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Disguised as a vet as a favor to a friend, this musician has a lot to learn about life on a ranch, and living with a cocky cowboy!

Everything in Hazel's perfect life is going according to plan. Every moment is accounted for. But she's in for a surprise. When her best friend and roommate takes ill, Jenny begs Hazel to fill in for her on a trip to South Georgia. But life on a horse ranch in her Jimmy Choos isn't exactly what Hazel had in mind for her summer break.

When Dalton Sullivan takes a spill from a bronc at the last rodeo of the season, his life changes forever. Uncertain about his future, his fortunes take another turn when Grandpa Joe bequeaths him a dilapidated horse ranch in his will. Dalton's plans to refurbish the place and turn it into a working ranch again are interrupted when a beautiful woman shows up pretending to be someone she's not. 

Even though Dalton knows Hazel's hiding the truth, there's something about her that makes him want to change his solitary ways. But will he be able to convince her to do the same before their time together runs out?

Enjoy this second book in the contemporary romance series of Cowboys and Debutantes! Clean and wholesome sweet love stories.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

471 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

Vivi Holt

56 books454 followers
Vivi Holt writes inspirational romance. Of her books, readers say:

"The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning"
"I cried and laughed"
"What an awesome ending. Can't wait for more!!"

Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.

Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romances stories that captivate the reader and transport them to another place and time.

Follow Vivi on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/viviholt.aut...)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivi_holt)
Contact her at vivi@viviholt.com

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5 stars
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94 (28%)
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44 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
March 9, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/9/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for B. D. Mann.
664 reviews22 followers
November 23, 2018
As the second book in the Cowboys and Debutants series, this clean romance is a stand-alone story. Having read the first book in the series, I found only incidental references in this book to the content of book one. However, I recommend reading this and following books in the series in sequence because primary characters in this book are title characters in the books that follow.

I loved the chemistry between Dalton and Hazel. I also appreciated the contrast in the relationship Dalton has with his family as opposed to Hazel and her family. Ms. Holt did a masterful job of resolving the major obstacle to a relationship between Dalton, a former rodeo cowboy and rancher, and Hazel, a highly successful violinist in a major symphony orchestra. The writing style and storyline kept me involved from page one to the final paragraph.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2017
A delightful and engaging romance!

Dalton is a delightful and well-written story that speaks of letting things go that hold you back and about finding your way to what you are passionate about. The story line is fresh and moves along at a steady pace while being engaging, captivating and attention grabbing. This story hooked me from the very start and I could not put it down. The characters are easy to connect with and well developed. Vivi Holt knows how to create a story with enough romance and action to keep the reader entertained and interested. This is another fantastic book from a remarkably talented author.

Vivi Holt has become one of my favorite authors. This author has not disappointed me yet! Even though this is part of a series, each book can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a delightful romance.
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
March 20, 2022
Note: This is part of the Colton Tree Ranch box set that includes: Dalton, Eamon, & Parker.

Dalton is a low angst, opposites attract, closed door romance (nothing more than kissing between them). I liked the story which is as much about Dalton and Hazel carving out new lives for themselves individually as it is a budding relationship. I think Holt tried to tackle too much for a novella length book and random things could have been left out for a more cohesive storyline. Overall a pleasant listen.

Narration:
Dawson McBride is a great choice for a western/cowboy book. He has a deep gravely voice and the perfect southern drawl for the story. He’s easy to listen to.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
July 14, 2017
Dalton ( Cowboys and Debutantes ) Contemporary - Book 2 )
By: Vivi Holt
Dalton is book two in Cowboys and Debutantes series.I really loved this story. Holt just keeps getting better and better. Holt did not disappoint. The characters were so real that I felt like I was right there with them. I loved the two main characters Hazel and Dalton. Hazel thinks that her life is going just fine till her room mate gets sick and ask her to fill in for her on a job she was to go on. She was suppose to go to a horse ranch in Georgia. After Dalton’s accident he is trying to get his grandpa’s run down ranch going again. Hazel is hiding the truth from Dalton. There is sparks that fly between These two , but is love stronger than lies? I laughed and laughed while reading Dalton. Vivi Holt pens a good , clean contemporary romance that I am sure you will love.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that Im had to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Paula Dyches.
855 reviews17 followers
May 8, 2019
What's better the a Cowboy Romance? A clean Cowboy romance! I have to admit that when I first started listening I wasn't sure that I was going to like the narrator, but he grew on me quickly and in the end I wouldn't have wanted anyone one else to narrate it. Anyone who likes a clean romance with a modern cowboy theme will enjoy this one. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Aleida Vale.
197 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2019
Dalton

This was a cute short story but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to see who the other two boys end up with.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,983 reviews175 followers
July 19, 2017
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, I'M IN REAL TROUBLE

The second book in the contemporary Cowboys and Debutantes series will read as a standalone, and these books will read ok out of order. When Grandpa Joe passed away, he had many upstart businesses in various states. He will leave these to various grandchildren, but in the will had a codicil of stipulations. The grandchild or grandchildren must work that business for one full year and make it succeed, or it would revert to Nana Dixie.

Dalton Williams has spent several years on the rodeo circuit bronc riding, and when he has a wonderful eight-second ride, it will change in a blink of the eye with the horse slamming him into the wall, fracturing his leg in two places and end his rodeo career. Just as he is coming to terms with this, he is handed the Cotton Tree Ranch in South Georgia. The ranch has been poorly managed and will take lots of work, but does have horses, a house, barns, and some equipment. Now his new plan is to raise and breed stock horses.

Third chair violinist, Hazel Hildebrand, with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, has ended the season and now has some down time. Her best friend and house mate, Jen, is a vet and works on a horse ranch. She has an emergency medical issue and begs Hazel to accompany a horse to a ranch for breeding. Just a quick trip there, overnight stay, and back. Easy-peasy, or maybe not. And that is our set up for this tale.

The plot will have Hazel agreeing reluctantly to accompany a mare, Contessa's Charity, to a breeding ranch and then pretends to be the vet. Dalton Williams is shocked when Hazel arrives dressed inappropriately in designer clothing and Jimmy Choos heels.

The city slicker lady will meet her hayseed cowboy. Two people, just trying to do a job, but brought together in unusual circumstances, find themselves dealing with weather issues, unexpected situations, and developing a physical attraction. A phone call confirms Dalton's suspensions, but he doesn't reveal what he learns. While Hazel never confirms or denies her status, her lack abilities tell the truth.

What happens when life takes a new twist, and Hazel is offered a first chair position? She must decide if she is fulfilling her dream, or is it the one her parents have made for her? Dalton enlist the aid of his two younger brothers with the ranch, and together, the three of them make progress, but what about money? With several months left before the years time frame, will he be able to keep Cotton Tree, or lose it?

This is a clean, contemporary story that has secrets, some deceit, loyal friends, faithful family, lots of horses, and new beginnings. Life doesn't always proceed as we plan, but sometimes, those forks in the road take us on a scenic route that will lead to a new future.
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,889 reviews
July 31, 2018
Hazel is a 3rd chair violinist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, With the concert season on break, Hazel is ready to visit her judgemental parents when her room mate and bff, Jenny, has to have her appendix removed. Jen begs Hazel to take her place accompanying a mare to the stud farm...after all, it's really just baby sitting a horse and no vet skills needed. Easy peasy...
Ex-rodeo rider, Dalton, has just inherited his late grandfather's farm, however, there is a codicil that requires him to live and work the farm for one year, or forfeit his inheritance to Nana Dixie. The farm has been left to a serious case of disrepair and Dalton, who is recovering from a serious leg injury, has to work really hard to turn it around. He decides to sell stud services of his prized stallion. When city girl, Hazel, shows up with a prized mare, Dalton is a bit taken aback...I mean, who wears high heeled shoes to a farm? However, since it's not love at first sight for the horses either, instead of the couple of days that Hazel anticipated on the farm, she's stuck for much longer...and even though the studly farmer is physically appealing, his abysmal treatment of her is off-putting. As the days go by, Dalton and Hazel call a truce and actually begin to enjoy each other's company. Add a lost puppy in the mix and we all say 'awwwww'. What will happen when Dalton realizes that the woman that he's falling for isn't who she says she is? Will Hazel consider giving up her chance at being 1st chair to be with Dalton? This is a sweet romance without much drama. Throw in Dalton's brothers and we have a captivating story. Great narration.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,271 reviews43 followers
April 24, 2019
This boxed set follows the story of three brothers, Dalton, Eamon and Parker. Each one has his own book, but they are all intertwined. Although none of the characters are looking for love, things have a way of happening at Cotton Tree Ranch.

This is a wonderful sweet romance written by Vivi Holt. Just as expected, there are some bumps along the way as the couples try to find their way to be together, but the happily ever after ending that Ms. Holt's readers have come to expect is here. Ms. Holt has a wonderful way with words and her books are always very descriptive. Wonderful characters and a wonderful storyline make for a great book!

This series will have you laughing, crying and cheering for the characters. I love the way that Ms. Holt intertwines these books and the characters. There is just enough inspiration to inspire you (pardon the pun!) without being preachy. The characters are well-developed and believable and you will feel like you know them by the time you finish the book.

The narrator, Dawson McBride, has a very soothing voice and at times it was almost too soothing! The volume on my Kindle was turned up to the maximum and at times I had difficulty hearing the book. But, all in all, he did a wonderful job and added to my enjoyment of the book. His deep voice will have you swooning from the first and he does an amazing job with his narration. His performance really adds a lot to the book.

If you love inspirational romances with a HEA ending, give this series a chance. You won't be disappointed! I was given the chance to listen to the Audible version of this boxed set by the author and chose to review it.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,155 reviews55 followers
August 1, 2018
When your best friend needs your help, you do what you can to get things done! Hazel is taking a horse to Dalton's ranch for her best friend who just had surgery. Posing as a vet, Hazel does her best but keeps the truth from Dalton. As their romance blossoms and the sparks fly, things become complicated. Vivi Holt engages us in a romance that is sweet but not uncomplicated! She creates her well developed characters with intricate back stories and has their pasts and passions come forth in her stories. With Hazel, we meet a musician, fiercely loyal friend and someone unhappy with the path her life is taking. Holt gives Hazel the chance to learn and grow. Dalton is successful, but when tragedy hits, he has to find a new path for his life. And even that path isn't without bumps. I loved how Holt encompasses all facets of their lives, we meet interesting characters and enjoy Hazel and Dalton's journey to love.

Dawson McBride is wonderful with this narration. His voice is perfect for the cowboy romance, gravely and warm. He also is one that can voice females without a strain, and makes the performance enjoyable from start to finish.
Profile Image for Cindy Cooke.
524 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2018
Great sweet romance

Vivian Holt is a master when it comes to writing romance. Doesn't seem to matter what or where or even when the books occur, she does an excellent job of pulling the reader right into the story. This book is no exception. Staged in southern Georgia on a broken down horse ranch, the characters reach right out to grab your attention. Dalton, eldest of three brothers and recuperating from a rodeo accident, inherits the ranch from his grandfather. He begins to believe he might just turn it into his dream, that being the owner operator of a stud farm for horses.
Hazel, a musician with the Atlanta Symphony orchestra, comes too the ranch impersonating a vet as a favor for her best friend. Not the best beginning for the rest of her life, but there you have it. A sweet read, one which leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart, ensues.
Thanks for another good read, Ms Holt. I received this book in a giveaway and have no connection with the author except for an appreciation of a good read.
168 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2023
Dalton, is a clean, easy read. Since Dalton was a young boy he loved the rodeo. That was what he dreamed about, when he grew up he became a bronc rider and was injured and damaged his leg had to go through multiple surgeries, suffered a concusion, that doctors recommmened he give up the rodeo. Doctors said if he had another concusion it could possibly kill him, and if he got thrown again he might not walk again. While he was convulsing he received letter that he was given in Grandpa's ranch in Georgia. He went to see it and the ranch had fallen into disaray because the caretaker failed to take care of it. Dalton remembered his Grandpa used to breed stock horses, and their was a small heard of horses . He realizes his dream was also to have a horse ranch. He meets the vet that is bringing a mare down for stud service. But the girl Hazel isn't a vet, knows nothing about horses so who is she? Read the story to find out.... it's a quick read.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2017
Part of a Series: bk2
Setting: Southern Georgia
Hero: Dalton- Just inherited an old horse ranch- perfect timing after his rodeo injury that ended his rodeo career.
Heroine: Hazel- A 3rd chair violinist in the Atlanta Symphony. Not exactly happy with her career but has trouble understanding why.
Characterization: 5* - strong- felt connected.
plot/storyline: 4.5.* - sweet and loving
Ending- A good HEA: 5* - Beautiful, Sometimes love takes time no need to rush.
How much I enjoyed it: 5* - I liked how his brothers came and helped out. Can’t wait to hear their stories. I also liked how the 2 contemporary relates and pulls from the “Pioneer?” Cowboy’s and Debutantes series (anxious to read more from that series too).
Overall rating: 5* -
201 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2019
Hazel thinks she has the perfect life, until one day her room mate who has just had an emergency appendectomy, asks her to do a favor. You see Jen is a vet and is supposed to accompany a horse down to Dalton's ranch to be bred by his stallion, It would be just a day or two.

Hazel agrees to do it, so she meets the driver dressed in heels and a business skirt. She rides down with him and manages to ruin her heels with mud opening the gate to put the horse in the paddock.

It turns out instead of a day it is a week, and during that week, they have a tornado touch down, and Dalton gets his two brothers to come and help him on the ranch.

Read the book to find out if Hazel gets by with her farce of pretending to be a vet. The book has a surprise ending I think you will enjoy.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
June 4, 2019
Great Expectations

The oldest brother inherits the family horse ranch and decides to make a go of it but life gets complicated when Hazel shows up. Except she's supposed to be Jen. Tornados, love triangles and the rigors of running a ranch and restoring the rundown property keep the narrative flowing in this modern-day cowboy story. Making things really yummy, I got to listen (audio!) to Dawson McBride's smooth, rich, gravelly voice caressing the words. Of course you want to read (or, better yet, listen to) this wonderful story!
Profile Image for Garth Mailman.
2,543 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2023
Dalton
Vivi Holt

Broken down bronc rider inherits grampa’a run-down Ranch.

Enter a gadabout accompanying a valuable mare come to meet Dalton’s Stud.

Given low rise jeans and where that places the rear pockets I find it hard to believe it’s safe to put a cellphone in a rear pocket where one would sit on it.

The stallion isn’t the only stud on this ranch nor the mare the only filly. Enter Dalton’s brothers Eamon and Parker and you have the makings of a trilogy.

No explicit sex scenes including the horses. Decent time waster.
Profile Image for Holly Lenz.
928 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2018
Dalton is a sweet, clean, contemporary Western romance between a cowboy and a big city violinist. The situation is a little silly and the speed at which things progress and characters adapt stretches believability a little, but overall it is a pleasant book to read or listen to.

The narrator of the audio book is a bit gruff for my taste, and he doesn't do female voices, but he's a good storyteller, and I got use to his voice.
1,500 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2018
Good read

Love cowboys (have my own), rodeo, ranching and romance. The storyline is cute, but I have a problem with some of the colloquialisms. Or maybe it's I'm from Oklahoma and the Southwestern United States and the hero's from the south.....Or the authors from Australia. There's sweet romance, humor, angst, and no sex whatsoever. And no cussing. Recommend if that's what you like.
744 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2019
Dalton is an injured bronc rider who inherits a rundown ranch from his grandfather and wants to turn it into working ranch with cattle and horse stock. What does a classical violinist have to do with a ranch in southern Georgia? As a favor to a friend, pretends to be a vet. In the very competitive world of classical orchestras, she's only made to third chair. Good read. First book about three brothers.
Profile Image for Linda Rutland.
320 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2017
Violinist and a bronco riding cowboy?

This was a good story and very unique. But it was full of typos and misplaced words in sentences. I read a lot of ARCs and expect to find errors in them. Published books should be better quality. I've read other books by this author and this book is not her normal standard.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews22 followers
August 25, 2018
Nice

This was a nice, clean story about two people finding each other and finding what makes them happy career-wise. I don’t think Jen needed to lie at the beginning. I think she could have explained the situation to her boss and still let Hazel accompany the horse, without risking her job.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2018
5 stars
Warm and Wonderful Romance
This is the beginning of a new series based on an old theme. City girl meets country boy makes for a fun and funny combination. This author always writes a quality story. There is a great plot with believable characters and a touch of faith mixed in. This is a sweet and clean romance. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
567 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2020
Dalton (Cowboys and Debutantes: Contemporary Book 2)

Hazel was by no means a get or anywhere close, but she would do anything for her roommate who was a vet. So I guess, when she needs someone to lose as her for a couple of days, who better to do it than her very best, bestie, Hazel. Great book!
1,247 reviews23 followers
August 9, 2017
Sweet, clean romance! Two people have their plans change by circumstances and end up at the Cotton Tree Ranch. One as a new livelihood and the other to help a friend. The ranch changes their life dreams. Will it be a permanent detour?
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews101 followers
August 16, 2018
Terrific

This was another great story in the series. Dalton gets injured and won't be doing the rodeo circuit anymore, he inherits a run down horse ranch. Hazel has been playing the violin forever, but her roommate get sick and she fills in for her. What comes next is interesting.
454 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2018
He was a Rodeo champion

A accident ended his career in the Rodeo. He inherited a ranch in South Georgia. She did a favor for her roommate pretending to be her is how they met. Great story how their romance worked out.
676 reviews
August 16, 2018
The rancher and the musician.

Dalton inherits his grandfather's ranch. Hazel takes her friend, Jen's, place as a vet accompanying a mare to Dalton's ranch. It's not long before Dalton figures out that Hazel is not a vet. What is she up to?
9 reviews
August 17, 2018
Sweet Read

This is a really good read. It made me fall in love with Dalton and Hazel while they fell in love with each other. I could not have asked for a better clean, sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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