Colton Hartman hung up his spurs at eighteen vowing never to return home. Years later, he comes back for his father’s funeral determined to sell his one-third share of the family ranch. Except his irritable, unappeasable father threw one last curveball—to inherit, he and his brothers have to live together on the ranch for a year. The ranch needs massive repairs on a tight budget and even tighter timeline, and the best contractor in Garnet Valley is unfortunately the one woman who never wants to see him again.
August “Gus” Jones is determined to prove she’s ready to take over her father’s struggling construction firm. Which means she can’t turn down the lucrative Hartman Ranch job, even though the man hiring her is Colton Hartman, the man who disappeared after she declared her love and broke her heart.
As Colton once again works the ranch, the attraction between him and Gus quickly flames. Can she convince this stubborn cowboy that this time love is worth sticking around for?
I hate to say this, but I felt like this book was written by a completely different author than the writer of the first book in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed the writings style and chemistry in The Best Man’s Bride. Here, not so much.
There was never really a point in this story where I found myself with butterflies, warm-fuzzies, or anything of the sort. I think that had a lot to do with the character of Colton. While I didn’t dislike him, he wasn’t a very sympathetic character. The reasons he left Montana and never came back all those years ago make sense, but there was nothing in the writing that made me feel it was as bad as what was being laid out. There is a lot of telling and not showing when it comes to Colton, his father, and his brothers.
It’s not all Colton’s fault I wasn’t more immersed in the story though. I am a timeline stickler. I know this is a thing that bugs me that doesn’t necessarily bother other readers so I try to rate accordingly when there’s a slip or two. This book is all over the place. The timeline is incredibly skewed from the very beginning. When it’s this messed up it’s not something I can let slide. I know it’ll be an issue for other readers and not just for my picky brain.
It doesn’t help that there is way too much going on. Gus is trying to prove herself to her father to take over the family business, Gus is trying to win a big bid for the company, Gus is volunteering for the town dance to prove herself, Gus is taking on the job at the Hartman ranch to prove herself, Colton has a brother he didn’t know anything about, Colton is needed in San Francisco but is being forced to stay in Montana, Colton’s business is having financial problems, Colton used to love working with the horses but left that behind, and so much more. It’s just too much and nothing is giving its fair due in this book. On top of all of that, we’re supposed to be rooting for a second-chance romance between Gus and Colton that is very hard to understand.
I realize that at this point that I’m bagging on this book, so I need to wrap things up. Obviously, I liked it enough to continue reading. Some of that was because I just couldn’t believe that it wouldn’t turn around at some point since I loved the first book. I always try to give an author a fair shot when they are new to me. She’s 1 for 2 with me, with another story in this series on the way in a few months. If I have a chance, I believe I will read the next book. I can’t give up on this author yet.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
I received an arc of The Cowboy’s Return from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the Hartman Brothers series by Jamie Dallas. Book 2 is Colton’s story. We learn that much to the brothers surprise, there are actually 3 sons. The oldest, Jace was introduced in book one and in this book we learn that he knew nothing of his other 2 brothers. And, the other 2 brothers were unaware that their father had had another family before them. As the book opens, the father’s will is being read. It stipulates that the 3 sons must live and work the family ranch for a year to inherit it. Jace has been living in Houston and has no experience on a ranch or know anything about Montana. Colton left home when he was 18 after a fight with his dad and has never returned. He has a struggling company and life in San Francisco. The third brother lives in town and wants to hold on to their legacy. He is angry about Colton leaving and never returning.
The ranch is in disrepair and they hire a construction company to do the repairs to be able to sell it after the year is up. There is also some talk about Ty keeping it. The 3 brothers have many issues to work through. The knowledge there are 3 and their individual pasts is quite eye opening to all of them. The construction company is being run by Colton’s ex girlfriend Gus Jones, that he also left behind when he left town. She is not thrilled to be working with him on the project and they butt heads several times. As they spend time together working, Colton realizes he still has feelings for Gus. She realizes her feelings for Colton are as strong as ever but also knows that when the required year up is up he will again leave her. Gus is also trying to get her landscaping skills recognized and has put her name in the hat to get the bid for a big town project. In addition she is trying to prove to her dad that she is qualified and ready to take over the family construction company.
Colton left his company in the hands of his partner with remote work being done on his part. There seems to be some problems and he takes off to San Francisco to work on them in person. Since according to the will, he can only be away a month from the ranch or they forfeit it, Ty and Jace are worried and angry when he leaves. Gus thinks he’s left her again until he returns.
Colton and Gus agree to try to start over. He assures her they can work through the long distance problem. They both admit to having strong feelings for the other. As additional problems come up, their relationship is tested a few times providing lots of angst and suspense. The reader is rooting for the couple to make it and the brothers to become closer also. I really loved this book. I’m a huge fan of the second chance romance, return to home romance genre and Jamie provided a great story here. I give it 5 stars and recommend both the book and the series. I’m looking forward to reading Ty’s story.
The Cowboy’s Return by Jamie Dallas Once a cowboy, always a cowboy. Colton Hartman hung up his spurs at eighteen vowing never to return home. Years later, he comes back for his father’s funeral determined to sell his one-third share of the family ranch. Except his irritable, unappeasable father threw one last curveball—to inherit, he and his brothers have to live together on the ranch for a year. The ranch needs massive repairs on a tight budget and even tighter timeline, and the best contractor in Garnet Valley is unfortunately the one woman who never wants to see him again. August “Gus” Jones is determined to prove she’s ready to take over her father’s struggling construction firm. Which means she can’t turn down the lucrative Hartman Ranch job, even though the man hiring her is Colton Hartman, the man who disappeared after she declared her love and broke her heart. As Colton once again works the ranch, the attraction between him and Gus quickly flames. Can she convince this stubborn cowboy that this time love is worth sticking around for? This is August “Gus” Jones and Colton Hartman's story. August Jones sped down the lone highway to town, accelerating so that the needle pointed to five miles per hour past the speed limit. Hopefully, there was no officer parked on the edge of the usually deserted stretch of highway that led to a handful of ranches and ranchettes outside Garnet Valley, Montana. Or if there was an officer, hopefully it was someone she knew and who was a little lenient with the speed limit. She could not be late to this project meeting. “Gus?” His voice was warm with recognition. “What are you doing here?” he asked. As though her being here was more ridiculous than Colton coming home. Looking his car over, she noticed the front tire was no longer round. The Cowboy’s Return by Jamie Dallas is a 4 star book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The Cowboy's Return is the second book of The Hartman Brothers Series by Jamie Dallas. However it is actually the first book to deal with the family dysfunctional legacy since the first ends with an envelope postmarked from Montana delivered but not opened. So now the series gets to the heart of the brothers or the lack of heart from their father that they experienced while growing up. Colton Hartman must face it head on in this story.
August “Gus” Jones is not without her problems too but I admired this “princess in shining armor.” Just know she carries a hammer instead of a sword. I see her in my minds eye as a Drew Barrymore type of woman. Gotta love her. Colton Hartman and Gus have a history and perhaps a future though it is not so easy to see happening. A story of family or not family but could be now, moving on and making peace with the past so that you can grasp all that the future holds. And love, let’s not forget that because this is a romance novel but the brothers’ relationship is strong too. A well told story that while it is different from the first in the series it is just as good.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We are back in Garnet Valley with the Hartman brothers. Brothers that have been brought together by the will of their father. A hard man that was not kind to two his sons and abandoned another. Colton Hartman is one of these men. Ten years ago, he left the town, his unloving father, and the girl he loved, promising never to come back. He has a life and a business in San Francisco, but the will brings him back. Unless the brothers live in the ranch for a year, the ranch will be given away. August/Gus Jones, is the girl Colton left heartbroken. Nowadays, she’s attempting to take over her father’s construction company and trying to “play” with the big guys. When she’s hired to update the ranch, she’s forced to face her past. Will Colton and Gus open their hearts once more? Will Colton leave Gus behind after the year is over? The story, about family or lack thereof, is at times heartbreaking, as well as heartwarming. It’s also a story about trust, forgiveness, bonding with family and second chances in life and love. I am looking forward to Ty’s story, the last of the Hartman brothers. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Colton left ho me 10 years ago vowing to never return and broke August's heart. Now after the death of his father he has returned. The brother have to stay at the ranch for a whole year in order to inherit it. It needs a lot of TLC to make it ready to sell at the end of that year. He needs August to help get it done. She has never gotten over Colton nor has she forgave him. Her father's construction company needs to business so she agrees to help him. When you throw two people together who never stopped loving each other and were separated by circumstances what could possibly go wrong? Can August forgive and start with a clean slate? Maybe Colton will realize his future was always back in his hometown. Good read.
I found this book kind of cute, two old friends find each other again and wonder if they can make love work. You know something is always bound to go wrong. With August I found she beat to her own drum she tried her hardest to show up anywhere on time but she always was helping those in need or those she loved. She truly had a heart of gold in my opinion. I Liked Colton but at first I felt like he was just looking for a hook up someone to kill time with and came off a bit of a jerk. I feel like he needed to learn what was important in life and make things work. There is adult content in this book and may not be suitable for all. Over all this book was predictable but cute and if you are looking for a quick read this book is it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the second book in this fun series about the Hartman boys who had a not so great upbringing and whose father is still purling their string's even after his death
Colton Hartman couldn't get away from the ranch fast enough the moment he was old enough even if that meant breaking the heart of the teenage August “Gus” Jones after all she declared her ;love for him, and he ran. Now he has returned and his fathers will states he has to stay at the ranch for at least twelve months That puts him back in a collision course with Gus after all she is the local contractor determined to prove that she is ready to take over her fathers business. The attraction is still there between them will he break her heart again when he walks away or will he finally learn that love is worth fighting for.
Colton Hartman hung up his spurs at eighteen vowing never to return home. Years later, he comes back for his father’s funeral determined to sell his one-third share of the family ranch. Except his irritable, unappeasable father threw one last curveball—to inherit, he and his brothers have to live together on the ranch for a year. The property needs a lot of work and the brothers choose Gus' firm, Colt's ex girlfriend the one he left behind. This was hugely sweet and romantic with strong characters and lots of swoon. I am new to this author but keen to read the other books in the series. Dallas's tone of writing folds you in like a warm blanket on a chilly evening, she envelops you with tender romance, small town vibes and friendship. If you love Elsie Silver and Laura Pavlov you're guaranteed to enjoy this book Kerry Kennedy Author
This is a second chance romance and the second book in The Hartman Brothers Series. The brothers were brought together by their fathers will. They all must live at the ranch for year, or it will be given away. This is Colton and August story. Colton left town a long time ago and said he would never return. He left August behind, and it broke her heart. Now Colton is back, and they are in the same town again will they be able to move past what happened in the past and start again? Their story was a sweet and very heartwarming read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh I need an extra half star for this one the second chance romance of Colton and August has all the angst and yet the slow sweet torment of wanting them just to make it back to what they once shared, it is so close to a five star read. Also all the family stuff between Colton and his two brothers, one he had not even known existed and what they have to go through to claim their own third of the ranch they each stand to inherit if they meet the terms of their Dad’s will makes page turning reading. I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review.
This is the second book I have read by this author and so far, it isn't bad. I have one more book to read in this series.
The following is from Chapter 9:
"What happens when you leave? You have a business and a life in California. We can't fool ourselves into thinking this is long-term.
"If what we have is worth it, we can make it into something long-term, we talk about it. We compromise, but we won't know if it's worth it unless we give it a try."
I wish Jamie Dallas would write more books. Enjoy and happy reading.
Colton left August high and dry when he left their hometown for San Francisco. Forced to return to his deceased father’s ranch, Colton and August find their love still lives but is there really a chance for a long distance relationship? I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a broken family of bros who must fulfill their dad’s will by living on the many generations ranch (one of whom left and built a business in S.F; one who never knew about ranch and bros) for 1 year. The S.F. guy reunites with former girlfriend (daughter of construction co. owner) .. and this is their love story. Some sex, interesting family dynamic issues.
This was a good contemporary ranch romance. He had been gone for years when she found him on the side if the road with a flat tire. She almost kept b going by. She didn't what to see him again, did she? It's a good read full of good times a few tears. Well worth reading.
Second book of the Hartman brothers series by Jamie Dallas. Do not have to read the first book to enjoy the family story here. The heart of the story keeps you going till the end but you will love to read the next in the series. Enjoyable and full of all the drama a family can conjure up.
Second chances are so hard - trying to decide if you can trust someone who already broke your heart once? Feels impossible at times. I really enjoyed this book, although I did get a little bored with all the lust going on. The story itself was good though!
Cute country romance between a cowgirl and a once-countryboy-turned-cityboy! I loved the story of how three brothers came to know about or more about each other by taking care of the family farm. It is sweet that a romance rekindled between the main character and the cowgirl.
Colton left when he was 18, not a word to August( Gus), his girlfriend. He broke her heart. Now he's back to conform to his Dad's will. Second chance, but can she trust him with her heart again? Good story, great characters.
This book had a good premise and likable characters but unfortunately the writing was average at best. There was no depth to the story and everything was too simple. I truly wanted to like it more and kept wishing for it to get better, but it never did. I won’t be continuing on with this series.
He comes home because his dad died. Surprised to hear he must stay for a year or lose the ranch. She’s been there since he left, thinking she didn’t care anymore. But the attraction and love is still there, can they find a way to be together.
An okay read that had a country vibe added in with a dysfunctional family. Liked Gus a lot but wasn’t a fan of Colton who was a tad wishy washy. Ambles along and with signs that Colton is going to leave without communicating and it just loses points and my interest.