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Sweet Water Ranch #3
Cowboys Don't Marry the Beauty
He couldn’t face her.
She was too beautiful.
He’d been deformed in a farming accident years ago.
He’d managed to build a successful business on his North Dakota ranch, but clients didn’t need to see him. His sister handled the face of his company.
Until his sister took a vacation and hired an out-of-work supermodel to take her place.
He couldn’t show himself to her. Although after dark he could share his love of the stars with her.
But the more he hides, the more she wants to see.
Can he trust her with his face? Because he’s very close to losing his heart.
She was too beautiful.
He’d been deformed in a farming accident years ago.
He’d managed to build a successful business on his North Dakota ranch, but clients didn’t need to see him. His sister handled the face of his company.
Until his sister took a vacation and hired an out-of-work supermodel to take her place.
He couldn’t show himself to her. Although after dark he could share his love of the stars with her.
But the more he hides, the more she wants to see.
Can he trust her with his face? Because he’s very close to losing his heart.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
1480 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
December 1, 2024
Best one yet!💜💜
January 6, 2020
Romance, clean; Christian faith elements; series but stand alone read
Very heartfelt, honest romance. Cute premise and setting. The heart wrenching and hurting Ford, Morgan's story, both beautifully interwoven with hurts, pain, determination, and of course, a sweet intense attraction made for a fun escape read. Faith elements included in this novel that continues this series about a family of brothers in North Dakota. Cover doesn't reflect content though (eye patch anyone??)
Fun series, so glad I found this author!
Very heartfelt, honest romance. Cute premise and setting. The heart wrenching and hurting Ford, Morgan's story, both beautifully interwoven with hurts, pain, determination, and of course, a sweet intense attraction made for a fun escape read. Faith elements included in this novel that continues this series about a family of brothers in North Dakota. Cover doesn't reflect content though (eye patch anyone??)
Fun series, so glad I found this author!
June 10, 2019
Standing up for her morals and beliefs, Morgan walks off the stage at the height of her career, refusing to wear a see-through outfit, which left nothing to the imagination ,on the catwalk in New York, despite the threat of never having a job again as a model anywhere. Her dreams are wiped away in a millisecond. I wanted to stand up and cheer and give a fist pump! You go, Girl!
A ‘farming accident took his leg and eye and two fingers, along with his handsome looks.’ Ford has been hiding away in his darkened house, hiding like the beast from the well-known fairy tale, with only his sister as company. But when his sister leaves for a European vacation and a replacement is sent as a helper for Ford, he isn’t expecting a former supermodel to show up at his door. He remembered his friends describing her in high school as a ‘moldy dumpling with legs and glasses’. Will Ford finally allow someone else into his life? Or will he turn away from possibly his only chance at love?
Great story! Read this one before Cowboys Don’t Have a Fake Marriage with their Best
Friend’s Sister. Highly recommended.
A ‘farming accident took his leg and eye and two fingers, along with his handsome looks.’ Ford has been hiding away in his darkened house, hiding like the beast from the well-known fairy tale, with only his sister as company. But when his sister leaves for a European vacation and a replacement is sent as a helper for Ford, he isn’t expecting a former supermodel to show up at his door. He remembered his friends describing her in high school as a ‘moldy dumpling with legs and glasses’. Will Ford finally allow someone else into his life? Or will he turn away from possibly his only chance at love?
Great story! Read this one before Cowboys Don’t Have a Fake Marriage with their Best
Friend’s Sister. Highly recommended.
May 5, 2019
This author has the gift of storytelling that grabs you from the first page to the last and this book proves the point.
In this case, the story belongs to model Morgan Nelson and millionaire , Ford.
Ford became a recluse almost 15 years ago after an accident. An accident that deformed his body. HIs home and his life is lived in the dark and his sister, Georgia is his assistant. When Georgia decides to take the European trip she’s always dreamed of, she hires former fashion model , Morgan Nelson. A gal that grew up in the area.
Neither Ford or Mogan expected that a friendship would develop between them. But the road to happiness is a rocky one.
The plot is engaging and at times heartbreaking . I promise you will fall in love with Ford and Morgan.
Kudos to the author for reminding us that the way people look does not define them. It’s the person they are inside, that really is to be appreciated.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
In this case, the story belongs to model Morgan Nelson and millionaire , Ford.
Ford became a recluse almost 15 years ago after an accident. An accident that deformed his body. HIs home and his life is lived in the dark and his sister, Georgia is his assistant. When Georgia decides to take the European trip she’s always dreamed of, she hires former fashion model , Morgan Nelson. A gal that grew up in the area.
Neither Ford or Mogan expected that a friendship would develop between them. But the road to happiness is a rocky one.
The plot is engaging and at times heartbreaking . I promise you will fall in love with Ford and Morgan.
Kudos to the author for reminding us that the way people look does not define them. It’s the person they are inside, that really is to be appreciated.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 14, 2019
I had an Advance Readers copy of this book, but this is my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this modern day Beauty and the Beast story. The story line was interesting, and each book in the series seems to get better and better…I can hardly wait for the next book. I enjoy Jessie’s characters and the way she develops them in the book.
October 6, 2019
Loved it!
Great addition to this series! I have fallen in love with these characters and their home in North Dakota! Great storyline and wonderful descriptions of the country! Great read!
Great addition to this series! I have fallen in love with these characters and their home in North Dakota! Great storyline and wonderful descriptions of the country! Great read!
March 12, 2024
I mentioned this on the last book of this series, this is a good fun love novel. It is a little silly but as I mentioned, a good fun read.
November 20, 2025
This is the best book I’ve read in this series. I love Ford. He is a real hero.
May 10, 2019
Ford is a rich, reclusive tech genius. He was horribly disfigured and maimed in a farming accident years ago, and only a small circle of people have been allowed to see him since. The quick departure of his girlfriend after his accident told him he was now a beast and not fit for public viewing. His sister and personal assistant has just left for a long awaited European vacation. Ford finally agreed to a replacement assistant, Georgia, just before his sister left. He remembers Georgia as a chunky, rather unattractive girl with glasses...... a girl who could sympathize with his own ugliness. The woman who comes to his home is not the Georgia he remembers. She is a tall, gorgeous woman now. In fact, she is a former model who has been blackballed from the industry because she refused to wear and outfit that would leave her basically nude. She needs this job with Ford in order to stay financially afloat. Stunned by her beauty, Ford shuts himself away, not seeing or talking with her at all. He can’t stop himself from watching her on the security cameras, however. After he barks at her to get out of the room he thinks of as his sanctuary, he sets out to make amends. Both are interested in astronomy, and he invites her to join him in his solarium where they can see the stars. The room is unlit, and he hides in the shadows cloaked in a hood that obscures his features. Inevitably she does get the chance to see his features. She is not repulsed. She does not offer him pity, only compassion. She has been exploited for her looks, and treated as a commodity, and has learned to value the character of a person, not the outside appearance. She sees his kind, compassionate and beautiful soul. As they get to know each other, attraction and fiery chemistry come into play. He begins to make appearances in public, and agrees to meet potential investors in person for the first time. When he asks her to accompany him, she agrees....it will be their first public foray as a couple. Unknown to them, a cruel ex and an unscrupulous businessman seek to expose and ridicule him during this business meeting. Georgia begins to question Ford’s motives for asking her to come with him on this trip. Is her beauty being exploited again? Does he have any feelings for her at all? Can this couple find a way to trust each other, to believe in love? This a modern and superbly written retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 3, 2020
The Cowboy's Beauty (Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance Book 3) :
FREE today (March 10, 2020) on Amazon.
FREE today (March 10, 2020) on Amazon.
March 24, 2023
Bittersweet but Worth It
The Cowboy’s Beauty by Jessie Gussman, book 3 in her Sweet Water Ranch, focuses on oldest Hanson brother Ford, who has made a fortune in tech and stays in his mansion just outside Sweet Water, North Dakota. He keeps his younger sister, Georgia, on the payroll as his assistant and the face of the company; his own face was mangled in a farm machinery accident that took his leg, one eye, and one ear, and he’s too concerned that investors won’t want to invest in his company when they see the “monster” who owns it.
Georgia has to find a substitute for her while she tours Europe for 3 weeks. Ford’s criteria: no young women, especially pretty women. He’d rather have an assistant who does her work and doesn’t outshine her boss. He agrees to hire Morgan Nelson, who he remembers from high school as “a dumpling with legs and glasses”. She also had a bad rash on her face. There’s no chance she’ll outshine him!
Meanwhile, Morgan has grown to 6 feet, shed her glasses and braces, and cleared her skin with healthy eating. She’s been working as a model but was fired for refusing to wear a see-through top on the runway. With no marketable skills and a worthless astronomy degree, she applies for and gratefully accepts the position of temporary assistant to Ford Hanson. Ford sees her pull up to his mansion in a sleek sports car and exit on long, graceful legs. Is that beautiful woman the Dumpling Girl?
Morgan is equally puzzled by Ford’s avoidance of her, communicating by text and speaker system for her first few days. Then an apology text arrives with a long stemmed rose and an invitation to meet him in the Conservatory that evening. Remembering Georgia’s warning that her brother was unpredictable, Morgan goes to the meeting and is again puzzled by the hoodie in which he buries the face she remembers as handsome. When he shakes her hand with only 3 fingers, she realizes that he must have suffered a ranch accident. He doesn’t want to talk about himself, though; instead he wants to talk about her astronomy knowledge. She tells him that the more she learned about space, the more convinced she became that such an intricate system of galaxies and planets could not have proceeded from a “big bang” explosion. He asks questions and they appear to reach an agreement, but this thread is never developed, which I found disappointing.
As they spend time together and she performs tasks, they grow friendly. He takes her to the observation deck on his roof, a surprise she loves. He still resists showing her his full, “ugly” head, but a wind gust blows his hood back and she sees the damage the machine did to him, including a large bald spot on half his scalp and a puckered divot where his missing eye would be. Far from being repulsed, Morgan recalls his dazzling former beauty and thinks that “the angels had to mar” his face to keep people from being blinded by his handsomeness.
At a dinner in “the Cities” (Minneapolis, closest to North Dakota), Morgan asks what happened when his girlfriend broke up with him after the accident. Ford explains: Shauna saw him, threw up on him, held her nose while the staff cleaned Ford up, then whispered that she could help him “end it” with dignity and without pain. Ignoring her murderous offer, Ford turned her words back on her and said that he didn’t need her help; he was ending it now. HE broke up with HER. Morgan is horrified but now understands the shadow over him. At this point the sweetness becomes bitter—who would offer to help her injured boyfriend kill himself? Who does that?!
Forced to attend a charity gala to raise capital for his prototype, Ford asks Morgan to go with him and she assumes he’s using her as arm candy, something she’s sadly used to. He says he only wants to spend time with her, not use her to gain business.At the gala, people assume he’s paying her because there’s no way she’d be on his arm without pay. Worse, Morgan’s fashion enemy walks in on the arm of Ford’s most resistant potential investor—and Ford recognizes her as Shauna, the former girlfriend who offered to euthanize him! Both of them know they’ll never get that man’s investment. Note the story isn’t just bittersweet, it’s angst-inducing bitter sweetness.
Things improve, however, and the now-famous “get married, stay in North Dakota, and inherit a billion dollars” letter comes into play. Ford, who thought no one would ever want to marry him, gets the girl AND the money AND the prototype funding. The reader gets a good story AND a sympathetic hero AND a happy ending. Very highly recommended!
The Cowboy’s Beauty by Jessie Gussman, book 3 in her Sweet Water Ranch, focuses on oldest Hanson brother Ford, who has made a fortune in tech and stays in his mansion just outside Sweet Water, North Dakota. He keeps his younger sister, Georgia, on the payroll as his assistant and the face of the company; his own face was mangled in a farm machinery accident that took his leg, one eye, and one ear, and he’s too concerned that investors won’t want to invest in his company when they see the “monster” who owns it.
Georgia has to find a substitute for her while she tours Europe for 3 weeks. Ford’s criteria: no young women, especially pretty women. He’d rather have an assistant who does her work and doesn’t outshine her boss. He agrees to hire Morgan Nelson, who he remembers from high school as “a dumpling with legs and glasses”. She also had a bad rash on her face. There’s no chance she’ll outshine him!
Meanwhile, Morgan has grown to 6 feet, shed her glasses and braces, and cleared her skin with healthy eating. She’s been working as a model but was fired for refusing to wear a see-through top on the runway. With no marketable skills and a worthless astronomy degree, she applies for and gratefully accepts the position of temporary assistant to Ford Hanson. Ford sees her pull up to his mansion in a sleek sports car and exit on long, graceful legs. Is that beautiful woman the Dumpling Girl?
Morgan is equally puzzled by Ford’s avoidance of her, communicating by text and speaker system for her first few days. Then an apology text arrives with a long stemmed rose and an invitation to meet him in the Conservatory that evening. Remembering Georgia’s warning that her brother was unpredictable, Morgan goes to the meeting and is again puzzled by the hoodie in which he buries the face she remembers as handsome. When he shakes her hand with only 3 fingers, she realizes that he must have suffered a ranch accident. He doesn’t want to talk about himself, though; instead he wants to talk about her astronomy knowledge. She tells him that the more she learned about space, the more convinced she became that such an intricate system of galaxies and planets could not have proceeded from a “big bang” explosion. He asks questions and they appear to reach an agreement, but this thread is never developed, which I found disappointing.
As they spend time together and she performs tasks, they grow friendly. He takes her to the observation deck on his roof, a surprise she loves. He still resists showing her his full, “ugly” head, but a wind gust blows his hood back and she sees the damage the machine did to him, including a large bald spot on half his scalp and a puckered divot where his missing eye would be. Far from being repulsed, Morgan recalls his dazzling former beauty and thinks that “the angels had to mar” his face to keep people from being blinded by his handsomeness.
At a dinner in “the Cities” (Minneapolis, closest to North Dakota), Morgan asks what happened when his girlfriend broke up with him after the accident. Ford explains: Shauna saw him, threw up on him, held her nose while the staff cleaned Ford up, then whispered that she could help him “end it” with dignity and without pain. Ignoring her murderous offer, Ford turned her words back on her and said that he didn’t need her help; he was ending it now. HE broke up with HER. Morgan is horrified but now understands the shadow over him. At this point the sweetness becomes bitter—who would offer to help her injured boyfriend kill himself? Who does that?!
Forced to attend a charity gala to raise capital for his prototype, Ford asks Morgan to go with him and she assumes he’s using her as arm candy, something she’s sadly used to. He says he only wants to spend time with her, not use her to gain business.At the gala, people assume he’s paying her because there’s no way she’d be on his arm without pay. Worse, Morgan’s fashion enemy walks in on the arm of Ford’s most resistant potential investor—and Ford recognizes her as Shauna, the former girlfriend who offered to euthanize him! Both of them know they’ll never get that man’s investment. Note the story isn’t just bittersweet, it’s angst-inducing bitter sweetness.
Things improve, however, and the now-famous “get married, stay in North Dakota, and inherit a billion dollars” letter comes into play. Ford, who thought no one would ever want to marry him, gets the girl AND the money AND the prototype funding. The reader gets a good story AND a sympathetic hero AND a happy ending. Very highly recommended!
September 29, 2019
Cowboys Don’t Marry the Beauty (5 stars) by Jessie Gussman
I can’t really put a finger on why I love Ms. Gussman’s books so much. They are truly wonderful! Maybe it’s the pacing; not too much angst, and just the right amount of time spent on the ‘in-love’ phase of the romance? Christian values? There’s just a ‘feeling’ to these books that’s hard to describe (and hard to put down)!
Her characters ring true and this book is no different. Ford and Morgan are perfect for one another. Ford is obsessed with his injuries, how they affect his looks and peoples’ reactions to him to the point that he’s become a recluse. He thinks he’s not worth loving because of his scarred face, missing eye, missing leg and missing fingers.
Morgan has been a super model and has seen beastly natures hidden behind beauty. She’s the real deal and has a line she won’t cross when it comes to what she’ll model on the runway.
It doesn’t take Morgan long to see past Ford’s physical scars and before long she tries to confront his emotional scars. She starts discovering his true generous nature. And falling in love with him. (He, of course, is already smitten, but can't get past his own insecurities.
What a wonderful love story; a Beauty and the Beast re-telling, which is a favorite trope of mine!
I love the values that the characters hold dear and the pacing of the novel: everything happens at just the right time, at least in my humble opinion.
This Sweet Water Ranch series is just so authentic! It’s obvious that Ms. Gussman knows first-hand about the ranching and farming she writes about! I’ve listened to two of her books in this series, as well, and the narrator is excellent! He just sounds like a cowboy!
I can’t wait to get Sawyer’s story!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
I can’t really put a finger on why I love Ms. Gussman’s books so much. They are truly wonderful! Maybe it’s the pacing; not too much angst, and just the right amount of time spent on the ‘in-love’ phase of the romance? Christian values? There’s just a ‘feeling’ to these books that’s hard to describe (and hard to put down)!
Her characters ring true and this book is no different. Ford and Morgan are perfect for one another. Ford is obsessed with his injuries, how they affect his looks and peoples’ reactions to him to the point that he’s become a recluse. He thinks he’s not worth loving because of his scarred face, missing eye, missing leg and missing fingers.
Morgan has been a super model and has seen beastly natures hidden behind beauty. She’s the real deal and has a line she won’t cross when it comes to what she’ll model on the runway.
It doesn’t take Morgan long to see past Ford’s physical scars and before long she tries to confront his emotional scars. She starts discovering his true generous nature. And falling in love with him. (He, of course, is already smitten, but can't get past his own insecurities.
What a wonderful love story; a Beauty and the Beast re-telling, which is a favorite trope of mine!
I love the values that the characters hold dear and the pacing of the novel: everything happens at just the right time, at least in my humble opinion.
This Sweet Water Ranch series is just so authentic! It’s obvious that Ms. Gussman knows first-hand about the ranching and farming she writes about! I’ve listened to two of her books in this series, as well, and the narrator is excellent! He just sounds like a cowboy!
I can’t wait to get Sawyer’s story!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
August 17, 2025
she wasnt much to look at in hs but grew into a beautiful model. she refused to wear a see through top and wasnt able to work again
he was a handsome popular boy in hs but got in a farm accident. he lost his eye , leg and 2 fingers
he was very rich, had a new prototype he was inventing and needed investors. he could have had a billion dollars left to him if he married. but his girlfriend dumped him after his accident
his friend sawyer is in financial problems on his ranch but wont let him help out. he is the one who saved his life the day of the accident
his sister was his assistant but she went to europe for 3 weeks. he doesnt let anyone see him. she hired the former model (not telling him she was a model) to fill in for her
he gives money to a bunch of local charities but no one knows
he saw on his security how beautiful she had become. he didnt want her to see him
her aunt and uncle raised her and they live in the area
they corresponded through text
but they really liked each other, she saw him and it didnt matter to her. they kissed
the poor woman with kids got the letter to marry and get a billion dollars. his poor friend with the ranch got sick and is in the hospital. i hope they marry each other
so he took her to a event to get $ from his backers. the one rich man is going to marry his x girlfriend who was so mean to him. they saw they had been set up at the party
his sister was on her way home when he called and told her he would be in LV getting married and to look in on his friend in the hospital. she has a crush on him so i guess he wont be marrying the other poor lady with kids
she got there and he left out of the hospital on his own with no clothes, just hospital gown
thats how the book ended
he was a handsome popular boy in hs but got in a farm accident. he lost his eye , leg and 2 fingers
he was very rich, had a new prototype he was inventing and needed investors. he could have had a billion dollars left to him if he married. but his girlfriend dumped him after his accident
his friend sawyer is in financial problems on his ranch but wont let him help out. he is the one who saved his life the day of the accident
his sister was his assistant but she went to europe for 3 weeks. he doesnt let anyone see him. she hired the former model (not telling him she was a model) to fill in for her
he gives money to a bunch of local charities but no one knows
he saw on his security how beautiful she had become. he didnt want her to see him
her aunt and uncle raised her and they live in the area
they corresponded through text
but they really liked each other, she saw him and it didnt matter to her. they kissed
the poor woman with kids got the letter to marry and get a billion dollars. his poor friend with the ranch got sick and is in the hospital. i hope they marry each other
so he took her to a event to get $ from his backers. the one rich man is going to marry his x girlfriend who was so mean to him. they saw they had been set up at the party
his sister was on her way home when he called and told her he would be in LV getting married and to look in on his friend in the hospital. she has a crush on him so i guess he wont be marrying the other poor lady with kids
she got there and he left out of the hospital on his own with no clothes, just hospital gown
thats how the book ended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2019
As all of the books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Ford and Morgan's story was awesome. Ford had been scarred in a farming accident years ago. During his most vulnerable time, while in the hospital after his accident, his fiance' dumped him and referred to him as a freak. He had carried not only the physical scars from the accident, but the scars from her betrayal until he was a bitter, closed off person who never interacted with others, except for a few select family and friends. He kept his home dark and hid behind a large hood to hide his deformities from the world.
When his sister, Georgia, decided to take a vacation he needed an assistant to help him with his business. He was very specific about what he wanted, someone ugly that he wouldn't intimidate him or make him feel vulnerable. Georgia arranged for a local woman who had been kind of an ugly duckling in school. Morgan had grown up to be a beautiful woman, though, who had been a cover model. When she first arrived at Ford's home, he avoided her but as they began to interact with one another, first through text and then astronomy, they each began to see that true beauty is more than skin deep and true love is based on things more important than looks. Was it possible for Ford to trust and learn to love?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review. This book was well written and the characters were well developed. I loved to read about the progression of Ford and Morgan's characters as they came out of their shells began to see what was most important. Now, I can't wait to read about Sawyer and Georgia's story.
When his sister, Georgia, decided to take a vacation he needed an assistant to help him with his business. He was very specific about what he wanted, someone ugly that he wouldn't intimidate him or make him feel vulnerable. Georgia arranged for a local woman who had been kind of an ugly duckling in school. Morgan had grown up to be a beautiful woman, though, who had been a cover model. When she first arrived at Ford's home, he avoided her but as they began to interact with one another, first through text and then astronomy, they each began to see that true beauty is more than skin deep and true love is based on things more important than looks. Was it possible for Ford to trust and learn to love?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review. This book was well written and the characters were well developed. I loved to read about the progression of Ford and Morgan's characters as they came out of their shells began to see what was most important. Now, I can't wait to read about Sawyer and Georgia's story.
May 16, 2019
Morgan Nelson left North Dakota to become a modeling superstar but returned home when she was blackballed from the industry for refusing to sacrifice her personal values for fame. Out of a job and almost out of money she accepts a job as a temporary assistant to Ford Hanson, a man she has not seen since high school when his sister Georgia insists on a vacation.
Ford had a smile that would make an angel cry and a body to go with it until a ranching accident disfigured and maimed him so badly that his fiancé broke their engagement when she saw him in the hospital. No longer able to ranch, he devoted his life to building a thriving business but his millions cannot provide the love he needs to heal. He has isolated himself on his North Dakota estate, hiding his ugliness from the world and everyone in it since his accident. The beautiful, statuesque woman who showed up for work is not at all like the homely, overweight girl he remembers from high school but Georgia informed him that she would quit if he does not get along with his new temp. Will she run away like his fiancée when she sees his face?
The is a clean, sweet western romance that will make you laugh and cry as you read it. It is well written and I enjoyed reading it.
Ford had a smile that would make an angel cry and a body to go with it until a ranching accident disfigured and maimed him so badly that his fiancé broke their engagement when she saw him in the hospital. No longer able to ranch, he devoted his life to building a thriving business but his millions cannot provide the love he needs to heal. He has isolated himself on his North Dakota estate, hiding his ugliness from the world and everyone in it since his accident. The beautiful, statuesque woman who showed up for work is not at all like the homely, overweight girl he remembers from high school but Georgia informed him that she would quit if he does not get along with his new temp. Will she run away like his fiancée when she sees his face?
The is a clean, sweet western romance that will make you laugh and cry as you read it. It is well written and I enjoyed reading it.
July 24, 2020
I have had the pleasure of listening to Jay Dyess read several of these Sweet Water Ranch books to me. I have to admit that I have loved everyone of them so far. But I have to say this one is probably my favorite so far. I stayed up most of the night listening to Jay read this story, thank goodness I could sleep late this morning. But I would have done it even if I couldn't sleep in. This book is sooooo good. Jay really brings the books alive. The feelings he puts into his read is awesome.
Ford had an accident in his younger days that had left him disfigured, he stayed in his house and had become a recluse. Barely letting even family see him. His sister Georgia worked for him and kept him out of the public's eye while she was the face of his business for him. But she needed a break and she went on vacation for three weeks. She hired Morgan, to cover for her.
Ford knew Morgan in High School before the accident and he often referred to her as Dumpling because she was rather chunky he thought. Well he is in for a surprise. If you want a book that gives you all the feels you really need to check this one out.
Another well written book. Can't wait to start on the next one.
Ford had an accident in his younger days that had left him disfigured, he stayed in his house and had become a recluse. Barely letting even family see him. His sister Georgia worked for him and kept him out of the public's eye while she was the face of his business for him. But she needed a break and she went on vacation for three weeks. She hired Morgan, to cover for her.
Ford knew Morgan in High School before the accident and he often referred to her as Dumpling because she was rather chunky he thought. Well he is in for a surprise. If you want a book that gives you all the feels you really need to check this one out.
Another well written book. Can't wait to start on the next one.
July 21, 2019
I received an ARC from the author; this is my honest review.
-The most touching story yet in this series and the funniest at the same time.
-You really feel for both of them; they have the same problem but don't know it. Actually Ford told Morgan but she never told him how she felt when he was "super" perfect. That was missing, in my opinion. Ford would have felt less ugly if she had.
-I loved the banter between them; I loved how they support each other, especially at the fundraiser; I loved how they each wanted to please the other. Might be too fast for some but when you know what you want...
-In another book, you see Sawyer delivering groceries to Elaine but we didn't know why exactly it was him delivering. I love how the author prepares us for the next few books; it kind of gives us an intro to them and who's playing matchmaker too.
-Funny: "He didn't have any idea what it meant, but it sounded sexy coming out of her mouth". LOL. My DH felt the same when I was seeing clients at home and he was around. I was a consultant midwife at the time; my expertise were NFP w/ or w/o breastfeeding and pregnancy trials and infertility within the couple.
-The most touching story yet in this series and the funniest at the same time.
-You really feel for both of them; they have the same problem but don't know it. Actually Ford told Morgan but she never told him how she felt when he was "super" perfect. That was missing, in my opinion. Ford would have felt less ugly if she had.
-I loved the banter between them; I loved how they support each other, especially at the fundraiser; I loved how they each wanted to please the other. Might be too fast for some but when you know what you want...
-In another book, you see Sawyer delivering groceries to Elaine but we didn't know why exactly it was him delivering. I love how the author prepares us for the next few books; it kind of gives us an intro to them and who's playing matchmaker too.
-Funny: "He didn't have any idea what it meant, but it sounded sexy coming out of her mouth". LOL. My DH felt the same when I was seeing clients at home and he was around. I was a consultant midwife at the time; my expertise were NFP w/ or w/o breastfeeding and pregnancy trials and infertility within the couple.
May 1, 2022
The Cowboy's Beauty was such a sweet read/listening experience! My heart definitely went out to Ford and everything he had been through, and I definitely fell for his pets, as well as his heart for helping and caring about others. Morgan was his perfect complement in this beautiful Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I definitely enjoyed every minute of their getting to know the other below the surface. I loved Jessie's own take on this fairytale retelling, and how she's a model with a degree in astronomy, and he's a reclusive inventor with modern technology. I'd certainly enjoy getting to see Jack in action. :)
As for the narrator, Jay was incredible as always, and I certainly loved not only the voices of each of the characters, and Ford's change from gruff and bitter to hopeful towards the end of the story, but also the added sounds of either Jack's meows or the "ringtones" sounds for an incoming text message.
You'll certainly want to have the next one queued up to continue with Georgia's story, aka Jessie's take on the "sister in love with brother's best friend" trope. ~ 5 stars!
As for the narrator, Jay was incredible as always, and I certainly loved not only the voices of each of the characters, and Ford's change from gruff and bitter to hopeful towards the end of the story, but also the added sounds of either Jack's meows or the "ringtones" sounds for an incoming text message.
You'll certainly want to have the next one queued up to continue with Georgia's story, aka Jessie's take on the "sister in love with brother's best friend" trope. ~ 5 stars!
July 10, 2024
The Cowboy's Beauty is a sweet, beauty and the beast type story. Ford was badly hurt and deformed in a farming accident as a young man, which has left him bitter. His sister is like his personal assistant and handles most of the face to face dealings of the company, which keeps him out of the public eye.
Morgan is a supermodel that has to stand up for her beliefs when a fashion show she is in tells her she must wear a see through dress and compromise her morals or she is finished in the fashion world. She decides that her morals are more important than a job, and decides to go back home.
Ford's sister ropes Megan into helping for while she is gone, yet Ford wants nothing to do with a supermodel, that is perfect in every way, when he is scarred and disfigured. As the story line plays out you see that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is book 3 of Jessie Gussman's Sweet Water Ranch Series, and could be a stand alone title, but if you plan on reading the whole series though, I recommend starting at book one, since each book after, give subtle updates of past characters.
Morgan is a supermodel that has to stand up for her beliefs when a fashion show she is in tells her she must wear a see through dress and compromise her morals or she is finished in the fashion world. She decides that her morals are more important than a job, and decides to go back home.
Ford's sister ropes Megan into helping for while she is gone, yet Ford wants nothing to do with a supermodel, that is perfect in every way, when he is scarred and disfigured. As the story line plays out you see that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is book 3 of Jessie Gussman's Sweet Water Ranch Series, and could be a stand alone title, but if you plan on reading the whole series though, I recommend starting at book one, since each book after, give subtle updates of past characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2019
This story reminded me of beauty and the beast. The thing is each of them could have been the beast since they had both imprisoned themselves in their own personal prison. Each living a life that was sub par and no where near what they desired. Each restless and unhappy, just surviving. They healed each other. Reached across the boundaries they had erected to keep themselves safe. It's sad yet thrilling watching as they grow closer and closer and deeper and deeper. It's a slow burn and a slow dance, respectful and easy, a friendship developed and nurtured. I love this author's style and that it's a clean read. Each read is a standalone with carry over characters and this time he's Ty's brother. While Morgan recovers from her modeling tank, Ford gets to learn to live again and that beauty isn't always on the outside. It's emotional and has all the feels and just feels so much more than the others and just as good a read. I can't wait for more of these stories with just enough drama, just enough angst, just enough reality.
May 8, 2019
Jessie Gussman has another winner on her hands with a wonderful story of love and compassion. We get to learn so much more about Ford and it's easy to understand why Morgan falls in love with him so quickly. Despite being deformed from a farming accident years ago, he still has a caring heart and contributes to many charities anonymously. He doesn't believe that anyone could ever love him, especially a former supermodel like Morgan.
To Morgan, Ford is "a cowboy so beautiful the angels had to mar his face so it wouldn’t hurt the eyes to look at him." She lost her modelling career and some of her self-esteem along with it. She doesn't believe that she is worthy of Ford, who happens to be a self-made millionaire.
A beautiful love story, their relationship marred only by misunderstandings and cruel onlookers, it warms your heart to read this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
To Morgan, Ford is "a cowboy so beautiful the angels had to mar his face so it wouldn’t hurt the eyes to look at him." She lost her modelling career and some of her self-esteem along with it. She doesn't believe that she is worthy of Ford, who happens to be a self-made millionaire.
A beautiful love story, their relationship marred only by misunderstandings and cruel onlookers, it warms your heart to read this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
May 12, 2019
This was a take on beauty in the beast except beauty used to be an ugly duckling and the “beast” will never magically transform back into a handsome whole man again. I admired Morgan for standing up for her principles and not wearing see through clothes on stage even though it meant the end of her career. However, I was disgusted that she likes cow tongue. Her walking away from a modeling career meant she had the opportunity to work for and meet reclusive Ford, who has a brilliant mind and generous heart. I loved all the unwanted animals he took in like the old horses, Lolli the dog that lost a leg, eye, and ear after being hit by a car, and Jack the cat with balance issues. They both wanted to be loved not for what they looked like or what they could bring to a relationship, but for their kind and compassionate hearts.
May 16, 2019
Beauty and the Beast comes to life
Ford has it all except he doesn’t! He’s filthy rich and brilliant. He’s also lonely and tormented by the scars on his face and body.
Morgan is an amazing character. She’s been the ugly duckling or should I say ugly dumpling. Now she’s leaving a successful career on order to avoid compromising her values.
Morgan sees Ford for who he is not what he looks like.
These characters are deep and well written. They are scarred and scared. They are broken and beautiful. Great book with a great plot and the best part is it’s part of a series of books. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, and each has a strong heroine and a strong hero. This author knows that both main characters can be strong and yet need one another in a unique way.
Can’t wait for the next book!!
Ford has it all except he doesn’t! He’s filthy rich and brilliant. He’s also lonely and tormented by the scars on his face and body.
Morgan is an amazing character. She’s been the ugly duckling or should I say ugly dumpling. Now she’s leaving a successful career on order to avoid compromising her values.
Morgan sees Ford for who he is not what he looks like.
These characters are deep and well written. They are scarred and scared. They are broken and beautiful. Great book with a great plot and the best part is it’s part of a series of books. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, and each has a strong heroine and a strong hero. This author knows that both main characters can be strong and yet need one another in a unique way.
Can’t wait for the next book!!
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December 8, 2020Honestly I bounced. Truth be told: I was expecting something more like "Beauty and the Beast" and not "Beauty the Beast is hiding behind a screen because he can't stand how beautiful you are!" The one I read was on Amazon, titled: "The Cowboy's Beauty." I expected more and the synopsis hooked me in. I like it when authors promise their readers a guarantee not a disappointment. I was disappointed. I wanted more "Beauty and the Beast" and the author added (series) another set of characters which follows with the proceeding book. "Beauty and the Beast" retellings are beautiful in themselves but this one? Not for me. Bravo for the author but this one isn't for me. If one wants to have Wild West mixed together with "Beauty and the Beast," go on and read this one. But in my opinion: if you're not Western in love: leave it.
January 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It just shows that what is on the inside matters more than the outside. Morgan is one strong kick-arse woman. The fact that her integrity is more important than anything else was refreshing. Ford is one broken man and it is so sad to think that another person did that to him.
This story was one of those that kept you reading because you wanted to know what would happen between them. I kept anticipating that the author was going to add even more drama to the story but really didn’t want her to do that. Sorry, cannot say what the drama was or if she added it or not, because that would spoil the story for you.
It was a really good story and some of the side characters piqued my interest. I want to read and see what might happen with Ford’s sister and a neighbor who is struggling. To me, that is what makes a good story.
This story was one of those that kept you reading because you wanted to know what would happen between them. I kept anticipating that the author was going to add even more drama to the story but really didn’t want her to do that. Sorry, cannot say what the drama was or if she added it or not, because that would spoil the story for you.
It was a really good story and some of the side characters piqued my interest. I want to read and see what might happen with Ford’s sister and a neighbor who is struggling. To me, that is what makes a good story.
May 14, 2019
This is a nice billionaire cowboy rendition of Beauty and the Beast with an added flair. The Beauty, Morgan used to be an ugly duckling turned swan, turned model and tired of being judged for her looks. She is very intelligent too.
The Beast, Ford used to be drop dead handsome until a farm accident marred his face and took some of his fingers and part of his leg. He has been a recluse ever since the accident after his fiancee dumped him.
These two characters just bring out the best in each other. I cannot wait for the next book because I am really enjoying this series. Each book is so different from the last book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The Beast, Ford used to be drop dead handsome until a farm accident marred his face and took some of his fingers and part of his leg. He has been a recluse ever since the accident after his fiancee dumped him.
These two characters just bring out the best in each other. I cannot wait for the next book because I am really enjoying this series. Each book is so different from the last book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
May 20, 2022
Who’s the beauty? Him or her? Inside or out?
This is Ford and Morgan’s story. She is a blacklisted cover model and he is a scarred millionaire not wanting anyone to see his deformity incurred from a farming accident. I was impressed with Ms Gussman’s retelling of this Beauty and the Beast story. And I especially love Jay Dyess’ performance in the Audible version! I felt tears in my eyes at the touching moment when Morgan proves her compassionate side while showing Ford that his scars don’t scare her. Furthermore, I wholeheartedly commend her for sticking up for her Christian morals when told to wear see through clothes during a model run. As per all the stories in this series, this one also has an excellent HEA. I highly recommend this read and audiobook.
This is Ford and Morgan’s story. She is a blacklisted cover model and he is a scarred millionaire not wanting anyone to see his deformity incurred from a farming accident. I was impressed with Ms Gussman’s retelling of this Beauty and the Beast story. And I especially love Jay Dyess’ performance in the Audible version! I felt tears in my eyes at the touching moment when Morgan proves her compassionate side while showing Ford that his scars don’t scare her. Furthermore, I wholeheartedly commend her for sticking up for her Christian morals when told to wear see through clothes during a model run. As per all the stories in this series, this one also has an excellent HEA. I highly recommend this read and audiobook.
May 9, 2019
Another great story by Jessie Gussman. Her stories always intrigue me and keep my interest from first to last page. The Baxter Bros. was a very good series, but this series is matching it all the way. Great characters with superb story lines - in this case Ford and Morgan, both North Dakota natives. Ford's pain, anger, and bitterness are felt by the reader, as is Morgan's empathy, caring and gentle nature. A very sweet and clean romance for those who enjoy romance - a must read.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
September 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It went deeper than the typical romance because of Ford's journey from being a recluse to overcoming his fears and facing the world. What a wonderful story about how true love runs deeper than looks. I loved the way this author focused on the positive things about a scarred man, and through the eyes of the heroine, I could see past the physical deformaty as well. Compassion, heart, generosity, brains...these are all the things that matter. And Morgan's journey was just as important as she found someone who loved her for more than her looks. A great read! Nicely done.
October 8, 2019
Ford had suffer a terrible accident that disfigured him. He was a multi-millionaire, but never showed his face. He always worked from home and had Georgia make the appearances. When Georgia, Ford's sister and assistant, decides she is going on vacation to Europe, she needs to find a replacement while she is gone. Ford had not been much help. So Georgia hired Morgan, who was a super model until she refused to wear a questionable outfit. Blacklisted, she takes the job, but Ford remembers her as an ugly, fat girl he'd seen from high school. That where the fun begins. Read the amazing love story. You'll laugh and cry and even get angry, but you will love every minute of it.
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