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Four Corners Ranch #0.6
The Cowboy She Loves to Hate
She’s finally taking the cowboy’s bet…but at what cost?
When librarian Nelly Foster shows up on Tag McCloud’s doorstep on her thirtieth birthday, the cowboy knows exactly what she’s come for. Prissy, stubborn and downright irresistible Nelly is finally taking him up on the bet he made her years ago—to relieve her of her unwanted virginity.
Nelly can’t believe she’s finally cashing in her chips. But no man has ever gotten under her skin the way irritating and too-charming-for-his-own-good Tag does. Ever since he pulled her pigtails in school, she’s hated him…but he’s still the only cowboy she wants. And one earth-shattering night in Tag’s arms has Nelly realizing they are bound together by something much more intense…and impossible to walk away from!
When librarian Nelly Foster shows up on Tag McCloud’s doorstep on her thirtieth birthday, the cowboy knows exactly what she’s come for. Prissy, stubborn and downright irresistible Nelly is finally taking him up on the bet he made her years ago—to relieve her of her unwanted virginity.
Nelly can’t believe she’s finally cashing in her chips. But no man has ever gotten under her skin the way irritating and too-charming-for-his-own-good Tag does. Ever since he pulled her pigtails in school, she’s hated him…but he’s still the only cowboy she wants. And one earth-shattering night in Tag’s arms has Nelly realizing they are bound together by something much more intense…and impossible to walk away from!
64 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2021
40 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,163 books3,001 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 23, 2023
This was an okay novella, slightly less interesting than the first one, but I liked reading Nelly and Tag's story. I like that each book so far had a little lore sprinkled in, some characters were introduced that are going to get their own books later in the series. I'm especially looking forward to Gus's story after this, and it's a full book too, which he deserves.
January 8, 2022
I read this as a bonus story in The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge. The Cowboy She Loves to Hat is a short, but entertaining tale.
The story introduces Taggert and Nelly who knew each other their whole lives. The two, however were never friends. They barely tolerated each other. This hostility started from their teen years and spilled over into adulthood. Nonetheless beneath the hostility laid an attraction, which they attempted to suppress. On her 21st birthday, while celebrating with friends, Taggert inserted himself in the middle of her celebration. His aim was to ruffle her feathers. However, in doing so he ended up offering to rock her world in the bedroom on any of her upcoming birthday celebrations. Nine years later she decided to cash in those chips.
What followed was a night, which would change both their lives forever.
Despite the brevity of the story, I found it to be an enjoyable read with interesting characters. Within that one night they learnt how much they had in common.
Overall, a fun and cute story. It's perfect for those time when looking for a quick read.
The story introduces Taggert and Nelly who knew each other their whole lives. The two, however were never friends. They barely tolerated each other. This hostility started from their teen years and spilled over into adulthood. Nonetheless beneath the hostility laid an attraction, which they attempted to suppress. On her 21st birthday, while celebrating with friends, Taggert inserted himself in the middle of her celebration. His aim was to ruffle her feathers. However, in doing so he ended up offering to rock her world in the bedroom on any of her upcoming birthday celebrations. Nine years later she decided to cash in those chips.
What followed was a night, which would change both their lives forever.
Despite the brevity of the story, I found it to be an enjoyable read with interesting characters. Within that one night they learnt how much they had in common.
Overall, a fun and cute story. It's perfect for those time when looking for a quick read.
January 1, 2022
4.5 stars
I have said this of all Maisey Yates’s novella, but I wished it was longer, however this one in particular hit in a way that a full length novel did just in a more condensed way. The setup and the bones were there with Nelly and Tag, knowing each other their who lives while battling an attraction to each other through their teen years to adulthood. Tag even stated he always wanted to pull her pigtails when they were younger and that urge grew as they got older. It was pretty funny. What made it more so that he offered on 21st birthday and for the next year up to her 30th birthday that he give her a thrill in the bedroom in a way she never had before. Now it was her 30th birthday and she decided to cash in. They had some steamy fun that they had both been yearning years for. It was also to have that connection too, which was nice. It was fun.
What hit more though was the set up for Four Corners series coming soon. The main setup was for the McCloud brothers and all the wounds that family had. The turmoil they are going to have to go through to get to their HEA is going to brutal. It’s going to be gut wrenching. After this one, I am dying for Gus McClouds’s story because that’s going to be doozy I think. But that story is not going to be here for another two years, which is going to be a killer wait. As far as I know Hunter’s story will be the next McCloud brother to get his story next year. There was another part setup with Wolf Garrett and his girlfriend, who was Nelly’s best friend, died in a tragic way, wounding Wolf so it’ll be interesting to see how that effects his story.
I’m so ready for Four Corners. I can’t wait to learn more about the families and the characters that will be part of this series. I want to know who all the Sullivan sisters are as well as more infos on the Kings. There was very little info on them in these past two novellas.
I have said this of all Maisey Yates’s novella, but I wished it was longer, however this one in particular hit in a way that a full length novel did just in a more condensed way. The setup and the bones were there with Nelly and Tag, knowing each other their who lives while battling an attraction to each other through their teen years to adulthood. Tag even stated he always wanted to pull her pigtails when they were younger and that urge grew as they got older. It was pretty funny. What made it more so that he offered on 21st birthday and for the next year up to her 30th birthday that he give her a thrill in the bedroom in a way she never had before. Now it was her 30th birthday and she decided to cash in. They had some steamy fun that they had both been yearning years for. It was also to have that connection too, which was nice. It was fun.
What hit more though was the set up for Four Corners series coming soon. The main setup was for the McCloud brothers and all the wounds that family had. The turmoil they are going to have to go through to get to their HEA is going to brutal. It’s going to be gut wrenching. After this one, I am dying for Gus McClouds’s story because that’s going to be doozy I think. But that story is not going to be here for another two years, which is going to be a killer wait. As far as I know Hunter’s story will be the next McCloud brother to get his story next year. There was another part setup with Wolf Garrett and his girlfriend, who was Nelly’s best friend, died in a tragic way, wounding Wolf so it’ll be interesting to see how that effects his story.
I’m so ready for Four Corners. I can’t wait to learn more about the families and the characters that will be part of this series. I want to know who all the Sullivan sisters are as well as more infos on the Kings. There was very little info on them in these past two novellas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
Another introductory novella to this author’s upcoming new series, Four Corners Ranch. I enjoyed this one much more than the previous. They have their similarities, but I felt the characters connected a lot better with each other and the reader in this one. Maybe because the characters, while never close friends, have known each other most of their lives and lived within each other’s bubbles.
It’s very up front and out there that this is another virgin story. In fact, that’s the premise of the story. A quick “rip off the band aid” way for Nelly to have her first sexual encounter so she’ll stop thinking about it and therefore it will no longer be a big deal. The only problem being that these two characters, who are under the illusion that they dislike one another, actually have deep feelings that have manifested in ways to make it so they are protecting their egos and their hearts.
Since this is a short story, they get right to their issues. No beating around the bush. Yet the author was able to pack in a lot of warm-fuzzies on top of more information about the denizens of Four Corners that will, I’m sure, come into play as this series goes along.
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
It’s very up front and out there that this is another virgin story. In fact, that’s the premise of the story. A quick “rip off the band aid” way for Nelly to have her first sexual encounter so she’ll stop thinking about it and therefore it will no longer be a big deal. The only problem being that these two characters, who are under the illusion that they dislike one another, actually have deep feelings that have manifested in ways to make it so they are protecting their egos and their hearts.
Since this is a short story, they get right to their issues. No beating around the bush. Yet the author was able to pack in a lot of warm-fuzzies on top of more information about the denizens of Four Corners that will, I’m sure, come into play as this series goes along.
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
February 20, 2022
This was short and steamy, while exploring two characters with dark pasts in which both were abused by their fathers, and Nelly was caught up in guilt over things she'd said to her best friend before she tragically died. I loved how Nelly and Tag went about protecting themselves in opposite ways, with her being quiet and him being a partier and a bit of a playboy. I loved that the two had known each other their whole lives, and though they didn't realize it, the two had had a thing for each other for a long time. When Nelly turned twenty-one, he said some jerkish things about her being a virgin and that she could come see him on any birthday up to her thirtieth if she ever wanted to change that. Well, she did, and in doing so, Nelly learned that she couldn't hide in the tragedy of losing her friend, or being wary of everyone. Plus, she finally convinced Tag to learn to stop protecting himself and learn to live without being afraid of becoming like his father. So if you couldn't tell, Nelly was my favorite part about this book, but Tag was a pretty awesome match for her. I'm excited to see where this series goes.
January 22, 2022
The Cowboy She Loves to Hate features a romance between a woman and the cowboy who promised her a good time for her birthday.
On Nelly Foster's twenty-first birthday, cowboy Tag McCloud promised her a night of seduction for her birthday which she can cash in any time until her thirtieth birthday. Now that her thirtieth birthday is here, Nelly shows up on Tag's doorstep to take him up on his offer. No one has tempted Nelly the way Tag has and she doesn't want to miss her chance with him. Tag never thought Nelly would take him up on his offer of seduction but now that she has he's determined to make it a night to remember.
Nelly and Tag grew up together but they were never friends and their relationship was particularly antagonistic during their teen years. Nelly first realized she was attracted to Tag around her fifteenth birthday which she tried to forget about as her mother warned her she couldn't trust men. I did enjoy the banter between these two and the obvious chemistry they have. Unfortunately I don't enjoy the virgin heroine trope which obviously plays a big role in this story. I do think the trope is done well so for readers that enjoy it, this book is a great example of it. Nelly and Tag are quite different but their relationship works. I was happy with how they worked out their issues and where they ended up by the end of the book.
Overall The Cowboy She Loves to Hate was a fun read and I'm looking forward to reading the first full-length book in the series, Unbridled Cowboy, when it releases later this year.
On Nelly Foster's twenty-first birthday, cowboy Tag McCloud promised her a night of seduction for her birthday which she can cash in any time until her thirtieth birthday. Now that her thirtieth birthday is here, Nelly shows up on Tag's doorstep to take him up on his offer. No one has tempted Nelly the way Tag has and she doesn't want to miss her chance with him. Tag never thought Nelly would take him up on his offer of seduction but now that she has he's determined to make it a night to remember.
Nelly and Tag grew up together but they were never friends and their relationship was particularly antagonistic during their teen years. Nelly first realized she was attracted to Tag around her fifteenth birthday which she tried to forget about as her mother warned her she couldn't trust men. I did enjoy the banter between these two and the obvious chemistry they have. Unfortunately I don't enjoy the virgin heroine trope which obviously plays a big role in this story. I do think the trope is done well so for readers that enjoy it, this book is a great example of it. Nelly and Tag are quite different but their relationship works. I was happy with how they worked out their issues and where they ended up by the end of the book.
Overall The Cowboy She Loves to Hate was a fun read and I'm looking forward to reading the first full-length book in the series, Unbridled Cowboy, when it releases later this year.
March 28, 2022
This was a little novella tacked onto the end of The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge…and I went ahead and considered it a separate book because it’s from a completely different series (and it allowed me to quickly finish a book to pad my numbers a tad, I’m shameless). There isn’t a shot in hell I would have read this otherwise.
The entirety of this story exists primarily between two people. Nelly and Tag have been, apparently, dancing around each other for most of their lives but had somehow managed to avoid a romantic entanglement. Then one day Nelly gets brave with the assistance of liquid courage and decides to shed her 30-year-old-virgin skin by throwing herself at Tag. It worked, they did the horizontal mambo, then danced around admitting to be in love with each other. Spoiler alert: they are. End of story.
I just got done writing another Maisey Yates review, so I almost feel like it’s overkill for me to write and post this one right away, but it’s fresh in my mind, so here we are. This story is an extreme example of rushing things, but that’s Yates’s style. Most of the time I can overlook it and enjoy it, but this one was particularly bad. Nelly’s portrayal as a dowdy booklover who preferred the company of the people on a page than in real life really rubbed me the wrong way. And then to have it feel like Tag was just doing her a favor, helping her get rid of the virgin stigma….that just made it worse. I had a hard time with this one…in case that’s not obvious.
So while I usually at least pseudo-enjoy Yates, this one I did not. Just skip it.
The entirety of this story exists primarily between two people. Nelly and Tag have been, apparently, dancing around each other for most of their lives but had somehow managed to avoid a romantic entanglement. Then one day Nelly gets brave with the assistance of liquid courage and decides to shed her 30-year-old-virgin skin by throwing herself at Tag. It worked, they did the horizontal mambo, then danced around admitting to be in love with each other. Spoiler alert: they are. End of story.
I just got done writing another Maisey Yates review, so I almost feel like it’s overkill for me to write and post this one right away, but it’s fresh in my mind, so here we are. This story is an extreme example of rushing things, but that’s Yates’s style. Most of the time I can overlook it and enjoy it, but this one was particularly bad. Nelly’s portrayal as a dowdy booklover who preferred the company of the people on a page than in real life really rubbed me the wrong way. And then to have it feel like Tag was just doing her a favor, helping her get rid of the virgin stigma….that just made it worse. I had a hard time with this one…in case that’s not obvious.
So while I usually at least pseudo-enjoy Yates, this one I did not. Just skip it.
May 30, 2022
Nelly is the prim and proper librarian and Tag is the cowboy who stays away from relationships. Years ago Tag made a promise to Nelly. Today is her birthday and she has come to collect on it. Although it was short but sweet I loved every minute of it.
January 29, 2022
This short novella was at the end of The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge. I don't always read included short stories, but the first page of this one grabbed my attention and kept it. Tag and Nelly have a history - and realize they've both been hiding in their pain instead of living. The characters truly drove the story and were well-developed...an impressive task for a story under 75 pages. Spicy and tender from start to finish.
December 7, 2025
The Cowboy She Loves to Hate by Maisey Yates is a Four Corners Ranch novella featuring a memorable enemies-to-lovers romance between a small-town librarian and a cowboy with whom she shares a complicated history. Their sizzling chemistry and emotional storyline make this story especially intriguing for fans of this trope, as well as other tropes listed below my review.
This romance story heated up the moment that Nelly showed up on Tag’s doorstep to cash in on that promise he had made her years ago. The only issue is that promise he made, he knows once he gives Nelly what she asked, he’ll have a hard time letting her go on, because there has always been something about Nelly that has intrigued him.
I found this novella more entertaining than the first novella in the series, largely because the established connection between Nelly and Tag adds greater depth and believability to their romance. Their shared backgrounds and gradual emotional proclamation kept me invested, especially as Nelly helps Tag open up and Tag, in turn, gives Nelly the love and understanding she truly needs.
Overall, I give this novella four stars, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Maisey’s sneak peeks in these novellas keep me invested and eager to read the rest of the books in the series.
POV: Third Person (Dual POV)
Standalone or Part of Series: An interconnected standalone in the Four Corners Ranch series.
Would I recommend this novella? Yes. If you want a quick read, especially for your reading challenge, consider The Cowboy She Loves to Hate. It’s short and delivers a steamy enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract story between a librarian and a cowboy.
What to Expect:
✔️Small Town Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Opposites Attract
✔️Hero Fell First
✔️Librarian Heroine
This romance story heated up the moment that Nelly showed up on Tag’s doorstep to cash in on that promise he had made her years ago. The only issue is that promise he made, he knows once he gives Nelly what she asked, he’ll have a hard time letting her go on, because there has always been something about Nelly that has intrigued him.
I found this novella more entertaining than the first novella in the series, largely because the established connection between Nelly and Tag adds greater depth and believability to their romance. Their shared backgrounds and gradual emotional proclamation kept me invested, especially as Nelly helps Tag open up and Tag, in turn, gives Nelly the love and understanding she truly needs.
Overall, I give this novella four stars, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Maisey’s sneak peeks in these novellas keep me invested and eager to read the rest of the books in the series.
POV: Third Person (Dual POV)
Standalone or Part of Series: An interconnected standalone in the Four Corners Ranch series.
Would I recommend this novella? Yes. If you want a quick read, especially for your reading challenge, consider The Cowboy She Loves to Hate. It’s short and delivers a steamy enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract story between a librarian and a cowboy.
What to Expect:
✔️Small Town Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Opposites Attract
✔️Hero Fell First
✔️Librarian Heroine
January 21, 2022
This little novella is at the end of The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge. Again, as a librarian, I love her dedication to her childhood favorites - “Jimmy Spoon, Caddie Woodlawn, and Sarah, Plain and Tall. They’re part of what shaped my love for Westerns. Books make all the difference.”
This book is about a 30 year old virgin (and town librarian) who had been drinking 9? Years ago with a childhood friend who promised to sleep with her any birthday up until 30, if she wanted. On her 30th, she decides to take him up on his deal. I’m sure in 40 pages, there isn’t a lot of story. But it is fun for people who love her stories to get these little novellas - she seems like a thoughtful author (and so many of them truly are).
This book is about a 30 year old virgin (and town librarian) who had been drinking 9? Years ago with a childhood friend who promised to sleep with her any birthday up until 30, if she wanted. On her 30th, she decides to take him up on his deal. I’m sure in 40 pages, there isn’t a lot of story. But it is fun for people who love her stories to get these little novellas - she seems like a thoughtful author (and so many of them truly are).
January 31, 2022
Maisey Yates gives us a new series - Four Corners Ranch. In the first prequel we find Tag coming through to Nelly on a bet he placed on her 21st birthday. When she came to his cabin he was surprised but pleased she remembered. Always giving us a good cowboy story, Yates new series tells us more about Tag's brothers as well as the girls who grew up there with the boys. Looking forward to reading her new books.
March 5, 2022
Nelly Foster and Taggart McCloud have more in common than they realize. But they've never really talked. At least not until he challenges her on her 21st birthday and she takes him up on his challenge on her 30th.
And when they do begin to talk--in between other forms of intimacy--it's clear that they need to keep talking. And maybe even figure out how to be together. At his ranch, in her library.
But will they have the courage to do that?
And when they do begin to talk--in between other forms of intimacy--it's clear that they need to keep talking. And maybe even figure out how to be together. At his ranch, in her library.
But will they have the courage to do that?
February 6, 2024
This is a sort of enemies to lovers (have known each other all their lives and can’t stand each other). Nelly is the town librarian, she’s very proper and very smart and one day she decides to take her sworn enemy, Tag, up on his offer of great sex and things ensue.
This was good, I’m actually starting to get attached to the town because we always hear a little bit about various other characters too which is always nice.
I like Maisey Yates, read this at work and it was perfect.
This was good, I’m actually starting to get attached to the town because we always hear a little bit about various other characters too which is always nice.
I like Maisey Yates, read this at work and it was perfect.
January 10, 2022
The Cowboy She Loves to Hate (Four Corners Ranch #0.6) was a good read by Maisey Yates.Nelly Foster shows up on Tag McCloud's doorstep on her thirtieth birthday. He knows that she is taking him up on his bet he made her years before, to relieve her of her virginity. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
March 26, 2022
A love-hate relationship between two people who grew up together is the focus of this story. The McCloud Brothers are trouble and everyone knows it. Librarian Nelly has been the focus of Taggart McCloud since they were kids, and not in a good way. She makes a decision to hold him to a promise he made to her as an arrogant teenager, and they get the surprise of their lives.
August 22, 2022
NellY & Tag
Nelly has come to Tag on her 30th birthday to cash in on the promise he made at her 21st birthday. they spoke of what was holding back Nelly(the death of her friend Breanna) and why Tag holds back from love.
I have to hand it to the author that she knows how to write strong heroines who can speak their minds and make the hero think.
Nelly has come to Tag on her 30th birthday to cash in on the promise he made at her 21st birthday. they spoke of what was holding back Nelly(the death of her friend Breanna) and why Tag holds back from love.
I have to hand it to the author that she knows how to write strong heroines who can speak their minds and make the hero think.
dont-want-to-read
June 1, 2023I just heard the plot for this in Book 1 and I had to come and look. The hero sleeps around for 9 years until he finally gets together with the heroine. And it sounds like he had a thing for the heroine this whole time!?
1. Why didn't he act on his supposed interest?
2. Gross that he slept around while having feelings for the heroine.
1. Why didn't he act on his supposed interest?
2. Gross that he slept around while having feelings for the heroine.
February 11, 2025
My first time reading a non Presents from Maisey Yates. I think. Per usual, Maisey's prose is excellent. She truly understands the moments and story beats to romance. Always gets the exact moments of swoon. I liked this but I can't say I loved it. Maybe I need to check out a full-length novel from this series.
December 31, 2021
This novella was ok. The issue may be that it is a novella. While I learned some info about the characters I would have liked to have learned more. Parts seemed too center too much about the offer and the night of her birthday.
January 6, 2022
Loved this fast paced story. There was a lot of history between Nelly and Tag, they knew each other for years. Even though neither one knew of the feelings of the other person. Very fast read. Good story with fun characters.
January 30, 2022
I loved this book by Maisey Yates. I also loved the characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Maisey’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
February 11, 2022
Sweet story. Nell has loved Tag since she was five. Nine years ago, Tag told her he would give her a certain present, if she was interested. But only until she turned 30. Sparks fly both in and out of bed.
October 6, 2022
Cute
Shorter than I expected it to be. Tag and Nelly have history and chemistry in common and a lot of trauma. Because it's a romance and a short story, everything gets solved in a very eventful night/day. I liked the characters but it was pretty rushed. Adult content.
Shorter than I expected it to be. Tag and Nelly have history and chemistry in common and a lot of trauma. Because it's a romance and a short story, everything gets solved in a very eventful night/day. I liked the characters but it was pretty rushed. Adult content.
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December 1, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Western Romance
Miniseries
Four Corners Ranch
Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Western Romance
Miniseries
Four Corners Ranch
December 7, 2021
A quick and good story.
December 29, 2021
I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed it. I wasn't for sure what tragedy happened to her friend, I might have to reread to see if I missed it along the way.
I enjoyed it. I wasn't for sure what tragedy happened to her friend, I might have to reread to see if I missed it along the way.
December 29, 2021
A short, cute, and tender novella in the Four Corner series.
January 20, 2022
This is short but good story.
January 30, 2022
This was a short story, but not my cup of tea. I'm sure a lot of others loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews