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It’s all fun and games until… oh, baby!

CJ Andrews loved every second of his brief affair with beautiful and witty Isabel Ricchetti. Under different circumstances, she could have been the one. Too bad her coffee shop is in Seattle, not Apple Grove, Montana.

But when a failed condom turns their carefree fling into a serious commitment, CJ’s priorities shift. Isabel may be looking for a long-distance co-parenting plan, not a relationship, but CJ can’t imagine being a long-distance dad.

He also can’t imagine keeping his distance from his baby’s mommy.

Saddle up for the third book in the all new Buckskin Brotherhood series! Steamy western romances from the NYT bestselling author who brought you The McGavin Brothers of Eagles Nest, Montana. If you like sexy cowboys, charming small towns, and laugh-out-loud adventures, you’ll love The Buckskin Brotherhood. Pick up your copy of Baby-Daddy Cowboy today!

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2020

766 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Vicki Lewis Thompson

499 books1,535 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.

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5 stars
609 (56%)
4 stars
299 (27%)
3 stars
124 (11%)
2 stars
34 (3%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for L..
616 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
This was a freebie, LOL. Thank heavens! It was a nice story, but it caused me to wonder about something that constantly occurred during the story. I wondered, are there couples who talk this much during intimacy in real life? C.J. and Izzy talked through their kisses, during sex, yet not so much when simply in each other's company.
There were detailed descriptions of food preparation, word by word conversations of phone calls, just a lot of wordiness! Far too much for my liking.
It's not a bad story, it was cute, and full of gentlemanly things that females wish males would do. But it was wordy!
Quality not quantity is what readers want.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,642 reviews39 followers
July 13, 2022

APPLE GROVE IS EUTOPIAN LIKE AND UNBELIEVABLE AND TOO SWEET, EVERYONE IS SO PERFECT. I DON'T THINK ANYWHERE ON EARTH IS THIS PERFECT. CJ & IZZY REMINED ME OF THE COUPLE IN "THE GIFT OF THE MAGI" BOTH WANT WHATS BEST FOR THE OTHER. ALL THE CHARACTERS WERE JUST TOO UNBELIEVABLE THEY WERE SO PERFECT IN EVERYWAY. EVEN THEIR CONVERSATIONS WERE UNBELIEVABLE. CUTE THOUGH. ;D
510 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2022
Extremely long read for me. I never really connected with the story. I felt Isabel was a bit manipulative. She really had CJ jumping through hoops. I didn’t really feel the love connection. I did enjoy everyone on the ranch. Great group. I loved the guys brainstorming CJ’s love life. Nick is my favorite. Unfortunately, I didn’t care enough about the story to read Nicks story.
351 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2022
Unfortunately didn’t enjoy this that much. It was kind of boring and there was nothing much going on. The conflict wasn’t really a conflict, the characters were just there, and there wasn’t much focus on the pregnancy which was the point of the blurb.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,611 reviews91 followers
January 8, 2022
I'm so into cowboy stories. Loved reading this. I didn't like Izzy very much, especially when she didn't want CJ to move where she lived in Seattle. All worked out in the end though.
An entertaining and enjoyable story. 5☆
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
May 18, 2022

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (5/18/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Courtney.
44 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2020
Vicki Lewis Thompson returns to the Buckskin Ranch in Baby-Daddy Cowboy, and the title speaks for itself. The weekend of Lucy and Matt’s wedding was obviously momentous for the Buckskin Brotherhood, but it turns out that Lucy and Matt’s lives weren’t the only ones that changed forever that weekend. CJ Andrews and Isabel Ricchetti, one of Lucy’s bridesmaids, experienced an immediate attraction that led to a night full of passion. As the weeks go by, CJ can’t quite forget Isabel, but he doesn’t expect to hear from her again. So he’s surprised when she calls him, but not nearly as surprised as he is to hear her news. CJ is going to be a daddy. They make arrangements for Isabel to come visit him so that can they make decisions regarding their baby’s future. But CJ isn’t thrilled with Isabel’s plans. Since they live so far apart, Isabel believes it’s best that they co-parent as friends and leave each other free to meet someone else someday to build their lives with. And she wants to start being just friends immediately, which means no romance while she’s visiting. CJ doesn’t like the idea of not sharing his bed with Isabel, but he really hates the idea of not being a day-to-day figure in his baby’s life. And the more he thinks about it the more he realizes he wants to be part of Isabel’s life too. So CJ tells her that he’s willing to relocate to Seattle. Isabel, however, can’t bear to see him give up his life on the ranch. Deep down, she knows that CJ is the man she wants, but she fears that letting him come to Seattle will make him miserable and eventually destroy them. At the same time, Isabel can’t keep herself from falling more and more in love with CJ. They seem destined to have broken hearts until Isabel’s sister comes through with an idea that may let the whole family live happily ever after.

Baby-Daddy Cowboy is another great addition to the Buckskin Brotherhood series. The “unexpected baby” storyline is fairly prevalent in the romance genre, but I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Thompson utilized it in this book. Isabel doesn’t hide her pregnancy from CJ. That’s not always a bad storyline; Ms. Thompson uses that angle in the McGavin Brothers series with great success. But I enjoyed seeing Isabel and CJ face their unexpected news together. It really allowed Ms. Thompson to show what a caring and honorable man CJ is. Even though he’s shocked, overwhelmed, and more than a little bit terrified, CJ is always committed to being there for his child. He never considers otherwise.

More importantly, CJ’s determination to follow Isabel to Seattle reveals just how much he respects Isabel. He knows that she has a successful business that she loves back in Seattle, so it never occurs to CJ to pressure Isabel to stay in Montana. He just assumes that he will be the one to relocate if they are going to try to be a family. I love that CJ values Isabel’s success. I often see people criticize the romance genre (books and movies) for depicting women who are expected to give up their professional dreams for the pursuit of love. While I still enjoy many romances (again, both books and movies) that feature these scenarios, it is always a refreshing change of pace to read a romance where the male lead automatically sees his love interest’s professional goals as a priority.

**Warning: Potential Spoilers Ahead!**

Finally, I have to mention how much I loved Isabel’s sister, Naomi. Naomi never appears in the book in person; Isabel just speaks with her over the phone. But she plays an integral role in the resolution of Baby-Daddy Cowboy. When Isabel leaves Seattle to visit CJ, Naomi steps in to run Isabel’s coffee shop. She knows that her sister loves CJ and is conflicted about what she should do about her relationship with him, so she’s happy to give Isabel the time to work things out with CJ. But Naomi also genuinely enjoys being in charge of Isabel’s shop and proves herself to be very competent doing so. In the end (and this is the kinda spoiler), Naomi makes a suggestion that allows Isabel to expand her professional dreams and gives Naomi a chance to explore hers, all while allowing CJ and Isabel to build a family together. I love that Naomi’s idea doesn’t just accommodate CJ and Isabel’s wishes. She also demonstrates a lot of personal strength and faith in her own abilities in this decision. Strong, confident characters are always very enjoyable to me. And I believe it’s a big testament to Ms. Thompson’s skills as a writer that she can create a character that I appreciate so much without having the character actually appear in person. Not every writer could use a handful of telephone conversations to create such a dynamic character.

I highly recommend Baby-Daddy Cowboy and the series as a whole. Fans of Vicki Lewis Thompson or just romance novels in general won’t want to miss this enjoyable series. I received an ARC from the author, which did not influence my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,584 reviews19 followers
May 27, 2020
Seriously love these Buckskin "brothers"! CJ stepped up to the plate by wanting to immediately become a family for Isabel and the baby. I was hoping it would work out the way it did. It's too bad that Apple Grove is not real, since I will be heading to Montana this year - I would definitely visit this place!
Profile Image for Trully Sunee.
147 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2020
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I have to say CJ and Isabel have a resistance to each other because they didn't plan on being together forever, just for one momentous night.

When first seeing each other, there were sparks and this is something hard for them both to fight. Should they? Isabel called to give CJ the news and didn't expect but hoped he'd have an accepting view on their new situation.

CJ's concerns are more about his role and expectations of himself as a father. Being a product of a family he never got to really embrace until meeting Henri and Charlie, he wants to see if he can face his fears.

There is so much support from the people of Apple Grove, The Brotherhood, Babes, and McGavins standing out amongst the community.

With the support so strong, Isabel and CJ can focus on overcoming their obstacles if they want to. The setting and characters mesh so well, I had to read through this novel twice. The flow was quite addictive. Another great novel to inspire and warm the heart is right here. Thank you for this calming read that settles the fears inside during such an unknown time. Sometimes the unknown seems to be where the biggest growth is, as we can see in this 5 star novel!
23 reviews
June 5, 2020
I want to live in Apple Grove. Vicki’s descriptions of the town make it sound like a little piece of heaven. Beautiful and peaceful and welcoming. A place peopled with characters who work hard, play just as hard, and are always there for one another through good times and bad.
Baby-Daddy Cowboy is the third book in the Buckskin Brotherhood series. Apple Grove is the character that ties the series together, and with each book we learn a little bit more about the place, and the people in it. I’m in love with the town. Add in the good people in each book, and I want to stay there forever.
C.J. and Izzy face a challenging situation when they find out they are having a baby. C.J lives and works in Apple Grove, and loves it there. Izzy lives, and owns a coffee shop in Seattle, and loves her life there. How do they make long distance parenting work, when all they want is to be together?
Thankfully with Vicki’s stories, you know you are going to get your HEA, but GETTING there, is full of ups and downs, laughter and tears and everything else that makes love....life.
Didn’t want to put this book down UNTIL C.J. and Izzy got their HEA.
Fast read. Loved it.
3,580 reviews42 followers
June 5, 2020
We are back with the Buckskin Brotherhood. A group of young men who bonded when a couple took them in and taught them to be honorable men.
This time the story belongs to CJ and Isabel Ricchetti. He is pure Montana cowboy, and she is a city girl and businesswoman from Seattle . They met at a friend’s wedding and spent a memorable night , never thinking they would see each other again. But a mishap with a condom has Isabel contacting CJ and now he is determined to be part of hers and the baby’s life.
But how do you blend two individuals who lead different lives even if one of them is willing to leave behind everything he loves?
This was another sweet romance in which we get to not only visit with some of the characters in the previous stories in this series, but also with Zane , of the McGavin Brothers series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Rukhsar (rukhsandbooks).
515 reviews16 followers
June 28, 2020
Vicki Lewis Thompson strikes our hearts again with another wonderful sweet but steamy romance!

Grab yourself a Cup of Cheer (coffee of course) and settle in for this touching tale. It’s the perfect weekend read (exactly how I enjoyed it).

There were times when the dialogue felt a little quick, but given the love at first night vibe of this story it worked well enough.

My favourite moment was definitely in Chapter 10. I loved the way Thompson choreographed the dance with her words. The last page of that chapter left a huge smile on my face and my heart was definitely humming.

My country song pick for this book has to be More than my Hometown by Morgan Wallen.

Thank you VLT for this ARC in exchange for an honesty review. Reader’s this book is now on sale and ready to be devoured.

4/5
Profile Image for Lorie - Bookaholic.
372 reviews19 followers
October 21, 2025
We Belong Together

"Some promises are made to be broken."

CJ and Izzy had been on the same page two months ago now they weren't even reading the same book. So, what happened between now and then?

Six days is not long enough to evaluate all the possibilities. They'd created fertile ground for developing deeper feelings, good for them and their unborn child. Living six-hundred miles apart was not going to work. CJ had to change her mind. Time to rally the Buckskin Brotherhood. First step was to get Izzy back in his arms with some good ole country music.

"Don't Stop Now!"

I'm taking a breather before I come back to my Kindle books, so keep reading and be happy.
2,702 reviews20 followers
June 5, 2020
Baby Daddy Cowboy was a beautiful, tender, romantic story of CJ Andrews and Izzy Ricchetti who met at a wedding two months ago. Now Izzy has returned to the Buckskin Ranch because she is pregnant. Their romance and love is sizzling off the charts but Izzy will not let CJ move to Seattle because it would change who he was. I loved their ups and downs and I was so pleased with how they worked things out for the three of them. I also liked CJ's romantic side. It was quite touching and very hot and sexy. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
June 7, 2020
This is interesting, romantic and entertaining. When Izzy calls CJ to tell him that she's pregnant, he floors her by being thrilled. When she comes to town to talk about them long distance co-parenting, he insists that he will move to Seattle so he can be a full time father. She spends the next week telling him no, and he spends it trying to convince her that they're fated to be together. CJ is charming, sweet and determined. Izzy is very stubborn, controlling and caring. I absolutely loved CJ, his excitement is easily felt, as his sadness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,552 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2022
don't ya ever wonder who came up with the term "baby daddy"? like who was the first?? makes me laugh. i know it is the kid in me, can't help the silliness. The Buckskin Brotherhood series 10 books so far. i read "Baby Daddy Cowboy" (book 3, free to me) & "Sweet Talking Cowboy" (book 1, apparently i found this one for free after book 3. i just found 2 others from her collection that are free as well? go check yourself) i will say i am kind of giggling over these titles. i mean no dislike (hate) just being honest of over the somewhat humorous titles. contemporary western. holiday romance. western romance.
Profile Image for Jaymy M..
154 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2020
A sweet fun read with endearing characters, great supporting characters and just enough sizzle and emotion to keep things exciting and interesting.
These folks are in lust from the word go and their connections during a friend's wedding one weekend is realized a few weeks later. But, what's a smitten cowboy to do when the woman he can't forget insists on living hours away? It's fun finding out what this pair chooses to do and how the brothers and babes at the ranch support them.
Another fun enthralling series by VLT.
Profile Image for Lulu Reads Too Much.
69 reviews
June 16, 2022
Love these old-fashioned gentlemen

I love how Vicki Lewis Thompson writes her heroes. They have a creed they live by, one that has been taught by their pseudo parents Henri and Charley. Their stories revolve around a brotherhood, which provides each of them a positive friendship, and the women who fall in love with them. It is nice to see modern stories whose heroes treat women well and whose heroines are not afraid their independence is at risk from a man who holds a door for them.
4,558 reviews29 followers
March 2, 2023
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. I really liked CJ and his determination to make it work regardless of the sacrifice. I also understood what Izzy was worried about. I know that the story was written such that the sacrifice wasn’t necessary in the end, but I think CJ would have been fine even if he’d had to go through with it! As usual it ended abruptly, but the author has been including follow up bits about the previous couples in each subsequent story, so that’s probably by design. 😂
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
May 30, 2020
Baby-Daddy Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 3) Vicki Lewis Thompson... I loved this series and C.J. and Isabel do not disappoint. A love at first sight kind of story with a baby in the oven. The Buckskin Brotherhood has all the feelings and close family of people who are not blood related. I know there are only three books in this series...but come on Vicki...I think you could add a few more.
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,322 reviews15 followers
June 2, 2020
CJ is such a good guy. He is looking to settle down with the right woman, but he thought that Isabel couldn't be the one because she lived so far away. But when she calls him with the news that she is pregnant, he shows right away who he really is. (As a side note, the Brotherhood guys all rally around CJ in the best way. They made me cry. I love these guys.) But CJ is concerned that he can't be a good parent becuase he didn't have good examples. He has to deal with that insecurity while convincing Isabel that everything will work out.
Isabel had a tougher time. She has a picture in her mind of exactly how everything should go, and she has a difficult time letting go of that. I fussed at her a few times because she was so convinced she knew what CJ needed. (I might have been a tad involved in this story.) Isabel is a good person and is truly trying to do the right thing for everyone, so she gets there in the end.
56 reviews
June 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this story.

CJ Adams and Isabel Riccetti met at their best friend’s wedding in Sweet-Talking Cowboy. CJ cannot get Isabel off his mind. Two months later she calls him with surprising news. A baby. CJ is ready to jump right in. But, the cowboy who was raised to get anything he wanted has to realize that, Isabel and the baby, aren’t things.

Being in on the Buckskin Brotherhood’s help for CJ to plan the perfect, romantic, rose sprinkled room, was so cute, and funny.
1,462 reviews13 followers
June 18, 2020
The Buckskin Brotherhood is at it again. More fun, more romance and more laughs. When this author publishes a book, the first thing you do is sit down and then not get up until you are done. This book is no exception. There’s fun in the bedroom, love in the mix, and, decisions to be made. Can Isabel live in Seattle knowing the love of her life is in Montana? Probably not! I loved the story and happy to have a “stop-by” from one of my favorites, Zane McGavin. Thanks for a great story-line.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,299 reviews
July 1, 2020
Isabel & CJ

a one night stand makes a baby for these two and now what do they do. She returns to Apple Grove to talk to CJ and figure out a plan. He wants to go back with her to Seattle but she won't let him because he belongs here in MT. Choices, choices.
It was a really good story with the right amount of secondary characters input but definitely a sizzling romance between the CJ and Izzy. I love her stories because she packs them with dialogue and antics.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,493 reviews19 followers
July 8, 2022
A delightful romance. CJ and Isabel fell for each other on sight but work/lifestyle meant a relationship was not to be. However an unexpected pregnancy means (on Isabel’s side) setting up a long distance parenting plan whilst CJ goes all out to convince her that they are meant to be together full time. Loved it! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
120 reviews
April 2, 2023
You will love this book

If you love cowboys and the women who fall in love with them then you will love this book! The characters are so easy to get to know and their stories will make you want to move to Apple Grove and be a part of the Buckskin Brotherhood! This is another one from this author and series. She has a way of drawing you into the world they live in and you will be inspired and wanting more! Excellent writing and highly recommended❤
154 reviews
March 9, 2024
LOVE WINS!

What a series of true love stories. We all , young and old, need to learn that true love is not something you turn your back on. The ONE meant for you could be anywhere you go. These are really great stories of life and keeping your eyes open to see true love when it appears in your life. There is really some special one out there for all of us so don't just settle unless you find the ONE you cannot walk away from.
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,184 reviews16 followers
June 6, 2020
Another great addition to the series that can be read as a stand-alone, although the feeling of coming home is achieved by reading them in order. The characters are easy to relate to and to feel close to. When you get to the end and feel satisfied, it’s worth every second of the read. I look forward to more. Book gifted to me.
Profile Image for Patti Hopper.
51 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2020
Wonderful

Great romance about a sexy kind hearted cowboy, and the woman he loves figuring out their lives. She's pregnant and they live live ten hours apart, so being together isn't going to be easy. But love 💘 always finds a way, right? Great book, great characters, and a wonderful author whose writing I am addicted to. She's fabulous. Five Stars 💐
729 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2021
A winner for all cowboy lovers

The book definitely has all the elements of love, laughter and family. CJ and Isabel are proof that no birth control is 100% reliable! What will they work out as they live ten hours away from one another? You will love getting to know the people of Buckskin Ranch!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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