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Chestnut Creek #3
A Cowboy for Keeps
From a "fabulous new voice in romantic fiction" (NYT bestselling author Lael Miller): an arrogant cowboy meets a headstrong woman determined to take custody of his niece, only to realize that she may be the family he was always searching for.
There's not much that could rattle a cowboy like Reese St. James. But when his twin brother dies in a car accident, Reese is stunned to discover he has a six-month old niece, Sawyer. Wanting to make up for lost time, Reese heads down to Unforgiven, New Mexico, to bring her home. He doesn't plan on Sawyer's guardian giving him any trouble, but the intriguing, independent woman is turning out to be more than he bargained for.
Lorelei West had given up hope of having a family of her own until her sister's tragic death brought little Sawyer into her life. And now there's no way she's going to let Reese take her away. Lorelei knows hotshot, good-looking cowboys like him -- she's dated enough of them -- and she intends to stand her ground. Yet the more time Reese and Lorelei spend together, the harder it is to deny the attraction building between them. But opening their hearts to a baby is one thing -- can they also open their hearts to the possibility of a happily-ever-after?
"Readers will be taken with the beautifully written moments of heartache and happiness."― Publishers Weekly
There's not much that could rattle a cowboy like Reese St. James. But when his twin brother dies in a car accident, Reese is stunned to discover he has a six-month old niece, Sawyer. Wanting to make up for lost time, Reese heads down to Unforgiven, New Mexico, to bring her home. He doesn't plan on Sawyer's guardian giving him any trouble, but the intriguing, independent woman is turning out to be more than he bargained for.
Lorelei West had given up hope of having a family of her own until her sister's tragic death brought little Sawyer into her life. And now there's no way she's going to let Reese take her away. Lorelei knows hotshot, good-looking cowboys like him -- she's dated enough of them -- and she intends to stand her ground. Yet the more time Reese and Lorelei spend together, the harder it is to deny the attraction building between them. But opening their hearts to a baby is one thing -- can they also open their hearts to the possibility of a happily-ever-after?
"Readers will be taken with the beautifully written moments of heartache and happiness."― Publishers Weekly
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
14 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Laura Drake
39 books276 followersLaura Drake is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways or a serious cowboy crush. She writes Women’s Fiction, Romance and Thrillers.
Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.
Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.
The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.
Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.
In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.
Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.
Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.
Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.
The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.
Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.
In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.
Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 20, 2020
Reese and Lorelei are thrown together when their siblings die, Reese’s twin brother and Lorelei’s younger sister, and leave a baby behind.
Lorelei grabs up baby Sawyer and finds comfort in having a baby to love while grieving the loss of her sister. Lorelei has always wanted a family but had pretty much given up being thirty-seven with no romantic prospects. However, her happy future with the baby is threatened when Reese shows up wanting Sawyer, too. He’s rich and has the means to make things difficult, but they get to know each other while getting to know Sawyer.
Even though Reese and Lorelei don’t seem to have much in common, underneath it all they share similar feelings of being second best in comparison to their sibling. While Lorelei always felt loved, she felt like the lesser of the sisters. Patsy was charming, shiny, and magnetic, Lorelei’s always been the steady and unremarkable one. Reese and his twin were very different, and their father saw Reese’s difference as weakness. Carson was always the courageous, take the bull-by-the-horns kind of cowboy, whereas Reese was always more careful and excelled in the business side of their ranch. Sharing some of their vulnerabilities created a deeper bond between them. There’s an immediate physical attraction between the two, but they resist the pull because of the complications being Sawyer’s only family left. Lorelei doesn’t know if Reese is just interested in her or the idea of a ready-made family and Reese is initially afraid to screw things up and forever damage his future with Sawyer.
This is the first time I’ve read Laura Drake and I really enjoyed the new experience. Perfectly imperfect characters, likeable and relatable with their flaws and insecurities. I rooted for both Reese and Lorelei in the journey towards a HEA! The town of Unforgiven might’ve been a little shabby at first glance, but it was full of character and love at the heart. I think any fan of Carolyn Brown or Carly Bloom will love Ms. Drake’s brand of cowboy romance. Cowboy For Keeps is the third in the series, but I didn’t read the previous two and had no trouble diving in here. I think each can be read as a standalone.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lorelei grabs up baby Sawyer and finds comfort in having a baby to love while grieving the loss of her sister. Lorelei has always wanted a family but had pretty much given up being thirty-seven with no romantic prospects. However, her happy future with the baby is threatened when Reese shows up wanting Sawyer, too. He’s rich and has the means to make things difficult, but they get to know each other while getting to know Sawyer.
Even though Reese and Lorelei don’t seem to have much in common, underneath it all they share similar feelings of being second best in comparison to their sibling. While Lorelei always felt loved, she felt like the lesser of the sisters. Patsy was charming, shiny, and magnetic, Lorelei’s always been the steady and unremarkable one. Reese and his twin were very different, and their father saw Reese’s difference as weakness. Carson was always the courageous, take the bull-by-the-horns kind of cowboy, whereas Reese was always more careful and excelled in the business side of their ranch. Sharing some of their vulnerabilities created a deeper bond between them. There’s an immediate physical attraction between the two, but they resist the pull because of the complications being Sawyer’s only family left. Lorelei doesn’t know if Reese is just interested in her or the idea of a ready-made family and Reese is initially afraid to screw things up and forever damage his future with Sawyer.
This is the first time I’ve read Laura Drake and I really enjoyed the new experience. Perfectly imperfect characters, likeable and relatable with their flaws and insecurities. I rooted for both Reese and Lorelei in the journey towards a HEA! The town of Unforgiven might’ve been a little shabby at first glance, but it was full of character and love at the heart. I think any fan of Carolyn Brown or Carly Bloom will love Ms. Drake’s brand of cowboy romance. Cowboy For Keeps is the third in the series, but I didn’t read the previous two and had no trouble diving in here. I think each can be read as a standalone.
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2020
Touching, charming, and sincere!
A Cowboy for Keeps is a sweet, heartfelt story that takes you into the lives of Lorelei West and Reese St. James, two strangers who come from completely different backgrounds who must learn to cope with the loss of a sibling, their surprising new status as potential guardians to a child they never knew existed, and a budding relationship that will require a lot of trust and understanding.
The writing is passionate and tender. The characters are multilayered, stubborn, and reliable. And the plot told from two different points of view unravels nicely into a tale about life, loss, grief, responsibility, friendship, family, compromise, parenthood, happiness, and the importance of communication.
A Cowboy for Keeps is the third novel in the Chestnut Creek series, and once again Drake has written a heartwarming, satisfying, engaging, western romance that’s brimming with hope, heat, and heartache.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Cowboy for Keeps is a sweet, heartfelt story that takes you into the lives of Lorelei West and Reese St. James, two strangers who come from completely different backgrounds who must learn to cope with the loss of a sibling, their surprising new status as potential guardians to a child they never knew existed, and a budding relationship that will require a lot of trust and understanding.
The writing is passionate and tender. The characters are multilayered, stubborn, and reliable. And the plot told from two different points of view unravels nicely into a tale about life, loss, grief, responsibility, friendship, family, compromise, parenthood, happiness, and the importance of communication.
A Cowboy for Keeps is the third novel in the Chestnut Creek series, and once again Drake has written a heartwarming, satisfying, engaging, western romance that’s brimming with hope, heat, and heartache.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2020
Lorelei West had contented herself with her work and caring for her aging mother, giving up on her dreams of a family of her own. But when her sister dies in a tragic car accident, Lorelei learns she has a niece, Sawyer, and is instantly a protective mother to the baby girl. She's not about to let some wealthy hotshot cowboy take her away, even if she is his niece too.
Reese St. James was devastated to learn of his twin brother's death, even if they weren't all that close. He's just as shocked to learn he has a six month old niece. He immediately travels to Unforgiven, New Mexico, with the intention of bringing the baby home to his Texas ranch. He doesn't expect a fight from her guardian, but when he meets independent and fierce Lorelei West, he realizes he's in for much more than he prepared for.
Lorelei is willing to let Reese spend time with Sawyer, but that's all. However, that means Reese and Lorelei must spend time together as well and the more they come to know each other, the more obvious the attraction between them becomes. They've had no problems loving the baby, but opening up to each other is a different story.
This book is very far out of the realm of what I typically read, so I was looking forward to a refreshing bit of something different. This was an enjoyable read that pulled me in after a bit of a rocky start, but it did lose steam toward the middle. It picked back up at the end and I was pleased with the ending, but I would've enjoyed it much more if the heroine had been more likable. Lorelai was presented as fiercely independent and strong, about to do everything on her own, eschewing help of any kind, which just came off as prideful arrogance much of the time for me. With her general distrust/borderline hatred of men, I expected a more checkered dating history, but somehow all her issues and bitterness stemmed from an experience that happened when she was just out of high school. Yes, it was terrible and the guy was scum, but I expected more maturity from a 37 year old. Instead, Lorelei wound up sounding like any whiny teenager much of the time. Reese was charming and well-meaning, if clueless, but even that was rather adorable. Thankfully, Lorelei did eventually recognize her prideful, bitter behavior and its consequences in the end, but she didn't quite do enough to make me satisfied in her making it up to Reese and he seemed to give up a lot more of himself to be with her. I think he was painted as the bad guy a bit too much by all her overreactions and jumps to wrong conclusions, even if he didn't exactly help himself out either.
This is a bit of a sidenote, but I was also jarred by the way intimacy was handled here. There was this great, if rather drawn out, slow burn between Reese and Lorelei, with a damaged hero and a huge opportunity for a really tender and memorable scene, but just as things were getting started, the author seemed to get cold feet and backed out to have everything fade to black. For me, this just didn't really jive with the build-up of the rest of the book and was a glaring missed opportunity.
Despite my issues, I did enjoy this book overall as a nice change up from my norm and I will read more of this genre in future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reese St. James was devastated to learn of his twin brother's death, even if they weren't all that close. He's just as shocked to learn he has a six month old niece. He immediately travels to Unforgiven, New Mexico, with the intention of bringing the baby home to his Texas ranch. He doesn't expect a fight from her guardian, but when he meets independent and fierce Lorelei West, he realizes he's in for much more than he prepared for.
Lorelei is willing to let Reese spend time with Sawyer, but that's all. However, that means Reese and Lorelei must spend time together as well and the more they come to know each other, the more obvious the attraction between them becomes. They've had no problems loving the baby, but opening up to each other is a different story.
This book is very far out of the realm of what I typically read, so I was looking forward to a refreshing bit of something different. This was an enjoyable read that pulled me in after a bit of a rocky start, but it did lose steam toward the middle. It picked back up at the end and I was pleased with the ending, but I would've enjoyed it much more if the heroine had been more likable. Lorelai was presented as fiercely independent and strong, about to do everything on her own, eschewing help of any kind, which just came off as prideful arrogance much of the time for me. With her general distrust/borderline hatred of men, I expected a more checkered dating history, but somehow all her issues and bitterness stemmed from an experience that happened when she was just out of high school. Yes, it was terrible and the guy was scum, but I expected more maturity from a 37 year old. Instead, Lorelei wound up sounding like any whiny teenager much of the time. Reese was charming and well-meaning, if clueless, but even that was rather adorable. Thankfully, Lorelei did eventually recognize her prideful, bitter behavior and its consequences in the end, but she didn't quite do enough to make me satisfied in her making it up to Reese and he seemed to give up a lot more of himself to be with her. I think he was painted as the bad guy a bit too much by all her overreactions and jumps to wrong conclusions, even if he didn't exactly help himself out either.
This is a bit of a sidenote, but I was also jarred by the way intimacy was handled here. There was this great, if rather drawn out, slow burn between Reese and Lorelei, with a damaged hero and a huge opportunity for a really tender and memorable scene, but just as things were getting started, the author seemed to get cold feet and backed out to have everything fade to black. For me, this just didn't really jive with the build-up of the rest of the book and was a glaring missed opportunity.
Despite my issues, I did enjoy this book overall as a nice change up from my norm and I will read more of this genre in future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 22, 2020
Wow - what a read! This book drew me right in and kept me turning pages just as quickly as possible. The characters have a depth that made them feel real and made me feel invested in their story.
The story is the classic of a girl who has nothing , yet has what's really important, and a guy who has everything, but nothing that matters. When their niece is orphaned, they both step in, with all of the drama and angst that follows. What's different, however, is the author's voice. She has created compelling characters and made them come alive on the page. I was completely immersed in their story and wanting them to get their HEA ending.
Put this one at the top of your TBR list. While this is the first book I've read by this author, it won't be the last. I'm looking forward to reading more by her.
The story is the classic of a girl who has nothing , yet has what's really important, and a guy who has everything, but nothing that matters. When their niece is orphaned, they both step in, with all of the drama and angst that follows. What's different, however, is the author's voice. She has created compelling characters and made them come alive on the page. I was completely immersed in their story and wanting them to get their HEA ending.
Put this one at the top of your TBR list. While this is the first book I've read by this author, it won't be the last. I'm looking forward to reading more by her.
July 31, 2020
[I received a physical copy from the publisher for an honest review]
A Cowboy for Keeps is the third book in Laura Drake's Chestnut Creek series. Each can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. This book tells the story of two strangers who meet when, after a fatal accident takes their siblings lives, their niece needs to be cared for. Both want what's best for the child but both have different definitions of what that means. The more time they spend together they have a chance to become a family of their own if they'll let down their walls and take a chance.
"But please, listen with your heart. You'll understand what I mean."
I think this might be my favorite one of the series. I loved Reese so much even if he constantly stuck his foot in his mouth. Half the time he would try to explain something he never thought it through first and sounded like a dumb a** but you knew he had the best intentions and just choose to say it in the worst way possible. By the end I couldn't help but laugh at it. He was way out of his element with Lorelei and no matter what he said he usually had to prepare for a battle. Lorelei was stubborn, independent, strong, caring and had 5 foot thick walls around her heart. I felt she was a bit too harsh on Reese sometimes because it was very clear he was trying his hardest. She was also really hard on herself and was constantly talking down to herself which was sad to read. Little Sawyer was a bright star in this book. All the moments of interaction with her will melt your heart.
When he looks up , I kiss him. A sweet, tender kiss, to tell him he's not alone.
I straighten , but he doesn't move, a confused surprise painted on his features.
"What did I do to deserve that?"
"By being who you are."
"In that case, I'll try to do that more often."
The story had a steady plot with realistic dramatic scenarios to keep it moving along. I enjoyed the characters so much that I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. It was also nice that the couples for the previous books were strong supportive characters for the Lorelei.
A Cowboy for Keeps by Laura Drake is a western romance about found family that will steal your heart and leave you with a smile on your face.
A Cowboy for Keeps is the third book in Laura Drake's Chestnut Creek series. Each can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. This book tells the story of two strangers who meet when, after a fatal accident takes their siblings lives, their niece needs to be cared for. Both want what's best for the child but both have different definitions of what that means. The more time they spend together they have a chance to become a family of their own if they'll let down their walls and take a chance.
"But please, listen with your heart. You'll understand what I mean."
I think this might be my favorite one of the series. I loved Reese so much even if he constantly stuck his foot in his mouth. Half the time he would try to explain something he never thought it through first and sounded like a dumb a** but you knew he had the best intentions and just choose to say it in the worst way possible. By the end I couldn't help but laugh at it. He was way out of his element with Lorelei and no matter what he said he usually had to prepare for a battle. Lorelei was stubborn, independent, strong, caring and had 5 foot thick walls around her heart. I felt she was a bit too harsh on Reese sometimes because it was very clear he was trying his hardest. She was also really hard on herself and was constantly talking down to herself which was sad to read. Little Sawyer was a bright star in this book. All the moments of interaction with her will melt your heart.
When he looks up , I kiss him. A sweet, tender kiss, to tell him he's not alone.
I straighten , but he doesn't move, a confused surprise painted on his features.
"What did I do to deserve that?"
"By being who you are."
"In that case, I'll try to do that more often."
The story had a steady plot with realistic dramatic scenarios to keep it moving along. I enjoyed the characters so much that I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. It was also nice that the couples for the previous books were strong supportive characters for the Lorelei.
A Cowboy for Keeps by Laura Drake is a western romance about found family that will steal your heart and leave you with a smile on your face.
July 5, 2020
A Cowboy for Keeps is a heart-melting book! The characters in this book are so real—they are charming and infuriating, stubborn and captivating—real people with baggage and insecurities but with hearts bursting with love and devotion! Reese and Lorelei face many challenges, not the least of which is suddenly becoming surrogate parents of a 6-month old baby, but they stare down those challenges with warmth and tenderness as they open their hearts to the possibility of happily ever after.
August 3, 2020
4 stars
July 21, 2020
Brilliant writing elevates this heartbreaking romance!
Reese and Lorelei both are the responsible ones in their families, in contrast to their wild-child siblings. Reese's brother, Carson, and Lorelei's sister, Patsy, were a perfect match and were wildly in love with each other and with their six-month-old daughter, without anyone in either family knowing anything about the baby, Sawyer. Until a tragedy leaves Sawyer an orphan and both Lorelei and Reese are struggling to hang on to what is left of their family.
This is one of the best-written books I've read in a very long time, and I highly recommend it to all romance readers. You've got your unbelievably rich, handsome, alpha cowboy with a heart of gold (even if he consistently says the wrong thing), a spunky, determined young woman who stands up for herself no matter the cost, a community filled with love and support and lots of humor, and a darling baby tying them all together.
I cannot express enough how the exquisite writing brings this story to life. The breathtaking descriptions, the truly insightful inner realizations, the deliciously snarky turn of phrase, all work together to make this a unique reading experience. The author has mastered southern idioms and rural ethics, and it shows on every page. These are not included just to instill a respect for the setting and its people, but they add substantially to the characters' development and growth throughout the story.
This story could've gone down the traditional routes of a custody battle or arranged (rescue) marriage, but the author chose neither, giving us instead a vividly complex emotional dance between two people who appear to have everything the other has always wanted. Reese had his daddy's money, but never knew the true love of a family. Lorelei's life is held together by copious amounts of love while squeezing every dime just to get by. Yet even with these disparities, the story rises above expected stereotypes to give us a character study that transcends the trope's usual handling.
Everything that makes up a beautiful, memorable love story is stitched together perfectly in this amazing story. It's got a permanent place on my Re-Read shelf and Laura Drake is definitely An Author for Keeps. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Reese and Lorelei both are the responsible ones in their families, in contrast to their wild-child siblings. Reese's brother, Carson, and Lorelei's sister, Patsy, were a perfect match and were wildly in love with each other and with their six-month-old daughter, without anyone in either family knowing anything about the baby, Sawyer. Until a tragedy leaves Sawyer an orphan and both Lorelei and Reese are struggling to hang on to what is left of their family.
This is one of the best-written books I've read in a very long time, and I highly recommend it to all romance readers. You've got your unbelievably rich, handsome, alpha cowboy with a heart of gold (even if he consistently says the wrong thing), a spunky, determined young woman who stands up for herself no matter the cost, a community filled with love and support and lots of humor, and a darling baby tying them all together.
I cannot express enough how the exquisite writing brings this story to life. The breathtaking descriptions, the truly insightful inner realizations, the deliciously snarky turn of phrase, all work together to make this a unique reading experience. The author has mastered southern idioms and rural ethics, and it shows on every page. These are not included just to instill a respect for the setting and its people, but they add substantially to the characters' development and growth throughout the story.
This story could've gone down the traditional routes of a custody battle or arranged (rescue) marriage, but the author chose neither, giving us instead a vividly complex emotional dance between two people who appear to have everything the other has always wanted. Reese had his daddy's money, but never knew the true love of a family. Lorelei's life is held together by copious amounts of love while squeezing every dime just to get by. Yet even with these disparities, the story rises above expected stereotypes to give us a character study that transcends the trope's usual handling.
Everything that makes up a beautiful, memorable love story is stitched together perfectly in this amazing story. It's got a permanent place on my Re-Read shelf and Laura Drake is definitely An Author for Keeps. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 28, 2020
New book boyfriend alert! Reese's insecurities gave him a soft side that pulled me right in. His interactions with his niece, Sawyer, tugged at all my heartstrings! And then there is the way that Reese pursues Lorelei. Swoon. Seriously, I loved all the moments of their interactions. Lorelei's insecurities definitely rule her life, to a point I wanted to yell at her at times. Because of this, I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. I think both of their love for Sawyer despite the complicated relationships they had with their siblings, was just so wonderful. This is just a heartwarming story and I would definitely recommend it!! Thank you to Forever Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 24, 2020
A Cowboy For Keep was my first romance by Laura Drake. I love cowboy romances and this has such a beautiful cover. I really liked the story between Lorilei and Reese. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold with their love for Sawyer. The writing is very well done and the story has this tiny bit of faith sprinkled in that I appreciated - but it does not take away from the heat of the romance.
August 1, 2020
This is my first read by this author. It was cute and sweet and actually an unexpected natural event I didn't expect, I guess I was expecting more push and pull between the main characters.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 25, 2020
I am not a romance reader, at all! But this novel is not really all romance and blushing scenes. Two strangers are brought together when their family members die in a car crash leaving a six month old baby an orphan. Can the two work together to raise this child, or will life be court rooms and shuffling back and forth between houses for the rest of this child's life?
Loreli gets the worse call of her life. Her sister was in a vehicle accident and died, and there is now a six month old baby who was left behind- when can she come and potentially take the child? She cannot barley get past that her sister is no long alive, but that she had a baby also? How did Loreli not know this...
Reese, is now the only family he has. His twin brother was just killed in a vehicle accident and his parents both have passed already. He is on his own, and now the business is also his to step and run. He can't believe it. How could Carson be gone? Just like that... Reese feels lost and not sure what life is about anymore until he catches wind that Carson had a baby. How the hell was he not notified of this? And where is this child? There is someone to now carry on the legacy, the farm! Reese starts the search for this child, no way will he let them be some orphan, he will step up and take full responsibility.
Just when Loreli is settling in with having a child to now care for everyday, a big shot oil cowboy comes into town wanting to know about Sawyer. He's got looks, attitude, and money. Everyone knows he an outsider and soon words spreads of just who he is. Will Loreli get past her hard headedness and allow a man to help her raise Sawyer, and will Reese learn that money isn't what makes a family or home? Can the two co-parent together to raise this child?
Like I said above, I am not a romance fan at all. But this hardly had that as the focus and the storyline was really good. This novel was the perfect balance of having some romance, but not over the top, fairyland perfect romance. I want to thank the author for reaching out to me about reading her books, and to Forever Publishing for send me a copy. I can see myself reading more of her novels when I am not in the mood for war or thriller reading.
Loreli gets the worse call of her life. Her sister was in a vehicle accident and died, and there is now a six month old baby who was left behind- when can she come and potentially take the child? She cannot barley get past that her sister is no long alive, but that she had a baby also? How did Loreli not know this...
Reese, is now the only family he has. His twin brother was just killed in a vehicle accident and his parents both have passed already. He is on his own, and now the business is also his to step and run. He can't believe it. How could Carson be gone? Just like that... Reese feels lost and not sure what life is about anymore until he catches wind that Carson had a baby. How the hell was he not notified of this? And where is this child? There is someone to now carry on the legacy, the farm! Reese starts the search for this child, no way will he let them be some orphan, he will step up and take full responsibility.
Just when Loreli is settling in with having a child to now care for everyday, a big shot oil cowboy comes into town wanting to know about Sawyer. He's got looks, attitude, and money. Everyone knows he an outsider and soon words spreads of just who he is. Will Loreli get past her hard headedness and allow a man to help her raise Sawyer, and will Reese learn that money isn't what makes a family or home? Can the two co-parent together to raise this child?
Like I said above, I am not a romance fan at all. But this hardly had that as the focus and the storyline was really good. This novel was the perfect balance of having some romance, but not over the top, fairyland perfect romance. I want to thank the author for reaching out to me about reading her books, and to Forever Publishing for send me a copy. I can see myself reading more of her novels when I am not in the mood for war or thriller reading.
June 24, 2020
Lorelei West likes her job, manager of the Chestnut Creek Café. She looks after her momma, who had dementia and has her friends. What more can she want, other than having her sister Patsy come home and a family of her own. Then she gets a call that changes her life, her sister is not coming home, but she gets to bring home the baby she did not know her sister had, 6-month-old Sawyer. Lorelei drops everything and goes and get her sister’s baby. Things are going along ok, when a smooth-talking cowboy Reese St. James turns up and tells Lorelei that he is the baby’s Uncle and that his brother was the baby's father.
Not only was he a smooth-talking cowboy, but he was a rich one too. And Lorelei was an independent woman who could look after her niece and her momma and was having no part of Reese or his money. She would let him see Sawyer, but no way was she having him take control of her life and finances. Reese did not know, when he came to get his niece that he was going to up against her strong independent aunt, who he felt a growing passion for each time they were together. Can he show Lorelei that what he wants to give her most is what they both need a family and the love of a good man.
The more Lorelei and Reese spend together the more they see that they have a lot more in common that they think and as they explore the relationship of raising Sawyer, what is there hearts both want, a family, there passion for one another grows too.
I really loved this book and liked how Laura Drake gives us feisty independent women who can be strong and at the same time has a heart that needs to be loved and hero just as strong and wants to be the guy who can give his family everything. This book made me feel so many emotions and was cheering on these two to find their HEA.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion for this book.
Not only was he a smooth-talking cowboy, but he was a rich one too. And Lorelei was an independent woman who could look after her niece and her momma and was having no part of Reese or his money. She would let him see Sawyer, but no way was she having him take control of her life and finances. Reese did not know, when he came to get his niece that he was going to up against her strong independent aunt, who he felt a growing passion for each time they were together. Can he show Lorelei that what he wants to give her most is what they both need a family and the love of a good man.
The more Lorelei and Reese spend together the more they see that they have a lot more in common that they think and as they explore the relationship of raising Sawyer, what is there hearts both want, a family, there passion for one another grows too.
I really loved this book and liked how Laura Drake gives us feisty independent women who can be strong and at the same time has a heart that needs to be loved and hero just as strong and wants to be the guy who can give his family everything. This book made me feel so many emotions and was cheering on these two to find their HEA.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion for this book.
July 2, 2020
A Cowboy for Keeps (Chestnut Creek #3) by Laura Drake
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Car accident, abusive family life
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Lorelei loves her life. Sure, she might wish things were different sometimes, but she's content with what she has and who she is. When she gets word that her sister has died in a fatal car crash, she is devistated. The real kicker is that her sister had a baby that nobody knew about! Lorelei rushes down to make sure that her niece is safe and is able to return with her. Lorelei has always wanted to be a mom, it just never happened for her. Now, she's vowed to make sure that her niece knows her mom and knows love.
Reese is a hard character to relate to. He's closed off, somewhat pushy and despite wanting to do the right thing, sticks his foot in his mouth more often than not. He's been living in his father and brothers' shadows his entire life. And, when he learns that his twin brother, the dare devil and favorite twin has been killed in a car accident, he isn't quite sure how to process the information. Then, when he learns that he has a niece, Reese wants to make sure that she is cared for and has th best of everything his money can buy. What he isn't expecting is a protective woman who wants nothing to do with his money.
These two have to navigate all sorts of new things. Rearing a niece, Texas weather, egos and making sure their niece knows that her parents loved her. It was a somewhat drawn out story that perhaps didn't need to take so long. However, watching Reese and Lorelei figure out how they were going to co-parent, mesh their lives together and create new memories for their niece was fun to see. It's a sweet story where love does conquer all.
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Car accident, abusive family life
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Lorelei loves her life. Sure, she might wish things were different sometimes, but she's content with what she has and who she is. When she gets word that her sister has died in a fatal car crash, she is devistated. The real kicker is that her sister had a baby that nobody knew about! Lorelei rushes down to make sure that her niece is safe and is able to return with her. Lorelei has always wanted to be a mom, it just never happened for her. Now, she's vowed to make sure that her niece knows her mom and knows love.
Reese is a hard character to relate to. He's closed off, somewhat pushy and despite wanting to do the right thing, sticks his foot in his mouth more often than not. He's been living in his father and brothers' shadows his entire life. And, when he learns that his twin brother, the dare devil and favorite twin has been killed in a car accident, he isn't quite sure how to process the information. Then, when he learns that he has a niece, Reese wants to make sure that she is cared for and has th best of everything his money can buy. What he isn't expecting is a protective woman who wants nothing to do with his money.
These two have to navigate all sorts of new things. Rearing a niece, Texas weather, egos and making sure their niece knows that her parents loved her. It was a somewhat drawn out story that perhaps didn't need to take so long. However, watching Reese and Lorelei figure out how they were going to co-parent, mesh their lives together and create new memories for their niece was fun to see. It's a sweet story where love does conquer all.
July 30, 2020
Lorelei is 37, the hardworking manager of a cafe' in the tiny, hardscrabble town of Unforgiven. She's struggling financially, her house is falling apart, and her mother, who lives with her, has dementia. Then her beloved sister, the beautiful one, the wild one, dies in a car wreck in another state, leaving behind an infant daughter for Lorelei to raise. The father was killed in the same wreck. This is the setup for Lorelei and the infant's uncle, a wealthy-but-not-happy good guy, to come together in an unlikely romance.
The good: Drake writes of real people. Her female leads aren't drop-dead gorgeous and they usually have some kind of character flaw that's not easily ignored. Romance novels aren't real life, but some of them are of such a spun-sugar/Barbie and Ken quality that it's annoying. Not with a Drake. You get lovable drunks, nibby old reporters, and ex-cons as best friends. Lorelei has beautiful eyes but a long face. She's plain. Reese, the male lead, was stomped by a bull in a youthful attempt at rodeo and can't have children (although don't worry, everything works great!) Plus he carries the relatable baggage of feeling like he was born into the wrong family; his late father disliked him for not being a hell-raiser and uber-athlete like him and the dead brother.
More good: the humor. Drake's characters are sometimes raw and uncouth, and funny!
The bad and ugly: nothing. Seriously. I love everything Laura Drake writes. I'd been waiting for the next book in the series for a while. Now I feel like going back and reading the first two again.
The good: Drake writes of real people. Her female leads aren't drop-dead gorgeous and they usually have some kind of character flaw that's not easily ignored. Romance novels aren't real life, but some of them are of such a spun-sugar/Barbie and Ken quality that it's annoying. Not with a Drake. You get lovable drunks, nibby old reporters, and ex-cons as best friends. Lorelei has beautiful eyes but a long face. She's plain. Reese, the male lead, was stomped by a bull in a youthful attempt at rodeo and can't have children (although don't worry, everything works great!) Plus he carries the relatable baggage of feeling like he was born into the wrong family; his late father disliked him for not being a hell-raiser and uber-athlete like him and the dead brother.
More good: the humor. Drake's characters are sometimes raw and uncouth, and funny!
The bad and ugly: nothing. Seriously. I love everything Laura Drake writes. I'd been waiting for the next book in the series for a while. Now I feel like going back and reading the first two again.
July 24, 2020
Lorelei and Reese landed in my mailbox at an opportune moment. For the past few years, I’ve stuck with my preferred genres of historical fiction, memoirs, and lately, two lengthy non-fictions. An escape to Unforgiven, New Mexico came complete with a romance between characters you rooted for from the start.
Lorelei, manager of a small-town diner, has her hands full working full-time and caring for her mother recovering from a stroke. The last thing she needs is more responsibilities. Nor is she looking for romance after learning her long-time lover is married. But both added responsibilities and romance arrive in force in the form of guardianship of a six-month-old niece (Sawyer) and a Texan rancher (Reese).
A strong character development of Lorelei and Reese pulls you in to the point you wanted to get in their faces and tell them to each wake up and get over past grievances. Lorelei is hesitant to trust and love a man again. Reese can’t keep his foot out of his mouth, unaware and lacking skills to speak with women.
I needed to remind myself A Cowboy for Keeps is a romance in order to ignore the trope of damsel in distress finds her knight in shining armor, or shirtless stud. Once I did that, I got lost in the story and enjoyed the journey of Lorelei and Reese into each other’s arms. Flaws and missteps can be forgiven when forever love lies beneath.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are mine alone.
Lorelei, manager of a small-town diner, has her hands full working full-time and caring for her mother recovering from a stroke. The last thing she needs is more responsibilities. Nor is she looking for romance after learning her long-time lover is married. But both added responsibilities and romance arrive in force in the form of guardianship of a six-month-old niece (Sawyer) and a Texan rancher (Reese).
A strong character development of Lorelei and Reese pulls you in to the point you wanted to get in their faces and tell them to each wake up and get over past grievances. Lorelei is hesitant to trust and love a man again. Reese can’t keep his foot out of his mouth, unaware and lacking skills to speak with women.
I needed to remind myself A Cowboy for Keeps is a romance in order to ignore the trope of damsel in distress finds her knight in shining armor, or shirtless stud. Once I did that, I got lost in the story and enjoyed the journey of Lorelei and Reese into each other’s arms. Flaws and missteps can be forgiven when forever love lies beneath.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are mine alone.
Read
September 22, 2021On one hand you’ve got Lorelei, an independent woman who wants help from no one, while on the other there is Reese, a Texan cowboy; but not quite. He’s got the hat and horse, but that’s about it. Their lives collide when they both experience tragedy and are now caring for their sibling’s child. They but heads about pretty well everything, but they also both completely adore their niece. Will Lorelei’s stubborn steak, and Reese’s pushy ways tear them apart or keep them coming back?
Honestly, I loved this story! It had me right from the beginning and every page after that. Their completely different lives explained their decisions and also shaped their futures. Their everyday life was real, and the author did a great job of keeping me invested in their lives and what happens next.
This was a typical poor girl who is rich in what she needs, and rich guy who is missing what’s important kind of story. But it felt different, and that was because of the depth of their characters. They kept you hooked into the story and rooting for a happy ending.
If you are looking for a great read with characters that come alive, this is a go to. This was the first book by this author for me and it won’t be the last 🤠
Honestly, I loved this story! It had me right from the beginning and every page after that. Their completely different lives explained their decisions and also shaped their futures. Their everyday life was real, and the author did a great job of keeping me invested in their lives and what happens next.
This was a typical poor girl who is rich in what she needs, and rich guy who is missing what’s important kind of story. But it felt different, and that was because of the depth of their characters. They kept you hooked into the story and rooting for a happy ending.
If you are looking for a great read with characters that come alive, this is a go to. This was the first book by this author for me and it won’t be the last 🤠
July 31, 2020
Thanks to Forever for the gifted copy of A Cowboy for Keeps!
I've been all in on romance this last week and I'm not mad at it. A Cowboy for Keeps throws together cafe manager Lorelei and rancher Reese after the tragic deaths of her sister and his twin brother, who had a secret baby that now both Lorelei and Reese want to raise. This brings plenty of tension to the story, but eventually they find themselves falling for each other, too. They'll have to figure out how to be better communicators and how to manage a relationship and sharing child rearing across state lines.
Reese and Lorelei come together in tragic circumstances but find in each other much to appreciate- eventually. I loved the setting of the the dusty town of Unforgiven and will be going back to previous books in the series to find out more about some of the side characters. There was one element of the story I found distracting, which was that either time passing wasn't marked well or baby Sawyer was hitting developmental milestones at crazily unrealistic ages. That aside it was a super enjoyable read with just the right bit of steam.
I've been all in on romance this last week and I'm not mad at it. A Cowboy for Keeps throws together cafe manager Lorelei and rancher Reese after the tragic deaths of her sister and his twin brother, who had a secret baby that now both Lorelei and Reese want to raise. This brings plenty of tension to the story, but eventually they find themselves falling for each other, too. They'll have to figure out how to be better communicators and how to manage a relationship and sharing child rearing across state lines.
Reese and Lorelei come together in tragic circumstances but find in each other much to appreciate- eventually. I loved the setting of the the dusty town of Unforgiven and will be going back to previous books in the series to find out more about some of the side characters. There was one element of the story I found distracting, which was that either time passing wasn't marked well or baby Sawyer was hitting developmental milestones at crazily unrealistic ages. That aside it was a super enjoyable read with just the right bit of steam.
August 10, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from NetGalley and Forever
A Cowboy for Keeps is book 3 in the Chestnut Creek series by Laura Drake. Emotional, well written with lots of heart!!
Lorelei West lives in Unforgiven, New Mexico, manager of the town cafe, takes care of her mother who has dementia and has just found out her sister and boyfriend died in a car accident leaving a baby girl behind for her to raise. She is saddened about her sister’s death but now her dream has come true to raise the baby girl as her own since she can’t have children of her own...until the wealthy Reese St. James from Texas her sister’s boyfriend twin brother shows up to claim the baby girl as his own to raise in Texas since he can’t have children either...
What happens next is some humor, a little suspense, doubting themselves, shared love for the baby, some tears, grief and maybe finding what both have been missing in their lives....love!!
A Cowboy for Keeps is book 3 in the Chestnut Creek series by Laura Drake. Emotional, well written with lots of heart!!
Lorelei West lives in Unforgiven, New Mexico, manager of the town cafe, takes care of her mother who has dementia and has just found out her sister and boyfriend died in a car accident leaving a baby girl behind for her to raise. She is saddened about her sister’s death but now her dream has come true to raise the baby girl as her own since she can’t have children of her own...until the wealthy Reese St. James from Texas her sister’s boyfriend twin brother shows up to claim the baby girl as his own to raise in Texas since he can’t have children either...
What happens next is some humor, a little suspense, doubting themselves, shared love for the baby, some tears, grief and maybe finding what both have been missing in their lives....love!!
July 21, 2020
Laura Drake sure knows how to write a good cowboy romance, even if the character doesn't really consider himself a cowboy. His whole life,Reese has fought being the cowboy his father wanted him to be. He also doesn't think he'll ever be a father, but when his brother dies and leaves a daughter, he's determined to step up. Lorelei, the baby's aunt/now mother has other ideas. Lorelei is a very strong, not to be pushed around woman. She loves very strongly. That love just might extend to Reese if he'd just keep his fool mouth shut and stop throwing his money around to try to fix things for her. She doesn't need a man--but she sure might want him.
This was a quick, easy read that leaves you happy.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
This was a quick, easy read that leaves you happy.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
July 27, 2020
This enemies to lovers romance was really unique, with it centering around grief, and the raising of a child. The way that these two ended up overcoming their anger, and coming into being a couple was really sweet. The support system of the small town of Unforgiven is amazing. I always love small town romances for that reason. This one really was sweet, and I would recommend checking out the previous book in the series also. (The first book had a trope that wasn't my favorite.)
July 31, 2020
I don't know where Laura Drake has been hiding because she's a new author for me, and A Cowboy for Keeps is the third novel in her Chestnut Creek series, but this sweet, poignant, charming, enemies-to-lovers romance novel, which never made me feel lost, has made me a fan, and it gets 4.5 stars from this reader.
Lorelei West, manages the Chestnut Creek Cafe in Unforgiven, New Mexico, a town left behind when the interstate passed them by, the railroad line was closed, and no one seemed too interested in travelling Route 66 anymore. For the locals in this town, where everyone knows everyone, including their private lives, the cafe is gossip central, and Lorelei, who has never been married, is quite independent, still lives in the run-down, generations-old, family farmhouse with her mother, whose stroke left her somewhat mentally compromised, and her mother's caregiver, Mrs. Wheelwright, and, at age 37, Lorelei has given up on the idea of marriage and children. Years earlier, the man she gave her heart to, and was ready to marry, turned out to be not only a liar, but a cheating husband too. She considers herself plain, beige, and boring, having grown up in the shadow of her younger sister Patsy, who left Unforgiven as soon as she was able to follow the rodeo. Patsy was not only pretty and charming, but she also had a glittery, fun personality that drew people, especially men, to her, and it's been quite a while since she's been home, or even in touch by phone or text. Lorelei loves her job, but still struggles to make ends meet, and as a result, her car is old, her assets bare, and the family home is suffering from age and neglect with peeling paint, old appliances, and a leaky roof, but what it does have is warmth, tradition, and love.
When Lorelei gets word that her beloved sister has been in a fatal car accident, that news is hard to take, but she's shocked to learn that her sister's 6-month-old daughter, Sawyer, the result of a pregnancy and birth she knew nothing about, was the only survivor, and Lorelei rushes to claim custody of her, thrilled to have a chance to keep and raise her sister's baby, and finally have the child she always dreamed of having. She has no idea who fathered Sawyer, or even if her sister was married, but whoever that man was, she learns that he also died in the car crash.
Reese St. James' life couldn't be more different than Lorelei's. He's one of two sons born to a family of great wealth from oil and cattle ranching on their over 400,000 acre spread in Texas. He grew up in an ostentatious mansion, with his brother, Carson, who, unlike Reeese, was born to be a rancher and who was his father's favorite son. Their mother's untimely death left their overbearing, insensitive father, a changed, harsh, and broken man--without her, Reese became the butt of his father's scorn, and when forced to get on the back of a rank bull at age 14, to prove he wasn't a sissy, was thrown and brutally stomped upon, leaving him unable to father children. His brother, Carson, a cowboy through and through, also left home for the rodeo life, leaving Reese to see to the ranch and live in their huge, cold and empty family home, but that's all about to change, as soon as he learns that Carson has been killed in a car accident, and that Carson had fathered a daughter, 6-month-old, Sawyer--who Reese sees as his only chance of having and raising a child, and he's soon hot on the trail of his little niece. Reese too hasn't had luck in love. The woman he planned to marry inadvertently made it clear that she was only after Reese for his money, so he dropped her and hasn't had more than a few short encounters since then.
Ms. Drake has crafted a wonderful story born of tragedy, and created two finely drawn characters who only want what's best for their little orphaned niece, but who, because of the vast differences in their lives and financial circumstances, soon become combatants for custody of the baby. Lorelei sees Reese as a threat, and treats him as such. All Reese wants is a chance to meet his little niece, get to know her, and be a part of her life. When he sees Lorelei's run-down home, he believes his millions will give Sawyer a better life, but there is no way Lorelei is giving up custody of Sawyer, and the tension and eventual attraction between these two strong-willed characters is what drives this highly emotional story forward. Lorelei is driven by her pride and independence, and Reese seems to think his money will solve all her problems, a sentiment she completely and adamantly rejects--repeatedly, but she cannot in all good conscience deny Reese a chance to bond with little Sawyer, and he slowly integrates himself into the West family, but his home is in Texas, and the West family is in New Mexico, so how will it end?
I thoroughly enjoyed the slow build-up of this enemies-to-lovers romance, but as things heat up between Lorelei and Reese, I felt somewhat cheated when their relationship turned steamy and then the author left most of the action between these two strong-willed characters behind closed doors. I think that readers of contemporary romance these days have come to expect something a bit more graphic than this author provided. My other issues are that it's made clear early on that Lorelei is aware that she is 5 years older than Reese, yet the two characters never even discuss it, nor is the fact that when these two finally do have sex, Reese, a man who can't father children, immediately dons a condom, even though he's aware that Lorelei has been celibate and has avoided men for almost a decade. Shouldn't one of them asked the other if that condom was necessary? I'm all for safe sex and self-protection, but I believe the matter should have been discussed rather than assumed, since it left me wondering if Reese was protecting Lorelei or protecting himself from Lorelei.
Additionally, the supporting characters in this novel added a welcome touch of wry humor, from the two old codgers who befriended Reese at the cafe counter, to Nevada, the no holds barred cook and her penchant for take no prisoners tee shirts, to Lorelei's mom, whose memory wasn't what it once was and who kept referring to Reese, who brought expensive steaks over for their dinner one night, as the Meals-on-Wheels guy. I must also mention the hilarity of Reese's first experience with changing Sawyer's dirty diaper, which was laugh out loud funny. And finally, there's baby Sawyer, an adorable toddler who not only charmed Reese, Lorelei, and everyone who met her, but who charmed the heck out of this reader as well.
All in all, this was an excellent and deeply moving read, and I can't wait to read the two Chestnut Creek novels that preceded it, because clearly Laura Drake is a writer to watch and follow, and I'm happy to be able to recommend her and this novel.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Lorelei West, manages the Chestnut Creek Cafe in Unforgiven, New Mexico, a town left behind when the interstate passed them by, the railroad line was closed, and no one seemed too interested in travelling Route 66 anymore. For the locals in this town, where everyone knows everyone, including their private lives, the cafe is gossip central, and Lorelei, who has never been married, is quite independent, still lives in the run-down, generations-old, family farmhouse with her mother, whose stroke left her somewhat mentally compromised, and her mother's caregiver, Mrs. Wheelwright, and, at age 37, Lorelei has given up on the idea of marriage and children. Years earlier, the man she gave her heart to, and was ready to marry, turned out to be not only a liar, but a cheating husband too. She considers herself plain, beige, and boring, having grown up in the shadow of her younger sister Patsy, who left Unforgiven as soon as she was able to follow the rodeo. Patsy was not only pretty and charming, but she also had a glittery, fun personality that drew people, especially men, to her, and it's been quite a while since she's been home, or even in touch by phone or text. Lorelei loves her job, but still struggles to make ends meet, and as a result, her car is old, her assets bare, and the family home is suffering from age and neglect with peeling paint, old appliances, and a leaky roof, but what it does have is warmth, tradition, and love.
When Lorelei gets word that her beloved sister has been in a fatal car accident, that news is hard to take, but she's shocked to learn that her sister's 6-month-old daughter, Sawyer, the result of a pregnancy and birth she knew nothing about, was the only survivor, and Lorelei rushes to claim custody of her, thrilled to have a chance to keep and raise her sister's baby, and finally have the child she always dreamed of having. She has no idea who fathered Sawyer, or even if her sister was married, but whoever that man was, she learns that he also died in the car crash.
Reese St. James' life couldn't be more different than Lorelei's. He's one of two sons born to a family of great wealth from oil and cattle ranching on their over 400,000 acre spread in Texas. He grew up in an ostentatious mansion, with his brother, Carson, who, unlike Reeese, was born to be a rancher and who was his father's favorite son. Their mother's untimely death left their overbearing, insensitive father, a changed, harsh, and broken man--without her, Reese became the butt of his father's scorn, and when forced to get on the back of a rank bull at age 14, to prove he wasn't a sissy, was thrown and brutally stomped upon, leaving him unable to father children. His brother, Carson, a cowboy through and through, also left home for the rodeo life, leaving Reese to see to the ranch and live in their huge, cold and empty family home, but that's all about to change, as soon as he learns that Carson has been killed in a car accident, and that Carson had fathered a daughter, 6-month-old, Sawyer--who Reese sees as his only chance of having and raising a child, and he's soon hot on the trail of his little niece. Reese too hasn't had luck in love. The woman he planned to marry inadvertently made it clear that she was only after Reese for his money, so he dropped her and hasn't had more than a few short encounters since then.
Ms. Drake has crafted a wonderful story born of tragedy, and created two finely drawn characters who only want what's best for their little orphaned niece, but who, because of the vast differences in their lives and financial circumstances, soon become combatants for custody of the baby. Lorelei sees Reese as a threat, and treats him as such. All Reese wants is a chance to meet his little niece, get to know her, and be a part of her life. When he sees Lorelei's run-down home, he believes his millions will give Sawyer a better life, but there is no way Lorelei is giving up custody of Sawyer, and the tension and eventual attraction between these two strong-willed characters is what drives this highly emotional story forward. Lorelei is driven by her pride and independence, and Reese seems to think his money will solve all her problems, a sentiment she completely and adamantly rejects--repeatedly, but she cannot in all good conscience deny Reese a chance to bond with little Sawyer, and he slowly integrates himself into the West family, but his home is in Texas, and the West family is in New Mexico, so how will it end?
I thoroughly enjoyed the slow build-up of this enemies-to-lovers romance, but as things heat up between Lorelei and Reese, I felt somewhat cheated when their relationship turned steamy and then the author left most of the action between these two strong-willed characters behind closed doors. I think that readers of contemporary romance these days have come to expect something a bit more graphic than this author provided. My other issues are that it's made clear early on that Lorelei is aware that she is 5 years older than Reese, yet the two characters never even discuss it, nor is the fact that when these two finally do have sex, Reese, a man who can't father children, immediately dons a condom, even though he's aware that Lorelei has been celibate and has avoided men for almost a decade. Shouldn't one of them asked the other if that condom was necessary? I'm all for safe sex and self-protection, but I believe the matter should have been discussed rather than assumed, since it left me wondering if Reese was protecting Lorelei or protecting himself from Lorelei.
Additionally, the supporting characters in this novel added a welcome touch of wry humor, from the two old codgers who befriended Reese at the cafe counter, to Nevada, the no holds barred cook and her penchant for take no prisoners tee shirts, to Lorelei's mom, whose memory wasn't what it once was and who kept referring to Reese, who brought expensive steaks over for their dinner one night, as the Meals-on-Wheels guy. I must also mention the hilarity of Reese's first experience with changing Sawyer's dirty diaper, which was laugh out loud funny. And finally, there's baby Sawyer, an adorable toddler who not only charmed Reese, Lorelei, and everyone who met her, but who charmed the heck out of this reader as well.
All in all, this was an excellent and deeply moving read, and I can't wait to read the two Chestnut Creek novels that preceded it, because clearly Laura Drake is a writer to watch and follow, and I'm happy to be able to recommend her and this novel.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 5, 2020
I loved this story. Lorelei got everything, including the kitchen sink, thrown at her in this installment. Such a strong woman.
Laura has set up the characters in a way that makes them so likable. I would live in this small town in a heartbeat. I want to retire there.....
I hope this is not the end of the Chestnut Creek series. I want to see how things work out for everyone.
This book was gifted to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review. 👍👍👍👍👍
Laura has set up the characters in a way that makes them so likable. I would live in this small town in a heartbeat. I want to retire there.....
I hope this is not the end of the Chestnut Creek series. I want to see how things work out for everyone.
This book was gifted to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review. 👍👍👍👍👍
July 26, 2020
A Cowboy for Keeps is the third book with Laura Drake’s Chestnut Creek series.
Lorelei West has all but given up on having a family of her own. She spends her days running the cafe in town and taking care of her mother. She wishes she could have more time for fun, or a man, but it’s just not in the cards. Then she receives the shock of her life when she gets the call that her sister has died in a car crash and left a six-month-old daughter to Lorelei’s care. Suddenly, she’s a mom to a grieving baby and balancing all the responsibilities in life that come with that. Then one more wrench is thrown in the works when the brother of the baby’s father shows up and expects to take full custody. Can they work together for the child’s sake? Is this the family Lorelei’s been hoping for?
I’m always a sucker for a cowboy story, so when this title came up for grabs, I was intrigued by the story line. I loved the idea of a woman who’s all but given up on love and a family getting exactly what she’s always dreamed of. I think a lot of people can connect with a character like Lorelei who’s lived most of her life in service to others. Her strength of character while dealing with her mother’s dementia and her absent sister was amazing. And even when she became a mother after the tragic loss of her sister, she still managed to keep everything together.
Reese was the type of cowboy hero I want to read, not only strong and masculine but loyal and caring. I loved that he was willing to take on raising the baby on his own before he knew that Lorelei was doing the same thing. When he shows up, he and Lorelei get off on the wrong foot because he has the bad habit of saying the exact wrong thing to people. I could totally relate since I also have a bad habit of sticking my foot in my mouth. It was endearing to find out that this bad habit was because he felt like he was always in his brother’s shadow.
The scenes with these two trying to work out parenting together were heartwarming and a great way to show them falling in love with Sawyer as well as each other. Watching both Lorelei and Reese work through their self-esteem issues to be good parents was something I think a lot of parents go through, which made the book feel all the more relatable.
My only minor quibble was when Reese and Lorelei got together the passion kicked up quick and it was enjoyable. The author did a good job of building the tension, even getting descriptive of everything up until a certain point and then “boom” the door closed. This was so jarring to me as the reader because there was a lot of descriptive making out and then the author shied away from describing anything more. It was such an odd choice in my opinion that it really brought down a lot of my enjoyment of the last third or so of the book.
Overall, this is a cute book that has some of the best descriptions of parenting I’ve seen in a romance book this year. I am always very critical of descriptions of children in romance novels, but Drake does an amazing job of writing little Sawyer. Fans of Maisey Yates or Carolyn Brown’s contemporary cowboy romances will be interested in this series. If you’re like me and just want a little extra spark to your contemporary cowboy romances I’d suggest A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon as a better example of this type of story.
~ Lindsey
Lorelei West has all but given up on having a family of her own. She spends her days running the cafe in town and taking care of her mother. She wishes she could have more time for fun, or a man, but it’s just not in the cards. Then she receives the shock of her life when she gets the call that her sister has died in a car crash and left a six-month-old daughter to Lorelei’s care. Suddenly, she’s a mom to a grieving baby and balancing all the responsibilities in life that come with that. Then one more wrench is thrown in the works when the brother of the baby’s father shows up and expects to take full custody. Can they work together for the child’s sake? Is this the family Lorelei’s been hoping for?
I’m always a sucker for a cowboy story, so when this title came up for grabs, I was intrigued by the story line. I loved the idea of a woman who’s all but given up on love and a family getting exactly what she’s always dreamed of. I think a lot of people can connect with a character like Lorelei who’s lived most of her life in service to others. Her strength of character while dealing with her mother’s dementia and her absent sister was amazing. And even when she became a mother after the tragic loss of her sister, she still managed to keep everything together.
Reese was the type of cowboy hero I want to read, not only strong and masculine but loyal and caring. I loved that he was willing to take on raising the baby on his own before he knew that Lorelei was doing the same thing. When he shows up, he and Lorelei get off on the wrong foot because he has the bad habit of saying the exact wrong thing to people. I could totally relate since I also have a bad habit of sticking my foot in my mouth. It was endearing to find out that this bad habit was because he felt like he was always in his brother’s shadow.
The scenes with these two trying to work out parenting together were heartwarming and a great way to show them falling in love with Sawyer as well as each other. Watching both Lorelei and Reese work through their self-esteem issues to be good parents was something I think a lot of parents go through, which made the book feel all the more relatable.
My only minor quibble was when Reese and Lorelei got together the passion kicked up quick and it was enjoyable. The author did a good job of building the tension, even getting descriptive of everything up until a certain point and then “boom” the door closed. This was so jarring to me as the reader because there was a lot of descriptive making out and then the author shied away from describing anything more. It was such an odd choice in my opinion that it really brought down a lot of my enjoyment of the last third or so of the book.
Overall, this is a cute book that has some of the best descriptions of parenting I’ve seen in a romance book this year. I am always very critical of descriptions of children in romance novels, but Drake does an amazing job of writing little Sawyer. Fans of Maisey Yates or Carolyn Brown’s contemporary cowboy romances will be interested in this series. If you’re like me and just want a little extra spark to your contemporary cowboy romances I’d suggest A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon as a better example of this type of story.
~ Lindsey
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March 25, 2022Heat Factor: It’s not like a bell pepper but I certainly wouldn’t call it a ghost pepper either.
Character Chemistry: It’s a slow dance with some initial foot stomping.
Plot: Lorelei West and Reese St. James learn their respective siblings died in a car accident leaving behind a surprise baby. Together they have to figure out how to navigate both their new responsibility and their budding feelings for one another.
Overall: It’s a classic “poor woman saved by rich guy” type situation with a lot of curveballs.
Secret Baby?? Surprise parenthood?? Yes, this small-town contemporary western has both. When Lorelei West and Reese St. James lose their respective siblings in a car wreck, they’re both shocked to discover the two tragic love birds left behind a beautiful baby girl. Lorelei has very little to offer in terms of resources--she’s caring for her mother who has dementia with the help of her close friends, and manages a cafe in a small and somewhat dying town in New Mexico. Reese St. James seems to have it all as a wealthy rancher, but is lonely and hurting. Both are desperate to be part of their niece’s life.
As you can imagine, Lorelei is terrified Reese will swoop in and take the baby from her. (And sometimes, honestly, it felt like Lorelei was a bit ridiculous and I kind of felt like Reese would have been the more stable parent? But, whatever.) Trust between the two is a slow and grinding process, and there were more than a few times I got a little frustrated by Lorelei’s overblown pride and Reese’s bungling attempts to insert himself into their lives. Lorelei is somewhat emotionally crippled by something relatively minor that happened when she was very young, and it made her seem a bit...bitter and immature? Reese made more sense because he didn’t have a lot of experience with expressing himself emotionally and was used to handling things as a high-falutin’ oil man. So the big conflict was a little frustrating because I felt like Lorelei was sometimes a bit irrationally cruel and distrustful of Reese after they’d worked so hard to build a healthy relationship with such high stakes.
However!! I was absolutely delighted to see a small town represented so accurately. It was small and struggling but it was full of strong characters and traditions and I could see it so clearly in my mind. It was really well done, and the town had such a personality that any reservations I had about the characters being difficult were kind of washed away. I’d definitely read more of the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
This review is also available at The Smut Report.
Character Chemistry: It’s a slow dance with some initial foot stomping.
Plot: Lorelei West and Reese St. James learn their respective siblings died in a car accident leaving behind a surprise baby. Together they have to figure out how to navigate both their new responsibility and their budding feelings for one another.
Overall: It’s a classic “poor woman saved by rich guy” type situation with a lot of curveballs.
Secret Baby?? Surprise parenthood?? Yes, this small-town contemporary western has both. When Lorelei West and Reese St. James lose their respective siblings in a car wreck, they’re both shocked to discover the two tragic love birds left behind a beautiful baby girl. Lorelei has very little to offer in terms of resources--she’s caring for her mother who has dementia with the help of her close friends, and manages a cafe in a small and somewhat dying town in New Mexico. Reese St. James seems to have it all as a wealthy rancher, but is lonely and hurting. Both are desperate to be part of their niece’s life.
As you can imagine, Lorelei is terrified Reese will swoop in and take the baby from her. (And sometimes, honestly, it felt like Lorelei was a bit ridiculous and I kind of felt like Reese would have been the more stable parent? But, whatever.) Trust between the two is a slow and grinding process, and there were more than a few times I got a little frustrated by Lorelei’s overblown pride and Reese’s bungling attempts to insert himself into their lives. Lorelei is somewhat emotionally crippled by something relatively minor that happened when she was very young, and it made her seem a bit...bitter and immature? Reese made more sense because he didn’t have a lot of experience with expressing himself emotionally and was used to handling things as a high-falutin’ oil man. So the big conflict was a little frustrating because I felt like Lorelei was sometimes a bit irrationally cruel and distrustful of Reese after they’d worked so hard to build a healthy relationship with such high stakes.
However!! I was absolutely delighted to see a small town represented so accurately. It was small and struggling but it was full of strong characters and traditions and I could see it so clearly in my mind. It was really well done, and the town had such a personality that any reservations I had about the characters being difficult were kind of washed away. I’d definitely read more of the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
This review is also available at The Smut Report.
July 22, 2020
It was a phone call that Lorelei West was no where near ready to hear, her sister had been killed in an automobile accident, and she left behind a six month old daughter. Her sister has always been a tad bit wild and carefree and let the unexpected things in life lead her. She never seemed like the type to settled down, so hearing that she had a child that Lorelei knew nothing about was quite alarming. You would have thought that would be something you would call home about. Now Lorelei is left to pick up the pieces of her lost life and care for a child she knows nothing about. She is excited about the prospect of becoming a mother to Sawyer, and giving her the life she deserves... but a few days after she brings her home she learns that she is not the only one who wants to raise the child.
Sawyer has an uncle who never knew about her as well, and he is determined to give that little girl the world. Now Lorelei finds herself struggling to keep her wits about her with a very sexy cowboy constantly hanging around, distracting her, and leaving her a little unsettled. He is so not her type and not the kind of man she ever saw herself with, but her head and heart are seem to be disagreeing about that little fact. Could he possibly be her one?
A Cowboy for Keeps is a captivating tale that unites two people who are about as opposite as they could be. Brought together by their six month old niece and the tragedy that stole the lives of their siblings was the only commonality these two had. Well maybe that, and their hang-ups about love, Lorelei has given up on finding the one to make her heart skip a beat, and Reese has known for a long time that he just isn't cut out for love. Every time he finds someone, he manages to push them away at the first sign of feelings showing up. That is until he meets Lorelei, she is the only woman to come into his life that makes him want to stick around, but the mere thought of it still terrifies him a bit. These two were quite the endearing pair, they both wanted what was best for Sawyer and they may have disagreed a time or too about that fact, but it was easy to see, they were the perfect family. I loved watching them use their love for her as a reason to keep radiating around one another, they just couldn't stay away from one another. This was quite the heart-string tugging tale, it's pages held a tragic yet hopeful story line that brought many smiles and feels. Loved every moment of it! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Sawyer has an uncle who never knew about her as well, and he is determined to give that little girl the world. Now Lorelei finds herself struggling to keep her wits about her with a very sexy cowboy constantly hanging around, distracting her, and leaving her a little unsettled. He is so not her type and not the kind of man she ever saw herself with, but her head and heart are seem to be disagreeing about that little fact. Could he possibly be her one?
A Cowboy for Keeps is a captivating tale that unites two people who are about as opposite as they could be. Brought together by their six month old niece and the tragedy that stole the lives of their siblings was the only commonality these two had. Well maybe that, and their hang-ups about love, Lorelei has given up on finding the one to make her heart skip a beat, and Reese has known for a long time that he just isn't cut out for love. Every time he finds someone, he manages to push them away at the first sign of feelings showing up. That is until he meets Lorelei, she is the only woman to come into his life that makes him want to stick around, but the mere thought of it still terrifies him a bit. These two were quite the endearing pair, they both wanted what was best for Sawyer and they may have disagreed a time or too about that fact, but it was easy to see, they were the perfect family. I loved watching them use their love for her as a reason to keep radiating around one another, they just couldn't stay away from one another. This was quite the heart-string tugging tale, it's pages held a tragic yet hopeful story line that brought many smiles and feels. Loved every moment of it! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 26, 2020
I love it when I discover a new author! Laura Drake pairs a strong, independent, café manager Lorelei West with ruggedly handsome rancher Reese St. James in A Cowboy for Keeps. The result? A well-paced, poignant, friends to lovers romance.
Both Reese and Lorelei had given up having a family of their own until a tragic accident leaves their six- month old niece an orphan. Lorelei travels to New Mexico to pick up the child and brings her home. When Reese discovers he is an uncle, he immediately drives to New Mexico. He shows up at the café asking for Lorelei. His sole purpose?—to see Sawyer.
The tension between Lorelei and Reese drew me into the story immediately. She is worried that Reese will use his wealth and family connections to obtain custody of Sawyer. Reese is concerned she won’t let him see his niece. Their first conversation does not do well as Reese blurts out his thoughts without thinking. Lorelei invites Reese to her home and wonders if he can see past the peeling paint, leaky roof and outdated kitchen and realize that Sawyer is adored by her family. Reese becomes immersed in the Wests day to day life. Loved when the overconfident cowboy changes a stinky diaper for the first time, does yard work and charms Lorelei’s mother (who calls him the Meals on Wheels boy) and her companion Sarah. Reese understands that the Wests are a family—they care and support each other unconditionally-something that he did not experience growing up.
Loved the author’s descriptive voice in this novel. I could picture Nevada behind the stove at the Chestnut Creek café, hear the hilarious conversations between Moss and Manny and see the fireworks sparkle between Lorelei and Reese at the Fourth of July celebration.
Lorelei and Reese’s love for Sawyer brings them together. I adored the couple’s slow burn love story as it unfolded during the novel. Both Lorelei and Reese had insecurities that they needed to resolve. They needed to believe in each other and in their love for Sawyer before they could take a leap of faith and fall in love. I adored both characters. I was drawn to Lorelei because she thought romance and a family of her own had passed her by. Reese charmed his way into my heart because he loved Sawyer and Lorelei and wants to become a better person for them.
The tension between Reese and Lorelei drew me into the story but, their emotional journey-grief, acceptance and love-kept me reading. A Cowboy for Keeps is a wonderful small town novel filled with engaging characters and an emotional storyline that tugs at your heart strings. Pick up a copy and enjoy this fabulous story!
Both Reese and Lorelei had given up having a family of their own until a tragic accident leaves their six- month old niece an orphan. Lorelei travels to New Mexico to pick up the child and brings her home. When Reese discovers he is an uncle, he immediately drives to New Mexico. He shows up at the café asking for Lorelei. His sole purpose?—to see Sawyer.
The tension between Lorelei and Reese drew me into the story immediately. She is worried that Reese will use his wealth and family connections to obtain custody of Sawyer. Reese is concerned she won’t let him see his niece. Their first conversation does not do well as Reese blurts out his thoughts without thinking. Lorelei invites Reese to her home and wonders if he can see past the peeling paint, leaky roof and outdated kitchen and realize that Sawyer is adored by her family. Reese becomes immersed in the Wests day to day life. Loved when the overconfident cowboy changes a stinky diaper for the first time, does yard work and charms Lorelei’s mother (who calls him the Meals on Wheels boy) and her companion Sarah. Reese understands that the Wests are a family—they care and support each other unconditionally-something that he did not experience growing up.
Loved the author’s descriptive voice in this novel. I could picture Nevada behind the stove at the Chestnut Creek café, hear the hilarious conversations between Moss and Manny and see the fireworks sparkle between Lorelei and Reese at the Fourth of July celebration.
Lorelei and Reese’s love for Sawyer brings them together. I adored the couple’s slow burn love story as it unfolded during the novel. Both Lorelei and Reese had insecurities that they needed to resolve. They needed to believe in each other and in their love for Sawyer before they could take a leap of faith and fall in love. I adored both characters. I was drawn to Lorelei because she thought romance and a family of her own had passed her by. Reese charmed his way into my heart because he loved Sawyer and Lorelei and wants to become a better person for them.
The tension between Reese and Lorelei drew me into the story but, their emotional journey-grief, acceptance and love-kept me reading. A Cowboy for Keeps is a wonderful small town novel filled with engaging characters and an emotional storyline that tugs at your heart strings. Pick up a copy and enjoy this fabulous story!
July 28, 2020
Check out our full post for A COWBOY FOR KEEPS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Lorelei loves her life. Sure, she might wish things were different sometimes, but she's content with what she has and who she is. When she gets word that her sister has died in a fatal car crash, she is devastated. The real kicker is that her sister had a baby that nobody knew about! Lorelei rushes down to make sure that her niece is safe and is able to return with her. Lorelei has always wanted to be a mom, it just never happened for her. Now, she's vowed to make sure that her niece knows her mom and knows love.
Reese is a hard character to relate to. He's closed off, somewhat pushy, and despite wanting to do the right thing, sticks his foot in his mouth more often than not. He's been living in his father and brothers' shadows his entire life. And when he learns that his twin brother, the dare devil and favorite twin, has been killed in a car accident, he isn't quite sure how to process the information. Then, when he learns that he has a niece, Reese wants to make sure that she is cared for and has the best of everything his money can buy. What he isn't expecting is a protective woman who wants nothing to do with his money.
These two have to navigate all sorts of new things. Rearing a niece, Texas weather, egos, and making sure their niece knows that her parents loved her. It was a somewhat drawn out story that perhaps didn't need to take so long. However, watching Reese and Lorelei figure out how they were going to co-parent, mesh their lives together, and create new memories for their niece was fun to see. It's a sweet story where love does conquer all.
Triggers: Car accident, Abusive family life
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
August 17, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
‘A Cowboy for Keeps‘ is the third title in the ‘Chestnut Creek‘ series, and proves that something amazing can come out of tragic events… if hearts are open and risks are willing to be taken.
When a tragic car accident steals little Sawyer’s mom and dad away this adorable little one still has an aunt and uncle who adore her and want the best for their niece. Trouble is, they can’t seem to decide exactly what that is since Lorelei isn’t willing to give over custody of Sawyer, and Reese isn’t willing to walk away from his niece. Even though the sparks fly fast and furiously between them Reese can’t seem to say a thing he means right or in a way that’s acceptable to Lorelei – and she has titanium enforced walls around herself so thick that nothing and no one is getting through to her heart easily. Two unlikely people to fall for each other, one adorable, much loved baby who could unite them all as a loving family… if the grown-ups would co-operate!
I enjoyed returning to the ‘Chesnut Creek‘ world and fell in love with Reese who always seems to suffer from foot-in-mouth disease and adored little Sawyer. I’ll admit that it took longer to warm up to Lorelei. The chemistry was strong between them yet… I grew tired of the constant fault finding, the almost on purpose misunderstanding of what Reese was saying, the denial of the attraction between them. The fact is that I don’t have to love every character to completely love a story and ‘A Cowboy for Keeps‘ is proof of that. I believe it’s going to be each individual reader’s reaction to Lorelei that will tip this story one way or the other for them. She’s strong, independent, and always right… even when she’s wrong. Or at least, that’s my opinion but you should make up your own mind about this couple.
If you enjoy a good romance with unlikely people about to have their worlds turned upside down, and will always fall hard for a sweet baby, along with some quirky, enjoyable secondary characters then ‘A Cowboy for Keeps‘ would be perfect for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever (Grand Central 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.*
‘A Cowboy for Keeps‘ is the third title in the ‘Chestnut Creek‘ series, and proves that something amazing can come out of tragic events… if hearts are open and risks are willing to be taken.
When a tragic car accident steals little Sawyer’s mom and dad away this adorable little one still has an aunt and uncle who adore her and want the best for their niece. Trouble is, they can’t seem to decide exactly what that is since Lorelei isn’t willing to give over custody of Sawyer, and Reese isn’t willing to walk away from his niece. Even though the sparks fly fast and furiously between them Reese can’t seem to say a thing he means right or in a way that’s acceptable to Lorelei – and she has titanium enforced walls around herself so thick that nothing and no one is getting through to her heart easily. Two unlikely people to fall for each other, one adorable, much loved baby who could unite them all as a loving family… if the grown-ups would co-operate!
I enjoyed returning to the ‘Chesnut Creek‘ world and fell in love with Reese who always seems to suffer from foot-in-mouth disease and adored little Sawyer. I’ll admit that it took longer to warm up to Lorelei. The chemistry was strong between them yet… I grew tired of the constant fault finding, the almost on purpose misunderstanding of what Reese was saying, the denial of the attraction between them. The fact is that I don’t have to love every character to completely love a story and ‘A Cowboy for Keeps‘ is proof of that. I believe it’s going to be each individual reader’s reaction to Lorelei that will tip this story one way or the other for them. She’s strong, independent, and always right… even when she’s wrong. Or at least, that’s my opinion but you should make up your own mind about this couple.
If you enjoy a good romance with unlikely people about to have their worlds turned upside down, and will always fall hard for a sweet baby, along with some quirky, enjoyable secondary characters then ‘A Cowboy for Keeps‘ would be perfect for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever (Grand Central 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.*
August 30, 2020
Received in exchange for a honest review. Reese when this begins seems very stiff and closed off. He never really experienced unconditional love from his family. He only saw money and working for something. Him and his twin brother were not close. I think this is due to the competition his father put him and his brother in. Reese tried to do the rodeo scene and it cost him dearly as a teen. So he went the route of education and where he took the ranch was amazing. When his brother dies, he is heartbroken and when he learns he had a little girl he was bound and determined to bring her home. Only this little girl was already being taken care of by Lorelei. Lorelei didn’t have money but she had love. So much love and family support that money didn’t matter. This little girl was feeling love and safe.
When Reese comes to Unforgiven, Lorelei and her family’s world is turned upside down as is his. He cannot just get what he wanted. He didn’t try either. He wasn’t his father. Instead he spent time with his niece and her other family. He learned how to care for her and just love her. In the process, he fell in love as well but not just with his niece but with Lorelei and her family.
Lorelei was stubborn and strong willed but a good person. Reese is the same. They both protect their hearts and those around them. Reese didn’t grow up in a loving environment like Lorelei. His home wasn’t really one he called home. It was a vast sea of loneliness so when Lorelei and Sawyer visit him he feels a ray of sunshine in there. He learns so much from her and her family. Only his father’s lawyer (who he kept on out of loyalty and how well he handled business issues) tried to muck it up and Reese takes this mucking to prove to himself and others the man he is and that he isn’t his father.
the story was sweet and romantic. I love how this little girl changed so many lives and brought so many together. How she taught one unconditional love and how to truly show love to others. How another she showed how to let go and forgive. And how she brought people together. A story of family, love and hope. Of finding the one you are meant to be with and fighting for them and for finding a family and not letting it go. A great book from beginning to end.
When Reese comes to Unforgiven, Lorelei and her family’s world is turned upside down as is his. He cannot just get what he wanted. He didn’t try either. He wasn’t his father. Instead he spent time with his niece and her other family. He learned how to care for her and just love her. In the process, he fell in love as well but not just with his niece but with Lorelei and her family.
Lorelei was stubborn and strong willed but a good person. Reese is the same. They both protect their hearts and those around them. Reese didn’t grow up in a loving environment like Lorelei. His home wasn’t really one he called home. It was a vast sea of loneliness so when Lorelei and Sawyer visit him he feels a ray of sunshine in there. He learns so much from her and her family. Only his father’s lawyer (who he kept on out of loyalty and how well he handled business issues) tried to muck it up and Reese takes this mucking to prove to himself and others the man he is and that he isn’t his father.
the story was sweet and romantic. I love how this little girl changed so many lives and brought so many together. How she taught one unconditional love and how to truly show love to others. How another she showed how to let go and forgive. And how she brought people together. A story of family, love and hope. Of finding the one you are meant to be with and fighting for them and for finding a family and not letting it go. A great book from beginning to end.
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