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The McGavin Brothers #16
A Cowboy's Secret
Small town. Big secret. What could go wrong?
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When Air Force vet Aaron Donahue lands a dream job in Eagles Nest he doesn’t have love on his mind. Then Caitlin Dempsey pops on his radar and he can think of nothing else. But his chances of successfully wooing her take a nose dive. Against all odds, he shares his name, both first and last, with her cheating ex.
If only he could start fresh with a different name…
When Air Force vet Aaron Donahue lands a dream job in Eagles Nest he doesn’t have love on his mind. Then Caitlin Dempsey pops on his radar and he can think of nothing else. But his chances of successfully wooing her take a nose dive. Against all odds, he shares his name, both first and last, with her cheating ex.
If only he could start fresh with a different name…
- GenresRomanceContemporary
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2019
120 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Lewis Thompson
498 books1,535 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 31, 2021
I've just run out of words with this series. Never thought I would LOVE cowboy stories. I adore this series. The personalities of the people in these books are so wonderful and kind. I love every single character, and the storylines are perfect. Absolutely loved it.....again! 5☆
Only 1 more to go.
Only 1 more to go.
November 6, 2019
📒 This is romantic, interesting and amusing. Aaron is sweet, charming and determined. Caitlyn is driven, stubborn and caring. Aaron wanted Caitlyn from the minute he met her. Unfortunately, she had already know a man with Aaron's first and last name, and he wasn't a nice guy. Badger and Aaron come up with a plan that would let Caitlyn get to know Aaron without his name coming between them, for 4 nights he became Raven, his call sign from his flying days, a shy vet from the guys unit. They got along well, had fun and got a little hot and heavy during those nights, but it all came to an end when he told her who he really was. The storyline is interesting, I found myself on both sides of the issue. The best part of the book though is the wedding. A wild and fun time was had by all. And going by the preview, the next book is going to be chaotic and emotional. I can't wait to read it. These McGavin boys and their buddies belong on everyone's TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
January 16, 2020
Love the McGavin Brothers!
4.5 Stars
Kudos to another fun story, I enjoyed it start to finish. The supporting cast was as fun to read about as Caitlin and Raven, aka Arron.
I hope we get to hear more about them in future books!
4.5 Stars
Kudos to another fun story, I enjoyed it start to finish. The supporting cast was as fun to read about as Caitlin and Raven, aka Arron.
I hope we get to hear more about them in future books!
March 29, 2020
Thompson creates an interesting challenge in A Cowboy’s Secret: the hero has the same name and the heroine’s ex. How to get around her immediate dislike? A lot of creativity and a little help from his friends. Aaron and Caitlin get past the name and find their perfect HEA.
December 9, 2022
Enjoyable read
Mickey Louis Thompson build strong characters that are entertaining and involving. Makes you wanna be a part of their clan! Another good storyline and enjoyable characters. This will definitely be a series I would like to reread in the future
Mickey Louis Thompson build strong characters that are entertaining and involving. Makes you wanna be a part of their clan! Another good storyline and enjoyable characters. This will definitely be a series I would like to reread in the future
October 2, 2020
Enjoyed this story very much. My only regret is that I haven't read the other stories in this series yet.
February 12, 2021
Another really good read from Vicki Lewis Thompson.
January 28, 2022
The heroine is a bit annoying, but the hero makes up for it.
October 4, 2019
Vicki Lewis Thompson’s A Cowboy’s Secret returns to Eagle’s Nest and tells the story of another of Ryker McGavin’s military buddies. Aaron Donahue has a problem; he’s fascinated by local photographer Caitlin Dempsey, but her ex has his same name and that’s a big problem for her. She can’t get past his name to see the great guy Aaron really is. So Badger and Aaron come up with a plan. They’ll introduce Caitlin to Raven, their Air Force buddy who’s newly arrived in Eagle’s Nest and staying with Aaron. Of course, Caitlin doesn’t know that Raven is actually Aaron. He’ll keep the lights low, stop shaving, wear a hat, and change his voice. Aaron hopes that Caitlin can fall for him as Raven and then be able to ignore his name once she finds out the truth. But when Caitlin learns that the shy guy she has fallen for is really Aaron, she doesn’t want anything to do with him. Unfortunately for her, she finds out the truth right before Badger’s wedding. She’s the photographer, and Aaron’s in the wedding so avoiding him is pretty much impossible. The more Caitlin thinks about it, though, she realizes she doesn’t really want to avoid Aaron. She’s head-over-heels for the guy, despite his name and his trickery. But how can she forgive his deception and get over her name hang up? Can Aaron convince her that all Aaron Donahues aren’t made the same?
I have always been fascinated by names and how people react to them, so the premise of this novel grabbed me right away. Caitlin’s instantaneous reaction to Aaron’s name is in keeping with psychological research on the subject. Studies have shown that people with “appealing” names are rated as more attractive, intelligent, trustworthy, etc., and studies have also shown that knowing another person with the same name can make a person either like or dislike a new person with the same name. Sorry for the little academic side trip; I really do find this topic fascinating! I’m sure of a lot of readers have had a similar experience regarding names, though. Maybe a classmate who was a bully so when your spouse suggests that name for a baby, you veto the name immediately. Names do have power, and Caitlin’s feelings about Aaron reflect that reality. And writing realistic characters has always been one of the aspects of Ms. Thompson’s writing that I enjoy the most.
I also love how Ms. Thompson never has her characters behave in ways that make them unredeemable, even when the situations may be complicated. Aaron does play a trick on Caitlin and manipulates the situation to try to get around her reluctance to be with him, but he always makes it clear that he isn’t sure he’s doing the right thing. And when Caitlin does learn the truth, he tells her that he doesn’t care if she tells everyone what he did. Aaron doesn’t care what the story might do to his reputation because he knows that he was dishonest with Caitlin and deserves her anger. In real life, good people don’t always make the right decisions, and I love that Ms. Thompson doesn’t write “perfect” heroes but still makes sure that, ultimately, readers can root for her characters to get a happy ending.
I recommend A Cowboy’s Secret and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the author, but that did not influence my review.
I have always been fascinated by names and how people react to them, so the premise of this novel grabbed me right away. Caitlin’s instantaneous reaction to Aaron’s name is in keeping with psychological research on the subject. Studies have shown that people with “appealing” names are rated as more attractive, intelligent, trustworthy, etc., and studies have also shown that knowing another person with the same name can make a person either like or dislike a new person with the same name. Sorry for the little academic side trip; I really do find this topic fascinating! I’m sure of a lot of readers have had a similar experience regarding names, though. Maybe a classmate who was a bully so when your spouse suggests that name for a baby, you veto the name immediately. Names do have power, and Caitlin’s feelings about Aaron reflect that reality. And writing realistic characters has always been one of the aspects of Ms. Thompson’s writing that I enjoy the most.
I also love how Ms. Thompson never has her characters behave in ways that make them unredeemable, even when the situations may be complicated. Aaron does play a trick on Caitlin and manipulates the situation to try to get around her reluctance to be with him, but he always makes it clear that he isn’t sure he’s doing the right thing. And when Caitlin does learn the truth, he tells her that he doesn’t care if she tells everyone what he did. Aaron doesn’t care what the story might do to his reputation because he knows that he was dishonest with Caitlin and deserves her anger. In real life, good people don’t always make the right decisions, and I love that Ms. Thompson doesn’t write “perfect” heroes but still makes sure that, ultimately, readers can root for her characters to get a happy ending.
I recommend A Cowboy’s Secret and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the author, but that did not influence my review.
October 2, 2019
The previous book in this series ended with Badger working on a plan to help his buddy Aaron get a woman's attention, so I could hardly wait for this book to come out and tell us what Badger came up with. I absolutely adore Badger, and I knew that this book would be terrific if he was stirring around in it!
I loved Caitlin. She was so kind and goodhearted through the whole thing. She is thoughtful and willing to help, smart and insightful. She fits in so well with the whole Eagles Nest crowd. I wasn't really happy with her at one spot in the book, but I liked that she was willing to work for her happy ending. She had a problem, she accepted (very funny but very useful) advice, and she did what she needed to do. Now that is a lady who is a match for Aaron.
I loved Aaron, too, but he was in a tight spot. What do you do if the woman you really like would never even consider dating you because you have the same name as a nasty ex-boyfriend of hers? Aaron doesn't have a lot of good choices, so he goes with Badger's plan. [I won't spoil it, but I will say that the plan only goes on for the first half of the book. It is very funny, but it would have gotten weird if it had gone on longer.] Aaron brings all his character and intelligence to the problem. I liked that he respected Caitlin's choices, tried to be patient, and was willing to accept the consequences of his choices. He is a really romantic hero, and I love his idea of a book club.
If you read A Cowboy's Christmas and A Cowboy's Kiss, then you will be excited to know that the fabulous double wedding is the background for Aaron and Caitlin's story. I was thrilled to read that part. All I will say is that I would love to attend a wedding like that! Did I mention that I love Badger? So swoony.
Anyway, there are lots of appearances by previous characters, and the Whine and Cheese Club comes to the rescue for us. And the epilogue, which is a big hint for the next book in the series, made me gasp out loud. So now I am looking forward to the next book, too!
I loved Caitlin. She was so kind and goodhearted through the whole thing. She is thoughtful and willing to help, smart and insightful. She fits in so well with the whole Eagles Nest crowd. I wasn't really happy with her at one spot in the book, but I liked that she was willing to work for her happy ending. She had a problem, she accepted (very funny but very useful) advice, and she did what she needed to do. Now that is a lady who is a match for Aaron.
I loved Aaron, too, but he was in a tight spot. What do you do if the woman you really like would never even consider dating you because you have the same name as a nasty ex-boyfriend of hers? Aaron doesn't have a lot of good choices, so he goes with Badger's plan. [I won't spoil it, but I will say that the plan only goes on for the first half of the book. It is very funny, but it would have gotten weird if it had gone on longer.] Aaron brings all his character and intelligence to the problem. I liked that he respected Caitlin's choices, tried to be patient, and was willing to accept the consequences of his choices. He is a really romantic hero, and I love his idea of a book club.
If you read A Cowboy's Christmas and A Cowboy's Kiss, then you will be excited to know that the fabulous double wedding is the background for Aaron and Caitlin's story. I was thrilled to read that part. All I will say is that I would love to attend a wedding like that! Did I mention that I love Badger? So swoony.
Anyway, there are lots of appearances by previous characters, and the Whine and Cheese Club comes to the rescue for us. And the epilogue, which is a big hint for the next book in the series, made me gasp out loud. So now I am looking forward to the next book, too!
October 4, 2019
How do you start to connect with someone if you can't even say their name? Not pronounce their name but actually be okay with saying their name? The reason being you hate it so much. That is the foundation in which Aaron Donahue and Caitlin Dempsey are when the book begins. What a rocky start right?
As time progresses, the plan that Badger & and Aaron come up with allows Caitlin to get to know the same person with a different name. Smart right? To see the look of panic when Caitlin finally finds out that Aaron Donahue and Raven are the same person is disheartening. Is this an end to such a beautiful beginning?
The feelings are real. The chemistry is real. If the love is real then what's holding back progress? It could only be one thing. Caitlin cannot accept calling her new crush by his real name.
The pain that was so fresh on Caitlin's heart is from her ex, Aaron Donahue. It doesn't matter that this is a different Aaron Donahue than the one she previously went with. It only matters that they have the same name and she despises everything about her ex. Will this relationship end before it even starts?
I gave an honest review in exchange for an ARC of this rad novel! This book gets 5 stars of bright love! It was incredibly good! Vicki Lewis-Thompson did it again. Stole my heart for a complete beginning to end show stopping novel!
As time progresses, the plan that Badger & and Aaron come up with allows Caitlin to get to know the same person with a different name. Smart right? To see the look of panic when Caitlin finally finds out that Aaron Donahue and Raven are the same person is disheartening. Is this an end to such a beautiful beginning?
The feelings are real. The chemistry is real. If the love is real then what's holding back progress? It could only be one thing. Caitlin cannot accept calling her new crush by his real name.
The pain that was so fresh on Caitlin's heart is from her ex, Aaron Donahue. It doesn't matter that this is a different Aaron Donahue than the one she previously went with. It only matters that they have the same name and she despises everything about her ex. Will this relationship end before it even starts?
I gave an honest review in exchange for an ARC of this rad novel! This book gets 5 stars of bright love! It was incredibly good! Vicki Lewis-Thompson did it again. Stole my heart for a complete beginning to end show stopping novel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2019
I have never read a Vicki Lewis Thompson book I didn’t love. Her characters are always people you WANT to see get their happily ever after. This book is no exception. Also, I don’t know how she does it, but Vicki manages to make passionate love scenes, so hot you expect the pages to catch fire, while at the same time making them so SWEET, you could cry. I LOVED this story. Vicki has a knack for putting you right there in the scene. She doesn’t go on and on about extraneous details, and still manages to convey so much about the scene and situation, that you feel like you are right there with the characters. I also love how fast paced the stories are. You just want to read, non stop, until the story is over, even though you know you will hate to see it end. This story could be read as a stand alone, however I love the large cast of recurring characters that appear in this series. They feel like family and old friends. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. And EVERY other book Vicki decides to publish.
September 22, 2019
Aaron is a very determined cowboy/pilot, love his never give-up spirit. Badger is a great friend and is just as determined and a supportive "partner in crime." Their secret is risky and his last ditch effort to get to spend some time with the woman I think he fell in love with at first sight. Their story is sweet & steamy aided along by the upcoming weddings so love is in the air. She is stubborn and just as determined not to be dupped by another Aaron. Only the strong survive, Aaron is patient and he really is a great catch. Love this Eagles Nest series, full of delectable, hard-working, humble cowboys who have tunnel vision when its comes down to the love of their lives. Always love Kendra & the girls who always boldly add a little humor, sensibility, solution and support. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
September 20, 2019
A Cowboy's Secret (The McGavin Brothers Book 16) by Vicki Lewis Thompson ..Every book I read in this series makes me fall more in love with with Eagles Nest, The McGavin's and all their friends and extended family. Aaron Donahue (Raven..air force vet and pilot with Badger Air) Caitlin Dempsey ( professional photographer whose ex's name is the same as Aaron's ..and Caitlin can't seen to get past this) This book has two weddings, lots of love, laughs, tears, angst, plenty of steam all getting us to a very HEA. There is also a hint of whose story is coming next...lets hope it's Seth....
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Wonderful characters Witty Entertaining Steamy Page-turner Tear-jerker Romantic Easy-to-read Funny Happily Ever After
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Wonderful characters Witty Entertaining Steamy Page-turner Tear-jerker Romantic Easy-to-read Funny Happily Ever After
October 4, 2019
What a fun, romantic story involving cowboys and sexy ex-air force men who now fly planes for themselves. One of the men, Raven is even a war hero. The camaraderie between Raven, Badger, and Ryker and how they look out for each other is interesting and fun. I like how it sometimes got them into trouble too.
It was also fun that Raven's real name is Aaron Donahue which is causing a certain female named Caitlyn Dempsey to not want anything to do with him. What transpires makes this book really interesting and a lot of fun to read. I also really enjoyed the Whine and Cheese Club and their suggestions for Caitlyn. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
It was also fun that Raven's real name is Aaron Donahue which is causing a certain female named Caitlyn Dempsey to not want anything to do with him. What transpires makes this book really interesting and a lot of fun to read. I also really enjoyed the Whine and Cheese Club and their suggestions for Caitlyn. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
October 5, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this book! I've read all of Vicki Lewis Thompson's books, and this one is my favorite so far. Aaron is swoon-worthy. He's handsome, loyal, faithful, sweet, romantic, sexy, and an all-around great guy. Caitlin is sweet, but she has a hard time with Aaron's name because it's the same as her cheating ex, so Aaron has to come up with a way to convince her to give him a chance. I started reading this book at about 11:00 P.M., figuring I'd start it, then finish it the next day but I couldn't stop reading it. I didn't finish the book until 3:00 A.M. It was worth losing sleep over! I recommend this book!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
October 6, 2019
I’m sitting here with a smile on my face and here is why. This book is ridiculous, silly and funny; it’s filled with men who think they know women; there’s women who are not only romantic but do know their men; and, Delilah who met a skunk. All this goes on in Eagles Nest where weddings abound; celebrations happen; and, the Whine and Cheese Club have an intervention. I wondered right at the beginning how this story was going to sort itself out but leave it to the powerful women in town to make it all happen. Thanks for a fun day of reading. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series as I want to learn about the McGavin homecoming in book seventeen.
September 24, 2019
What do you do when you are attracted to a strong willed woman but have the bad luck of having the same name as her cheating ex? Get your buddy Badger to help, even though your sub-conscious tells you this has mission failure written all over it.
But if your Aaron Donahue (we’ll just whisper his name) an Air Force decorated vet, you will persist.
A cute , sweet, romance filled with a little heartbreak, funny and tearful moments, and a chance to see how some of the characters from previous stories are doing.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
But if your Aaron Donahue (we’ll just whisper his name) an Air Force decorated vet, you will persist.
A cute , sweet, romance filled with a little heartbreak, funny and tearful moments, and a chance to see how some of the characters from previous stories are doing.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
September 28, 2019
Cute Read.
Aaron Donahue’s friend Badger comes up with a scheme to allow him to spend quality time with the girl of his dreams. Only problem? She doesn’t know his real name. When she finds out she is hurt, furious and humiliated - not good odds for furthering a relationship! Loved reading a further story about the McGavin’s and their friends.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Aaron Donahue’s friend Badger comes up with a scheme to allow him to spend quality time with the girl of his dreams. Only problem? She doesn’t know his real name. When she finds out she is hurt, furious and humiliated - not good odds for furthering a relationship! Loved reading a further story about the McGavin’s and their friends.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2019
For Aaron Donahue, flying an airplane is a piece of cake compared to breaking through Caitlin Dempsey's fear of liking someone with the same first and last name as her ex.
The only way for Aaron to have a chance with Caitlin may be a bit deceitful, but he if doesn't try, he may never know.
As things seem to go in that wonderful town of Eagle's Nest, if you have the Wine and Cheese Club on your side, how can you lose?
Get ready for another exciting trip to Eagle's Nest!
The only way for Aaron to have a chance with Caitlin may be a bit deceitful, but he if doesn't try, he may never know.
As things seem to go in that wonderful town of Eagle's Nest, if you have the Wine and Cheese Club on your side, how can you lose?
Get ready for another exciting trip to Eagle's Nest!
October 4, 2019
Another lovely tale by Thompson.
This one definitely had a more fictional twist to it but it once again immerses you into the world of Eagle's Nest and the McGavin clan. I love how Thompson so tactfully weaves the military aspect into some of these stories.
As a photographer myself with a weakness for a man in uniform I loved this story!
A great addition to the McGavin series.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This one definitely had a more fictional twist to it but it once again immerses you into the world of Eagle's Nest and the McGavin clan. I love how Thompson so tactfully weaves the military aspect into some of these stories.
As a photographer myself with a weakness for a man in uniform I loved this story!
A great addition to the McGavin series.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
Good story!
What happens when you use a fake name to get to know a girl you are crazy about? Your name is the exact same name as her cheating ex-boyfriend. Things go sideways and of course it happens right before their friends double weddings. Thank goodness he got help in the end. I love these quick reads because the author writes good characters that just want to be accepted and happy. Thanks for another good story in Eagles Nest.
What happens when you use a fake name to get to know a girl you are crazy about? Your name is the exact same name as her cheating ex-boyfriend. Things go sideways and of course it happens right before their friends double weddings. Thank goodness he got help in the end. I love these quick reads because the author writes good characters that just want to be accepted and happy. Thanks for another good story in Eagles Nest.
September 30, 2019
Vicki Lewis Thompson again writes a sweet and sexy story about a man with the wrong name and a woman who hates said name. Aaron has the misfortune of sharing a name with Caitlin’s cheating ex. But the connection between the two cannot be denied. Low drama, sweet and sexy, with a HEA even with the hated monicker.
October 5, 2019
Not dating someone with the ex’s exact full name? Really? Well, maybe she has a point.
Aaron is desperate to get Caitlin know HIM. His ex-military friend, Badger, has an idea. Aaron is going to use his military call sign and use a disguise. He’ll meet her in dim light.
I can’t see anything going wrong with this plan.
Can you?
I enjoyed the ‘get to know you’ speed of this story.
Aaron is desperate to get Caitlin know HIM. His ex-military friend, Badger, has an idea. Aaron is going to use his military call sign and use a disguise. He’ll meet her in dim light.
I can’t see anything going wrong with this plan.
Can you?
I enjoyed the ‘get to know you’ speed of this story.
October 7, 2019
Aaron is a good guy. Unfortunately, Caitlin has a real problem with his name, so a fib becomes his last hope at getting to know her. Lying is usually not the best way to start a relationship, but sometimes one little lie can be the beginning of something wonderful.
I read an advanced copy of this book
I read an advanced copy of this book
October 4, 2019
Another delightful entry in the McGavin brothers series. This one starts out with a touch of Cyrano and develops into a heartwarming intriguing romance. The characters are witty and lovable. Don't miss this one
October 14, 2019
Another enjoyable addition to this series! It’s always fun revisiting with the characters in Eagles Nest and meeting up with new ones. Getting swept up in Caitlin and Aaron’s story was magical, heated and shocking. I can’t imagine being faced with Badger and Aaron’s scheme! Epic! Book gifted to me.
October 25, 2019
This series (and Vicki Lewis Thompson books in general) is my go to series for when I want a quick, fun and lighthearted romance with respectful men and a happy ending. They all have their own story, but I’m always left feeling happy and satisfied. This one lived up to expectations.
October 13, 2019
The McGavin Brothers
Your books are great. I loved everyone of them,and look forward to reading more. I always read them as soon as I get them.
Your books are great. I loved everyone of them,and look forward to reading more. I always read them as soon as I get them.
October 13, 2019
Great book.
McGavin Brothers series is a great read. You will want to read everyone of them back to back. Highly recommend.
McGavin Brothers series is a great read. You will want to read everyone of them back to back. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews