The Cowboy Next Door

Montana Strong #2

by R.C. Ryan

The next book in the heartwarming Montana Strong series from New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan!

Penny Cash is down on her luck. Her dream is to become a teacher, but finding a school with an open position is proving to be difficult. In need of money, Penny accepts a job as a housekeeper at the Monroe Ranch. She's not one to shy away from hard work, but Penny didn't realize how tough it would be to resist the sexy cowboy who's now her boss.

Bad boy Sam Monroe has no intention of ever getting tied down. But from the moment Penny begins working at the ranch, there's nothing he enjoys more than getting under her skin. And before too long, he finds himself flirting with forever. So when Penny's little brother comes to town and gets involved with the wrong people, Sam will stop at nothing to protect the woman he's coming to love--and the family she holds dear.

Also includes the bonus novella Saved by the Cowboy by A.J. Pine!
Olivia Belle has always believed in fairy tales...until the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee. When Olivia speeds into Cash Hawkins' town like a modern-day Cinderella in a ball gown and glass slippers, Cash's careful existence is thrown for a loop. Olivia could be his happily ever after . . . if this runaway bridesmaid doesn't run off with his heart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Small Town Romance, Family

447 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 26, 2019

About the author

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety fiction novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.

The Lost, an anthology of stories by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, and R.C. Ryan writing as Ruth Ryan Langan was published in Fall 2009. Ms. Ryan’s story, “The Legacy,” is an exciting tale of intrigue and other-worldly adventure.

In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News, as well as Good Morning America.

Also publishes under Ruth Ryan Langan

Reviews

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a blue jean wrapped man?
This is one hell of a fun and flirty read. Giddy up ;)




Follow us on
Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿BookBabblers✿Instagram

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

When Sam Monroe gets back after weeks on the trail, the all-male household he lives in has a decidedly female presence. For years, the family has had live-in help, besides the fact that the family works well together, but now there is someone new. Living there. Sam must try and figure out this new person in his family's life, and that is Penny Cash, the new housekeeper, and an absolutely fantastic cook.

Sam is drawn to Penny immediately. However, she does not feel the same way about him. Penny is far too serious right now. She had an opportunity that slipped through her fingers, but now working for the Monroes should give her enough time and money to figure out the next step in her life. Flirting with Sam is definitely very low on her list.

Sam is a very good rancher, but an even better pool hustler and rancher. This turns Penny off, and that is in large part due to her own past. Coming home to Penny's scrumptious meals is a huge bonus for Sam. Now, if she could like him just a little...

This yummy western romance has a bigger spin when it comes to mystery. This took a large part of the story, thus my lowered rating. Nonetheless, The Cowboy Next Door is a great addition to the Montana Strong series, and I am happy to have been able to see Sam find love. As a matter of fact, considering the past the three Monroe brothers experienced make each book in this series a delightful read.

Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 Stars**

♥ Slow Burn
♥ Swoony Cowboy
♥ Loads Of Suspense
♥ Irresistible Love Story

The Cowboy Next Door is the second book in R.C. Ryan's Montana Strong series.
This series is based on three brothers who were born into abuse and neglect, fighting their way through life until they ended up on Mac's property and Mac took a hand at taking the boys in and raising them to be decent human beings instead of hellraisers.

The Cowboy Next Door is Sam Monroe's story.
Sam has always been the son Mac worried most about. He was the one that hid his pain behind laughter and smiles. Now Sam is living his life as a rancher by day and a pool hustler by night.
But when Penny is hired on as the housekeeper at the Monroe Ranch, Sam finds his thoughts are taken up by the beauty and slowly he begins to change his ways.

This is the second novel I've read by R.C. Ryan, To be honest, I liked the first book in this series (Cowboy On My Mind) but I didn't love it. So I was a bit hesitant to request a copy of The Cowboy Next Door. But because I love cowboys so damn much, I couldn't resist! And I'm so damn glad I caved into the temptation. I loved Every Single Thing about this romance. The slow burn, the suspense towards the end along with those final heartstopping moments. This one definitely had me on the edge of my seat hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

Penny and Sam's romance is so freaking adorable. I loved their playful banter that ignited in two nights of endless passion. Couples like them are the reason why I read romance novels!

Even though the first book in this series didn't spark my attention I have to say, after reading The Cowboy Next Door I'm more intrigued by this series and I can't wait to get ahold of Finn's story!



Find me here:
The Staircase Reader
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

"She was his complete opposite. So serious. So driven. He, on the other hand, had learned early on to grab all the fun he could manage, in case it would one day be snatched away."

"Fire and ice.
Prim discipline and reckless abandon.
Saint and sinner."

"He didn't want this. Didn't want to feel these kinds of things for her. But in that brief moment when he'd leaned close, inhaling the clean, fresh scent of her, he'd felt a strange, rare yearning. A feeling he didn't want to probe too deeply."

When his brother tell him their father (adoptive, but for the siblings, Mac is their dad and saved them possibly from poverty and a life of criminality), hired a new housekeeper, Sam Monroe expect a little old lady. But it's a young and pretty woman that he meet inside. One who doesn't fall at his feet like they all usually do and seem a little prickly when she talks to him. But Penny Cash makes him feel like he never felt before and Sam is not sure why her and now.

Penny is used to live with men, having pratically raised her brothers. But a gambler and a guy with a reputation as a ladie's man is not someone she should fall for. But the more she learn about Sam, the more she realize he's not just a charmer but also a generous, honest and hardworking rancher with a heart in the right place.

Sam and Penny will dance around each other for a few weeks before giving in to their heart's desire.


I don't understand why I couldn't find this book as good as the first in the series. I liked the characters and their opposite attract chemistry, but I didn't quite connect enough with them and their story I guess.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Montana Strong #2, can be read as a standalone. All things are quiet on the Monroe Ranch but it's about to get shaken up when Mac Monroe does a favor for a very dear friend. Mac hires Penny Cash on at the ranch to help out with cooking and cleaning when her teaching job at Haller Creek falls through. When Mac adopted Sam and his brothers over sixteen years ago he turned the three foul-mouthed troublemakers into ranchers. Sam Monroe took to ranching like it was something he was meant to do. Sam was in no hurry to settle down he was content to go out drink beers, hustle a little at pool, and sleep around that was until he walked into the house after three weeks out with the cattle and found Penny in his kitchen.

Penny was used to being in a household of all men, she practically raised her three brothers all by herself after their parents death, so she was prepared for what to expect when she started on at the Monroe Ranch. What she wasn't prepared for was how strongly attracted she was to Sam. A slow burn romance that builds their relationship before anything else. Both are hard workers who know the value of a hard days work but where Sam knows how to kick back and relax Penny doesn't. Penny has worked hard her whole life when she wasn't taking care of her brothers or her elderly aunt she was studying to be a teacher, it's been her dream for as long as she can remember. Penny discovers that her youngest brother is working on a ranch outside Haller Creek, she also finds out he's been betting and losing money playing pool and when trouble follows him Penny gets caught in the middle. Sam just found happiness with Penny and now he's will to put his life on the line to save her.

Overall, it's a contemporary western with a splash of suspense, just the way I like it. R.C. Ryan hits the spot with this heartwarming family relationship, sexy and smart cowboys, a picturesque setting, and a romance that burns slow but hot. Sam and Penny have a lot in common but just enough to keep it interesting. Finn said the dreaded famous last words of a single man, "I guess it's up to me to stay strong and resist whatever love virus is going around." *maniacal laugh* I can't wait for his book.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Next Door by R.C. Ryan is book Two in the Montana Strong Series. This is the story of Penny Cash and Sam Monroe. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Penny thought she was getting her dream job ad sold everything to get that job, but she found that she didn't have the position. Now she is having to find a temporary job until another position opens up, which leads her to Monroe Ranch. There she will work as cook and house keeper, which isn't to far off her taking care of her younger brothers. But there is a torn in her side at the ranch...Sam. Sam hasn't been one for slow and steady relationship...more in the fast and leaving. But Sam is finding that Penny is making him rethink a lot of things and feelings. So enjoyed this sweet romance!

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild ride of a book! Really loved Sam and his character. Another great read.

[Heather 123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy cow did this book DRAG on. I swore by 48% the book was finished. The drama took forever to materialize, almost as if the author decided rather than end the book, let's expand it even more and finally add something to keep the reader interested.

The story itself was cute, I especially loved how everyone welcomed Penny into their lives.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Taylor (BiblioTay) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the prologue and fell in love with Sam Monroe.

I really really enjoyed this book. I love the family ranch and all the working cowboy chores. The only reason I'm knocking a star off is because Penny was a little too much of a saint in her ideals to me. I understand that it was part of the major conflict in the plot and there are literally people who think that way but she irritated me on here black and white views of certain vices.

I definitely plan to pick up book three when it comes out! I love those Monroe brothers!

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Next Door is the second book in R.C. Ryan's Montana Strong series, but it's both the first book I've read in the series, and the first book I've read by this author, and what an incredibly nice read it was. Aside from the fact that the title has absolutely nothing to do with the story, there wasn't much that I didn't enjoy about this novel, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

First, although I hadn't read the first book in this series, it worked just fine as a standalone; the inter-relationships between the characters are easily and thoroughly explained, clearly and succinctly. This series centers around three brothers, Ben, Finn and Sam, who shared their early lives with abusive parents, who then spent years separated while in the foster care system, and who agreed to find each other and run away together, which they did. One day, 16 years earlier, they broke into the home of Mackenzie (Mac) Monroe, seeking food, money and shelter, but they got a whole lot more than that. Mac had already lost his wife and child and saw something in these three troubled boys, ages, 12, 11, and 10, and he did something about it--he adopted them, raised them, and turned them into good, decent and strong cowboys and men, and they, along with some of his permanent ranch hands became a family. This novel is Sam and Penny's story.

Mary Pat, the kindhearted county social worker, visiting nurse and home-school advisor, is the one who brings Penny to Mac's ranch. Penny and her 3 brothers lost their parents at an early age, leaving Penny Cash, the oldest sibling but still in her teens, to raise her younger brothers with the help of an aging aunt, who moved into their home in order to keep the siblings from being separated and moved into foster care. Penny's dream was to be a teacher, but with 5 people to support, clothe, and feed, as well as keeping a roof over their heads, meant that attending college and getting her teaching certificate while working two jobs, plus looking after her ailing aunt and rambunctious brothers, took her longer than most, and she came to Haller Creek because she'd been about to embark on her first job as a teacher. When the teaching position she believed was hers was given to another, she met Mary Pat, who brought her to Mac Mackenzie's ranch, to work as a housekeeper and cook, something she had plenty of experience doing. Two of Penny's three brothers joined and found careers in the Army, and the youngest brother, Curtis, just turned 21, and wasn't very good at staying in touch. Penny desperately needed this a job, and a place to live until somewhere down the road, another teaching position opened up.

From the beginning, Penny and Sam strike sparks off each other, and Penny sees in Sam, a handsome, sexy, charming flirt, who spends all his free time at the local bar, drinking, carousing and hustling at the pool table--making him seem all too much like her own father, whose drinking and gambling addictions left Penny and her siblings penniless but for the mortgage-free roof over their heads. The very first time Penny accompanies the family to the local bar, she notices her youngest brother, Curtis, in the back room, at the pool table, drinking and playing for money, and losing. He's been working at a nearby ranch and doesn't appreciate her interference. She's devastated to see him following in their father's footsteps, but there's nothing she can do or say that will change him--all she can do is worry, and continue working at the ranch. Because she was used to being in an all-male household, she fits right in, and impresses the heck out of the Monroe men and their ranch hands with her cooking, her hard work, and her kindness. Fighting her attraction to Sam, who can't seem to overcome his attraction to her, becomes both a blessing and a curse, since he's pretty hard to resist. But when Curtis loses way more money than he can come up with to a major pool hustler, gets fired when he asks his ranch boss to advance him the money, and then flees, he unknowingly puts Penny's life in danger.

What started out as a heartwarming, sweet, and somewhat sexy romance about a family running a rural Montana ranch, soon turned into an excellent novel of romantic suspense, and although some might complain about not much happening during the first two-thirds of this novel, what it did offer was a close look at the daily life and operation of a cattle ranch--all the work involved in keeping the ranch running smoothly, and the deep interconnections of a blended family and their neighbors, and gave this reader a realistic look at the risks and rewards of choosing such a life and livelihood. I loved the kindness and consideration of all the characters in this novel, and their commitment to both the ranching life and to each other.

Yes, this is a romance novel, and yes, there's an HEA ending, but what I liked most about this novel was the slowly building relationship between Sam and Penny, and between Penny and the rest of the family, their willingness to sacrifice their own dreams and safety for the greater good of all concerned, the interesting interplay between Mac and Mary Pat, which may or may not be explored in upcoming novels in this series, and the sheer human kindness and decency of these characters.

For this reader, The Cowboy Next Door was a winning combination of good writing, good plotting, good storytelling, and well-developed characters with emotional depth and maturity. I'll be backtracking to read the first novel in this series, and am eagerly awaiting the next.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I officially dub 2019 the Year of the Cowboys, because dang it, it's undeniable! The Cowboy Next Door clearly shows why cowboys reign supreme in the world of book boyfriends, and now I am off to find my own...no, seriously, I am heading to a dude ranch in April, and I fully intend to come home with a cowboy of my own. Having never read this author before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but R.C. Ryan has me hooked on her books! This is the second book in a series, though the series can absolutely be read out of order, and I need to get the first book as soon as possible.

When Sam Monroe meets Penny Cash, she did not meet his expectations at all. Instead of a sweet old woman taking advantage of his father's good will, she is an amber-eyed young woman with a sharp tongue and a talent for cooking to rival their old ranch hand, Zachariah. Penny fully intended on becoming a teacher in the small town of Haller Creek, but when the job falls through and she needs work until other arrangements can be made, she finds herself the cook at Monroe Ranch, with a beautiful bedroom all to herself and appreciative mouths to feed. She wasn't expecting Sam, and as they grow closer, her dreams of becoming a teacher begin to be overshadowed by a dream she never considered - a dream of being loved by a sweet-talking cowboy.

Penny and Sam were so perfect together, I can't even begin to describe it. They were one of those couples you instantly take a liking to the minute they meet, and their relationship only makes them more appealing as individuals. Both had hard lives growing up, each with unique struggles, and they grew up to be caring, hard-working adults. Sam didn't think he would settle down anytime soon, but Penny blows any plans he has about staying a bachelor out of the water. Her humble attitude, amazing cooking, and general good-naturedness appealed to him instantly. Penny was wary of Sam at first, but his generosity and willingness to be patient with her won her over as the story progressed. I loved their personalities from the start, and I fell in love as they fell in love.

The youngest Monroe brother gets his book next, and it's sure to be amazing! A lawyer who grew up on a ranch...should be a wild ride.

**I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.**

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

THE COWBOY NEXT DOOR is exactly the type of Modern Western Romance that I’m drawn to time and time again. Both Penny and Sam have past issues to get beyond to find their own personal happiness together, a strong sense of family, an acknowledgement that something has to change in a life in order to get that happy ending and a slow burn that heats up the pages, the kind that leads to a truly lifelong happy ever after.

On the surface, Penny and Sam might seem to be opposites but at their core, they have so much in common. He’s determined to grab hold of all the fun and enjoyment in life possible because it might be snatched away at any moment. She’s had to be the adult, the strong one as she raised her younger brothers and had no time for much of anything beyond family and studying for her teaching degree. Now these two will find that with a little trust, some give on some subjects, a strong sense of family, love worth fighting for and a future that can bring them everything they believed they would never need is within their reach… but they’ll have to work for it, trust each other, fight together for what could be their future.

I was easily caught up in THE COWBOY NEXT DOOR. This story is full of believable characters facing real-life situations, secondary characters that help bring the story alive and who will or have had their stories told one day. I loved Mac and what he did for these brothers, without his love, discipline, and encouragement they would not be the men they are today. If there is a hero in this series, then, in my opinion, that man is Mac.

If you’re in the mood for a slow-burning love story, realistic characters to care about, some swoon-worthy moments, some laughter, a bit of suspense and an ending that will stop your heart… then you’re gonna love THE COWBOY NEXT DOOR.

*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.*

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Title: The Cowboy Next Door
Author(s): R. C. Ryan
Character(s):
― Penny Cash: Late Twenties, Amber Eyed, Brunette
― Sam Monroe: 27 years old
Setting: Haller Creek, Wisconsin
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: PG-13
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Warm
Favorite Quote(s):
― “What’s the matter? Afraid of a little kiss?”
― “Money, I thought by now you’d understand. I’d walk through fire for you.”
― “Difficult is easy. The impossible might take a while.”
Overall Opinion:
Who doesn't like a old fashioned cowboy romance? I've always had a love-hate relationship with them since cowboy romance novels tend to be rather chessy.. But Ryan's latest exceeded my expectations and I was overall pleased with the read.

“The Cowboy Next Door” tells the story of Penny who becomes the housemaid on the Monroe Ranch after her teacher contracts falls through. After returning home from the mountains, Sam is immediately drawn to the serious, well-mannered large in charge brunette beauty that he stumbles upon once entering his home. Unlike any other woman he has ever encountered, Sam is set to prove her wrong that he's not just a gambling womanizer but a man out to win her heart.

Ryan's novel is nothing short but heartwarming story filled with engaging characters and sweet banter. Despite the lack of smexy scenes, the chemistry between the Sam and Penny makes up for it. It's definitely not the best cowboy story I've read, but definitely not the worst. Despite that, if you're looking for a heartwarming cowboy romance, this is the place to start.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad boy cowboy…

The Monroe brothers may have earned a bad reputation as boys but grown up they were oh so good!

Sam was a rancher through and through yet all that hard, back-breaking work didn’t stop him from kicking up his cowboy boots and heading to town for some fun. Gambling was fun and profitable and he wasn’t going to apologize for it. Too bad Penny didn’t share that belief…

Penny loved her new job, her new home, even if it hadn’t been her first choice. Teaching may be on the backburner for now but the Monroes were so welcoming and offered her a life she never even thought of. It was fulfilling in its own way and the ranch was a beautiful, welcoming place. Too bad Sam did nothing but rub her the wrong way….

This series is all about men of the land and the women who loved them. Even if it didn’t start out that way! Given Penny’s past it wasn’t surprising she resented Sam’s carefree attitude to gambling. Of course that couldn’t stop the attraction she had for him – though she tried. Sam was irresistible with his sexy cowboy charm yet old-fashioned way, so I didn’t blame her one little bit…

This read was a slow burn with family and homestead providing the perfect backdrop. I loved the sweet feel to this story even as it dealt with harsh realities that life inevitably offered up. With drama dropped in to shake things up, Sam and Penny’s story was another great read in the series. ~Diane, 4 stars

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny is having a bit of a hard time finding a job as a teacher and until she can shes working at the Monroe Ranch as a house keeper. She never expected to be attracted to one of the Ranch owner Sam. Sam isnt looking to be tied down but can't seem to stay away from that undeniable attraction that he has for the new house keeper. Then she notices that her little brother finding himself a bit of trouble and she can't help but want to make sure he's okay.

I did enjoy this book, it was a bit slow tbh but then again I've been reading fast paced action thriller books lately and this book just wasn't at that speed for me so it just might be just me thinking that way. Other then that I enjoyed the book. I liked getting to know the characters and seeing Penny's backstory and the reasoning behind why she just can't help but worry for her brothers a wee bit too much. I liked getting to see that connection and romance between Penny and Sam. I loved that there was a bit of a twist that I wasn't expecting and thought it was interesting how things got handled. Overall pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and his brothers Ben and Finn were abused as children. They ran away from the last abusive foster home and were rescued by Mackenzie Monroe. He legally adopted them and raised them, on his ranch, as the men they would become. Sam has always loved the ranch life and after three weeks in the hills with the cattle he returns to find Penny Cash as their new housekeeper. Penny, a certified teacher, was supposed to be teaching at the local school when the teacher she was going to replace remained in the position. Mac knew that she needed a job and was convinced to hire her. After helping to raise her three brothers, she knew how to take care of a household and soon became indispensable to the family. Penny doesn’t plan on staying, as she plans on accepting the first teaching job that is offered, but fate has a way of changing her plans. She finds Sam attractive, but they are so totally different…can they make a go of it? When a relative of Penny’s brings unexpected danger to her, can Sam rescue her in time? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penney Cash was looking forward to being a teacher and when she left her home and everything she had which was not much she was disappointed when the job fell through. Now she has found a job at the Monroe ranch as the cook. Already working she has met everyone except the youngest Sam who has been gone awhile on the range and living in the range shack. Coming in with a beard and smelling like he has been gone for weeks they do not get along at first. The change after he shaves and puts on cleans cloths is only a little better. Slowly though the two of them begin to enjoy the banter that they have and begin to look forward to it. Everyone around them sees what is happening except for Sam. It is not until they get snowed in at the range cabin does everything between them really heats up. Now she only has to wait for him to make to big move but for some reason, he is letting her go. Read this book that has fun and romance and finds out what happens between them. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny had a dream job lined up teaching at a local school. She sold everything and moved and now she's left with nothing. Then she's hired on at the Monroe's ranch to cook and be the housekeeper while she waits for another position to open up. It's a godsend to her. Sam Monroe is the bad boy rebel of the Monroe boys. The start of his life was so bad that when it got good he decided to enjoy every minute of that good. Now though Penny makes him want to slow down and appreciate everything. Penny raised three younger brothers and when her baby brother comes to town and gets himself in some serious debt gambling at pool big sis Penny wants to set him straight. I love this family. I'ts a group of people who aren't blood related but family just the same. It was fun to watch Sam chip away slowly at Penny tough outer shell and get her to open up. This get really intense at the end and had me on the edge of my seat. There was a few places of eye rolling dialog but a wonderful real none the less. Can't wait to see what happens with the last brother Finn.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can we just say wow!!! I mean cowboys you really can't go wrong right. This book has lots of cowboys, fun and two broken people who are looking to just belong. There was not one slow part in this whole book, it had me on the edge of my seat and keeps you guessing with every page. I really enjoyed the value of "family" in this book its not all about being blood related but belonging. I also really enjoyed how the story played out overall. Penny has an old soul to her and the author did an amazing job with all the characters. I did not read the first book in the series and I am already to read more to see what happens next to the Monroe family. This book does have adult scenes but over all its minimal and not a huge part in the book. The chemistry is amazing its just seems so natural.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

[Sandy Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read Ryan's first book in the series, so I went into this book "blind", so to speak. Readers don't need to read the first book in order to enjoy this second in the series. It was a cute story with an innocent romance between Penny, an aspiring teacher, and Sam, a rule-breaking cowboy. When Sam begins to fall for Penny, he realizes it's time to reform his pool-hustling, late-night-bar-trolling ways. Their love is sweet and perfect for readers who like their romance PG-13.

That said, I will say I wasn't a huge fan of Penny. Sam was adorable and who doesn't love a strong cowboy, right? Penny, though, is buttoned-up thanks to her tough past and her hard work ethic. She's a bit difficult to connect with and is inconsistent at times. She's not entirely likable, to be honest. It was also strange to have a novel that is two-thirds realistic western fiction and then one-third action at the very end. I would read the next book in the series, just with different expectations...

[Amanda Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “Cowboy Next Door” by R. C. Ryan, is a story about two individuals who find unexpected love as they deal with the curve balls thrown at them by those around them. Sam Monroe is a hard working cowboy who returns home from working on the remote area of the family ranch to find that in his absence his family has hired a new housekeeper. Penny Cash is not what Sam is expecting. Penny came to town to work as a teacher only to have the job fall through. All alone, with little money and nowhere to go, she finds hope and a place with the Monroe family. As Penny and Sam learn about each other and themselves, can they find a middle ground, before it’s too late.
This is the second book in this series. I look forward to reading the next chapter in the series about the Monroe brothers and the family of their heart. Another good book by R.C. Ryan. My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this one. It is very slow burn, and although I don't need full on intimacy 10% of the way through the story, I would like a little more between the main characters than what Sam and Penny had. Honestly, I wasn't a fan of Penny. I understand taking care of three brothers your whole life shapes you, but she was more like a 60 year old. I didn't really feel the chemistry between her and Sam either. There is basically no drama until the very end, and to me, that was too little too late. I don't need constant drama, but this story needed something more. I didn't read the first one in this series, but it didn't make me feel like I was missing something. Although I didn't love this one, I would read this author again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another book in the Montana Strong series. This book was perfectly good with a bit of mystery added in.

This story is about a guy named Sam Monroe. He has just come back from weeks on the trail. He is looking forward to a hot bath, a home-cooked meal and a real bed. He is greeted by something even better. He opens the door to his family’s ranch house to find a woman named Penny Cash. She is the new housekeeper.

Penny is down on her luck and the last thing she needs is a flirtation with a wild, carefree cowboy. Sure he is funny and sexy but Penny and Sam are different than night and day to each other. She will be leaving town soon as she finds a full time teaching position. Soon trouble comes and Penny finds out how serious Sam can be when it comes to protecting the woman that he loves. I loved reading this book.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. Although I did not read the first book this book was very easy to follow. I found it to be a very sweet romantic story with a little bit of a twist. From the first moment they meant there was chemistry between Penny and Sam. When Sam meets Penny for the very first time I honestly do not think she liked him very much. This really upsets Sam. He sets out to prove to Penny that they is more to him then meets the eye. This is a very entertaining read with great characters that will keep you smiling and laughing until the very last page. I cannot wait to see where the next book in this series takes us. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Montana Strong series and it features Sam and Penny. Penny‘s mannerisms, personality and beliefs make her seem like she’s from the old west. So much so that a couple of times I had to reread sections and make sure I was reading a modern cowboy romance. I loved Sam’s carefree attitude: work hard, play harder. When it came to ranching he was serious. I also liked the fact that for the first time in a long time, this cowboy was not ALL about the ladies. The romance build at a perfect pace. It was real and it was explosive! The unexpected drama that played out towards the end gave the story the edge it needed.

The family at the Monroe Ranch was beautiful. The characters were fantastic! I’m looking forward to reading more about the Monroe Ranch family.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
After enjoying the first Montana Strong book, I was curious about what would happen to the other Monroe brothers. Sam’s story didn’t disappoint.

This well written and fun book showed just how much love and respect can temper the extremes of personalities. Penny and Sam were the perfect counter parts to each other and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.

Add is a bit of suspense/intrigue and this was a strong addition to the series. The strong secondary cast gives glimpses of the family surrounding the Monroe ranch. It was nice to see bits of Ben and a Becca as well as getting to Finn a bit more. I am looking forward to seeing more of this family in Finn’s book!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story about the Monroe brothers and Montana Strong. Sam was the one brother who really took to ranching just like his adopted father. After several long weeks up in the mountains with the cattle, Sam returns home to find that his a Dad hired a young lady to help the family with the cooking and cleaning. Apparently she needed them as much as they needed her but she and Sam seemed to butt heads at every turn. It did not take long for both of them to realize that they both had a past that they needed to deal with before they could look to the future. This is a great story of two people facing their fears and still helping each other.

[Terri Tutor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Ms. Ryan. I wasn’t sure about Penny and how I would like her but after getting to know her and her background, I could understand her and her reactions. At first glance, you think that Sam is a devil may care cowboy with some sketchy habits. But as Penny finds out, there’s more to Sam than what you see on the outside. I always enjoying reading about families who come together through different situations than just through blood. There were some terrifying situations for both Sam and Penny but fortunately, they came out fine. Can’t wait for Finn’s story.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The following is my impartial review of this book.

Sam was a wild man-child until he first laid eyes on Penny. Penny came to Monroe Ranch and changed the lives of everyone there.

This book was a sweet story that stayed clean but then took a turn a turn towards crazy town!!! Not in a bad way, but so totally unexpected in a contemporary romance. I give this 4 stars because I couldn’t get enough of the story - I just needed to find out what happens next!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboy Next Door is the second book in the Montana Strong series. I easily read and enjoyed this book without having read the first in the series. I've since remedied that oversight! This is the fun, sweet story of Penny Cas, a teacher struggling to find a teaching position, who takes the job of housekeeper at the Monroe Ranch. That's where she meets the sexy but infuriating Sam Monroe. The banter between these two is fun and the chemistry is sizzling. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this one and enjoy their story.