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Cowboys of Cattle Cove #1
Cowboy Reckoning
Intent on proving her brother was murdered a decade ago, Ensley Cartier returns to the one place she vowed to never set foot in again. With the whole town against her, she finds an ally in Levi McGannon. He loves the land and the ranching way of life, but they quickly discover Cattle Cove isn’t the innocent town he once believed and somebody wants Ensley buried along with their secrets.
165 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2020
1022 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Barb Han
366 books211 followersBARB HAN is a USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books "heartfelt" and "exciting."
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 27, 2020
Really sad reading about a sister whose brother and his friend were murdered 10 years ago at the tender age of 12. She's finally come back to town to find answers. They said it was a suicide but she's not buying it. But when people start to come after her, she knows there's a cover-up. Levi is home from the war to work on the family ranch. He's adopted a bomb sniffing war dog, whose trying to settle in. Lots of action and a mystery to solve. HEA
June 6, 2020
Just didn’t do it for me.
Too many unneeded things happen, especially at the end. I just didn’t get into this book and found it easy to forget about.
Though the storyline was decent the execution left me unimpressed.
The third person descriptive at times threw me.
A marriage proposal amidst all that mayhem was NOT romantic.
I liked the dog more than the main characters.
This was a free read but I won’t be reading more as I just didn’t feel invested.
Too many unneeded things happen, especially at the end. I just didn’t get into this book and found it easy to forget about.
Though the storyline was decent the execution left me unimpressed.
The third person descriptive at times threw me.
A marriage proposal amidst all that mayhem was NOT romantic.
I liked the dog more than the main characters.
This was a free read but I won’t be reading more as I just didn’t feel invested.
October 13, 2020
Nancy Drew like but vague
Your dropped into a 10yr murder case being relooked at because of some disturbing facts, but your never told those facts. Also has an abrupt and corny ending, which is a tease for next book in series.
Your dropped into a 10yr murder case being relooked at because of some disturbing facts, but your never told those facts. Also has an abrupt and corny ending, which is a tease for next book in series.
May 10, 2020
Cowboy Reckoning: Cowboys of Cattle Cove Book 1 is by Barb Han. Another good book and the start of a great series. Barb Han just keeps writing and writing good books.
Ensley had returned to Cattle Cove after ten years. The coroner had died but there were rumors and investigations into misconduct and mishandled cases. She had come back to have the case of her brother’s murder reopened. She just knew that Cooper and Greyson would never have murdered the other and committed suicide. They were only twelve! Oaklynn who had been with them was found three days later in the woods, starved and dehydrated. Ensley had stopped at the meadow to revisit the scene of the crime before going on into town. As she got to the scene, it was now dark. She heard something coming towards her. She knew it was an animal but what animal? It turned out to be Karma, a former bomb sniffing military dog that was now retired and living with Levi McGannon. She knew who he was because she knew the McGannon’s; but had never met him nor had he met her. However, now she was happy to see him. He gave her coffee at his camp in the woods and then walked her to her car. As she tried to start it, it wouldn’t start. She called her roadside service only to find the closest place with a tow truck would not come out once they heard her name. Levi thought that suspicious; but that could wait. Instead, he invited Ensley to stay at the ranch where she would be protected and he could help her.
As they begin to try to investigate, they find all the doors are closed to them. Why would that be, unless she was right and it was a coverup? When they found her car vandalized the next morning, they notified the new sheriff and she had already opened the case and was preparing to do her investigation. Maybe she could find something new,
Ensley had returned to Cattle Cove after ten years. The coroner had died but there were rumors and investigations into misconduct and mishandled cases. She had come back to have the case of her brother’s murder reopened. She just knew that Cooper and Greyson would never have murdered the other and committed suicide. They were only twelve! Oaklynn who had been with them was found three days later in the woods, starved and dehydrated. Ensley had stopped at the meadow to revisit the scene of the crime before going on into town. As she got to the scene, it was now dark. She heard something coming towards her. She knew it was an animal but what animal? It turned out to be Karma, a former bomb sniffing military dog that was now retired and living with Levi McGannon. She knew who he was because she knew the McGannon’s; but had never met him nor had he met her. However, now she was happy to see him. He gave her coffee at his camp in the woods and then walked her to her car. As she tried to start it, it wouldn’t start. She called her roadside service only to find the closest place with a tow truck would not come out once they heard her name. Levi thought that suspicious; but that could wait. Instead, he invited Ensley to stay at the ranch where she would be protected and he could help her.
As they begin to try to investigate, they find all the doors are closed to them. Why would that be, unless she was right and it was a coverup? When they found her car vandalized the next morning, they notified the new sheriff and she had already opened the case and was preparing to do her investigation. Maybe she could find something new,
November 27, 2020
'Karma? He's a cream puff!'
I am not sure anyone but Levi would refer to Karma as a cream puff, but he is one amazing dog. I love that Levi, Ensley and all the McGannon's give Karma space and time to 'clear' the vehicles and buildings, this is just the tip of a very large iceberg showing the type of family they are.
Levi and Karma have lots in common, they prefer solitude, hate crowds and need to see a task through to the end, but it very quickly becomes obvious to Levi that Ensley has become more than a task for both him and his dog. She is their missing part, she soothes and completes them...but Cattle Cove holds nothing but bad memories for Ensley and some people have been far from welcoming. Could the love of one anti-social man and a slightly broken war dog be enough to convince her to stay in Cattle Cove.
Ensley came to Cattle Cove for answers and closure, the last thing she expected to find was a place and a man that felt like home. But when helps her to find the answers and provides the closure she needs, she realises that nowhere has felt like home for 10 years, since she left Cattle Cove....surely then she should follow her heart and keep her cowboy?
Book one in the series and I really enjoyed it, I am guessing it has been reformatted since previous reviews were left as the errors mentioned there are no longer present in the copy I downloaded, I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the brothers and cousins in the series.
I am not sure anyone but Levi would refer to Karma as a cream puff, but he is one amazing dog. I love that Levi, Ensley and all the McGannon's give Karma space and time to 'clear' the vehicles and buildings, this is just the tip of a very large iceberg showing the type of family they are.
Levi and Karma have lots in common, they prefer solitude, hate crowds and need to see a task through to the end, but it very quickly becomes obvious to Levi that Ensley has become more than a task for both him and his dog. She is their missing part, she soothes and completes them...but Cattle Cove holds nothing but bad memories for Ensley and some people have been far from welcoming. Could the love of one anti-social man and a slightly broken war dog be enough to convince her to stay in Cattle Cove.
Ensley came to Cattle Cove for answers and closure, the last thing she expected to find was a place and a man that felt like home. But when helps her to find the answers and provides the closure she needs, she realises that nowhere has felt like home for 10 years, since she left Cattle Cove....surely then she should follow her heart and keep her cowboy?
Book one in the series and I really enjoyed it, I am guessing it has been reformatted since previous reviews were left as the errors mentioned there are no longer present in the copy I downloaded, I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the brothers and cousins in the series.
June 2, 2020
This was more like 2.5 stars, which is a shame because, unlike a lot of books that I've read lately, this one was not filled with all kinds of grammar errors and typos. I gave it a lower rating because I just couldn't get into the book. The main reason is that the author spends way too much time telling us what the characters are thinking and then all the reasons why they're thinking this way. It was like she wanted us to know absolutely everything about the main characters in the first chapter. She should have let the reader get to know them little by little, through the dialogue or their mannerisms. Instead, shoveling all this information about them right off the bat made it too analytical and kept the reader at an emotional distance. In addition, the dialogue was boring and many times too long and drawn out because the author was so intent on making sure we knew everything there was to know about these people. As a result, I started skimming the book. That could be one reason I just didn't feel the chemistry that was supposed to be building between Levi and Ensley, which happened way too fast. The plot seemed a bit over the top as well.
July 9, 2020
Cowboy Reckoning by Barb Han
Cowboys of Cattle Cove Series Book One
Levi McGannon has become a loner over the past year ever since he took on the responsibility of Karma, a German shepherd that had been in the military as a bomb-sniffing dog. When he helps a woman who is lost on their land, everything changes.
Ensley Cartier just can't move on. Ten years ago, everything changed when her beloved younger brother died. She didn't believe the final results of his death and won't rest until she knows the truth...which she is finding out could be deadly to her as well.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the hero and heroine, and the dog added a lot to the story, too. All three had issues in their lives to work through.
Looking forward to more stories in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Cowboys of Cattle Cove Series Book One
Levi McGannon has become a loner over the past year ever since he took on the responsibility of Karma, a German shepherd that had been in the military as a bomb-sniffing dog. When he helps a woman who is lost on their land, everything changes.
Ensley Cartier just can't move on. Ten years ago, everything changed when her beloved younger brother died. She didn't believe the final results of his death and won't rest until she knows the truth...which she is finding out could be deadly to her as well.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the hero and heroine, and the dog added a lot to the story, too. All three had issues in their lives to work through.
Looking forward to more stories in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
September 5, 2022
Ensley has come back 10 years after her brother and his friend were killed to figure out who the killer is.
Levi is a rancher with a huge family and a dog named Karma. Together they uncover a corrupt mayor and his buddies, who protected the murderers then and continue doing so now.
Ensley gets through to the one witness who reveals the killers and the network is blown wide open.
This book is poorly written, with repetitive sentences, awkward chapter breaks, and terrible pacing. The characters are OK, but the drama is contrived rather than natural. The bare bones of the plot are good, the execution is what’s lacking.
Levi is a rancher with a huge family and a dog named Karma. Together they uncover a corrupt mayor and his buddies, who protected the murderers then and continue doing so now.
Ensley gets through to the one witness who reveals the killers and the network is blown wide open.
This book is poorly written, with repetitive sentences, awkward chapter breaks, and terrible pacing. The characters are OK, but the drama is contrived rather than natural. The bare bones of the plot are good, the execution is what’s lacking.
June 15, 2020
The book got a five star from me. My first read by Barb Han, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed this book and read it within hours of starting it. It kept me wanting to know more.
Ensley comes back to Cattle Cove to find out who killed her brother and his friend ten years earlier. She never believed the suicide/murder theory.
There she meets an old friend Levi and his dog Karma. Together, with the help of a new sheriff they look into and find the murderer.
A lot of things happen that I haven't touched on. I don't like to spoil a good book. Get it and read it. It is really good.
Ensley comes back to Cattle Cove to find out who killed her brother and his friend ten years earlier. She never believed the suicide/murder theory.
There she meets an old friend Levi and his dog Karma. Together, with the help of a new sheriff they look into and find the murderer.
A lot of things happen that I haven't touched on. I don't like to spoil a good book. Get it and read it. It is really good.
January 11, 2024
Not my favorite, and a bit forgettable. For having been a ten-year-old crime, with absolutely no one in town talking about it, it was resolved pretty easily (it wasn’t surprising, but a little unsatisfying). Also, the ending (of the main story) felt rushed, with everything tied up far too well. The epilogue felt odd since it was more of a connector to the next book in the series rather than a true epilogue for this book. While I don’t mind that it connected to the next book, after such a rushed ending, it left me unsatisfied.
June 19, 2020
The mystery part was intriguing but a little hard to follow as most of the characters were not part of the story. The relationship development was weak at best. Spoiler...who gets married when their dad is in a coma?? Lame.
July 8, 2020
Did not enjoy this book. 10 yr old crime ends up solved after talking to one person.
February 29, 2024
I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 4 because it didn't grab my interest.
June 18, 2020
Interesting Characters
I have tons of mixed feelings about this book. Yes, it's a clean read, but not inspirational, so if you're looking for both in a novel, skip this one. The characters were interesting. I think a little less inner monologue would've appealed to me. They did seem to drone on at a couple of points.
The plot had promise, but there were several details that just pulled me out of the story. The setting was well done. I could easily see the places the characters visited.
Technical issues were rife. Words missing, odd wording, wrong word used in a couple of places... I'd like to see an updated version of this story after a couple editors run through it.
The ending was odd to me. I'm not a fan of epilogues if that info would fit better elsewhere. I was two paragraphs in and super confused when I realized a completely new character was narrating and the POV skewed a bit. Having said that, the plot introduced for the second book sounds promising, but I'm uncertain whether I'll read on in this series.
If none of what bothered me deters you, and you enjoy romantic suspense, give this book a go.
I have tons of mixed feelings about this book. Yes, it's a clean read, but not inspirational, so if you're looking for both in a novel, skip this one. The characters were interesting. I think a little less inner monologue would've appealed to me. They did seem to drone on at a couple of points.
The plot had promise, but there were several details that just pulled me out of the story. The setting was well done. I could easily see the places the characters visited.
Technical issues were rife. Words missing, odd wording, wrong word used in a couple of places... I'd like to see an updated version of this story after a couple editors run through it.
The ending was odd to me. I'm not a fan of epilogues if that info would fit better elsewhere. I was two paragraphs in and super confused when I realized a completely new character was narrating and the POV skewed a bit. Having said that, the plot introduced for the second book sounds promising, but I'm uncertain whether I'll read on in this series.
If none of what bothered me deters you, and you enjoy romantic suspense, give this book a go.
January 22, 2024
i am reviewing this here because i don't see the book i am reading or did read. it was from Bookbub (i think, am i mixing that up? don't think so??!) suggesting it was free ... called "Rancher to the Rescue", "Vaughn", "Cowboy Reckoning" & "Texas Cowboy Protection". 4 books in one. kindle copy. fun read. i guess if i had to pick one ...this "Cowboy Reckoning" would be my favorite of them all ...just saying ... came out Nov 24, 2023. small town romance ebooks. romantic suspense. contemporary romance. i think that Barb's face looks familiar ... wondering if i am knowing of her or that her face is just ... not sure??! cute reads. will read more from her soon. check her out if you are new to her? fun reads. all in what you wish for ...
May 29, 2020
Cowboy Reckoning (Cowboys of Cattle Cove Book 1)
Did you ever have a book that was so intense you almost didn’t want to read it,but was so good you had to do just that? Well,this book is like that with a whole lot of intrigue and a little romance.But it is just so,so good!
You change your mind six times about who really killed these teenagers,then realize you were partially right,but had to read until the end to find out for sure.
I just can’t tell you anymore except you would do yourself a disservice NOT to read this book!
Did you ever have a book that was so intense you almost didn’t want to read it,but was so good you had to do just that? Well,this book is like that with a whole lot of intrigue and a little romance.But it is just so,so good!
You change your mind six times about who really killed these teenagers,then realize you were partially right,but had to read until the end to find out for sure.
I just can’t tell you anymore except you would do yourself a disservice NOT to read this book!
May 18, 2021
A good concept for a short thriller. However the insta love lacks credibility and except for a couple of paragraphs, the epilogue isn't about the main characters. Instead it leads to the next story in the series.
The mystery behind the commited crimes is intriguing. Identifying the suspects isn't easy as it has all been a cover up. Ten years later, the truth is unveiled and justice is served at last. The outcome of the romance is too quick. A little more character development would have helped. The mystery is enticing and makes for a fairly satisfying read.
The mystery behind the commited crimes is intriguing. Identifying the suspects isn't easy as it has all been a cover up. Ten years later, the truth is unveiled and justice is served at last. The outcome of the romance is too quick. A little more character development would have helped. The mystery is enticing and makes for a fairly satisfying read.
April 27, 2020
Ensley Cartier is back in Cattle Cove to finally put her brothers death behind her deep down inside she knows it couldn't have gone down how the sheriff said it did. Her first stop puts her back where it all happened and suddenly her life is upside down again. This book is full of suspense and a bit of romance, from page one the story line makes you not want to put it down! If you like a good western or suspense or romance this is the book for you!
April 27, 2020
Cowboy Reckoning
Barb Han
A fast paced story where Ensley returns home to find justice for her brother who was murdered 10 years before. Running into trouble Ensley is saved by Levi who insisting helping her. She has stirred up a hornets’ nest, but must continued her quest no matter what.
Grabs you from the start and won’t let you go until the end. Read it in one sitting. Another great story with characters you want only good things for.
Barb Han
A fast paced story where Ensley returns home to find justice for her brother who was murdered 10 years before. Running into trouble Ensley is saved by Levi who insisting helping her. She has stirred up a hornets’ nest, but must continued her quest no matter what.
Grabs you from the start and won’t let you go until the end. Read it in one sitting. Another great story with characters you want only good things for.
April 28, 2020
Ensley Cartier returns to the one place she vowed to never set foot in again. Her hometown. The place her brother died. Ensley is intent on proving he was murdered.
Levi McGannon is an unexpected ally. He loves the land and the ranching way of life.
What really happened to Ensley's brother Cooper? Was he murdered or was it an accident like the town officials say?
Fabulous start for a new series. Thank you, Barb, for delivering another winner.
Levi McGannon is an unexpected ally. He loves the land and the ranching way of life.
What really happened to Ensley's brother Cooper? Was he murdered or was it an accident like the town officials say?
Fabulous start for a new series. Thank you, Barb, for delivering another winner.
June 2, 2020
Love at first sight plus murder!
Cowboy Reckoning is warm and fuzzy balanced by cold blooded murder. Love at first sight, well at least as adults, is usually a bit much for me to accept but in this book the Ensley had a crush on Levi whilst a young girl. The ending was a bit choppy but adds a lead in to the next novel.
Cowboy Reckoning is warm and fuzzy balanced by cold blooded murder. Love at first sight, well at least as adults, is usually a bit much for me to accept but in this book the Ensley had a crush on Levi whilst a young girl. The ending was a bit choppy but adds a lead in to the next novel.
June 2, 2020
Absolutely brilliant book, I honestly thought I was going to be reading a typical ‘love’ story. As I got further into the book I actually found it nearly impossible to put down!, the only reason it took so long to finish is because I have children and they couldn’t entertain themselves even for a couple of hours. In short I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have/will be recommending it to all.
May 30, 2021
Excellent Story
I enjoyed this story. A good clean story with adventure and love. A story about a dog with what I assume is p.t.s.d. and a sister's determined to find out what really happened to her brother and his friend,(both young boys on the cusp.) A young girl kept a prisoner for 10 years by her father and threatened with death if she ever revealed the truth.
I enjoyed this story. A good clean story with adventure and love. A story about a dog with what I assume is p.t.s.d. and a sister's determined to find out what really happened to her brother and his friend,(both young boys on the cusp.) A young girl kept a prisoner for 10 years by her father and threatened with death if she ever revealed the truth.
September 19, 2022
Solving a cold case.
Ensley needs closure of her brothers murder 10 years ago. With the help of Levi and his wonderful ex military dog they may just figure it out. If they can stay alive. Emotional and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review.
Ensley needs closure of her brothers murder 10 years ago. With the help of Levi and his wonderful ex military dog they may just figure it out. If they can stay alive. Emotional and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review.
October 2, 2022
Good read…
Looking for justice for a ten year old crime is hard to do but this tale reads pretty realistically. The falling in love side plot is a little scarce, Ensley and Levi elude to their feelings yet not much is actually seen. The suspense makes up for most of the lack of true romance, plus you gotta love a dog veteran.
Looking for justice for a ten year old crime is hard to do but this tale reads pretty realistically. The falling in love side plot is a little scarce, Ensley and Levi elude to their feelings yet not much is actually seen. The suspense makes up for most of the lack of true romance, plus you gotta love a dog veteran.
June 4, 2020
This is a new author for me and I have to say, I really enjoyed the book. It’s a great afternoon read with excitement, intrigue and romance. Levi is my hero and Ensley is my trusted friend. Plus, I absolutely loved Karma. Thanks for a great story-line.
June 5, 2020
Clean Story
Every book I read already had at least a four star rating. I feel A if my voice counts little. Plus it takes a really unusual book to get a higher than average rating from me . I liked this book. Almost a clean romance.
Every book I read already had at least a four star rating. I feel A if my voice counts little. Plus it takes a really unusual book to get a higher than average rating from me . I liked this book. Almost a clean romance.
June 30, 2020
Great mystery with intelligent romance
It as a great combination of mystery and romance, where neither out shadowed the other, a wonderful romance,where you got to know the characters made more intriguing and attractive by the ever present danger that they’re navigating.
It as a great combination of mystery and romance, where neither out shadowed the other, a wonderful romance,where you got to know the characters made more intriguing and attractive by the ever present danger that they’re navigating.
July 2, 2020
Excellent writing. And reading
I enjoyed reading this book and I hope I can convince others to read it as well. I really loved the whole story but I don’t want to give it away. The author has a good imagination
I enjoyed reading this book and I hope I can convince others to read it as well. I really loved the whole story but I don’t want to give it away. The author has a good imagination
July 5, 2020
Cowboys and murders/ a nail- biter
Fascinating story of a lady seeking help finding the killer of her brother and friend ten years ago. Fast-moving, wonderfully realistic, including the characters.
Fascinating story of a lady seeking help finding the killer of her brother and friend ten years ago. Fast-moving, wonderfully realistic, including the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews