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McGrath #3
True Love Cowboy
8 hours, 55 minutes
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan is known for her cowboy heroes, strong-willed heroines, and powerful love stories. Always page-turning, her western set romances are perfect for fans of Diana Palmer, BJ Daniels, and Linda Lael Miller.
Cowboys live by their word, their wits, and their loyalty.
Jon Crawford has returned to Montana, determined to take over his father’s ranch and raise his daughter in Big Sky Country, leaving the big-city life behind once and for all. He doesn’t have time to fall in love, but he doesn’t count on stubborn but beautiful Trinity McGrath, who arouses his protective instincts even as she tries to push him away.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Trinity, but now she has everything she needs—her family, friends, and a safe and secure life. With a business to build, Trinity doesn’t have time for romance…until Jon comes barging into her life and all her intentions are turned upside down!
Still, an attraction like theirs is too powerful to deny, and sometimes true love comes along when you least expect it. But when someone from Jon's past comes back with a vengeance, Trinity and Jon will have to do everything they can to save themselves and their new love...
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan is known for her cowboy heroes, strong-willed heroines, and powerful love stories. Always page-turning, her western set romances are perfect for fans of Diana Palmer, BJ Daniels, and Linda Lael Miller.
Cowboys live by their word, their wits, and their loyalty.
Jon Crawford has returned to Montana, determined to take over his father’s ranch and raise his daughter in Big Sky Country, leaving the big-city life behind once and for all. He doesn’t have time to fall in love, but he doesn’t count on stubborn but beautiful Trinity McGrath, who arouses his protective instincts even as she tries to push him away.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Trinity, but now she has everything she needs—her family, friends, and a safe and secure life. With a business to build, Trinity doesn’t have time for romance…until Jon comes barging into her life and all her intentions are turned upside down!
Still, an attraction like theirs is too powerful to deny, and sometimes true love comes along when you least expect it. But when someone from Jon's past comes back with a vengeance, Trinity and Jon will have to do everything they can to save themselves and their new love...
Audiobook
First published August 24, 2021
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About the author
Jennifer Ryan
50 books1,884 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 22, 2021
True Love Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan
McGrath series book 3. Contemporary western romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Trinity has a business she loves and a busy calendar. Jon walks back into her life and everything changes.
This McGrath series is intense with so much going on. As a family, they either have really bad luck or really good luck. I choose good luck because they are in successful in overcoming all the danger and malevolent people that circle. Wheh. Want a rush. All 3 books have nasty characters and then some you can’t help falling in love with.
This one had a few “oh no” moments and “hope they get what they deserve” scenes.
Enthusiastic “loved this”. Enthralling and satisfying. Great romance. Wonderful suspense.
“Trinity made him feel like he mattered in a basic and simple way. Him.”
McGrath series book 3. Contemporary western romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Trinity has a business she loves and a busy calendar. Jon walks back into her life and everything changes.
This McGrath series is intense with so much going on. As a family, they either have really bad luck or really good luck. I choose good luck because they are in successful in overcoming all the danger and malevolent people that circle. Wheh. Want a rush. All 3 books have nasty characters and then some you can’t help falling in love with.
This one had a few “oh no” moments and “hope they get what they deserve” scenes.
Enthusiastic “loved this”. Enthralling and satisfying. Great romance. Wonderful suspense.
“Trinity made him feel like he mattered in a basic and simple way. Him.”
August 24, 2021
This one took me a few days to process for my review.
This book is very light on the smut side (which I normally hate), but the story was so good. It was also one of those books that while you are so frustrated with the actions of the characters, you have to realize they can't do what you want them to do.
The star of this book was Emma for me (Jon's 4-year-old daughter). She was so sweet and cute. You will love her from the get go and you will want to punch her fucking mother in the throat the entire fucking book.
They are from LA and Jon is ready to slow down and raise is daughter on a Ranch like he was. Steph (our bitchy fucking mom) says she will go with so that they can start fresh as a "family", note they are not together but she wants them to be.
This is where the processing comes in. Emma's mom is awful. She is a selfish cow, but she puts on a show for everyone. Jon knows that Steph is getting worse and worse, but legally he can't do anything until she steps over this awful line. And he also has the fear that if he doesn't cave to her a little she will move back to LA and he will have to follow to be with his daughter.
So, he has to send his daughter to stay with a mom he knows isn't treating her the way he wants. It will break your heart every time she goes back. But I get it, I can't imagine being in that situation. He wants his daughter to have this relationship with her mom, so what do you do? He does everything he can, aside from basically kidnapping her. That is the main trigger for this book that I know some might struggle with.
Now this is a romance book (without a lot of sex). Jon meets Trinity the first day he comes back, and is drawn to her instantly. Of course instalove kicks in (my favorite trope - don't fucking judge me). Trinity has her own PTSD from an incident that happened in a prior book, but she won't let her issues get in the way. She is all in, she is awesome and supportive and the best to Emma. I loved every part of Trinity's character. I loved how Jon and Trinity were as a couple.
Okay, here is why it's not 5 stars for me.
1. Only 1 sex scene.. Need I say more?
2. The epilogue wasn't there for me. I didn't feel completed at the end. It was a good ending, 90% of you will love it.. But I'm an epilogue whore and I need them. I need to see 10 years down the road that you are happy and you worked through your issues.
Otherwise an incredibly written story, that will definitely get your emotional and brain going.
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This book is very light on the smut side (which I normally hate), but the story was so good. It was also one of those books that while you are so frustrated with the actions of the characters, you have to realize they can't do what you want them to do.
The star of this book was Emma for me (Jon's 4-year-old daughter). She was so sweet and cute. You will love her from the get go and you will want to punch her fucking mother in the throat the entire fucking book.
They are from LA and Jon is ready to slow down and raise is daughter on a Ranch like he was. Steph (our bitchy fucking mom) says she will go with so that they can start fresh as a "family", note they are not together but she wants them to be.
This is where the processing comes in. Emma's mom is awful. She is a selfish cow, but she puts on a show for everyone. Jon knows that Steph is getting worse and worse, but legally he can't do anything until she steps over this awful line. And he also has the fear that if he doesn't cave to her a little she will move back to LA and he will have to follow to be with his daughter.
So, he has to send his daughter to stay with a mom he knows isn't treating her the way he wants. It will break your heart every time she goes back. But I get it, I can't imagine being in that situation. He wants his daughter to have this relationship with her mom, so what do you do? He does everything he can, aside from basically kidnapping her. That is the main trigger for this book that I know some might struggle with.
Now this is a romance book (without a lot of sex). Jon meets Trinity the first day he comes back, and is drawn to her instantly. Of course instalove kicks in (my favorite trope - don't fucking judge me). Trinity has her own PTSD from an incident that happened in a prior book, but she won't let her issues get in the way. She is all in, she is awesome and supportive and the best to Emma. I loved every part of Trinity's character. I loved how Jon and Trinity were as a couple.
Okay, here is why it's not 5 stars for me.
1. Only 1 sex scene.. Need I say more?
2. The epilogue wasn't there for me. I didn't feel completed at the end. It was a good ending, 90% of you will love it.. But I'm an epilogue whore and I need them. I need to see 10 years down the road that you are happy and you worked through your issues.
Otherwise an incredibly written story, that will definitely get your emotional and brain going.
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March 25, 2021
ARC received for review
Trinity is still suffering from PTSD and flashbacks from being kidnapped in her brother's book Love of a Cowboy. She finds Jon's father unresponsive when delivery meals. Jon arrives just in time to help load him up and take him to the hospital. There is an attraction between them, but she's afraid plus he's brought his ex and their daughter to town with him. His daughter is adorable, but his ex is nasty, nasty, nasty. Then Trinity thinks Jon is trying to buy her business...or is he? There's lot of angst, drama, sex, and family. Loved the epilogue.
Trinity is still suffering from PTSD and flashbacks from being kidnapped in her brother's book Love of a Cowboy. She finds Jon's father unresponsive when delivery meals. Jon arrives just in time to help load him up and take him to the hospital. There is an attraction between them, but she's afraid plus he's brought his ex and their daughter to town with him. His daughter is adorable, but his ex is nasty, nasty, nasty. Then Trinity thinks Jon is trying to buy her business...or is he? There's lot of angst, drama, sex, and family. Loved the epilogue.
September 1, 2021
Wow. What a wonderful story. I fell in love with Trinity and Jon right from the beginning of the story and cheered them on throughout all the trials and tribulations that were thrown their way. And, Emmy … well, your heart went out to her and there is no way that you couldn’t have fallen head over heels for this beautiful little girl.
The story starts with what could be a tragedy but turns out to be the best thing for Jon and Trinity. As the story unfolds and you relive the pain Trinity went through in the past and the way Jon tries to support and help her, you couldn’t help but admire both of them. They had their ups and definitely had their downs but in the end, they grew, learned and loved harder for what they went through. Emmy wasn’t far from either one of their minds or hearts and that was sweet and endearing. She was a part of Jon and Trinity accepted that with open arms and an open heart.
The character building in this story was wonderful. You understood Jon’s hesitation and Trinity’s fears. You understood why Jon needed to protect Emmy. You hated Steph from the minute you met her and she did absolutely nothing to redeem herself. But, you couldn’t help but smile and love all the rest of these characters.
The story line was interesting and held your attention throughout the story. Jennifer Ryan always writes stories that draw me in and hold me captive. I loved the ending to this story so much, I think I read it 4 times. I just wanted to feel the love and absorb the happiness into myself. Yes, Jennifer Ryan does that to me.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
The story starts with what could be a tragedy but turns out to be the best thing for Jon and Trinity. As the story unfolds and you relive the pain Trinity went through in the past and the way Jon tries to support and help her, you couldn’t help but admire both of them. They had their ups and definitely had their downs but in the end, they grew, learned and loved harder for what they went through. Emmy wasn’t far from either one of their minds or hearts and that was sweet and endearing. She was a part of Jon and Trinity accepted that with open arms and an open heart.
The character building in this story was wonderful. You understood Jon’s hesitation and Trinity’s fears. You understood why Jon needed to protect Emmy. You hated Steph from the minute you met her and she did absolutely nothing to redeem herself. But, you couldn’t help but smile and love all the rest of these characters.
The story line was interesting and held your attention throughout the story. Jennifer Ryan always writes stories that draw me in and hold me captive. I loved the ending to this story so much, I think I read it 4 times. I just wanted to feel the love and absorb the happiness into myself. Yes, Jennifer Ryan does that to me.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 28, 2021
True Love Cowboy wasn't quite what I expected. The title led me to believe that Jon would be a "cowboy." In fact, he was an entrepreneur who returned home from California. His goal was to take over his father's ranch and raise his young daughter where he'd grown up. So, he was definitely returning to his roots. That said, his character was easy to care about. He had a huge heart and cared deeply about his daughter and father.
Trinity is a young woman dealing with severe PTSD after previously being abducted and assaulted. Despite that, she and a close friend are running a successful business in food service which is growing faster than they can keep up with. She's part of a close knit family and is the only sister with three brothers. Things in her life are okay but not great. Then she meets Jon and things change. I'm not typically a fan of "insta-love" plot lines, but it worked in this book. I think it's because both of these characters had been through some stuff already and truly needed one another.
One of my favorite characters in the book was definitely Jon's daughter, Emmy. She was a sweet character and much of the plot centered around her and events with her mother, Steph. Trinity not only falls in love with Jon, she falls in love with Emmy too. It's a good thing since Emmy's mother doesn't really know how to be one.
All in all, True Love Cowboy was a well-written story with a little bit of everything...romance, heartbreak, danger and ultimately happiness.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Trinity is a young woman dealing with severe PTSD after previously being abducted and assaulted. Despite that, she and a close friend are running a successful business in food service which is growing faster than they can keep up with. She's part of a close knit family and is the only sister with three brothers. Things in her life are okay but not great. Then she meets Jon and things change. I'm not typically a fan of "insta-love" plot lines, but it worked in this book. I think it's because both of these characters had been through some stuff already and truly needed one another.
One of my favorite characters in the book was definitely Jon's daughter, Emmy. She was a sweet character and much of the plot centered around her and events with her mother, Steph. Trinity not only falls in love with Jon, she falls in love with Emmy too. It's a good thing since Emmy's mother doesn't really know how to be one.
All in all, True Love Cowboy was a well-written story with a little bit of everything...romance, heartbreak, danger and ultimately happiness.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
September 15, 2022
Jon & Trinity’s story is a romantic, heartfelt, full of emotion read that kept me captivated from beginning to end. This is book three in the McGrath series yet I was able to fully enjoy without reading books one and two, although I will likely go back for them! Be warned prior to reading this story there are some very hard scenes dealing with child abuse and neglect, and there is an assault on a main character. So be ready for possible triggers.
The relationship between Jon & Trinity is pretty picture perfect and you can’t help but to root them on towards their HEA. Overall a great story!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review copy provided by author/publisher via Netgalley. All opinions, thoughts, comments, and interpretation of this book are my own. I am not receiving any money in exchange for this review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. More Reviews by Jaime can be found at Alpha Book Club and via Goodreads 🤠🐴🦄
The relationship between Jon & Trinity is pretty picture perfect and you can’t help but to root them on towards their HEA. Overall a great story!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review copy provided by author/publisher via Netgalley. All opinions, thoughts, comments, and interpretation of this book are my own. I am not receiving any money in exchange for this review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. More Reviews by Jaime can be found at Alpha Book Club and via Goodreads 🤠🐴🦄
September 16, 2021
I recommend this book to anyone who likes cowboy romance novels. I love a man that puts his child first.
I won this book on good reads giveaways!!
I won this book on good reads giveaways!!
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August 26, 2021As the title suggests True Love Cowboy is a bit more romantic and a bit less suspenseful and violent than most of Jennifer Ryan’s books. Not that there isn’t suspense and violence, there is. Just not as much as there is in most of her stories. This is basically the story of two really good and decent people Trinity McGrath and Jon Crawford falling quickly in love.
Trinity as the youngest and only female sibling of the McGraths has been a regular secondary character in this series and the last book in the Wild Roses series it was spun off from. In the second book in the McGrath’s series she became the victim of Clint, a psychopath who is after Liz, her brother Tate’s then girlfriend, now wife. As the story opens we discover Trinity is still struggling with PTSD from the assault and kidnapping. Trinity with her BFF and now sister-in-law Adria owns and runs Almost Homemade which has been so successful they now have three stores throughout Montana. Trinity is delivering meals to elderly Mr. Crawford, a customer she’s develop a close friendship with. She discovers Mr. Crawford passed out on his hallway floor struggling to breath. Fearing it would take too long for help to arrive she struggles to drag Mr. Crawford through his house, out the door and into her car so she can rush him to the hospital in town thirty minutes away. Just as she’s getting him into the car Jon, his son who has been living in California for several years and is returning home to Montana to rebuild his life pulls into the driveway. He helps Trinity get his father into her car and they drive together to the hospital.
Jon is a wealthy businessman who has sold off most of his businesses in order to come back to Montana, help care for his dad and take care of the ranch and give his four year old daughter Emmy a better life and relationship than they had when they were living in California and he devoted much of his time to his businesses and was mostly just a weekend dad with Emmy’s mother Steph taking care of her the rest of the week. His hope is to raise Emmy on the ranch he grew up on and give her the kind of wonderful childhood experiences he had growing up. Out of her concern for his father and wanting to lend Jon moral support Trinity agrees to spend the night at the hospital with Jon and then drives him back to the ranch when they’re confident his father is out of immediate danger. Jon is overwhelmed immediately not only by Trinity’s beauty but by her caring and generous nature which is the polar opposite of his self-centered baby momma Steph’s. As he gets out of her car Jon asks Trinity if he can see her again and Trinity happily agrees to a future date. Something she hasn’t been on since her attack.
Thus starts the romance dance between them. It’s not perfectly smooth. Jon and Trinity are both great people but they are human so misunderstanding arise that they have to get over. Both being level-headed thoughtful adults who really do love each other they work through most of their issues without a lot of drama. The drama comes from Steph who followed Jon and her daughter Emmy to Montanan telling Jon she wanted a fresh start and to prove to him and her family that she can stand on her own two feet. Forgetting the fact that Jon is paying for her apartment and got her the job as the grocery store manager. What Steph really wants is to convince Jon that she and he and Emmy should be one family. Mostly because she’s spoiled and manipulative and wants the advantages access to Jon’s money would provide her. Once she discovers that’s not going to happen and Jon is dating Trinity Steph’s actions and failure to provide adequate care for Emmy escalates. When Emmy makes it clear that she prefers Trinity to Steph its like throwing gas on a fire. Part of the tension in this story beyond Steph’s failings as a mother is Jon’s fear that Steph will tire of being in Montana on her own and want to return to California where she can lean on her daddy to take care of her. The fear is if Steph decides to return to California Jon will have to follow her to be with Emmy. This honestly made no sense to me and is one reason this story didn’t get all 5 stars in my rating. John and Steph share joint custody. She decided to follow Jon to Montana so if she decides to leave, why does she get to take Emmy with her? If she doesn’t have to follow Jon around why does he have to follow her? If she were the custodial parent I could understand it. But since they have joint custody and she agreed to Jon’s plan to live with Emmy and her in Montana I just don’t get it. The other thing that didn’t make sense to me was their custody arrangement where Jon had Emmy from Friday after pre-school till Monday and Steph had her Monday night through Friday morning. Jon is semi-retired working from home while Steph is working as a grocery store manager. Why wouldn’t Jon keep Emmy during the work week while Steph kept her on the weekends instead of the other way around? One of the things I liked about this story was how accurately it portrayed the difficulty a father faces in proving his child’s mother is unfit to gain full custody of her.
Now I’m going to talk about some things that take place towards the end of this story which are definite spoilers. So you are warned!
I enjoyed this book so much I could barely put it down and finished it in one bleary eyed day. Sadly, it’s the end of the McGrath Series. It was nice that Ryan tied the series back in to her Wild Roses series it was spun from by giving Roxy and Sonya brief cameos as Adria’s sisters of the heart. And Trinity’s brothers and their wives had important secondary roles in this story. Over all a another really good story from Jennifer Ryan.
Trinity as the youngest and only female sibling of the McGraths has been a regular secondary character in this series and the last book in the Wild Roses series it was spun off from. In the second book in the McGrath’s series she became the victim of Clint, a psychopath who is after Liz, her brother Tate’s then girlfriend, now wife. As the story opens we discover Trinity is still struggling with PTSD from the assault and kidnapping. Trinity with her BFF and now sister-in-law Adria owns and runs Almost Homemade which has been so successful they now have three stores throughout Montana. Trinity is delivering meals to elderly Mr. Crawford, a customer she’s develop a close friendship with. She discovers Mr. Crawford passed out on his hallway floor struggling to breath. Fearing it would take too long for help to arrive she struggles to drag Mr. Crawford through his house, out the door and into her car so she can rush him to the hospital in town thirty minutes away. Just as she’s getting him into the car Jon, his son who has been living in California for several years and is returning home to Montana to rebuild his life pulls into the driveway. He helps Trinity get his father into her car and they drive together to the hospital.
Jon is a wealthy businessman who has sold off most of his businesses in order to come back to Montana, help care for his dad and take care of the ranch and give his four year old daughter Emmy a better life and relationship than they had when they were living in California and he devoted much of his time to his businesses and was mostly just a weekend dad with Emmy’s mother Steph taking care of her the rest of the week. His hope is to raise Emmy on the ranch he grew up on and give her the kind of wonderful childhood experiences he had growing up. Out of her concern for his father and wanting to lend Jon moral support Trinity agrees to spend the night at the hospital with Jon and then drives him back to the ranch when they’re confident his father is out of immediate danger. Jon is overwhelmed immediately not only by Trinity’s beauty but by her caring and generous nature which is the polar opposite of his self-centered baby momma Steph’s. As he gets out of her car Jon asks Trinity if he can see her again and Trinity happily agrees to a future date. Something she hasn’t been on since her attack.
Thus starts the romance dance between them. It’s not perfectly smooth. Jon and Trinity are both great people but they are human so misunderstanding arise that they have to get over. Both being level-headed thoughtful adults who really do love each other they work through most of their issues without a lot of drama. The drama comes from Steph who followed Jon and her daughter Emmy to Montanan telling Jon she wanted a fresh start and to prove to him and her family that she can stand on her own two feet. Forgetting the fact that Jon is paying for her apartment and got her the job as the grocery store manager. What Steph really wants is to convince Jon that she and he and Emmy should be one family. Mostly because she’s spoiled and manipulative and wants the advantages access to Jon’s money would provide her. Once she discovers that’s not going to happen and Jon is dating Trinity Steph’s actions and failure to provide adequate care for Emmy escalates. When Emmy makes it clear that she prefers Trinity to Steph its like throwing gas on a fire. Part of the tension in this story beyond Steph’s failings as a mother is Jon’s fear that Steph will tire of being in Montana on her own and want to return to California where she can lean on her daddy to take care of her. The fear is if Steph decides to return to California Jon will have to follow her to be with Emmy. This honestly made no sense to me and is one reason this story didn’t get all 5 stars in my rating. John and Steph share joint custody. She decided to follow Jon to Montana so if she decides to leave, why does she get to take Emmy with her? If she doesn’t have to follow Jon around why does he have to follow her? If she were the custodial parent I could understand it. But since they have joint custody and she agreed to Jon’s plan to live with Emmy and her in Montana I just don’t get it. The other thing that didn’t make sense to me was their custody arrangement where Jon had Emmy from Friday after pre-school till Monday and Steph had her Monday night through Friday morning. Jon is semi-retired working from home while Steph is working as a grocery store manager. Why wouldn’t Jon keep Emmy during the work week while Steph kept her on the weekends instead of the other way around? One of the things I liked about this story was how accurately it portrayed the difficulty a father faces in proving his child’s mother is unfit to gain full custody of her.
Now I’m going to talk about some things that take place towards the end of this story which are definite spoilers. So you are warned!
I enjoyed this book so much I could barely put it down and finished it in one bleary eyed day. Sadly, it’s the end of the McGrath Series. It was nice that Ryan tied the series back in to her Wild Roses series it was spun from by giving Roxy and Sonya brief cameos as Adria’s sisters of the heart. And Trinity’s brothers and their wives had important secondary roles in this story. Over all a another really good story from Jennifer Ryan.
June 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted so badly to like this book, but to be honest, it was perhaps one of the most lackluster, soulless romance reads I've ever picked up. Here's the thing: There's nothing technically wrong with it. It isn't full of typos, the characters are likable, and the plot is good. These are all good things, and if you like formulaic romance and just want something to read while you're sitting in a waiting room, this is fine. It's not great, but it's okay.
But that's about where my praise ends. This book is not standalone. It's so clearly a story that's slotted into a series to fill a gap. All of the backstory is summed up in about two pages, dumped like a bucket of wet sand in the middle of the narrative. There's zero sexual tension between the main characters - even though they're nice, sweet people, that's about how you'd sum up their romance too. It's nice. It's sweet. But it's not romantic or sexy in any possible way. The sex scenes were painfully analytical, like a list being checked off in quick succession. It felt gross.
The entire time I was reading it felt like someone told the author "we need another book, have it done in six months" and so she picked two characters in an already established series, and spit out a book. There's no passion to the writing. No poetry.
Was it terrible? No. It was fine. But it was JUST fine.
I wanted so badly to like this book, but to be honest, it was perhaps one of the most lackluster, soulless romance reads I've ever picked up. Here's the thing: There's nothing technically wrong with it. It isn't full of typos, the characters are likable, and the plot is good. These are all good things, and if you like formulaic romance and just want something to read while you're sitting in a waiting room, this is fine. It's not great, but it's okay.
But that's about where my praise ends. This book is not standalone. It's so clearly a story that's slotted into a series to fill a gap. All of the backstory is summed up in about two pages, dumped like a bucket of wet sand in the middle of the narrative. There's zero sexual tension between the main characters - even though they're nice, sweet people, that's about how you'd sum up their romance too. It's nice. It's sweet. But it's not romantic or sexy in any possible way. The sex scenes were painfully analytical, like a list being checked off in quick succession. It felt gross.
The entire time I was reading it felt like someone told the author "we need another book, have it done in six months" and so she picked two characters in an already established series, and spit out a book. There's no passion to the writing. No poetry.
Was it terrible? No. It was fine. But it was JUST fine.
August 25, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
True Love Cowboy is the most recent release and the moment that it became available I just knew that I had to pick it up and when I saw that it was on AnyPlay I just knew that it was one that I need to grab up and I haven't ever listened to this author in audio format, most of the time I get her ARC's but I decided to wait on this one here. And I was immediately pulled into the story after the first chapter. I will say that the first meeting between our two main protagonists isn't the most thrilling of meet-cutes, but it's a sweet scene and really sets the stage for their relationship. I am always impressed with this author and this story definitely pulled the type of emotion that always stuns me every time I pick her up.
True Love Cowboy is a story that features :
Jon Crawford-Entrepreneur, a single father, returning home to help his father and stabilize his family.
Trinity McGrath-Chef and a local business owner, dealing with PTSD, youngest sister of protective family
In this beloved story, we have two kind-hearted good people that have a solid attraction to each other, from their first meeting there is an attraction. Our heroine, Trinity, has been helping Jon's father get food but when she comes to deliver his meal, he is passed out on the floor and struggling to breathe and then Jon arrives on the scene, and then they take him to the hospital together. While Jon's father is in recovery, Trinity and Jon have a spark of attraction and find each other intriguing. Despite the fact that Jon has his ex and his daughter arriving soon, and Trinity suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks of her traumatic past, they are drawn to each other like bees to honey and forge ahead in a relationship. But Jon is driven and willing to do what it takes to care for his family even if his ex is toxic and manipulative, but feels he has no other option when she has primary custody over their daughter. But as tensions rise with him and his ex, the romance between this sweet good woman is worth fighting for, but he never imagined that the love of his life would be put in danger so close to home and will he be able to save those he loves or lose it all?
True Love Cowboy was a brilliant read and despite its imperfections, I truly had so many delights in reading this one. I am always so stunned at how this author truly writes her books. I fell so quickly for this couple, and honestly, this was a book I literally relaxed on the couch with just so I could listen to it more. Not all of Jennifer Ryan's books have stunned me but this one truly did. I never expected to experience the surge of emotion that this book evoked in me but only a few authors can have me sobbing through this and it certainly did. I had so many shock moments and I think if I had been listening to this in public, I think I would have been sent to the mental institution that is right down the road haha Its a story that just broke my heart but unfortunately I can see these type of cases being pretty common in many factors. I did like seeing the focus of how hard it can be for fathers that are unable to get primary custody of the children especially when the other party is manipulative in most situations and has money and power behind her and also how society and the law even tends to cater more towards mothers than fathers in many cases. Just seeing this man's heartache over his daughter was so heartwrenching. BUT I will say he did drive me nuts sometimes. In the beginning of the story he acts so blind to many of her actions thinking she will be better but when you see that she does the same habits previously, you would think he would have come to the truth of it. And it took real neglect and abuse of his daughter for him to actually act. I understand he was in a bad spot with little power here, but I feel like he could have done more. I do respect that the author took us there though and really showed the human side of these issues in such a relatable human way.
I truly adored this book though and it was such an honest good romance that I wanted to cheer to. Jon and Trinity have such a beautiful relationship and I loved seeing it blossom and so many positive elements enter their relationship. I love seeing how they lift and encourage each other, always fight for each other, and never lose faith in one another. It's an element that tends to go missing from romance at times, and I truly respect that this author went there for this pairing. Then we another element that added such sweetness and charm to the story....Jon's little girl "Emma" She was so darling and added the perfect cherry on the top for this book. You just want to cherish this little child and I couldn't get enough of seeing her in this book. I just love seeing children portrayed in romance when it's in this manner, and Jennifer Ryan really handled it so well.
Overall I found True Love Cowboy to be a stunning delight that delivered in the solid plot, touch your heart characters, and tear-jerking moments that will overcome its readers in the most real and vivid ways.
True Love Cowboy is the most recent release and the moment that it became available I just knew that I had to pick it up and when I saw that it was on AnyPlay I just knew that it was one that I need to grab up and I haven't ever listened to this author in audio format, most of the time I get her ARC's but I decided to wait on this one here. And I was immediately pulled into the story after the first chapter. I will say that the first meeting between our two main protagonists isn't the most thrilling of meet-cutes, but it's a sweet scene and really sets the stage for their relationship. I am always impressed with this author and this story definitely pulled the type of emotion that always stuns me every time I pick her up.
True Love Cowboy is a story that features :
Jon Crawford-Entrepreneur, a single father, returning home to help his father and stabilize his family.
Trinity McGrath-Chef and a local business owner, dealing with PTSD, youngest sister of protective family
In this beloved story, we have two kind-hearted good people that have a solid attraction to each other, from their first meeting there is an attraction. Our heroine, Trinity, has been helping Jon's father get food but when she comes to deliver his meal, he is passed out on the floor and struggling to breathe and then Jon arrives on the scene, and then they take him to the hospital together. While Jon's father is in recovery, Trinity and Jon have a spark of attraction and find each other intriguing. Despite the fact that Jon has his ex and his daughter arriving soon, and Trinity suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks of her traumatic past, they are drawn to each other like bees to honey and forge ahead in a relationship. But Jon is driven and willing to do what it takes to care for his family even if his ex is toxic and manipulative, but feels he has no other option when she has primary custody over their daughter. But as tensions rise with him and his ex, the romance between this sweet good woman is worth fighting for, but he never imagined that the love of his life would be put in danger so close to home and will he be able to save those he loves or lose it all?
True Love Cowboy was a brilliant read and despite its imperfections, I truly had so many delights in reading this one. I am always so stunned at how this author truly writes her books. I fell so quickly for this couple, and honestly, this was a book I literally relaxed on the couch with just so I could listen to it more. Not all of Jennifer Ryan's books have stunned me but this one truly did. I never expected to experience the surge of emotion that this book evoked in me but only a few authors can have me sobbing through this and it certainly did. I had so many shock moments and I think if I had been listening to this in public, I think I would have been sent to the mental institution that is right down the road haha Its a story that just broke my heart but unfortunately I can see these type of cases being pretty common in many factors. I did like seeing the focus of how hard it can be for fathers that are unable to get primary custody of the children especially when the other party is manipulative in most situations and has money and power behind her and also how society and the law even tends to cater more towards mothers than fathers in many cases. Just seeing this man's heartache over his daughter was so heartwrenching. BUT I will say he did drive me nuts sometimes. In the beginning of the story he acts so blind to many of her actions thinking she will be better but when you see that she does the same habits previously, you would think he would have come to the truth of it. And it took real neglect and abuse of his daughter for him to actually act. I understand he was in a bad spot with little power here, but I feel like he could have done more. I do respect that the author took us there though and really showed the human side of these issues in such a relatable human way.
I truly adored this book though and it was such an honest good romance that I wanted to cheer to. Jon and Trinity have such a beautiful relationship and I loved seeing it blossom and so many positive elements enter their relationship. I love seeing how they lift and encourage each other, always fight for each other, and never lose faith in one another. It's an element that tends to go missing from romance at times, and I truly respect that this author went there for this pairing. Then we another element that added such sweetness and charm to the story....Jon's little girl "Emma" She was so darling and added the perfect cherry on the top for this book. You just want to cherish this little child and I couldn't get enough of seeing her in this book. I just love seeing children portrayed in romance when it's in this manner, and Jennifer Ryan really handled it so well.
Overall I found True Love Cowboy to be a stunning delight that delivered in the solid plot, touch your heart characters, and tear-jerking moments that will overcome its readers in the most real and vivid ways.
March 23, 2021
I loved Trinity's story- book 3 of the McGrath series!
During Tate and Liz's story, Trinity undergoes a traumatic event that leaves her with panic attacks and PTSD. Dark places and sudden movements behind her are a couple of triggers that lead Trinity down a road of painful memories. When delivering her homecooked meals to a favorite customer on a random Thursday, Trinity finds Dennis Crawford sick and in desperate need to go to the ER. Struggling with all her might to wrangle him into her car, Trinity is spooked by a vehicle barreling down the road and a stranger jumping out of the truck to confront her. When she gets her brain to realize this stranger is Mr. Crawford's son, Jon, they work together to get the elder Crawford to the ER. Trinity and Jon take a quick liming to one another and the foundation for true love begins.
Jon is moving home from California to give his daughter a better life, with simpler things and more of his time. Problems is, he is bringing his ex along, yet separate, to hopefully heal and give their daughter the best of both parents. Steph doesn't see it this way, she thinks Jon is going to allow her into his heart. Once Steph and her actions are revealed, there is no way Jon is going to allow her is his heart. Especially when Trinity is slipping in there, along with his daughter's heart as well.
I loved this book because it was totally different than anything I have read. The interactions with the ex were devastating for a little girl who only wanted love and Emmy was a sweetheart. The drama of dealing with Steph was interesting and Trinity handled herself with grace and dignity.
The powerful scenes with Jon and trinity and dealing with drama, hurt and healing were touching. I loved these two together.
During Tate and Liz's story, Trinity undergoes a traumatic event that leaves her with panic attacks and PTSD. Dark places and sudden movements behind her are a couple of triggers that lead Trinity down a road of painful memories. When delivering her homecooked meals to a favorite customer on a random Thursday, Trinity finds Dennis Crawford sick and in desperate need to go to the ER. Struggling with all her might to wrangle him into her car, Trinity is spooked by a vehicle barreling down the road and a stranger jumping out of the truck to confront her. When she gets her brain to realize this stranger is Mr. Crawford's son, Jon, they work together to get the elder Crawford to the ER. Trinity and Jon take a quick liming to one another and the foundation for true love begins.
Jon is moving home from California to give his daughter a better life, with simpler things and more of his time. Problems is, he is bringing his ex along, yet separate, to hopefully heal and give their daughter the best of both parents. Steph doesn't see it this way, she thinks Jon is going to allow her into his heart. Once Steph and her actions are revealed, there is no way Jon is going to allow her is his heart. Especially when Trinity is slipping in there, along with his daughter's heart as well.
I loved this book because it was totally different than anything I have read. The interactions with the ex were devastating for a little girl who only wanted love and Emmy was a sweetheart. The drama of dealing with Steph was interesting and Trinity handled herself with grace and dignity.
The powerful scenes with Jon and trinity and dealing with drama, hurt and healing were touching. I loved these two together.
July 29, 2021
I am relatively new to Jennifer Ryan, but True Love Cowboy was exactly what I needed. Insta love doesn't always work for me, but I think Trinity needed Jon and he and Emmy needed her so much that their connection felt right from the very beginning. Jon and his daughter Emmy are starting over at his family's ranch. They want to refocus on what's important and the ranch is the perfect place to do it. However, Jon's ex moves to town with them and does not provide the help he wants and needs. Jon and Trinity's instant connection and her easy relationship with Emmy cause jealousy and more from his ex and the drama just kept me reading way past my bed time. This is a little softer than the previous book by Ryan, but intensely suspenseful in a more real and personal way. I would put this more in the romantic suspense category - if I recommended Loving Cara or Jay Crownover to you, this might be a book you need.
November 27, 2024
True Love Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan was a good story, and I especially enjoyed the bit of suspense woven into the plot. The MMC’s addition of a daughter and the backstory surrounding her added depth, and I admired his conviction and the responsibility he took in trying to co-parent—it was truly admirable. I also loved watching his relationship with the FMC grow and appreciated her open arms toward his daughter.
That said, I didn’t have any physical responses to this story, which is why I took a star off. Otherwise, this was a solid cowboy read with heartfelt moments and well-drawn characters.
Trigger warnings for child neglect/abuse, assault, substance use, and divorce.
That said, I didn’t have any physical responses to this story, which is why I took a star off. Otherwise, this was a solid cowboy read with heartfelt moments and well-drawn characters.
Trigger warnings for child neglect/abuse, assault, substance use, and divorce.
February 28, 2022
W O W ✨
I could not put this book down. It was such an amazing read from the very beginning, and filled with many adrenaline filled situations. It definitely proved exactly what one would be willing to endure in order to save someone they love. Family is a main theme throughout this wonderful book, and how you choose to define that 😉. These characters are rich, layered, and oh so interesting. The characters deal with some difficult situations, but I enjoyed how the family worked as a unit to help. Overall it's a wonderful story and I highly recommend reading it!!
I could not put this book down. It was such an amazing read from the very beginning, and filled with many adrenaline filled situations. It definitely proved exactly what one would be willing to endure in order to save someone they love. Family is a main theme throughout this wonderful book, and how you choose to define that 😉. These characters are rich, layered, and oh so interesting. The characters deal with some difficult situations, but I enjoyed how the family worked as a unit to help. Overall it's a wonderful story and I highly recommend reading it!!
August 23, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from NetGalley, Avon, Harper Voyager 4.5 stars
True Love Cowboy is book 3 in the McGrath series by Jennifer Ryan and a great addition to the series.
Trinity McGrath who we met in the prior books is suffering from PTSD but is determined to overcome this obstacle as best she can but when she finds one of her home delivery friends in dire straits she is determined to help but has a flashback when a man comes at her in the dark…turns out to be her friends’s son. Jon Reynolds has just return to the family ranch where he wants his 4 year old daughter, Emma to grow up, except he needs to bring his ex girlfriend, Steff along. Sparks fly between Jon and Trinity from their first meeting but problems arise with Steff who is determined to destroy their relationship any way possible…even if she destroys her daughter too.
So much drama, angst, family, sexy times, hurt and healing to find a love everlasting between Jon, Trinity and Emma 💕
True Love Cowboy is book 3 in the McGrath series by Jennifer Ryan and a great addition to the series.
Trinity McGrath who we met in the prior books is suffering from PTSD but is determined to overcome this obstacle as best she can but when she finds one of her home delivery friends in dire straits she is determined to help but has a flashback when a man comes at her in the dark…turns out to be her friends’s son. Jon Reynolds has just return to the family ranch where he wants his 4 year old daughter, Emma to grow up, except he needs to bring his ex girlfriend, Steff along. Sparks fly between Jon and Trinity from their first meeting but problems arise with Steff who is determined to destroy their relationship any way possible…even if she destroys her daughter too.
So much drama, angst, family, sexy times, hurt and healing to find a love everlasting between Jon, Trinity and Emma 💕
December 7, 2021
wow what a great ending to a series that is just filled with so much emotional pain and trauma as well as the love of a family that never fails.
I am sad to see the series end but i look forward to whatever comes next for Jennifer Ryan.
Full review coming soon to the blog.
I am sad to see the series end but i look forward to whatever comes next for Jennifer Ryan.
Full review coming soon to the blog.
August 23, 2021
I really wanted to love this novel, the third book in Jennifer Ryan's McGrath series, primarily because in the previous novel, Trinity, the heroine in True Love Cowboy, was left with PTSD, flashbacks and panic attacks--a good reason to read the books in this series in the order they were written. However, although I liked this novel somewhat, especially the hero's (Jon) 4-year-old daughter, Emmy, it was just an okay read for me, for several reasons, which is why I can only give it a 3-star rating.
First, the misleading title. Jon is a California businessman, and he's independently wealthy, buying up small businesses, improving and making them profitable, and then selling them off. He's sold most of them and decided to move to Montana with his daughter and baby mama, Stephanie, to start a new life as a rancher at the ranch his father just turned over to him, but that hardly makes him a cowboy. The only cowboying he does in this novel is accepting several horses, a goat, and agreeing to let 50 head of cattle owned by the heroine's brother graze on his ranchland.
Jon's daughter, Emmy, is the star of this novel--she's sweet, honest, engaging and adorable, but her mother, Stephanie, who is a totally self-absorbed, selfish, drunken, druggie slob, as well as an unfit and abusive mother, who shares custody of Emmy, is a train wreck. She and Jon never married and share custody of Emmy, but when Jon decides to move back to Montana, his main purpose is to bring up his daughter in a healthier environment, and Stephanie agrees to move with him and start over. Jon refurbishes and pays for her apartment, as well as some of her other bills, but leopards don't change their spots and Steph is still an unfit and uncaring mother. Why she wants custody of Emmy is a mystery to me.
No sooner does Jon get to his father's ranch when he encounters Trinity, who is in the process of trying to drag Jon's ill and unconscious father out to her SUV and get him to a hospital, although he outweighs her by 50 pounds--good trick. She ends up saving the man's life, and the attraction between Trinity and Jon is immediate, and while most of their plans to spend time together and really get to know each other are dashed by Stephanie's failing as a fit mother, which means that Emmy is often along on their date nights. Stephanie also believes that she can regain Jon's affection, and resents Trinity's involvement with her former hook-up (Emmy was an accident) and her daughter.
While this book and its synopsis had promise, it just failed to deliver on that promise. The romance wasn't much of one since Jon seems to fall in love with Trinity because she's sweet, kind and thoughtful, and the antithesis of his baby mama. There are multiple misunderstandings in their relationship which might have been averted had these two characters simply talked to one another instead of texting short messages back and forth. Additionally, Trinity's brothers, who were featured in the two previous novels are now married or about to be, one of the wives is Trinity's business partner, and anyone trying to read this novel as a standalone will certainly be confused by this large cast of characters.
As for Stephanie's abuse and neglect of Emmy--I truly wished I could reach inside my Kindle and slap Stephanie with her own book. Her jealousy of Jon's relationship with Trinity while Stephanie feels free to bring drunken and high strangers she picks up in bars into her home, and let Emmy see these naked and abusive men is unconscionable. I found it hard to believe that despite Emmy's acting our at school, arriving there late and unprepared because of her mother's bad habits and hangovers, Stephanie's slovenly home, overt drug use and alcoholism, were not reason enough for Jon to gain full custody of his daughter, a daughter who repeatedly stated she didn't want to live with her mother, none of which issue weren't taken seriously by Family Services.
Yes, of course, there is an abrupt HEA ending in this novel, but even that didn't ring true for this reader--and that's especially true considering the horror and physical and emotional damage done to Emmy and Trinity at the hand of a totally out-of-control and violent Stephanie and her hook-up of the night.
True Love Cowboy isn't all bad. It's fairly well-written, but it left me wanting a deeper understanding of what on earth drew Jon to Stephanie in the first place, and why, since he was the main wage-earner, he didn't get full custody of Emmy to begin with. He's the one who gets Stephanie a good paying job, refurbishes her apartment, pays her rent, and steps in every time Stephanie shows how unfit of a mother she is. The days when mothers always win custody battles are over, and the author should have known that. I also found Jon's relationship with Trinity to be completely devoid of any spark or sexual tension. All in all, not a terrible book, but not one I'd recommend.
