Cowboy Kisses Six Romantic Tales of Colorado Cowboys
Cowboy Homecoming by Cindi Myers After years in the city Kate Randolph has come home to take care of her ailing father, only to find local cowboy Jace Carpenter in charge of her father’s ranch. Jace isn’t sure what to make of Kate, but he’s dealing with big changes in his own life since his family ranch was sold. Can a prodigal daughter and a restless cowboy turn the bad hand life has dealt them into a winning combination? Loving You From Afar by RaeAnne Hadley Ariana thought her life was over when she lost her husband. But through a strange twist of events that brought a stranger into her and her children’s lives, she was starting to believe that maybe it was just the beginning.
My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed Just when you least expect it, love finds you forever. Photographer Avery Smart refuses to believe in “forever cowboys” after her father died in a tragic rodeo accident, until professional bull rider Grant Hollow decides to shed new light into the darkroom of her heart. Say Nothing by Autumn Piper The best medicine doesn’t always come in pill form, but who knew it could be a scruffy, cranky cowboy? After escaping from the psycho who held her prisoner for months, Brooke often suffers panic attacks when she tries to speak. When her cousin invites her to recuperate at his friends’ ranch in Colorado and help them care for their twin toddlers, she accepts. She’s got nothing holding her in Nebraska; her boyfriend went dark when she returned from captivity damaged. For years since his engagement went belly-up, lead ranch-hand Rowdy has been non-relationship material. He feels a connection with Brooke, though, and she’s able to confide things in him she doesn’t trust her therapist with. He’s probably too old for her, and he’s sure once she recovers she’ll find someone better than him, but he’s content to take the time they have and help her until then. When her successful ex rides back into the picture, Rowdy will have to decide: fight for Brooke, or give her the financially stable future she deserves.
Peyton’s Kiss by Ann Anders No one ever promised Stella Fairchild that life would be fair. If it was, then her best friend wouldn’t be dying. A little girl wouldn’t be losing her mother. And a lonely cowboy would be ready for love. Under the blue skies of Colorado, however, fate has its own ideas. And maybe, just maybe, silver linings can be found hiding in the storm.
Midnight Ride by D’Ann Lindun Can they escape peril and fall in love? When Brynn Lockwood and her five-year-old daughter Brooke decide to camp in the Colorado mountains the last thing they expect is to be taken hostage by a gunman. After suffering a devastating shooting, Sawyer Bennet moves to Black Mountain, Colorado, to recover. As a Sheriff’s Posse member, he is called out to find a dangerous criminal, but loses his heart instead.
Cindi Myers worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager before turning to writing full time. She's written both historical and contemporary romance, as well as dozens of short stories and nonfiction articles. Cindi thinks writers have the best job in the world.
Former president of San Antonio Romance Authors, Cindi is a member of Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.
She and her husband and their two dogs live in the mountains Southwest of Denver. When she's not caught up in creating new characters and stories, Cindi enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, skiing and hiking. She's also in demand as a speaker, teaching workshops and making presentations to both local and national writing groups.
“Cowboy Homecoming” by Cindi Myers is one of six novellas in the Cowboy Kisses anthology.
Kate Randolph returns to Cottonwood Corner Colorado to look after her ailing father and after losing her business and her boyfriend. Jace Carpenter leases the ranch land owned by Kate’s family after his father sold their land to a developer. Kate has to rediscover who she is – city girl or country girl while Jace has to decide what he’ll do if the Randolph’s sell their land. Kate and Jace will also have to decide it they want their attraction last longer than one night. Their growing relationship is sweet and heartwarming.
“Cowboy Homecoming” is about family and finding the right path in life to follow.
Title Cowboy Kisses Authors: Cindi Myers, RaeAnne Hadley, Diane J. Reed, Autumn Piper, Ann Anders & D'Ann Lindun Publisher: Independently Published Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:
"Cowboy Kisses" by authors: Cindi Myers (Author), RaeAnne Hadley (Author), Diane J. Reed (Author), Autumn Piper (Author), Ann Anders (Author), D'Ann Lindun (Author)
My Take: On all Six Novellas.....
Cowboy Homecoming...by Cindi Myers
This was a sweet cute story of Kate Randolph who was living in Denver but had to come home to Cottonwood Corners, Colorado to help out with her ailing Dad. Upon arriving Kate finds out that there is a cowboy living on her parents property overseeing the ranch since her father had been ill. The reader can easily see how this story is going as Kate and the cowboy Jace come together. Will Kate be able to pick up her life after it was torn apart by her ex boyfriend Brent who had manage to take away her business in Denver? Now that Kate was back home would her sister Veronica convince her that selling the ranch would be best for them if something happened to their Dad? Will Kate finally see that she had more going for herself and all she needed to do was work her plan? Will Kate be a 'city or country girl?' Will their be an attraction for these two that will be worth working on? To get all of these questions answered and more you will have to pick up "Cowboy Kisses" novella to find out. Yes, this was a good sweet heartwarming read.
Next... we have
Loving You From Afar by RaeAnne Hadley
Another good novella that features Ariana and her daughters Dove and Lisa where they were sad due to having to spend a holiday without their father who had passed due to a accident. Oh how Ariana missed her husband Ed and the girls their father. How would they spend a holiday season without him? Well, they decided they were gong to a new year's eve party and it was there that they were introduced to Reese. Reese had let them know that he was told of this party be someone named 'Ed.' There will be many twist and turns but in the end how will this stranger bring this family something so special to them in their lives? After a accident will this family be able to mend and start something new with this new person that was now in their lives? Well, you will just have to pick up "Loving Your From Afar" to see that maybe there will be another new beginning for all...Ariana, Dove, Lisa and Reese. I loved how this author puts this story together that brings it all together so very well with it all coming together "Loving You From Afar."
Next....
My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed
This was a good story where this author brings in magic where Avery just may get her wish of her 'forever cowboy.' Will Grant Hollow who was a PBR Champion be able to 'shed new light to Avery's broken heart?' I loved how this author gives us some interesting characters..from Avery, Grant. Shae, Evangeline, Jubilee, June, Pearl and a few others that give this read a captivating read for the readers. To get the whole story you will just have to pick up "My Forever Cowboy" to see for yourself how well it is presented.
Next....
Say Nothing by Autumn Piper
After all of what had happened to Brooke will she be able to every speak well again? Well. after the invite to her cousin ranch in Colorado and she meets Rowdy will there be a change for Brooke. After Brooke starts texting and them talking a little bit who will all of this turn out as it seems that these two may have some feeling for one another so you will have to pick up "Say Nothing" to find out how well this author brings it all out to the reader
Peyton’s Kiss by Ann Anders
This was a little sad story in that Stella had come to Colorado due to the reason she was there for her friend Corinne who was ill with cancer] and her goddaughter Misty. Only there was Peyton [Corinne brother] 'who was a lonely cowboy but was he ready for love?' The other question would be would Stella be able to except it after all had happened? What I liked about the story was how the author was able to give the readers a good read that flowed together so well with a good ending. Even though it was a sad story one can find life as a way of giving us 'silver linings' in the end.
Midnight Ride by D’Ann Lindun
This was a very enjoyable and entertaining story that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what is coming next for Brynn and Annie Brooke as they went off on a camping trip. What a trip that ended up with a lots of action, suspense and even some romance. What will happen when a outlaw [Waydell Spencer] comes upon Brynn and Brooke? Will Sawyer Bennet who was a sheriff posse member be able to save Brynn and her daughter from this outlaw? What had happened in both of their lives that had caused them to wonder about love? What will happen when Brynn and Sawyer find that they have feelings for each other. Will these two get there HEA after all is said and done? Well, to find out all the answers to these questions you will have to pick up "Midnight Ride" to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.
If you are into cowboy stories you have come to the right place for 'Cowboy Kisses' will give it to you and more.
Really loved all the stories in this anthology. My favorites were by D'Ann, Cindy and Ann... but I enjoyed them all. These stories are full of heart. Have a box of tissue nearby as you escape with each of these cowboys.... Such a great anthology. Glad I picked this one up...
After years in the city Kate Randolph has come home to take care of her ailing father, only to find local cowboy Jace Carpenter in charge of her father’s ranch. Jace isn’t sure what to make of Kate, but he’s dealing with big changes in his own life since his family ranch was sold. Can a prodigal daughter and a restless cowboy turn the bad hand life has dealt them into a winning combination?
Good story about starting over. Kate's need to go home to take care of her father came at a good time. A recent breakup with her boyfriend also resulted in the loss of her business. Not certain what to do next, taking care of her dad gives Kate a chance to regroup and make some decisions. She's surprised to find Jace living on the ranch and running things, and not quite sure how she feels about it.
Jace had to do his own starting over. He leased Kate's dad's ranch after his parents sold theirs to a developer. All he wants to do is the ranching work that he loves and hopefully get a ranch of his own someday.
The first meeting between Jace and Kate was a little rough, as she didn't know about Jace's presence on the ranch. There was a bit of resentment in her actions, as Jace was comfortable with her dad and she felt guilty for being away. There was also a spark of attraction between them, which Kate tries to resist. She's still recovering from her breakup and not keen to put herself out there again. I liked the way they grew closer the longer that Kate stayed. However, each of them had issues that had to be overcome. Kate had to decide if she was going to go back to the city or stay on the ranch. Jace has to overcome his worry about what his future holds. When tragedy strikes, they have to decide if what they have is worth fighting for. I liked the way that they worked things out.
I liked both Kate and Jace. Kate hadn't hesitated to come back when her sister called. I liked how she was able to control her temper around Veronica's snippy attitude. It was satisfying to see her find something she liked to occupy her time and watch as it gave her the idea for a new start. I liked Jace's kindness to Kate's dad, and how he kept the older man involved in the ranch workings. I understood his fears about his future.
The secondary characters of Veronica and Chas added depth to the story and the relationship growing between Jace and Kate. I had a hard time liking Veronica at first. She seemed to be a bit on the selfish side when she was talking about the ranch. I also didn't like the way that she talked to Kate. However, she did redeem herself in the end. I didn't like Chas at all. He was a slick, used car salesman kind of guy, who always had an eye on what would benefit him.
Loving You From Afar by RaeAnne Hadley
Ariana thought her life was over when she lost her husband. But through a strange twist of events that brought a stranger into her and her children’s lives, she was starting to believe that maybe it was just the beginning.
Ariana and her daughters are still dealing with the grief of losing husband and father. In an effort to break out of the pattern, they went to the town New Year's party, where they met a man named Reese, a newcomer to the town. He was told about the party by a new friend.
I loved the way that Ariana and Reese connected right away. Though still grieving for her husband, she also realizes that she is lonely. She's a little hesitant at first, but Reese is easy to talk to. He also isn't fazed by her older daughter's hostile attitude. When Ariana is involved in a car accident on the way home and Dove is injured, Reese is there to provide whatever kind of support she needs. Though she has a momentary freakout over how quickly she begins to care for him, Ariana likes having him to lean on when she needs it. I loved Reese's way of finding little ways to make things easier on Ariana. He is also very understanding of her wariness.
Throughout the story, there are some interesting things that happen to move Ariana through her grief. Her conversations with her dead husband are a great comfort to her, especially the unexpected advice. When Dove comes out of her coma, she has had a change of attitude thanks to a heart-to-heart conversation. All becomes clear as the girls show Reese their photo albums later on.
My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed
Just when you least expect it, love finds you forever. Photographer Avery Smart refuses to believe in “forever cowboys” after her father died in a tragic rodeo accident, until professional bull rider Grant Hollow decides to shed new light into the darkroom of her heart.
Avery has a very cynical attitude when it comes to cowboys - she believes that forever is not in their vocabulary. It started with the death of her father in a rodeo accident and continued with men who only seem to want a good time and then move on. She also has to deal with her mother, who has never been quite right after her father's death. Pearl spends a lot of time talking to her husband's photograph as though the man were still alive.
Avery has a photography business and has just been hired to provide pictures of cowboys for a calendar. The only rodeo going on that weekend is in her hometown, so off she goes with her assistant. I loved Shae's unabashed fascination with the cowboys and her enthusiastic pursuit of anyone she thought would work for the calendar. Avery, on the other hand, takes a very different approach to acquiring a photo of a particular cowboy. The poker game was hilarious, as was the conversation afterward.
Grant is a professional bull rider who isn't too happy about being tricked, but he'll honor his word. He is also a kinder-hearted man than he first appears, as is shown when he encounters Avery's mom. I loved how he was so understanding with her, and also that he made a point of showing Avery that she didn't need to keep Pearl confined. I loved how he invited Pearl to the rodeo, and also to dinner at his grandmother's.
The dinner with his grandmother and Granny T was an eyeopening experience for Avery. The two old ladies definitely had a plan, and it was fun to see them carry it out. I loved the visit to the spring and what it did for Pearl. There was also a bit of magic in store for Grant and Avery.
Say Nothing by Autumn Piper
The best medicine doesn’t always come in pill form, but who knew it could be a scruffy, cranky cowboy?
After escaping from the psycho who held her prisoner for months, Brooke often suffers panic attacks when she tries to speak. When her cousin invites her to recuperate at his friends’ ranch in Colorado and help them care for their twin toddlers, she accepts. She’s got nothing holding her in Nebraska; her boyfriend went dark when she returned from captivity damaged.
For years since his engagement went belly-up, lead ranch-hand Rowdy has been non-relationship material. He feels a connection with Brooke, though, and she’s able to confide things in him she doesn’t trust her therapist with. He’s probably too old for her, and he’s sure once she recovers she’ll find someone better than him, but he’s content to take the time they have and help her until then.
When her successful ex rides back into the picture, Rowdy will have to decide: fight for Brooke, or give her the financially stable future she deserves.
Very good story. After being held captive for five months, Brooke has spent the last two months trying to recover. Between her panic attacks when she tries to speak and dealing with her family and friends, she desperately needs to get away. When her cousin Nate gets her a job as a nanny with his friends in Colorado, she can't get there fast enough.
Rowdy is one of the ranch hands, a quiet, gruff kind of guy. His last relationship was years ago, and he's in no hurry to risk his heart again. But there is something about Brooke that speaks to his soul, and he's ready to give her whatever she needs.
I loved the development of Brooke and Rowdy's relationship. From the moment they met there was a connection between them. I loved how Rowdy made his interest plain right from the start without being pushy or obnoxious about it. He was very sensitive to her difficulties and had the patience to let her take things at her own pace. I loved how Brooke was immediately comfortable with him. It was awesome that she was able to tell him things that she hadn't been able to tell anyone else. The more time that they spent together, the faster her healing progressed. His offer to support her when she had to go back for some testimony was just what she needed. But Rowdy has some self-worth issues, and the attitudes of her mom and brother played right into his fears. I ached for him but also wanted to shake him for being an idiot. I hurt for Brooke also, especially when she had to deal with her ex-boyfriend and then face what happened to her without Rowdy's support. She was a lot stronger than she thought. I loved her trip back to Colorado and the head of steam she was building up for when she got there. The ending was fantastic.
Peyton’s Kiss by Ann Anders
No one ever promised Stella Fairchild that life would be fair. If it was, then her best friend wouldn’t be dying. A little girl wouldn’t be losing her mother. And a lonely cowboy would be ready for love. Under the blue skies of Colorado, however, fate has its own ideas. And maybe, just maybe, silver linings could be found hiding in the storm.
Sad but heartwarming story. When Stella finds out that her best friend, Corinne, has cancer, she drops everything to help her. She doesn't expect to run into resistance from Corinne's big brother, Peyton.
The last thing Peyton wants to deal with is some city chick who will be more hindrance than help. He has enough on his plate taking care of the ranch and now worrying about his sister.
The first encounter between Peyton and Stella is pretty tough. First on the phone, where Peyton's impatience and attitude about her arrival are plain to hear. When they meet face-to-face, Peyton is first hit by an immediate attraction to her, but also takes one look and gives her a hard time about everything from her car to her clothes. Stella is bitten by the attraction, too. She also stands up to his criticism and reminds him that she's there for Corinne and Misty.
I liked that Peyton realized that he was being a jerk and got past it pretty quickly. It didn't take long before he realized that there was more to Stella than he had thought. I really liked the way that they connected so quickly over their desire to make things easier for Corinne. The riding scene was both beautiful and heartbreaking with its painful conclusion. I loved how sensitive to his pain Stella was. I ached for Peyton when they were at the hospital, but also wanted to shake him for what he did. The confrontation between him and Stella back at the ranch felt real, as both had to deal with what was happening. It was also no surprise what came out of it.
I loved the next morning at the hospital when they went to get Corinne. She was pretty funny in what she said to Stella. Stella's shock was hilarious, especially since I had suspected that all along. The epilogue was sweet.
Midnight Ride by D’Ann Lindun
Can they escape peril and fall in love? When Brynn Lockwood and her five-year-old daughter Brooke decide to camp in the Colorado Mountains the last thing they expect is to be taken hostage by a gunman. After suffering a devastating shooting, Sawyer Bennet moves to Black Mountain, Colorado, to recover. As a Sheriff’s Posse member, he is called out to find a dangerous criminal, but loses his heart instead.
Good story with some very intense suspense. Brynn and her young daughter took an end of summer trail ride that ended up being more than they expected. I loved the close relationship between the two of them as shown by how much fun they had together. But their peaceful evening was interrupted by an unexpected visitor that gave them both the creeps. They were relieved when he moved on, but it left Brynn with a feeling of impending doom. Those feelings proved accurate the next day, when the man, an escaped murderer, took them hostage as "security."
I loved how both Brynn and Brooke maintained their cool under the circumstances. Brynn's biggest concern was protecting her daughter. She was able to take advantage of an unexpected opportunity to evade her captor, but they weren't safe yet.
Sawyer is a new member of the Sheriff's Posse and is among those called on to search the mountains for the escapee and warn anyone who was out there. Sawyer came to the area for a new start after losing his career as a veterinary surgeon thanks to a shooting. He's a little bitter about that and the fact that his girlfriend left him while he was still in the hospital. Being out on the mountain is soothing, even for such a reason.
When Sawyer came across Brynn's campsite, he had a gut feeling that something was wrong. I liked the way that he listened to his instincts, so was there when the horses came back without her and Brooke. I was on the edge of my seat until he found them.
There were definite sparks between Brynn and Sawyer from the moment they met, even in the midst of the trouble they were in. I really liked seeing the super-independent Brynn give in and allow herself to lean on Sawyer. I also loved how Brooke and Brynn quickly worked their way into the heart of the lonely Sawyer. I liked how they worked together to care for Brooke, and again when they made their nervewracking escape. I ached for Sawyer, who believed that he didn't have anything to offer, but tried anyway. Brynn had her moments of doubt also but stood up for herself when it counted. I loved Sawyer's big moment at the end, especially the way that he included Brooke.
It is my pleasure to leave this review for "Peyton's Kiss, by Ann Anders in this Anthology.
This is a first for Ms. Anders with writing a Western Contemporary Romance. She also writes Regency Historical Romance and regular Contemporary Romance. With this new novella, it is most apparent she is developing quite the name for herself in the fictional romance world.
The story-line was written with grace, dignity and tenderness. A story of loving, letting go and moving forward. A true emotional roller coaster. There was fun, laughter, joy, and yes, pain in the plot. Along with the pain was learning to cope with it, and thus, learning to move forward in life with the beautiful memories in tow.
Although a short story, it is my humble opinion, Ms. Anders story was complete. It was put together with such finesse and thoroughness. The story-line revolves around two college friends reuniting after one of them; Corinne, fines out she has cancer. She calls upon her old college buddy, Stella, to help her at her ranch. Corinne lives with her older brother, Peyton and her little daughter, Misty. Although, Corinne needs the help from her friend, desperately, she has an ulterior motive behind her request of Stella.
Read this story of love, letting go, and capturing the light of a future in the remnants of loss. I highly recommend this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy from the author for my honest and humble opinion.
I've only read Midnight Right by D'Ann Lindun. I'm excited to read more from this boxed set.
Brynn and her daughter are going for an ordinary ride and camp....or so they think!
One thing I have to say about D'Ann is she is a true western writer! She lives and breathes it, and it shows in her stories, making them so authentic. Midnight Ride brings on the action, suspense, and feels as this courageous young woman and her daughter fight for their lives when a madman decides they're going to be the ones to get him where he wants to be, taking them on a dangerous trek.
Enter Sawyer Bennet, a man with a past full of pain. But it won't stop him from saving an innocent woman and her daughter, and it sure doesn't keep his heart from falling for this ready made family.
Midnight Ride is full of danger and suspense, with a western flair. Enjoyable as always!
Short, sweet and satisfying! With the first novella in the COWBOY KISSES anthology, Cindi Myers brings us a story of finding love when you least expect it! The characters are easy to connect with, the story line is fast paced and complete. The ending was abrupt, and I would have enjoyed more time with them, but that's generally the case with a novella length story. A fun read!
When Kate Randolph returns home to take care of her ailing father, she never expects to find all that she's been looking for right in front of her. She gets to spend time with her dad, she gets to get her foot in the door to a new business idea, and best of all, she gets to reconnect with an old acquaintance who makes her pulse race every time he's near!
Rancher Jace Carpenter is going through a bit of adjustment himself since his parents sold the ranch he always thought would be in the family forever, but being on the Rocking R when Kate arrives back home turns out to be a blessing in disguise! Now if only he can convince her that this small town living with a cowboy all her own is all that she needs in life!
Such a great variety of stories, everyone will be delighted. Some of these authors are new to me and this is always an exciting time.
Midnight Cowboy Ride is the story I will focus on for now as it gripped me from the beginning like all of her books do. Honestly when I have a book by this author I grab a cuppa, sit back and totally relax knowing that it will be really enjoyable and entertaining. So I wasn't surprised to feel like I was popping on my favourite slippers and sighing with total comfort reading this story. D'Ann Lindun always delivers quality stories that make you escape into the fictional world where anything is possible, especially the Black Mountain books!
Brynn Lockwood and her young daughter, Brooke, head off for the long weekend on a horse ride with their camping gear. However as we know all too well things don't always go to plan. Sawyer Bennet heads out to search the same area.
Suspense is rife as well romance but the underlying story is sweet and easy to relate to. D'Ann Lindun has a terrific way with words so it's easy to visualise each scene..especially the suspense filled ones that pick your heart rate up.
My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed & Midnight Ride by D'Ann Lindun are my 2 favorite books in this set.
Loving You From Afar by RaeAnne Hadley I enjoyed this sweet love story between Ariana and Reese. Loving You is a heartwarming story with a touch of paranormal.
My Forever Cowboy by Diane J. Reed My Forever Cowboy is a fun read. I loved every minute of Avery & Grant's story! This is the first book that I've read by Diane J. Reed & I really like her writing style. I'll definitely check out her other books.
Say Nothing by Autumn Piper - Brooke & Rowdy This story was ok, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the others in this set.
Midnight Ride by D’Ann Lindun I really enjoyed Midnight Ride. The suspense kept me flipping pages and I loved the romance between Brynn & Sawyer. D'Ann is one of my favorite authors and I always look forward to her next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
I love a story that engages my emotions and boy did this one! Heart wrenching but also sexy and romantic. Fun, believable characters that I quickly loved... As is the case with most Novellas, I wish it could have been a little longer (sigh). If you want to escape your cares for a few hours, I'd buy this one in a heartbeat. Now on to the other stories!
I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest review.
I got this as an ARC reader. This book is Awesome. A Must Read Book. For less than a buck you will not go wrong. All six of these story are Great. All had a Good ending, also. You got o get this book. If, you don't you will be missing out on some good Stories. Awesome Must Read .
Great bunch of stories. Love those cowboys. These are well written. They are emotional, suspenseful, enjoyable, sweet and so much more. They catch your attention and keep it all the way through. No spoilers from me on these. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Cowboy Kisses are six novellas that are a fast read. Some stories with suspense, some with danger, some heart-wrenching but all of them love stories with unforgettable characters. If you like romance and cowboys don't miss this great collection.
What a great collection with a wonderful variety of novellas. This is a great way to find new authors, I know I did! I started this anthology for My Forever Cowboy by Diane J Reed, which is a wonderful novella that ties to the Iron Feather Brothers.
I really enjoyed reading all six novellas in this collection and really fell in love with a couple of them and will definitely check out more from these authors!
If you love cowboys, love romance, and love a great HEA, you CANNOT go wrong with this anthology because you will find it all with each and every book!