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Brides of Rough Creek Texas #1
Rough Creek
A cowboy with a troubled past and the woman he can’t resist find love and second chances in Rough Creek, Texas, from the beloved and award winning author of Western romance, Kaki Warner. After serving eighteen months in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Dalton Cardwell is looking for a fresh start. What better place than Whitcomb Four Star Ranch? He doesn't regret the decisions of his past--he'd choose the same roads again. But now all Dalton wants is to keep his head down and focus on the horses--and on Raney Whitcomb. Raney is outraged when she learns her mother hired an ex-con. Raney has worked hard for the ranch, sacrificing her personal life for the dream of building on her family's legacy. But as Dalton breaks down every misconception and even wins the good opinion of her sisters, Raney is forced to rethink her stance--and finally free herself to explore the heart-pounding tension that simmers between them.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2020
34 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Kaki Warner
20 books187 followersKaki Warner is an award-winning author and long time resident of the Pacific Northwest. Although she now lives on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Kaki actually grew up in the Southwest and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas. Her years spent riding horses and enjoying the expansive views of Texas became the Historical Romance Author, Kaki Warner inspiration for the backdrop of her novels - the wide-open spaces of historic New Mexico Territory.
Several years ago after their two children had left for college, Kaki and her husband, Joe, moved from the city to their hilltop cabin overlooking the scenic Methow Valley. Kaki now spends her time gardening, hiking, reading, writing, and soaking in the view from the deck with her husband and floppy-eared hound dog.
Several years ago after their two children had left for college, Kaki and her husband, Joe, moved from the city to their hilltop cabin overlooking the scenic Methow Valley. Kaki now spends her time gardening, hiking, reading, writing, and soaking in the view from the deck with her husband and floppy-eared hound dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 25, 2020
I requested this book because of the ex-con hero. I love this trope. But I do not love it when it is used to be shorthand for "not-guilty" ex cons = good, guilty ex-cons = bad.
I did not get very far in to this book when some of the language used to describe the ranch hand/domestic help read as xenophobic/racist.
"He was short and stocky and very strong, with black hair and eyes, a broad smile, and a tattoo on his chest that said Amada, which meant “beloved” in Spanish. Raney suspected he’d told both of his ex-wives that he had gotten the tattoo to honor them. Quite the charmer. He had fathered a son by each of his wives and had named both boys Alejandro— numero Uno and numero Dos. He adored both boys and extended that same fatherly protectiveness toward Raney and her sisters. He was part of the family now and she couldn’t have run the ranch without him."
Raney can't run the ranch without him but what purpose does this paragraph serve but to make fun of him?
Then the big whopper-
"Mama always spoke English with their Hispanic employees. She felt it was to everyone’s advantage if they all used the language of the country where they lived. Not very PC, but it made sense to Mama. And the workers didn’t seem to mind."
This is where I had to stop. I can't root for characters that are cool with xenophobia. This was a DNF from me.
I did not get very far in to this book when some of the language used to describe the ranch hand/domestic help read as xenophobic/racist.
"He was short and stocky and very strong, with black hair and eyes, a broad smile, and a tattoo on his chest that said Amada, which meant “beloved” in Spanish. Raney suspected he’d told both of his ex-wives that he had gotten the tattoo to honor them. Quite the charmer. He had fathered a son by each of his wives and had named both boys Alejandro— numero Uno and numero Dos. He adored both boys and extended that same fatherly protectiveness toward Raney and her sisters. He was part of the family now and she couldn’t have run the ranch without him."
Raney can't run the ranch without him but what purpose does this paragraph serve but to make fun of him?
Then the big whopper-
"Mama always spoke English with their Hispanic employees. She felt it was to everyone’s advantage if they all used the language of the country where they lived. Not very PC, but it made sense to Mama. And the workers didn’t seem to mind."
This is where I had to stop. I can't root for characters that are cool with xenophobia. This was a DNF from me.
July 8, 2020
Known for her historical romances, Kaki Warner ventured into writing a contemporary romance and it was an absolute delight. Rough Creek was an entertaining story and it was hard to put down. Dalton Cardwell is returning to his hometown after spending 18 months in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Right from the beginning I was hooked.
The characters and the witty banter made this absolutely fun to read. The author let the main characters take control and let the story take them on their journey to happiness. Raney Whitcomb ran the Whitcomb Four Star ranch and is taking it in a new direction with training cutting horses. Her mother may have hired Dalton but she didn’t really want an ex-con around. He slowly grew on her especially when Dalton was the best trainer for the young horse Rosco. Fighting his presence to forming a friendship took time, but eventually Raney got out of her way to see that Dalton was right for her, and that was a wonderful way to find love.
Rough Creek is exactly the kind of romance I love to read. It had a bit of mystery and drama, humor and flirting, plus characters that told the story with their thoughts and actions. Dalton was a standup character and Raney had to learn for herself that you have to accept people for who they are and not what you expect them to be. You’ll slowly fall in love with Raney and Dalton and cheer for them by the end of the story. The story was charming and it ended way to soon. The ending was swoon worthy and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
The characters and the witty banter made this absolutely fun to read. The author let the main characters take control and let the story take them on their journey to happiness. Raney Whitcomb ran the Whitcomb Four Star ranch and is taking it in a new direction with training cutting horses. Her mother may have hired Dalton but she didn’t really want an ex-con around. He slowly grew on her especially when Dalton was the best trainer for the young horse Rosco. Fighting his presence to forming a friendship took time, but eventually Raney got out of her way to see that Dalton was right for her, and that was a wonderful way to find love.
Rough Creek is exactly the kind of romance I love to read. It had a bit of mystery and drama, humor and flirting, plus characters that told the story with their thoughts and actions. Dalton was a standup character and Raney had to learn for herself that you have to accept people for who they are and not what you expect them to be. You’ll slowly fall in love with Raney and Dalton and cheer for them by the end of the story. The story was charming and it ended way to soon. The ending was swoon worthy and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 29, 2021
If you are looking to read great historical Western romance, you’re in for a treat with Kaki Warner’s Blood Rose Trilogy. Because I’d loved it and despaired of seeing more from Warner, I was delighted to see she was back with contemporary Western romance. I’m not keen on cowboys and I hate horsey stories, but, hey, Warner! And I happily plunged into Rough Creek. The blurb made me nervous there would be too many horsey details and I was right, but the protagonists are always what’s best in Warner. The blurb was encouraging:
After serving eighteen months in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Dalton Cardwell is looking for a fresh start. What better place than Whitcomb Four Star Ranch? He doesn’t regret the decisions of his past–he’d choose the same roads again. But now all Dalton wants is to keep his head down and focus on the horses–and on Raney Whitcomb. Raney is outraged when she learns her mother hired an ex-con. Raney has worked hard for the ranch, sacrificing her personal life for the dream of building on her family’s legacy. But as Dalton breaks down every misconception and even wins the good opinion of her sisters, Raney is forced to rethink her stance–and finally free herself to explore the heart-pounding tension that simmers between them.
I do love me some simmering “heart-pounding tension”. Sadly, it’s not what I got: instead, a story about two careful, caring people who hadn’t exercised their heart muscles, or any others for that matter, in ages, a drawn-out dance of closeness, then distance, and a halting pace to the HEA.
This was not my initial impression: Dalton’s emergence from prison, return to his Texan home town (the eponymous Rough Creek) only to find the family ranch sold and no place for him at the inn, compelling. I felt like I was back in Warner country and loving it. When Dalton and Raney meet: her snappy suspicions and his laconic responses showed, once more, what a master of banter Warner is. In the end, the banter was the only thing that stopped me from DNF-ing. Dalton’s sense of dislocation and desire to belong gave way to an adoring, quipping confidence; but Raney’s insistence on mistrust as the basis of their relationship grated. Dalton was, to start, such an interesting character, with his disavowal of guns after being in Afghanistan, a refreshing stance on the romance hero’s part. Moreover, there is a mystery surrounding his arrest and incarceration I was curious to see resolved (which was well done when it finally came).