I voluntarily read an advance reader of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
First, the misleading title. Jon is a California businessman, and he's independently wealthy, buying up small businesses, improving and making them profitable, and then selling them off. He's sold most of them and decided to move to Montana with his daughter and baby mama, Stephanie, to start a new life as a rancher at the ranch his father just turned over to him, but that hardly makes him a cowboy. The only cowboying he does in this novel is accepting several horses, a goat, and agreeing to let 50 head of cattle owned by the heroine's brother graze on his ranchland.
Jon's daughter, Emmy, is the star of this novel--she's sweet, honest, engaging and adorable, but her mother, Stephanie, who is a totally self-absorbed, selfish, drunken, druggie slob, as well as an unfit and abusive mother, who shares custody of Emmy, is a train wreck. She and Jon never married and share custody of Emmy, but when Jon decides to move back to Montana, his main purpose is to bring up his daughter in a healthier environment, and Stephanie agrees to move with him and start over. Jon refurbishes and pays for her apartment, as well as some of her other bills, but leopards don't change their spots and Steph is still an unfit and uncaring mother. Why she wants custody of Emmy is a mystery to me.
No sooner does Jon get to his father's ranch when he encounters Trinity, who is in the process of trying to drag Jon's ill and unconscious father out to her SUV and get him to a hospital, although he outweighs her by 50 pounds--good trick. She ends up saving the man's life, and the attraction between Trinity and Jon is immediate, and while most of their plans to spend time together and really get to know each other are dashed by Stephanie's failing as a fit mother, which means that Emmy is often along on their date nights. Stephanie also believes that she can regain Jon's affection, and resents Trinity's involvement with her former hook-up (Emmy was an accident) and her daughter.
While this book and its synopsis had promise, it just failed to deliver on that promise. The romance wasn't much of one since Jon seems to fall in love with Trinity because she's sweet, kind and thoughtful, and the antithesis of his baby mama. There are multiple misunderstandings in their relationship which might have been averted had these two characters simply talked to one another instead of texting short messages back and forth. Additionally, Trinity's brothers, who were featured in the two previous novels are now married or about to be, one of the wives is Trinity's business partner, and anyone trying to read this novel as a standalone will certainly be confused by this large cast of characters.
As for Stephanie's abuse and neglect of Emmy--I truly wished I could reach inside my Kindle and slap Stephanie with her own book. Her jealousy of Jon's relationship with Trinity while Stephanie feels free to bring drunken and high strangers she picks up in bars into her home, and let Emmy see these naked and abusive men is unconscionable. I found it hard to believe that despite Emmy's acting our at school, arriving there late and unprepared because of her mother's bad habits and hangovers, Stephanie's slovenly home, overt drug use and alcoholism, were not reason enough for Jon to gain full custody of his daughter, a daughter who repeatedly stated she didn't want to live with her mother, none of which issue weren't taken seriously by Family Services.
Yes, of course, there is an abrupt HEA ending in this novel, but even that didn't ring true for this reader--and that's especially true considering the horror and physical and emotional damage done to Emmy and Trinity at the hand of a totally out-of-control and violent Stephanie and her hook-up of the night.
True Love Cowboy isn't all bad. It's fairly well-written, but it left me wanting a deeper understanding of what on earth drew Jon to Stephanie in the first place, and why, since he was the main wage-earner, he didn't get full custody of Emmy to begin with. He's the one who gets Stephanie a good paying job, refurbishes her apartment, pays her rent, and steps in every time Stephanie shows how unfit of a mother she is. The days when mothers always win custody battles are over, and the author should have known that. I also found Jon's relationship with Trinity to be completely devoid of any spark or sexual tension. All in all, not a terrible book, but not one I'd recommend.
I voluntarily read an advance reader of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 3, 2023
I cannot possibly in good conscience recommend this book, unless you happen to be walking past a little free library on your way to the beach and are in desperate need of something to occupy your thoughts. Seriously, don’t spend money on this book.
August 28, 2021
I've been eagerly anticipating Trinity's story. The past few years have not been easy for her and she's still dealing with the PTSD effects of the trauma she experienced. Jon is exactly the type of man I hoped would enter her life and the fact that he has an adorable four-year-old daughter is a sweet bonus. But, these three will have some major hurdles to overcome before they reach their happy ending.
Ryan is so good at creating suspenseful stories that engage my emotions and keep me on the edge of my seat and this one is a doozy. My heart was in my throat at so many points during the book. There were times I cried, times I was so furious I wanted to scream, gut-wrenching scenes that had me ready to do bodily harm to a certain secondary character, and sweet, poignant scenes that captured my heart. The book is very realistic and difficult to read in certain parts. The villain gets what's coming to them in the end but the pain they cause along the way might be a trigger to some readers.
As always, I enjoyed the McGrath family coming together to support one another. I always have fun watching the siblings and their partners interact. It was lovely to finally meet their parents, see the relationships of each of the earlier couples progressing, and cheer their happy endings. I enjoyed the solid relationship Jon and Trinity built with one another. I especially appreciated the respect they had for each other, the deep caring, and how they both put Jon's daughter, Emmy first. And I loved how Trinity finally regained her confidence and turned the tables on Jon in a sweet twist at the end. If ever a family had earned a happy ending, it was Trinity, Jon, and Emmy.
This is a book that could be read on its own but for a better understanding of what Trinity endured, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. Or, at the very least, reading Waiting On a Cowboy, the book where Trinity's trauma occurs. If you want to read the stories of all of the McGrath siblings in order, the books are: Tough Talking Cowboy (Drake McGrath and Adria Holloway), Waiting on a Cowboy (Tate McGrath and Liz Scott), Love of a Cowboy (Declan McGrath and Skye Kennedy), and True Love Cowboy (Trinity McGrath and Jon Crawford).
Content Warning: Readers should be aware this book contains child abuse, PTSD, and violence.
4.5 stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Ryan is so good at creating suspenseful stories that engage my emotions and keep me on the edge of my seat and this one is a doozy. My heart was in my throat at so many points during the book. There were times I cried, times I was so furious I wanted to scream, gut-wrenching scenes that had me ready to do bodily harm to a certain secondary character, and sweet, poignant scenes that captured my heart. The book is very realistic and difficult to read in certain parts. The villain gets what's coming to them in the end but the pain they cause along the way might be a trigger to some readers.
As always, I enjoyed the McGrath family coming together to support one another. I always have fun watching the siblings and their partners interact. It was lovely to finally meet their parents, see the relationships of each of the earlier couples progressing, and cheer their happy endings. I enjoyed the solid relationship Jon and Trinity built with one another. I especially appreciated the respect they had for each other, the deep caring, and how they both put Jon's daughter, Emmy first. And I loved how Trinity finally regained her confidence and turned the tables on Jon in a sweet twist at the end. If ever a family had earned a happy ending, it was Trinity, Jon, and Emmy.
This is a book that could be read on its own but for a better understanding of what Trinity endured, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. Or, at the very least, reading Waiting On a Cowboy, the book where Trinity's trauma occurs. If you want to read the stories of all of the McGrath siblings in order, the books are: Tough Talking Cowboy (Drake McGrath and Adria Holloway), Waiting on a Cowboy (Tate McGrath and Liz Scott), Love of a Cowboy (Declan McGrath and Skye Kennedy), and True Love Cowboy (Trinity McGrath and Jon Crawford).
Content Warning: Readers should be aware this book contains child abuse, PTSD, and violence.
4.5 stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
September 10, 2021
True Love Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan is a heart-wrenching yet heart warming contemporary novel. The romance is felt and explored on every page. A slow burning heat the simmers between the characters. I enjoy following as their attraction grew but had to put it on the side due to emergencies. A single father moves his daughter and ex-girlfriend to the place he loved. His daughter is four and he wants to be there for her. His father is getting on with age and needs his help. Jon plans to take over the family ranch and be there more for his family. However, he and his ex share equal custody of their daughter.
The ex uses their child as means to get everything she wants. Only she will go to far and cause the worst kind of trouble. Jon and his daughter meet Trinity. A woman who loves her family and wants one of her own someday. She was hurt in the past and struggles everyday. Jon and his daughter immediately attach and connect with Trinity. They heal each other. The love and trust that develops between man, woman, and child is beautiful. I laughed and cried so hard during this novel. These characters came alive on the pages. I cannot wait for the next action-packed, intense atmosphere, and sweet romance Jennifer Ryan cooks up next! Overall, I fell in love with this book and highly recommend it to all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
The ex uses their child as means to get everything she wants. Only she will go to far and cause the worst kind of trouble. Jon and his daughter meet Trinity. A woman who loves her family and wants one of her own someday. She was hurt in the past and struggles everyday. Jon and his daughter immediately attach and connect with Trinity. They heal each other. The love and trust that develops between man, woman, and child is beautiful. I laughed and cried so hard during this novel. These characters came alive on the pages. I cannot wait for the next action-packed, intense atmosphere, and sweet romance Jennifer Ryan cooks up next! Overall, I fell in love with this book and highly recommend it to all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
April 12, 2021
Not sure what to say but wow what a book and storyline. This is my first introduction to the McGraths but I'll go back and read the rest for sure.
It starts all out and continues for the entire story so there is no lulls in this book and keeps you in it the entirety of the book. Trinity meets Jon as she's trying to save his dad and it's full on from there.
This book has a lot in it and a bit of a trigger warning it has some child abuse as part of the story. So grab a tissue.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It starts all out and continues for the entire story so there is no lulls in this book and keeps you in it the entirety of the book. Trinity meets Jon as she's trying to save his dad and it's full on from there.
This book has a lot in it and a bit of a trigger warning it has some child abuse as part of the story. So grab a tissue.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2021
This story went in directions that I didn’t anticipate. I thought for sure things would happen one way, but no. There’s quite a bit of angst, relationship wise and other outside sources. Trinity has been through a lot, and I felt it was not really delved into. The story line with Jon, Emmy and his ex was difficult and the most angst ridden part. Lots of drama for Trinity and Jon until they get their hard fought HEA.
May 2, 2021
True Love Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan is the third book in her McGrath series. It works just fine as stand alone, but I suggest reading Book 1 to fill you in on what happens to Trinity in that book. I'm enjoying this entire series. A bit guilty pleasure and mystery reading. True Love Cowboy's format is a little different in that we don't have chapters devoted to the wrong doer's perspective. I didn't miss this as the wrong doer in this story is bad news...
Trinity is a successful co-owner of a business selling take away meals. She is recovering from a traumatic event often having panic attacks. It is always in her nature to help others. One night afterwork she brings food to a elderly customer, Dennis Crawford, and finds him very sick. She is able to get him to her car when a strange man comes rushing to her. He triggers her PTSD but we find out it is Dennis' son Jon and they get Dennis to the hospital. Trinity and Jon have instant sparks and real foundation for friendship.. or more.
Here is where the book gets its juicy mystery side. Jon has moved back from California to his Father's Ranch. He brings with him his daughter and also his ex. Jon is hoping to give his daughter a better life here and step back from working so much. His ex, Steph was having problems before the move, has a selfish personality and most likely mental health issues. Jon sets Steph up with an apartment and helps her find a job. Jon is a genius at buying businesses and helping them. When he talks to Trinity about this there is some instant conflict. She has no intentions of selling her business. Despite the conflicts in Jon's life, Trinity makes an instant bond with Jon's daughter and they all seem to fit together in the sweetest way. Emma is a great character in the book and you will instantly love her.
This is where the book gets mysterious and then heavy. I was yelling out loud to the characters all the time. As a mom I found some of the issues near the end very simplified. It works for the novel but may be a bit problematic.
So much action and child care in this book there is little time for romantic scenes. Doesn't take away from the connection and attraction though! Overall, it is a very fun and touching read.
Thank you to #Netgalley for the early read. #Truelovecowboy #jenniferryan
Content warning: Child abuse.
Trinity is a successful co-owner of a business selling take away meals. She is recovering from a traumatic event often having panic attacks. It is always in her nature to help others. One night afterwork she brings food to a elderly customer, Dennis Crawford, and finds him very sick. She is able to get him to her car when a strange man comes rushing to her. He triggers her PTSD but we find out it is Dennis' son Jon and they get Dennis to the hospital. Trinity and Jon have instant sparks and real foundation for friendship.. or more.
Here is where the book gets its juicy mystery side. Jon has moved back from California to his Father's Ranch. He brings with him his daughter and also his ex. Jon is hoping to give his daughter a better life here and step back from working so much. His ex, Steph was having problems before the move, has a selfish personality and most likely mental health issues. Jon sets Steph up with an apartment and helps her find a job. Jon is a genius at buying businesses and helping them. When he talks to Trinity about this there is some instant conflict. She has no intentions of selling her business. Despite the conflicts in Jon's life, Trinity makes an instant bond with Jon's daughter and they all seem to fit together in the sweetest way. Emma is a great character in the book and you will instantly love her.
This is where the book gets mysterious and then heavy. I was yelling out loud to the characters all the time. As a mom I found some of the issues near the end very simplified. It works for the novel but may be a bit problematic.
So much action and child care in this book there is little time for romantic scenes. Doesn't take away from the connection and attraction though! Overall, it is a very fun and touching read.
Thank you to #Netgalley for the early read. #Truelovecowboy #jenniferryan
Content warning: Child abuse.
August 25, 2021
There is a whole lot for me to unpack here. There were a lot of times this story was extremely hard for me to get through. Unfortunately, I know a mother like Jon’s ex and it was making me sick to my stomach long before there was any confirmation of things going on with his little girl Emmy. It’s also unfortunate that the child I know doesn’t have a dad with lots of money that is able to fight the system. Even in this story, it’s clear that Jon has a rough road to travel if he wants to get sole custody of his daughter even though he has the resources. Knowing the frustrations that face a person in the US legal system when it comes to parental rights, I felt the author did a good job with the portrayal without slowing down the story.
I put that right out there and it may scare some readers away. If these issues will cause you stress, you absolutely should do what is best for your own emotional well-being. For those who will be able to read on, just know there are a lot of light and romantic and beautiful moments. Jon and Trinity have wonderful chemistry. Jon’s relationship with Emmy is adorable and just what you want to see with a father/daughter story. Add to that the bond Trinity and Emmy forge from the moment they meet, and this story has all of the elements to make it memorable.
As much as I thought I knew where this story was going to go, the author threw me for a loop and made it so much better. There was definitely a point where I thought there would be a whole lot of miscommunications between Jon and Trinity, and that would be a huge hurdle for them. While that was an underlying issue, there was so much more that was piled on. I loved that, even though Trinity was unsure of what Jon really wanted from her, she was absolutely always there for Emmy no matter what.
There were a few things that didn’t fit the timeline correctly for me, but I was so caught up in the story that I don’t even care. That’s saying a lot coming from me.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find more of my reviews at
I put that right out there and it may scare some readers away. If these issues will cause you stress, you absolutely should do what is best for your own emotional well-being. For those who will be able to read on, just know there are a lot of light and romantic and beautiful moments. Jon and Trinity have wonderful chemistry. Jon’s relationship with Emmy is adorable and just what you want to see with a father/daughter story. Add to that the bond Trinity and Emmy forge from the moment they meet, and this story has all of the elements to make it memorable.
As much as I thought I knew where this story was going to go, the author threw me for a loop and made it so much better. There was definitely a point where I thought there would be a whole lot of miscommunications between Jon and Trinity, and that would be a huge hurdle for them. While that was an underlying issue, there was so much more that was piled on. I loved that, even though Trinity was unsure of what Jon really wanted from her, she was absolutely always there for Emmy no matter what.
There were a few things that didn’t fit the timeline correctly for me, but I was so caught up in the story that I don’t even care. That’s saying a lot coming from me.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find more of my reviews at
March 29, 2021
Jon and Trinity are just so freaking cute together. If you have read the rest of the series, you are pretty familiar with Trinity's story. She is the youngest of the McGrath family and continues to suffer from PTSD after she was kidnapped and hurt by her sister-in-law's psycopathic ex. She and her sister-in-law Adria have built a business
Jon grew up with Trinity's older brothers, but had moved to California. He is an entrepreneur who helps businesses expand and then sells them for a profit. He had a not-well-thought-out relationship with a spoiled woman named Stephanie that resulted in a sweet precocious daughter. Jon's father has been declining in health and Jon wants to return to his hometown to give his daughter a more wholesome childhood. He has convinced his ex to also move with him (but live in her own apartment).
Trinity is the first person Jon meets when he gets back to town - she is trying to rush Jon's father to the hospital when she finds him unresponsive. She supports Jon through that crisis - and truly - connects with him in a very profound way. To say Jon is going through some stuff - is not an exaggeration. Between his dad and his ex - things are not starting off the way he wanted them to. The only constant Jon has is his interest in Trinity - and wanting to spend as much time as possible with her.
Jon's ex is - well - spoiled and selfish really isn't enough to describe her. Being a single mom is the hardest job around - but Jon is truly a supportive co-parent - and she definitely has more help than many people do. Her neglect and abuse of their daughter is really hard to witness. It may be very triggering for some readers - so please read with caution.
I will say, though, that if you didn't love Jon before a major crisis happens, you will afterward.
Overall - this is a great conclusion to the series (and you can totally read it without reading the others).
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Jon grew up with Trinity's older brothers, but had moved to California. He is an entrepreneur who helps businesses expand and then sells them for a profit. He had a not-well-thought-out relationship with a spoiled woman named Stephanie that resulted in a sweet precocious daughter. Jon's father has been declining in health and Jon wants to return to his hometown to give his daughter a more wholesome childhood. He has convinced his ex to also move with him (but live in her own apartment).
Trinity is the first person Jon meets when he gets back to town - she is trying to rush Jon's father to the hospital when she finds him unresponsive. She supports Jon through that crisis - and truly - connects with him in a very profound way. To say Jon is going through some stuff - is not an exaggeration. Between his dad and his ex - things are not starting off the way he wanted them to. The only constant Jon has is his interest in Trinity - and wanting to spend as much time as possible with her.
Jon's ex is - well - spoiled and selfish really isn't enough to describe her. Being a single mom is the hardest job around - but Jon is truly a supportive co-parent - and she definitely has more help than many people do. Her neglect and abuse of their daughter is really hard to witness. It may be very triggering for some readers - so please read with caution.
I will say, though, that if you didn't love Jon before a major crisis happens, you will afterward.
Overall - this is a great conclusion to the series (and you can totally read it without reading the others).
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
September 10, 2021
I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. The review is my honest opinion of the story.
Don't judge a book or a story by it's cover or it's title. What you see on the cover is based on the last 40 or 50 pages of the book. And the title of the book is a bit misleading. Instead of True Love Cowboy the title should have been True Love Businessman or True Love Emmy's Daddy. The main male character, Jon, is a very successful businessman who buys and sells companies. He decides that he wants to go back to the ranch that he grew up on to provide a better life for his young daughter, Emmy. He brings along his ex-girlfriend, Emmy's mother, with the promise from her that with the move she will become a better mother to Emmy. It's amazing how people think that by moving to a new place that someone will become a different person. Jon comes home to the ranch to find his father extremely sick and being dragged off to the hospital by Trinity (the leading female character) who owns her own business. His father ends up giving him the ranch and it needs repairs, updating and remodeling - all done by people who Jon hired. Jon never rides a horse, gets dirty or does anything outside. He is busy protecting his daughter, Emmy from her mother or trying to have a date with Trinity or planning a business proposal for Trinity's business. Even at the end of the story I have a feeling that Jon will only be a "gentleman farmer" who rides horses for fun and who leaves the running of his ranch to his hardworking foreman and ranch hands.
Don't judge a book or a story by it's cover or it's title. What you see on the cover is based on the last 40 or 50 pages of the book. And the title of the book is a bit misleading. Instead of True Love Cowboy the title should have been True Love Businessman or True Love Emmy's Daddy. The main male character, Jon, is a very successful businessman who buys and sells companies. He decides that he wants to go back to the ranch that he grew up on to provide a better life for his young daughter, Emmy. He brings along his ex-girlfriend, Emmy's mother, with the promise from her that with the move she will become a better mother to Emmy. It's amazing how people think that by moving to a new place that someone will become a different person. Jon comes home to the ranch to find his father extremely sick and being dragged off to the hospital by Trinity (the leading female character) who owns her own business. His father ends up giving him the ranch and it needs repairs, updating and remodeling - all done by people who Jon hired. Jon never rides a horse, gets dirty or does anything outside. He is busy protecting his daughter, Emmy from her mother or trying to have a date with Trinity or planning a business proposal for Trinity's business. Even at the end of the story I have a feeling that Jon will only be a "gentleman farmer" who rides horses for fun and who leaves the running of his ranch to his hardworking foreman and ranch hands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
True Love Cowboy is McGrath #3 but can be read as a stand alone. This is Trinity's story of overcoming the horrors of the past and finding a forever love. Trinity is still dealing with PTSD from the kidnapping and attack by her sister-in-law's ex but she is getting stronger by focusing on her business and interacting with her neighbors. While delivering food to one such neighbor, she finds him in a health crisis and as she is struggling to get him help the man's son comes rushing up which causes a flashback. After realizing that he is there to help and who he is, they take the man to the hospital. Jon has just returned home with the hope of raising his little girl on the ranch where he grew up but is still dealing with his crazy ex and now his dad's health issues. As Jon and Trinity wait for news, they begin to connect and Jon is amazed at the angel who helped his dad and now is helping him. The attraction is instant but several crises threaten to destroy what they are building. Trinity knows that Jon's 4 year old daughter must come first and she has no problem because she is instantly smitten with the daughter too and wants to make her little life better. This is a well written, emotionally engaging story with realistic issues and amazing characters that will make this book hard to put down until the last page.
January 14, 2022
This is the first I have read by Jennifer Ryan, it certainly won't be the last, i feel as though I have missed out on something by walking around in my bubble letting all these wonderful authors pass me by. But, that will be remedied!
I believe that this is the third book in the McGrath series, now seeing as though I hadn't read the previous books in the series I can honestly say that I don't think you need to, I didn't feel as though I had missed out on anything, it read incredibly easy as stand-alone.
The story flows steadily, it's a little on the sedate side for my liking but not enough to impact my enjoyment of the overall story, the plot is charming, it has the makings of a TV film feel about it, and oddly enough I was re-watching Yellowstone while reading this and it made me think of this book.. If you have watched Yellowstone, this has the same edgy feel to it. there is drama, romance, surprises and a good cast of characters - especially the baddies - even though I did think that that there could have been a little more chemistry and a bit more bedroom action between Trinity and Jon then there was, but hey you can't have to all can you?
Overall, an engaging and romantic story, which has intrigue, drama and at least one jolly good romp.
I believe that this is the third book in the McGrath series, now seeing as though I hadn't read the previous books in the series I can honestly say that I don't think you need to, I didn't feel as though I had missed out on anything, it read incredibly easy as stand-alone.
The story flows steadily, it's a little on the sedate side for my liking but not enough to impact my enjoyment of the overall story, the plot is charming, it has the makings of a TV film feel about it, and oddly enough I was re-watching Yellowstone while reading this and it made me think of this book.. If you have watched Yellowstone, this has the same edgy feel to it. there is drama, romance, surprises and a good cast of characters - especially the baddies - even though I did think that that there could have been a little more chemistry and a bit more bedroom action between Trinity and Jon then there was, but hey you can't have to all can you?
Overall, an engaging and romantic story, which has intrigue, drama and at least one jolly good romp.
August 20, 2021
WOW! I loved everything about this book…the characters, the story, the raw emotions and a little four-year-old girl named Emmy! Trinity McGrath continues to deal with issues from when she was kidnapped, but keeps busy with her family and her business, Almost Homemade. Jon Crawford has returned home to be with his father and his daughter, Emmy, and to try to help Emmy’s mother, Steph. He knows that Steph only sees him as a money source, but he needs her to step up and be the mother that Emmy needs. When he meets Trinity and they begin to fall in love, how will this affect Emmy and Steph? When once again Trinity, along with her business, is targeted is she strong enough to survive the physical and emotional damage? Trinity was an amazing and strong character and I so enjoyed that the author provided us with updates on previous McGrath family members. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
April 21, 2022
TRUE LOVE COWBOY by Jennifer Ryan, book 3 of the McGrath series.
A gripping tale about Jon Crawford worrying about his four-year-old daughter’s well-being in her mother’s custody. The woman’s inflated sense of self-importance and lack of empathy put his little girl at risks. The road hasn’t always been easy for Trinity, but she has everything: her family, friends, and a safe and secure life, but after meeting Jon, she is drawn to him and his daughter.
TRUE LOVE COWBOY is a about family, about putting your loved one before your needs. The McGrath series ended on a high note in overcoming the odds, defeating the enemies, greed, narcissism, and finding their own happily ever afters with the love and support of family and friends. Whatever life throws at them, the McGrath clan have each other and strong family’s ties to overcome the odds. Jennifer Ryan writes page-turning plots, cowboy heroes, strong-willed heroines, and strong family ties and love.
A gripping tale about Jon Crawford worrying about his four-year-old daughter’s well-being in her mother’s custody. The woman’s inflated sense of self-importance and lack of empathy put his little girl at risks. The road hasn’t always been easy for Trinity, but she has everything: her family, friends, and a safe and secure life, but after meeting Jon, she is drawn to him and his daughter.
TRUE LOVE COWBOY is a about family, about putting your loved one before your needs. The McGrath series ended on a high note in overcoming the odds, defeating the enemies, greed, narcissism, and finding their own happily ever afters with the love and support of family and friends. Whatever life throws at them, the McGrath clan have each other and strong family’s ties to overcome the odds. Jennifer Ryan writes page-turning plots, cowboy heroes, strong-willed heroines, and strong family ties and love.
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