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Blackwater Ranch #2
Charmed by the Cowboy
She’s been left before, so now she does the leaving. Can he convince her to stay?
Maddie Faulkner can’t seem to find a place to call home, even in her twenties. Getting attached only makes it hurt more when she has to leave. And leaving is inevitable. For now, she’s back on the ranch she loved as a child and desperate to conceal any connection to the crimes of her parents.
Lucas Harding doesn’t know what to make of the new barn manager at Blackwater Ranch. She’s got walls he can’t seem to charm his way past. But they share a love of horses and a deeper connection he can’t explain.
The last thing Maddie should do is let down her guard. He’ll hate her when he finds out why she left Blackwater Ranch the first time. But when the time comes to say good-bye, her heart might be too attached to leave.
An inspirational story filled with promise and hope.
Charmed by the Cowboy is the second book in the Blackwater Ranch series, but the books can be read in any order.
Maddie Faulkner can’t seem to find a place to call home, even in her twenties. Getting attached only makes it hurt more when she has to leave. And leaving is inevitable. For now, she’s back on the ranch she loved as a child and desperate to conceal any connection to the crimes of her parents.
Lucas Harding doesn’t know what to make of the new barn manager at Blackwater Ranch. She’s got walls he can’t seem to charm his way past. But they share a love of horses and a deeper connection he can’t explain.
The last thing Maddie should do is let down her guard. He’ll hate her when he finds out why she left Blackwater Ranch the first time. But when the time comes to say good-bye, her heart might be too attached to leave.
An inspirational story filled with promise and hope.
Charmed by the Cowboy is the second book in the Blackwater Ranch series, but the books can be read in any order.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2020
406 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Mandi Blake
43 books834 followersMandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 27, 2024
Genuinely cannot express how much I am loving Mandi’s books. They all feel unique to each character and never feel redundant. The faith really hit home for me in this one and the fears and struggles the FMC struggled with. The romance was soooo tender and sweet. The MMC is a man of God and loves big!!
March 13, 2025
Another 5/5! And dare I say I enjoyed this one more than the first..? Hmm haha! It was so so good! Mandi’s books are probably one of the few where though plot is..well the MC’s 😆 it’s still so intriguing, captivating, heartwarming and clean! Can’t wait to head on to the next;)
July 29, 2020
The Harding brothers have certainly stolen my heart! Lucas is an all-around great guy and when Maddie shows up on the ranch, he has a hard time convincing her he is truly that kind of person. Her guard is up so high he doesn't think he'll ever be able to break down her walls. This second book in the Blackwater Ranch series is another favorite to add to the list.
September 13, 2020
Lucas Harding had grown up on his family's ranch, the Blackwater Ranch. He was a bit of a prankster and had charm that was hard to resist. But, when he met their new employee, Maddie Faulkner, she seemed to have a shell he couldn't breach with his charm and he was drawn to her.
Maddie had a difficult childhood that had left her scarred and closed off to relationships. Everyone, but her aunt, had left her and she didn't want to go through the same heartache. Plus, she had history at the Blackwater Ranch. These were people she could love if she could ever let herself do that, but she had a secret that could destroy what could be wonderful. One day it might just blow up for her and she would have to move on.
Lucas was determined to help Maddie see that he could be trusted and he wouldn't hurt her. He taught her that forgiveness is key to healing. Could Maddie believe what he was saying was true? What if he knew her secret, would that be forgivable or not?
I enjoyed this story and I loved Lucas' character. He was funny and charming and full of love. He had always known love and he had lots to share if Maddie could ever let him in. There is a slow burn romance with a happy ending. There is also no foul language or "unclean" parts to this story. It isn't preachy but carries a wonderful message of hope, forgiveness and love. It was a pleasure to read.
I was given arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Maddie had a difficult childhood that had left her scarred and closed off to relationships. Everyone, but her aunt, had left her and she didn't want to go through the same heartache. Plus, she had history at the Blackwater Ranch. These were people she could love if she could ever let herself do that, but she had a secret that could destroy what could be wonderful. One day it might just blow up for her and she would have to move on.
Lucas was determined to help Maddie see that he could be trusted and he wouldn't hurt her. He taught her that forgiveness is key to healing. Could Maddie believe what he was saying was true? What if he knew her secret, would that be forgivable or not?
I enjoyed this story and I loved Lucas' character. He was funny and charming and full of love. He had always known love and he had lots to share if Maddie could ever let him in. There is a slow burn romance with a happy ending. There is also no foul language or "unclean" parts to this story. It isn't preachy but carries a wonderful message of hope, forgiveness and love. It was a pleasure to read.
I was given arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
September 12, 2020
It's no secret to anyone who regularly reads my reviews that Mandi Blake is one of my all time favorite authors. I adore her sweet, well developed characters, her small town settings, her adorable romances, and the fact that her books always have the faith element at the front and center. Charmed by the Cowboy was everything I was hoping for and more, and I think readers everywhere are going to adore Lucas and Maddie's charming romance.
While Charmed by the Cowboy has a bit of a second chance romance feel to it, it's a tad different than most. Maddie and Lucas were best friends as children; but Lucas never knew Maddie had developed a childhood crush on him. Years later, she comes back to work with the horses on Lucas' family ranch, and feelings soon begin igniting between the two of them. However, they both have past situations they need to work through before they can truly focus on being together, and as with every Mandi Blake book, they'll have to learn how to let go and let God before anything can truly develop between them.
Wow I adored this book! Mandi's writing just keeps getting better and better with each and every book she releases, and this one may just be my favorite yet. It was easy to sympathize with Maddie and the horrible anxiety she's battling over her traumatic childhood, and Lucas had me wrapped around his finger right from his first introduction. I loved getting another visit to Blackwater Ranch, and I adored glimpses of the Harding family once again.
I couldn't have enjoyed this more, and I'm so thankful for Christian authors like Mandi who continue to release clean, faith based reads that I never have to worry about the content in when I pick them up. Our world needs more beautiful stories like this one, and I highly recommend you go ahead and pick this one up when it releases next week.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
While Charmed by the Cowboy has a bit of a second chance romance feel to it, it's a tad different than most. Maddie and Lucas were best friends as children; but Lucas never knew Maddie had developed a childhood crush on him. Years later, she comes back to work with the horses on Lucas' family ranch, and feelings soon begin igniting between the two of them. However, they both have past situations they need to work through before they can truly focus on being together, and as with every Mandi Blake book, they'll have to learn how to let go and let God before anything can truly develop between them.
Wow I adored this book! Mandi's writing just keeps getting better and better with each and every book she releases, and this one may just be my favorite yet. It was easy to sympathize with Maddie and the horrible anxiety she's battling over her traumatic childhood, and Lucas had me wrapped around his finger right from his first introduction. I loved getting another visit to Blackwater Ranch, and I adored glimpses of the Harding family once again.
I couldn't have enjoyed this more, and I'm so thankful for Christian authors like Mandi who continue to release clean, faith based reads that I never have to worry about the content in when I pick them up. Our world needs more beautiful stories like this one, and I highly recommend you go ahead and pick this one up when it releases next week.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
December 15, 2020
Okay so this was a cute one. I had read Remembering the Cowboy and I found Lucas really enjoyable. I was super excited to see that he had his own book, I knew that I had to read it. Charmed by the Cowboy is the second book in Mandi Blake’s Blackwater Ranch series.
I always like Ms. Blake’s characters, they feel real to me. Maddie Faulkner and Lucas Harding were no different. Maddie had always wanted a place to belong, she just wanted a room that she could rest in. She left Blackwater Ranch years ago, rushed away in secret by her parents but God has brought her back. Lucas Harding hides his true feelings behind his easy going personality. But inside he is lonely and searching for a person who could complete him. He finds horses easier to be around then people, but then he meets Maddie and before he knows it she has broken him in.
Maddie was fearful because of her past but she was also strong. She had self-esteem problems and trust issues because of her parents. She tried so hard to not let people in, but Lucas managed to sneak his way in past her walls. God put her positions where she had to learn to lean on God and others for help. She had to let herself be vulnerable. She found peace in caring for her horse, Daisy but also in working with Lucas. But she will have to work past her fear of letting people in if she wants to build a relationship with Lucas.
I really like the type of guys that Ms. Blake writes. They are kind but not pushovers. Lucas was a sweetheart but he stood up for those he loved. He really enjoyed caring for the horses of the ranch, he just wanted to make his parents proud. At first Maddie intrigued him because she tried to shut him out, but as he spent time with her it grew into love. He wanted to protect Maddie and show her she is worth loving. He had to figure out how to love her on her terms and care for this broken woman who just wanted a home.
Maddie and Lucas needed to rely on God most of all. He was the one to lead and sustain them. I really liked reading about Blackwater Ranch and the characters you get to meet. It is always fun to read about siblings interacting. I loved the warm and friendly way they were portrayed. They seemed like a real family.
Charmed by the Cowboy was a wonderful book! I loved the characters and reading about them falling in love. They felt like real people with real problems. I would totally recommend it! Charmed by the Cowboy is a clean, Christian, contemporary romance.
I always like Ms. Blake’s characters, they feel real to me. Maddie Faulkner and Lucas Harding were no different. Maddie had always wanted a place to belong, she just wanted a room that she could rest in. She left Blackwater Ranch years ago, rushed away in secret by her parents but God has brought her back. Lucas Harding hides his true feelings behind his easy going personality. But inside he is lonely and searching for a person who could complete him. He finds horses easier to be around then people, but then he meets Maddie and before he knows it she has broken him in.
Maddie was fearful because of her past but she was also strong. She had self-esteem problems and trust issues because of her parents. She tried so hard to not let people in, but Lucas managed to sneak his way in past her walls. God put her positions where she had to learn to lean on God and others for help. She had to let herself be vulnerable. She found peace in caring for her horse, Daisy but also in working with Lucas. But she will have to work past her fear of letting people in if she wants to build a relationship with Lucas.
I really like the type of guys that Ms. Blake writes. They are kind but not pushovers. Lucas was a sweetheart but he stood up for those he loved. He really enjoyed caring for the horses of the ranch, he just wanted to make his parents proud. At first Maddie intrigued him because she tried to shut him out, but as he spent time with her it grew into love. He wanted to protect Maddie and show her she is worth loving. He had to figure out how to love her on her terms and care for this broken woman who just wanted a home.
Maddie and Lucas needed to rely on God most of all. He was the one to lead and sustain them. I really liked reading about Blackwater Ranch and the characters you get to meet. It is always fun to read about siblings interacting. I loved the warm and friendly way they were portrayed. They seemed like a real family.
Charmed by the Cowboy was a wonderful book! I loved the characters and reading about them falling in love. They felt like real people with real problems. I would totally recommend it! Charmed by the Cowboy is a clean, Christian, contemporary romance.
September 16, 2020
This is the second book by Mandi Blake I have read and I love how she creates stories of love and healing with likable and relatable characters. She organically weaves elements of true faith into the storyline so that the reader gets to experience how faith is lived out day to day in a believer rather than just a few token lines proselytizing doctrine.
Maddie is a wounded soul who afraid to trust and love others but who is brave enough to try. Lucas is a fun-loving, light-hearted soul who has dedicated his life to his family and hard work. Brought together by their mutual love of horses, they learn how to forgive, how being broken can lead to joy, and that some risks are worth taking. One of my favorite lines from the story, “Her tired and lonely heart wanted to be cherished, and Lucas was beginning to look a lot like home,” encapsulates the essence of the story.
Maddie is a wounded soul who afraid to trust and love others but who is brave enough to try. Lucas is a fun-loving, light-hearted soul who has dedicated his life to his family and hard work. Brought together by their mutual love of horses, they learn how to forgive, how being broken can lead to joy, and that some risks are worth taking. One of my favorite lines from the story, “Her tired and lonely heart wanted to be cherished, and Lucas was beginning to look a lot like home,” encapsulates the essence of the story.
September 13, 2020
Maddie takes a job at Blackwater Ranch. Though her parents had worked there when she was young and she knew they had stolen from the family and absconded into the night. The guilt eats at her. Even more so when the entire family welcomes her with open arms. Maddie is hired to take care of the hoses. Lucas' big love on the ranch are the horses. Lucas and Maddie both have a gift when it comes to horses and it helps them build a bond. Lucas is very taken with Maddie but she is skittish around him. Eventually she learns to trust him and then they begin to fall in love. Sweet Christian love story! Love this family!
September 13, 2020
Loved Maddie and Lucas's story! Maddie has to learn that God sees her as His child, and as such she is worthy of love and forgiveness, and is NOT responsible for the actions of her parents. Lucas shows her that she is loved and tries to get her to understand she's not responsible for her parent's actions, and that though they weren't proper parents, she's still ok and others will love her. When she finally realizes that what God, Lucas, and her aunt are telling her, and accepts it, she finds true happiness. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
September 10, 2020
I thought it was cute that Luke was the the equivalent of the boy that pulls a girl's pigtails when he and Maddie were young with all his pranks. They share their love of horses and PB&J. I love her funny sayings t-shirts. Luke has such a happy light about him you just can't help but smile and I could see why he said he'd be a grape. After her awful childhood, Maddie was lucky her eccentric boisterous Aunt Brenda took her, gave her a new life, and helped her heal. This was a sweet and funny Christian romance.
September 13, 2020
Maddie gets a job helping with the horses on the Blackwater Ranch. She lived here many years ago, until her parents took off in the middle of the night, stealing who knew what. At the time she had a crush on Lucas, but he was too young to realize. She hasn't had a proper family, only her aunt, who got custody of her when her parents went to jail.
She loves the family atmosphere at the ranch but daren't let go in case she can't stay. Then Lucas shows her what love can mean.
A great read, second in the series.
She loves the family atmosphere at the ranch but daren't let go in case she can't stay. Then Lucas shows her what love can mean.
A great read, second in the series.
September 9, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book. Maddie has a lot of issues to reconcile to allow herself to be open to love. Lucas is a fun loving cowboy that finally meets someone who “gets” him and his connections to horses. Now he just has to convince Maddie he’s here to stay but not scare her away. Maddie has trust in God, but can she trust Lucas?
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
September 10, 2020
Like all of Mandi's books, I was instantly drawn into the story. What made this one stand out was the way forgiveness and loyalty took center stage. Lucas and Maddie's relationship required a lot of patience and bravery. Their journey from who they started out as to who they are together, left me smiling. This is a clean, feel-good, christian romance that I highly recommend reading.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2020
Maddie has had many homes but none meant as much to the ranch her parents pulled her from when she was a child. She has a chance to go back as an employee and runs into her childhood crush. She is afraid to get close to anyone for fear they will find out about her parents and that she will lose her new job. This is a Christian romance, so no sex or swear words for those that count those things. Discovered that this is book 2 in the Blackwater Ranch series, so I need to go get book 1!
September 15, 2020
A well written, descriptive story of ranch life and learning to trust. A love story of finding out you are just as important to others as you are to God. A childhood of hurt and feeling unimportant from her biological parents has left Maddie reluctant to trust or open her heart and hopes to anyone. By God’s grace, and a return to where she was happiest in her childhood, she finds true worth and love and acceptance.
September 16, 2020
Mandi Blake is a wonderful author and I love reading her books.
Charmed by the Cowboy is the 2nd book in the Blackwater Ranch Series but the books can be read as stand alone.
The characters seem so real and you feel their emotions. I recommend this book and Mandi as an author that you must read. Her books are clean Christian romance stories.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author with no expectation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Charmed by the Cowboy is the 2nd book in the Blackwater Ranch Series but the books can be read as stand alone.
The characters seem so real and you feel their emotions. I recommend this book and Mandi as an author that you must read. Her books are clean Christian romance stories.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author with no expectation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2020
Sweet clean romance with Maddie and Lucas. Growing up has not been easy for Maddie until her aunt took her in but meeting Lucas has her rethinking her future. She never wanted a family because of the heartache in her past but fun loving Lucas is slowly tearing down the walls around her heart. Will Maddie realize that she is worthy of love and Lucas is the man for her?
September 17, 2020
Lucas and Maddie
Even though Maddie is afraid to love anyone she finds she can’t help herself. She has a lot of self doubt to overcome. Lucas is great at showing his love and encouraging Maddie. Charmed by the Cowboy is a well written story that had me invested in the characters and hoping they would get together in the end.
Even though Maddie is afraid to love anyone she finds she can’t help herself. She has a lot of self doubt to overcome. Lucas is great at showing his love and encouraging Maddie. Charmed by the Cowboy is a well written story that had me invested in the characters and hoping they would get together in the end.
July 16, 2024
Charming and Healing
Oh man Lucas is a charmer! Absolutely devoured this love story. I loved the healing that Maddie went through and how the ranch played a big part in that.
As always, wonderful faith themes that really brought the characters full circle and helped them grow together as a couple.
Absolutely ADORED all the horses in this book. I want a Dolly 😍😍
💋Kisses only
⚠️Parents who are imprisoned, past hurts from injuries and nightmares from memories
Oh man Lucas is a charmer! Absolutely devoured this love story. I loved the healing that Maddie went through and how the ranch played a big part in that.
As always, wonderful faith themes that really brought the characters full circle and helped them grow together as a couple.
Absolutely ADORED all the horses in this book. I want a Dolly 😍😍
💋Kisses only
⚠️Parents who are imprisoned, past hurts from injuries and nightmares from memories
September 9, 2020
I really like the characters in this story. They are well developed and I like seeing how they grow throughout the story. This story is compelling and uplifting. I enjoyed reading books from this author. I feel like I learn from the characters and their stories.
September 9, 2020
A sweet romance on a ranch with a whole lot of the Harding family and a hurting young lady. I really enjoy the emotional progress she makes during this book and their slow burn relationship.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 29, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
It’s cowboys. Enough said. 😂😍
I loved the themes of this one. Maddie is super relatable and Lucas is a dreamboat. And I love the whole, childhood friends—she had a crush, he was oblivious—vibe. Very sweet!
It’s cowboys. Enough said. 😂😍
I loved the themes of this one. Maddie is super relatable and Lucas is a dreamboat. And I love the whole, childhood friends—she had a crush, he was oblivious—vibe. Very sweet!
September 17, 2020
Lovely story
Lovely story of love overcoming fear. Maddie and Lucas are great together, sharing their love of horses and gradually Lucas breaks down the fears Maddie has.
Lovely story of love overcoming fear. Maddie and Lucas are great together, sharing their love of horses and gradually Lucas breaks down the fears Maddie has.
October 12, 2020
Review of Charmed by a Cowboy
This was a very cute story and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a good writer.
This was a very cute story and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a good writer.
May 23, 2024
Another great romance by Mandi Blake! I love this book!! It contains prayer and tons of wise, faith-filled statements!! A lot to learn about love and forgiveness in this book!!!
November 5, 2020
This is my second time reading this author and I am totally enjoying her style!
This is another charming story set on a rural ranch and I loved the horses, and how the two felt the connection of horses together.
While I really loved the first one in the series, this one didn't quite have the conflict that I usually enjoy in contemporary romance. That being said I did enjoy it, it took me until the halfway point to get into it, and then I got to see the couple work through something. I really like seeing a couple overcome an obstacle together and I didn't quite see the obstacle in this story as a really serious one. Still it was a sweet escape back to the Blackwater Ranch and it sets up the third book that I am definitely looking forward to!
3.5 stars
This is another charming story set on a rural ranch and I loved the horses, and how the two felt the connection of horses together.
While I really loved the first one in the series, this one didn't quite have the conflict that I usually enjoy in contemporary romance. That being said I did enjoy it, it took me until the halfway point to get into it, and then I got to see the couple work through something. I really like seeing a couple overcome an obstacle together and I didn't quite see the obstacle in this story as a really serious one. Still it was a sweet escape back to the Blackwater Ranch and it sets up the third book that I am definitely looking forward to!
3.5 stars
September 5, 2020
I loved all of the characters in this story. I loved following the relationship between Lucas and Maddie, they had great chemistry. This is a really sweet, clean romance.
July 20, 2021
Well written
The story is enjoyable and the writing is really good. No jarring mistakes or weird sentences. The characters are fun and multidimensional. There is room for Asher and Hunter and everyone to have their stories too. Lucas is charming. I love that he gives everyone his full attention.
The story is enjoyable and the writing is really good. No jarring mistakes or weird sentences. The characters are fun and multidimensional. There is room for Asher and Hunter and everyone to have their stories too. Lucas is charming. I love that he gives everyone his full attention.
July 20, 2021
Loved It/Great Series
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know the Harding family. I loved Lucas and Maddie's story. These two were made for each other. I look forward to more books in the series.
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know the Harding family. I loved Lucas and Maddie's story. These two were made for each other. I look forward to more books in the series.
July 20, 2021
God sent you.
Loved the charm of the characters. Also the way God was the center of the whole processing of their hopes and dreams. So lovely to see how God could work out the fears to show the way and the path to love.
Loved the charm of the characters. Also the way God was the center of the whole processing of their hopes and dreams. So lovely to see how God could work out the fears to show the way and the path to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews