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Longhorn Canyon #4
Cowboy Rebel
The next heartwarming romance in this
USA Today
bestselling series proves it's tough to resist a sexy cowboy with a Texas drawl and heart of gold! Includes a bonus novella by Annie Rains!
A WILD COWBOY WITH A BIG HEART
Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.
Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.
Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill by Annie Rains: When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help -- the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.
A WILD COWBOY WITH A BIG HEART
Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.
Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.
Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill by Annie Rains: When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help -- the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 28, 2019
785 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,116 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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June 29, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He had a bad reputation. Nikki had a crazy mother and an even more demanding work schedule. He could sure look past her issues if she could see past his.
Fourth in the Longhorn Canyon series following along a family and friends in Texas, Cowboy Rebel stars Tag, the always in trouble Baker boy and Nikki, the bestfriend of Tag's sister Emily. Nikki has always been attracted to Tag but never wanted to get involved with a bad boy, her mother's issues are enough for her. Tag's had his eye on Nikki but even though he is trying to clean up his act, he's not sure he is good enough for her.
But then would she care as much for him if he didn't have just a little bit of wild in him?
This was my first read in the Longhorn Canyon series, I think I missed some of the beginning spark between Tag and Nikki, there is talk of the two really starting to notice each other at Tag's sister Emily's wedding (Cowboy Brave). For all the talk of Tag being a rebel, he has decided to clean up his act, so there is no bad boy antics in this one. As a new reader, I wasn't completely feeling why he thought he wasn't good enough for Nikki. It's mentioned that he ran with a tough group and his bestfriend died in a motorcycle accident when he was seventeen, why Tag decides to “live like he was dying”. If you are a country music fan, you'll enjoy all the mentions of country songs and how the author picked songs that match the emotions or scenes that are happening when the song is mentioned.
Tag ended up feeling a bit of a blah character, Nikki had more life to her. Her relationship with her mother was sad but written in a very realistic way; I liked how the mother wasn't completely demonized for having OCD, hypochondria, and the way those presumed issues (she's not diagnosed) amplified or caused her maternal bonding issues. The storyline involving Nikki's father ended up lacking an emotional punch as it felt like a manipulated happy ended with an unnecessary red-herring mystery side-plot.
The actual action/danger plot also ended up feeling forced, a friend from the crew Tag used to run with appears out of the blue and suddenly is angry Tag won't hang with them anymore. This leads to Nikki being put in danger with an almost eye-rolling second ending conclusion. Our characters had actual emotionally charged backgrounds, Tag with his friend dying, Nikki with her brother dying, mother, and father issues but the author never really delves deep enough in them to make the reader feel.
It had taken her a while to understand that family didn't always share DNA.
Even though I haven't read the others in the series, I enjoyed the friendships showcased with Nikki, Emily, and their Fab Five; I like when characters have relationships outside the romantic one, feels like the character gets flushed out more. If you are a reader of the series, you'll greatly enjoy all the reappearances of past couples and get caught up on their lives, there are also numerous side characters who look to be waiting in the wings to star in their own books.
There wasn't a lot of steam to this book, any bedroom scenes aren't until the latter half and the two sex scenes (I think one sentence to mention they have sex happened two other times) are only about two paragraphs long. There just didn't end up being enough umph, spark, or chemistry between Tag and Nikki for me and some of the story threads felt dragged out, manipulated, or not delved deep enough to strike emotion. However, if you're a reader of the series, you'll enjoy catching up with characters, if you like to listen to a soundtrack while you read there are plenty of country songs mentioned, or want a pretty darn close to clean read, this would trip those triggers.
He had a bad reputation. Nikki had a crazy mother and an even more demanding work schedule. He could sure look past her issues if she could see past his.
Fourth in the Longhorn Canyon series following along a family and friends in Texas, Cowboy Rebel stars Tag, the always in trouble Baker boy and Nikki, the bestfriend of Tag's sister Emily. Nikki has always been attracted to Tag but never wanted to get involved with a bad boy, her mother's issues are enough for her. Tag's had his eye on Nikki but even though he is trying to clean up his act, he's not sure he is good enough for her.
But then would she care as much for him if he didn't have just a little bit of wild in him?
This was my first read in the Longhorn Canyon series, I think I missed some of the beginning spark between Tag and Nikki, there is talk of the two really starting to notice each other at Tag's sister Emily's wedding (Cowboy Brave). For all the talk of Tag being a rebel, he has decided to clean up his act, so there is no bad boy antics in this one. As a new reader, I wasn't completely feeling why he thought he wasn't good enough for Nikki. It's mentioned that he ran with a tough group and his bestfriend died in a motorcycle accident when he was seventeen, why Tag decides to “live like he was dying”. If you are a country music fan, you'll enjoy all the mentions of country songs and how the author picked songs that match the emotions or scenes that are happening when the song is mentioned.
Tag ended up feeling a bit of a blah character, Nikki had more life to her. Her relationship with her mother was sad but written in a very realistic way; I liked how the mother wasn't completely demonized for having OCD, hypochondria, and the way those presumed issues (she's not diagnosed) amplified or caused her maternal bonding issues. The storyline involving Nikki's father ended up lacking an emotional punch as it felt like a manipulated happy ended with an unnecessary red-herring mystery side-plot.
The actual action/danger plot also ended up feeling forced, a friend from the crew Tag used to run with appears out of the blue and suddenly is angry Tag won't hang with them anymore. This leads to Nikki being put in danger with an almost eye-rolling second ending conclusion. Our characters had actual emotionally charged backgrounds, Tag with his friend dying, Nikki with her brother dying, mother, and father issues but the author never really delves deep enough in them to make the reader feel.
It had taken her a while to understand that family didn't always share DNA.
Even though I haven't read the others in the series, I enjoyed the friendships showcased with Nikki, Emily, and their Fab Five; I like when characters have relationships outside the romantic one, feels like the character gets flushed out more. If you are a reader of the series, you'll greatly enjoy all the reappearances of past couples and get caught up on their lives, there are also numerous side characters who look to be waiting in the wings to star in their own books.
There wasn't a lot of steam to this book, any bedroom scenes aren't until the latter half and the two sex scenes (I think one sentence to mention they have sex happened two other times) are only about two paragraphs long. There just didn't end up being enough umph, spark, or chemistry between Tag and Nikki for me and some of the story threads felt dragged out, manipulated, or not delved deep enough to strike emotion. However, if you're a reader of the series, you'll enjoy catching up with characters, if you like to listen to a soundtrack while you read there are plenty of country songs mentioned, or want a pretty darn close to clean read, this would trip those triggers.
June 10, 2019
4.5
"The sparks that danced around like dandelion blossoms in the wind didn't surprise her at all. The place where they were standing wasn't roses and champagne, but it was magical to her."
Taggart Baker is the wild twin. Even if he stopped hanging out with bad company doesn't mean he's tamed. Tag is no troublemaker, it's just that his motto is the title of a Tim McGraw's song :"Live like you were dying", and he charm the ladies with his swagger and pickup lines. The only woman who refuse to go out on a date with him is Nikki Grady, his sister's best friend and the nurse who tend to his injuries after he stepped into a couple's fight in a bar. Coming from a dysfonctional family and having trusted the wrong person before, Nikki doesn't know how to deal with her attraction to Tag but she's not interested in one-night stand and believe he might be too wild for her. But the more she gets to know him, the more she see that behind the rebel reputation there's also a sensitive and thoughtful man who's always there when she needs a friend. Can Tag change his way without changing who he is ?
No matter if there's snow or flowers blooming outside, no matter if it's sunny or a rainy day, whether I'm happy or I feel sad, Carolyn Brown's cowboy romance always bring me comfort and put a smile to my face. This book had maybe more dramatic elements than her others, but it wasn't done in a way that feel overwhelming nor heavy for the reader. Tag's attentiveness was so sexy and Nikki's strong spirit was admirable. They were so perfect for each other.
"The sparks that danced around like dandelion blossoms in the wind didn't surprise her at all. The place where they were standing wasn't roses and champagne, but it was magical to her."
Taggart Baker is the wild twin. Even if he stopped hanging out with bad company doesn't mean he's tamed. Tag is no troublemaker, it's just that his motto is the title of a Tim McGraw's song :"Live like you were dying", and he charm the ladies with his swagger and pickup lines. The only woman who refuse to go out on a date with him is Nikki Grady, his sister's best friend and the nurse who tend to his injuries after he stepped into a couple's fight in a bar. Coming from a dysfonctional family and having trusted the wrong person before, Nikki doesn't know how to deal with her attraction to Tag but she's not interested in one-night stand and believe he might be too wild for her. But the more she gets to know him, the more she see that behind the rebel reputation there's also a sensitive and thoughtful man who's always there when she needs a friend. Can Tag change his way without changing who he is ?
No matter if there's snow or flowers blooming outside, no matter if it's sunny or a rainy day, whether I'm happy or I feel sad, Carolyn Brown's cowboy romance always bring me comfort and put a smile to my face. This book had maybe more dramatic elements than her others, but it wasn't done in a way that feel overwhelming nor heavy for the reader. Tag's attentiveness was so sexy and Nikki's strong spirit was admirable. They were so perfect for each other.
June 15, 2019
Life is complicated…
I really enjoyed Tag and Nikki’s journey as they wrestled with issues that could have easily derailed them. Bad decisions, family we have no control over – all things that anyone can relate to and empathize with. I know I wouldn’t mind the odd do over. Or wish that things could just be… different.
A family wedding brought them together and that attraction sparked feelings that surprised them both. Tag was the bad boy with a rocky past he was still trying to overcome and, sometimes, just resist… Nikki was forging ahead with her career but never losing sight of those she’d lost and a frustrating relationship with her mother. Neither was looking for a long-term relationship yet old-fashioned dates and sharing their pasts were only a few things they didn’t expect. A slow-paced courtship was new to them both but whether they felt they deserved it or not, love was theirs for the taking…
There was baggage galore, all handled with humour and family – a trademark of this author and definitely of this series. Sweet heat with a dash of spice thrown in, Tag and Nikki delivered with a heartwarming, HEA romance… ~Diane, 4 stars
I really enjoyed Tag and Nikki’s journey as they wrestled with issues that could have easily derailed them. Bad decisions, family we have no control over – all things that anyone can relate to and empathize with. I know I wouldn’t mind the odd do over. Or wish that things could just be… different.
A family wedding brought them together and that attraction sparked feelings that surprised them both. Tag was the bad boy with a rocky past he was still trying to overcome and, sometimes, just resist… Nikki was forging ahead with her career but never losing sight of those she’d lost and a frustrating relationship with her mother. Neither was looking for a long-term relationship yet old-fashioned dates and sharing their pasts were only a few things they didn’t expect. A slow-paced courtship was new to them both but whether they felt they deserved it or not, love was theirs for the taking…
There was baggage galore, all handled with humour and family – a trademark of this author and definitely of this series. Sweet heat with a dash of spice thrown in, Tag and Nikki delivered with a heartwarming, HEA romance… ~Diane, 4 stars
January 7, 2023
Carolyn Brown is at it again! I absolutely adore her cowboy romances and Cowboy Rebel was no different.
Strong, female lead? Check.
Sexy cowboy with some skeletons in his closet? Check.
Drama galore? Check.
All the romance? Check.
Nikki and Tag are quite the pair - a cowboy who loves the adventures, dangers, and ladies, and a hardworking nurse with a toxic childhood. Together, they make a great team and help each other heal from their traumas.
This book packs in lots of family drama, cowboy shenanigans, hospital visits, and smiles. Oh, and one fantastic slow burn romance that will have you continually begging Carolyn to put these two together. When their love blossoms, it really makes you smile.
Overall, fantastic book! I always go back to Carolyn for a light but fun romance read.
Four out of five stars. Give me more!
Strong, female lead? Check.
Sexy cowboy with some skeletons in his closet? Check.
Drama galore? Check.
All the romance? Check.
Nikki and Tag are quite the pair - a cowboy who loves the adventures, dangers, and ladies, and a hardworking nurse with a toxic childhood. Together, they make a great team and help each other heal from their traumas.
This book packs in lots of family drama, cowboy shenanigans, hospital visits, and smiles. Oh, and one fantastic slow burn romance that will have you continually begging Carolyn to put these two together. When their love blossoms, it really makes you smile.
Overall, fantastic book! I always go back to Carolyn for a light but fun romance read.
Four out of five stars. Give me more!
March 10, 2020
The word 'cowboy' was used 55 times.
May 13, 2019
Back to the Longhorn Canyon for more sassy gals and good-timing cowboys in wild -livin' Tag's story. As usual, I had a blast for the down home charm, grinnin' humor, and pinch of spice heartwarming romance. But wait, there's more... some suspense and old family shadows get laid to rest in this cowboy romance that shows some surprising depth when all's said and done.
Cowboy Rebel is book four in the Longhorn Canyon series. It can standalone in a pinch, but works best following the earlier entries when the secondary crowd of couples and ongoing events in this one are introduced.
Tag and his twin brother, Hud, have bought the ranching property next door to Longhorn Canyon Ranch where their sister and her husband are. He's been living wild and free since his teen years and doesn't think he'll ever settle down until he catches sight of his sister's best friend. But, she wants something solid and dependable and that is not who Tag is with his daredevil ways. Can he change? Does he want to? Is it time to lay the past to rest?
Nikki grew up in Bowie. Her brother died of leukemia when he was a child, her dad walked out after the funeral, and Nikki lived with a hypochondriac, OCD mother until she could get out on her own. She's still dealing with her mom's mental health issues and making a life for herself as an ER nurse. She has dreams of a good man and a family, but never thinks that someone like her- afraid to be her mother or afraid to love someone who won't stay- can ever have something like her friend Emily has. If her heart races when Emily's brother is around flirting and trying to get her to go out with him? Well, it doesn't mean anything, right?
Most of the time, I can pick up a book by this author and its engaging because of its very predictability. They can be counted on to leave me feeling lighter and good. Cowboy Rebel did that and more. It reached a little deeper. Nikki and Tag both come with baggage that isn't visible at first glance. Tag's came with a danger element that added some suspense and excitement for a time while Nikki's little mystery of a stalker gave me some fun guessing right along with her.
There is a lot of family and friends moments, working on the ranch, Fab Five appearances, but mostly it was personal growth that led to a natural friends to lovers romance. Neat twist that the best friend's sibling element was Nikki worried about Emily's reaction to her spending time with Emily's brother. This romance took its time and it needed to because they needed to work out what they really wanted beyond the burst of attraction between them. Not, that the chemistry wasn't crackling between them from the beginning.
All in all, this was better than my already eager expectation. I know I've got Hud and the Callahan brothers still out at the ranch so I'm in anticipation of more raanching and cowboy romancing. Those who enjoy easy-going, heartwarming country romance should give this series a go.
I rec'd this book from Forever via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Cowboy Rebel is book four in the Longhorn Canyon series. It can standalone in a pinch, but works best following the earlier entries when the secondary crowd of couples and ongoing events in this one are introduced.
Tag and his twin brother, Hud, have bought the ranching property next door to Longhorn Canyon Ranch where their sister and her husband are. He's been living wild and free since his teen years and doesn't think he'll ever settle down until he catches sight of his sister's best friend. But, she wants something solid and dependable and that is not who Tag is with his daredevil ways. Can he change? Does he want to? Is it time to lay the past to rest?
Nikki grew up in Bowie. Her brother died of leukemia when he was a child, her dad walked out after the funeral, and Nikki lived with a hypochondriac, OCD mother until she could get out on her own. She's still dealing with her mom's mental health issues and making a life for herself as an ER nurse. She has dreams of a good man and a family, but never thinks that someone like her- afraid to be her mother or afraid to love someone who won't stay- can ever have something like her friend Emily has. If her heart races when Emily's brother is around flirting and trying to get her to go out with him? Well, it doesn't mean anything, right?
Most of the time, I can pick up a book by this author and its engaging because of its very predictability. They can be counted on to leave me feeling lighter and good. Cowboy Rebel did that and more. It reached a little deeper. Nikki and Tag both come with baggage that isn't visible at first glance. Tag's came with a danger element that added some suspense and excitement for a time while Nikki's little mystery of a stalker gave me some fun guessing right along with her.
There is a lot of family and friends moments, working on the ranch, Fab Five appearances, but mostly it was personal growth that led to a natural friends to lovers romance. Neat twist that the best friend's sibling element was Nikki worried about Emily's reaction to her spending time with Emily's brother. This romance took its time and it needed to because they needed to work out what they really wanted beyond the burst of attraction between them. Not, that the chemistry wasn't crackling between them from the beginning.
All in all, this was better than my already eager expectation. I know I've got Hud and the Callahan brothers still out at the ranch so I'm in anticipation of more raanching and cowboy romancing. Those who enjoy easy-going, heartwarming country romance should give this series a go.
I rec'd this book from Forever via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2019
Taggart Baker has given himself one heck of a challenge. There is a song, Live Like You are Dying, that has several challenges. These include Rocky Mountain climbing, sky diving and surviving at least2.7 minutes on a bull named Fumanchu. Considering that Tag lost his best friend in a motorcycle accident, he literally intends on taking life by the horns.
For years, during his youth, he got into a lot of trouble. However, he now has a chance to own a ranch and nothing will sway him away from his goals. When his friends, who are nothing but trouble, approach him with an offer that seems more like an ultimatum, Tag is not even tempted.
Nikki Grady has not played around with her life. She has earned her RN license and means to make as much of her life as possible. Nikki meets Tag when he shows up at the ER due to a brawl in a bar; she deems him a reckless rebel, and there is nothing he can do to sway her. That is enough for Nikki not to trust Tag. However, they spend more time together as things roll along, and Nikki begins to see another side to Tag. Will she be able to let her guard down enough to allow him into her life?
This romance by Carolyn Brown is the fourth story in the Longhorn Canyon series. This story did take a while to gain traction, and there was a shift that brought Tag's past front and center. This went a long way to cause the walls between Tag and Nikki to crumble. There were a lot of other factors in this book that played a role when it came to a couple who had very tense chemistry yet had to fight it every step of the way.
One of the disturbing factors about this book was Nikki's relationship with her mother, Wilma. Wilma was plain evil and this created a boatload of baggage that Nikki was forced to deal with. In addition to that, Nikki has experienced great loss in her life and has yet to come to terms with that.
I enjoyed the continuity in this series, including the reappearance of the Fab Five, Patsy, Bess, Otis, Sarah and Larry. Of course we got to see Retta, Claire and Emily, whom we met in previous entries in this delightful series.
I have enjoyed this story as well as the other books in the series, Cowboy Bold, Cowboy Honor and Cowboy Brave. There are cowboys just waiting for their stories to be told, such as Paxton and Hud. The next books in the series are Christmas with a Cowboy, due in September, and Cowboy Courage, in January 2020.
My thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
For years, during his youth, he got into a lot of trouble. However, he now has a chance to own a ranch and nothing will sway him away from his goals. When his friends, who are nothing but trouble, approach him with an offer that seems more like an ultimatum, Tag is not even tempted.
Nikki Grady has not played around with her life. She has earned her RN license and means to make as much of her life as possible. Nikki meets Tag when he shows up at the ER due to a brawl in a bar; she deems him a reckless rebel, and there is nothing he can do to sway her. That is enough for Nikki not to trust Tag. However, they spend more time together as things roll along, and Nikki begins to see another side to Tag. Will she be able to let her guard down enough to allow him into her life?
This romance by Carolyn Brown is the fourth story in the Longhorn Canyon series. This story did take a while to gain traction, and there was a shift that brought Tag's past front and center. This went a long way to cause the walls between Tag and Nikki to crumble. There were a lot of other factors in this book that played a role when it came to a couple who had very tense chemistry yet had to fight it every step of the way.
One of the disturbing factors about this book was Nikki's relationship with her mother, Wilma. Wilma was plain evil and this created a boatload of baggage that Nikki was forced to deal with. In addition to that, Nikki has experienced great loss in her life and has yet to come to terms with that.
I enjoyed the continuity in this series, including the reappearance of the Fab Five, Patsy, Bess, Otis, Sarah and Larry. Of course we got to see Retta, Claire and Emily, whom we met in previous entries in this delightful series.
I have enjoyed this story as well as the other books in the series, Cowboy Bold, Cowboy Honor and Cowboy Brave. There are cowboys just waiting for their stories to be told, such as Paxton and Hud. The next books in the series are Christmas with a Cowboy, due in September, and Cowboy Courage, in January 2020.
My thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 27, 2019
Cowboy Rebel is the fourth book in Carolyn Brown's Longhorn Canyon series. I haven't read the previous books, but this charming story stood alone perfectly well. If you like small town settings, sexy cowboys and sassy women, you will be quite satisfied with this book. It's more sweet than steamy, so you won't be embarrassed to share this one with your mother!
Tag Baker is a cowboy who is starting up a ranch with his twin brother Hud. They are part of a loving, close family. Tag was rather wild when young, and he hasn't changed that much over the years. When he lost his best friend years ago in an accident, Tag decided to live like he was dying...which has landed him in the emergency room more than once. Nikki Grady is an R.N. who works in the ER where Tag is treated. She is his sister's best friend, and is friendly with Tag. Though there is quite an attraction between the two, she worries he is too wild for her. Unlike Tag, Nikki comes from a dysfunctional family. Her younger brother died from leukemia, her father then took off and her mother is a total hypochondriac who will never win a mother of the year award. When dangerous people from Tag's past come calling, Nikki is caught up in the mess.
Though the danger concerning Tag's past was a fun and exciting part of the story, it was their sweet romance that drew me in. He was very protective of Nikki, and besides being sweet on her he turned out to be a good friend. Their interactions were cute and flirty. One thing I didn't care for in the book is something that most readers probably loved... I don't listen to country music. Can't stand it! So the songs that were mentioned that connected Tag and Nikki to the lyrics were totally lost on me. But I enjoyed this book nonetheless.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Tag Baker is a cowboy who is starting up a ranch with his twin brother Hud. They are part of a loving, close family. Tag was rather wild when young, and he hasn't changed that much over the years. When he lost his best friend years ago in an accident, Tag decided to live like he was dying...which has landed him in the emergency room more than once. Nikki Grady is an R.N. who works in the ER where Tag is treated. She is his sister's best friend, and is friendly with Tag. Though there is quite an attraction between the two, she worries he is too wild for her. Unlike Tag, Nikki comes from a dysfunctional family. Her younger brother died from leukemia, her father then took off and her mother is a total hypochondriac who will never win a mother of the year award. When dangerous people from Tag's past come calling, Nikki is caught up in the mess.
Though the danger concerning Tag's past was a fun and exciting part of the story, it was their sweet romance that drew me in. He was very protective of Nikki, and besides being sweet on her he turned out to be a good friend. Their interactions were cute and flirty. One thing I didn't care for in the book is something that most readers probably loved... I don't listen to country music. Can't stand it! So the songs that were mentioned that connected Tag and Nikki to the lyrics were totally lost on me. But I enjoyed this book nonetheless.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
June 27, 2019
Live like you're dying. that's the phrase Tag Baker lives by. it's a song and a life motto, but will that motto come back and bite him in the butt. Nikki Grady lives a quiet life as a nurse, trying to hold her life together with a hypochondriac mother and an absent father. when these two meet at a wedding the sparks may fly, or they may Fizzle Tag is a Cowboy rebel after all and Nikki refuses to be another notch on his bed post.
I adored this book. it's the fourth in the series but the first I have read and I for sure want to read the other books in the series, it gives a good dose, of love, laughter, drama, family and friendship. you won't regret picking up this book.
tw kidnapping and talk of childhood death.
disclaimer I was sent this book from forever publish and grand central publishing for a fair and honest review.
I adored this book. it's the fourth in the series but the first I have read and I for sure want to read the other books in the series, it gives a good dose, of love, laughter, drama, family and friendship. you won't regret picking up this book.
tw kidnapping and talk of childhood death.
disclaimer I was sent this book from forever publish and grand central publishing for a fair and honest review.
May 13, 2020
Typical rancher romance fluff. I've got way more of these on my Kindle than I expected, but they're the perfect fare for me right now. Nothing too dark or serious.
January 11, 2023
Not enough spicy time for rebel cowboy 😔 this is something my grandma would read
Kinda skimmed thru the book but still dunno why the cowboys a rebel
Stanning Billy Tom tho so 3 stars for him😍😍😍
Kinda skimmed thru the book but still dunno why the cowboys a rebel
Stanning Billy Tom tho so 3 stars for him😍😍😍
March 13, 2024
A wonderful cowboy romance series book 4
May 27, 2019
Although I really enjoyed the book and will hopefully read the others I finished the book without quite understanding how such a beautiful friendship became something else. How? When? Why? Ok, he saved her... gratitude? As weird as it may sound coming from an avid romance reader, the ending would have made more sense if they stayed friends....
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April 30, 2019
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Expected publication: May 28th 2019 by Forever
ISBN 1538748711 (ISBN13: 9781538748718)
Edition Language English
Series Longhorn Canyon #4
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
The next heartwarming romance in this USA Today bestselling series proves it's tough to resist a sexy cowboy with a Texas drawl and heart of gold! Includes a bonus novella by Annie Rains!
A WILD COWBOY WITH A BIG HEART
Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.
Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.
Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill by Annie Rains: When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help -- the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.
This being the 4th book in a series means there is a full cast of characters from previous 3 and back stories that I have not read, nor did I really miss out on doing so.
Did however not feel as connected with Tag and Nikki being a serious couple until really late in the story, at which point embraced them together wholeheartedly and with very little reservations.
To tell the truth for me this presented no real problem as Cowboy Rebel is all about the relationship that develops with Tag Baker and Nikki Grady, with friends and family members helping flesh out the book along the way.
As with every one of this particular authors offerings the small town feel, the family and friends relationships and the general bad boy/good girl pairing feel right and made the read enjoyable as well as easy to relate to.
The only drawback in this case however was the “drama” which was used to prove to Tag his former devil-may-care days are definitely behind him and Nikki was his future instead.
Annie Rains novella, "A Wedding On Lavender Hill", was too short but a nice story despite that and it could not stand on it's own unless in an anthology so it was nice to be an addition at the end of the first read.
I have never read anything by this particular author and found myself captured by the premise, the characters and the actual story execution as it unfolded.
For me this was a very simple, easy to follow romance that gave the reader a reason to smile and laugh throughout and ended on a beautiful positive note as well.
Again too short but very well set up and played out for me.
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Expected publication: May 28th 2019 by Forever
ISBN 1538748711 (ISBN13: 9781538748718)
Edition Language English
Series Longhorn Canyon #4
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
BOOK BLURB
The next heartwarming romance in this USA Today bestselling series proves it's tough to resist a sexy cowboy with a Texas drawl and heart of gold! Includes a bonus novella by Annie Rains!
A WILD COWBOY WITH A BIG HEART
Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.
Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.
Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill by Annie Rains: When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help -- the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.
My Thoughts
This being the 4th book in a series means there is a full cast of characters from previous 3 and back stories that I have not read, nor did I really miss out on doing so.
Did however not feel as connected with Tag and Nikki being a serious couple until really late in the story, at which point embraced them together wholeheartedly and with very little reservations.
To tell the truth for me this presented no real problem as Cowboy Rebel is all about the relationship that develops with Tag Baker and Nikki Grady, with friends and family members helping flesh out the book along the way.
As with every one of this particular authors offerings the small town feel, the family and friends relationships and the general bad boy/good girl pairing feel right and made the read enjoyable as well as easy to relate to.
The only drawback in this case however was the “drama” which was used to prove to Tag his former devil-may-care days are definitely behind him and Nikki was his future instead.
Annie Rains novella, "A Wedding On Lavender Hill", was too short but a nice story despite that and it could not stand on it's own unless in an anthology so it was nice to be an addition at the end of the first read.
I have never read anything by this particular author and found myself captured by the premise, the characters and the actual story execution as it unfolded.
For me this was a very simple, easy to follow romance that gave the reader a reason to smile and laugh throughout and ended on a beautiful positive note as well.
Again too short but very well set up and played out for me.
[EArc from Netgalley]
May 15, 2019
Received in exchange for a honest review.
THe book was sweet and sexy. I really like how this was a build up of attraction and emotion. That they didn’t go directly into instalove even though it seems that way. They met at other functions and it built over time. With Taggart flirting and Nikki rebuking until she really saw the man he was. Then she realized he is a man with a past that has shaped him. He has learned from his mistakes and is trying to turn the page. He has guilt over a loss in the past and is trying to live life to its fullest and doesn’t really realize the affect that it has on others until he is the one in the seat waiting and hoping. That is when he realizes what his family and friends go through each time he is hurt.
Our book begins with Taggart being the good guy he is and being hurt for his help. Bringin into Nikki’s world at the hospital. Where she sees him as the rebel he is o so she thinks. Nikki is friends with Tag’s sister so she does get to see a different side to him as well. She feels he is too much of a risk taker but does have a chemistry with him that she has a hard time ignoring.
Over time we see Nikki trust him more and see that he is a great guy. Hard working and loyal. Family oriented and trying to get over a loss and learn from his mistakes in the past. He even stands up to his past at one point. By then him and Nikki are exploring their feelings. Nikki is dealing with her loss in the past and her mom. She is even learning to stand up to her. We see both characters lean on one another for support and trust one another with everything. They believe in each other and have faith in the other. We watch as Tag goes after Nikki when in trouble and how he feels guilt and she helps him see that he shouldn’t. How this brings them closer and over time this becomes more. How these two work together to bring closure to their pasts and how Tag is there for Nikki when she confronts her fears and past and gains so much from it.
These two are great for one another and grow so much. Nikki learns to trust and let go while gaining strength to face her pain. Tag learns to let go and let love in. They both find someone to love and find support and respect with. They have chemsitry up the wazoo and explore this as they first explore friendship and then become more..It isn’t instant but a slow burn and this helps keep the drama and angst from happening for they learn about one another and how to be together and trust one another first before acting on their attraction. It is about love, family and letting go. A wonderful story that has your heart smile for these two characters grab you from the beginning and so do their friends.
THe book was sweet and sexy. I really like how this was a build up of attraction and emotion. That they didn’t go directly into instalove even though it seems that way. They met at other functions and it built over time. With Taggart flirting and Nikki rebuking until she really saw the man he was. Then she realized he is a man with a past that has shaped him. He has learned from his mistakes and is trying to turn the page. He has guilt over a loss in the past and is trying to live life to its fullest and doesn’t really realize the affect that it has on others until he is the one in the seat waiting and hoping. That is when he realizes what his family and friends go through each time he is hurt.
Our book begins with Taggart being the good guy he is and being hurt for his help. Bringin into Nikki’s world at the hospital. Where she sees him as the rebel he is o so she thinks. Nikki is friends with Tag’s sister so she does get to see a different side to him as well. She feels he is too much of a risk taker but does have a chemistry with him that she has a hard time ignoring.
Over time we see Nikki trust him more and see that he is a great guy. Hard working and loyal. Family oriented and trying to get over a loss and learn from his mistakes in the past. He even stands up to his past at one point. By then him and Nikki are exploring their feelings. Nikki is dealing with her loss in the past and her mom. She is even learning to stand up to her. We see both characters lean on one another for support and trust one another with everything. They believe in each other and have faith in the other. We watch as Tag goes after Nikki when in trouble and how he feels guilt and she helps him see that he shouldn’t. How this brings them closer and over time this becomes more. How these two work together to bring closure to their pasts and how Tag is there for Nikki when she confronts her fears and past and gains so much from it.
These two are great for one another and grow so much. Nikki learns to trust and let go while gaining strength to face her pain. Tag learns to let go and let love in. They both find someone to love and find support and respect with. They have chemsitry up the wazoo and explore this as they first explore friendship and then become more..It isn’t instant but a slow burn and this helps keep the drama and angst from happening for they learn about one another and how to be together and trust one another first before acting on their attraction. It is about love, family and letting go. A wonderful story that has your heart smile for these two characters grab you from the beginning and so do their friends.
August 6, 2019
This didn't work for me at all, really. The casual, nearly cavalier, portrayal of gun ownership was especially jarring, but that is a cultural/socio-political division between the target audience for this book and myself and has little to no bearing on the quality of the plot and characterization. The villain plot was over=the-top and contrived for a contemporary cowboy Romance, though it could have worked in a thriller or Romantic Suspense novel. The characters were bland and Nikki and Tag seemed better suited to being friends than to being lovers. Both were dealing with issues that could have benefited from some therapy, or at least counseling. Heck, even if they had gone to talk to their pastor, that would have been something. (And for such a seemingly conservative group of characters, I actually expected them to attend services more often and was surprised and even a little disappointed that religion didn't seem to be very important to any of them, which, coming from a godless heathen like myself, is saying something.)
The whole book was also way too white and heterosexual for me. There are two characters who, in my headcanon, are black, and I am sticking to that. There were two characters who I had hoped were a gay couple, but turned out to be related.
Too much of what the characters were thinking and feeling was conveyed through country songs and, not being a country music fan, a lot of it was lost on me. In fact, the endless litany of country music song titles occasionally made the book feel more like a recommended playlist than an actual book.
This was my first Carolyn Brown novel and also likely my last. She and I are just not a good reader-author fit.
The whole book was also way too white and heterosexual for me. There are two characters who, in my headcanon, are black, and I am sticking to that. There were two characters who I had hoped were a gay couple, but turned out to be related.
Too much of what the characters were thinking and feeling was conveyed through country songs and, not being a country music fan, a lot of it was lost on me. In fact, the endless litany of country music song titles occasionally made the book feel more like a recommended playlist than an actual book.
This was my first Carolyn Brown novel and also likely my last. She and I are just not a good reader-author fit.
May 1, 2019
I was very moved by the story line in this book. I have read all the books in the series, but this one for me has had the most depth of a good story line. It moved me that two people from such different upbringings could be so well matched as life partners. 5 Stars all the way.
Tag was the rebel cowboy, who lives wild in the saddle and on the seat of a motorcycle. But a when he meets Nikki and gets to more about her, the Live Like you were Dying attitude began to change for him. Nikki had to grow up and work hard to get where she is with her career as an RN. Her life was not the care free one that Tag lived. Their life was about to change when Tag’s and Nikki’s past comes back to haunt them. Tag’s not in a good way ,and Nikki as a complete surprise. The attraction between them began to grow and mature into a life they both knew they wanted. She is drawn to that ‘little twinkle’ in his baby blues and he is drawn to her warmth and caring heart. Two hearts that did not understand love and lasting relationships were on the path to forever.
We have input from the Fab5 which gives laughter and warmth to the story along with many of Tag and Nikki’s family and friends to give more life to the story. Carolyn Brown knows how to draw her readers in by creating characters who we want to be friends with and of course fall in love with a cowboy and live HEA.
Thank you to the publisher and Negalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
Tag was the rebel cowboy, who lives wild in the saddle and on the seat of a motorcycle. But a when he meets Nikki and gets to more about her, the Live Like you were Dying attitude began to change for him. Nikki had to grow up and work hard to get where she is with her career as an RN. Her life was not the care free one that Tag lived. Their life was about to change when Tag’s and Nikki’s past comes back to haunt them. Tag’s not in a good way ,and Nikki as a complete surprise. The attraction between them began to grow and mature into a life they both knew they wanted. She is drawn to that ‘little twinkle’ in his baby blues and he is drawn to her warmth and caring heart. Two hearts that did not understand love and lasting relationships were on the path to forever.
We have input from the Fab5 which gives laughter and warmth to the story along with many of Tag and Nikki’s family and friends to give more life to the story. Carolyn Brown knows how to draw her readers in by creating characters who we want to be friends with and of course fall in love with a cowboy and live HEA.
Thank you to the publisher and Negalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
May 18, 2019
Carolyn Brown's Cowboy Rebel is a very sweet but slow moving romance. Staring one Taggart Baker as the afore mentioned Cowboy Rebel and nurse, Nikki Grady, as his very wary love interest.
It is quite clear from the start, that the author really wants the point of Taggart's irrepressible nature driven surely and squarely home in the reader's mind.
Due in large part to the the fact that something to the effect of "What did you do this time?" is always being said by someone that he knows.
Which would be fine except for the fact that this latest altercation is in no way started by Tag.
Furthermore, his participation in said altercation is only brought about by his need to protect a woman that he deems to be in danger.
So readers are trapped in a mire of such manutia for pages. For what is in reality an act of chivalry!
What?
As for Taggart's leading Lady. Nikki Grady is a nurse. Who in addition to wanting to save the world. Wants nothing more than to mold Taggart in to her interpretation of the perfect man.
A.k.a. His brother Hud.
And who, in spite of many very endearing attempts by Taggart. Refuses to even consider his suit. Although she fulls acknowledges her attraction to him.
This is another foray into pointless repetition that turns what would have been the start to a wonderful reading experience into a labor of Sisyphus.
Things do get better. Or at least a little more interesting at about midway through the book. When we are treated to the who's why's and wherefores of Taggart's bad boy past.
And the beginning of Nikki's change of heart regarding her relationship with the formerly unrelatable Taggart.
There is also the Taggart's quest to name and brand the ranch. And Nikki's rather strange and slightly dictatorial relationship with her mother
Coupled with the general low level hum of a small time gossip hive. Filled to the brim with busybodies dying to share two cents worth of wisdom on a ten dollar day.
This is a great "passing the time" read. Something to read on the bus or a the the beach etc.
This is also the fourth book in an interrelated series.
You may read it as a standalone or as part of its intended series.
It is quite clear from the start, that the author really wants the point of Taggart's irrepressible nature driven surely and squarely home in the reader's mind.
Due in large part to the the fact that something to the effect of "What did you do this time?" is always being said by someone that he knows.
Which would be fine except for the fact that this latest altercation is in no way started by Tag.
Furthermore, his participation in said altercation is only brought about by his need to protect a woman that he deems to be in danger.
So readers are trapped in a mire of such manutia for pages. For what is in reality an act of chivalry!
What?
As for Taggart's leading Lady. Nikki Grady is a nurse. Who in addition to wanting to save the world. Wants nothing more than to mold Taggart in to her interpretation of the perfect man.
A.k.a. His brother Hud.
And who, in spite of many very endearing attempts by Taggart. Refuses to even consider his suit. Although she fulls acknowledges her attraction to him.
This is another foray into pointless repetition that turns what would have been the start to a wonderful reading experience into a labor of Sisyphus.
Things do get better. Or at least a little more interesting at about midway through the book. When we are treated to the who's why's and wherefores of Taggart's bad boy past.
And the beginning of Nikki's change of heart regarding her relationship with the formerly unrelatable Taggart.
There is also the Taggart's quest to name and brand the ranch. And Nikki's rather strange and slightly dictatorial relationship with her mother
Coupled with the general low level hum of a small time gossip hive. Filled to the brim with busybodies dying to share two cents worth of wisdom on a ten dollar day.
This is a great "passing the time" read. Something to read on the bus or a the the beach etc.
This is also the fourth book in an interrelated series.
You may read it as a standalone or as part of its intended series.
May 21, 2019
Cowboy Rebel (Longhorn Canyon #4) by Carolyn Brown
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Mental Health issues, Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Taggart is a twin. His brother, Hud, knows that Tag has a wild heart. But, when Tag finds himself in the ER again, despite trying to do the right thing, he can't help but hit on the nice nurse. After all, he's known her a while. Tag's flirtatious nature is something he wears as armor. He's trying to fight past his demons and find his own way.
Nikki is working hard to maintain her friendship with Taggart and his family. She is worried about her best friend's thoughts on her crush on Taggart. However, Nikki has survived a lot in her young life and fighting off her attraction is just something else she'll have to endure.
This was a sweet story because you got to see friends and family all trying to help the two main characters. I'll admit that I really had a hard time with Nikki's mom. I can understand wanting to stay with family out of guilt, but Nikki's mom was just awful.
Watching Taggart and Nikki mature throughout the story - finding themselves, as well as developing a friendship that would become the basis of their romance was a great way to develop the characters and the storyline. I really enjoyed this storyline and can't wait for the other people to get their own books.
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Mental Health issues, Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Taggart is a twin. His brother, Hud, knows that Tag has a wild heart. But, when Tag finds himself in the ER again, despite trying to do the right thing, he can't help but hit on the nice nurse. After all, he's known her a while. Tag's flirtatious nature is something he wears as armor. He's trying to fight past his demons and find his own way.
Nikki is working hard to maintain her friendship with Taggart and his family. She is worried about her best friend's thoughts on her crush on Taggart. However, Nikki has survived a lot in her young life and fighting off her attraction is just something else she'll have to endure.
This was a sweet story because you got to see friends and family all trying to help the two main characters. I'll admit that I really had a hard time with Nikki's mom. I can understand wanting to stay with family out of guilt, but Nikki's mom was just awful.
Watching Taggart and Nikki mature throughout the story - finding themselves, as well as developing a friendship that would become the basis of their romance was a great way to develop the characters and the storyline. I really enjoyed this storyline and can't wait for the other people to get their own books.
December 28, 2023
2.5 stars
This was an okay read but nothing more beyond that. I can already feel the story and what happened within it quickly leaving my head just as quick as I read it. It's not a story that is memorable nor will I reread it.
There was some thrill and adventure to keep the story in motion but it just ended up coming across as too much going on.
The main characters and their romance was okay but again, it wasn't anything more than average. Their relationship was a bit too bland.
To describe this book in one word, it would be "okay". But in a world of many books that are more than that, I'd probably pick up one of those other books first.
***I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
This was an okay read but nothing more beyond that. I can already feel the story and what happened within it quickly leaving my head just as quick as I read it. It's not a story that is memorable nor will I reread it.
There was some thrill and adventure to keep the story in motion but it just ended up coming across as too much going on.
The main characters and their romance was okay but again, it wasn't anything more than average. Their relationship was a bit too bland.
To describe this book in one word, it would be "okay". But in a world of many books that are more than that, I'd probably pick up one of those other books first.
***I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
May 26, 2019
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I enjoyed this book, the characters are well written and there was a lot to like about each one.
Tag is used to living his life to the fullest and when we find out why, my heart breaks for him. His sense of right and wrong is sometimes skewed but he's a bad boy with a good heart.
Nikki is an RN who's worked hard for everything she has. She's crushing hard on Tag but is afraid that's not as serious as she is.
Watching Tag come to keep terms with his past and find a way to keep Nikki by his side is what makes me keep this series on my TBR pile.
Wicked Reads Review Team
I enjoyed this book, the characters are well written and there was a lot to like about each one.
Tag is used to living his life to the fullest and when we find out why, my heart breaks for him. His sense of right and wrong is sometimes skewed but he's a bad boy with a good heart.
Nikki is an RN who's worked hard for everything she has. She's crushing hard on Tag but is afraid that's not as serious as she is.
Watching Tag come to keep terms with his past and find a way to keep Nikki by his side is what makes me keep this series on my TBR pile.
Wicked Reads Review Team
May 28, 2019
This one is classic Carolyn Brown with her hard loving, sexy cowboys and the sassy women who win their hearts. In her incredible style she delivers the story of Tag and Nikki and takes us back to Longhorn Canyon in this book. Tag is a fun loving daredevil that Nikki knows is nothing but trouble as soon as she sees him in the emergency room. She's worked to hard getting her RN position to let this sexy cowboy distract her. Turns out though sometimes a little bit of trouble is just what the doctor orders. Don't miss this one, I definitely recommend it.
June 7, 2022
One editing error that squeaked by. She gets in the passenger seat then 2 sentences later she’s coming down (the stairs) towards him.
I did enjoy this book. Give me a bad boy cowboy and I’m there with bells on honey!! And Tag didn’t disappoint. I did like the “plot twist” at the end. Didn’t expect it to be that person.
Guess I’ll have to take a trip to north TX to see a cowboy. Or maybe head over to King Ranch. Lived here 10 years and still no sightings. Be sad for me lol
I did enjoy this book. Give me a bad boy cowboy and I’m there with bells on honey!! And Tag didn’t disappoint. I did like the “plot twist” at the end. Didn’t expect it to be that person.
Guess I’ll have to take a trip to north TX to see a cowboy. Or maybe head over to King Ranch. Lived here 10 years and still no sightings. Be sad for me lol
April 25, 2019
A charming country boy tale high on romance and low on steam. A nurse and a cowboy get together after some wooing with the formulaic conflict that eventually brings them closer. Peppered with country song references adds a pleasing soundtrack to the story. Will the cowboy continue his quest to live like he was dying as the Tim McGraw song references or will he settle down?
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
August 13, 2020
Cowboy Rebel
Nothing like a reformed bad boy cowboy. Tag Baker was a wild one and kept asking out Nikki, a nurse who wanted no part of his good looking charm. Really good book with great characters.
Nothing like a reformed bad boy cowboy. Tag Baker was a wild one and kept asking out Nikki, a nurse who wanted no part of his good looking charm. Really good book with great characters.
May 14, 2019
Cowboy Rebel
Carolyn Brown
Western romance lovers are in for a treat with this one. I so loved the chemistry between Tag and NNikki. This author just has a way of writing such wonderful characters with amazing compatibility. This is my first book from this author and it will not be my last.If you like a good cowboy/romance story,then this story is for you
Carolyn Brown
Western romance lovers are in for a treat with this one. I so loved the chemistry between Tag and NNikki. This author just has a way of writing such wonderful characters with amazing compatibility. This is my first book from this author and it will not be my last.If you like a good cowboy/romance story,then this story is for you
June 24, 2019
Cowboy Rebel is another fun and wonderful book in the Longhorn Canyon series. The hero and heroine are very cute together. Love this series!!!
July 3, 2019
I really couldn't get into this book. I found Tag to be immature and blah, making him difficult to relate to.
DNF 10%
** ARC received from Netgalley **
DNF 10%
** ARC received from Netgalley **
June 16, 2019
Sweet, but a bit slow.
I liked Nikki from Cowboy Brave and am glad to get her story. Her relationship with her mother added some interesting depth to her character, but I kinda wished I understood the mother's condition a bit more. She was super bitchy and demanding, which was explained as a psychological condition, but I'm not sure what.
Tag's rebel status seemed more due to his past than anything truly rebellious in his present. So even though it's called 'Cowboy Rebel', this is not at all a bad boy hero. Which fits into the overall heartwarming vibe, but I was hoping for a tad more heat.
Also, on a personal note, I'm not keen on guns and it kinda turned me off to see Nikki and other characters talking so casually about how if only Nikki had had her pistol with her, a bad guy would already be dead.
The kidnapping subplot left me meh -- though I like that Nikki wasn't a helpless victim at all, I mostly just wanted to get back to the romance. Possibly because it was introduced so early on in the story, and seemed a bit too dramatic a development for that part of the story.
The bonus novella at the end was sweet and cute.
I liked Nikki from Cowboy Brave and am glad to get her story. Her relationship with her mother added some interesting depth to her character, but I kinda wished I understood the mother's condition a bit more. She was super bitchy and demanding, which was explained as a psychological condition, but I'm not sure what.
Tag's rebel status seemed more due to his past than anything truly rebellious in his present. So even though it's called 'Cowboy Rebel', this is not at all a bad boy hero. Which fits into the overall heartwarming vibe, but I was hoping for a tad more heat.
Also, on a personal note, I'm not keen on guns and it kinda turned me off to see Nikki and other characters talking so casually about how if only Nikki had had her pistol with her, a bad guy would already be dead.
The kidnapping subplot left me meh -- though I like that Nikki wasn't a helpless victim at all, I mostly just wanted to get back to the romance. Possibly because it was introduced so early on in the story, and seemed a bit too dramatic a development for that part of the story.
The bonus novella at the end was sweet and cute.
August 3, 2019
I think this is my favorite Longhorn Canyon novel to date! The chemistry between these two is electric, and they are amazing. There were some really smooth pick up lines in this novel, and she didn't fall for ANY of them for quite a long time. She stuck to her guns and her ideals. They both had things that they were running from. The suspense factor of this novel was fantastic, and added something we hadn't seen in this ranch life yet.
Kudos to Carolyn Brown for keeping it fresh, and giving us another amazing novel with the Longhorn Canyon crew!
Kudos to Carolyn Brown for keeping it fresh, and giving us another amazing novel with the Longhorn Canyon crew!
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