What do you think?
Rate this book
Gold Valley #2.5
Hard Riding Cowboy
A single mum's fresh start in Gold Valley, Oregon, comes with a cowboy from her past.
Recently widowed and with two headstrong kids, Lauren Bishop wants three things – a break from her never–ending to–do list, a cup of coffee, and a moment to appreciate the gorgeous cowboy who just walked past her. Unfortunately, he catches her in the act… and he isn't a stranger.
Calder Reid is more than intrigued when the sexy woman checking him out in the local coffee shop turns out to be the object of his boyhood fantasies. When he was a gawky kid, Lauren was a beautiful swan. But now he's more than man enough to satisfy her every need. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but can this hard riding cowboy convince commitment–shy Lauren to take a second chance on forever?
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
181 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,165 books3,004 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 13, 2019
**This audio is included as a bonus on the audiobook for Good Time Cowboy.
Hard Riding Cowboy is a sweet-sexy novella in the Gold Valley series.
Lauren has moved back to her home town after 19 years away. She’s got 2 kids and is a widow.
Calder is a Hot Sexy Cowboy and younger then Lauren.
How this story starts put a smile on my face and made me think YA, we’ve problem all done this… looked at a hot guys ass while waiting in line and then have that guy turn around and be someone we knew or may have babysat… Yep, Lauren has that moment. That was a funny start.
Lauren has a lot on her plate to deal with. Moving back to her home town with 2 young girls who don’t understand why they had to move. She’s also working on renovating a house that she wants to buy, but things have to be done first; before this can happen. In comes Clader. He offers to help her out. You can guess how things go.
A few of my favorite moments where the opening scene and one where Lauren recklessly kisses Calder up against a wall. Oh Boy! That was HOT. These two are attracted to each other, but it’s not easy. She’s hesitant and he jumps right in.
It’s a novella and so, it’s short. I would have preferred this to be a full length novel. I felt it need more. Need that time to pass and them to develop.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read/listen and things move fast especially in the romance department. I just would have loved a little more.
Audio: The audio was a delight to listen too. The characters where distinct in their voices and I had no trouble following along or enjoying the novella.
Rated: 3 Stars
Hard Riding Cowboy is a sweet-sexy novella in the Gold Valley series.
Lauren has moved back to her home town after 19 years away. She’s got 2 kids and is a widow.
Calder is a Hot Sexy Cowboy and younger then Lauren.
How this story starts put a smile on my face and made me think YA, we’ve problem all done this… looked at a hot guys ass while waiting in line and then have that guy turn around and be someone we knew or may have babysat… Yep, Lauren has that moment. That was a funny start.
Lauren has a lot on her plate to deal with. Moving back to her home town with 2 young girls who don’t understand why they had to move. She’s also working on renovating a house that she wants to buy, but things have to be done first; before this can happen. In comes Clader. He offers to help her out. You can guess how things go.
A few of my favorite moments where the opening scene and one where Lauren recklessly kisses Calder up against a wall. Oh Boy! That was HOT. These two are attracted to each other, but it’s not easy. She’s hesitant and he jumps right in.
It’s a novella and so, it’s short. I would have preferred this to be a full length novel. I felt it need more. Need that time to pass and them to develop.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read/listen and things move fast especially in the romance department. I just would have loved a little more.
Audio: The audio was a delight to listen too. The characters where distinct in their voices and I had no trouble following along or enjoying the novella.
Rated: 3 Stars
June 29, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (posting 8/1/18)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2txguFB
A sexy-sweet quickie. Just what I needed. I had a good time with Hard Riding Cowboy. Including the meet cute where the heroine is checking out a guy's ass in line and thinking dayum! then he turns around and she realizes that omg I used to babysit him! And promptly has a mental freak out because eeeeewwwwww lol
The Gist: Lauren's moving back home with her two girls after being widowed and her soon to be new house needs a lot of work. And the aforementioned owner of the hot ass decides he's going to be the one to help her since this girl has been his every fantasy since he was 12 years old. And, well, sparks and emotions fly!
Yall these two. Calder. Holy hot cowboy! He's a good guy. Helping where he can, lending an ear, maybe a cock if need be. I liked how straight forward he was and his kind heart. And Lauren. We'll she's a bit of a personal stressed out mess. Wallowing in the mistake of her marriage and trying to move on. She's a good mom and doing the best she can so it was hard not to feel for her even as she struggled (and was pushed out of her comfort zone).
