warming read that made me cheer out loud for Cade and Retta (yes, like I said… super cheesy). I sincerely hope there are more books to come in this series, because I will eat them up in a heartbeat!
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
There’s just something awesome about a good, cheesy romance. Cowboy Bold fits that bill perfectly.
Our hero, Cade, is determined to throw himself in to his ranch. His goal in life is to help people find themselves and teach them the value of working hard and simply. He is determined to keep himself single and unattached to women. That is, until Retta walks in to his life.
Retta is the heroine of this story. She is trying to move on from the death of her father and lands the job of Counselor at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. She is unsure that she is a fit for the job, but when she sees her new boss, Cade, she can’t stop thinking about him.
And here is where their whirlwind romance begins.
Of course, every romance needs a little help and reassurance… and this is where the kids that Retta and Cade are trying to help come in. These kids are wonderful secondary characters and their sweet personalities made this story so poetic and sweet.
This book is full of tender moments, touching life lessons and more than a few laughs. It was a heart-warming read that made me cheer out loud for Cade and Retta (yes, like I said… super cheesy). I sincerely hope there are more books to come in this series, because I will eat them up in a heartbeat!
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
December 27, 2024
I only made it to 30% and couldn’t do it any more. I tried really hard to give this a chance but I was ticked off from the very beginning. I couldn’t believe that even in a fiction story (in modern times) they referred to an autistic child as being “different but he has a good heart.” What?
Then when the FMC sits down for dinner with the ranchers and they’re getting to know each other, they ask her if she was a cheerleader in college. She replies with “no, I was a kicker.” They were all taken aback because “she could have been a model.” Then proceeded to ask if they borrowed uniforms from the other team and if it was flag football etc. So now we’re getting sexist.
There is ZERO connection between the FMC and MMC.
All of the dialogue is written like a highschool student in writing class. I think I’m more irritated by the autism comment and the sexism than anything else and I’m not a person who’s easily offended. This seemed more like a Hallmark movie that would have been written in the 80’s (if Hallmark had been making movies back then).
Then when the FMC sits down for dinner with the ranchers and they’re getting to know each other, they ask her if she was a cheerleader in college. She replies with “no, I was a kicker.” They were all taken aback because “she could have been a model.” Then proceeded to ask if they borrowed uniforms from the other team and if it was flag football etc. So now we’re getting sexist.
There is ZERO connection between the FMC and MMC.
All of the dialogue is written like a highschool student in writing class. I think I’m more irritated by the autism comment and the sexism than anything else and I’m not a person who’s easily offended. This seemed more like a Hallmark movie that would have been written in the 80’s (if Hallmark had been making movies back then).
June 2, 2018
Carolyn Brown has never disappointed me yet and Cowboy Bold was no different. Cade is still nursing his shattered heart after being left at the altar two years earlier. He has ranching in his blood and has no desire to do anything else. He always looks forward to opening his Longhorn Canyon Ranch to underprivileged kids for five weeks. This year he needs a girls counselor and Retta Palmer has applied for the job.
Right away sparks fly between the two of them as she is being interviewed for the job. Knowing she will only be there for five weeks she is determined to ignore the sparks. Sometimes the mind and the heart do not agree. What is going to happen with Cade and Retta? Will they follow their hearts? This is a great story of love, determination, and being honest with yourself. I loved every minute of this book. I am really looking forward to the next book: Cowboy Honor. This is a standalone book with no ccliffhanger and a happy ever after.
Right away sparks fly between the two of them as she is being interviewed for the job. Knowing she will only be there for five weeks she is determined to ignore the sparks. Sometimes the mind and the heart do not agree. What is going to happen with Cade and Retta? Will they follow their hearts? This is a great story of love, determination, and being honest with yourself. I loved every minute of this book. I am really looking forward to the next book: Cowboy Honor. This is a standalone book with no ccliffhanger and a happy ever after.
May 24, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Cade loves making the kids who come to his ranch every summer find something in themselves that they didn't realize they had. When he meets Retta, he thinks she may find something during her stay as well.
Retta's father just passed away and she needs a place to stay until she can interview for her former job in Dallas at the end of the summer. She left rural Oklahoma determined to "make it" in the big city, and with nothing left in Oklahoma, she's going back to Dallas come hell or high water.
Staying on Cade's ranch is a temporary thing, but the longer she's there, the more Retta realizes that she misses ranch life, the slow pace, the small town life. She's not sure if she can give up her dream of being successful in the business world for happiness. That is, until she realizes that they are not mutually exclusive.
Cade's ability to know what Retta needs is instinctive and just what she craves. His concern and caring for her is just want you want in an alpha male and once Retta sees Cade for the man he is, she knows her heart is lost.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
Cade loves making the kids who come to his ranch every summer find something in themselves that they didn't realize they had. When he meets Retta, he thinks she may find something during her stay as well.
Retta's father just passed away and she needs a place to stay until she can interview for her former job in Dallas at the end of the summer. She left rural Oklahoma determined to "make it" in the big city, and with nothing left in Oklahoma, she's going back to Dallas come hell or high water.
Staying on Cade's ranch is a temporary thing, but the longer she's there, the more Retta realizes that she misses ranch life, the slow pace, the small town life. She's not sure if she can give up her dream of being successful in the business world for happiness. That is, until she realizes that they are not mutually exclusive.
Cade's ability to know what Retta needs is instinctive and just what she craves. His concern and caring for her is just want you want in an alpha male and once Retta sees Cade for the man he is, she knows her heart is lost.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
January 12, 2019
All Retta Palmer wants is a relatively simple summer while she is awaiting a job of her dreams. Although she was raised on a ranch, this is definitely not something in her future. City life, here she comes. Meanwhile, Cade Maquire is very happy his ranch is about to open up again for a eight underprivileged kids. This is something that he very much looks forward to each year When he meets the new girls' counselor, he doesn't realize how much fun his summer will actually be.
Retta may not have a lot of experience working with 'tweens, but her genuinely kind personality, along with some other exceptional skills, makes her an invaluable part of the team. How close does Retta want to get close to her new boss Cade? The draw is real, on both parts, but she has a life plan, and he and his life there on the ranch could never fit in.
Cowboy Bold is a quick romance that is peppered with humor and the right amount of sexiness and sweetness. Retta and Cade have sparks flying all over the place, but that is just part of the story. The kids were great, as well as the activities. I really enjoyed this story, and, as a matter of fact, I read the next book in the Longhorn Canyon series, Cowboy Honor, immediately following this read.
The next three books in the series are, Cowboy Brave, released on January 8, 2019 and Cowboy Rebel and Christmas with a Cowboy, set for release later this year.
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.
Retta may not have a lot of experience working with 'tweens, but her genuinely kind personality, along with some other exceptional skills, makes her an invaluable part of the team. How close does Retta want to get close to her new boss Cade? The draw is real, on both parts, but she has a life plan, and he and his life there on the ranch could never fit in.
Cowboy Bold is a quick romance that is peppered with humor and the right amount of sexiness and sweetness. Retta and Cade have sparks flying all over the place, but that is just part of the story. The kids were great, as well as the activities. I really enjoyed this story, and, as a matter of fact, I read the next book in the Longhorn Canyon series, Cowboy Honor, immediately following this read.
The next three books in the series are, Cowboy Brave, released on January 8, 2019 and Cowboy Rebel and Christmas with a Cowboy, set for release later this year.
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.
May 25, 2018
Beyond the laughter, despite the tears there will be hope. Brown looks at life as a classroom. The hits keep coming, yet the lessons are never-ending. Cowboy Bold reads a bit like a country song, but uplifts like the chorus of a heartwarming hymn. Retta and Cade are each other's destiny. They don't know it, but their heart does. People and circumstance are the road map to who we are and it's pure tales like this one that have an impact on our minds and hearts.
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