All of the interesting stuff was left by the wayside and the romance became a study from slow-burn to slow-bore. I think one of the keys to a great romance novel is pacing and Warner faltered here: weeks and months go by and Dalton and Raney don’t interact, without rhyme, or reason. Dalton goes from sad and tormented to charming and irresistible; Raney dithers for hundreds of pages, which is fine, if there were reasons for it. Warner sets up some kind of mistrust issues on Raney’s part, because of a dishonest ex, but Dalton is so lovely, it never convinces. Moreover, there isn’t sufficient conflict, neither inner, nor outer, to make for a can’t-put-it-down romance. When Raney and Dalton do interact, they’re fun; they’re also compatible. And it’s obvious, without much by way of conflict, or drama, they’re perfect for each other. I wished there was more to the romance than that. I’m glad Warner’s back and I might give the next romance a try, but the monochromatic Rough Creek doesn’t do what Warner can and has done, justice. With Miss Austen, we agree Rough Creek offers “tolerable comfort,” Mansfield Park.
Kaki Warner’s Rough Creek is published by Jove. It was released in July 2020 and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from Jove, via Netgalley.
After serving eighteen months in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Dalton Cardwell is looking for a fresh start. What better place than Whitcomb Four Star Ranch? He doesn’t regret the decisions of his past–he’d choose the same roads again. But now all Dalton wants is to keep his head down and focus on the horses–and on Raney Whitcomb. Raney is outraged when she learns her mother hired an ex-con. Raney has worked hard for the ranch, sacrificing her personal life for the dream of building on her family’s legacy. But as Dalton breaks down every misconception and even wins the good opinion of her sisters, Raney is forced to rethink her stance–and finally free herself to explore the heart-pounding tension that simmers between them.
I do love me some simmering “heart-pounding tension”. Sadly, it’s not what I got: instead, a story about two careful, caring people who hadn’t exercised their heart muscles, or any others for that matter, in ages, a drawn-out dance of closeness, then distance, and a halting pace to the HEA.
This was not my initial impression: Dalton’s emergence from prison, return to his Texan home town (the eponymous Rough Creek) only to find the family ranch sold and no place for him at the inn, compelling. I felt like I was back in Warner country and loving it. When Dalton and Raney meet: her snappy suspicions and his laconic responses showed, once more, what a master of banter Warner is. In the end, the banter was the only thing that stopped me from DNF-ing. Dalton’s sense of dislocation and desire to belong gave way to an adoring, quipping confidence; but Raney’s insistence on mistrust as the basis of their relationship grated. Dalton was, to start, such an interesting character, with his disavowal of guns after being in Afghanistan, a refreshing stance on the romance hero’s part. Moreover, there is a mystery surrounding his arrest and incarceration I was curious to see resolved (which was well done when it finally came).
All of the interesting stuff was left by the wayside and the romance became a study from slow-burn to slow-bore. I think one of the keys to a great romance novel is pacing and Warner faltered here: weeks and months go by and Dalton and Raney don’t interact, without rhyme, or reason. Dalton goes from sad and tormented to charming and irresistible; Raney dithers for hundreds of pages, which is fine, if there were reasons for it. Warner sets up some kind of mistrust issues on Raney’s part, because of a dishonest ex, but Dalton is so lovely, it never convinces. Moreover, there isn’t sufficient conflict, neither inner, nor outer, to make for a can’t-put-it-down romance. When Raney and Dalton do interact, they’re fun; they’re also compatible. And it’s obvious, without much by way of conflict, or drama, they’re perfect for each other. I wished there was more to the romance than that. I’m glad Warner’s back and I might give the next romance a try, but the monochromatic Rough Creek doesn’t do what Warner can and has done, justice. With Miss Austen, we agree Rough Creek offers “tolerable comfort,” Mansfield Park.
Kaki Warner’s Rough Creek is published by Jove. It was released in July 2020 and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from Jove, via Netgalley.
July 3, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
This is my first time reading Kaki Warner. She's a new author for me. When I saw the cover I knew I had to try it. I do love my cowboys.
Since I hadn't ever read her I wasn't sure what to expect. Shortly after starting the book, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. It's not like I didn't like it...I just couldn't get into it. It was one of those books where I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like it.
The characters aren't bad and I liked the idea of the storyline but still...it didn't sit right with me.
I think it was because it had a historical feel to it and yet it wasn't. A little old fashion in the writing. It wasn't that I didn't think the writing was bad, just not for me. It seems like I've had a run on books that I just couldn't enjoy.
I did like Dalton & Raney they are both really good characters and they are the only reason I kept reading the story. I enjoyed their interactions and how they reacted to each other. But it wasn't enough to really get into the story. I think there are many readers who will like the story and the way it's written. Like I mentioned, good characters. Maybe someday I will try another by her. Have any of you read her?
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ARC received for an honest review
This is my first time reading Kaki Warner. She's a new author for me. When I saw the cover I knew I had to try it. I do love my cowboys.
Since I hadn't ever read her I wasn't sure what to expect. Shortly after starting the book, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. It's not like I didn't like it...I just couldn't get into it. It was one of those books where I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like it.
The characters aren't bad and I liked the idea of the storyline but still...it didn't sit right with me.
I think it was because it had a historical feel to it and yet it wasn't. A little old fashion in the writing. It wasn't that I didn't think the writing was bad, just not for me. It seems like I've had a run on books that I just couldn't enjoy.
I did like Dalton & Raney they are both really good characters and they are the only reason I kept reading the story. I enjoyed their interactions and how they reacted to each other. But it wasn't enough to really get into the story. I think there are many readers who will like the story and the way it's written. Like I mentioned, good characters. Maybe someday I will try another by her. Have any of you read her?
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for an honest review
June 11, 2020
E-galley courtesy of Berkley and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I’m always happy to get in at the start of a series so I didn’t hesitate to read Rough Creek – book one in Kaki Warner’s Brides of Rough Creek series. It’s a contemporary series about a Texas family who own a ranch that specializes in breeding horses. 60 year-old matriarch Coralee Whitcomb decides its time to travel and see the world. Daughter Raney is in charge of running the ranch but before Coralee leaves for a cruise she hires a new horse trainer, Dalton Cardwell. Dalton is fresh out of prison after serving eighteen months for a crime he didn’t commit but chose not to challenge when charged. Raney is appalled at her mom’s decision to hire him but decides to give him a chance. Both Raney and Dalton notice an attraction almost from the start so it was amusing to watch that situation play out as Raney tried to deny it. Dalton was easy to cheer on – such an honorable man. And Raney was just as honorable if a bit more stubborn. I enjoyed their story and the setting. There’s a lot of horse competition detail so readers who love horses will find that aspect interesting. I’ll be on the watch for book two!
I’m always happy to get in at the start of a series so I didn’t hesitate to read Rough Creek – book one in Kaki Warner’s Brides of Rough Creek series. It’s a contemporary series about a Texas family who own a ranch that specializes in breeding horses. 60 year-old matriarch Coralee Whitcomb decides its time to travel and see the world. Daughter Raney is in charge of running the ranch but before Coralee leaves for a cruise she hires a new horse trainer, Dalton Cardwell. Dalton is fresh out of prison after serving eighteen months for a crime he didn’t commit but chose not to challenge when charged. Raney is appalled at her mom’s decision to hire him but decides to give him a chance. Both Raney and Dalton notice an attraction almost from the start so it was amusing to watch that situation play out as Raney tried to deny it. Dalton was easy to cheer on – such an honorable man. And Raney was just as honorable if a bit more stubborn. I enjoyed their story and the setting. There’s a lot of horse competition detail so readers who love horses will find that aspect interesting. I’ll be on the watch for book two!
July 6, 2020
I'm a huge fan of Kaki Warner's historical western romances so I was intrigued when I heard she was transitioning to contemporary. Rough Creek is her first contemporary romance and launches her Brides of Rough Creek series. It has the same small-town, western flavor, and character-driven story, with well-placed humor and emotion, plus a slow-burn romance, that made her historical novels so appealing.
As with many books that launch a new series, there are several characters who are introduced in this one, but not so many that I found it confusing or distracting. My favorite was Dalton. I adored this man. He's sweet, kind, caring, funny, honorable, and sexy as hell. Raney was more of an acquired taste. She's a complex character, as is typical of many of Warner's characters, with baggage that's made her wary of trusting. Not that I blamed her; she had good reason for feeling that way. I enjoyed the flirty banter between her and Dalton and the time Warner gave them to get to know one another but I grew frustrated with her judgmental attitude. Dalton showed her in every possible way that she could trust him yet she held him at bay, flip flopping for months, almost as if she was looking for reasons to not trust him. In the end, I was happy with their relationship because Dalton was happy, and I really do think Raney finally realized what she had been doing and was ready to drop her barriers and trust in love. I'm hopeful, though, that we'll see more of them in future books in the series, as an open, functioning couple, with a deepening bond, and less judgment, and more trust, on Raney's part.
Family, horses, and ranch life play a big part in this book with interesting glimpses into cutting horses, their training, and competitions. The Whitcomb sisters and their mother, owners of the ranch (but not all living there), are complex women living very different lives. I'm curious to find out what's ahead for each of them. I'm certain Coralee, the sisters' widowed 60-year-old mother, a real spitfire, will be helping each of them along to a happily ever after. I wonder if the sisters will do the same for their mama?
I'm not sure how many books are planned for the series or which characters have one in their future but, with Warner's name on the cover, I'll be back for them all.
*ARC received via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
As with many books that launch a new series, there are several characters who are introduced in this one, but not so many that I found it confusing or distracting. My favorite was Dalton. I adored this man. He's sweet, kind, caring, funny, honorable, and sexy as hell. Raney was more of an acquired taste. She's a complex character, as is typical of many of Warner's characters, with baggage that's made her wary of trusting. Not that I blamed her; she had good reason for feeling that way. I enjoyed the flirty banter between her and Dalton and the time Warner gave them to get to know one another but I grew frustrated with her judgmental attitude. Dalton showed her in every possible way that she could trust him yet she held him at bay, flip flopping for months, almost as if she was looking for reasons to not trust him. In the end, I was happy with their relationship because Dalton was happy, and I really do think Raney finally realized what she had been doing and was ready to drop her barriers and trust in love. I'm hopeful, though, that we'll see more of them in future books in the series, as an open, functioning couple, with a deepening bond, and less judgment, and more trust, on Raney's part.
Family, horses, and ranch life play a big part in this book with interesting glimpses into cutting horses, their training, and competitions. The Whitcomb sisters and their mother, owners of the ranch (but not all living there), are complex women living very different lives. I'm curious to find out what's ahead for each of them. I'm certain Coralee, the sisters' widowed 60-year-old mother, a real spitfire, will be helping each of them along to a happily ever after. I wonder if the sisters will do the same for their mama?
I'm not sure how many books are planned for the series or which characters have one in their future but, with Warner's name on the cover, I'll be back for them all.
*ARC received via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review
July 17, 2020
Dalton has returned home after doing a brief stint in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Everything has changed. His parents are relocating to provide a better life for his younger brother. His woman left town for a better life and Dalton has to find out what is his next step as an ex-con.
Raney loves her ranch. She is like the son her parents should have had. She takes pride in running things for her mother now that her father is deceased. Her mother is tired and wants to travel a bit but she needs a new horse trainer and Dalton is a good one.
Immediately I liked Dalton. He is a solid man. He is honorable and does the right thing. I love how he wanted to be there for his brother, Tim who is mentally disabled. He is pretty straight forward but Raney took a bit more time to warm up to. She puts up barriers left and right.
I think the slow burn to this romance took too long. I get it the whole notion of slow burn but nothing really happened outside of Dalton’s attraction to Raney. It took entirely too long for Raney to come around. Yes, she has issues but there was excuse after excuse and not enough romance. I’m not sure.
There are plenty of side characters to keep the series going. I admired how most of the people in the town rallied behind Dalton and knew he was as good man who was innocent. I wish Raney treated him better at times instead of with so much caution.
I know I haven’t read a western romance in a while but this one seem a bit dated in the writing style. I wanted to love it since I had love the author’s previous work but this miss the spot.
~ Samantha
Raney loves her ranch. She is like the son her parents should have had. She takes pride in running things for her mother now that her father is deceased. Her mother is tired and wants to travel a bit but she needs a new horse trainer and Dalton is a good one.
Immediately I liked Dalton. He is a solid man. He is honorable and does the right thing. I love how he wanted to be there for his brother, Tim who is mentally disabled. He is pretty straight forward but Raney took a bit more time to warm up to. She puts up barriers left and right.
I think the slow burn to this romance took too long. I get it the whole notion of slow burn but nothing really happened outside of Dalton’s attraction to Raney. It took entirely too long for Raney to come around. Yes, she has issues but there was excuse after excuse and not enough romance. I’m not sure.
There are plenty of side characters to keep the series going. I admired how most of the people in the town rallied behind Dalton and knew he was as good man who was innocent. I wish Raney treated him better at times instead of with so much caution.
I know I haven’t read a western romance in a while but this one seem a bit dated in the writing style. I wanted to love it since I had love the author’s previous work but this miss the spot.
~ Samantha
August 9, 2020
I liked the Whitcomb family .. mama and four daughters.
Good look into horse ranching and well-to-do lifestyle. Lots of good TX story here.
I liked the description of how they deal with the heat of a TX summer.
Raney & Dalton. Characters i could root for .... Do love the HEA !
First time author for me .. i would read another book by her.
KD’s (Army)[3rd dau?] preview looks interesting.
Negatives: story felt dragged out to me and
the sexual morality thinking was skewed.
PS: Joss (youngest daughter -music) had a baby and then gets married. Baby daughter = Lyric. Daddy = Grady.
Good look into horse ranching and well-to-do lifestyle. Lots of good TX story here.
I liked the description of how they deal with the heat of a TX summer.
Raney & Dalton. Characters i could root for .... Do love the HEA !
First time author for me .. i would read another book by her.
KD’s (Army)[3rd dau?] preview looks interesting.
Negatives: story felt dragged out to me and
the sexual morality thinking was skewed.
PS: Joss (youngest daughter -music) had a baby and then gets married. Baby daughter = Lyric. Daddy = Grady.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
3.5 stars
This book was a super slow burn l, which I don’t mind at all but overall, it was just okay for me.
I liked the plot and the characters, for the most part. I don’t enjoy books with a ton of drama and angst just for the sake of drama but I do like a little bit of conflict. That’s not to say there wasn’t conflict in this one, there was. It’s just that the tension about this conflict came and went so quickly that I actually found myself longing for more of a fight.
I’m also not sure how I feel that a minor communication issue that could turn into a major conflict for this couple later was just sort of glossed over. Ignoring an issue doesn’t make it go away.
That being said, I’m not sure this is a book I would suggest to all readers but there will definitely be an audience for this story and I would never steer anyone away from it.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
This book was a super slow burn l, which I don’t mind at all but overall, it was just okay for me.
I liked the plot and the characters, for the most part. I don’t enjoy books with a ton of drama and angst just for the sake of drama but I do like a little bit of conflict. That’s not to say there wasn’t conflict in this one, there was. It’s just that the tension about this conflict came and went so quickly that I actually found myself longing for more of a fight.
I’m also not sure how I feel that a minor communication issue that could turn into a major conflict for this couple later was just sort of glossed over. Ignoring an issue doesn’t make it go away.
That being said, I’m not sure this is a book I would suggest to all readers but there will definitely be an audience for this story and I would never steer anyone away from it.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
July 5, 2020
Another new-to-me author, who is also new to writing contemporary. She has many historical westerns in her backlist.
Raney Whitcomb grew up on her family ranch, Whitcomb Four Star, and since her father's death a few years before, she's been running it. She has 1 older, and 2 younger sisters, and they've each gone their own ways, but they converge on the ranch for family get-togethers, semi-frequently. Her mother still lives in the big house with her, and is still the big boss, for the most part. But, her Mama has decided she's getting old, at a freshly turned 60, and wants to travel, and see the world, and have some fun. She's leaving Raney in charge of course, but not before she hires a new horse trainer, without consulting Raney first.
Dalton Cardwell has just been released from prison, after serving 18 months for a crime he didn't commit. When he gets home to Rough Creek, he finds his parents have sold their small ranch, and they're moving away, to be closer to a group home where his younger, mentally handicapped brother will be living. He understands their reasoning, and agrees with them, but it leaves him at loose ends. He decides to look for a job, as soon as he's helped his parents get packed up to go. He finds a job as a horse trainer at a local ranch, hired by the matriarch herself, though apparently her daughter isn't thrilled with the idea. Too bad, because he's got a 6-month contract, a real affinity for horses, and nowhere else to go.
Dalton and Raney initially butt heads because she's not keen on hiring an ex-con, though I found her to be fairly judgmental of him, considering the crime he was convicted of. Once she settles into the idea, and sees how good he is with the horses, she changes her tune. Their attraction to each other doesn't hurt either. But Raney's been hurt before, and she doesn't trust easily. Dalton cares for her, and her family, and is willing to move at her pace, which was entirely too slow and equivocating for my taste. They had strong chemistry, but the timeline of the novel saw MANY months pass in their push and pull dance, and I found her inability to make a decision to be maddening at times. But, I really liked the way she, and her Mama, stood up for him, and helped him out a few times, when people were assuming the worst about him, or when an old nemesis tried to cause trouble for him.
The side characters here, mostly other workers on the ranch, Dalton's family, and Raney's family, were interesting and fairly well-fleshed out. Her Mama especially was old-fashioned, and nosy of course, and desperately wanted Raney to settle down. Her sisters were each interesting in their own ways, and had varying relationship troubles of their own. I'm not sure from this story who the next book in the series might be about, and I suppose it could be a new, unrelated character too.
I really liked Dalton and Raney as characters for the most part, but Raney really bothered me sometimes, constantly expecting perfection, and not leaving much leeway for reality. She was slow as molasses in committing to Dalton, in any real way, and I couldn't believe how slow the burn was between them. I guess that slow of a connection just isn't for me. Dalton was all in practically from the beginning, and I love that in a hero, but there were many things in his past, from his time in the military, to his time in prison, that he wasn't interested in talking about. It was understandable, but was also basically a deal-breaker for Raney, so he opened up. And it seemed that still wasn't really enough for her. I think having this slow of a burn, with no real on-page sexy payoff was disappointing for me. It's just not my personal preference. I would've liked quite a bit more heat, ESPECIALLY if I'm waiting so long for it.
Overall, this story was just ok for me personally, though I can see many things about it that I'm sure others would very much enjoy.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Raney Whitcomb grew up on her family ranch, Whitcomb Four Star, and since her father's death a few years before, she's been running it. She has 1 older, and 2 younger sisters, and they've each gone their own ways, but they converge on the ranch for family get-togethers, semi-frequently. Her mother still lives in the big house with her, and is still the big boss, for the most part. But, her Mama has decided she's getting old, at a freshly turned 60, and wants to travel, and see the world, and have some fun. She's leaving Raney in charge of course, but not before she hires a new horse trainer, without consulting Raney first.
Dalton Cardwell has just been released from prison, after serving 18 months for a crime he didn't commit. When he gets home to Rough Creek, he finds his parents have sold their small ranch, and they're moving away, to be closer to a group home where his younger, mentally handicapped brother will be living. He understands their reasoning, and agrees with them, but it leaves him at loose ends. He decides to look for a job, as soon as he's helped his parents get packed up to go. He finds a job as a horse trainer at a local ranch, hired by the matriarch herself, though apparently her daughter isn't thrilled with the idea. Too bad, because he's got a 6-month contract, a real affinity for horses, and nowhere else to go.
Dalton and Raney initially butt heads because she's not keen on hiring an ex-con, though I found her to be fairly judgmental of him, considering the crime he was convicted of. Once she settles into the idea, and sees how good he is with the horses, she changes her tune. Their attraction to each other doesn't hurt either. But Raney's been hurt before, and she doesn't trust easily. Dalton cares for her, and her family, and is willing to move at her pace, which was entirely too slow and equivocating for my taste. They had strong chemistry, but the timeline of the novel saw MANY months pass in their push and pull dance, and I found her inability to make a decision to be maddening at times. But, I really liked the way she, and her Mama, stood up for him, and helped him out a few times, when people were assuming the worst about him, or when an old nemesis tried to cause trouble for him.
The side characters here, mostly other workers on the ranch, Dalton's family, and Raney's family, were interesting and fairly well-fleshed out. Her Mama especially was old-fashioned, and nosy of course, and desperately wanted Raney to settle down. Her sisters were each interesting in their own ways, and had varying relationship troubles of their own. I'm not sure from this story who the next book in the series might be about, and I suppose it could be a new, unrelated character too.
I really liked Dalton and Raney as characters for the most part, but Raney really bothered me sometimes, constantly expecting perfection, and not leaving much leeway for reality. She was slow as molasses in committing to Dalton, in any real way, and I couldn't believe how slow the burn was between them. I guess that slow of a connection just isn't for me. Dalton was all in practically from the beginning, and I love that in a hero, but there were many things in his past, from his time in the military, to his time in prison, that he wasn't interested in talking about. It was understandable, but was also basically a deal-breaker for Raney, so he opened up. And it seemed that still wasn't really enough for her. I think having this slow of a burn, with no real on-page sexy payoff was disappointing for me. It's just not my personal preference. I would've liked quite a bit more heat, ESPECIALLY if I'm waiting so long for it.
Overall, this story was just ok for me personally, though I can see many things about it that I'm sure others would very much enjoy.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
July 3, 2020
Ranch life, family issues, second chances, dedication and sacrifice! All this and more in Rough Creek!
Raney Whitcomb was spittin' mad! How dare her mother hire an ex-con as a trainer for the cutting horse program at her beloved Whitcomb Four Star Ranch! Coralee Whitcomb is one tough cookie and one protective, loving mother who somehow always gets what she wants. Yes, Raney loves her but sometimes she makes Raney so mad she could scream. This is definitely one of those times. She doesn't care if Dalton Cardwell comes from a good family and her mother believes he deserves a second chance. Then she got to know Dalton. His nickname in high school was "Beanpole." Now it could be "Buff Hottie." Her mother was right about one thing. He sure has a way with horses. Her prize three-year-old colt Roscoe behaves perfectly for him. Not only can he charm horses but seems he can charm women just as easily, especially Raney. But Raney swore off men after breaking her engagement to Trip, her avaricious waste-of-breath ex. Somehow Dalton is getting under her skin though. Can she look past her previous bad experiences and give Dalton a chance?
Dalton Cardwell survived his eighteen months in prison. He knew he didn't do what he was accused of but he felt responsible for what happened nonetheless. He walked out of the prison in Huntsville, Texas with a set of cheap clothes, his Certificate of Discharge, a check for $100 and a voucher for a bus ticket to anywhere in Texas. His anywhere was home, Rough Creek, Texas. Upon arriving home to the ranch where his parents and mentally challenged little brother Timmy lived he found them packing up after selling the ranch. He knew he needed to find a job and considered himself very lucky to get hired on at the Whitcomb Four Star Ranch to train cutting horses. What was even luckier was getting to know and fall for Raney Whitcomb, the Whitcomb daughter who runs the ranch. He knows he has to prove himself. How can he resist the ever capable, heroine-to-the-rescue Raney?
Rough Creek by Kaki Warner is the first book in her Brides of Rough Creek Texas series. Ms. Warner is a new-to-me author. I was delighted to discover her fun and serious voice. Her characters are true-to-life and the dialogue is exceptional. I really enjoyed the flirting between Raney and Dalton as well as their serious discussions. Learning about training cutting horses, the process and the value was interesting. I am looking forward to more stories by Kaki Warner.
Raney Whitcomb was spittin' mad! How dare her mother hire an ex-con as a trainer for the cutting horse program at her beloved Whitcomb Four Star Ranch! Coralee Whitcomb is one tough cookie and one protective, loving mother who somehow always gets what she wants. Yes, Raney loves her but sometimes she makes Raney so mad she could scream. This is definitely one of those times. She doesn't care if Dalton Cardwell comes from a good family and her mother believes he deserves a second chance. Then she got to know Dalton. His nickname in high school was "Beanpole." Now it could be "Buff Hottie." Her mother was right about one thing. He sure has a way with horses. Her prize three-year-old colt Roscoe behaves perfectly for him. Not only can he charm horses but seems he can charm women just as easily, especially Raney. But Raney swore off men after breaking her engagement to Trip, her avaricious waste-of-breath ex. Somehow Dalton is getting under her skin though. Can she look past her previous bad experiences and give Dalton a chance?
Dalton Cardwell survived his eighteen months in prison. He knew he didn't do what he was accused of but he felt responsible for what happened nonetheless. He walked out of the prison in Huntsville, Texas with a set of cheap clothes, his Certificate of Discharge, a check for $100 and a voucher for a bus ticket to anywhere in Texas. His anywhere was home, Rough Creek, Texas. Upon arriving home to the ranch where his parents and mentally challenged little brother Timmy lived he found them packing up after selling the ranch. He knew he needed to find a job and considered himself very lucky to get hired on at the Whitcomb Four Star Ranch to train cutting horses. What was even luckier was getting to know and fall for Raney Whitcomb, the Whitcomb daughter who runs the ranch. He knows he has to prove himself. How can he resist the ever capable, heroine-to-the-rescue Raney?
Rough Creek by Kaki Warner is the first book in her Brides of Rough Creek Texas series. Ms. Warner is a new-to-me author. I was delighted to discover her fun and serious voice. Her characters are true-to-life and the dialogue is exceptional. I really enjoyed the flirting between Raney and Dalton as well as their serious discussions. Learning about training cutting horses, the process and the value was interesting. I am looking forward to more stories by Kaki Warner.
July 24, 2020
Kaki Warner is an automatic pre-order for me; she's one of my favorite authors. I own all of her books and most are in my pile for a rereading trip on a deserted island. So, I'm horrified by what I'm about to say. I was disappointed that this was a contemporary story; most authors with historical romances have moved to contemporary fiction, but I was hoping Kaki Warner wouldn't follow the others. This is obviously the opening salvo of a set of stories about Rough Creek, Texas.
I have struggled with this story; I'm just not interested. I really don't enjoy stories about wealthy protagonists. They have to watch out for people taking advantage of them -- a three-hanky tragedy. The four young women in this story have everything (one went to West Point, for goodness sake) and are incredibly whiny.
Whitcomb Four Star is the name of the ranch where Raney Whitcomb leads (since her father died nine years before). Mom has decided to go on a cruise, etc., and is leaving the ranch in Raney's capable hands. But before she leaves, she hires a new horse trainer. Of course, she does this without contacting Raney. Dalton Cardwell was a recent visitor (18-months in length) at the Texas Dept. of Corrections in Huntsville, TX.
He waived his opportunity for a trial-by-jury for vehicular manslaughter and accepted a lesser sentence which saved his family money and grief. By the time he returns to Rough Creek, the family has sold the farm and they are moving to a new town where their mentally-handicapped son can receive life-enhancing training.
Even near the end of the story, I didn't care to finish it. The whole story was leading up to the Fort Worth Futurity and I couldn't have cared less. Dalton was an interesting character; Raney was not. Joss, the stupid singing sister, just seemed to be filler. I really became angry that Raney had the pivotal argument with Dalton just as he was to go into the finals at the Futurity. That was beyond stupid; it showed just what a whiner she was (everything was about her).
I won't be reading the rest of this series. I gave this book a 3-star rating because I didn't want to penalize an author for my bias against contemporary westerns and wealthy protagonists.
I have struggled with this story; I'm just not interested. I really don't enjoy stories about wealthy protagonists. They have to watch out for people taking advantage of them -- a three-hanky tragedy. The four young women in this story have everything (one went to West Point, for goodness sake) and are incredibly whiny.
Whitcomb Four Star is the name of the ranch where Raney Whitcomb leads (since her father died nine years before). Mom has decided to go on a cruise, etc., and is leaving the ranch in Raney's capable hands. But before she leaves, she hires a new horse trainer. Of course, she does this without contacting Raney. Dalton Cardwell was a recent visitor (18-months in length) at the Texas Dept. of Corrections in Huntsville, TX.
He waived his opportunity for a trial-by-jury for vehicular manslaughter and accepted a lesser sentence which saved his family money and grief. By the time he returns to Rough Creek, the family has sold the farm and they are moving to a new town where their mentally-handicapped son can receive life-enhancing training.
Even near the end of the story, I didn't care to finish it. The whole story was leading up to the Fort Worth Futurity and I couldn't have cared less. Dalton was an interesting character; Raney was not. Joss, the stupid singing sister, just seemed to be filler. I really became angry that Raney had the pivotal argument with Dalton just as he was to go into the finals at the Futurity. That was beyond stupid; it showed just what a whiner she was (everything was about her).
I won't be reading the rest of this series. I gave this book a 3-star rating because I didn't want to penalize an author for my bias against contemporary westerns and wealthy protagonists.
July 9, 2020
Rough Creek by Kaki Warner is an angsty novel of starting over and love.
Raney Whitcomb took over running the family ranch after her beloved father's sudden death. Nine years later, she is working hard to make the recent changes to the ranch successful. Raney is also conflicted and a bit judgmental about her mama's new hire, Dalton Cardwell. He is fresh from serving a prison sentence and she cannot seem to let go of the fact he is an ex-con. Raney is a frustrating woman who is not exactly likable as she tries to move past her fear that she will give her heart to the wrong man again.
Dalton is more than ready to leave his past behind him. He has done his time and wants nothing more than to begin the next phase of his life. He is pleased with his new position at the Whitcomb family ranch and he is even more delighted with the progress he is making with the horse he is training. Dalton is patient and laidback which is a good thing since Raney runs hot and cold for much of their burgeoning relationship.
Raney and Dalton's romance is slow moving and often takes two steps forward and one step back. Raney is overly cautious but she finds it virtually impossible to commit to Dalton. For his part, Dalton freely admits to his feelings and he works hard to give Raney the space she needs. He is eager to take their romance to the next level and he occasionally gets irritated as Raney sometimes intentionally manufactures problems when she feels uncomfortable with their relationship.
The Whitcomb family is a bit of a mixed bag. Matriarch Coralee is somewhat overbearing with old-fashioned beliefs. Raney's sister Joss is an aspiring singer/songwriter with a bit of wild past. When she suddenly returns home, she brings plenty of drama and tears as she tries to figure out her future. Older sister Len is married with two children but there seems to be trouble afoot as her kids grow up and her husband seems more devoted to his career than his family. KD is newly commissioned into the military and everyone worries about where her service will take her.
The first installment in the Brides of Rough Creek series, Rough Creek is a drama-filled romance with an interesting storyline. The characters are relatively well-developed but some are more likable than others. The romance between Dalton and Raney moves in fits and starts due to Raney's issues. Despite late in the story conflict, Kaki Warner brings this slow-burning romance to a heartfelt conclusion.
Raney Whitcomb took over running the family ranch after her beloved father's sudden death. Nine years later, she is working hard to make the recent changes to the ranch successful. Raney is also conflicted and a bit judgmental about her mama's new hire, Dalton Cardwell. He is fresh from serving a prison sentence and she cannot seem to let go of the fact he is an ex-con. Raney is a frustrating woman who is not exactly likable as she tries to move past her fear that she will give her heart to the wrong man again.
Dalton is more than ready to leave his past behind him. He has done his time and wants nothing more than to begin the next phase of his life. He is pleased with his new position at the Whitcomb family ranch and he is even more delighted with the progress he is making with the horse he is training. Dalton is patient and laidback which is a good thing since Raney runs hot and cold for much of their burgeoning relationship.
Raney and Dalton's romance is slow moving and often takes two steps forward and one step back. Raney is overly cautious but she finds it virtually impossible to commit to Dalton. For his part, Dalton freely admits to his feelings and he works hard to give Raney the space she needs. He is eager to take their romance to the next level and he occasionally gets irritated as Raney sometimes intentionally manufactures problems when she feels uncomfortable with their relationship.
The Whitcomb family is a bit of a mixed bag. Matriarch Coralee is somewhat overbearing with old-fashioned beliefs. Raney's sister Joss is an aspiring singer/songwriter with a bit of wild past. When she suddenly returns home, she brings plenty of drama and tears as she tries to figure out her future. Older sister Len is married with two children but there seems to be trouble afoot as her kids grow up and her husband seems more devoted to his career than his family. KD is newly commissioned into the military and everyone worries about where her service will take her.
The first installment in the Brides of Rough Creek series, Rough Creek is a drama-filled romance with an interesting storyline. The characters are relatively well-developed but some are more likable than others. The romance between Dalton and Raney moves in fits and starts due to Raney's issues. Despite late in the story conflict, Kaki Warner brings this slow-burning romance to a heartfelt conclusion.
July 8, 2020
I do love a cowboy romance, so I was happy to dive into Rough Creek. This is my first read by Kaki Warner, and as I understand it, this is her first contemporary Western romance, having written historical romances. I will say that this book does have some of the flavor of a historical romance, some similar tones, but it is set in the here and now. The story also has elements of second chances - not necessarily for Dalton and Raney as a couple, but the romance is a second chance for each of them.
I found both characters likable. In fact, I liked most of the characters in this one, at least the ones we're meant to like, and there are what look to be some promising storylines to come as this series progresses. As for this couple, Dalton has this whole wounded soul vibe going, but at the same time, he flirts shamelessly with Raney, which of course, frustrates her to no end. She's a bit rigid and doesn't take well to change, so Dalton messing with her world was thoroughly amusing. That also means we get some fun banter, and it's not just between our romantic couple. I really enjoyed the dialogue in this book, and I'll just throw in right here that Raney's mother is an absolute scene-stealer and one of my favorite types of character.
The only drawback for me was that the book felt like it went on longer than it needed to. There's really not enough angst to warrant the length of the book. There were a couple of lags in the story where I found my attention waning, so I feel like it could've done with a bit of tightening up. That said, those times didn't last long, and Dalton and Raney did pull me back in, so it's not a huge deficit in my opinion.
All in all, this first in the series is an entertaining read with engaging characters, and now that I've met them, I can't wait to see what Kaki Warner has in store for them.
I found both characters likable. In fact, I liked most of the characters in this one, at least the ones we're meant to like, and there are what look to be some promising storylines to come as this series progresses. As for this couple, Dalton has this whole wounded soul vibe going, but at the same time, he flirts shamelessly with Raney, which of course, frustrates her to no end. She's a bit rigid and doesn't take well to change, so Dalton messing with her world was thoroughly amusing. That also means we get some fun banter, and it's not just between our romantic couple. I really enjoyed the dialogue in this book, and I'll just throw in right here that Raney's mother is an absolute scene-stealer and one of my favorite types of character.
The only drawback for me was that the book felt like it went on longer than it needed to. There's really not enough angst to warrant the length of the book. There were a couple of lags in the story where I found my attention waning, so I feel like it could've done with a bit of tightening up. That said, those times didn't last long, and Dalton and Raney did pull me back in, so it's not a huge deficit in my opinion.
All in all, this first in the series is an entertaining read with engaging characters, and now that I've met them, I can't wait to see what Kaki Warner has in store for them.
June 27, 2020
New favorite small town romance!
The author brought to life authentic, lovable characters, with relatable family dynamics. I really loved each of the Whitcomb gals. Especially, Mama Whitcomb! She was beautiful and wise. Maybe a bit sneaky too, lol. She managed to push Dalton & Raney into each other arms without even being on the ranch. Brilliant lady that one. She definitely gives meaning to the term, mama knows best.
Daltons had this sexy cowboy swagger, that I couldn’t get enough of. He was protective of his friends and family. My heart, I was completely smitten with how he genuinely cared for the Whitcomb sisters. And, those girls adored him. It gave me all the big brother feels. ( well of course except for his relationship with Raney )
The slow burn between Dalton and Raney was perfectly paced for me. Their intense chemistry was undeniable and I was there for it! They had this playful, witty banter that had me smiling and laughing out loud. Both were really down to earth & humble. There were moments when I felt Raney might of been a little undeserving of Daltons affection. Her character had been through somethings so I understood why. But Dalton had too and I felt so strongly for him. I really wanted her to be the one to win him over. He deserved that much. I don’t want to spoil anything but will say that Raney was loyal to him, always had his back and was a woman of her word. Which I loved about her. The ending made me laugh and smile.
I also loved and respected Daltons super sweet relationship with his brother.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
The author brought to life authentic, lovable characters, with relatable family dynamics. I really loved each of the Whitcomb gals. Especially, Mama Whitcomb! She was beautiful and wise. Maybe a bit sneaky too, lol. She managed to push Dalton & Raney into each other arms without even being on the ranch. Brilliant lady that one. She definitely gives meaning to the term, mama knows best.
Daltons had this sexy cowboy swagger, that I couldn’t get enough of. He was protective of his friends and family. My heart, I was completely smitten with how he genuinely cared for the Whitcomb sisters. And, those girls adored him. It gave me all the big brother feels. ( well of course except for his relationship with Raney )
The slow burn between Dalton and Raney was perfectly paced for me. Their intense chemistry was undeniable and I was there for it! They had this playful, witty banter that had me smiling and laughing out loud. Both were really down to earth & humble. There were moments when I felt Raney might of been a little undeserving of Daltons affection. Her character had been through somethings so I understood why. But Dalton had too and I felt so strongly for him. I really wanted her to be the one to win him over. He deserved that much. I don’t want to spoil anything but will say that Raney was loyal to him, always had his back and was a woman of her word. Which I loved about her. The ending made me laugh and smile.
I also loved and respected Daltons super sweet relationship with his brother.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
September 29, 2020
Dalton has returned home after doing a brief stint in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Everything has changed. His parents are relocating to provide a better life for his younger brother. His woman left town for a better life and Dalton has to find out what is his next step as an ex-con.
Raney loves her ranch. She is like the son her parents should have had. She takes pride in running things for her mother now that her father is deceased. Her mother is tired and wants to travel a bit but she needs a new horse trainer and Dalton is a good one.
Immediately I liked Dalton. He is a solid man. He is honorable and does the right thing. I love how he wanted to be there for his brother, Tim who is mentally disabled. He is pretty straight forward but Raney took a bit more time to warm up to. She puts up barriers left and right.
I think the slow burn to this romance took too long. I get it the whole notion of slow burn but nothing really happened outside of Dalton’s attraction to Raney. It took entirely too long for Raney to come around. Yes, she has issues but there was excuse after excuse and not enough romance. I’m not sure.
There are plenty of side characters to keep the series going. I admired how most of the people in the town rallied behind Dalton and knew he was as good man who was innocent. I wish Raney treated him better at times instead of with so much caution.
I know I haven’t read a western romance in a while but this one seem a bit dated in the writing style. I wanted to love it since I had love the author’s previous work but this miss the spot.
ARC provided to me in exchange for honest review.
Raney loves her ranch. She is like the son her parents should have had. She takes pride in running things for her mother now that her father is deceased. Her mother is tired and wants to travel a bit but she needs a new horse trainer and Dalton is a good one.
Immediately I liked Dalton. He is a solid man. He is honorable and does the right thing. I love how he wanted to be there for his brother, Tim who is mentally disabled. He is pretty straight forward but Raney took a bit more time to warm up to. She puts up barriers left and right.
I think the slow burn to this romance took too long. I get it the whole notion of slow burn but nothing really happened outside of Dalton’s attraction to Raney. It took entirely too long for Raney to come around. Yes, she has issues but there was excuse after excuse and not enough romance. I’m not sure.
There are plenty of side characters to keep the series going. I admired how most of the people in the town rallied behind Dalton and knew he was as good man who was innocent. I wish Raney treated him better at times instead of with so much caution.
I know I haven’t read a western romance in a while but this one seem a bit dated in the writing style. I wanted to love it since I had love the author’s previous work but this miss the spot.
ARC provided to me in exchange for honest review.
August 7, 2024
This was a dnf for me...
I didn't like how the author described some of the minor characters (especially the other ranch workers and their families) -- some of the character descriptions and the way the matriarch acted towards them at times just didn't sit right with me. And while I can appreciate a good slow burn romance, the slowness of the MCs just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. In one sentence the MMC is telling himself not to fall for the FMC because it would give the wrong impression to the other ranch employees, but then in the very next chapter he's coming on to her again, completely ignoring the advice he gave himself and trying to win her over more blatantly. This "altruism" is very easily forgotten in the plot and by the MMC. And while the FMC has her reason for wanting to take things slow with the MMC, I felt like she was stringing him along, constantly running hot and cold, and then telling him she wants to take things slow after she makes a move on him while he's trying not to cross her boundaries. Plus, the plot moves soooooo slowwwwwly, especially given there's not a whole lot going on to begin with. Readers who have very little interest in whatever "cutting horses" is about and what ranch life is like are going to be bored very quickly. I love a good cowboy romance, but there was so much ranch talk and very little romance for almost two-thirds of the book. I lost track of how many pages I skipped over because they focused on the MMC's work with their prize horse before finally giving up on this book.
**Honest review in exchange for a DRC from NetGalley and publisher.**
I didn't like how the author described some of the minor characters (especially the other ranch workers and their families) -- some of the character descriptions and the way the matriarch acted towards them at times just didn't sit right with me. And while I can appreciate a good slow burn romance, the slowness of the MCs just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. In one sentence the MMC is telling himself not to fall for the FMC because it would give the wrong impression to the other ranch employees, but then in the very next chapter he's coming on to her again, completely ignoring the advice he gave himself and trying to win her over more blatantly. This "altruism" is very easily forgotten in the plot and by the MMC. And while the FMC has her reason for wanting to take things slow with the MMC, I felt like she was stringing him along, constantly running hot and cold, and then telling him she wants to take things slow after she makes a move on him while he's trying not to cross her boundaries. Plus, the plot moves soooooo slowwwwwly, especially given there's not a whole lot going on to begin with. Readers who have very little interest in whatever "cutting horses" is about and what ranch life is like are going to be bored very quickly. I love a good cowboy romance, but there was so much ranch talk and very little romance for almost two-thirds of the book. I lost track of how many pages I skipped over because they focused on the MMC's work with their prize horse before finally giving up on this book.
**Honest review in exchange for a DRC from NetGalley and publisher.**
May 17, 2020
-- This review, and others, are on my blog www.hookedbythatbook.com –
Dalton Cardwell came home after spending 18 months in prison for confessing to a crime he didn’t commit, only to find that his parents have sold their farm and they are moving away. But he quickly finds his feet when he gets a job as a horse trainer on the Whitcomb Four Star Ranch. Raney has taken over as manager after her father’s death, and she was not very happy with her mother’s decision to hire an ex-convict. She reluctantly allows him to stay on and prove his worth.
Raney was very skittish about starting a relationship with Dalton. She was hurt before, and had no desire to repeat the experience, but Dalton slowly broke through all her defenses. This is a very slow burn, and it was fun to see Raney and Dalton navigate their feelings for each other. Turns out it was Raney who had the bigger chip on her shoulder, despite the fact that Dalton has a notorious past to overcome.
It was interesting to read about the world of their ranch and the horses and training them. There was a competition at the end that Dalton and their prize horse, Roscoe, were to compete in. But it took a long time before we got to that competition, and in the meanwhile it was mentioned a lot and how important it was to the horse, the trainer, and the ranch.
This was a lovely read, with interesting characters and I liked the writing.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dalton Cardwell came home after spending 18 months in prison for confessing to a crime he didn’t commit, only to find that his parents have sold their farm and they are moving away. But he quickly finds his feet when he gets a job as a horse trainer on the Whitcomb Four Star Ranch. Raney has taken over as manager after her father’s death, and she was not very happy with her mother’s decision to hire an ex-convict. She reluctantly allows him to stay on and prove his worth.
Raney was very skittish about starting a relationship with Dalton. She was hurt before, and had no desire to repeat the experience, but Dalton slowly broke through all her defenses. This is a very slow burn, and it was fun to see Raney and Dalton navigate their feelings for each other. Turns out it was Raney who had the bigger chip on her shoulder, despite the fact that Dalton has a notorious past to overcome.
It was interesting to read about the world of their ranch and the horses and training them. There was a competition at the end that Dalton and their prize horse, Roscoe, were to compete in. But it took a long time before we got to that competition, and in the meanwhile it was mentioned a lot and how important it was to the horse, the trainer, and the ranch.
This was a lovely read, with interesting characters and I liked the writing.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2020
New favorite small town romance!
The author brought to life authentic, lovable characters, with relatable family dynamics. I really loved each of the Whitcomb gals. Especially, Mama Whitcomb! She was beautiful and wise. Maybe a bit sneaky too, lol. She managed to push Dalton & Raney into each other arms without even being on the ranch. Brilliant lady that one. She definitely gives meaning to the term, mama knows best.
Daltons had this sexy cowboy swagger, that I couldn’t get enough of. He was protective of his friends and family. I was completely smitten with how he genuinely cared for the Whitcomb sisters. And, those girls adored him. It gave me all the big brother feels. ( well of course except for his relationship with Raney )
The slow burn between Dalton and Raney was perfectly paced for me. Their intense chemistry was undeniable and I was there for it! They had this playful, witty banter that had me smiling and laughing out loud. Both were really down to earth & humble. There were moments when I felt Raney might of been a little undeserving of Daltons affection. Her character had been through somethings so I understood why. But Dalton had too and I felt so strongly for him. I really wanted her to be the one to win him over. He deserved that much. I don’t want to spoil anything but will say that Raney was loyal to him, always had his back and was a woman of her word. Which I loved about her. The ending made me laugh and smile.
I also loved s asked respected Daltons super sweet relationship with his brother.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
The author brought to life authentic, lovable characters, with relatable family dynamics. I really loved each of the Whitcomb gals. Especially, Mama Whitcomb! She was beautiful and wise. Maybe a bit sneaky too, lol. She managed to push Dalton & Raney into each other arms without even being on the ranch. Brilliant lady that one. She definitely gives meaning to the term, mama knows best.
Daltons had this sexy cowboy swagger, that I couldn’t get enough of. He was protective of his friends and family. I was completely smitten with how he genuinely cared for the Whitcomb sisters. And, those girls adored him. It gave me all the big brother feels. ( well of course except for his relationship with Raney )
The slow burn between Dalton and Raney was perfectly paced for me. Their intense chemistry was undeniable and I was there for it! They had this playful, witty banter that had me smiling and laughing out loud. Both were really down to earth & humble. There were moments when I felt Raney might of been a little undeserving of Daltons affection. Her character had been through somethings so I understood why. But Dalton had too and I felt so strongly for him. I really wanted her to be the one to win him over. He deserved that much. I don’t want to spoil anything but will say that Raney was loyal to him, always had his back and was a woman of her word. Which I loved about her. The ending made me laugh and smile.
I also loved s asked respected Daltons super sweet relationship with his brother.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
July 2, 2020
I adored this heartwarming slow-burn romance!
Raney was so reluctant to admit she could be falling for the disarmingly charming ex-con cowboy, but there isn't a woman alive who could resist him forever. It didn't take Dalton long to get over his reservations about romancing his boss, especially since it was her mother who had actually hired him.
The issues that needed to be dealt with first were honest and authentic, encompassed both his past and hers, and the way they shared these problems with each other really spoke volumes about their character and values.
I absolutely loved Coralee in this story, and wish we'd seen more of her. We also got quite an extensive introduction to Joss and Grady's relationship, as well as Len and Ryan's marriage. I hope those stories will be expanded into future books.
I really enjoyed the sly humor, not outrageous but just enough to show the teasing aspect of their relationship. Even when she's sure about herself and him, Raney just couldn't let herself relax and enjoy the fun unless Dalton practically dared her to. Their banter was on-point throughout the story, adding breadth and depth to their romance.
The HEA was perfect, with the most hilarious proposal scene I've read in a very long time! It was unique, and exactly what these two needed. I highly recommend this delightful romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Raney was so reluctant to admit she could be falling for the disarmingly charming ex-con cowboy, but there isn't a woman alive who could resist him forever. It didn't take Dalton long to get over his reservations about romancing his boss, especially since it was her mother who had actually hired him.
The issues that needed to be dealt with first were honest and authentic, encompassed both his past and hers, and the way they shared these problems with each other really spoke volumes about their character and values.
I absolutely loved Coralee in this story, and wish we'd seen more of her. We also got quite an extensive introduction to Joss and Grady's relationship, as well as Len and Ryan's marriage. I hope those stories will be expanded into future books.
I really enjoyed the sly humor, not outrageous but just enough to show the teasing aspect of their relationship. Even when she's sure about herself and him, Raney just couldn't let herself relax and enjoy the fun unless Dalton practically dared her to. Their banter was on-point throughout the story, adding breadth and depth to their romance.
The HEA was perfect, with the most hilarious proposal scene I've read in a very long time! It was unique, and exactly what these two needed. I highly recommend this delightful romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 7, 2020
Rough Creek Kaki Warner is the First book in the Brides of Rough Creek Texas. This is the story of Raney Whitcomb Dalton Cardwell. Raney and her mother have taken over handling the family ranch Whitcomb Four Star, after her father dies. Raney's sister have their own thing they want to do. So when her mother at 60 starts to talk about traveling / retiring, her mother ends up hiring a horse trainer for the ranch along with helping out. Raney's mom ended up hiring Dalton who is a ex con which Raney is not happy about. Dalton was sent to prison for 18 months for something he didn't do. Dalton has just been release and his to his parents ranch where he finds that they have sold it and are moving to be closer to his younger broker who is handicapped. So Dalton ends up being hired with a 6 months contract at the Whitcomb Four Star Ranch. Dalton's plan is to just consecrate on horse and nothing else. But then he meets Raney and they start headbutting. This was a slow burn but it was a great read for me. I will be looking for more books by this author.
October 17, 2020
2.5 stars.
This was told in the signature engaging storytelling of that I've come to expect from Kaki Warner. I liked and admired both the MCs. Unfortunately, I didn't like the two other featured members of the h's family. Her mother was an insufferable nosy parker and her youngest sister was a whiny and spoiled brat. The drama surrounding that woman was too much.
Overall, the only reason that I finished this story was because there were huge time jumps, one or two months at a time, where the author glossed over the drama. So that was a smart strategy on the author's part. Unfortunately, the push and pull on behalf of the heroine was still highlighted enough to be annoying. Honestly, the hero deserved someone who was a little less reserved and more "all in" when it came to him. Overall this book was just middling. The plug for the next book sounds much more interesting and I'm looking forward to it.
This was told in the signature engaging storytelling of that I've come to expect from Kaki Warner. I liked and admired both the MCs. Unfortunately, I didn't like the two other featured members of the h's family. Her mother was an insufferable nosy parker and her youngest sister was a whiny and spoiled brat. The drama surrounding that woman was too much.
Overall, the only reason that I finished this story was because there were huge time jumps, one or two months at a time, where the author glossed over the drama. So that was a smart strategy on the author's part. Unfortunately, the push and pull on behalf of the heroine was still highlighted enough to be annoying. Honestly, the hero deserved someone who was a little less reserved and more "all in" when it came to him. Overall this book was just middling. The plug for the next book sounds much more interesting and I'm looking forward to it.
August 6, 2020
Kaki Warner did her research in cutting horses for this book and accurately portrayed Texas geography. I appreciate that. Unlike her other books, this is contemporary, so she chose to use a bit more colorful language. I know this seems more “modern”, but most Texas gentlemen I know—especially cowboys—don’t casually use the F-word when talking to a lady. Perhaps boy talk-but not mixed company. It seems like a little bit of a compromise on her part.
But I still like her character development, story lines, etc. Her “sex” scenes are relatively PG—which I also appreciate. I like realistic emotions—but I’m not interested in reading porn. Overall—a fun read!!
But I still like her character development, story lines, etc. Her “sex” scenes are relatively PG—which I also appreciate. I like realistic emotions—but I’m not interested in reading porn. Overall—a fun read!!
dnf
March 2, 2021Kaki Warner's Blood Rose trilogy are some of my all time favorite books. I was super excited to start this one but wow, was I disappointed. I decided to DNF because I was bored out of my freaking mind. There was no heat, no humor, no drama. There was literally nothing in this book that made me love the other books that I've read by her. I'm pretty sure this is her first contemporary romance and I really think she should stick to historical.
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For other reviews, go to https://thebookandbeautyblog.com/
June 3, 2020
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I haven't read any by her before so this was a nice surprise for me . I loved the characters and the setting of this book. ex con turning his life around and a hard headed woman make for a great combo! Just enough romance and strife to make the book stand out. Well worth reading looking for more in this series.
January 19, 2021
Woof. This was painful for many reasons that mostly centered around the writing style. Took 300+ pages to do about 50 pages worth of things. I should have DNF’d it but I was in too deep by the time I realized.
July 9, 2020
one of my favorite historical romance writers tries her hand at contemporary romance and has a hit. witty banter, flawed characters and a good story.
July 13, 2020
I enjoyed reading. Look forward to reading the next book.
July 26, 2020
People make mistakes. Ex-con as a hero, but only as an innocent man, just reinforces negative stereotypes.
The blatant racism and NWL make me want to vomit!
The blatant racism and NWL make me want to vomit!
August 19, 2020
This one was really good. The story flowed well and it was hard to put down. Sets up nicely for the remaining books in the series.
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