What do you think?
Rate this book
Wishing River #2
Cowboy for Hire
When a shy woman inherits a ranch, she’ll have to find an inner strength to succeed—and open herself up to love—in this heartwarming novel from New York Times bestselling author Victoria James.
Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she’s left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents’ legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast—not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she’s unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad.
“Cowboy for Hire,” the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he’s looking for a new place to put down roots—without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it’s clear he’s not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they’ll both need courage if they hope to find a family...together.
Each book in the Wishing River series is
* The Trouble with Cowboys
* Cowboy for Hire
Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she’s left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents’ legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast—not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she’s unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad.
“Cowboy for Hire,” the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he’s looking for a new place to put down roots—without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it’s clear he’s not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they’ll both need courage if they hope to find a family...together.
Each book in the Wishing River series is
* The Trouble with Cowboys
* Cowboy for Hire
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
65 people are currently reading
2191 people want to read
About the author
Victoria James
30 books1,025 followersVictoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 24, 2020
Pretty good. Missing the fire and sizzle.
~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say this book left me with many mixed feelings. On one hand the beginning was a bit humorous and started with a fun twist. On the other, I really had issue with Sarah’s character.
This book is the first one I have read by this author so I really had no idea what to expect. I do love a great cowboy romance and this one looked so promising.
Cade was a doll and even though he had his own issues, he had a lot going for him. He was caring and so sweet to Sarah. I loved his friends and several interactions within the book seemed to be the best part of the story.
Sarah, however, was not my favorite character and neither was her housekeeper. Sarah was so extremely sheltered that her character seemed pained about everything having to do with living outside her home. And her housekeeper does not help!
Sarah is awkward and such a huge virgin that she immediately falls for Cade. This was one Insta-love fest. Plus, she came off very un-trusting and way too pushy about his background. She was overly needy.
Unfortunately, I felt no connection between the two. There was some old fashioned romancing and a weird overnight trip, but basically it came off to be a connection of convenience. I wish James was able to sell me better on their blooming relationship.
Overall the story was strong and interesting. I just wish there was more fire and sizzle to seal the deal for me.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/cowboy-for-h...
~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say this book left me with many mixed feelings. On one hand the beginning was a bit humorous and started with a fun twist. On the other, I really had issue with Sarah’s character.
This book is the first one I have read by this author so I really had no idea what to expect. I do love a great cowboy romance and this one looked so promising.
Cade was a doll and even though he had his own issues, he had a lot going for him. He was caring and so sweet to Sarah. I loved his friends and several interactions within the book seemed to be the best part of the story.
Sarah, however, was not my favorite character and neither was her housekeeper. Sarah was so extremely sheltered that her character seemed pained about everything having to do with living outside her home. And her housekeeper does not help!
Sarah is awkward and such a huge virgin that she immediately falls for Cade. This was one Insta-love fest. Plus, she came off very un-trusting and way too pushy about his background. She was overly needy.
Unfortunately, I felt no connection between the two. There was some old fashioned romancing and a weird overnight trip, but basically it came off to be a connection of convenience. I wish James was able to sell me better on their blooming relationship.
Overall the story was strong and interesting. I just wish there was more fire and sizzle to seal the deal for me.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/cowboy-for-h...
March 29, 2020
Sarah Turner has led a sheltered life since her brother's death when they were kids. Her parent's took her out of school and homeschooled her. She didn't have any friends and lived on her family ranch. Now as an adult and after her parents' deaths she now has to figure out how to keep the ranch going. So she needs to hire a manager. She posts it online but the paper says she wants to hire a cowboy for herself lol. For years she has also had her families cook/housekeeper take care of her.
Cade Walker shows up for the position on Ranch Manager as he is looking for a new job. He comes from a dysfunctional family and never talks about them. He has been taking care of himself since he was a teenager.
Both Sarah and Cade need each other to find what they are looking for
Getting to know Cade's "family", which are all of his friends and how they pulled Sarah into their group made me smile. She had no idea how to be around others but 2 women pull them right in.
I received this ARC from Entangled and NetGalley
Cade Walker shows up for the position on Ranch Manager as he is looking for a new job. He comes from a dysfunctional family and never talks about them. He has been taking care of himself since he was a teenager.
Both Sarah and Cade need each other to find what they are looking for
Getting to know Cade's "family", which are all of his friends and how they pulled Sarah into their group made me smile. She had no idea how to be around others but 2 women pull them right in.
I received this ARC from Entangled and NetGalley
January 28, 2020
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Review to come.
Review to come.
April 4, 2020
hmmmmmmmm Sometimes, I start a review with that noncommittal phrase because I really can’t commit to one way or the other with a story. The thing about this book is that for every positive there’s an equal on the other hand and it makes it hard to review. I think the best way to put this is that my likes and dislikes about romance fiction don’t fit with this story. Better yet, what I like to read doesn’t fit with this story. Mechanically, the book was on point, except maybe … (SEE, there’s always a counterpoint! UGH)
Look, I’m not taking this book apart for you guys because that would be dumb. If you like your stories more on the sweet side than sexy side, this might work for you. There’s a lot more choices the author made with this story that didn’t quite work for me but like I said, not picking it apart.
Look, I’m not taking this book apart for you guys because that would be dumb. If you like your stories more on the sweet side than sexy side, this might work for you. There’s a lot more choices the author made with this story that didn’t quite work for me but like I said, not picking it apart.
March 5, 2020
Cowboy for Hire
Wishing River Series #2
Victoria James
https://www.facebook.com/victoriajame...
Release date 03/31/2020
Publisher Entangled Amara
Blurb :
Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she’s left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents’ legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast—not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she’s unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad.
“Cowboy for Hire,” the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he’s looking for a new place to put down roots—without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it’s clear he’s not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they’ll both need courage if they hope to find a family...together
My review :
When two people have to let the past go to make half the journey to one another ...
When I have finished a very consuming read, I sometimes need something more easy and this one book looking like to be the right answer for today.
This is the classical girl meets guy, they are from a different background with a very different upbringing, and other expectations in life.
She is afraid to live by fear of losing again while he is scared to love and never be enough.
Sarah’s life was shut down with her bother’s death, from there she lived suspended to others’ whims. She was put in a gilded cage for fifteen years, no friends, no school, only the closest kin. But now everyone has left, she is finally free to get a life for herself but it is not the easy thing when she feels like an intruder and a passive witness of the action which unfolds before her.
She is awkward among people but when in a small setting, she is able to voice her difficulties and doubts.
She just wants a chance to prove she can be more than the little girl who was held at bay for too long.
Cade had never one to count on, he was always the one providing the service, the help. When Sarah’s family was dysfunctional, his was destructive. He has no other role than helping or be discarded like trash why he felt this way, like never be enough.
I first thought he has quite retrograde ideas, like a good caveman, as if he could not bring more on the table than the woman he was not worth her time. When it was only his way to push back others of being rejected because he was of no use.
In all this 4.5 stars read is a cute clean romance with lovable characters, a bit of drama but no real angst as they are mature enough to see in time their flaws and failures do not make them unlovable.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Wishing River Series #2
Victoria James
https://www.facebook.com/victoriajame...
Release date 03/31/2020
Publisher Entangled Amara
Blurb :
Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she’s left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents’ legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast—not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she’s unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad.
“Cowboy for Hire,” the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he’s looking for a new place to put down roots—without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it’s clear he’s not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they’ll both need courage if they hope to find a family...together
My review :
When two people have to let the past go to make half the journey to one another ...
When I have finished a very consuming read, I sometimes need something more easy and this one book looking like to be the right answer for today.
This is the classical girl meets guy, they are from a different background with a very different upbringing, and other expectations in life.
She is afraid to live by fear of losing again while he is scared to love and never be enough.
Sarah’s life was shut down with her bother’s death, from there she lived suspended to others’ whims. She was put in a gilded cage for fifteen years, no friends, no school, only the closest kin. But now everyone has left, she is finally free to get a life for herself but it is not the easy thing when she feels like an intruder and a passive witness of the action which unfolds before her.
She is awkward among people but when in a small setting, she is able to voice her difficulties and doubts.
She just wants a chance to prove she can be more than the little girl who was held at bay for too long.
Cade had never one to count on, he was always the one providing the service, the help. When Sarah’s family was dysfunctional, his was destructive. He has no other role than helping or be discarded like trash why he felt this way, like never be enough.
I first thought he has quite retrograde ideas, like a good caveman, as if he could not bring more on the table than the woman he was not worth her time. When it was only his way to push back others of being rejected because he was of no use.
In all this 4.5 stars read is a cute clean romance with lovable characters, a bit of drama but no real angst as they are mature enough to see in time their flaws and failures do not make them unlovable.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
April 22, 2020
Sweet, romantic and touching story. Cade and Sarah were a cute couple.
March 30, 2020
This is a story of two people scarred by their different but dramatic childhoods who find healing and love together.
Sarah Turner is twenty-six but has spent most of her life since she was ten years old in comparative isolation, coddled, never mixing with her peers or the local community and homeschooled on her family ranch. Following the death of her parents she now owns the ranch and is determined to learn how to run it successfully, despite her foreman quitting. Cade Walker successfully applies for the job, though he's shocked she wants him to teach her how to run the ranch as part of the job. With dire warning from her housekeeper, Cade is wary of involving Sarah in all the ranching activities but she's feisty and determined to learn. Will they be able to help each other heal and find more than they bargained for in the process?
With a shy but determined heroine and a hero who always wants to prove his worth, this is a heartwarming romance. I was impressed by how Cade helps Sarah to find friends to support her and was such a gentleman despite temptations. This is an instant attraction from Sarah's point of view but she's been so sheltered she has no clue as to how to proceed. He's so used to being rejected if he can't prove he's useful, he feels unworthy of her love. Can the two overcome their pasts to build a future together?
This is a very different romance and an engaging read. I requested and was gifted a copy of it via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Sarah Turner is twenty-six but has spent most of her life since she was ten years old in comparative isolation, coddled, never mixing with her peers or the local community and homeschooled on her family ranch. Following the death of her parents she now owns the ranch and is determined to learn how to run it successfully, despite her foreman quitting. Cade Walker successfully applies for the job, though he's shocked she wants him to teach her how to run the ranch as part of the job. With dire warning from her housekeeper, Cade is wary of involving Sarah in all the ranching activities but she's feisty and determined to learn. Will they be able to help each other heal and find more than they bargained for in the process?
With a shy but determined heroine and a hero who always wants to prove his worth, this is a heartwarming romance. I was impressed by how Cade helps Sarah to find friends to support her and was such a gentleman despite temptations. This is an instant attraction from Sarah's point of view but she's been so sheltered she has no clue as to how to proceed. He's so used to being rejected if he can't prove he's useful, he feels unworthy of her love. Can the two overcome their pasts to build a future together?
This is a very different romance and an engaging read. I requested and was gifted a copy of it via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
March 31, 2020
3.5/5 stars
Book 2 in the Wishing River series. Ok read. Had some good laughs. Sarah and Cade were a good couple. Two broken people brought together to make the other whole. Slow and sweet romance so if that is what you are looking for then this is for you.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Book 2 in the Wishing River series. Ok read. Had some good laughs. Sarah and Cade were a good couple. Two broken people brought together to make the other whole. Slow and sweet romance so if that is what you are looking for then this is for you.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
March 26, 2020
This is a sweet and lighthearted romance drama. I really enjoyed reading it and loved all the characters. Cade and Sarah seemed to be meant for each other and I absolutely adored their interactions right from the start. I think this book is a must-read for the fans of contemporary fiction.
April 1, 2020
This was by far one of my favorite books EV-AH!!! I adore Vivian James and her stories but Cowboy For Hire is now my favorite. Once I started reading it, I just could not put it down!
Sarah is in the process of trying to get a life and learn to manage it herself. She needs someone just like...le sigh...Cade. He needs a new job as foreman on Sarah's ranch where he can do a great job but not be beholdin' to anyone. They are perfect for each other's needs. In the process of him teaching her to manage the ranch, they become friends then he introduces her to his friends and it just goes on from there. It's a great story.
Now lest you think it's all roses and champagne, it's not. He gets to see her at her worst...in the middle of a debilitating migraine. As the ahem, proud owner of debilitating migraines I can't thank Victoria enough for bringing them to light in the story. Sarah showed and I agree that yes, they are awful and yes they can run your life but it's important that the person with the migraines not be babied and be allowed to decide what they can and cannot do. There were some other good, angst filled moments in the story that served well to move the story line along and were so important.
All in all, the characters were extremely well written. The backup characters were almost as well fleshed out as the H/h and the world-building made for a beautiful Montana backdrop. This is actually the second in the series, Tyler and Lainey's story being book #1 and you know I'll be reading that while I wait for book #3! I hope you enjoy Cowboy for Hire half as much as I did! 5 Stars plus Baby!!
5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
3 🔥🔥🔥
Disclaimer
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Sarah is in the process of trying to get a life and learn to manage it herself. She needs someone just like...le sigh...Cade. He needs a new job as foreman on Sarah's ranch where he can do a great job but not be beholdin' to anyone. They are perfect for each other's needs. In the process of him teaching her to manage the ranch, they become friends then he introduces her to his friends and it just goes on from there. It's a great story.
Now lest you think it's all roses and champagne, it's not. He gets to see her at her worst...in the middle of a debilitating migraine. As the ahem, proud owner of debilitating migraines I can't thank Victoria enough for bringing them to light in the story. Sarah showed and I agree that yes, they are awful and yes they can run your life but it's important that the person with the migraines not be babied and be allowed to decide what they can and cannot do. There were some other good, angst filled moments in the story that served well to move the story line along and were so important.
All in all, the characters were extremely well written. The backup characters were almost as well fleshed out as the H/h and the world-building made for a beautiful Montana backdrop. This is actually the second in the series, Tyler and Lainey's story being book #1 and you know I'll be reading that while I wait for book #3! I hope you enjoy Cowboy for Hire half as much as I did! 5 Stars plus Baby!!
5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
3 🔥🔥🔥
Disclaimer
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 3, 2020
Cowboy for Hire is a sweet, awkward romance involving a couple of sweet, awkward characters. There're a lot of issues between these two, but I think that they work well here. Cade is caring and supporting, exactly what Sarah needs in her life. She's spent a lot of years being repressed and she's ready to stand on her own two feet. She's a little like a newborn colt, all gangly legs and clumsiness, but she's determined to stand on her own and finally do what makes her happy.
Cade has spent all of his life trying to show that he's useful, as his childhood taught him that if he wasn't then he wouldn't be kept around. It's hard for him to believe that someone, anyone, would want him around just for himself and not what he can do for them. He's made a lot of progress in the last few years, finally finding friends that treat him like family, but he's still not quite there.
This definitely causes moments of conflict between the two - his need to solve problems and her need to be involved. But together, with a little help from those who love them, they might figure out how to make things work.
While there are a lot of awesome moments with these two, Cade's struggling with his feelings and Sarah sometimes being bold then other times uncertain does create a very push/pull type of relationship that readers have to be OK with. It's handled realistically, between two characters who are trying their best to handle their hangups and a growing attraction, but some may be looking for something a little more straightforward.
I really enjoyed getting to know Cade and Sarah. They are good people and, while life hasn't always treated them well, they've managed to come out of it stronger (with a little baggage). It's sweet, complicated, and heartwarming, perfect for readers looking for a book with a little slower of a pace and not very much heat.
(Note: James starts the story with a humorous little mix-up that totally set a tone that didn't play out throughout, which I think throws readers off a little. It's something that she could have played throughout the book but unfortunately it's kind of a throw away after the first handful of pages. And while the book technically can stand on its own, there's a lot of references to things I didn't understand and I wonder if I would have had an idea about Cade's character, and an affection for him, coming into this story.)
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Cade has spent all of his life trying to show that he's useful, as his childhood taught him that if he wasn't then he wouldn't be kept around. It's hard for him to believe that someone, anyone, would want him around just for himself and not what he can do for them. He's made a lot of progress in the last few years, finally finding friends that treat him like family, but he's still not quite there.
This definitely causes moments of conflict between the two - his need to solve problems and her need to be involved. But together, with a little help from those who love them, they might figure out how to make things work.
While there are a lot of awesome moments with these two, Cade's struggling with his feelings and Sarah sometimes being bold then other times uncertain does create a very push/pull type of relationship that readers have to be OK with. It's handled realistically, between two characters who are trying their best to handle their hangups and a growing attraction, but some may be looking for something a little more straightforward.
I really enjoyed getting to know Cade and Sarah. They are good people and, while life hasn't always treated them well, they've managed to come out of it stronger (with a little baggage). It's sweet, complicated, and heartwarming, perfect for readers looking for a book with a little slower of a pace and not very much heat.
(Note: James starts the story with a humorous little mix-up that totally set a tone that didn't play out throughout, which I think throws readers off a little. It's something that she could have played throughout the book but unfortunately it's kind of a throw away after the first handful of pages. And while the book technically can stand on its own, there's a lot of references to things I didn't understand and I wonder if I would have had an idea about Cade's character, and an affection for him, coming into this story.)
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
April 24, 2020
Check out our COWBOY FOR HIRE post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
This story starts out fairly funny. Sarah's ad accidentally gets mixed up with an escort ad and she gets a lot of "cowboys" coming to her aid. But Sarah is really in need of a ranch manager who can show her how to run her ranch. She was never truly given a chance to learn. Her dad was a true believer that girls shouldn't run a ranch. But when tragedy strikes her family, Sarah knows that she has to break free of the preconceived notions that she grew up with.
Cade is a ranch manager who grew up thinking that he just wasn't good enough. Even though he found a place at a ranch, he has this underlying feeling of insecurity that follows him around. When he answers Sarah's ad, he wants to try and find his own path.
These two find themselves trying to work together while fighting their attraction. This story had a lot of potential, but it just felt a little one dimensional. Even though the characters had some baggage, they let it consume them. Also, the romance was very stilted. Overall, this needed more development.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
This story starts out fairly funny. Sarah's ad accidentally gets mixed up with an escort ad and she gets a lot of "cowboys" coming to her aid. But Sarah is really in need of a ranch manager who can show her how to run her ranch. She was never truly given a chance to learn. Her dad was a true believer that girls shouldn't run a ranch. But when tragedy strikes her family, Sarah knows that she has to break free of the preconceived notions that she grew up with.
Cade is a ranch manager who grew up thinking that he just wasn't good enough. Even though he found a place at a ranch, he has this underlying feeling of insecurity that follows him around. When he answers Sarah's ad, he wants to try and find his own path.
These two find themselves trying to work together while fighting their attraction. This story had a lot of potential, but it just felt a little one dimensional. Even though the characters had some baggage, they let it consume them. Also, the romance was very stilted. Overall, this needed more development.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 2, 2020
3.5 stars
This is a sweet story about two people coming into their own and discovering who they really are meant to be.
I liked both Sarah and Cade and enjoyed getting to know them. Both are interesting characters on their own, but together they seemed to bring out the best in each other. I think my favorite thing about Sarah was her willingness to put herself out there and stretch the muscles of independence. Both had some emotional growing to do and part of me wishes that Sarah had a few more opportunities to do so away from the ranch. There were times that she came across as much younger than her years, which while understandable made it slightly harder to relate to her.
Cowboy for Hire is the second book in a series and while it is very much a stand alone read, it also has a bit of what I think of as an “Oreo” feel to it. Cade and Sarah’s story is the cream filling, but his friends Tyler and Dean are the cookies on the outside. Both are key secondary characters here, but they are also the past and future leading men of books in the series. Ms James does a solid job of bringing enough of the other two guys to be interested in their stories, but not over powering the main story here. I definitely want to see what happens with Dean and Hope!
This is a sweet story about two people coming into their own and discovering who they really are meant to be.
I liked both Sarah and Cade and enjoyed getting to know them. Both are interesting characters on their own, but together they seemed to bring out the best in each other. I think my favorite thing about Sarah was her willingness to put herself out there and stretch the muscles of independence. Both had some emotional growing to do and part of me wishes that Sarah had a few more opportunities to do so away from the ranch. There were times that she came across as much younger than her years, which while understandable made it slightly harder to relate to her.
Cowboy for Hire is the second book in a series and while it is very much a stand alone read, it also has a bit of what I think of as an “Oreo” feel to it. Cade and Sarah’s story is the cream filling, but his friends Tyler and Dean are the cookies on the outside. Both are key secondary characters here, but they are also the past and future leading men of books in the series. Ms James does a solid job of bringing enough of the other two guys to be interested in their stories, but not over powering the main story here. I definitely want to see what happens with Dean and Hope!
March 23, 2020
[I received a digital arc from netgalley for an honest review]
Cowboy for Hire by Victoria James is the second book in her Wishing River series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I really loved the first book in the series and while this has the same writing style and clean wholesome vibe it just didn't land the same way with me. It has moments that will tug on your heart strings and situations you can't help but chuckle at but the whole story felt to scripted. The character , while individually were nice, lacked chemistry. I wanted them each to find their happy but I didn't need it to be with each other. That big aspects and the fact that I felt the hero needed to do a whole lot more groveling than he did at the end left me giving this only 3 stars
Cowboy for Hire by Victoria James is the second book in her Wishing River series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I really loved the first book in the series and while this has the same writing style and clean wholesome vibe it just didn't land the same way with me. It has moments that will tug on your heart strings and situations you can't help but chuckle at but the whole story felt to scripted. The character , while individually were nice, lacked chemistry. I wanted them each to find their happy but I didn't need it to be with each other. That big aspects and the fact that I felt the hero needed to do a whole lot more groveling than he did at the end left me giving this only 3 stars
April 1, 2020
This was one of the sweetest romances that I have read in a long time. The heroine Sarah had been sheltered most of her life and had to deal with tragedy at different stages in her life. Sarah was determined to finally live her life on her terms and take control of her ranch. To do so would mean hiring a new foreman, Cade, which would change her life in many ways. He was looking for a place of his own in this world but felt he had nothing to offer Sarah. Boy was he wrong! The chemistry between these two was electric from the start. There were moments of passion but laughter too. You could not help but fall in love along with them. They were the perfect duo searching for second chances and genuine love.
March 29, 2020
I am not sure what it is about Victoria James' books, but they grab me by the heart and keep it for the entirety of the story. This one is no different. Cade and Sarah are two characters you instantly feel for and want them to heal along with a happiness to their lives. Here is Sarah, a young woman suffering after much tragedy, desperately wanting to be in control of her ranch/life, yearning to start living. And then there is Cade. A man struggling to find his self worth, determined to be a good man, vulnerable from his past, afraid to want more. I loved these two separately and together. I feel they balanced each other out and were the perfect match. I loved their intimate talks, but not their arguments. Those broke my heart. But I did love their reconciliation; so fitting for them. I look forward to more from these characters and the series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
March 31, 2020
Cowboy for Hire (Wishing River, #2) by: Victoria James
Under the skin and into the heart. Victoria James connects deeply with readers because the emotion that her stories convey is real. Cowboy for Hire should be a walking heartache, but instead turns out to be a tale of empowerment. Sarah Turner is finally learning to spread her wings after years of self-doubt. Cade Walker is at a crossroads. Trust does not come easy for this loner cowboy. When life veers off track, fate has a few tricks up it's sleeve. Cowboy for Hire is a story of hope that enlightens the heart and brightens the soul.
Under the skin and into the heart. Victoria James connects deeply with readers because the emotion that her stories convey is real. Cowboy for Hire should be a walking heartache, but instead turns out to be a tale of empowerment. Sarah Turner is finally learning to spread her wings after years of self-doubt. Cade Walker is at a crossroads. Trust does not come easy for this loner cowboy. When life veers off track, fate has a few tricks up it's sleeve. Cowboy for Hire is a story of hope that enlightens the heart and brightens the soul.
April 1, 2020
4.5 Stars
I LOVED how Cade and Sarah met each other and at the end of their first meeting he mentioned seeing her "other ad" that was hilarious. The way that Cade tried to keep things professional between them after a weekend away together was a valiant effort but he couldn't deny the attraction between them. Victoria James is a new to me author and I will be checking out some of her other books because I am so intrigued by the rest of the Wishing River crew. While this is the second book in the series, I did not feel I was missing any crucial information and I so want to read the first book to see how Tyler and Lainey's story plays out.
I LOVED how Cade and Sarah met each other and at the end of their first meeting he mentioned seeing her "other ad" that was hilarious. The way that Cade tried to keep things professional between them after a weekend away together was a valiant effort but he couldn't deny the attraction between them. Victoria James is a new to me author and I will be checking out some of her other books because I am so intrigued by the rest of the Wishing River crew. While this is the second book in the series, I did not feel I was missing any crucial information and I so want to read the first book to see how Tyler and Lainey's story plays out.
March 31, 2020
I love cowboy stories! I started reading romances by reading them and I just love the simplicity and sweetness of the romance in the country. Ms. James has a wonderful writing style and created in this book a sweet story about a shy but strong female character who must be in charge of her family business and is not afraid to ask for help. Cade has been through a lot in life and is trying to find his place in the world and seeks for another position as a farm manager.
Little does he know that his life will change forever upon meeting and helping Sarah. These characters are so great and this story so endearing.
I loved this book!
Little does he know that his life will change forever upon meeting and helping Sarah. These characters are so great and this story so endearing.
I loved this book!
February 10, 2020
Sarah Turner needs to rejoin the world and find a ranch foreman to teach her to run it. Cade Walker is a man wanting to prove himself worthy to be kept around. Great story of healing and trust that leads to romance. "A copy of this book was provided by Entangled via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." Great part of a series I had no trouble reading as a stand alone.
March 29, 2020
A cowboy read with a different twist. This started out funny and I really thought there would be more humor throughout. Felt rather sad for Sarah and thankful it was Cade who came into her life. He also had problems, but between the two, they worked out the kinks, not without mishaps and misunderstandings, they did make it work. A happy ending for two rather lost souls who found their other half!
March 28, 2020
Sarah had perfect family and in one moment that chanced, she grew up sheltered from life. Now she has to take care of the ranch her parents left her and she needs foreman to run that ranch and teach her.
Cade got a job as foreman at Sarah's ranch, he is attracted to her, but he knows he is not worthy of her.
Wonderful sweet story.
Cade got a job as foreman at Sarah's ranch, he is attracted to her, but he knows he is not worthy of her.
Wonderful sweet story.
March 10, 2020
Cowboy for Hire (Wishing River #2) by Victoria James
3 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This story starts out fairly funny. Sarah's add accidentally gets mixed up with an escort add and she gets a lot of "cowboys" coming to her aid. But, Sarah is really in need of a ranch manager who can show her how to run her ranch. She was never truly given a chance to learn. Her dad was a true believer that girls shouldn't run a ranch. But, when tragedy strikes her family, Sarah knows that she has to break free of the preconceived notions that she grew up with.
Cade is a ranch manager who grew up thinking that he just wasn't good enough. Even though he found a place at a ranch, he has this underlying feeling/insecurity that follows his around. When he answers Sarah's ad, he wants to try and find his own path.
These two find themselves trying to work together while fighting their attraction. This story had a lot of potential, but it just felt a little one dimensional. Even though the characters had some baggage, they let it consume them. Also, the romance was very stilted. Overall, this needed more development.
3 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This story starts out fairly funny. Sarah's add accidentally gets mixed up with an escort add and she gets a lot of "cowboys" coming to her aid. But, Sarah is really in need of a ranch manager who can show her how to run her ranch. She was never truly given a chance to learn. Her dad was a true believer that girls shouldn't run a ranch. But, when tragedy strikes her family, Sarah knows that she has to break free of the preconceived notions that she grew up with.
Cade is a ranch manager who grew up thinking that he just wasn't good enough. Even though he found a place at a ranch, he has this underlying feeling/insecurity that follows his around. When he answers Sarah's ad, he wants to try and find his own path.
These two find themselves trying to work together while fighting their attraction. This story had a lot of potential, but it just felt a little one dimensional. Even though the characters had some baggage, they let it consume them. Also, the romance was very stilted. Overall, this needed more development.
January 27, 2020
Where to begin with this book? I should start by saying it has its moments.
That said, I did expect more from it. More conflict, more tension to keep me turning the pages. On their own, the characters were super likable and both had so much depth. I could see the story unfolding in real life, but a story is not supposed to be like real life. It's supposed to have a conflict. I guess this is what bothered me the most.
Fine, okay, there is a conflict, but...
I don't want to spoil anything, even though there is little I can say to truly spoil the book. But there is something our cowboy Cade is keeping from Sarah. That does work and has you wondering what will happen. But it's something that is so in the back of your mind, it doesn't really matter throughout the book, until Cade begins to think about it more and then the conflict actually comes into play.
For a book to keep me hooked I need more. So we get these scenes between our leads, which are nice, I guess. But they're a teeny tiny bit dull. It just feels like there's a lot of talking, and yearning, and pining, and not enough tension, spiciness... I don't know!
I probably wouldn't feel like this if the word 'cowboy' wasn't in the title. It built my expectations, and I was expecting a different kind of story. I expected more banter between the characters. Not that I wanted sweet, responsible Cade to be an asshole. No, I like him as he is. But while he got know Sarah, I really would have appreciated them arguing more, and seeing them work on ranch problems together. Really see how they pushed each other's buttons.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see that here. But now, I'm going to tell you more about what I did like.
These characters really grow throughout the story
I can't complain about one dimensional characters here. Their backgrounds are quite sad, and they clearly need the emotional support. Sarah learns to stand up for herself, which I applaud so much. She does it even when it means antagonizing Cade, who she cares for very deeply. At one point when he makes a mess of things, she doesn't inmediately cave in but makes it clear he made a mistake.
Cade too is super well defined. Perhaps knowing exactly what his problem is makes him a bit dull, but I appreciate that at least he's got a story. He's got motivations and fears. They're a very important part of this story. And you gotta appreciate a vulnerable male lead.
Overall, I'd say this is a nice book. It lacked that added oomph that would've made it awesome.
That said, I did expect more from it. More conflict, more tension to keep me turning the pages. On their own, the characters were super likable and both had so much depth. I could see the story unfolding in real life, but a story is not supposed to be like real life. It's supposed to have a conflict. I guess this is what bothered me the most.
Fine, okay, there is a conflict, but...
I don't want to spoil anything, even though there is little I can say to truly spoil the book. But there is something our cowboy Cade is keeping from Sarah. That does work and has you wondering what will happen. But it's something that is so in the back of your mind, it doesn't really matter throughout the book, until Cade begins to think about it more and then the conflict actually comes into play.
For a book to keep me hooked I need more. So we get these scenes between our leads, which are nice, I guess. But they're a teeny tiny bit dull. It just feels like there's a lot of talking, and yearning, and pining, and not enough tension, spiciness... I don't know!
I probably wouldn't feel like this if the word 'cowboy' wasn't in the title. It built my expectations, and I was expecting a different kind of story. I expected more banter between the characters. Not that I wanted sweet, responsible Cade to be an asshole. No, I like him as he is. But while he got know Sarah, I really would have appreciated them arguing more, and seeing them work on ranch problems together. Really see how they pushed each other's buttons.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see that here. But now, I'm going to tell you more about what I did like.
These characters really grow throughout the story
I can't complain about one dimensional characters here. Their backgrounds are quite sad, and they clearly need the emotional support. Sarah learns to stand up for herself, which I applaud so much. She does it even when it means antagonizing Cade, who she cares for very deeply. At one point when he makes a mess of things, she doesn't inmediately cave in but makes it clear he made a mistake.
Cade too is super well defined. Perhaps knowing exactly what his problem is makes him a bit dull, but I appreciate that at least he's got a story. He's got motivations and fears. They're a very important part of this story. And you gotta appreciate a vulnerable male lead.
Overall, I'd say this is a nice book. It lacked that added oomph that would've made it awesome.
April 7, 2020
With the sudden death of Sarah Turner's parents, she inherits her family's ranch. She can't stomach the idea of losing the ranch so she decides to find someone who can help her keep the ranch afloat. She's not looking for someone to take over but someone who will teaching her everything she'll need to know to keep it up and running. With absolutely no experience or know-how, and a ranch manager who abandons her, Sarah places an ad in the local paper. After some misunderstandings with the wording of the ad, her knight in shining cowboy books appears.
Cade Walker answers a local ad for a ranch manager and doesn't expect the woman who comes to the door. He's looking to change employment locations without having to prove he's worthy. When he accepts the ranch manager position from Sarah Turner, he realizes he won't just be running the ranch but also playing training specialist.
Both Sarah and Cade are wonderful characters. They both have emotional baggage but the author, as she always does, presents it with realism and believability. Sarah also suffers from migraines that for some reason has caused those in her life to treat her like a delicate flower. I also suffer from migraines and my triggers are chocolate, dill pickles, and stress; chocolate and pickles are primary and stress is secondary. My worst headaches debilitate me, as they do Sarah's character, but other than leaving me alone during the episode, I don't require coddling. I feel really bad for Sarah's character in that respect.
As per every review I do for a book by Victoria James:
Victoria James is one of my absolute favorite authors. Her writing is realistic and her subject matter for each book is believable. Her heroines and her heroes are not perfect, but they are perfect for one another. There is a reason that Victoria James is one of my all-time favorite authors - she writes impassioned and realistic contemporary romances. To date, I've read most of her books and each one manages to evoke emotional responses from me. At the very least, I always tear up during some part of the novel. Her characters are believable and realistically written.
Victoria's writing is phenomenal. Her characters, the plot, themes, drama, and passion pull the reader in and keeps them engaged. There is true emotion that can be felt by those readers that become one with the books they read. I get lost in the novels and put myself right into the middle of them. I feel for the characters and drawing on my emotions is what makes a book worth 5 stars for me. If I hurt with them, cry with/for them, laugh, or get angry, then the author did a fantastic job and has written the perfect book (or in the case of Victoria...books) for me. Victoria James is amazing!
Cade Walker answers a local ad for a ranch manager and doesn't expect the woman who comes to the door. He's looking to change employment locations without having to prove he's worthy. When he accepts the ranch manager position from Sarah Turner, he realizes he won't just be running the ranch but also playing training specialist.
Both Sarah and Cade are wonderful characters. They both have emotional baggage but the author, as she always does, presents it with realism and believability. Sarah also suffers from migraines that for some reason has caused those in her life to treat her like a delicate flower. I also suffer from migraines and my triggers are chocolate, dill pickles, and stress; chocolate and pickles are primary and stress is secondary. My worst headaches debilitate me, as they do Sarah's character, but other than leaving me alone during the episode, I don't require coddling. I feel really bad for Sarah's character in that respect.
As per every review I do for a book by Victoria James:
Victoria James is one of my absolute favorite authors. Her writing is realistic and her subject matter for each book is believable. Her heroines and her heroes are not perfect, but they are perfect for one another. There is a reason that Victoria James is one of my all-time favorite authors - she writes impassioned and realistic contemporary romances. To date, I've read most of her books and each one manages to evoke emotional responses from me. At the very least, I always tear up during some part of the novel. Her characters are believable and realistically written.
Victoria's writing is phenomenal. Her characters, the plot, themes, drama, and passion pull the reader in and keeps them engaged. There is true emotion that can be felt by those readers that become one with the books they read. I get lost in the novels and put myself right into the middle of them. I feel for the characters and drawing on my emotions is what makes a book worth 5 stars for me. If I hurt with them, cry with/for them, laugh, or get angry, then the author did a fantastic job and has written the perfect book (or in the case of Victoria...books) for me. Victoria James is amazing!
April 4, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I was so glad to discover that Cowboy for Hire continues the Wishing River series for when I’d read The Trouble with Cowboys last year it wasn’t clear that there would be a series forthcoming – it felt like the beginning of a series, but nothing official at that time. Now I’ll (hopefully) get the stories of other characters I first met last year and really wanted to get to know better.
I saw both Cade and Sarah as wounded souls for far, far different reasons. While Sarah comes off at times as overly needy, and definitely socially awkward we’re reminded of her childhood, dysfunctional in the sense that after her brother’s death when she was a young child her parents immediately wrapped her in a safe cocoon (as sometimes in that situation parents will do) keeping her at home with no contact with the outside world for the most part aside from their housekeeper – who I often wanted to “Gibbs Slap” for her actions and words. Now, after her parent’s deaths Sarah must take over the family ranch, make it profitable but she has no clue how to do that. Sheltered is a very mild word to describe this woman – that’s where Cade comes into the picture.
Cade has major trust issues, and they are well earned. He’s accustomed to keeping people at bay, even pushing them away to avoid being hurt for his entire life he has been seen as “not good enough”. As he answers Sarah’s ad to hire a cowboy he had no clue what he was stepping into – and no idea that this shy, awkward woman was the answer to finally seeing himself as more than good enough to love. I adored them both, and they both frustrated me as well. Watching them get past walls, begin to trust, be drawn into a circle of friends, and learn that it’s safe to fall in love was an emotional, enjoyable journey. If you enjoy a romance where two people who don’t fit in the outside world very well but come alive with each other, a struggling ranch blooming under competent, tender loving care, and a circle of friends that anyone would be proud to call theirs – then you’ll love Cowboy for Hire. I had a blast, and I already want more.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I was so glad to discover that Cowboy for Hire continues the Wishing River series for when I’d read The Trouble with Cowboys last year it wasn’t clear that there would be a series forthcoming – it felt like the beginning of a series, but nothing official at that time. Now I’ll (hopefully) get the stories of other characters I first met last year and really wanted to get to know better.
I saw both Cade and Sarah as wounded souls for far, far different reasons. While Sarah comes off at times as overly needy, and definitely socially awkward we’re reminded of her childhood, dysfunctional in the sense that after her brother’s death when she was a young child her parents immediately wrapped her in a safe cocoon (as sometimes in that situation parents will do) keeping her at home with no contact with the outside world for the most part aside from their housekeeper – who I often wanted to “Gibbs Slap” for her actions and words. Now, after her parent’s deaths Sarah must take over the family ranch, make it profitable but she has no clue how to do that. Sheltered is a very mild word to describe this woman – that’s where Cade comes into the picture.
Cade has major trust issues, and they are well earned. He’s accustomed to keeping people at bay, even pushing them away to avoid being hurt for his entire life he has been seen as “not good enough”. As he answers Sarah’s ad to hire a cowboy he had no clue what he was stepping into – and no idea that this shy, awkward woman was the answer to finally seeing himself as more than good enough to love. I adored them both, and they both frustrated me as well. Watching them get past walls, begin to trust, be drawn into a circle of friends, and learn that it’s safe to fall in love was an emotional, enjoyable journey. If you enjoy a romance where two people who don’t fit in the outside world very well but come alive with each other, a struggling ranch blooming under competent, tender loving care, and a circle of friends that anyone would be proud to call theirs – then you’ll love Cowboy for Hire. I had a blast, and I already want more.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
May 18, 2020
This book is a lovely written story about two people who were hurt by the negligence of those who should have loved them. Wonderful characters and a compelling plot make it an engaging read.
Until her brother, Josh, drowned when he was 12 and she 10, Sarah Turner had an idyllic childhood. But when he died, so did their family. When she did not speak for several months, her parents wrapped her in cotton wool, homeschooled her, so eventually she had no more friends or contacts outside of the ranch. Her father became a gambling drunk and her mother cold, so that only the housekeeper, Mrs. Casey, showed her any love. Her father refused to let her learn how to run the ranch, even though that had been her and Josh's dream, to run the ranch together and raise their families there. At 26, her parents are gone, the foreman has just left and she needs a new foreman to teach her the ropes.
Cade Walker had the opposite upbringing, told that he was a mistake, never shown any love and learned to work hard just to earn himself a place. All he has is his pride, he doesn't trust and doesn't think that a relationship, or a family is in his future. He had been working at a neighboring ranch as foreman, but now that the prodigal son, and his friend has returned, he feels this opportunity would be perfect for him.
They are both immediately attracted to each other, but that can't do, because she is his boss. He keeps her in the friend zone, while she fights him on making that decision for them both. He doesn't believe that he is good enough for her. He makes mistakes and almost loses the girl, until his friends figuratively smack him upside of the head, to get him to realize that he does deserve a HEA.
It is heartbreaking how they both grew up and funny as Cade teaches Sarah how to live again. I was mesmerized by the story and had a hard time putting it down. I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Until her brother, Josh, drowned when he was 12 and she 10, Sarah Turner had an idyllic childhood. But when he died, so did their family. When she did not speak for several months, her parents wrapped her in cotton wool, homeschooled her, so eventually she had no more friends or contacts outside of the ranch. Her father became a gambling drunk and her mother cold, so that only the housekeeper, Mrs. Casey, showed her any love. Her father refused to let her learn how to run the ranch, even though that had been her and Josh's dream, to run the ranch together and raise their families there. At 26, her parents are gone, the foreman has just left and she needs a new foreman to teach her the ropes.
Cade Walker had the opposite upbringing, told that he was a mistake, never shown any love and learned to work hard just to earn himself a place. All he has is his pride, he doesn't trust and doesn't think that a relationship, or a family is in his future. He had been working at a neighboring ranch as foreman, but now that the prodigal son, and his friend has returned, he feels this opportunity would be perfect for him.
They are both immediately attracted to each other, but that can't do, because she is his boss. He keeps her in the friend zone, while she fights him on making that decision for them both. He doesn't believe that he is good enough for her. He makes mistakes and almost loses the girl, until his friends figuratively smack him upside of the head, to get him to realize that he does deserve a HEA.
It is heartbreaking how they both grew up and funny as Cade teaches Sarah how to live again. I was mesmerized by the story and had a hard time putting it down. I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
February 10, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I fell in love with Wishing River with the first book of the series, "The Trouble with Cowboys". OMGosh, I couldn't read the story fast enough. This story is no different. I devoured the pages and I didn't want to stop reading. Ms. James has been a fantastic job of story-telling. She masterfully crafted a tale of two damaged souls coming together to overcome their past.
Sarah is a young lady who lost her brother when she was ten and her family was never the same again. The ranch was a place of hiding from the world. Cade is a young cowboy who has never received love. He had to prove his worthiness in order to not be discarded.
This story just totally grabbed me right from the beginning. There were moments that were hilariously funny and others that were poignantly heart-wrenching. This story is written in my favorite dual POV format. I can really connect to the characters so much more easily this way.
I was completely saddened to see the story come to an end. It is like saying good-bye to friends until the next book in the series comes out. Ms. James did a great job of included the first couple throughout the story along with the other two from their group. I looking forward to reconnecting with all of them again in the next story.
This is a really sweet, clean romance. I highly recommend this to anyone who love to see two people overcome past hurts and find love.
I fell in love with Wishing River with the first book of the series, "The Trouble with Cowboys". OMGosh, I couldn't read the story fast enough. This story is no different. I devoured the pages and I didn't want to stop reading. Ms. James has been a fantastic job of story-telling. She masterfully crafted a tale of two damaged souls coming together to overcome their past.
Sarah is a young lady who lost her brother when she was ten and her family was never the same again. The ranch was a place of hiding from the world. Cade is a young cowboy who has never received love. He had to prove his worthiness in order to not be discarded.
This story just totally grabbed me right from the beginning. There were moments that were hilariously funny and others that were poignantly heart-wrenching. This story is written in my favorite dual POV format. I can really connect to the characters so much more easily this way.
I was completely saddened to see the story come to an end. It is like saying good-bye to friends until the next book in the series comes out. Ms. James did a great job of included the first couple throughout the story along with the other two from their group. I looking forward to reconnecting with all of them again in the next story.
This is a really sweet, clean romance. I highly recommend this to anyone who love to see two people overcome past hurts and find love.
October 20, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 4/3/2020.
This was such a sweet romance--I loved Sarah and Cade's story!
It starts out on an LOL moment--a mixup with Sarah's online ad that isn't ever fully explained--and just takes off from there. Both of them have issues galore, stemming from pasts that weren't what they deserved and definitely what they should have been able to expect, and watching them both overcome those pasts to be together was all kinds of rewarding.
Frustrating as heck at times--Cade, I'm looking at your obstinate self!--but that ending? Made everything worth it. And now I'm finding myself suddenly craving peach rings...no idea why... ;)
Cowboy for Hire is the second book in the Wishing River series, but it could work fine as a standalone if needed. If you have read the first book ( The Trouble with Cowboys ) though, you'll love seeing all of your Wishing River favorites here again--Lainey comes back!--and will undoubtedly join me in wondering how long Ms James is going to make us wait for Dean and Hope's book...
(Please, don't make us wait too long!)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This was such a sweet romance--I loved Sarah and Cade's story!
It starts out on an LOL moment--a mixup with Sarah's online ad that isn't ever fully explained--and just takes off from there. Both of them have issues galore, stemming from pasts that weren't what they deserved and definitely what they should have been able to expect, and watching them both overcome those pasts to be together was all kinds of rewarding.
Frustrating as heck at times--Cade, I'm looking at your obstinate self!--but that ending? Made everything worth it. And now I'm finding myself suddenly craving peach rings...no idea why... ;)
Cowboy for Hire is the second book in the Wishing River series, but it could work fine as a standalone if needed. If you have read the first book ( The Trouble with Cowboys ) though, you'll love seeing all of your Wishing River favorites here again--Lainey comes back!--and will undoubtedly join me in wondering how long Ms James is going to make us wait for Dean and Hope's book...
(Please, don't make us wait too long!)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 3, 2020
Sarah is a shy woman who has inherited her family’s working ranch. When her foreman up and runs off, she needs a cowboy who can both run the ranch and teach her the skills to do so herself. Due to a tragedy in her youth, Sarah has been completely isolated and sheltered as she grew up. She was not allowed to help with the running of the ranch until both her parents passed away. With the help of her family’s caretaker, she runs an ad to hire a man with the necessary skills.
Cade worked the ranch nearby, but he wants to run his own ranch. Except, he knows he will never have the money to own a ranch, so he applies for the next best thing. He finds Sarah an enigma, but he is willing to train her and hopefully, she will find him indispensable and keep him on after a year. He realizes Sarah has been cooped up all her life, and she needs to get out and make friends her own age, and she wants to start living her life! So Cade invites her to meet his friends, he spends hours with her and he helps her grow outside the homestead and the ranch.
This book was a fun, fast moving story with lots of explaining about Sarah’s sheltered life, her coming out of her shell, Cade learning to trust and love without smothering or being overbearing.
This was a wonderful book with lots of fun secondary characters and the H and h learning how they are perfect for each other and a united future.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
Cade worked the ranch nearby, but he wants to run his own ranch. Except, he knows he will never have the money to own a ranch, so he applies for the next best thing. He finds Sarah an enigma, but he is willing to train her and hopefully, she will find him indispensable and keep him on after a year. He realizes Sarah has been cooped up all her life, and she needs to get out and make friends her own age, and she wants to start living her life! So Cade invites her to meet his friends, he spends hours with her and he helps her grow outside the homestead and the ranch.
This book was a fun, fast moving story with lots of explaining about Sarah’s sheltered life, her coming out of her shell, Cade learning to trust and love without smothering or being overbearing.
This was a wonderful book with lots of fun secondary characters and the H and h learning how they are perfect for each other and a united future.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews