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Gus

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She was only supposed to teach me to ride again, but once she entered my life, I couldn’t let her go…
I’m an embarrassment.
What kind of rancher doesn’t know how to ride a horse properly?
Apparently, my reliance on technology has led me to forget my roots.
While there are certainly parts of my past I want to keep there, I never intended to get rusty at something so basic.
Though it has brought one good thing into my life.
Samantha Carlson.
The beautiful horse expert isn’t just teaching me to ride again.
She’s somehow managed to open my heart to something I thought impossible.
Love in a world full of hurt and betrayal.
Only, her ex isn’t willing to let her walk away so easily, and the scars of their relationship run deep.
But one thing he’s about to learn is that the Downtons fight for what and who they love.
Will old wounds prevent us from finding our future, or will we be able to heal each other for our own happily ever after?

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2021

29 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Miley Maine

28 books138 followers

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5 stars
36 (52%)
4 stars
26 (38%)
3 stars
3 (4%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
9,376 reviews140 followers
December 17, 2021
Book four in the series brings Gus and Sam's story. The author once again brings strong characters and weaves an interesting story. I enjoyed watching them come together in this sexy and steamy read. She brings all the feels in this one and delivers a fantastic story. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
106 reviews
May 19, 2021
Language

Story was good, the characters were great. The ain't used constantly was not something that these characters would use. They were educated and smart people. It made them seem like hillbillies. Nothing wrong with being a hillbilly but it just didn't match the characteristics of the people in the story.
Profile Image for Kathy Mccalmon.
3,721 reviews28 followers
December 20, 2021
This is book 4 in the downton cowboys series. Gus is a great guy that will fight for what he wants but will he be able to win her heart?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
928 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2021
It was for me it was average. It wasn’t very interesting but it wasn’t bad either. Thus wasn’t my favorite series of Miley’s. Until next time y’all happy reading.
866 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2021
Science vs Nature in Understanding the Human Heart

Everyone needs a moment to recalibrate—to reassess what is important, to find a new vision of how one wants to live life. What one would not expect would be a rancher needing help in reconnecting with nature.

Gus Downton, youngest of the four Brothers Downton, was a city boy by birth. And, unfortunately, he and his brothers had few happy childhood memories of their young city life. Life with their abusive father and battered mother provided the young Downton’s with little joy and hope for the future. The brothers learned how to read their father’s moods as a survival skill. But, older brother Danny left his younger brothers to seek a new life that would affirm and support the individual, not seek to physically harm or diminish that individual.

Now, the Brothers Downton are strong, affirming men having left the crushing life of their childhood. Danny never forgot his brothers, and once he was financially established in the ranching business, he brought his brothers to a new life in the country, giving each brother his own ranch. So now, the youngest brother Gus is surrounded by a natural world filled with opportunities, and Gus wants to prove that he is equal to the challenge of ranching. And, he has ideas on how technology will help him work smarter, not harder. But, even the best laid plans can have flaws. And Danny, who wants to honor the gift of land from his older brother, has adopted a view that technology is the way forward.

So, Gus chooses the path of technology as his means of interacting with the land. This technological interface allows him to move away from a personal relationship with the ranch land, the animals and the men whom he has hired to help him work the ranch. And, he has so distanced himself from the living ranch that he has even become rusty in his horse-riding skills to the point that brother Danny has arranged for his youngest brother to have a tutor, Samantha Carlson, to refresh the skills that should be a natural component of a rancher’s toolkit.

Sam, a natural beauty with ash-blonde hair and grey eyes, works for local riding center—Noel’s. She knows first-hand the challenges that a rancher faced. Through the years as a rancher, the loving daughter had watched her dad too exhausted by his ranch duties to be unable to interact with his family. And so, she had turned off the idea of selecting a rancher as a husband. She was interested in having a large family, and wanted a husband who had the energy to interact with their children.

And so, she had been dating Johnny, a man who had chosen to go into the business world, not ranching. But, while Johnny wasn’t worn out for physical labor at the end of each day, he was also not the most ideal companion. While he was kind and attentive with her father, spending countless hours playing backgammon with the retired rancher, Johnny was also opinionated and controlling, constantly trying to refashion Sam in to the woman who would never challenge his views or desires. And, now that Sam has been hired to help Gus recall his horse skills, Johnny is furious. In fact, he objects to Sam working at Noel’s—he doesn’t approve of the setting in which Sam works where she is constantly surrounded by men. He wants her to quit her job, to move in with him and let him “take care” of all her needs.

Author Miley Maine explores the tension that exists when an individual attempts to live with views that are in opposition with close associates and family. The author also asks the reader to consider the impact of an individual who rejects firsthand experience and knowledge as inferior to information gathered by neutral, unbiased technology. Miley Maine delivers a different romantic tale which tangles threads a modern conflict—nature vs technology. The tale offers an engaging story, with passionate moments and also offering the reader a story that exposes a modern-day conflict of knowledge filtered through human experience vs knowledge gained through impersonal technology, posing the question of how does modern man marry the evidence of technology with the insight gained by actual personal experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review and but enjoyed reading it so much that I purchased a copy through Kindle.
1,376 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2021
Gus wants to make his ranch the most technologically advanced in the area, but his brothers are worried about him loosing touch with things that happen on a normal ranch. They hire a teacher for Gus to help him with his riding skills. Gus is resistant, but when Samantha turns up he changes his mind. If only she wasn't dating someone. But Samantha's boyfriend is very jealous of her working around other men, especially ones as rich as Gus and his brothers. After saving Sam from an embarrassing moment with her boyfriend, he asks her to stay with him at his ranch to let her get her thoughts together. But even if she does dump her boyfriend, will Gus be able to convince her he is the man that she needs in his life or will his love of technology put her off.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend reading it as well as other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,303 reviews46 followers
May 10, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Downton Cowboys Series. This has been a great series featuring the Downton brothers who were raised in difficult conditions but rose above it and became successful men. This is Gus and Sam/Samantha's story. She was his trainer and it didn't take him long to fall for her but she's not available. She's in a rocky relationship with a boyfriend who's mentally abusive. Her relationship with Gus is a roller coaster of emotions and does she fall in love with Gus? Does she leave her abusive ex? Gus is a fighter and he goes after what he wants and he wants Sam. This was a great addition to the series. The characters are likable and well developed. The story line had some twists and will keep you engaged. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
410 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2021
Gus Downton is the fourth Downton brother. His brother Danny gave him and his other brothers their ranches. Gus is a bit of a different rancher from his brothers, he uses a lot of technology in running and everyday life on his ranch. When Danny sees Gus riding one Sunday on a visit he vows to get Gus a tutor. That tutor turns out to be riding instructor and horse breaker Samantha aka Sam. Sam is having some problems with her boyfriend. When that problem spills over on to Gus one evening things start changing for Gus and Sam. I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Due to time constraints on my part I was not able to read Danny and Frankie, but the two I read Jake and Gus were great. I will go back and purchase the others to read because I know that I am missing two great stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,927 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2021
Alpha protector, modern cowboy, sweet man
Gus (Downton Cowboys Book 4) by Miley Maine is another sweet cowboy romance with tried and true methods up against modern conveniences. Gus is all about moving forward and everything future while his brothers and love interest are happy with the tried and true methods of experience. When this modern cowboy and his lady love, Samantha meet, there’s ado!
The plot has a little suspense, danger, all the feels and plenty of steam.
Overall, keeping the old time-y feel of this series, the youngest Downton Cowboy does not take the easy road with Sam, but those tough roads are most often the most rewarding. Gus wins hands down with his HEA with Samantha.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,897 reviews20 followers
May 15, 2021
Gus is a rancher who originally lived in the city, he likes to make the most of technology to aid him in running his ranch in fact he's become so reliant on it that he's allowed it to distance himself from lots to the things which, as a rancher, he should embrace. Things like communicating with his ranch hands and riding his own land. One day his elder brother Danny, the brother who gave him his ranch in the first place, sees how badly he's riding his horse he decides to step in and arrange for a riding instructor to come and teach Gus the finer points of horsemanship.

Danny hired Samantha, a horse trainer and riding instructor for the job, at first Gus resents her but when problems Sam has with her boyfriend affect him then the situation between Gus and Sam begins to change.

1,927 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2021
I think out of all the books this was my favorite.
Guys is a techie. He runs his ranch using all the latest gadgets, to the chagrin of his brother's.. He knows he'd like to settle down some day but hasn't really found, tge one.
Sam is a female in an all male world. She is a horse whisperer. She is looking for a man who will understand she is independent and love her for it not want to squash it.
These two are an unlikely pair. He's technology. She's nature.
They make sense together.
I enjoyed the fact that while he really liked her, he was willing to give her time and space to figure out what she wanted.
The characters are wonderful. The story flowed and was somewhat believable.
I'll miss the brothers.
11.7k reviews49 followers
May 18, 2021
Getting back on the horse can be scary but can bring great rewards

Gus is the fourth book in the Downton Cowboys series and is the story of Samantha Carlson and Gus Downton. This story pulled at my heart and also made me laugh. I really loved how Gus was so reliant on technology for both his ranch and his life that he has forgotten his roots. It takes one look from his brother to have Samantha enter his life and flip things upside down, in more ways than one. But she is in a complicated situation that may not be so easy to get out of safely. Will she decide that the nerdy but sexy techie cowboy is the man for her in the end?

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
515 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2021
The story of Gus and Sam shows how a group of brothers that was brought up in a horrible environment can put the past behind them and make something of themselves. Gus falls for Sam (his trainer) but she’s not a position to be with him, she has a boyfriend who is mentally abusive. It’s a story of falling in love while also being able to give time and space so that you can get to know one another, and things turn from good to bad and then to good again. I don’t like spoilers so not going into the details of the book. Grab the book to see how it ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,328 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2021
A super read
As the fourth Downton brother, Gus too has received a ranch, and he is using a lot of technology to run both the ranch and his everyday life. When his brother Danny sees him riding one day, he proceeds to get Samantha aka Sam to tutor him. She is in a mentally abusive relationship that Gus becomes aware of one evening, and then things begin to change for them. Both of them are super likable characters, and they’ll pull you into their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. In addition, I purchased a copy for my collection.
6,168 reviews58 followers
May 14, 2021
A really fun story. Gus has been given a ranch by his brother Danny. Gus tends to run his ranch different as he uses lots of technology. After his brother Danny sees Gus ride a horse he asks Samantha, Sam, to go over and tutor his brother on riding a horse again. Sam and Gus hit it off. Sam's boyfriend is a abusive jerk and he ends up picking a fight with Gus. I love the twists and turns to the story and the relationship that forms between Gus and Sam. It seems that the only real problem they have is Sam's ex. Great HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brigitte.
1,294 reviews25 followers
December 28, 2021
Stubborn Cowboys and stubborn women in general makes for a good story! This story is just so smashing to read, and such a pleasure to read as well. The storyline is good and the characterization is good as well. This might be the last one about these fine cowboy brothers and their happenstance wives. Each has its own story about one of the brothers but we get to know the others again and hear a bit about how life is now with them. Overall a real pleasure and very deserving of the fabulous four stars I am giving it here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,554 reviews10 followers
May 11, 2021
Great story.
Sam & Gus had an immediate connection more than just sexual chemistry after their one night of passion they decided to be friends for now but her ex boyfriend was determined to ruin everything that had been growing between them. Gus & Sam were perfect for each other & everyone around them could see the change in Gus. This was a sweet love story with great characters but also a bit of drama in the mix, I spent a lot of time reading this with a smile on my face.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan Anderson.
1,033 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2021
This book brings us Gus and Sam, aka Samantha. Gus is a tech cowboy - who needs help with riding lessons in order to keep the ranch working properly. His brother sends Sam to help teach him and feel more comfortable on the horse. Their chemistry is instant, however, Sam's ex throws that chemistry for a loop. Sam doesn't want to get involved with anyone at the time, and Gus has to work to make sure she realizes that he is nothing like her ex. This was a great read and I do recommend it. I did receive an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,262 reviews46 followers
May 24, 2021
I enjoyed the story, the growth of the characters and how well they played off each other, the connection and sparks. Gus, the cowboy that loves tech and Sam, the cowgirl with the ranch life knowledge click very well. There is a good mix of intense, sweet, heat and fun. I did feel the author was trying too hard to create an accent with these characters, which could be distracting at times. Other than that, this was my favorite of the series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
62 reviews
May 25, 2021
This was a great read! Gus is a tech loving rancher hiding away behind his screens. When he discovers just how disconnected he’s becoming from his ranch after going out riding. Danny makes his big brotherly decision to get an instructor to help. Sam is a horse trainer who flips Gus’ world on its side. He mesmerized upon first meeting. These two grow both individually and together is such a sweet manner throughout the book. They both get to see there is always more to learn and grow!

Great weekend read!
2,316 reviews26 followers
July 5, 2021
I enjoy a good cowboy romance and this was a good one. Gus and Samantha are so stinking cute together. Gus isn’t your typical cowboy because he’s more of a tech guy. Samantha is supposed to show him how to be a cowboy again but it becomes more than a professional relationship. These two together are sweet and steamy. I loved the end of this book which I didn’t expect. Some craziness with an ex and forward progress with their relationship. I enjoyed this book and Miley’s writing.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,894 reviews
December 20, 2021
Gus Dawnton, one of the brothers. Hard and abusive childhood give him good picture what is good or bad.
He wants all good around him but never thought about joint his brothers on the farm.
Life brings all of happiness and ugliness of the time he didn’t expect, so crossing path with young woman abused by her ex brings a protector in him.
But what about love ?
The storyline is great so enjoy this heart touching romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,568 reviews19 followers
May 10, 2021
This is the fourth book and it's the story about Sam and Gus. You cannot go wrong with this author. The story shows, that you can put your past behind, no matter what happened to you.
It was a really good read and I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story which is always a deal breaker for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.1k reviews75 followers
May 11, 2021
The author has pulled us into the lives of Gus Downton, youngest of the Downton brothers, and Samantha, who comes to help him be a better rider. They have a connection, but she has a boyfriend so they settle for being friends. When she breaks up with her boyfriend, Gus an Sam begin to have a more romantic relationship. But, what happens when her ex is not done with her?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,631 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2021
Gus is the techie one of the four brothers. If he could make everything automated on his ranch he would try. But he tends to lose touch with the real world. Samantha is the riding instructor Danny hires for Gus. Getting a refresher course on how to ride a horse is embarrassing for him. Samantha opens his eyes to the world around him and he loves it. Great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
749 reviews6 followers
Read
May 12, 2021
This is rancher/tech geek Gus and horse trainer Sam's story.
Sam is just getting out of a bad relationship and the last thing she was looking for was love!!
Gus is the youngest of the 4 Downton brother's and is wanting what his other brothers have found, a good woman to love him and all his quirks!!
Really enjoyed reading this book, great characters, good storyline and loved the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tatenisha.
1,763 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2021
Gus likes doing things the new way and frowns on the old. Sam was brought to him to reteach him how to ride a horse because he stopped. He is attracted to her but she is in an abusive relationship. He becomes her protector and someone to go to when things get to bad. She realizes that he means more to her and they pursue a relationship. Can he save her when he lets her do something that he knows is putting herself at risk.
5,665 reviews63 followers
May 18, 2021
The story of Gus (rancher) and Samantha (horse expert), who help each other heal and fight for their future. The characters and storyline are terrific, with plenty of spunk and determination. Twists and surprises keep you on edge so you can not put the book down. Loved the ending and can not wait for the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,445 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2021
This was a very enjoyable book! The storyline had some original aspects (apparently knowing how to ride a horse is not like knowing how to ride a bicycle), the characters were very well-written, and the ending was beautiful. I am going to check out the other titles available in this series and settle in for some seriously fun reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,096 reviews21 followers
December 21, 2021
Book 4 in Maine's Downton Cowboys series. Our main characters are Gus and Sam. Wonderfully strong characters with a well written, smooth flowing storyline that is captivating and steamy! A great addition to this series that I've loved from the start! A roller coaster of emotions that I couldn't get enough of!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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