The Cowboy’s Texas Rose

The Dixons of Legacy Ranch #1

by E. Elizabeth Watson

They’ve found exactly what they weren’t looking for…

Archaeologist Rosalinda Morales is focused more on what’s in the soil and caves of the famed Legacy Ranch, rather than what’s on it—the sexy and charismatic cowboy heir. As a single mom to her special needs son, she knows what it’s like to struggle, so even though Toby Dixon has charm pulsing through his veins, she’s determined to resist.

Despite trying to mend bridges, Toby Dixon’s brothers have no interest in coming home, so he’s taken the reins of his family’s historic cattle ranch. Having vowed to his dying mother to settle down, he’s still considering how to move the company forward when Dr. Morales, armed with a sense of humor, a keen intellect and love for adventure, arrives with her team of students. Suddenly Toby begins to see more possibilities for his family’s ancient land and his future.

Toby can’t flirt his way into Rose’s life. He’ll need to up his game and earn the trust of the woman who isn’t just excavating his soil, but digging into his heart.

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Contemporary

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2022

About the author

Greetings, readers!

Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author E. Elizabeth Watson is convinced life is better with good coffee, chocolate, and a pair of hiking boots. Ever since her elementary school librarian "published" her epic childhood tales--complete with laminated handmade covers--she's enjoyed exploring the world through literature and history.

A recovering archaeologist and biomed research coordinator, Elizabeth now spends her days penning heroes ranging from Scottish and Medieval warriors to Texas cowboys crowned with Stetsons. Whether in kilts or pearl-snaps, her heroes wear plaid.

Check out her backlist titles and upcoming releases at:
Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/autho...
Tule Publishing: https://tulepublishing.com/series/dix...
Dragonblade Publishing: https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com...


Watson lives on a mountainside in West Virginia with her husband, sons, and various pets. Always honored to hear from readers, make sure to follow her on social media below. Thank you for visiting, and enjoy my happily ever afters!

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-eli...

Newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/c-2zTn

Facebook: @Author.E.Elizabeth.Watson.

Twitter @AuthorEEWatson.

Reviews

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

I had the immense pleasure of binge-reading The Dixons of Legacy Ranch series this past weekend. And what an engaging, enjoyable experience it was. To be frank, I had the first two stories for a while now, but life got in the way of getting carried away to another world for a time – it happens to us all. Yet, reading the stories back to back gave a whole different feeling to devouring this series. And, should I fall behind on a series again (and I will) then this is the perfect way to get caught up without leaving that world for the months between new releases. Most of what you’d want to know before picking up The Cowboy’s Texas Rose can be found in the cover description so let’s move on to the emotional impact this story had on me.

I absolutely adored Toby. Yes, he’s been a hard man to pin down for a romance, not because he’s a true player but simply because he wasn’t ready and the right woman hadn’t come along yet. That changed when Rose and her team showed up for their annual trek to study the property’s caves and history. Toby is already putting plans in place to protect his family’s land, and while he might not have all the answers just yet the attraction he’s feeling towards Rose is opening him up to the land even more. An archaeologist can get a glimpse of the past on any portion of a land mass, but what Toby is setting out to do is to ensure his family’s legacy is protected and kept in the best shape possible for the future. With Rose at his side he’s seeing even more possibilities, but convincing her that he’s a safe bet for their future might be a challenge that he’s completely up for.

I loved Rose from the first meeting and simply loved her more as her life was revealed. She’s passionate about the land, about learning of the past and the stories that the land can explain. She’s a fierce mama bear where her son’s best interests are involved, protective almost to a fault. I understood her, I got her, and her story touched my heart deeply.

Watching this couple come to understand each other, fall in love, and eventually have to fight for a future was an emotional journey. We have the necessary bad guy, more like a bad jerk in reality – but mostly we have two people coming to understand themselves, and their dreams through the eyes of someone they’re falling in love with. I loved Toby’s interactions with Rose’s son. He didn’t try overly hard as some folks do, Toby simply was himself and that was all that was needed to set that bond in place. Yes, there is “that moment” when I wanted to sit them both down for a stern conversation but overall The Cowboy’s Texas Rose is an emotional story of finding the right fit in a partner and celebrating that with love.

If you love a Romance with strong characters not afraid to show their strengths and weaknesses, a couple who light sparks off of each other long before they do anything about it, or just a good, solid story that will keep you flipping pages… then The Cowboy’s Texas Rose is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

[Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know…
All this thing about him being a playboy make that you are all the book waiting for the disaster, especially after how they met! When finally happens I was really angry because it was after their sex scene and it’s a very good one, romantic, hot and long… and all the disaster is just unnecessary at this point,
She runs away, he follows, but just a little, and then she left. I don’t feel like he sweats that much to find her, he is sad, yes, but I feel like he can do more.
Finally, like always, turns out SHE is the one apologizing, I don’t get it…
Sorry but this could be very very romantic…

No cheating
Misunderstanding- OW drama
Not enough grovel, and yes, you could think H doesn’t need to grovel because he’s been played too but for me, a man always needs to grovel in romance books!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc of The Cowboy’s Texas Rose from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in a new series by E. Elizabeth Watson, The Dixon’s of Legacy Ranch. In book one we meet the youngest of the 3 Dixon brothers, Toby. He lives on and runs his family ranch and his brothers live elsewhere in Texas. We learn Toby has been the wild brother, not wanting to settle down and be with just one woman. He is also trying to change the ranch away from a cattle operation as his late father had run. His other brothers have busy careers as well.

His land has some artifacts that his mother has allowed a university archaeology group to come research. The head of the group is Rose Morales. She is a single mother to a child with autism. He is back with her father while she is on the dig. She and Toby meet and she initially identifies him as a player, someone to avoid. She comes to realize that he has advanced college degrees and is serious about taking the ranch to the next level. However, the two of them realize they have a lot of chemistry and they have trouble staying away from each other. Rose shares what she is doing with Toby and he takes her to places on his land that aren’t common knowledge. She is so excited to see all the hidden archaeological treasures on his land. When her mother lands up in the hospital, she has to come home and get her son. Toby takes him under his wing so she can continue to work on the project. She sees Toby as a potential partner, not just someone out for a fun night after watching him with her son.

There is another member of her team that she has past unpleasant history with. As he sees Rose and Toby he becomes jealous and difficult to work with. He tries to get back together with Rose but she won’t accept his offer. His behaviors cause some angst and issues for Rose and Toby. Rose has had a couple of men in her past that caused her to be leery of a relationship with Toby.

The story is a wonderful romance and has some great suspense added in by the author. I enjoyed reading about the whole archaeological dig and the types of items one finds. Rose and Toby are so likable. They make a wonderful couple.

This is my first book by Ms. Watson and I am excited to read the second book in the series. I look forward to reading more about the other two Dixon brothers. I give this one 5 stars and recommend it.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Cowboy’s Texas Rose by E. Elizabeth Watson
They’ve found exactly what they weren’t looking for…
Archaeologist Rosalinda Morales is focused more on what’s in the soil and caves of the famed Legacy Ranch, rather than what’s on it—the sexy and charismatic cowboy heir. As a single mom to her special needs son, she knows what it’s like to struggle, so even though Toby Dixon has charm pulsing through his veins, she’s determined to resist.
Despite trying to mend bridges, Toby Dixon’s brothers have no interest in coming home, so he’s taken the reins of his family’s historic cattle ranch. Having vowed to his dying mother to settle down, he’s still considering how to move the company forward when Dr. Morales, armed with a sense of humor, a keen intellect and love for adventure, arrives with her team of students. Suddenly Toby begins to see more possibilities for his family’s ancient land and his future.
Toby can’t flirt his way into Rose’s life. He’ll need to up his game and earn the trust of the woman who isn’t just excavating his soil, but digging into his heart.
This is Rosalinda Morales and Toby Dixon's story.
“It’s Rose, right?” Stella said with a smile as she came back to serve the young woman standing beside him.
“Yes, ma’am,” Rose replied good-naturedly with a mock salute. “You’ve got a good memory.”
“Like a steel trap,” Stella concurred with a wink, refilling another customer’s cup at the same time.
“What can I do y’for?” “Payin’ up, hitchin’ up, movin’ out. Giving you back your restaurant.” Rose grinned,
“Ain’t any readier than I’ll ever be.” Toby Dixon swilled the dregs in his coffee mug and swiped his Stetson from the desk, plopping it onto his head.
His daddy would roll over in his grave if he knew what his youngest son was about to do.
Harold Dixon had been a hard man.
He never would have entertained the idea of changing the future of the Legacy— the family ranch— or the future of Dixon Cattle Company.
The Cowboy’s Texas Rose by E. Elizabeth Watson is a 2 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Mary Tilghman · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. Elizabeth Watson has made me swoon again. The arid hills of West Texas bloom with love and passion in her newest contemporary love story, The Cowboy’s Texas Rose. Rose, a twice-stung archaeology professor with a small child, isn’t taking any chances on her annual student dig. Sure, she can match the witty repartee of a ne'er-do-well cowboy who carries pink lacy underthings in his truck. But that’s all.

Everything changes once she discovers his love for the ancient landscape she studies and he calls home. The Panther Shaman site located on Toby’s Legacy Ranch is a treasure trove of an ancient civilization.

Attention, Indiana Jones, fans. The this-belongs-in-a-museum exchanges, along with author Watson’s descriptions of the landscape, the archeological digs and the history of long-gone peoples are for you. But it's more than that. This story, while paying homage to the work and research of archaeologist and the wonders of long ago they uncover, is also a deeply-felt love story.

After Rose and Toby learn of their shared passion for antiquities and ancient civilizations, they find passion of another sort kindling in their own hearts.

This isn’t an easy part of the world. From scorpions to jealous ex-lovers, everyone must remain on constant watch to stay safe. Can Rose and Toby let their guard down long enough to find their own happily-ever-after?

This Texas romance will have you turning the pages to find out.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect start to a new series.

This book kicks off The Dixons of Legacy Ranch series and I am already anxious to read the following books. In this book, we meet Toby Dixon, who runs Legacy Ranch while his brothers are off pursuing their chosen careers. Rose comes into Toby’s life when she brings her archeology students to study Native American artifacts found on the ranch. When Rose and Toby first meet, he didn’t make a good first impression. He is hungover and when Rose gets in his Bronco, she notices a pink bra some girl left behind. Rose is attracted to Toby, but she has been hurt by men in the past. She definitely doesn’t need a playboy like Toby in her life. She is focusing on her teaching career and raising her autistic son. But what people don’t understand about Toby is how much he has grown up since taking over the ranch. He has fresh ideas to bring the ranch it into the future and he has given up his womanizing ways. After spending time with Rose and her son, Toby has added one more thing to his future plans. He has decided he wants Rose and Sage in his life. And he will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

This was the first book, by this author, that I have read and I really enjoyed her writing style. Her characters felt real, with interesting backgrounds, and the descriptions of Legacy Ranch made it sound like a place I would like to visit. The story flowed well and kept my attention the entire time. If you are looking for a good, heartfelt romance, I recommend this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first road by this author and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book in the series and is a standalone with no cliffhanger. This is Toby and Rosa’s story.

Toby is the youngest of the Dixon brothers and now runs Legacy Ranch. He has a reputation with the ladies as a love them and leave them type and he has been ok with that until now. He is at Stella’s diner the morning after a rough night and meets Rosa who is there with the university crew. He never expected to be blown away by the project manager who would be spending the summer on his ranch.

Rosa is an archeologist on contract with the university to head up this summer’s project on the Legacy Ranch. She is a single mother who has worked hard to get where she is. She has had horrible history with men and has no intention of getting involved with anyone, but Toby is temptation personified. She knows his type though and is not going there again.

These two meet and the chemistry is instant. They have a playful banter that is fun to see. As their relationship evolves they start to see the true sides of each other. She sees he is a good man who is struggling with loss and responsibility and he sees the importance of her finding her own way and the love she has for her son and her family. There were a few things within the storyline that were left open, but otherwise this was an enjoyable read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboy’s Texas Rose is the first book in the Dixons of Legacy Ranch and the first book I have read written by E. Elizabeth Watson. It has a different perspective on ranching with the latest family owner being one who wishes to be more mindful of land usage. I liked Toby Dixon in spite of his careless way of his won life usage. However, it is clear that he is trying to keep his promise to his beloved late mother and curb his wild ways. Archaeologist Rosalinda Morales had her wakeup call when she became a mother so she is focused on work and her son. I loved her wit, geekiness, and her passion for archaeology.

Their story is one with attraction, lots of fun to read flirting and some difficulties caused by others more than themselves. An amusing and entertaining story. I don’t see how Toby’s two older brothers can be this witty but look forward to reading more about them. One last thing, Toby’s mother favorite hymn is also one of mine. Toby could identify with it but then most of us can. I will be looking to see if his brothers remember her singing it too.

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.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this first book of the series, we are introduced to the youngest of the Dixon brothers. When neither of his older brothers wanted to manage the legendary ranch, Toby stayed hoping to turn the ranch into something different. But since the death of their mother a year ago, he’s been drinking too much and having one too many one night stands.
On the morning of the lastest drunken night with a woman he’d just met, Toby meets Rose Morales. A young archaeologist who with her group of students is going to do some work in the caves and land of Legacy Ranch.
From the moment they meet , their attraction is strong. But single mom Rose has been hurt one too many times , and a relationship was not something Toby wanted.
TIme together and a child brings them closer together, but when doubts erupt and the hurt resurfaces, their HEA is put to a test.
This was a sweet story about trust, new beginnings, and the possibility of finding love when they least expect it.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Lorinda Humen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to finally enter the world of these cowboys, and it was everything I hoped it would be. Book one was fantastic. These characters just opened up, and I felt like I knew them. Toby Dixon, the playboy brother, who was so lost, then found by a Rose so strong she would never be scared of a scorpion coming up the shower drain. Toby became the cowboy hero Rose needed, not only loved by her and her father, but her son too.
E. Elizabeth Watson's understanding of the world of Archaeology, shined through in her descriptions of the sites, artifacts and the ranch itself. Her introductions into the world of the other two brothers have me anxious to meet them in the next two books. Come on book #2.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Dixon of Legacy Ranch series and it ticked all the boxes for me. Toby Dixon is the only one of the family that wants anything to do with running the families ranch and he has promised his mother that he will finally settle down though he isn't sure how he will go about that Then Dr Rose Morales her and her students are about to start excavating on his family ranch He is instantly attracted but no matter how much he flirts this single mother to a special needs child shows no interest in him. That is until she realises just how connected to his home and its history he is and when her discoveries uncover another side to the man she had written off has a flirt they may find they have plenty of common ground Can they build a future You will have to read to see

[Laura D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toby is the only brother who is willing to take over the legacy of his family's historical cattle ranch. He is known for being a playboy and needs to change his ways to be taken seriously with ranch dealings. When Dr. Rose shows up with the archaeology group Toby is drawn to her. Single mom Rose has no interest in flirting or dating the boss. When Rose sees the caring and kind side of Toby she lets her defenses down. There is some drama thrown in to mess with their new relationship. There are lots of details and explanation of archeological techniques.

[Margaret Heinrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope, Love, History well mixed make a great story!

Elizabeth Watson's THE COWBOY'S TEXAS ROSE is a fabulous insight into people and love. I just finished it and want to read it again, as the characters and plot were so good! She has a wonderful way of blending events and patterns of behavior into an engrossing revelation of romance. Don't want to say more and reveal something that might give away any pleasure from YOUR reading! See you later on the other side of a thoroughly enjoyable book!

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing about this book was one of the main characters Toby was just so not perfect, and he would say things that was completely not what I wanted him to say. Yet his and Rose’s romance keep me turning the pages and Toby building a friendship with Rose’s special needs son was the best. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I was gifted an early copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Viola Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. The description of scenery, the explanation of archeologic procedures in the study of rock art and prehistoric remains is fascinating. The detailed description of characters makes this a delight to read. Small touches, such as hail in the middle of the summer, bring realism to the book. I was completely caught up in the interaction of the characters and the decision each needed to make. This is a "must read".

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to this new series. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style. The characters were really well developed and I thought the story line was fantastic. From the moment I began reading this book I was drawn into the story and I could not put it down. I cannot wait to read the next brother's story. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the characters all very relatable and they sucked me in from the get go. Toby was not at all what he first seemed and experienced a lot of character growth which had you rooting for him.

I also loved the little teasers about the love lives of his brothers and I cannot wait for the next books in the series.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely novel with a prose that will reach into you with its beautiful combination of words painting a picture of love, of struggle, of thoughts. The story of Toby and Rose is romance at its best. There are some spicy scenes, too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is a single parent and an archaeologist. She is on Toby's ranch for a dig and wants to keep things professional, but they are drawn to each other. What will happen at the end of the dig, when she is set to leave again?

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

[Renée Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing, engaging and humorous book! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire reading experience. The characters are fantastic and they come alive with her storytelling expertise. If you enjoy your books with great characters, beautiful scenery and characters that grow and change for the better, this is definitely for you!!! I wasn't disappointed, you won't be either 😇

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good insta-love story

The characters are just real, dude. I hated Howie because we have all known Howie. Rose was three dimensional and excellent, but more importantly so was Toby. I was glad that the climax didn't go where I thought it would. The only failing is the actual writing but even its slight cringe factor can't detract from this being a solid 5 star.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. A steamy romance between two beautifully imperfect and relatable characters. I can’t wait to read about the other Dixon brothers!

Tule Publishing provided me with an Advanced copy for my honest review

[Amanda Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, easy read. As always, I love this author's ability to develop characters so that the reader feels connected to them. I cared about the outcome of their relationship with pages of meeting them!

[MA Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Having visited some of those ancient dwellings, this story became even more terrific. The author is skilled at slipping in additional surprises, creating a fabulous book.

[Elizabeth Stein · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could be retitled "Lust in The Dust." The writing was pretty good and the author researched what sort of relics might be found in that area, but basically everything was leading up to the big sex scene. (It took a long time to get there.) Everything after that was anticlimactic.

[TJ Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!

As a country girl who ran around with the rough boys as well as someone who enjoys my fair share of archaeological and history shows, I absolutely fell in love with this book! Not only is there a good bit of spice, but the story line itself was amazing!

[Amanda Chau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality

This book has a great story line, however it doesn't need all of the graphic sex to make it good. So please just stick to great storyline and leave the rest to our imagination.

[Louise Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful romance! I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Debra Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Rose and Toby. Also Sage. Good story.

[Coco.V]

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