Hard Riding Cowboy was a super fast read and whirlwind romance-- just a couple weeks as he helps get her house ready for her girls. I liked their time together and even though it was a speedy romance it worked (especially seeing she'd been his fantasy since he was 12). The perfect cowboy quickie!
June 20, 2021
This is a Single Parent Novella Romance, and this is the 2.5 book in the Gold Valley series. I have to say I really enjoyed this novella. This is a fast pace romance, and it was a fast read. I loved the characters, and I feel the characters in this book is developed. The ending was so cute, and I loved it so much.
August 30, 2018
3.75
Lauren Bishop was unhappily married to a man who wasn't a good husband nor a good father to their children. His irresponsible behavior killed him and left her pissed about her mistakes. She moved back in Gold Valley with her two daughters (a preteen and a teenager) and they currently live at her parent's house, waiting for their new home to be ready.
Lauren is trying to deal with the feeling of being submerged by all her responsibilities, taking a break at a coffee shop when a sexy cowboy walks in. She check him out, fantasize about him and thinking how fun it must be to let go if only for a little time. But wait a minute... She knows this man. Well, she knew him as a boy, the twelve years old she used to babysit when she was seventeen.
Calder Reid can't believe his luck. Lauren Bishop, his ultimate fantasy is back in town. Right away, she confide in him about her unhappy marriage so he doesn't want to rush things with her but he believe in being honest and in telling how he feels. Lauren share the attraction, but she doesn't make things easy for him with all her doubts and reassessments.
"And Calder didn't want to be just a moment of escape for her.
They could start here. But what he knew in that moment was that he wanted to give her everything her husband hadn't. Why he knew that with such absolute certainty, he couldn't say."
What more can I say, Maisey Yates always deliver good stories. I can't say it's her best but with Lauren's stubbornness to keep her distance even after being intimated with the hero, I'm glad this one was a novella and not a full book. And am I the only one who thought, why did Calder still needed a babysitter at twelve ? But what do I know, maybe thing are different for you in the USA ;p
I absolutely loved this quote, where Lauren is talking to her daughters and she says: " You know, I'm supposed to be raising you and teaching you things. But, I think you teach me more every day."
Lauren Bishop was unhappily married to a man who wasn't a good husband nor a good father to their children. His irresponsible behavior killed him and left her pissed about her mistakes. She moved back in Gold Valley with her two daughters (a preteen and a teenager) and they currently live at her parent's house, waiting for their new home to be ready.
Lauren is trying to deal with the feeling of being submerged by all her responsibilities, taking a break at a coffee shop when a sexy cowboy walks in. She check him out, fantasize about him and thinking how fun it must be to let go if only for a little time. But wait a minute... She knows this man. Well, she knew him as a boy, the twelve years old she used to babysit when she was seventeen.
Calder Reid can't believe his luck. Lauren Bishop, his ultimate fantasy is back in town. Right away, she confide in him about her unhappy marriage so he doesn't want to rush things with her but he believe in being honest and in telling how he feels. Lauren share the attraction, but she doesn't make things easy for him with all her doubts and reassessments.
"And Calder didn't want to be just a moment of escape for her.
They could start here. But what he knew in that moment was that he wanted to give her everything her husband hadn't. Why he knew that with such absolute certainty, he couldn't say."
What more can I say, Maisey Yates always deliver good stories. I can't say it's her best but with Lauren's stubbornness to keep her distance even after being intimated with the hero, I'm glad this one was a novella and not a full book. And am I the only one who thought, why did Calder still needed a babysitter at twelve ? But what do I know, maybe thing are different for you in the USA ;p
I absolutely loved this quote, where Lauren is talking to her daughters and she says: " You know, I'm supposed to be raising you and teaching you things. But, I think you teach me more every day."
August 12, 2020
3.5 Stars
Hard Riding Cowboy was a delightful read about a romance between a woman hesitant to try again and the man who hopes to convince her to give love a second chance.
Recently widowed, Lauren Bishop returns with her two kids in tow to her hometown of Gold Valley hoping for a fresh start. When she's caught in the act of appreciating an attractive cowboy, she realizes he's no stranger but someone from her past. Calder Reid is more than interested when he finds out the woman checking him out is the same Lauren Bishop he had a crush on as a kid.
Lauren and Calder have a hot relationship pretty much from the get-go. Both of them are obviously attracted to one another but Lauren is hesitant while Calder is all in. I liked that while Calder never pushed Lauren for more than she was willing to give, he does call her out on the reasons for her hesitation when it comes to progressing their relationship. I liked how in this case it was the man who was all in from the start as that's not usually the case in the romances I read. The only aspect I didn't like was how quickly their relationship gets to the 'I love you' stage. My only issue with the novellas this author writes is that I always want them to be longer to allow for more time for the relationships to develop.
Calder's siblings make a few appearances including Jackson and Savannah, the couple from Mail Order Cowboy. I enjoyed seeing them again and getting a glimpse into their life together. There was a great scene where Lauren and her daughters attend a barbecue at the Reid family ranch and I enjoyed watching the two families interact.
Overall Hard Riding Cowboy was a fantastic read and I recommend it for fans of the Gold Valley or Copper Ridge series.
Hard Riding Cowboy was a delightful read about a romance between a woman hesitant to try again and the man who hopes to convince her to give love a second chance.
Recently widowed, Lauren Bishop returns with her two kids in tow to her hometown of Gold Valley hoping for a fresh start. When she's caught in the act of appreciating an attractive cowboy, she realizes he's no stranger but someone from her past. Calder Reid is more than interested when he finds out the woman checking him out is the same Lauren Bishop he had a crush on as a kid.
Lauren and Calder have a hot relationship pretty much from the get-go. Both of them are obviously attracted to one another but Lauren is hesitant while Calder is all in. I liked that while Calder never pushed Lauren for more than she was willing to give, he does call her out on the reasons for her hesitation when it comes to progressing their relationship. I liked how in this case it was the man who was all in from the start as that's not usually the case in the romances I read. The only aspect I didn't like was how quickly their relationship gets to the 'I love you' stage. My only issue with the novellas this author writes is that I always want them to be longer to allow for more time for the relationships to develop.
Calder's siblings make a few appearances including Jackson and Savannah, the couple from Mail Order Cowboy. I enjoyed seeing them again and getting a glimpse into their life together. There was a great scene where Lauren and her daughters attend a barbecue at the Reid family ranch and I enjoyed watching the two families interact.
Overall Hard Riding Cowboy was a fantastic read and I recommend it for fans of the Gold Valley or Copper Ridge series.
August 1, 2018
This was in the back of a full length story and I’m a sucker for a good novella.
I liked Lauren and Calder. She’s hesitant and he jumps right in. Their babysitter dynamic was interesting and I liked the way it played out.
My main complaint is that there wasn’t a sense of time passing. When the ILYs happened, I thought it had only been a couple of days, but I guess it had been weeks.
Overall, it was a good, quick read. I would have especially loved a little bit more on this one, but I loved the epilogue.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Lauren and Calder. She’s hesitant and he jumps right in. Their babysitter dynamic was interesting and I liked the way it played out.
My main complaint is that there wasn’t a sense of time passing. When the ILYs happened, I thought it had only been a couple of days, but I guess it had been weeks.
Overall, it was a good, quick read. I would have especially loved a little bit more on this one, but I loved the epilogue.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**
August 13, 2018
Lauren Bishop tried to stay away from moving back home to Gold Valley after her husband died. But she realized she needed the stability for her 2 daughters that moving home brought. She never expected to see someone from her past and have him stir up feelings she thought deeply buried.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
April 28, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this novella. The story of Lauren and Calder was really as well developed as a full length novel. I'm not sure how Ms. Yates did it, but I really didn't feel like I was missing out on anything in the development of their relationship. I guess the thing that was skimped on was the relationship of Lauren and her children.
It was a really cute, but really hot story. Ms. Yates had me when she made Lauren's hot guy a guy she used to babysit! We were off with a bang and it just kept getting better from there. Loved this story!
The narration by Suzanne Elise Freeman was wonderful and very fitting.
It was a really cute, but really hot story. Ms. Yates had me when she made Lauren's hot guy a guy she used to babysit! We were off with a bang and it just kept getting better from there. Loved this story!
The narration by Suzanne Elise Freeman was wonderful and very fitting.
September 19, 2018
I know I would like a broken record when it comes to novellas in my reviews, but the sentiment still remains the same every time I finish them. But my problem with this one was once again the length of the story otherwise it really was a good story with good compelling characters.
With this one in particular because of time because of its shortened format, it felt really rushed in the feelings department at least for me. Meaning I felt like Calder and Lauren when from zero to sixty in such a short time that it made it a little unbelievable for my taste. Don’t get me wrong I did believe they were developing a relationship and feelings were becoming involved, but I just thought the “I love yous” came way too quickly. This could have been resolved by using a longer format where there could be more development and a little slower pacing to build up to the epic declaration “I love you” scenes. In fact like Jackson Reid’s novella, I wish this was a full length novel instead of novella because this one just barely scratched the surface and there were plenty of places to go and develop and dig deeper if time allowed. Jackson and Calder both deserved to have their stories told in a novel format, but I was happy for the little itty bitty taste that we wound up getting here because nothing was wrong with the stories just the length.
I loved Calder so much. I was expecting that. I wanted to read his novella especially after reading Jackson’s novella, but I wasn’t on pins and needles like I am for some characters to get their stories (Bea and Dane) so I was really surprised by how much I loved him. He had this cocky cowboy thing going on with a little swagger as he tried to seduce cautious Lauren, but there just so much more to him than his charm. I liked how he wanted to help Lauren right away. Granted he wanted her and to spend time with her, but it still felt very genuine and lovely. And he had quite few moments where he totally charmed and made me swoon. There was just something about that man I loved.
I really liked Lauren as well. I really understood where she was coming from especially with her emotional baggage. She didn’t want to make a mistake again because she knew there was so much at stake especially since she had daughters so she couldn’t take things too lightly. She had a lot to deal with and had to move on in order to find her happily ever after with Calder.
What was interesting really interesting about this story was the fact that Lauren used to babysit Calder when he was young. At first it sounded a little creepy, but the way Maisey did it was good to make it not so creepy. It wasn’t lie they were involved when she babysat him. It was only after she had been away for awhile and they had been adults for a good long while before getting involved. Another thing was that Calder had a bit of crush on Miss Lauren, which was different and role reversal of short because usually it is the heroine that has the crush on the hero not the other way around. So that made it very unique and different from anything I have read before. I haven’t read too many books where the heroine is the older one in the relationship. Not a bad thing, but different. I appreciated the little role reversal in this one.
They had some pretty good chemistry going on front the time they were reunited in the coffee shop, making story start off with a real bang. They just had this pull towards each other that they couldn’t resist and just had them head for a crash course for a passionate relationship. They had some steamy scene going. More than I was expecting especially in a novella format, but let me tell you they were pretty darn good as well. I could feel their passion waft off the page as they came together time and time again. Their connection in the moments was very raw, real and very deep as they got closer and closer with every scene that past. They had some really good love scenes that were very hot, hot, hot.
Overall I did like the story and Lauren and Calder were great just my problem was the length so there relationship seemed a tad rushed in the emotional aspect of their relationship. I believed that they cared for each other but not they were totally in love with her at that point, but again that was due to the fact it was a novella. If it was a novel, I would have been amazed by this romance between Lauren and Calder and just loved it. The bones were definitely there and so much more could have been explored if the format was different, but what was there was really good and I enjoyed the amount of stuff that was contained in the story even though it was a shorter format. There were issues explored on both sides that impacted the relationship between Lauren and Calder and just added a little more depth to the story that I appreciated. And I really did like Lauren and Calder together. They were a good couple. I also loved how Calder was with Lauren’s two daughters that was beyond adorable. It was a very nice satisfying if not quick read that I think fans of Maisey Yates will enjoy as well as anyone that loves the Gold Valley series like I do.
With this one in particular because of time because of its shortened format, it felt really rushed in the feelings department at least for me. Meaning I felt like Calder and Lauren when from zero to sixty in such a short time that it made it a little unbelievable for my taste. Don’t get me wrong I did believe they were developing a relationship and feelings were becoming involved, but I just thought the “I love yous” came way too quickly. This could have been resolved by using a longer format where there could be more development and a little slower pacing to build up to the epic declaration “I love you” scenes. In fact like Jackson Reid’s novella, I wish this was a full length novel instead of novella because this one just barely scratched the surface and there were plenty of places to go and develop and dig deeper if time allowed. Jackson and Calder both deserved to have their stories told in a novel format, but I was happy for the little itty bitty taste that we wound up getting here because nothing was wrong with the stories just the length.
I loved Calder so much. I was expecting that. I wanted to read his novella especially after reading Jackson’s novella, but I wasn’t on pins and needles like I am for some characters to get their stories (Bea and Dane) so I was really surprised by how much I loved him. He had this cocky cowboy thing going on with a little swagger as he tried to seduce cautious Lauren, but there just so much more to him than his charm. I liked how he wanted to help Lauren right away. Granted he wanted her and to spend time with her, but it still felt very genuine and lovely. And he had quite few moments where he totally charmed and made me swoon. There was just something about that man I loved.
I really liked Lauren as well. I really understood where she was coming from especially with her emotional baggage. She didn’t want to make a mistake again because she knew there was so much at stake especially since she had daughters so she couldn’t take things too lightly. She had a lot to deal with and had to move on in order to find her happily ever after with Calder.
What was interesting really interesting about this story was the fact that Lauren used to babysit Calder when he was young. At first it sounded a little creepy, but the way Maisey did it was good to make it not so creepy. It wasn’t lie they were involved when she babysat him. It was only after she had been away for awhile and they had been adults for a good long while before getting involved. Another thing was that Calder had a bit of crush on Miss Lauren, which was different and role reversal of short because usually it is the heroine that has the crush on the hero not the other way around. So that made it very unique and different from anything I have read before. I haven’t read too many books where the heroine is the older one in the relationship. Not a bad thing, but different. I appreciated the little role reversal in this one.
They had some pretty good chemistry going on front the time they were reunited in the coffee shop, making story start off with a real bang. They just had this pull towards each other that they couldn’t resist and just had them head for a crash course for a passionate relationship. They had some steamy scene going. More than I was expecting especially in a novella format, but let me tell you they were pretty darn good as well. I could feel their passion waft off the page as they came together time and time again. Their connection in the moments was very raw, real and very deep as they got closer and closer with every scene that past. They had some really good love scenes that were very hot, hot, hot.
Overall I did like the story and Lauren and Calder were great just my problem was the length so there relationship seemed a tad rushed in the emotional aspect of their relationship. I believed that they cared for each other but not they were totally in love with her at that point, but again that was due to the fact it was a novella. If it was a novel, I would have been amazed by this romance between Lauren and Calder and just loved it. The bones were definitely there and so much more could have been explored if the format was different, but what was there was really good and I enjoyed the amount of stuff that was contained in the story even though it was a shorter format. There were issues explored on both sides that impacted the relationship between Lauren and Calder and just added a little more depth to the story that I appreciated. And I really did like Lauren and Calder together. They were a good couple. I also loved how Calder was with Lauren’s two daughters that was beyond adorable. It was a very nice satisfying if not quick read that I think fans of Maisey Yates will enjoy as well as anyone that loves the Gold Valley series like I do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2019
After reading Good Time Cowboy and writing my review, I read several other reviews and decided to give Yates another try. I picked up this novella as choice two.
In a novella, space is very limited, so things get peeled down to bare bone and move quickly.
2-1/2 stars again and rounded to 3. Still too graphic and steamy for me, and jumping into sex with someone Lauren used to babysit for shortly after reconnecting--gimme a break! This from the widow who feels her marriage had been the impulsive act of an immature girl.
The "formula" for this book is similar to Good Time Cowboy. Reminds me a little of Danielle Steele, but without the in depth research and not really a change of location. What saved it for me was that Lauren DID learn from her past, respected the feelings of her daughters about bringing a man into their lives, talked seriously to the girls about why Lauren needed the move to heal, but at the same time promising to go back to visit old friends and even move back if the move wasn't good for them in the long run. She was not a Mom who thought only of herself. She also learned to look deep inside herself. She finally shed baggage that many people take into new relationships that eventually "poisons" the relationship and leads it to fail.
I would read more of this author because I like the way her characters self examine, were it not for the intensely graphic scenes that filled these two books. That just isn't my cup of tea. Will think on it some and read more reviews.
In a novella, space is very limited, so things get peeled down to bare bone and move quickly.
2-1/2 stars again and rounded to 3. Still too graphic and steamy for me, and jumping into sex with someone Lauren used to babysit for shortly after reconnecting--gimme a break! This from the widow who feels her marriage had been the impulsive act of an immature girl.
The "formula" for this book is similar to Good Time Cowboy. Reminds me a little of Danielle Steele, but without the in depth research and not really a change of location. What saved it for me was that Lauren DID learn from her past, respected the feelings of her daughters about bringing a man into their lives, talked seriously to the girls about why Lauren needed the move to heal, but at the same time promising to go back to visit old friends and even move back if the move wasn't good for them in the long run. She was not a Mom who thought only of herself. She also learned to look deep inside herself. She finally shed baggage that many people take into new relationships that eventually "poisons" the relationship and leads it to fail.
I would read more of this author because I like the way her characters self examine, were it not for the intensely graphic scenes that filled these two books. That just isn't my cup of tea. Will think on it some and read more reviews.
August 22, 2018
4.5 stars
As is always the case in a novella, this story moves fast. Like, super-fast. But I loved it!
Calder is smitten the moment he sees the grown-up Lauren. To be fair, she’s smitten, too. There’s definitely an instant attraction between the two of them. Although she doesn’t want to admit she can and does have feelings and an attraction to anyone and he doesn’t understand (at first) the ramifications of falling for a single mom.
Because of the nature of Lauren’s marriage before widowhood, the speed of this story and the reactions of her family (especially her kids) actually makes sense. Maisey Yates is really great at making sure things are addressed in a straightforward manner when she is writing an insta-romance. I appreciate that these things aren’t glossed over.
Once again, no regrets that I purchased this one instead of sitting on a long waiting list with my library. I just adore the characters this author writes.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
As is always the case in a novella, this story moves fast. Like, super-fast. But I loved it!
Calder is smitten the moment he sees the grown-up Lauren. To be fair, she’s smitten, too. There’s definitely an instant attraction between the two of them. Although she doesn’t want to admit she can and does have feelings and an attraction to anyone and he doesn’t understand (at first) the ramifications of falling for a single mom.
Because of the nature of Lauren’s marriage before widowhood, the speed of this story and the reactions of her family (especially her kids) actually makes sense. Maisey Yates is really great at making sure things are addressed in a straightforward manner when she is writing an insta-romance. I appreciate that these things aren’t glossed over.
Once again, no regrets that I purchased this one instead of sitting on a long waiting list with my library. I just adore the characters this author writes.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
September 9, 2019
This bonus novella was included in Good Time Cowboy. I actually liked it more than the main story. It is a fast moving engaging story about a strange second chance. Calder Reid had had a crush on Lauren Bishop when she was his babysitter and when she returns to Gold Valley as a widow with two almost teenager daughters, he finds that his feelings haven't changed, she is still the only female that he has ever had strong feelings for. Her husband had not really been a full partner to their marriage and died doing something stupid. She is surprised about the strong attraction that she has to Cauder, and then he does the unthinkable and volunteers to help her fix up the house she is trying to buy. While he comes to the realization, that he loves her, she is carrying guilt about all her mistakes that she made and doesn't believe that she deserves happiness. Will she follow her heart?
Wonderful characters, easy banter and a quick developed tale make this a gem of a read.
Wonderful characters, easy banter and a quick developed tale make this a gem of a read.
August 10, 2018
Lauren Bishop just needs a break - from her neverending to-do list, from her daughters' unhappiness with their move, from the guilt she feels for feeling relief at the death of her irresponsible husband. A cup of coffee and ogling the cowboy at the coffee shop should do the trick. But wait! Isn't that Calder Reid? Little Calder Reid? The boy she used to babysit?
When he notices Lauren checking him out, Calder can't believe his preteen crush is right in front of him, and 6 years doesn't look like nearly as big an age gap when you're 29 as it did when he was 12.
Can he convince her that she has always been his dream girl? Or will she only see him as a good time, not someone she can depend on?
This was a nice surprise at the end of Good Time Cowboy. Romance readers will definitely enjoy both stories.
When he notices Lauren checking him out, Calder can't believe his preteen crush is right in front of him, and 6 years doesn't look like nearly as big an age gap when you're 29 as it did when he was 12.
Can he convince her that she has always been his dream girl? Or will she only see him as a good time, not someone she can depend on?
This was a nice surprise at the end of Good Time Cowboy. Romance readers will definitely enjoy both stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
Having one teen and one pre-teen daughter can be hard enough after widowhood. But when a too-handsome-for-his-own-good rancher walks into the diner where Lauren is gearing up to work on the house she's trying to buy, she takes a well-deserved break and ends up accepting his offer of help. Doesn't matter that he's five years younger and she babysat him eons ago. What matters is that he seems to appreciate her, something her late husband did not.
So begins a learning experience for Lauren about what caring really means, about how it's possible for her to be loved and for her to learn again to trust--not only her own heart, but a man's. Who's her most surprising teacher of these lessons? Her two daughters. As it should be.
So begins a learning experience for Lauren about what caring really means, about how it's possible for her to be loved and for her to learn again to trust--not only her own heart, but a man's. Who's her most surprising teacher of these lessons? Her two daughters. As it should be.
August 16, 2020
Nice story concerning one of the Reid brothers, whom we met in in Mail Order Cowboy. Calder Reid is in the local coffee shop when he sees a familiar face. She is looking away, but he recognizes her as the beautiful babysitter of his youth, now grown into an "older"woman. Lauren had run away at eighteen and gotten married. Her husband, cute but irresponsible, had died after riding an ATV while impaired. Left with two adolescent daughters, she comes home to Gold Valley to buy a home and put down roots again. When Calder helps her to work on the house, he makes no pretense about the fact that he wants more than just to help her. Getting over Lauren's concerns and reservations makes for a good story.
August 28, 2018
Very good short read look forward to Tanner's story.
Lauren marries a man she thought she loved and spent a lot of years wondering what went wrong. Her husband never stopped being wild and free and she was left to raise their girls on her own. One day he drank too much and killed his self having fun.
She moves home to Gold Valley and meets up with boy she used to babysit only he is defiantly not a boy any more.
Of course they are both suffering from bad things in their past and find a way to help each other.
They end up married and her girls love him and seem very happy to have a Dad to do things with.
Lauren marries a man she thought she loved and spent a lot of years wondering what went wrong. Her husband never stopped being wild and free and she was left to raise their girls on her own. One day he drank too much and killed his self having fun.
She moves home to Gold Valley and meets up with boy she used to babysit only he is defiantly not a boy any more.
Of course they are both suffering from bad things in their past and find a way to help each other.
They end up married and her girls love him and seem very happy to have a Dad to do things with.
December 12, 2018
I love Maisey Yates books & this one is no exception. This was a short Novella but fast paced.
Lauren Bishop is a widowed mom of 2 daughters who is also a Web Designer & a perpetual to-do list maker. Calder Reid is a family rancher & 5 years younger that Lauren & remembers her when he was a youngster, as a beautiful girl who has gotten better as she has gotten older. He runs into her in the local coffee shop & that instant attraction kicks in to both of them. He will be spending his time trying to convince Lauren that he's the right one for her. Yes Maisey has written a happy ending for this one too.
Lauren Bishop is a widowed mom of 2 daughters who is also a Web Designer & a perpetual to-do list maker. Calder Reid is a family rancher & 5 years younger that Lauren & remembers her when he was a youngster, as a beautiful girl who has gotten better as she has gotten older. He runs into her in the local coffee shop & that instant attraction kicks in to both of them. He will be spending his time trying to convince Lauren that he's the right one for her. Yes Maisey has written a happy ending for this one too.
November 12, 2019
Recently widowed and with two headstrong kids, Lauren Bishop wants three things—a break from her never-ending to-do list, a cup of coffee and a moment to appreciate the gorgeous cowboy who just walked past her. Unfortunately, he catches her in the act…and he isn’t a stranger.
Calder Reid is more than intrigued when the sexy woman checking him out in the local coffee shop turns out to be the object of his boyhood fantasies. When he was a gawky kid, Lauren was a beautiful swan. But now he’s more than man enough to satisfy her every need. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but can this hard riding cowboy convince commitment-shy Lauren to take a second chance on forever? (less)
Calder Reid is more than intrigued when the sexy woman checking him out in the local coffee shop turns out to be the object of his boyhood fantasies. When he was a gawky kid, Lauren was a beautiful swan. But now he’s more than man enough to satisfy her every need. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but can this hard riding cowboy convince commitment-shy Lauren to take a second chance on forever? (less)
December 31, 2018
Hard Riding Cowboy by Maisey Yates is a novella. It is a short story that is sweet, yet hot about a widowed mother and her two daughters and a local cowboy. Lauren Bishop wants to start over after a difficult marriage. She wants to move back to Gold Valley where she always felt at home. Calder Reid mets Lauren again by accident. She was his babysitter when he was 12. Attraction is immediate, but Lauren is very hesitant about starting a new relationship. Luckily Calder is not easily dissuaded.
Hard Riding Cowboy by Maisey Yates was a short, hot romance.
Hard Riding Cowboy by Maisey Yates was a short, hot romance.
August 8, 2018
Hard Riding Cowboy was a sweet little novella in the back of Good Time Cowboy. Lauren Bishop returns to Gold Valley with her two daughters after the death of her husband where she runs into Calder Reid, the boy she used to babysit when he was twelve. Lauren knows it's a bad idea to get involved, mainly because she is older. Calder helps her fix up her house that she is buying which leads to a physical relationship between the two. Soon, Lauren finds herself falling in love with Calder anyway.
August 9, 2018
Arc provided by Netgalley and Harlequin.
Interesting take on friends to lovers that was kind of awkward at times. Novellas have to move fast, they only have X number or pages and words to tell a whole story arc and sometimes that leaves an otherwise interesting story as unfulfilled for the reader. This left me wanting more story, more history, more background - that a novellas limited page count just doesn’t have the room for.
Interesting take on friends to lovers that was kind of awkward at times. Novellas have to move fast, they only have X number or pages and words to tell a whole story arc and sometimes that leaves an otherwise interesting story as unfulfilled for the reader. This left me wanting more story, more history, more background - that a novellas limited page count just doesn’t have the room for.
August 20, 2018
Hard Riding Cowboy is a short, sweet, and sexy little page turner that is certain to curl the toes and leave a smile on your face! From the moment my eyes landed on the first page I was hooked, and instantly smitten with the Calder Reid, you just go wrong with a good-hearted cowboy, that knows all the right words to make you weak in the knees, and make your heart skip a beat! Loved this fast paced and well written story, it packs a heartfelt punch! Highly recommend!
May 1, 2020
Lauren Bishop came home with her two daughters after her husband died in an accident that he could have avoided if he would just grow up. Calder Reid had met Lauren when she used to babysit him when he was a young teen and had always loved her but now it was for real. Could he convince her that it was time for her to think about herself just once in awhile instead of living for others? Cute short story.
April 9, 2022
Lauren is back in Gold Valley after being widowed with her 2 girls. She reconnects with the boy she used to babysit. But he's not a boy anymore, he's all grown up. As they get closer, will Lauren be able to trust again?
I really enjoyed this quick novella. It was so much fun and I loved getting to see other aspects of Gold Valley. I loved the easy relationship that Calder had with everyone. I loved that he just accepted Lauren and her girls. I can't wait to continue with this series!
I really enjoyed this quick novella. It was so much fun and I loved getting to see other aspects of Gold Valley. I loved the easy relationship that Calder had with everyone. I loved that he just accepted Lauren and her girls. I can't wait to continue with this series!
May 9, 2024
Fast, furious romance novella. Quite enjoyable! I wish this was a full novel! I would have enjoyed this as a slow-burn, old fashioned lusting. But they get right to the point - which is not surprising, it's a novella. If you don't enjoy insta-love, probably not for you. But if you need a feel good HEA, this is a good one.
August 10, 2018
I loved Lauren and Calder's story. They new each other years ago, she was his babysitter. Boy did he grow up. She has 2 daughters now nd is a widow from an unhappy marriage. She doesn't think she deserves to be happy. Calder changes her mind. I love the HEA.
November 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this story! So much so that I wish it was a full novel and not a short novella. I would like more of Colter's and Larren's story I kind of fell cheated but I do think you should read it! ♡♡♡♡
February 1, 2019
This was a quick easy read to fill some time during a cold spell when I couldn't leave the house. I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. The story line was too contrived. Very little drama, emotion or anything else to make this an interesting read.
July 20, 2020
Maybe Novellas aren't for me. I love romance stories and can totally even believe people falling for each other in a short time...but two days....and like only a little conversation....just nope I dont think short novellas are for me
January 29, 2022
Didn't like it, I really hate when the heroine is older than the hero. I also don't particularly like when the heroine has kids from another relationship, it's not a deal breaker but just don't like it. I didn't really care for either character all that much or the plot. P.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews