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Longhorn Canyon #3
Cowboy Brave
TWO BOOKS IN ONE! AN ALL-NEW CAROLYN BROWN BOOK, PLUS SECOND CHANCE COWBOY BY A.J. PINE.
This city girl's about to get a dose of cowboy charmEmily Baker doesn't rough it - anymore. Born and raised on a farm, she's worked hard to distance herself from that life, thank you very much. But when the seniors at the nursing home where she works beg for a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to the Longhorn Canyon spread. With one glance at the sexy cowboy who opens the door, she's suddenly thinking a week with him might not be so bad after all.
Justin Maguire doesn't quite know what to do with the gorgeous woman who shows up on his doorstep. She's all curves and confidence-even after stepping in a cow pile. Too bad she's determined not to fall for a cowboy. But with the help of five nosy, matchmaking seniors, he might just convince her he's worth the risk.
SECOND CHANCE COWBOY Once a cowboy, always a cowboy! Jack Everett can handle working on the ranch, but turning around the failing vineyard he's also inherited? That requires working with the woman he never expected to see again.
This city girl's about to get a dose of cowboy charmEmily Baker doesn't rough it - anymore. Born and raised on a farm, she's worked hard to distance herself from that life, thank you very much. But when the seniors at the nursing home where she works beg for a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to the Longhorn Canyon spread. With one glance at the sexy cowboy who opens the door, she's suddenly thinking a week with him might not be so bad after all.
Justin Maguire doesn't quite know what to do with the gorgeous woman who shows up on his doorstep. She's all curves and confidence-even after stepping in a cow pile. Too bad she's determined not to fall for a cowboy. But with the help of five nosy, matchmaking seniors, he might just convince her he's worth the risk.
SECOND CHANCE COWBOY Once a cowboy, always a cowboy! Jack Everett can handle working on the ranch, but turning around the failing vineyard he's also inherited? That requires working with the woman he never expected to see again.
640 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 8, 2019
854 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,125 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 26, 2019
3.5 stars
As this edition contains two books, I'm going to review each book separately but as a whole I'd rate this volume 3.5 stars. Both of these stories were equally enjoyable and made for a good pairing.
Cowboy Brave (3.5 stars)
Even though this novel is a third in a series, this story can easily be read as a standalone. It will give away the couples that formed in the previous novels but as for reading this individual story, you will not feel as if you are missing out on any necessary information if you have not read those other novels.
One of the things that really stood out to me about this novel is that everything was 'pure country' from the writing to the language that was used. The romance does have some steam to it, keeping it hot and exciting but it's fairly tame compared to similar novels in the romance genre. For those that prefer their romantic scenes to be....'light' this book may be the perfect read.
Overall, this was a sweet and heartwarming romance that was focused around home, love, and family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second Chance Cowboy (3.5 stars)
This was the perfect addition to accompany the first novel in this volume as where the first book came across as sweet and innocent, this book came across as cute but very steamy!
It's a wholesome yet romantic story about family but also shows how families can become 'dysfunctional' through events that occur.
I loved the writing style and the language that was used allowing the story to be so easy and enjoyable to read that it was hard not to quickly soar through the pages.
One minor thing that did come across as unrealistic to me was the level of understanding that the ten year old character seemed to have. I understand young kids can be very mature, especially with their own life circumstances but some of the heavy conversations that this character had didn't seem realistic to me.
Both of these novels were just what I needed to scratch that Country romance itch. I know I will be reading more from both of these authors in the future.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
As this edition contains two books, I'm going to review each book separately but as a whole I'd rate this volume 3.5 stars. Both of these stories were equally enjoyable and made for a good pairing.
Cowboy Brave (3.5 stars)
Even though this novel is a third in a series, this story can easily be read as a standalone. It will give away the couples that formed in the previous novels but as for reading this individual story, you will not feel as if you are missing out on any necessary information if you have not read those other novels.
One of the things that really stood out to me about this novel is that everything was 'pure country' from the writing to the language that was used. The romance does have some steam to it, keeping it hot and exciting but it's fairly tame compared to similar novels in the romance genre. For those that prefer their romantic scenes to be....'light' this book may be the perfect read.
Overall, this was a sweet and heartwarming romance that was focused around home, love, and family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second Chance Cowboy (3.5 stars)
This was the perfect addition to accompany the first novel in this volume as where the first book came across as sweet and innocent, this book came across as cute but very steamy!
It's a wholesome yet romantic story about family but also shows how families can become 'dysfunctional' through events that occur.
I loved the writing style and the language that was used allowing the story to be so easy and enjoyable to read that it was hard not to quickly soar through the pages.
One minor thing that did come across as unrealistic to me was the level of understanding that the ten year old character seemed to have. I understand young kids can be very mature, especially with their own life circumstances but some of the heavy conversations that this character had didn't seem realistic to me.
Both of these novels were just what I needed to scratch that Country romance itch. I know I will be reading more from both of these authors in the future.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
November 8, 2025
Justin has watched both his brothers find their perfect match and its made him realize there is something missing from his life. So, when Emily Baker comes strolling in, he doesn’t want to say no to anything she asks for…
Emily Baker works for the local senior housing as the activity director. Following the request of a few seniors called “the Fab Five”, Emily sets up a week at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. The Longhorn Ranch normally runs a camp for children, but Justin is up to some more time with Emily and agrees to host the senior crew.
The Fab Five are hysterical and their antics sure bring some blushing moments to both Emily and Justin.
I wasn’t a fan of Justin’s mother’s response to Emily. It just seemed off from the rest of the series.
Brown write characters you’d pick as friends. They are real and fun, creating a strong connection to the plot. I found Cowboy Brave fast, fun and filled with a ton of laugh out loud moments.
My review copy did not include the second book.
I received this ARC copy of Cowboy Brave from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Cowboy Brave is set for publication Jan. 08, 2019.
Emily Baker works for the local senior housing as the activity director. Following the request of a few seniors called “the Fab Five”, Emily sets up a week at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. The Longhorn Ranch normally runs a camp for children, but Justin is up to some more time with Emily and agrees to host the senior crew.
The Fab Five are hysterical and their antics sure bring some blushing moments to both Emily and Justin.
I wasn’t a fan of Justin’s mother’s response to Emily. It just seemed off from the rest of the series.
Brown write characters you’d pick as friends. They are real and fun, creating a strong connection to the plot. I found Cowboy Brave fast, fun and filled with a ton of laugh out loud moments.
My review copy did not include the second book.
I received this ARC copy of Cowboy Brave from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Cowboy Brave is set for publication Jan. 08, 2019.
December 17, 2018
Justin has watched first his brother and then his best friend get hitched up and now his brother has a baby on the way. For the first time, this honky tonk loving cowboy starts to feel that maybe he's ready to plant some roots and end his tumbleweed ways. But, is a woman set on city-living his match? Loved my trip back to Longhorn Ranch and seeing all my favorite ranch folks!
Cowboy Brave is book three in the Longhorn Canyon series and, in a pinch, can get by out of order, but it is best enjoyed following the earlier stories so the references to earlier events and the returning cast of characters make sense.
Cowboy Brave jumps in when Emily Baker contacts Justin about the possibility of the Longhorn hosting five seniors from the home where she's employed. The plan is a go and Emily finds herself back on a ranch where she said she'd never be and letting a flirting cowboy turn her head. She tries to resist the lure of ranch life and Justin's home and really tries to call a halt to the attraction forming with Justin himself, but by the time the week is over, she is well on her way to a confused, unsettled feeling that only feels better the more time she spends with Justin who point-blank tells her he doesn't want to change her , he's not against compromise, he isn't just flirting, and he wants to explore what they have together. Can Emily let go of her big secret and her issues and trust Justin with her heart?
Cowboy Brave will probably end up being my least favorite book in the series. I didn't hate it and I enjoyed some of it. I love this series and was eager to see the final Longhorn bachelor get his story. Justin was just a generous, hardworking good old country boy and I liked him as much as his brother. I was glad to see him getting his own romance, seeing where things are at with the two previous couples and the whole Longhorn Canyon family. Justin's mom was being a pistol most of the time and his dad was a laid back salt of the earth type that were fun when they were in the scenes.
I had a deja vu feeling in that a Maguire brother was wooing a city girl who was also a country girl while a group was staying at the ranch. That isn't a complaint, but an observation. In this case, it was an elderly group calling themselves the Fab Five. The Fab Five seniors were a hoot- strip poker, skinny dipping, bullriding at the Rusty Spur Honky Tonk, and of course, a bit of matchmaking on the side for a certain young couple.
The reason I could not get into this story was my so-so feelings about the heroine, Emily. Honestly, I still can't figure out her issues- or should I say the dept of her issues- even after the story. Oh, she didn't get overly angsty, but it was more her reason for being so adamant against ranch life. I didn't buy it. She spends nearly the whole book pretending, lying by omission, getting short and cranky with her family for calling and wanting her to visit (you know, loving her and being concerned when she didn't call like she promised?).
And why was she this way? She didn't want to get stuck with doing the paperwork back home on the family ranch and preferred the active outside jobs. And, she had the desire to work with people so that leaves out living on a ranch. She felt her family was pressuring her to conform to their plans for her. And, they were, but not in a mean way. Then she didn't want to date a cowboy because he would be associated with a dreaded ranch and he couldn't possibly be telling the truth that she's beautiful to him. The thing is, five minutes with Justin relieved the reason she was outright lying about who her family was and a few days with him made a liar of her about the other stuff like she hates ranches and cowboys. It was obvious she loved the life and she really liked Justine. Justin made it crystal clear that she could do whatever made her happy for work if they were together and that he thought she was the most amazing woman he'd met. His family and friends corroborate this, but she still doubts it all.
The book is literally her denying the truth and Justin starting to settle down and plan a future that might include Emily. Not sure how he worked it out since she wasn't being honest. And when he calls her on it? She blows up and says he's making a mountain out of a molehill as she flies off in a pelter and he ends up mutually apologizing. I got fed up with it, but I didn't hate her. I couldn't like her or respect her until the end when she finally got her head screwed on straight realizing she'd made a tempest in a pot of tea.
I'm glad to know that Emily's younger twin brothers are getting the next two books. The were fun in the scenes they were in. This might not have been a favorite, but I love the Longhorn Ranch world with Skip and Mavis, Benji, Cade and Retta, Levi and Claire, and Justin. It's possible Emily will grow on me now. I hope the Fab Five make more appearances.
Those who read my reviews know that I will always recommend this author and her books for those who enjoy cowboy romances and a strong down home country feel with an uncomplicated story.
I'm thankful to Forever for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cowboy Brave is book three in the Longhorn Canyon series and, in a pinch, can get by out of order, but it is best enjoyed following the earlier stories so the references to earlier events and the returning cast of characters make sense.
Cowboy Brave jumps in when Emily Baker contacts Justin about the possibility of the Longhorn hosting five seniors from the home where she's employed. The plan is a go and Emily finds herself back on a ranch where she said she'd never be and letting a flirting cowboy turn her head. She tries to resist the lure of ranch life and Justin's home and really tries to call a halt to the attraction forming with Justin himself, but by the time the week is over, she is well on her way to a confused, unsettled feeling that only feels better the more time she spends with Justin who point-blank tells her he doesn't want to change her , he's not against compromise, he isn't just flirting, and he wants to explore what they have together. Can Emily let go of her big secret and her issues and trust Justin with her heart?
Cowboy Brave will probably end up being my least favorite book in the series. I didn't hate it and I enjoyed some of it. I love this series and was eager to see the final Longhorn bachelor get his story. Justin was just a generous, hardworking good old country boy and I liked him as much as his brother. I was glad to see him getting his own romance, seeing where things are at with the two previous couples and the whole Longhorn Canyon family. Justin's mom was being a pistol most of the time and his dad was a laid back salt of the earth type that were fun when they were in the scenes.
I had a deja vu feeling in that a Maguire brother was wooing a city girl who was also a country girl while a group was staying at the ranch. That isn't a complaint, but an observation. In this case, it was an elderly group calling themselves the Fab Five. The Fab Five seniors were a hoot- strip poker, skinny dipping, bullriding at the Rusty Spur Honky Tonk, and of course, a bit of matchmaking on the side for a certain young couple.
The reason I could not get into this story was my so-so feelings about the heroine, Emily. Honestly, I still can't figure out her issues- or should I say the dept of her issues- even after the story. Oh, she didn't get overly angsty, but it was more her reason for being so adamant against ranch life. I didn't buy it. She spends nearly the whole book pretending, lying by omission, getting short and cranky with her family for calling and wanting her to visit (you know, loving her and being concerned when she didn't call like she promised?).
And why was she this way? She didn't want to get stuck with doing the paperwork back home on the family ranch and preferred the active outside jobs. And, she had the desire to work with people so that leaves out living on a ranch. She felt her family was pressuring her to conform to their plans for her. And, they were, but not in a mean way. Then she didn't want to date a cowboy because he would be associated with a dreaded ranch and he couldn't possibly be telling the truth that she's beautiful to him. The thing is, five minutes with Justin relieved the reason she was outright lying about who her family was and a few days with him made a liar of her about the other stuff like she hates ranches and cowboys. It was obvious she loved the life and she really liked Justine. Justin made it crystal clear that she could do whatever made her happy for work if they were together and that he thought she was the most amazing woman he'd met. His family and friends corroborate this, but she still doubts it all.
The book is literally her denying the truth and Justin starting to settle down and plan a future that might include Emily. Not sure how he worked it out since she wasn't being honest. And when he calls her on it? She blows up and says he's making a mountain out of a molehill as she flies off in a pelter and he ends up mutually apologizing. I got fed up with it, but I didn't hate her. I couldn't like her or respect her until the end when she finally got her head screwed on straight realizing she'd made a tempest in a pot of tea.
I'm glad to know that Emily's younger twin brothers are getting the next two books. The were fun in the scenes they were in. This might not have been a favorite, but I love the Longhorn Ranch world with Skip and Mavis, Benji, Cade and Retta, Levi and Claire, and Justin. It's possible Emily will grow on me now. I hope the Fab Five make more appearances.
Those who read my reviews know that I will always recommend this author and her books for those who enjoy cowboy romances and a strong down home country feel with an uncomplicated story.
I'm thankful to Forever for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2019
Three and a half stars: A cute romance with a wily bunch of seniors, but the romance lacks a bit of magic.
Emily Baker is determined to get the folks at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch to host a group of seniors known as the Fab Five, who live at the center where she works. Emily’s first visit to the ranch is a bit of a disaster when she steps in a cow manure, and then finds herself dealing with the handsome Justin Maguire. Emily feels flustered to say the least, but she manages to procure the ranch for a week long visit. When Emily and the Fab Five arrive that the ranch, romance and mayhem follow. Emily and Justin can’t deny their attraction to one another, but Emily doesn’t want to return to ranch life, and she doesn’t want Justin to know where she comes from. Will a romance work?
What I Liked:
*I love a good Carolyn Brown romance, and the Longhorn Canyon Series has been a delight so far, so I was more than eager to dig into this third installment. While this book wasn’t my favorite of the bunch, there was still plenty to love.
*The best part of the novel, hands down for me, was the group of seniors known as the Fab Five. Emily works at a retirement home where five wily seniors live. This group is hilarious. I love their zeal for life and the funny antics that they get caught doing while on the ranch. Seriously, these five were so fun. Think skinny dippy, strip poker and more. Never a dull moment when the five are around.
*I love the characters in this series. It was fun to catch up a bit with couples from previous books in the series and also see Justin finally get his happily ever after.
*The romance is nice, it is full of heat and chemistry. There are a few stumbles but it all works out in the end.
*Even though I struggled a bit with Emily, I loved that she was a tall, full figured gal. It was refreshing to get a romance with a plus size gal.
*I loved the feel good vibe of this book and the entire series. I was delighted to learn that there are going to be more books coming in this series. Yeah! This book was exactly what I needed to help stave off the winter blues.
And The Not So Much:
*Emily was a sticking point for me. I loved that she was a plus size gal with a heart of gold, especially when it came to the Fab Five, but I didn’t like that she was afraid to share the truth about her background. I didn’t like the romance establishing on lies and omission. I get her hesitancy, but I think she should have trusted Justin early on.
*I also struggled with Justin’s mother and her behavior. She was downright nasty toward Emily. I didn’t like the negative vibe that she threw into the story. Thankfully, it gets resolved.
The romance moved lightning fast, and I wish that it had taken more time to establish into a strong friendship with trust and honesty before ramping up.
*I was so disappointed that there wasn’t an appearance by little Zaylie who stole the show in the second book. I missed Zaylie.
Cowboy Bold was a fun installment in a favorite series. Even though the romance wasn’t my favorite of the three books, I still found plenty to love. This book has an unforgettable group of seniors who will make you giggle and hopefully inspire you to appreciate life. If you are in need of a happy book that will help you fight off the winter blues, this is a must 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.
Emily Baker is determined to get the folks at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch to host a group of seniors known as the Fab Five, who live at the center where she works. Emily’s first visit to the ranch is a bit of a disaster when she steps in a cow manure, and then finds herself dealing with the handsome Justin Maguire. Emily feels flustered to say the least, but she manages to procure the ranch for a week long visit. When Emily and the Fab Five arrive that the ranch, romance and mayhem follow. Emily and Justin can’t deny their attraction to one another, but Emily doesn’t want to return to ranch life, and she doesn’t want Justin to know where she comes from. Will a romance work?
What I Liked:
*I love a good Carolyn Brown romance, and the Longhorn Canyon Series has been a delight so far, so I was more than eager to dig into this third installment. While this book wasn’t my favorite of the bunch, there was still plenty to love.
*The best part of the novel, hands down for me, was the group of seniors known as the Fab Five. Emily works at a retirement home where five wily seniors live. This group is hilarious. I love their zeal for life and the funny antics that they get caught doing while on the ranch. Seriously, these five were so fun. Think skinny dippy, strip poker and more. Never a dull moment when the five are around.
*I love the characters in this series. It was fun to catch up a bit with couples from previous books in the series and also see Justin finally get his happily ever after.
*The romance is nice, it is full of heat and chemistry. There are a few stumbles but it all works out in the end.
*Even though I struggled a bit with Emily, I loved that she was a tall, full figured gal. It was refreshing to get a romance with a plus size gal.
*I loved the feel good vibe of this book and the entire series. I was delighted to learn that there are going to be more books coming in this series. Yeah! This book was exactly what I needed to help stave off the winter blues.
And The Not So Much:
*Emily was a sticking point for me. I loved that she was a plus size gal with a heart of gold, especially when it came to the Fab Five, but I didn’t like that she was afraid to share the truth about her background. I didn’t like the romance establishing on lies and omission. I get her hesitancy, but I think she should have trusted Justin early on.
*I also struggled with Justin’s mother and her behavior. She was downright nasty toward Emily. I didn’t like the negative vibe that she threw into the story. Thankfully, it gets resolved.
The romance moved lightning fast, and I wish that it had taken more time to establish into a strong friendship with trust and honesty before ramping up.
*I was so disappointed that there wasn’t an appearance by little Zaylie who stole the show in the second book. I missed Zaylie.
Cowboy Bold was a fun installment in a favorite series. Even though the romance wasn’t my favorite of the three books, I still found plenty to love. This book has an unforgettable group of seniors who will make you giggle and hopefully inspire you to appreciate life. If you are in need of a happy book that will help you fight off the winter blues, this is a must 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.
January 19, 2019
The best way to start a weekend is to read a favorite author. So that's what I did.
Emily Baker doesn't really mind the ranch's chores. It's the paperwork her family pushed on her that's a bitch and she doesn't want a part of anymore. Anyway, she's happy taking care of the elderly folks as the activities director at the Oakview retirement center. And when one of her charges talk about missing his rancher life, Emily goes on a mission for her five favorites seniors to convince a flirty cowboy to rent them the bunkhouses at his ranch.
Justin Maguire. Just his name sound sexy. But his cowboy swagger and confidence is the real deal. The shenanigans of two men and three women in their seventies is no trouble for him and make him chuckle. Happy with the bar hookups scene up until now, he's also got no problem with the fact that Emily will change all that, making him long for the family life.
Who said that love has to be complicated ?
An other comfort book by Mrs. Brown that leave me with a smile on my face. I like that lately, she brought more diversity in her stories and I especially appreciated that there was no emphasis on the fact that the heroine is plus size. However, I was not too please with the pranks the elders played to Emily and the nurse at the retirement home. But other than that, they made me laugh with their mischievous plans.
This book comes with an other novel in bonus. Second Chance Cowboy by A.J Pine that I had already read before and that I recommend too.
Emily Baker doesn't really mind the ranch's chores. It's the paperwork her family pushed on her that's a bitch and she doesn't want a part of anymore. Anyway, she's happy taking care of the elderly folks as the activities director at the Oakview retirement center. And when one of her charges talk about missing his rancher life, Emily goes on a mission for her five favorites seniors to convince a flirty cowboy to rent them the bunkhouses at his ranch.
Justin Maguire. Just his name sound sexy. But his cowboy swagger and confidence is the real deal. The shenanigans of two men and three women in their seventies is no trouble for him and make him chuckle. Happy with the bar hookups scene up until now, he's also got no problem with the fact that Emily will change all that, making him long for the family life.
Who said that love has to be complicated ?
An other comfort book by Mrs. Brown that leave me with a smile on my face. I like that lately, she brought more diversity in her stories and I especially appreciated that there was no emphasis on the fact that the heroine is plus size. However, I was not too please with the pranks the elders played to Emily and the nurse at the retirement home. But other than that, they made me laugh with their mischievous plans.
This book comes with an other novel in bonus. Second Chance Cowboy by A.J Pine that I had already read before and that I recommend too.
October 19, 2020
These books are so cute. This particular one had a group from a senior citizen home that were just hysterical. Enjoyable read.
April 3, 2019
As the activities director for a seniors' housing complex, Emily Baker was always trying to come up with activities for her clients. So when "The Fab Five" (2 men and 3 women seniors) told her they wanted to go to a ranch for a week, she found Longhorn Canyon Ranch. They normally run a camp for children so a week with adults would be easy. They're in for quite a surprise when these seniors visit.
Justin Maguire loves running the ranch and is happy with his single life and short relationships. But when Emily brings the group to his ranch, he starts to think short relationships might not be what he wants anymore. Especially when he realizes Emily doesn't do short-term relationships.
I loved Emily. What a strong, competent woman. Not only was she a terrific activities director but she could do ranch work as well as any cowboy. She proved it when she saw a cow having trouble giving birth and jumped right in and "pulled" the calf, saving its life. She was also a great friend. When Emily's best friend came to her sobbing after finding out her boyfriend was married, Emily's first thought was " Where's this sumbitch from?" Emily patted her purse where her cute little .38 special had a home in a zippered side pocket. "Me and Cora (gun) will take care of him. I've got two shovels in the garage, or we can just leave his sorry carcass out in a mesquite thicket for the coyotes." That's a true friend for you.
The Fab Five were priceless. They couldn't ever be left alone because they got into more mischief than children ever could. They just wanted to have fun. And that they did. I loved the way they adopted Emily as their granddaughter and played matchmaker.
The characters are brilliant and perfectly constructed with intelligence, interest, and in Justin's case, that hot sexiness we love in a man!
This book is heartwarming, steamy, and funny. I recommend it to romantic comedy readers.
Justin Maguire loves running the ranch and is happy with his single life and short relationships. But when Emily brings the group to his ranch, he starts to think short relationships might not be what he wants anymore. Especially when he realizes Emily doesn't do short-term relationships.
I loved Emily. What a strong, competent woman. Not only was she a terrific activities director but she could do ranch work as well as any cowboy. She proved it when she saw a cow having trouble giving birth and jumped right in and "pulled" the calf, saving its life. She was also a great friend. When Emily's best friend came to her sobbing after finding out her boyfriend was married, Emily's first thought was " Where's this sumbitch from?" Emily patted her purse where her cute little .38 special had a home in a zippered side pocket. "Me and Cora (gun) will take care of him. I've got two shovels in the garage, or we can just leave his sorry carcass out in a mesquite thicket for the coyotes." That's a true friend for you.
The Fab Five were priceless. They couldn't ever be left alone because they got into more mischief than children ever could. They just wanted to have fun. And that they did. I loved the way they adopted Emily as their granddaughter and played matchmaker.
The characters are brilliant and perfectly constructed with intelligence, interest, and in Justin's case, that hot sexiness we love in a man!
This book is heartwarming, steamy, and funny. I recommend it to romantic comedy readers.
January 16, 2019
I am a huge Carolyn Brown fan and this book far exceeded my expectations. There were many places that I just laughed so hard it brought tears to my eyes. Emily Baker is the social director at a senior living center. She arranges a one week stay with Justin Maguire for five of her clients at the Longhorn Canyon ranch. The ones that are going she nicknames the 'Fab Five". They sure do keep things interesting. These are five seniors, all over the age of seventy, and they are a hoot and a half.
Throughout the week that they are at the ranch Emily works closely with Justin overseeing the seniors. Heaven, but the sparks do fly between those two! Emily has a secret, well not really a secret, just a sin of omission. When it comes to light what will happen to whatever is going on between them? One of the things I really likes about this story is that Emily is a big girl and does not apologize for it. Not every cowboy wants a size four female and Justin really loves Emily's curves.
You really should read Emily and Justin's tale and find out if, how and when they find their happy ever after. I loved every minute of this book (as if you couldn't tell by now) and really hated for it to end. Every one of those five stars is well deserved.
Also included was Second Chance Cowboy by A.J.Pine. I have never read this author but this book grabbed me and never let go. Jack Everett is a man who is haunted by his past. Ten years later he still cannot get past all that happened so many years before. Part of his past is Ava. She is the only one he has ever really loved and cannot forget. Yet he knows she deserves better. He had moved far away while still a teenager with hopes of avoiding his past. Now, ten years later, he is back and comes face to face with Ava. Can they get beyond all that has happened so long ago. Can they each forgive the other? Your heart will ache for these two. This is a tale that you won't be satisfied until you have read it all. I loved every minute of this whole book.
Throughout the week that they are at the ranch Emily works closely with Justin overseeing the seniors. Heaven, but the sparks do fly between those two! Emily has a secret, well not really a secret, just a sin of omission. When it comes to light what will happen to whatever is going on between them? One of the things I really likes about this story is that Emily is a big girl and does not apologize for it. Not every cowboy wants a size four female and Justin really loves Emily's curves.
You really should read Emily and Justin's tale and find out if, how and when they find their happy ever after. I loved every minute of this book (as if you couldn't tell by now) and really hated for it to end. Every one of those five stars is well deserved.
Also included was Second Chance Cowboy by A.J.Pine. I have never read this author but this book grabbed me and never let go. Jack Everett is a man who is haunted by his past. Ten years later he still cannot get past all that happened so many years before. Part of his past is Ava. She is the only one he has ever really loved and cannot forget. Yet he knows she deserves better. He had moved far away while still a teenager with hopes of avoiding his past. Now, ten years later, he is back and comes face to face with Ava. Can they get beyond all that has happened so long ago. Can they each forgive the other? Your heart will ache for these two. This is a tale that you won't be satisfied until you have read it all. I loved every minute of this whole book.
January 14, 2019
Cowboy Brave
Carolyn Brown
Emily Baker works as the social director at a nursing home/assisted/independent living facility. The “Fab Five”, as a group of seniors are called, decided that they wanted to go on vacation at a ranch. Emily makes arrangements at the Longhorn Canyon ranch. There she meets Justin Maquire, one of the owners. Justin and his family usually open up the ranch to underprivileged kids. They thought they would give the Fab Five a try. The seniors have a blast, they feel young again. Justin is attracted to Emily, but she has a secret she doesn’t want to share with Justin. She is afraid that he will either run away or try to take advantage of her. Emily’s family owns one of the largest ranches in Texas, the Big Sky Ranch. Justin’s parents, especially his mother think Emily is a gold digger and after Justin’s money, little did she know. Emily finally begins a relationship with Justin. He wasn’t looking for anything permanent, he still enjoyed being single and there was no way she was going to go out with a cowboy.. After a while, he realizes how much he enjoys spending time with Emily. He also goes out of his way to participate in activities with the Fab Five; Larry, Otis, Bess, Sarah and Patsy. After he goes to pick up a bull, he finds out who Emily really is. This does not stop him. He fell in love with her, not her money.
This is the third book in A Longhorn Canyon series, and it is my favorite. I really loved the Fab Five, Larry Otis, Bess, Sarah and Patsy. I was laughing out loud at some of their antics while they were on the ranch. Poor Emily couldn’t wait for the vacation to be over, they wore her out. Eventually Emily and Justin realize that they were meant for each other. Carolyn Brown has written another gem. I look forward to other books in this series.
Carolyn Brown
Emily Baker works as the social director at a nursing home/assisted/independent living facility. The “Fab Five”, as a group of seniors are called, decided that they wanted to go on vacation at a ranch. Emily makes arrangements at the Longhorn Canyon ranch. There she meets Justin Maquire, one of the owners. Justin and his family usually open up the ranch to underprivileged kids. They thought they would give the Fab Five a try. The seniors have a blast, they feel young again. Justin is attracted to Emily, but she has a secret she doesn’t want to share with Justin. She is afraid that he will either run away or try to take advantage of her. Emily’s family owns one of the largest ranches in Texas, the Big Sky Ranch. Justin’s parents, especially his mother think Emily is a gold digger and after Justin’s money, little did she know. Emily finally begins a relationship with Justin. He wasn’t looking for anything permanent, he still enjoyed being single and there was no way she was going to go out with a cowboy.. After a while, he realizes how much he enjoys spending time with Emily. He also goes out of his way to participate in activities with the Fab Five; Larry, Otis, Bess, Sarah and Patsy. After he goes to pick up a bull, he finds out who Emily really is. This does not stop him. He fell in love with her, not her money.
This is the third book in A Longhorn Canyon series, and it is my favorite. I really loved the Fab Five, Larry Otis, Bess, Sarah and Patsy. I was laughing out loud at some of their antics while they were on the ranch. Poor Emily couldn’t wait for the vacation to be over, they wore her out. Eventually Emily and Justin realize that they were meant for each other. Carolyn Brown has written another gem. I look forward to other books in this series.
February 11, 2019
After two attempts, I think I am tapping out on Carolyn Brown books. Clearly, something about her writing style just doesn’t click for me. I liked this book’s plot, a plus-sized heroine and a playboy, cowboy hero falling in love.
The parts I liked: Justin is sweetly devoted to Emily. The setting is cute, the secondary characters, a group of senior citizens, are funny. I think fans of Carolyn Brown will like this story. Parts of this story, especially the more romantic times between Emily and Justin made me smile.
The cons: I just couldn’t fully get into the book. I appreciated that there was more conflict than the previous novel, but every argument seemed a little contrived. There was way too much time with secondary characters and not enough time with Emily and Justin.
I think my biggest problem with the book, and every Carolyn Brown book I’ve read so far, is the dialogue. Something about the banter doesn’t connect with me. Everything sounds stilted and hokey to my ear. I also thought there was a lot left dangling, Justin and Emily didn’t work out everything before the end of the book, making this seem more like an HFN rather than an HEA.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book, but I wasn’t dying to finish it. I know that Carolyn Brown has many fans, I think her writing style just doesn’t work for me.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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The parts I liked: Justin is sweetly devoted to Emily. The setting is cute, the secondary characters, a group of senior citizens, are funny. I think fans of Carolyn Brown will like this story. Parts of this story, especially the more romantic times between Emily and Justin made me smile.
The cons: I just couldn’t fully get into the book. I appreciated that there was more conflict than the previous novel, but every argument seemed a little contrived. There was way too much time with secondary characters and not enough time with Emily and Justin.
I think my biggest problem with the book, and every Carolyn Brown book I’ve read so far, is the dialogue. Something about the banter doesn’t connect with me. Everything sounds stilted and hokey to my ear. I also thought there was a lot left dangling, Justin and Emily didn’t work out everything before the end of the book, making this seem more like an HFN rather than an HEA.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book, but I wasn’t dying to finish it. I know that Carolyn Brown has many fans, I think her writing style just doesn’t work for me.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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December 15, 2018
This author always brings her A game, but she managed to top herself with this book. We still have a hot, big-hearted cowboy and a strong, independent heroine, but the addition of “The Fab Five,” as they’ve dubbed themselves, really took this book to a whole other level. Emily is the activities director at a senior living center and five senior BFF’s pretty much adopt Emily as their granddaughter. These two gentlemen and three ladies decide they'd like a week away at a nearby ranch and Emily accompanies them because, trust me, they need more supervision than unruly tweens at summer camp. So not only does Emily get to try and corral this lively bunch of septuagenarians, but she gets more advice than she ever wanted when things begin to heat up between her and ranch owner, Justin Maguire.
After reading the first two books in this series, I was on board for all things Longhorn Canyon Ranch, but this book is easily my favorite. A word of caution for my fellow readers: warn your family if you’ll be reading after bedtime, because your barks of laughter are guaranteed to interrupt their sleep. I’m not sure if I fell more in love with the main characters or these five mischievous seniors, and I’m hoping they'll make an appearance in future books in this series. With delicious chemistry, a dose of steam and an abundance of belly laughs, don’t miss this delightful, heartwarming, hilarious read!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
After reading the first two books in this series, I was on board for all things Longhorn Canyon Ranch, but this book is easily my favorite. A word of caution for my fellow readers: warn your family if you’ll be reading after bedtime, because your barks of laughter are guaranteed to interrupt their sleep. I’m not sure if I fell more in love with the main characters or these five mischievous seniors, and I’m hoping they'll make an appearance in future books in this series. With delicious chemistry, a dose of steam and an abundance of belly laughs, don’t miss this delightful, heartwarming, hilarious read!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
March 1, 2019
This is the 3rd book of the series so I knew it had to be a romance for Justin this time around. Emily works at a retirement home and when the Fab Five, as they call themselves ask to go to a ranch for a week she calls on Longhorn Canyon. Little do they know she was raised on a farm. And one of the most highly acclaimed farms worth a lot of money. She never lets other guys know that because they always see $ signs. She is also a curvy woman and doesn't think a cowboy will really be interested in her. When she meets Justin there is attraction right away. She doesn't tell him where she is really from or her family.
This book had me laughing so hard because of the antics of the Fab Five who live in the retirement home. The things they got up to on that ranch for the week had me in stitches.
The only person in the book I did not like was Justin's mom. The way she treated Emily because of her size and didn't think someone like her could get anyone so would be out for Justin for his ranch and money. I was appalled by her behavior.
There is also another bonus book by another author in this book but I have not read that yet.
Thanks to Forever for sending me the book for review #Forever #GrandCentralPub
This book had me laughing so hard because of the antics of the Fab Five who live in the retirement home. The things they got up to on that ranch for the week had me in stitches.
The only person in the book I did not like was Justin's mom. The way she treated Emily because of her size and didn't think someone like her could get anyone so would be out for Justin for his ranch and money. I was appalled by her behavior.
There is also another bonus book by another author in this book but I have not read that yet.
Thanks to Forever for sending me the book for review #Forever #GrandCentralPub
January 5, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I adored this book. The Fab Five were an integral part of this story and it brought to light the struggles that older people without close family face.
Emily's work with the Fan Five gives you an insight into her personality that is not often found in romance books. Her understanding and compassion for them is endless.
Her reluctance to date Justin is understandable but with the help of her family and friends, she finally agreed to a date.
Justin isn't looking for a relationship, or is he? He's watched his brothers fall in love and marry but he's too young to settle down. Then Emily comes to the ranch and he's intrigued.
As he begins to get to know the Fab Five, he knows that these people are more than just patients to Emily. They are her surrogate family.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team ~~
I adored this book. The Fab Five were an integral part of this story and it brought to light the struggles that older people without close family face.
Emily's work with the Fan Five gives you an insight into her personality that is not often found in romance books. Her understanding and compassion for them is endless.
Her reluctance to date Justin is understandable but with the help of her family and friends, she finally agreed to a date.
Justin isn't looking for a relationship, or is he? He's watched his brothers fall in love and marry but he's too young to settle down. Then Emily comes to the ranch and he's intrigued.
As he begins to get to know the Fab Five, he knows that these people are more than just patients to Emily. They are her surrogate family.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team ~~
January 1, 2019
Emily Baker, Activities Director at Oakmont Retirement Center, wants nothing to do with cowboys or ranches. "Been there, done that!" That's not stopping the Fab Five, seniors at the center, from begging for a field trip to a ranch. Somehow Emily just can't tell them "No" so she contacts the Longhorn Canyon Ranch to ask about renting their bunkhouses for the seniors' retreat for a week. Every summer the Longhorn Canyon Ranch invites underprivileged children to spend some time there so Emily hopes the owners will agree to this request for her special seniors. So that's where it all began, where Emily meets Justin Maguire. She makes quite a first impression on him as she arrives at the ranch to discuss the retreat. She's all dressed up, very business-like in a nice dress and high heels. Too bad she steps in a fresh pile of cow manure and there goes that good first impression. How embarrassing!
Justin Maguire wasn't looking for love. He still had a few wild oats to sow. But there is something about Emily Baker that starts him to thinking about a home and a family. He keeps being tempted to kiss Emily's sweet lips. "No, gotta keep things professional." How long will that last?
Cowboy Brave by Carolyn Brown is the third book in her Longhorn Canyon series. This story is just over 300 pages of warmth, humor and sweet romance. The secondary characters, especially the Fab Five, add much to the ambiance and laughs in this book. Carolyn Brown always manages to write "feel good" stories and this is definitely a "sit-down with a soothing drink, get comfortable and be pleasantly entertained" special read.
Justin Maguire wasn't looking for love. He still had a few wild oats to sow. But there is something about Emily Baker that starts him to thinking about a home and a family. He keeps being tempted to kiss Emily's sweet lips. "No, gotta keep things professional." How long will that last?
Cowboy Brave by Carolyn Brown is the third book in her Longhorn Canyon series. This story is just over 300 pages of warmth, humor and sweet romance. The secondary characters, especially the Fab Five, add much to the ambiance and laughs in this book. Carolyn Brown always manages to write "feel good" stories and this is definitely a "sit-down with a soothing drink, get comfortable and be pleasantly entertained" special read.
December 27, 2018
Once again Carolyn Brown has brought us a story that brings a smorgasbord of characters that make us want to be friends with or love. Her heroine is a strong and a get it done kind of gal. She works as the entertainment director of a nursing home and her fav residents are lovingly known as "The Fab 5". She takes them for a week at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch in the off season and lets them enjoy all the ranch has to offer and brings them back to their days when they lived on one. Justin Maguire is the head of the retreat and lets the these five residents live their youth again. They get into some high jinx that make you want to join in with them. They made me lol and cry at the same time. And they headed Justin and Emily towards one another and set them both on a new course in life..
For me this was the best book in the series, although I loved them all. Carolyn Brown never disappoints me and I can't wait to see what she has for us next.
I was given freely a copy of this book to review by Netgalley.
For me this was the best book in the series, although I loved them all. Carolyn Brown never disappoints me and I can't wait to see what she has for us next.
I was given freely a copy of this book to review by Netgalley.
January 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed being back on the Longhorn Ranch! Emily was a loveable, plus sized gal. She knows who she is, and what she wants out of life. I loved getting to know her, and it was nice to see who stole Justin's heart! The Fab Five reminded me of the old men in the movie Return to Me! I adored this, and will continue to read more of her Longhorn Canyon novels!
June 7, 2022
Love the rep for a plus size girl. Pretty good book overall with 2 small plot points that really took me out of the flow of the book. Major fire hazard, and as someone living in Texas, that’s not something we do. Also, it’s not difficult to google the bingos letters and numbers. Major goof that should have been caught by editors.
January 14, 2019
This story was a simple and sweet Romance between a cowboy and a city girl but I have to admit here, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I did enjoy how Justin seemed to know pretty quickly what he wanted but Emily was a more difficult character for me to relate to. Plus the dialogue in this book felt stiff at times. some of the things they said to eachother I had a real hard time believing would be said IRL.
I did enjoy the fab five, they were pretty comical. I didn’t love how babied they were. They are adults afterall.... they can make their own decisions dayum.
This wasn’t my cuppa so I won’t say more but it very well may be yours so it’s still worth giving it a try :)
It’s an easy read with a good setting. It’s clear that there were other books before this as we meet those couples in this story but I didn’t feel like I missed out by not reading them so I believe this is an easy stand alone.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy the fab five, they were pretty comical. I didn’t love how babied they were. They are adults afterall.... they can make their own decisions dayum.
This wasn’t my cuppa so I won’t say more but it very well may be yours so it’s still worth giving it a try :)
It’s an easy read with a good setting. It’s clear that there were other books before this as we meet those couples in this story but I didn’t feel like I missed out by not reading them so I believe this is an easy stand alone.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2018
Cowboy Brave is the third book in Carolyn Brown's Longhorn Canyon series, a series I've been following all along, having only read the second novel in the series about a week ago, and absolutely loving it. I wish I could say the same for this novel, but I can't, and while it was an enjoyable read for the most part, it simply didn't measure up to either of the two previous novels and I can only give it a 3-star rating.
Cowboy Brave is Justin's story, the last single man on the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and the youngest, at just 30 years of age. His only romantic relationships so far have been a long, long string of one-night stands with the pretty, slender, blonde bar bunnies he picks up on Saturday nights at the local honky tonk, the Rusty Spur, brings them home, has sex with them, and that's about it until he picks up another one the following Saturday night. But he's just seen his two brothers find the loves of their lives in the past two novels, and suddenly begins to feel like a fifth wheel on the ranch. While this novel works just fine as a standalone, I strongly suggest you read the previous novels in the order written, as it will enhance your understanding of the family dynamics.
The heroine in this novel is Emily, a size 18, "big girl", as she is often referred to in this novel (and kudos to Ms. Brown for including a heroine who isn't a size 4). She's from a ranching family, but wanted more out of life, left her family ranch, got her degree and is employed at a retirement/nursing home, where five of the residents, all 70-somethings, without family, children or grandchildren, have bonded with one another and now call themselves the Fab Five, and they want to get away for a week. None of them are seriously ill, and most grew up on either farms or ranches and miss that lifestyle. They bargain with Emily to arrange a one-week getaway for them at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch after reading the publicity it received for taking in inner-city kids for the summer to give them the ranch experience (read Cowboy Bold for that story).
When Emily meets Justin and arranges for the trip, Justin, used to flirting with every woman he meets, starts flirting with her, and soon she and the Fab Five arrive for their week on the ranch, and what a week it is. The Fab Five are the feistiest, wackiest, most fun-loving seniors you'd ever want to meet, and their ongoing shenanigans, from playing strip poker, to joy riding on ATVs, to wanting a chance to do some bull-riding, and the scenes of Emily's attempts to rein in some of their enthusiasm are absolutely hilarious and were a joy to read. Justin, and the rest of the family on the ranch welcome the Fab Five with open arms and open hearts, and for this reader, that was the best part of this novel.
What didn't really work for me was the relationship between Justin and Emily. While his family liked and accepted her, (all except his mother, who was totally bitchy to Emily, thinking her nothing but a gold digger), and Justin found himself wanting more than a one-night stand with her, Emily simply wasn't buying his flirtatious ways at first. Justin sure did try his best though, and he eventually succeeded in getting Emily into bed, and getting Emily over her inhibitions about showing her less than perfect body to him, a body he things is perfectly curvy and sexy as it is. Again, kudos to Ms. Brown for realizing that most big girls tend to be shy about revealing bodies that would never make the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated.
However, what seemed to be missing from this romance, although there were quite a few romantic gestures from Justin, was the feeling of a deep, emotional connection and understanding between these two characters. Emily wanted to get away from her own family ranch and live in a city, and she clearly resented her mother and grandmother constantly trying to get her to come back home to their ranch, and then there's Justin, her exact opposite, who loved ranching, and felt that it was his true calling. They seemed like two people who had little in common, although they were certainly compatible sexually, but Emily was keeping a secret from Justin, and when he accidentally discovered what that secret was, he didn't handle it well, nor did these two characters spend much time really getting to know one another on more than a superficial and physical level.
While I didn't miss a ton of drama, character development and angst in the previous novel in this series, Cowboy Honor, I certainly missed it in this one, and by the time we arrive at the expected HEA ending, I still felt that I really didn't know either of the main characters well, or why Justin was suddenly attracted to a big gal when he'd only ever pursued perfect 10s before meeting Emily, or learning that the driving force that drove Emily away from her family ranch was the fact that she didn't like doing paperwork? Really? It seemed a flimsy excuse, and yet there's plenty of paperwork involved in her job at the retirement home, not to mention her complete about-face and willingness to return to ranching life at Longhorn Canyon. I found that I kept trying to connect the dots in their relationship, but that some of the dots were missing, and I've clearly been spoiled by the previous two novels in this series, this one being by least favorite so far.
Since Emily's two brothers were introduced in this novel and are considering buying the ranch that adjoins Longhorn Canyon, and Emily's friend and co-worker Nikki, another secondary character we meet in this novel, has been unsuccessful at love, I'm assuming that some, if not all, of these characters will appear in upcoming novels in this series, and hopefully Ms. Brown will give these characters a bit more depth in those novels than she did in this one.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Cowboy Brave is Justin's story, the last single man on the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and the youngest, at just 30 years of age. His only romantic relationships so far have been a long, long string of one-night stands with the pretty, slender, blonde bar bunnies he picks up on Saturday nights at the local honky tonk, the Rusty Spur, brings them home, has sex with them, and that's about it until he picks up another one the following Saturday night. But he's just seen his two brothers find the loves of their lives in the past two novels, and suddenly begins to feel like a fifth wheel on the ranch. While this novel works just fine as a standalone, I strongly suggest you read the previous novels in the order written, as it will enhance your understanding of the family dynamics.
The heroine in this novel is Emily, a size 18, "big girl", as she is often referred to in this novel (and kudos to Ms. Brown for including a heroine who isn't a size 4). She's from a ranching family, but wanted more out of life, left her family ranch, got her degree and is employed at a retirement/nursing home, where five of the residents, all 70-somethings, without family, children or grandchildren, have bonded with one another and now call themselves the Fab Five, and they want to get away for a week. None of them are seriously ill, and most grew up on either farms or ranches and miss that lifestyle. They bargain with Emily to arrange a one-week getaway for them at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch after reading the publicity it received for taking in inner-city kids for the summer to give them the ranch experience (read Cowboy Bold for that story).
When Emily meets Justin and arranges for the trip, Justin, used to flirting with every woman he meets, starts flirting with her, and soon she and the Fab Five arrive for their week on the ranch, and what a week it is. The Fab Five are the feistiest, wackiest, most fun-loving seniors you'd ever want to meet, and their ongoing shenanigans, from playing strip poker, to joy riding on ATVs, to wanting a chance to do some bull-riding, and the scenes of Emily's attempts to rein in some of their enthusiasm are absolutely hilarious and were a joy to read. Justin, and the rest of the family on the ranch welcome the Fab Five with open arms and open hearts, and for this reader, that was the best part of this novel.
What didn't really work for me was the relationship between Justin and Emily. While his family liked and accepted her, (all except his mother, who was totally bitchy to Emily, thinking her nothing but a gold digger), and Justin found himself wanting more than a one-night stand with her, Emily simply wasn't buying his flirtatious ways at first. Justin sure did try his best though, and he eventually succeeded in getting Emily into bed, and getting Emily over her inhibitions about showing her less than perfect body to him, a body he things is perfectly curvy and sexy as it is. Again, kudos to Ms. Brown for realizing that most big girls tend to be shy about revealing bodies that would never make the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated.
However, what seemed to be missing from this romance, although there were quite a few romantic gestures from Justin, was the feeling of a deep, emotional connection and understanding between these two characters. Emily wanted to get away from her own family ranch and live in a city, and she clearly resented her mother and grandmother constantly trying to get her to come back home to their ranch, and then there's Justin, her exact opposite, who loved ranching, and felt that it was his true calling. They seemed like two people who had little in common, although they were certainly compatible sexually, but Emily was keeping a secret from Justin, and when he accidentally discovered what that secret was, he didn't handle it well, nor did these two characters spend much time really getting to know one another on more than a superficial and physical level.
While I didn't miss a ton of drama, character development and angst in the previous novel in this series, Cowboy Honor, I certainly missed it in this one, and by the time we arrive at the expected HEA ending, I still felt that I really didn't know either of the main characters well, or why Justin was suddenly attracted to a big gal when he'd only ever pursued perfect 10s before meeting Emily, or learning that the driving force that drove Emily away from her family ranch was the fact that she didn't like doing paperwork? Really? It seemed a flimsy excuse, and yet there's plenty of paperwork involved in her job at the retirement home, not to mention her complete about-face and willingness to return to ranching life at Longhorn Canyon. I found that I kept trying to connect the dots in their relationship, but that some of the dots were missing, and I've clearly been spoiled by the previous two novels in this series, this one being by least favorite so far.
Since Emily's two brothers were introduced in this novel and are considering buying the ranch that adjoins Longhorn Canyon, and Emily's friend and co-worker Nikki, another secondary character we meet in this novel, has been unsuccessful at love, I'm assuming that some, if not all, of these characters will appear in upcoming novels in this series, and hopefully Ms. Brown will give these characters a bit more depth in those novels than she did in this one.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better!!! A plus sized heroine and the fab 5, what more could you ask for
March 27, 2019
Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews.
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Emily Baker grew up on a farm and she’s worked very hard to distance herself from that life but unfortunately for her, the seniors at the nursing home she works at are begging her for a ranch retreat. So off she goes to the Longhorn Canyon spread where she gets a good look at Justin Maguire and starts thinking that maybe a week roughing it might not be all that bad. Justin on the other hand is pretty sure Emily is the one for him and with a group of matchmaking seniors on his side, he’s got a good chance of convincing her to stay.
Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? Cowboy Brave is the first book I’ve read by Carolyn Brown and while there were elements I really enjoyed, overall it wasn’t the book for me. Emily and Justin’s city mouse/country mouse romance is entertaining and sweet at times but it wasn’t the most convincing relationship I’ve come across.
The trouble with Justin and Emily is that the whole book is spent dealing with Justin trying to convince Emily that he wants something real with her yet by the end I was left feeling that the author never really let me get to know either character. Oh sure I got general basics on both, Justin’s generous, kind, and a hard worker, and Emily is stubborn, dedicated, and also a hard worker. But beyond that I never really connected with these characters and that made the romance difficult to get into. To me there wasn’t really a connection between them that went beyond the physical. There was too much of Emily’s hang-ups and not enough growth between her and Justin emotionally. Speaking of Emily’s hang-ups, she had a supposedly real reason for not wanting to return to ranching/farming life and its touted as this huge deal but when it’s finally revealed I wanted to shove her into a hole somewhere for being so dramatic about it. It really wasn’t the big deal she made it out to be, in fact it was kind of flimsy.
It was actually the supporting cast I found more interesting in Cowboy Brave though. Justin’s family, and of course Emily’s charges, a group of energetic and fun loving seniors really help the plot from falling completely flat. Oh if only the book had been about them instead because they were so funny! There was a downside to having such a large cast of secondary characters though and that’s that there were so many of them and they were all clamoring for some page time that the story tended to drift away from Justin and Emily a lot.
For me Cowboy Brave was the first and probably last book by Carolyn Brown I’ll read for a while. It took me way too long to finish it and even when I did I felt unsatisfied by the relationship between the Justin and Emily and I was never really sold on Emily as a character.
Click It or Skip It? Skip It.
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Emily Baker grew up on a farm and she’s worked very hard to distance herself from that life but unfortunately for her, the seniors at the nursing home she works at are begging her for a ranch retreat. So off she goes to the Longhorn Canyon spread where she gets a good look at Justin Maguire and starts thinking that maybe a week roughing it might not be all that bad. Justin on the other hand is pretty sure Emily is the one for him and with a group of matchmaking seniors on his side, he’s got a good chance of convincing her to stay.
Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? Cowboy Brave is the first book I’ve read by Carolyn Brown and while there were elements I really enjoyed, overall it wasn’t the book for me. Emily and Justin’s city mouse/country mouse romance is entertaining and sweet at times but it wasn’t the most convincing relationship I’ve come across.
The trouble with Justin and Emily is that the whole book is spent dealing with Justin trying to convince Emily that he wants something real with her yet by the end I was left feeling that the author never really let me get to know either character. Oh sure I got general basics on both, Justin’s generous, kind, and a hard worker, and Emily is stubborn, dedicated, and also a hard worker. But beyond that I never really connected with these characters and that made the romance difficult to get into. To me there wasn’t really a connection between them that went beyond the physical. There was too much of Emily’s hang-ups and not enough growth between her and Justin emotionally. Speaking of Emily’s hang-ups, she had a supposedly real reason for not wanting to return to ranching/farming life and its touted as this huge deal but when it’s finally revealed I wanted to shove her into a hole somewhere for being so dramatic about it. It really wasn’t the big deal she made it out to be, in fact it was kind of flimsy.
It was actually the supporting cast I found more interesting in Cowboy Brave though. Justin’s family, and of course Emily’s charges, a group of energetic and fun loving seniors really help the plot from falling completely flat. Oh if only the book had been about them instead because they were so funny! There was a downside to having such a large cast of secondary characters though and that’s that there were so many of them and they were all clamoring for some page time that the story tended to drift away from Justin and Emily a lot.
For me Cowboy Brave was the first and probably last book by Carolyn Brown I’ll read for a while. It took me way too long to finish it and even when I did I felt unsatisfied by the relationship between the Justin and Emily and I was never really sold on Emily as a character.
Click It or Skip It? Skip It.
January 15, 2019
Brown always writes wholesome, down-to-earth stories full of cowboys, ranch life, family antics, drama, building relationships, sharing lives and romance. Her books will make you smile, laugh, sometimes shed a tear and leave you with a feel-good, happy feeling when her characters’ journey comes to an end. These are some of the reasons I enjoy reading her stories, as well as the fact that the storylines are always well-paced and engaging from start to finish. The characters are also enjoyable and there are usually always some extra antics thrown in for a few extra laughs and excitement from some of the side characters; in this case, it being the Fab Five, a group of seniors living in a retirement center where Emily works and shares in their day-to-day lives. Some of the things this group comes up with are hilarious and these guys alone will have you turning pages in the book to see what they will do next. From skinny dipping to strip poker to matchmaking and more…they were a fun addition to the read and I hope they make appearances in future stories.
Justin was a good character; he was a cowboy through and through. He enjoyed working on the family ranch, was happy with his life and set in his bachelor ways; he had no desire to settle down like his brothers, he enjoyed his freedom and lifestyle too much. That was until Emily came along. There was something about her that drew him in and had him wanting to get to know her more. Maybe it was the fact that she was different than the other women he was attracted to or the fact that she did not swoon or fall at his feet when he flirted with her…whatever it was she was a mystery that he intended to solve. I enjoyed his interaction with his family, the Fab Five and with Emily. He was laid back, caring, and had a heart of gold. I liked that he always told Emily she was beautiful and perfect the way she was and did not try to change her but tried to help reassure her and help her be more confident in her own skin.
Emily, on the other hand, I had a harder time truly liking her character. She was a total contradiction and her excuse for not wanting to have anything to do with a ranch or the lifestyle because of possibly being stuck in the office doing paperwork instead of actually working on the ranch doing what she enjoyed was really flimsy. She skated around this with her family who was always trying to get her to come home and do her duty on the family ranch and in evading answers from Justin and his family’s questions regarding her life. Even though she did not outright lie, she lied by omission every time Justin asked her about her past and her life and then flew off the handle when the truth came out and blew up at him for something that was her fault. It was an overreaction and just seemed childish. She was portrayed as a strong, extremely independent character who was sweet and nurturing and loved her job but never felt settled or at home and longed for what she really wanted…to enjoy the ranch life, sans paperwork, but was very blasé about making her dream a reality; especially when Justin came into the picture basically offering her exactly what she wanted and she pushed it and him away because...again...paperwork and if she told him the truth about her true identity she might be stuck in the same boat again. So, I do not know, I just had a hard time completely wrapping myself around her character.
With that aside, I did enjoy the book. It was nice catching up with the rest of the family and getting a glimpse of what lies ahead for them all; as well as meeting new characters that hopefully will become part of the mix in future stories. The Fab Five was definitely the highlight of the book and though I was not fond of all the interaction between Emily and Justin, I was glad to see everything work out in the end and hope to see more of them in future stories, as well. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, it would be best to start with the beginning of the series to fully enjoy the characters and the family dynamics since they overlap through the stories. Overall, Cowboy Brave was a nice addition to the series.
*I received an ARC via the publisher thru NetGalley and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
Justin was a good character; he was a cowboy through and through. He enjoyed working on the family ranch, was happy with his life and set in his bachelor ways; he had no desire to settle down like his brothers, he enjoyed his freedom and lifestyle too much. That was until Emily came along. There was something about her that drew him in and had him wanting to get to know her more. Maybe it was the fact that she was different than the other women he was attracted to or the fact that she did not swoon or fall at his feet when he flirted with her…whatever it was she was a mystery that he intended to solve. I enjoyed his interaction with his family, the Fab Five and with Emily. He was laid back, caring, and had a heart of gold. I liked that he always told Emily she was beautiful and perfect the way she was and did not try to change her but tried to help reassure her and help her be more confident in her own skin.
Emily, on the other hand, I had a harder time truly liking her character. She was a total contradiction and her excuse for not wanting to have anything to do with a ranch or the lifestyle because of possibly being stuck in the office doing paperwork instead of actually working on the ranch doing what she enjoyed was really flimsy. She skated around this with her family who was always trying to get her to come home and do her duty on the family ranch and in evading answers from Justin and his family’s questions regarding her life. Even though she did not outright lie, she lied by omission every time Justin asked her about her past and her life and then flew off the handle when the truth came out and blew up at him for something that was her fault. It was an overreaction and just seemed childish. She was portrayed as a strong, extremely independent character who was sweet and nurturing and loved her job but never felt settled or at home and longed for what she really wanted…to enjoy the ranch life, sans paperwork, but was very blasé about making her dream a reality; especially when Justin came into the picture basically offering her exactly what she wanted and she pushed it and him away because...again...paperwork and if she told him the truth about her true identity she might be stuck in the same boat again. So, I do not know, I just had a hard time completely wrapping myself around her character.
With that aside, I did enjoy the book. It was nice catching up with the rest of the family and getting a glimpse of what lies ahead for them all; as well as meeting new characters that hopefully will become part of the mix in future stories. The Fab Five was definitely the highlight of the book and though I was not fond of all the interaction between Emily and Justin, I was glad to see everything work out in the end and hope to see more of them in future stories, as well. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, it would be best to start with the beginning of the series to fully enjoy the characters and the family dynamics since they overlap through the stories. Overall, Cowboy Brave was a nice addition to the series.
*I received an ARC via the publisher thru NetGalley and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 24, 2019
A couple falling in love. Delightful elderly people. An autistic child. Wow! A darned Hallmark movie| I needed tissues quite a bit while reading
Cowboy Brave.
Emily Baker is a social worker at a nursing home and agrees to take the "Fab Five" to a weeklong retreat at a nearby ranch. This group of elders were so special that they need to be named - Otis, Bess, Patsy, Larry and Sarah. The group have a grand ole time while at the ranch, getting into a heap of trouble. Meanwhile, Emily is more than impressed with sexy cowboy Justin Maguire. She has every intent to fight her growing feelings for Justin. One busy week on the ranch and she hopes to get back to her life.
Justin has always been a free agent, enjoying a new woman just about every weekend. When Emily and the group arrive, Justin finds himself immediately drawn to her. He can't believe he is willing to give up his days and nights during the week. Furthermore, Justin soon realizes that he wants to see more of Emily beyond her stay at the ranch.
One of the things that put me off on this book was Justin's mother's reaction to Emily. I had to really think about whether or not I could go into it, but I feel that it would spoil the book. Suffice it to say that there were two reasons Justin's mother did not like Emily. While on the one hand this book moved me several times to at least being misty-eyed, I kept getting annoyed with her.
In the previous two books in this series, readers got to see how Justin's brothers found their soulmates. Could Emily be that woman for him? I find that this book had several conflicts. I very much enjoyed how they were all resolved. Things were never rushed, they flowed well to a wonderful conclusion. The Fab Five added a lot of comic relief to a sensitive story.
I enjoyed the fact that Emily was a full-figured woman. It is great when authors can give us characters like that. Her confidence is fantastic. Justin's reaction to her is just perfect. Also, revisiting with all the characters from the previous books in this Longhorn Canyon series was a true delight.
The first two books are Cowboy Bold and Cowboy Honor. Those reviews are noted below. The series will continue with Cowboy Rebel in August and Christmas With a Cowboy in September. Carolyn Brown mentions in her note to readers that there might even be more stories. So much to look forward to!
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Note: This is the first of two books in one. The other book, Second Chance Cowboy by A. J. Pine, is reviewed separately here on Goodreads.
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.
Emily Baker is a social worker at a nursing home and agrees to take the "Fab Five" to a weeklong retreat at a nearby ranch. This group of elders were so special that they need to be named - Otis, Bess, Patsy, Larry and Sarah. The group have a grand ole time while at the ranch, getting into a heap of trouble. Meanwhile, Emily is more than impressed with sexy cowboy Justin Maguire. She has every intent to fight her growing feelings for Justin. One busy week on the ranch and she hopes to get back to her life.
Justin has always been a free agent, enjoying a new woman just about every weekend. When Emily and the group arrive, Justin finds himself immediately drawn to her. He can't believe he is willing to give up his days and nights during the week. Furthermore, Justin soon realizes that he wants to see more of Emily beyond her stay at the ranch.
One of the things that put me off on this book was Justin's mother's reaction to Emily. I had to really think about whether or not I could go into it, but I feel that it would spoil the book. Suffice it to say that there were two reasons Justin's mother did not like Emily. While on the one hand this book moved me several times to at least being misty-eyed, I kept getting annoyed with her.
In the previous two books in this series, readers got to see how Justin's brothers found their soulmates. Could Emily be that woman for him? I find that this book had several conflicts. I very much enjoyed how they were all resolved. Things were never rushed, they flowed well to a wonderful conclusion. The Fab Five added a lot of comic relief to a sensitive story.
I enjoyed the fact that Emily was a full-figured woman. It is great when authors can give us characters like that. Her confidence is fantastic. Justin's reaction to her is just perfect. Also, revisiting with all the characters from the previous books in this Longhorn Canyon series was a true delight.
The first two books are Cowboy Bold and Cowboy Honor. Those reviews are noted below. The series will continue with Cowboy Rebel in August and Christmas With a Cowboy in September. Carolyn Brown mentions in her note to readers that there might even be more stories. So much to look forward to!
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Note: This is the first of two books in one. The other book, Second Chance Cowboy by A. J. Pine, is reviewed separately here on Goodreads.
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.
December 3, 2020
Why can't I live at this ranch too????????
Here we have Justin Maguire and Emily. Emily was born and raised on a ranch but decided that she didn't want that life especially if she is stuck all day at a desk doing paperwork. She has tried to distance herself as much as possible from her previous life, however, when a group of her beloved seniors at the nursing home want to do a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to Longhorn Canyon. Justin and the ranch agree to this retreat for the group of seniors and the sexy Emily. It is instant attraction, but she is stubborn so with the help of the matchmaking and troublemaking seniors, he might just be able to convince her to give him a shot.
Gotta love this author. She really knows how to make loveable characters. Esp the Fab 5! They were a hoot.
I get why Emily would not trust the likes of womanizing Justin. I wouldn't. Emily tall and super curvy and not at all the type Justin normally has sex with. She has enough on her plate and doesn't want to be another notch on his bedpost.
Oh Justin. I grew to love ya. I was worried it would be hard for him to stop being a womanizer, but Emily is worth it for sure.
Ugh Justin's mother needed a slapping! Sure - it is realistic the MIL-to-be is not going to like the woman their baby boy is with (*cough*trust me I know this personally since I am not my MIL-to-bes favorite person either *cough*). But she really had no basis on why she didn't like Emily. SMH. I honestly feel like it didn't help with the plot if I'm to be honest.
Besides for the MIL-to-be's issues, there is only a little drama here. It worked. There is an instant lust, but the love does hit them hard and fast without them knowing. I liked it. It worked for them.
I do feel like Justin changed too quickly. One min he was all MARRIAGE IS FOR THE BIRDS and the next...I MUST HAVE EMILY IN MY BED FOREVER. It seemed too quick. I really think we needed more of a transition for him.
The narrator was good as she was in the previous one. She does a good job with all the voices. Her old lady voices were hilarious BUT they fit perfect.
Overall, I was worried about this one since I was not feeling Justin in the previous novels, but I ended up adoring this and Justin. Very cute. I had a couple small meh feelings, but overall, it was good. I'll give this 3 stars.
Here we have Justin Maguire and Emily. Emily was born and raised on a ranch but decided that she didn't want that life especially if she is stuck all day at a desk doing paperwork. She has tried to distance herself as much as possible from her previous life, however, when a group of her beloved seniors at the nursing home want to do a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to Longhorn Canyon. Justin and the ranch agree to this retreat for the group of seniors and the sexy Emily. It is instant attraction, but she is stubborn so with the help of the matchmaking and troublemaking seniors, he might just be able to convince her to give him a shot.
Gotta love this author. She really knows how to make loveable characters. Esp the Fab 5! They were a hoot.
I get why Emily would not trust the likes of womanizing Justin. I wouldn't. Emily tall and super curvy and not at all the type Justin normally has sex with. She has enough on her plate and doesn't want to be another notch on his bedpost.
Oh Justin. I grew to love ya. I was worried it would be hard for him to stop being a womanizer, but Emily is worth it for sure.
Ugh Justin's mother needed a slapping! Sure - it is realistic the MIL-to-be is not going to like the woman their baby boy is with (*cough*trust me I know this personally since I am not my MIL-to-bes favorite person either *cough*). But she really had no basis on why she didn't like Emily. SMH. I honestly feel like it didn't help with the plot if I'm to be honest.
Besides for the MIL-to-be's issues, there is only a little drama here. It worked. There is an instant lust, but the love does hit them hard and fast without them knowing. I liked it. It worked for them.
I do feel like Justin changed too quickly. One min he was all MARRIAGE IS FOR THE BIRDS and the next...I MUST HAVE EMILY IN MY BED FOREVER. It seemed too quick. I really think we needed more of a transition for him.
The narrator was good as she was in the previous one. She does a good job with all the voices. Her old lady voices were hilarious BUT they fit perfect.
Overall, I was worried about this one since I was not feeling Justin in the previous novels, but I ended up adoring this and Justin. Very cute. I had a couple small meh feelings, but overall, it was good. I'll give this 3 stars.
March 14, 2020
What could be more fun in a cowboy romance than a cast of five seniors from an assisted living facility taking an excursion with their social worker to a working ranch?!
OMG, if you think seniors are all about living lives orbiting Bingo games and the nearest 4:00 dinner buffet...think again. It's hilarious! They busted onto the Longhorn Canyon ranch and took it by storm.
Supposed city girl Emily Baker, sure had her hands full trying to keep these houligans in line, the last thing she needed was to charmed and pursued by cowboy Justin Maguire. He took one look at the full figured, curvy Emily and his fate was sealed.
This was such a terrific story! It literally had everything that I look for in a contemporary romance read. What I loved best about this one was that for once a story was written about a wonderful heroine with so much to offer the right man, if only he could see how beautiful she was on the inside. The author respectfully acknowledged that Emily was a bigger girl, and not the type a romance read typically focuses on, however; Justin appreciated Emily and made no bones about his attraction towards her. He told everyone who would listen that he thought she was gorgeous, and I swooned each and every time. What a man! I also loved that Emily wasn't a whiny, wallflower of a woman with little to no self-esteem. She had her insecurities like most women do, but she didn't let those keep her from feeling deserving of real love. When she realized how she and Justin desired one another, she kicked her shoes off and took what he was so willing to give her. I loved their relationship! They had a genuine friendship and mutual respect for one another. There was an instant connection, that grew into something that felt real and long lasting.
If you've read other books in this series, then you'll appreciate the presence of family and the many secondary characters that round out this story. There are events that take place that are an extension of other plot points from the earlier books, as well as a few arcs that will take us to the next few books. I've truly enjoyed the series so far! Both the writing and the narrator have done a terrific job.
I wouldn't hesitate to listen to more books performed by this narrator.
OMG, if you think seniors are all about living lives orbiting Bingo games and the nearest 4:00 dinner buffet...think again. It's hilarious! They busted onto the Longhorn Canyon ranch and took it by storm.
Supposed city girl Emily Baker, sure had her hands full trying to keep these houligans in line, the last thing she needed was to charmed and pursued by cowboy Justin Maguire. He took one look at the full figured, curvy Emily and his fate was sealed.
This was such a terrific story! It literally had everything that I look for in a contemporary romance read. What I loved best about this one was that for once a story was written about a wonderful heroine with so much to offer the right man, if only he could see how beautiful she was on the inside. The author respectfully acknowledged that Emily was a bigger girl, and not the type a romance read typically focuses on, however; Justin appreciated Emily and made no bones about his attraction towards her. He told everyone who would listen that he thought she was gorgeous, and I swooned each and every time. What a man! I also loved that Emily wasn't a whiny, wallflower of a woman with little to no self-esteem. She had her insecurities like most women do, but she didn't let those keep her from feeling deserving of real love. When she realized how she and Justin desired one another, she kicked her shoes off and took what he was so willing to give her. I loved their relationship! They had a genuine friendship and mutual respect for one another. There was an instant connection, that grew into something that felt real and long lasting.
If you've read other books in this series, then you'll appreciate the presence of family and the many secondary characters that round out this story. There are events that take place that are an extension of other plot points from the earlier books, as well as a few arcs that will take us to the next few books. I've truly enjoyed the series so far! Both the writing and the narrator have done a terrific job.
I wouldn't hesitate to listen to more books performed by this narrator.
August 28, 2023
Cowboy Brave-Longhorn Canyon Ranch #3 by Carolyn Brown
For me the relationship between Justin McGuire and Emily Baker was overshadowed by the Fab Five.
Don’t get me wrong because I loved Bess, Patsy, Sarah, Larry and Otis as secondary supporting characters very much.
I would love to have their sense of living every day with such enthusiasm and abandon without fear of being judged by others or being perceived as too old for the activity they want to do.
My feeling is that they added more to this story than they took from it but at times had more of my focus than Emily and Justin did.
Despite that feeling this was a good stopping place for the McGuire family and a great setup for the Baker brothers to get their turn to play.
Second Chance Cowboy A Crossroads Ranch Novel #1 by A.J. Pine
We all know returning home means something different to each of us, but what about to a place that was not home anymore in the truest sense of the word?
What about those who never left?
What kind of shared experiences and feelings color how they greet your return if you never meant to stay?
I enjoyed this second chance romance between Ava Ellis and High School sweetheart Jack Everett from all angles as each new chapter unfolded.
Not only them but all the others in this cast of characters were well worth spending time getting to know and learning to love!
The story was setup and executed well for me from beginning to an ending that I had hoped for with all my heart.
For me the relationship between Justin McGuire and Emily Baker was overshadowed by the Fab Five.
Don’t get me wrong because I loved Bess, Patsy, Sarah, Larry and Otis as secondary supporting characters very much.
I would love to have their sense of living every day with such enthusiasm and abandon without fear of being judged by others or being perceived as too old for the activity they want to do.
My feeling is that they added more to this story than they took from it but at times had more of my focus than Emily and Justin did.
Despite that feeling this was a good stopping place for the McGuire family and a great setup for the Baker brothers to get their turn to play.
Second Chance Cowboy A Crossroads Ranch Novel #1 by A.J. Pine
We all know returning home means something different to each of us, but what about to a place that was not home anymore in the truest sense of the word?
What about those who never left?
What kind of shared experiences and feelings color how they greet your return if you never meant to stay?
I enjoyed this second chance romance between Ava Ellis and High School sweetheart Jack Everett from all angles as each new chapter unfolded.
Not only them but all the others in this cast of characters were well worth spending time getting to know and learning to love!
The story was setup and executed well for me from beginning to an ending that I had hoped for with all my heart.
May 30, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
If you’re in the mood for some tear-inducing out loud laughing or to get your emotions seriously engaged in a very good story, then “Cowboy Brave” is perfect for you.
Justin and Emily’s romance is everything I look for in a Modern Western Romance. A few issues, some serious steam, an emotional impact that keeps me cheering them on. This couple belongs together… it just might take some convincing though. And “The Fab Five” are on the job.
“The Fab Five”, a self-named group of older gentlemen and ladies who firmly believe that life does not stop just because you’ve lived to a certain age… you live until you die, and have as much love and laughter involved as is humanly possible as well. This group stole the story from Emily and Justin so many times – and frankly, I loved every moment of it.
“Cowboy Brave” is a love story on so many levels, and you’ll fall in love with five romance minded senior citizens… and the couple they’re working to bring together. I had such fun with all of these characters and I’m certain you will, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
If you’re in the mood for some tear-inducing out loud laughing or to get your emotions seriously engaged in a very good story, then “Cowboy Brave” is perfect for you.
Justin and Emily’s romance is everything I look for in a Modern Western Romance. A few issues, some serious steam, an emotional impact that keeps me cheering them on. This couple belongs together… it just might take some convincing though. And “The Fab Five” are on the job.
“The Fab Five”, a self-named group of older gentlemen and ladies who firmly believe that life does not stop just because you’ve lived to a certain age… you live until you die, and have as much love and laughter involved as is humanly possible as well. This group stole the story from Emily and Justin so many times – and frankly, I loved every moment of it.
“Cowboy Brave” is a love story on so many levels, and you’ll fall in love with five romance minded senior citizens… and the couple they’re working to bring together. I had such fun with all of these characters and I’m certain you will, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
February 4, 2021
I'm only reviewing Cowboy Brave, not the bonus novel since it's a full-length book listed separately.
This was unfortunately my least favorite book of the series. I loved the Fab 5 (the group of senior citizens Emily takes to Longhorn Canyon Ranch for a week). They were hilarious and their antics were certainly more than I expected for a group over 70. I have to give it to them for living it up at their age and doing things that only a young 20-something would do lol.
I wasn't a big fan of Emily. She was too wishy-washy for me and kept trying to keep Justin at a distance. I liked that she was tough, strong and not afraid to get her hands dirty. I loved that she treated the Fab 5 like her own family and had a big heart. I loved that she was a plus-size character like me. I just wish she let more people in, instead of keeping them at a distance.
Justin surprised me given he was such a playboy before. But he was committed to Emily and didn't let her get too far away from him when she was trying to push away. And the heart Valentine *swoon.*
The ending was a bit bland and I wish we had more of a look into their future. Other than deciding to eventually move in together, that was about all we got.
The Fab 5 are probably going to be the group I won't forget. Unfortunately, Emily and Justin were forgettable.
This was unfortunately my least favorite book of the series. I loved the Fab 5 (the group of senior citizens Emily takes to Longhorn Canyon Ranch for a week). They were hilarious and their antics were certainly more than I expected for a group over 70. I have to give it to them for living it up at their age and doing things that only a young 20-something would do lol.
I wasn't a big fan of Emily. She was too wishy-washy for me and kept trying to keep Justin at a distance. I liked that she was tough, strong and not afraid to get her hands dirty. I loved that she treated the Fab 5 like her own family and had a big heart. I loved that she was a plus-size character like me. I just wish she let more people in, instead of keeping them at a distance.
Justin surprised me given he was such a playboy before. But he was committed to Emily and didn't let her get too far away from him when she was trying to push away. And the heart Valentine *swoon.*
The ending was a bit bland and I wish we had more of a look into their future. Other than deciding to eventually move in together, that was about all we got.
The Fab 5 are probably going to be the group I won't forget. Unfortunately, Emily and Justin were forgettable.
December 20, 2018
3.5 stars. First off, I enjoyed this story, in part due to being a Recreation Therapist (which means I did Emily's job in a nursing home). The Fab 5 were very funny, and really helped carry this novel along. The romance itself was decent, and the chemistry was great. I would have liked some feeling behind Emily's past issues - it felt like it was stated as a fact and the reader had to assume how she would have felt. I also thought that Emily's protest against ranch life was based on one comment from her brother saying she would be in charge of the ranch paper work after college - where as she only had to say- nope that's not the role I want on the ranch. So Emily herself was really difficult to grasp as she really didn't seem honest with herself as to what she wanted with her life. The H Justin was pretty good, I quite liked him. Overall, this novel while having some funny parts it fell flat in the conflict aspect as I just had issues seeing Emily's point of view, and found the plot moved a little slow. This is the third book in the series, and can be read as a standalone without confusion. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 6, 2019
Sweet story. I love the Fab Five, the family dynamics and the best friend Nikki.
The romance was sweet. Justin knew pretty much from the get-go that he likes Emily, and Emily hesitates because she (1) doesn't want to do the bookkeeping at the ranch (her designated job at her own family) and (2) had too many experiences int he past with Cowboys only after her family's wealth. I think maybe I'm used to more angsty romance / troubled MCs but there wasn't as much tension + sexual chemistry as I'd anticipated. And I think because there was such a huge cast of characters, it wasn't quite as sweet and heartwarming as, say, a Hallmark Channel type romance. So it fell kinda in the middle for me.
Still, it's sweet, and I like the whole thing about the heart-shaped lollipop for Valentine's Day. Fans of country music will likely also enjoy all the references to contemporary songs -- there's a whole playlist throughout this novel.
+
I got an ARC from NetGalley, which didn't include the bonus short story.
The romance was sweet. Justin knew pretty much from the get-go that he likes Emily, and Emily hesitates because she (1) doesn't want to do the bookkeeping at the ranch (her designated job at her own family) and (2) had too many experiences int he past with Cowboys only after her family's wealth. I think maybe I'm used to more angsty romance / troubled MCs but there wasn't as much tension + sexual chemistry as I'd anticipated. And I think because there was such a huge cast of characters, it wasn't quite as sweet and heartwarming as, say, a Hallmark Channel type romance. So it fell kinda in the middle for me.
Still, it's sweet, and I like the whole thing about the heart-shaped lollipop for Valentine's Day. Fans of country music will likely also enjoy all the references to contemporary songs -- there's a whole playlist throughout this novel.
+
I got an ARC from NetGalley, which didn't include the bonus short story.
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