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Sage Valley Ranch #2
Adored by the Cowboy
A standalone romance! Read the series in any order! Previously titled Falling for the Younger Cowboy.
Two best friends. One secret chili recipe. The truth comes out when their fake relationship cooks up more feelings than they expected.
On the cusp of turning forty, Lexi Turner is finally single and happy. She has the perfect job working at Sage Valley Ranch and spends her free time hanging out with her best friend, James. Life is peaceful and carefree until her ex pays an unexpected visit to the ranch … with his new, much younger girlfriend in tow.
Head cook James Scott is ready to settle down now that he’s thirty. He’s been smitten with the gift shop manager since she started working at the ranch a year ago, but he’s been biding his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to tell her how he feels. When Lexi asks him to be her pretend boyfriend to prove to her ex that she’s moved on, he jumps at the chance to show her love still exists.
The lines of friendship blur as Lexi and James play out their real emotions in their fake relationship.
Adored by the Cowboy is the second book in a heartwarming group series that’ll keep you laughing and swooning from one clean romance to the next. The books can be read in any order, so jump in wherever you like and get ready to fall in love with Sage Valley Ranch, where country life is sweet, and romance is even sweeter.
Sage Valley Ranch Romance
1.Romancing the Cowboy
2.Adored by the Cowboy
3.Cherished by the Cowboy
4.Charmed by the Cowboy
5.Inspired by the Cowboy
- GenresContemporaryRomance
Kindle Edition
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About the author
Liwen Y. Ho
96 books334 followersUSA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and chef by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.
In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).
Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!
In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).
Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 28, 2019
What's an almost forty year old woman to do when her ex shows up at the ranch she works at with his new flame and it's a younger woman. Easy, just pretend her best friend is her love interest. James and Lexi have been best friends for awhile, he would do anything for her including go along with her suggestion of pretending they are an item to fool her mother and her ex. He couldn't possibly be interested in her could her, after all he's ten years younger than her and according to her has his whole life ahead of him. He's the cook at the ranch and makes the most delicious bowl of chili you can imagine by adding a secret ingredient. Nope, it's secret I won't tell you, you have to read the book to find out what it is. When does the crushing on each other become real? Can't they admit their true feelings for each other? It takes something happening to make their romance spring to life. This is a sweet contemporary romance that was fun to read. I always enjoy reading this author's book and look forward to reading many more.
Expected publication: April 4th 2019.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expected publication: April 4th 2019.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2019
Sweet Romance
This was cute! I read through it quickly and ended with a smile on my face. Sweet romance. 3.5 stars.
This was cute! I read through it quickly and ended with a smile on my face. Sweet romance. 3.5 stars.
March 25, 2019
Is it love or is it fake? Or is it really love but they really think it's fake? Hmmmmm..... when does fake become real? I was hooked when I saw this book was a sweet and funny romance involving an almost 40 year old woman.
So tell me, what's a woman to do when her ex makes his presence known with a younger woman? Well, that's easy, she just parades out a younger man, right? Now, that may make the imagination run wild an conjure up some plans, but reality and fantasy have a way of getting mixed up. Maybe that younger man wants a real relationship rather than a pretend fantasy. Maybe he doesn't care if there is a 10 year age gap. Maybe he's had his eye on this 'older' woman for a while now sees this as the perfect time to start cookin' up something real. I mean he is a good chef and knows how to mix up the perfect ingredients to lure his way straight to her heart. Oh yes, and don't forget the chili either :)
I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. Liwen Y. Ho never disappoints. I've read many of her books and always love them. She pulls at the heartstrings while keeping it clean and interesting. This book is no exception.... and I really applaud her for remembering not all romance involves 20 year olds.
So tell me, what's a woman to do when her ex makes his presence known with a younger woman? Well, that's easy, she just parades out a younger man, right? Now, that may make the imagination run wild an conjure up some plans, but reality and fantasy have a way of getting mixed up. Maybe that younger man wants a real relationship rather than a pretend fantasy. Maybe he doesn't care if there is a 10 year age gap. Maybe he's had his eye on this 'older' woman for a while now sees this as the perfect time to start cookin' up something real. I mean he is a good chef and knows how to mix up the perfect ingredients to lure his way straight to her heart. Oh yes, and don't forget the chili either :)
I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. Liwen Y. Ho never disappoints. I've read many of her books and always love them. She pulls at the heartstrings while keeping it clean and interesting. This book is no exception.... and I really applaud her for remembering not all romance involves 20 year olds.
March 29, 2019
Oh, what a fun and sweet novel about a dashing cowboy-cook and a soft-hearted photographer! Liwen Ho has a way of bringing two lovable characters together in such a tender way through her easy-to-read writing style and a well-crafted plot with just the right amount of angst in the relationship. Lexi is the older woman, an insecure divorcee, who is looking to turn her life around. She has a crazy Asian mother who is so stereotypically and hysterically “Asian”. James is the younger chef on the ranch who adores Lexi but doesn’t know how to express himself in words. He has a great aunt and uncle who run the ranch who share great wisdom and witty and funny banter. Lexi and James share an easy and beautiful friendship that’s on the cusp of something more and it’s really fun to watch their love unfold.
This is actually book 2 in the Sage Valley Ranch series but each book is written by a different author and only loosely tied together by the setting of the ranch so it can totally be read as a stand-alone. If you enjoy a sweet, clean contemporary romance, you will really enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This is actually book 2 in the Sage Valley Ranch series but each book is written by a different author and only loosely tied together by the setting of the ranch so it can totally be read as a stand-alone. If you enjoy a sweet, clean contemporary romance, you will really enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
March 25, 2019
Wow! As someone who got to visit Texas for a few months and fell in love with anything southern (especially chili after my first serving. Yes, I went for seconds #YouSimplyHaveTo) a few years ago, those first two chapters got me equally craving a bowl of chili, as well as strangely kind of satisfied. Yes, that's how good Ms. Ho really is with her writing ;) however, I have to say that this book has more than enough chili references, so it could be a bit much for some people...
Falling for the Younger Cowboy tells the story of Lexie (a 40yo divorcee) who starts a fake relationship with her best friend, cowboy and cook extraordinary, James (30yo), after learning her ex-husband and his new fiancée are in Sage Valley for a visit. Of course, all that much pretending will lead to some very real feelings to blossom, or for these two characters to be more aware of each other.
With this book being a part of a new series, it was really nice to get to revisit a certain ranch, as well as some animals (like Elvis or Shiloh).
Also, having read different books from Ms. Ho, it was nice to see her kind of signature in her work: a bit of her Asian roots thrown into this story (yep, she manages to mix Asian and Cowboy, and have a more than decent result ;) ).
All in all, a book with a sweet romance, some seriously cute characters, and great writing that make me recommend it to anyone willing to give it a chance (or who enjoys any of the themes mentioned in this review).
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Falling for the Younger Cowboy tells the story of Lexie (a 40yo divorcee) who starts a fake relationship with her best friend, cowboy and cook extraordinary, James (30yo), after learning her ex-husband and his new fiancée are in Sage Valley for a visit. Of course, all that much pretending will lead to some very real feelings to blossom, or for these two characters to be more aware of each other.
With this book being a part of a new series, it was really nice to get to revisit a certain ranch, as well as some animals (like Elvis or Shiloh).
Also, having read different books from Ms. Ho, it was nice to see her kind of signature in her work: a bit of her Asian roots thrown into this story (yep, she manages to mix Asian and Cowboy, and have a more than decent result ;) ).
All in all, a book with a sweet romance, some seriously cute characters, and great writing that make me recommend it to anyone willing to give it a chance (or who enjoys any of the themes mentioned in this review).
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2019
While I am usually NOT fond of Western Romances, I enjoy Liwen Ho's unique writing style. Her descriptive writing awakens all senses - sight, smell, taste, feel, and sound. Her word choice evokes emotions of laughter, anger, and love. Her well paced complications moves the plots and has the reader up all night. Liwen Ho seamlessly weaves several motifs throughout this inspiring Western romance - the elusive chili ingredient, reference to poultry, and the phrase "friends don't let friends ... (break promises, suffer alone, etc.). This Midwesterner identified with the love of chili and the Tex favorite beverage of Dr. Pepper and the delightful southern phrase "bless her heart." "Your chili is life. Just one bite of it, and the world seems right." Delight your senses and spirit with this inspiring read that includes tasty treats, Elvis the rooster, and an Asian tiger mom.
January 13, 2020
Since I’ve been dipping into the Sage Valley Series discovered book # 2 in my electronic Library. If forty-year-old Lexi’s attraction to thirty-year-old chef James makes her a cougar so be it. Since the books I’ve already read came later she was already married there. The book switches the point of view between James and Lexi, every other chapter, a device I do not favour though at least the narrator is identified.
As a person with serious allergies entering a horsebarn makes me think of sneezing not romance. I understand the concept of pheromones but with chronic sinusitis I don’t detract other’s scents. However with two notorious matchmakers on their trails James and Lexi don’t stand a chance of avoiding wedding bells.
Guess I’ve read a few too many of these formulaic tomes of late.
As a person with serious allergies entering a horsebarn makes me think of sneezing not romance. I understand the concept of pheromones but with chronic sinusitis I don’t detract other’s scents. However with two notorious matchmakers on their trails James and Lexi don’t stand a chance of avoiding wedding bells.
Guess I’ve read a few too many of these formulaic tomes of late.
March 25, 2019
Such a fun, enjoyable book! Lexi and James both walk right off the page and into your heart. The whole dynamic of both of them secretly crushing on the other, but Lexi thinks that she is too old for James, while he thinks she is perfect... Ahhh... it made for an entirely satisfying love story! In fact, Falling for the Younger Cowboy is the kind of book that makes you happy dance that there’s an entire series. The best part is that I can happily recommend this book to ALL of my friends of ALL ages. It is a wonderful, engaging love story with awesome characters that you would love to meet... Well maybe not Lexi’s Ex. ;-) Or her mother! She’s frightening! ROFLOL!!!
March 26, 2019
Falling for the Younger Cowboy is a clean, fun romance. James and Lexi are likable characters that are easy to relate to. They're best friends with crushes on each other and don't want to mess up their friendship. So many times they're so close to that admission or that kiss, but something interrupts. Elvis (not Presley) makes an appearance. He's one of my favorite supporting characters. The plot moves quickly with twists and turns. There's a great HEA, and the reader and Lexi learn the secret ingredient! I enjoy Liwen Ho's writing style and hope to read more of her work. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this delightful romance.
May 5, 2025
I want to know that my copy of this book is entitled “Adored by the Cowboy” I’m not sure about if that is the original title or the new title.
This is a friends to more, age gap, fake relationship story. Lexi finds James attractive, but he’s 10 years younger and she is convinced they would never work. In fact, she is convinced that she is past her prime and will be alone forever. James does not agree. And he is determined to find a way to show her how he feels. In the meantime, her jerk of an act shows up with his new girlfriend in a panic. Lexi introduces James as her boyfriend. A fake relationship sues.
But every time it’s apparent that the feelings are not fake and Lexi’s, not sure what to do about it.
This is a friends to more, age gap, fake relationship story. Lexi finds James attractive, but he’s 10 years younger and she is convinced they would never work. In fact, she is convinced that she is past her prime and will be alone forever. James does not agree. And he is determined to find a way to show her how he feels. In the meantime, her jerk of an act shows up with his new girlfriend in a panic. Lexi introduces James as her boyfriend. A fake relationship sues.
But every time it’s apparent that the feelings are not fake and Lexi’s, not sure what to do about it.
March 25, 2019
I enjoyed this story. Lexi was feeling let down that her marriage did not work out. She made her way to a ranch and took on a new life that she enjoys. I like her strength when faced with her ex-husband. James has always been around since Lexi arrived. He's younger, but he feels drawn to Lexi. I love how they each had to pretend to be in a relationship with one another. I love their friendship and how they could rely on one another. This was a sweet romance. I recommend to anyone that enjoys sweet romance and a good bowl of chili from a good-looking cowboy chef.
March 26, 2019
Lexi and James were afraid to tell each other their romantic feelings because of their age differences, she is ten years older, and that they might hold each other back from fulfilling their dreams. James gets offered a bonus to go back and cook for the band he toured with before. Lexi realizes after spending the past year getting over her divorce that she wants to travel and take pictures. It takes some meddling friends and relatives and a pushy Asian mother to make them see the light. There was plenty of humor and sweet moments in this best friends’ romance.
April 4, 2019
Who knew the way to Lexi's heart was a bowl of chili made with a secret ingredient and by a sexy cowboy named James, who can cook. Looks like more than food simmers in this fun story set in Sage Valley, Texas. I loved the characters, including Elvis, the rooster. I did not like Lexi's ex-husband showing up with his new fiancee but it did show Lexi she was better off without him and it really started an interesting tale. Absence does make the heart grow fonder in this story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 25, 2019
Lexi is older than James. James is crazy about her so the age difference doesn't matter to him. She has been burned by her ex so she is very hesitant to cross the line from best friends to more. Her ex's fiancee is hilarious!! I thought Lexi and James made a very sweet, adorable, and believable couple. There is a bump in the road but can they overcome it? I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Such a sweet story.
April 1, 2019
Sweet and Clean Cowboy Romance
This sweet and clean romance is set in modern-day Texas. This is a novella length story that centers around a couple who are working on a Texas ranch. They are best friends, but there is a ten-year difference in their ages. The story is well done and has some details not found in many stories. It was a very enjoyable story! I received this ARC for free from the author and this is my honest review.
This sweet and clean romance is set in modern-day Texas. This is a novella length story that centers around a couple who are working on a Texas ranch. They are best friends, but there is a ten-year difference in their ages. The story is well done and has some details not found in many stories. It was a very enjoyable story! I received this ARC for free from the author and this is my honest review.
January 9, 2020
Enjoyed
This was a great story of ages being the problem. It doesn't seem that James was worried about the age difference, just in how Lexi would react. The great characters in this story help keep the pages turning. It was nice to visit the Sage Valley Ranch again. The thought process of both James and Alexi was so similar, they just weren't communicating to each other. After James accidentally gives Lexi a note he had written her, they get together for a happy ending
This was a great story of ages being the problem. It doesn't seem that James was worried about the age difference, just in how Lexi would react. The great characters in this story help keep the pages turning. It was nice to visit the Sage Valley Ranch again. The thought process of both James and Alexi was so similar, they just weren't communicating to each other. After James accidentally gives Lexi a note he had written her, they get together for a happy ending
May 15, 2022
I had a Free Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. After her divorce, Lexi Turner goes to Sage Valley Ranch as the gift shop manager and photographer and becomes friends with the cook, James Scott. He’s younger than she is, but they are attracted to each other, and pretend to be a couple when her ex-husband arrives with his new fiancé. The plot of this book features acceptance, and being honest about feelings. A tender love story.
March 24, 2019
A sweet, clean and fun romance. On a beautiful ranch a friendship starts between Lexi and James. Both believe they will only be friends. Each of them play the part of the perfect friend. Enjoy the fun of the story to see if the silence finally breaks, and find out if they will stay friends or become more.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2019
This book was sweet and left you with warm feelings. I enjoyed the book's characters and was easy to follow. I didn't want to put it down and even read during the night if I woke up. This author makes the best stories and should be made for Hallmark! My only complaint is that there should be a chili recipe at the end as I was craving it. LOL! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 27, 2019
Falling for the Younger Cowboy is another clean, interesting, fun romance from Liwen Ho. Lexie and James really sparkle in this older woman/younger man romance. They are best friends. Lexi thinks she is too old for James. He thinks she is perfect. Lexi's mother is a real piece of work. This was a fun but clean heart warming romance. I loved it!
April 3, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Liwen Ho, and it won't be the last. I enjoyed it very much. The characters were terrific together. Lexi's crazy mother is maybe not as crazy as she seems, but still mostly driving Lexi nuts. James is looking for what his great aunt and uncle have. They're focused on the pretend relationship, and trying to ignore what's happening between them.
April 12, 2019
Age doesn't matter in love, all that matters is what's in your heart.
Liwen Ho is an exceptional story teller no matter whet genre she writes.
I feel just like I am in the book.
This was a fun clean romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
These characters were so likable and the plot was so delightful.
Liwen Ho is an exceptional story teller no matter whet genre she writes.
I feel just like I am in the book.
This was a fun clean romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
These characters were so likable and the plot was so delightful.
January 9, 2020
Cute but something about it was off.
The age difference between the two was just silly to make such a big deal out of. I enjoyed the basic storyline but the ten year gap was made way too much of, 20 years, yes, but not ten. As for the cocoa in the chili, my question was did it have beans or not?
The age difference between the two was just silly to make such a big deal out of. I enjoyed the basic storyline but the ten year gap was made way too much of, 20 years, yes, but not ten. As for the cocoa in the chili, my question was did it have beans or not?
February 20, 2020
Lexi Turner has a best friend named James. They spend a lot of time together and share a lot of things. When they see her ex-husband and new wife at the local restaurant, things change. She introduces him as her boyfriend…just to prove to Thomas that she, too, has moved on. Has she really moved on? Is age ‘just a number’?
March 8, 2021
Sexy Texas Cowboys
I loved this book! I’ve read a lot of Liwen’s books before, and the Texas cowboy was different from other characters, simply because she isn’t from there. As always, Liwen wrote a wonderful love story that will keep me thinking and daydreaming about it for days! I loved the secret ingredient mystery, too. 😉
I loved this book! I’ve read a lot of Liwen’s books before, and the Texas cowboy was different from other characters, simply because she isn’t from there. As always, Liwen wrote a wonderful love story that will keep me thinking and daydreaming about it for days! I loved the secret ingredient mystery, too. 😉
March 19, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book! Best friends hang out together on the ranch and then because of an ex showing up on the ranch, they fake being in a relationship. Then----they realize that they really have feelings for each other. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance.
March 25, 2019
Love has no bounds especially when this 30 year old man has his sights set on his older female friend. He will bide his time and when the situation presents itself he will take it. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
March 26, 2019
This is my voluntary review of an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
All the characters were so well written. The dialogue and emotions seemed real.
Their romance is so sweet. Both are afraid to be the only one feeling more than friendly... but that's not how these stories work ;)
All the characters were so well written. The dialogue and emotions seemed real.
Their romance is so sweet. Both are afraid to be the only one feeling more than friendly... but that's not how these stories work ;)
April 4, 2019
I received an ARC of Y his book from the author, and this is my voluntary and honest review. This is a beautiful romance about two friends who fall in love even though the woman is ten years older than the man. It is an enjoyable and fun read.
April 5, 2019
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. The one about Lexi and James and how they working together at the ranch became best friends and feelings for each other. A journey that gets feelings stirred up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews