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Blackwater Ranch #5
Keeping the Cowboy
When her dreams become a reality, will she be able to leave the family she’s come to love?
Jade Smith has always dreamed of teaching abroad. While she waits for her chance, she takes a nannying position at Blackwater Ranch. It’s supposed to be temporary, but she soon learns that this devoted single dad and his boisterous five-year-old won’t be easy to leave when the time comes.
Aaron Harding was wrecked when his ex bailed on him and their son, leaving him to raise Levi alone. He’s in no hurry for either of them to fall in love again. It just isn’t worth the risk. But as he watches the way Jade cares for his son, he starts to wonder if a happy, two-parent family is finally within their reach.
When the opportunity of a lifetime leaves Jade with an impossible decision to make, will she choose to follow the dreams of her past or to make this man and his son her future?
Jade Smith has always dreamed of teaching abroad. While she waits for her chance, she takes a nannying position at Blackwater Ranch. It’s supposed to be temporary, but she soon learns that this devoted single dad and his boisterous five-year-old won’t be easy to leave when the time comes.
Aaron Harding was wrecked when his ex bailed on him and their son, leaving him to raise Levi alone. He’s in no hurry for either of them to fall in love again. It just isn’t worth the risk. But as he watches the way Jade cares for his son, he starts to wonder if a happy, two-parent family is finally within their reach.
When the opportunity of a lifetime leaves Jade with an impossible decision to make, will she choose to follow the dreams of her past or to make this man and his son her future?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2021
345 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Mandi Blake
44 books838 followersMandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 17, 2021
I keep saying "this book is my favorite" in the series, and they keep getting better and better! This one is my new favorite. I loved Aaron & Jade's story, and little Levi is the funniest kid. I've been wondering all along when Aaron was going to get his HEA and glad he finally met the right girl. Jade is a perfect fit in the Harding family and loved her heart toward Levi.
April 9, 2021
I was so excited to read this book. I was waiting for Aaron- the hardworking single dad to finally meet someone. You can’t help but love Levi from the first book. Jade is a sweetheart and a perfect balance to Aaron. I love the growth in the characters in this book and the family dynamics of the Ranch. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it and all the other books in the series. Each can stand alone but it is fun to see the characters again in each story.
April 11, 2021
Another beautifully written story in the blackwater ranch series . One of my all time favorites to read over again . Aaron and jades story was another great sweet story . I don't like giving away the story but you will love reading about Aaron and jades and the cute levi, along with the rest of the harding family!
July 4, 2025
My favourite of the series!
Maybe it was the single dad trope. Or how cute a kid Levi was. Or Jade’s sweetness. Or just the entire way the story was handled so maturely without silly misunderstandings.
Regardless, I LOVED THIS ONE!
Maybe it was the single dad trope. Or how cute a kid Levi was. Or Jade’s sweetness. Or just the entire way the story was handled so maturely without silly misunderstandings.
Regardless, I LOVED THIS ONE!
April 5, 2021
I am loving the whole Blackwater Ranch series, and I was super excited to read Keeping the Cowboy! Aaron deserved his happy ending, and it was super sweet to read about Levi. Aaron was the first son married, and yet he was the son who was all alone. He was trying to raise his son as best as he could, and so he decided to hire a nanny/teacher for his son so that Levi could thrive. Jade came to Blackwater ranch expecting to teach Levi, but not expecting to fall in love. However, what will she do when her dream job calls, will she go or will she stay?
Aaron was struggling. He was trying to care for his son as best he knew, but he felt overwhelmed. I really liked Aaron and it was fun to get to know more about him. He was such a sweet guy. He truly cared for his family and his son, Levi. He had troubles trusting that Jade would stay, but he learned to lean on God. Jade was not his ex wife, and he needed to learn to remember that and not let his past define him.
Jade was also a sweet character, and she sounded like such a fun teacher! I liked how she connected with Levi from the beginning, and how she fell in love with Aaron. She had been searching for something her whole life, and she was struggling to find the path that God wanted her to walk. She had to learn to trust God’s leading and what it meant to love someone.
I really liked how Jade and Aaron balanced each other out. I also loved reading about them with Levi. I could tell that they loved and cared for Levi. However, they had to learn to trust each other as they built their new relationship. I enjoyed reading about their relationship. They really balanced each other. Jade was book smart while Aaron was more hands on. And where Aaron was steady, Jade was more energetic. This book was super sweet, and it didn’t feel rushed. Levi was super fun and it was adorable to read more about him.
Keeping the Cowboy was a great book! I really like seeing the family aspects of this book, and getting to see old characters. I would definitely recommend it and I am super excited for Hunter’s book! Keeping the Cowboy is a clean, sweet Christian book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Aaron was struggling. He was trying to care for his son as best he knew, but he felt overwhelmed. I really liked Aaron and it was fun to get to know more about him. He was such a sweet guy. He truly cared for his family and his son, Levi. He had troubles trusting that Jade would stay, but he learned to lean on God. Jade was not his ex wife, and he needed to learn to remember that and not let his past define him.
Jade was also a sweet character, and she sounded like such a fun teacher! I liked how she connected with Levi from the beginning, and how she fell in love with Aaron. She had been searching for something her whole life, and she was struggling to find the path that God wanted her to walk. She had to learn to trust God’s leading and what it meant to love someone.
I really liked how Jade and Aaron balanced each other out. I also loved reading about them with Levi. I could tell that they loved and cared for Levi. However, they had to learn to trust each other as they built their new relationship. I enjoyed reading about their relationship. They really balanced each other. Jade was book smart while Aaron was more hands on. And where Aaron was steady, Jade was more energetic. This book was super sweet, and it didn’t feel rushed. Levi was super fun and it was adorable to read more about him.
Keeping the Cowboy was a great book! I really like seeing the family aspects of this book, and getting to see old characters. I would definitely recommend it and I am super excited for Hunter’s book! Keeping the Cowboy is a clean, sweet Christian book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
April 12, 2021
Over the last few months, the Harding's have become one of my all time favorite fictional families. I adore how close knit they all are, and how they always make newcomers feel right at home. While I get excited about each new story in the Blackwater Ranch series, I was was especially looking forward to Keeping the Cowboy. While I was definitely looking forward to getting to read each of the Harding brother's stories, I was especially exited for Aaron's because of the presence of Levi. I've always been a fan of sweet romance books that have kids as a main part of the plot, and I knew that Mandi Blake would do a fantastic job with this particular trope.
This story was everything I could have hoped for, and was exactly the break I needed from some stressful situations going on in my life at the time. While I don't think that Mandi could truly write a bad book if she tried, I love how each and every one of her new releases showcases to the reader how much more fine tuning she has done to her craft. Aaron and Jade's story is truly beautiful and unique, and I could barely bring myself to put it down once I started. I loved how this one dives into the deeper issues of needing to let go of the past, and needing to truly be open to finding the place we belong. I also loved that, as always with Mandi's books, the faith content is at the front and center, and is never just conveniently tucked into the background without playing an integral role in the story.
While I enjoyed this story in its entirety, I especially loved the fact that Jade has dual citizenship which I thought was a neat element that added more originality to the story, and also that a lot of focus is given to homeschooling which isn't something I see included in novels all that often.
Overall, this one made me both tear up and laugh out loud, and I think it's one of Mandi's best to date. If you haven't yet picked up a book by Mandi Blake, then I highly suggest you do so as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I will anxiously be awaiting book six in the Blackwater Ranch series, and also every other book that Mandi choses to write in the coming years.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story was everything I could have hoped for, and was exactly the break I needed from some stressful situations going on in my life at the time. While I don't think that Mandi could truly write a bad book if she tried, I love how each and every one of her new releases showcases to the reader how much more fine tuning she has done to her craft. Aaron and Jade's story is truly beautiful and unique, and I could barely bring myself to put it down once I started. I loved how this one dives into the deeper issues of needing to let go of the past, and needing to truly be open to finding the place we belong. I also loved that, as always with Mandi's books, the faith content is at the front and center, and is never just conveniently tucked into the background without playing an integral role in the story.
While I enjoyed this story in its entirety, I especially loved the fact that Jade has dual citizenship which I thought was a neat element that added more originality to the story, and also that a lot of focus is given to homeschooling which isn't something I see included in novels all that often.
Overall, this one made me both tear up and laugh out loud, and I think it's one of Mandi's best to date. If you haven't yet picked up a book by Mandi Blake, then I highly suggest you do so as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I will anxiously be awaiting book six in the Blackwater Ranch series, and also every other book that Mandi choses to write in the coming years.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 8, 2021
Keeping the Cowboy is by far the cutest book of the Blackwater Ranch series. The moment I met Jade, I knew she was going to fit right in at the ranch. Her and Aaron's story is simple, but adorable. Their relationship felt so natural, I don't know how we went through the first part of the series without it. I honestly think this is the most obvious out of all the pairings, they just work so well together. Everything in their lives fell into place and they realized they could trust each other and be content where they were. They were each other's home.
Such a cute story, my favorite in the series so far, I think anyone who enjoys Christian Romance would enjoy this book. The entire series is amazing and is getting better with every book. Writing a review is hard because there is so much I want to say, but I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. It's amazing and well worth a read.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free ARC of this book. I am voluntarily giving this review. Everything expressed above is my honest opinion of this book.
Such a cute story, my favorite in the series so far, I think anyone who enjoys Christian Romance would enjoy this book. The entire series is amazing and is getting better with every book. Writing a review is hard because there is so much I want to say, but I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. It's amazing and well worth a read.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free ARC of this book. I am voluntarily giving this review. Everything expressed above is my honest opinion of this book.
April 17, 2021
Jade has wanderlust moving from place to place and searching for a place to call home. She thought that would be a teaching position in Scotland near her grandparents, an elusive job she's spent the past few years applying for. Levi was a sweet high energy kid who wanted to learn especially if it involved math. I loved that she used so many creative ways to keep him interested and make learning fun like using skittles and numbers to count the letters when teaching words. The way she stepped in and pushed Levi out of the way to take the fall on the blades that could have killed him made me cry. But despite loving Levi and Aaron, Jade still dreams of teaching in Scotland. I loved that even though Aaron had been burned by his ex leaving him and Levi he let her go to pursue her dreams hoping that she would want to come back to them.
April 9, 2021
Oh, wow! Another great cowboy book!! I've been waiting for Aaron's story, and this did NOT disappoint!! Little Levi steals the show, and your heart, along with Aaron!! Jade's traveled many places, thinks she finally find happiness if she can teach in Scotland. When she meets Aaron and Levi, she finds out that she's found what she never even knew she was looking for. Levi steals Jade's heart at their first meeting, and Aaron's not too far behind. He was broken when Levi's mother walked out on them, and wasn't sure he'd ever trust anyone again. When Jade arrives, and then Aaron finds out her dream is to teach in Scotland, he's not sure he won't be broken again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
April 10, 2021
I was a volunteer ARC for this book. I loved this book on the series. It is a stand alone book in a series based on the Harding family at Blackwater Ranch. This is the second book by the author that I have read. Her characters are strong and believable. Love the story line. Just enough suspense to keep you wanting to read. I instantly fell in love with Levi especially with his interactions with Jade and his dad. I didn’t want to put the book down! A great HEA that you will not be disappointed in when you read it. The descriptions provided by the author create a picture in your mind with the ranch and their lives
April 11, 2021
This is the 5th book in the Blackwater Ranch series with the Harding family. This book centers around Aaron, his son Levi, and Jade. Jade becomes Levi’s new homeschool teacher. She has a dual citizenship in the US and Scotland where her father is from. Her goal has always been to obtain a teaching job in Scotland, but her plans may take an entirely different direction. These books are all clean, Christian romances, but they are not preachy. I have read all the books in the series and they will all bring a smile and maybe a few happy tears. I look forward to #6.
April 17, 2021
This was another great story in the Blackwater Ranch series. This one focused on Aaron and his son, Levi. I liked Jade, the teacher Aaron had hired to homeschool his young son. Jade was a restless, romantic at heart character trying to find home. She was conflicted about changing her dreams of teaching in Scotland, where her grandparents lived. It seemed every few years she was moving to a new place and a new job. It was fun watching her realize it was all in God's plan. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
April 17, 2021
Swoon worthy
The heros just keep getting better and the heroines sweeter. So happy to see Aaron and Levi being loved by their special woman! Jade came to the ranch to almost kill time until she could get a teaching position in Scotland. Aarons wife abandoned him and Levi when he was a baby, so he was understandably leery of Jade and falling for her. I found my hopes dashed almost as much as Jade’s were when Aaron didn’t kiss her when he walked her home and it was obvious they both wanted the kiss.
So worth staying up all night to read!
The heros just keep getting better and the heroines sweeter. So happy to see Aaron and Levi being loved by their special woman! Jade came to the ranch to almost kill time until she could get a teaching position in Scotland. Aarons wife abandoned him and Levi when he was a baby, so he was understandably leery of Jade and falling for her. I found my hopes dashed almost as much as Jade’s were when Aaron didn’t kiss her when he walked her home and it was obvious they both wanted the kiss.
So worth staying up all night to read!
April 6, 2021
Love the Blackwater Ranch series. This is the 5th book and one of my favorites. Jade gets a job homeschooling Levi as he starts school on the ranch. Aaron is a single father and it seems easier to have Levi homeschooled where he can also learn how the ranch runs. Jade has always been a bit of a wanderer, with her father being from Europe and traveling there each year. Aaron and Jade really hit it off. But will Jade stay? That is the question. Is fun watching Jade and Aaron find their places in each others lives. Great story!
April 7, 2021
Loved this sweet romance with Jade who comes to Blackwater Ranch to be a nanny/teacher for Aaron's son Levi. She falls for both and she is not sure if she will stay or follow her dreams of traveling abroad to teach. Aaron loves the way Jade cares for his son but because he has some baggage from his ex that left him and his son he does not trust easily. Well written book and loved Jade, Aaron and Levi was a sweetie.
April 11, 2021
Keeping the Cowboy is an amazing, heartwarming romance. I love the characters - Aaron, who was devastated when Levi's mom left, Levi, the cutest five year old ever, and Jade, a teacher who wants to teach abroad. These three make great strides relationship wise in this sweet, well written romance. The story grabbed me from the beginning and would not let go until I reached the end. I think the ending was just about perfect. If you like sweet romances, I highly recommend this book.
April 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this Blackwater romance. It was a great nanny/boss romance that really didn’t feel worrisome at all. I loved the little boy and their learning adventures. Some really unexpected happenings that kept me on the edge of my seat. I love that it’s a nice, lengthy novel. Those are the best because they can be so thorough!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 17, 2021
Enchanting
Aaron and Jade's romance is straightforward apart from a minor blip and is totally enchanting. Aaron finds it hard to trust at first because of his first wife, and Made is a little unsettled in her career but their joint love of Levi brings them together.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book but happily and voluntarily leave this review.
Aaron and Jade's romance is straightforward apart from a minor blip and is totally enchanting. Aaron finds it hard to trust at first because of his first wife, and Made is a little unsettled in her career but their joint love of Levi brings them together.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book but happily and voluntarily leave this review.
April 17, 2021
I have been waiting for Aaron's story, and Mandi Blake did not disappoint. Not only did she write a compelling love story between Aaron and Jade, but also a sweet bond that developed between Jade and little Levi Harding. This book was well worth the wait, and now I'm eager to see what happens in the next book of the series.
April 7, 2021
Great story. Loved returning to Blackwater Ranch for the story about Aaron and Levi. Jade falls for them both right away. Despite his past, Aaron can’t help his attraction to Jade. She fits into the Harding family easily. Great characters and a beautiful storyline.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
April 16, 2021
This book was so good! It's a heartwarming story that is full of emotions and you can feel every one of them. This is my favorite book in the Blackwater Ranch series. It will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. I loved it!!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 5, 2021
Great story.
Loved watching Aaron let go of his fear and trust that Jade will stay.
You'll need tissues in a few places, but mostly for happy tears.
I so love this family!
Loved watching Aaron let go of his fear and trust that Jade will stay.
You'll need tissues in a few places, but mostly for happy tears.
I so love this family!
April 12, 2021
A well written story of staying still long enough to find the happiness God has in store for you. A tenderly written love story where a family is formed forever. Sometimes you follow your dream to realize it doesn’t fit any more.
April 16, 2021
Sometimes home is closer than you think. Such a touching, heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Insecurities and mistrust plague Aaron, and Jade turns his life around. Refreshing, clean and vivid word pictures paint a movie in the mind that is utterly enjoyable. I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review. What a pleasure to read.
April 19, 2021
The love story between our main characters Aaron and Jade was beautifully done. Jade’s relationship with Aaron’s son Levi was so cute and there bond was unbelievable. Levi is 5 years old and steals every scene he is in. Another great Story by Mandi Blake can’t wait for Hunter’s story.
April 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. I loved every character on this ranch. Little Levi was the sweetest! The chemistry between the two main characters was really special and I enjoyed their journey together. This is a really sweet, clean romance and Levi is the cherry on top.
July 25, 2021
Great Series
I've really been enjoying this series and getting to know all the Harding Brothers. I loved Aaron and Jades story. I was looking forward to Aarons story and it didn't disappoint. I look forward to more books in the series.
I've really been enjoying this series and getting to know all the Harding Brothers. I loved Aaron and Jades story. I was looking forward to Aarons story and it didn't disappoint. I look forward to more books in the series.
April 19, 2021
Jade has a dream that keeps her moving. Will being a nanny to Levi become her home? Aaron's wife left him and his son Levi making him leery of trusting women to stay. It was really sweet to see his and Levi's relationship and how Levi bonded so quickly with Jade. I homeschooled my daughters so I loved seeing Jade homeschool Levi - she did an amazing job. Skittles!!! When they fall in love can Aaron trust Jade to stay? Or will she follow her dream? Romantic ending.
July 12, 2025
I absolutely adore Aaron & Jade's cautious, caring, loving, hopeful, sweet n swoony happily ever after!!
May 8, 2022
What a lovely story. Enjoyed Jade so much, she has as much energy and passion as Levi. A lovely family, in a beautiful setting. I enjoyed every minute of the story; especially the tidbits on how kids learn. The prayers were excellent too. A new author for me to indulge in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews