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The Dalton Boys #9

Cowboy Surprise

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Family ties run deep in the heart of Texas.

Who knew that having the Dalton looks—dark hair and blue eyes—would deem Justus as a trustworthy person? That’s exactly what happens when a friend of the family turns up on the Daltons’ ranch and thrusts a baby at him to watch because nobody else is home. After she leaves, he realizes he doesn’t even know her name—or how to care for an infant.

Tuesday is one of the most sought-out hairstylists in three counties, and she’s got problems. Not only is she raising her irresponsible teen sister’s baby as her own but she is shorthanded in the babysitter department. And boy does she dump a surprise on that cute cousin of the Daltons’ when she asks him to watch the infant so she doesn’t lose her client.

Justus finds himself helping out the busy single mom several times, and he can’t help but admire more than her sexy curves. Tuesday is mouthy and knows what she wants, two things his momma would claim as his traits too. She’s looking to provide a home and a good life for the child she’s adopted, but Justus makes her stop and smell the sweet grasses… as they tumble in them, that is. Things are heating up, and he doesn’t want to walk away. But is he cut out for fatherhood and if so, would this single-minded, strong woman let him in?

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2019

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Em Petrova

772 books1,465 followers

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5 stars
311 (67%)
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113 (24%)
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29 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Elizabeth.
456 reviews17 followers
February 24, 2019
* * Read on Kindle Unlimited * *

The beginning of this story made me laugh out loud. It was fantastic to imagine the face of Justus when Tuesday left him with a baby in his arms.

Justus is a cowboy thru and thru. He took care of cattle but he knew nothing about babies. Actually, he avoided babies because he thought he was going to break them in some way.

Tuesday is a single mom that does all she can to provide her baby boy with the best care in the world. Sadly, she just moved into town and she can't find a reliable nanny for Joshua James so she relies on the kind heart of the Dalton women in case she needs a hand.

I love the whole story and the world presented. It was a lot of information at times with what was going on in the ranch, with Tuesday's mom and sister, etc. but that was also part of the charm. It revolved around family and what they do for each other.

I would recommend this book, even though is the last in the series. I will be taking the previous ones into my Kindle to catch up because I enjoyed the Dalton family a lot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,794 reviews42 followers
January 20, 2019
Cowboy Surprise (The Dalton Boys, #9) by Em Petrova Cowboy Surprise (Dalton Boys Book 9)
By: Em Petrova
She's The "Cowboy Surprise" He's Gonna LOVE!
When he loses his job, he knows there's only ONE place to GO...
Cuz, there's NO place like HOME on the Dalton Ranch,
Sooo that's where this Cowboy finds himself,
When he's feelin' a bit low & beside himself!
Of course that feelin' ain't lastin' for long...
Especially NOT when a Sweet Li'l Filly Stops by with her SON!
She's cute as Pie, but she seems kinda Flakey...
How many Gal's just drop their Kids & Run with only a Guy's EYES as a Resume...
Seems this Gal only needed to see that infamous Dalton Blue,
To ensure she's ready to trust her most Precious Cargo to YOU!
AND that's the beginning of their affair...
The "Cowboy Surprise" beyond compare,
Finds a Partner, some Friends, A Father, A Family, A Community, & A LOVE for LIFE!
I was granted an ARC of Em Petrova's "Cowboy Surprise (Dalton Boys Book 9)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
285 reviews
January 19, 2019
There is a quote from the book said by Justus to Tuesday, "we put our best out into the world and we get it back in reward". This seems to be a good description of the entire Dalton family. They are fiercely loyal to their family and community. They work hard and love even harder. Once they find the woman who captures their heart, they fall quickly and are prepared to settle down for life. Good things come to those who love and live with dignity and determination. This is Justus' story, one of the Dalton cousins and the last to find the love of his life in this series. Justus came to Paradise Valley when he lost his job as a manager of another ranch. Within moments of arriving at his uncle's property, he has a baby thrust in his arms by a fiery woman. Little did he know that this woman and baby would capture his heart forever.

Cowboy Surprise is the sweet and endearing conclusion to the beloved Dalton series. Although Cowboy Surprise is a stand alone novel, I strongly recommend reading this series in it's entirety. This family is dynamic and easy to fall in love with. The series is so much more rich if you get to know each one family member individually and in consecutive order. My hope Is that this is not our last encounter with the Daltons. Perhaps author Em Petrova will consider a series based on the Dalton offspring set 20 years from now? It would be interesting to see the people who would capture the hearts of a family of offspring as special as the Daltons.

Full of passion and likeable leading characters, this is an absolute must read book/series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Vandal.
1,185 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2019
My heart melted ❤️ Tuesday is in a bind, she has a job to do hair for a wedding & her sitter flaked out on her. She panicked, running late & needs the money from this job to take care of her & her son. She heads to the Dalton ranch to see if her friend Shelby can watch her son, she adopted Joshua James when her 17 yr old sister got pregnant & decided to give up the baby. When she gets to the Dalton ranch she finds only one person, Justus Dalton & leaves the baby with him. Even though she doesn't know him directly, she can see he's a Dalton & the women will surely be back soon.
Justus is a Dalton. He just got to his Aunt & Uncles ranch after losing his last job when the ranch he worked on was sold. He's hoping to pick up some work until he figures out his next steps. Then a baby is thrust into his arms & he's left to figure it out. He's never taken care of a baby but navigates his way through pretty well until the Dalton ladies return. He doesn't even know the baby's or the Mom's for that matter, name but he can't help but take notice of her.
This is the beginning of a little rocky but really heartwarming love story for Tuesday & Justus. Some of the bumps in the road are created by Tuesday's wariness of a relationship. Joshua James is her life now & most men are turned off by a ready made family. Justus Dalton is not most men. Thoroughly enjoyed the HEA.
1,240 reviews10 followers
January 21, 2019
Cowboy Surprise is the ninth book in the Dalton Boys series. Justus is returning home to his uncle’s ranch and is shocked when a woman drops off her baby and leaves. When she returns, he wants to write her off, but can’t help but feel drawn to Tuesday, her son, and wanting to help her out. Tuesday is just trying to do the best that she can, and isn’t sure she has the time or energy for a relationship. Soon Justus and Tuesday are falling in love, but when her world is threatened, can Justus show her he’s there to help and support?

Oh my goodness, I loved this book! I loved watching Justus and Tuesday’s relationship blossom and develop and change. Justus was just the sweetest! He cared deeply, was dependable, solid, and even though he didn’t know anything about babies, was able to tackle any challenge he faced when it came to the babe! I was really falling in love with him myself, haha! Tuesday was proud, a little bit of a mess, but such an amazing mom, daughter, and girlfriend! They really made an amazing team when it came to watching the baby, living in the moment together, and fighting for what they love! These Dalton cowboys have stolen my heart, I love this series, I love the women who win their hearts, and I loved this addition! It’s sweet, romantic, steamy at times, and full of heart!
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,240 reviews25 followers
January 14, 2019
For a novella, this book packs a lot of info, in a short amount of reading and I loved it. This is book 9 of a series, that I have not read (YET- cause I'm going to go back to the beginning and go from there). This can be read as a stand alone, but after what I've read, I'm not going to be able to stop at just this one.

These Dalton boys, are hot! Everyone needs a lil Dalton in their lives and this is the perfect way to get it. Written in third person as a multi pov. It had it's sweet moments and it's heartaches....trials and rewards. All in all, it was a fantastic read with a HEA.

Even though it was only a novella, I was able to get emotionally attached to the characters rather quickly which was awesome. I would have loved for there to be even more of these characters because they were so well written. Great story line. Awesome description to detail. Fantastic characters and flowing dialogue that brought me into the book with the characters. A few heart twinge moments along the way as well.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!

Would I read more from this author? Yep! Going back to get the other books in the series.

Sassy Beta Reading & Review ,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
January 19, 2019
Just when you think that Cowboys can’t get any sweeter, along comes Justus Dalton with his devastating and mischievous smile and a heart as big as Texas itself. Justus is only young, but hard work and family values have etched a moral code deep within his bones, and this ensures that no one will suffer in need while he is able to help. But what does he know about babies?

Cowboy Surprise is a fabulous addition to the already addictive Dalton Boys series and shows once again what a good upbringing and family support can achieve when your life is at a crossroad and it all seems to hard to bear. Dalton is very simply a doll, and he owns this story and will own the heart of every woman who reads it!

Ms Petrova has certainly given readers a breath-taking storyline and captured the steadfast nature of this incredible young man, and paired him with an equally generous and selfless woman. Dalton and Tuesday are perfect together and their story has the power to bring tears to the eye, and make you smile so wide your cheeks will hurt; there are just some books that remain in my heart forever, and Cowboy Surprise is definitely one of them.
2,286 reviews13 followers
January 31, 2019
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Justus and Tuesday and baby Joshua James. Justus heads to the family ranch, there Dalton ranch, after being let go from his job at the Double J. Tuesday has moved to Texas with baby Joshua James after she adopted him from her teenage sister, Jessica claims her being near would remind hey of it. When Tuesday needs a babysitter, she heads to the Dalton Ranch in hopes of on if the woman there can help out. But instead she finds a Dalton cowboy that looks confused when she gives him the baby. Justus can't figure out who the baby is or the momma. But boy does she cause a stir of emotions. But as the two become better acquainted they realize the need for the other in their lives. Great story about finding love and building on it. Great HEA. Even when things are crazy, a strong cowboy can help solve her problems. I like how the book mentions previous characters from past Dalton family books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
116 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2019
Justus is working on his Uncle's ranch. Shortly after he arrives, a baby is left in his arms. He doesn't even know who she was! Now what is he supposed to do? Tuesday is a hairdresser and must do a woman's hair for a wedding but she has her son (he's adopted from her sister) so she goes to ask her friend Shelby to look after her son while she goes to this job. Only Shelby is not there. Not having a choice, she hands Justus the baby and heads to her job. Since Justus hasn't ever taken care of a baby, he's hoping it will go well until the other Dalton women get back. While this is a standalone, it would be good to read the other books in this series so that you won't be so lost on all the people that come in and out of this book. Liked the interaction between Justus and Tuesday. but both had to learn to trust. Though a short story, this book was entertaining and left with a warm heart. Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,346 reviews11 followers
January 15, 2019
What's a cowboy to do when a baby is handed to him and the mother takes off. Not knowing the baby's name or the mothers for that matter and the small detail of never having held a baby is how the day starts for Justus.

Tuesday is struggling to get by in a new place with a new job. She is trying to be the best that she can be in all areas and turning up short most of the time. A call into work sends her into the arms of a very good looking man who she gives her son to in hopes he will babysit.

I really liked these two. I loved how even from the beginning they were interested in each other but understood that there is a baby involved and he needed to come first. I loved how quickly Justus adapted to the baby and begun to care for him.

One thing I would love to point out is I absolutely loved the sassiness between these two. They were both hot and passionate and gave it just as good.

This was a fun book to read!
Profile Image for Connie.
1,692 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I also purchased a copy.

This was a wonderful addition to the series. I just adored Justus and Tuesday's journey to a HEA. The book was easy to read and hard to put down. The book was written in my favorite format of a dual POV. This was great to see how the good-looking cowboy took to Joshua James for the first time and quickly became attached to the baby.

I loved seeing the addition of the prior characters as well. It was nice to see the family come together again. These characters feel like very close friends. I have to go back and re-read this series all over again from start to finish. I just adore the Daltons. I sure hope there are some more cousins around!!!!

I highly recommend this book and in fact the entire series to anyone who loves a good romance book to get away from the hustle and bustle of real life for a little bit.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,332 reviews71 followers
January 30, 2019
Justus has just arrived back home when he answers the door at his family's home and has a baby thrust into his arms. Tuesday is a single mom and when she needs babysitting help the Daltons always help her. So when she saw Justus she knew he was a Dalton and left her son with him to rush to work. Justus couldn't believe that anyone would leave their child with a stranger and made her aware of how he felt when she returned. Sparks fly between them even when she was upset that he felt she was irresponsible. Justus was drawn to Tuesday and when he finally git her to let him in what he discovers makes him want to claim her and her son as his own. Can he convince Tuesday to give him a chance?

This is an amazing story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
January 22, 2019
This is sweet, romantic, amusing and heartwarming. Justus is bold, determined, caring and sweet. Tuesday is brave, stubborn, independent and frazzled. When Tuesday shows up at his aunt and uncle's not 5 minutes after he gets there, and hands him a baby and walks away, Justus has no clue what to do. He manages just fine considering it's the first baby he's ever held, but he plans on giving the mother an earful when she gets back. Even after the showdown there are sparks zinging between, which intrigues Justus, and scares Tuesday. Justus is so damn irresistible with his charm, sweetness and caring, along with a sexy body, that he draws Tuesday to him like a moth to a flame. All the books in this series are heartwarming, amusing and romantic and their characters are special people.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,225 reviews28 followers
January 22, 2019
Fun, flirty romance with lots of heart!

Justus is completely knocked off guard when Tuesday just shows up out of nowhere and hands him her baby. It's not nearly as irresponsible as he thinks, once he learns the whole story. I loved reading about these two - how she's getting her life on track after having to start over in a new town, and how he's figuring out what's next for him after the ranch he worked for was sold.

The steam between these two was intense, but the affection and compassion was even stronger. I loved how quickly the crisis at the end was resolved - my heart was breaking for Tuesday every step of the way - and their HEA was everything dreams are made of. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,302 reviews12 followers
January 24, 2019
A really good cowboy romance.💞🤠💖💞

This cowboy romance is fun! I was giggling almost all the way through it.💖🤣

Tuesday and Justus are so funny together and just seem to fit. I really enjoyed reading about their romance and getting reacquainted with the Dalton family. The attraction and heat between them was so hot and the way Justus accepted her son, Joshua James, as his own was so heartwarming I thought I'd just melt on the spot. 💕💗🔥💕

It is the ninth book in the Dalton Boys series but it easily can be read as a standalone book. The series does interconnect throughout each book but I really think you can read them alone, as I did with this one. 😉❤️️

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joyce Mcgeorge.
44 reviews
May 23, 2019
Too graphic

Hello i really enjoy your stories very much. I was thinking that maybe you could write the same story line but less graphic when it comes to the sex parts. Don't misunderstand me i like romance and a little heat i just don't like the really graphic sexual encounters.
Love this series however i would enjoy it so much more without all the sexual movements. I know it can be a part of love making however i would rather not have it in the Brooks i read. It would be lovely if you could have a milder version for those of us that just enjoy the story with just a little loving.
I know that's what you like to write and i do enjoy the stories. Please
I t it is possible for a milder version thank you
5,200 reviews32 followers
January 20, 2019
After Justus Dalton looses his job as ranch manger he heads to his uncles ranch to help out until he can find another job but before he can get in the door good a beautiful woman comes to the door and,hands him a baby. Tuesday is desperate for a baby sitter and thought her friend Shelby would be home to help but when the tall handsome cowboy answers the door she handed her little nephew which she had adopted to him along with the diaper bag. This is the start of a red hot attraction between Justus and Tuesday that neither one can deny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,251 reviews
January 20, 2019
The Dalton family has been a joy to follow and Justus is another Dalton who knows what he wants and goes after it. Who know that what he wanted got shoved into his arms within minutes of arriving back on the ranch. A wonderful love story that has a bit of bumps in the road, or a flat tire, to that happily ever after. All the characters are wonderful and you get sneak peeks of the couples from previous books. I read straight through because the story just grabs you, and who can resist a cowboy without a shirt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,949 reviews20 followers
January 21, 2019
Tuesday Johnson became an instant single mother when her seventeen year old sister gave up her newborn baby to her. She is struggling to juggle her hair styling job and childcare when she drops her son off with Justus at the Dalton ranch and hurries to her job. Justus doesn’t know who she is and the baby’s name, which he is given a crash course in taking care of. But he quickly loses his heart to both him and his mother. There were a lot of funny and sexy moments in this romance. Tuesday kept pushing Justus away, afraid to lose her independence and Justus was frustrated at times just wanting to help her out. It was nice installment to the Dalton family romances.
6,865 reviews29 followers
January 22, 2019
I love the Dalton boys and Em Petrova is a favourite author of mine so when it goes together its win win as far as I am concerned Another great heartwarming tale that draws you in and has you laughing out loud. Em writes big boisterous families oh so well

This is Justin Dalton story he is stunned when a woman thrusts a baby into his arms and asks for him to care for him so begins his adventures with Joshua James and his mum Tuesday Tuesday needed a baby sitter and Justin had the Dalton eyes so that made him trustworthy as far as she was concerned So began a fun ride where Justin is dragged out of his doldrums and into the mad world that is Tuesday.
144 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2019
What is a cowboy to do when a strange woman knocks on the door and hands him a baby, a baby bag and mutters something about hair and being late. He takes the baby and watches her drive away, not knowing who she is, what the baby's name is, when she will be back and heck, he has never held a baby before. This was an enjoyable story about finding love when it was not expected, at a time not according to plan and about finding home. Tuesday and Justus were such fun characters and it was enjoyable to see them grow and open to the possibilities of love and family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,405 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2019
A Heartwarming Story

Justus Dalton has just arrived at his Aunt and Uncle's home when a woman arrives with a baby in her arms. Justus is shocked when she places the child in his arms and says he should take care of the baby while she goes to work. Justus has never even held a baby. How is he supposed to babysit an infant? Who is this woman who would leave her child with a stranger? That's how Justus met Tuesday.

This is a heartwarming story about a loving rancher and a tender- hearted woman who has an infant son, Joshua James, that she adopted. I enjoyed reading about the characters and their slice of life courtship.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,400 reviews28 followers
February 17, 2019
Cowboy

After I read this book I noticed it was book nine. This is my first experience with this author. So. This is a standalone book with history behind it.

What I enjoyed about this read .... it is about regular people. There are not billion with jets and expensive vehicles. I liked that. Another thing. Family, love, commitment, loyalty, trust and honesty is number one in this extended family life.

Definitely 5 stars

Fav quote:
The awkward moment passed, but he was left wondering why he was so attached to that boy after only seeing him a few times. Funny thing was, it wasn’t only his momma Justus was enthralled with. Though she slobbered less and was prettier.
6,407 reviews32 followers
January 14, 2019
Justus Dalton is a cousin to the Dalton’s.
He’s at their ranch since he lost his job. He loves being a cowboy. When a stranger dumps her baby and leaves him with the baby.

Tuesday is a busy hairstylist who is young and has just adopted her seventeen yo sisters baby, Joshua.

Two enjoyable characters, a solid story and a bit of steam.

Justus is helping her out (it’s hard work being a single mother). Is he ready to take on an instant family?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,072 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2019
Tuesday is a single mom who needs a babysitter fast before she’s late for work. She decides to drop her son off at the Dalton’s. So when she hands the baby to Justus he has no clue what to do. He just got to his aunt and uncle’s house 5 minutes ago! He plans on giving the mom a piece of his mind when she gets back! Only sparks fly between them. Justus knows she’s his, but Tuesday is scared of these feelings. Can Justus convince her to give them a chance?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2019
A compelling, sexy, and passionate read. The amazing storyline is emotionally deep, well written, witty, funny, and relatable. Loveable characters – Tuesday and Justus are strong and great together (Justus is totally swoon-worthy). The chemistry between them is off the charts, powerful, and intense! I love the Dalton Boys and this is a really wonderful series to read and have. I look forward to reading more. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,800 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2022
Justus and Tuesday

Loved this one. Cousin, Justus returns to Paradise Valley after he’s fired when new owners buy the ranch he’s been running. He finds an empty house and within minutes a woman comes to the door and puts a baby in his arms and leaves. He finds out the baby’s beautiful adoptive mama, Tuesday, is a new to Texas hairdresser. She is having babysitting woes and he starts helping her out. The two are attracted to each other but life gets in the way. This is a funny and steamy read with lots of drama.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,161 reviews87 followers
March 3, 2023
Being let go from his ranch management job didn’t exactly leave Justus Dalton idle. He’d find solace at his uncle’s ranch with his family and they always needed help. No one was home when he got there but a knock on the door revealed popular hair stylist Tuesday Johnson who shoved her infant Joshua James in his arms before running off.

Over dinner, Justus gets all the info he needed on Tuesday and over the next few weeks, Justus sees Tuesday and cares for Joshua James. Tuesday’s skittish and definitely isn’t ready when Justus wants to talk about the future.
Rating: 4.25stars
64 reviews
January 13, 2019
This was very much a sweet story. Justus was a hard worker from a large, loving family. He worked hard to help sassy, overly independent, struggling Tuesday. He had to work even harder to prove that he was the perfect fit to complete her family and lift some of her burdens. The love and sacrifice poured into these pages. A very uplifting, sexy read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
977 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2019
Justus shows up to see his family and no one is home. A woman drives up hands him a baby and drives off.
Tuesday needs a sitter fast heads to her friends ranch but no one's home heads up to main ranch house hands the baby to a Dalton man, and heads to work.
This was their first meeting join them in the journey of love the Dalton way. Fun sweet read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews