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Baker Brothers of Copper Creek #2
Cowboys & Crushes
She left Copper Creek to forget about him. Now she’s back. And he can’t stop thinking about her.
Ruby McDaniel has been crushing on her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. Since age seven, to be exact. But he broke her heart. She went off to college to forget about him.
Now she’s ready to start her dream job in New York City and get on with her life. Well, almost. First, Ruby has a little payback in mind. She’s determined to let Cal Baker know exactly how it feels to be pushed aside.
Cal Baker is a charming cowboy whose life is perfect. Everything comes easy for him, and he always gets his way. With money to spare, a successful ranch, and a steady stream of adoring girlfriends, he doesn’t want for anything.
But then little Ruby comes home for a visit. Except she’s not so little anymore. And she’s just his type—a brunette with golden brown eyes who is smart, confident, and happy. He’s smitten.
Can Ruby stick to her plan? Or will she fall in love with the cowboy who’s after her heart?
Ruby McDaniel has been crushing on her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. Since age seven, to be exact. But he broke her heart. She went off to college to forget about him.
Now she’s ready to start her dream job in New York City and get on with her life. Well, almost. First, Ruby has a little payback in mind. She’s determined to let Cal Baker know exactly how it feels to be pushed aside.
Cal Baker is a charming cowboy whose life is perfect. Everything comes easy for him, and he always gets his way. With money to spare, a successful ranch, and a steady stream of adoring girlfriends, he doesn’t want for anything.
But then little Ruby comes home for a visit. Except she’s not so little anymore. And she’s just his type—a brunette with golden brown eyes who is smart, confident, and happy. He’s smitten.
Can Ruby stick to her plan? Or will she fall in love with the cowboy who’s after her heart?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2021
354 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 30, 2021
The second book in the series brings Cal and Ruby's story. The author once again brings strong characters and an interesting story line. She pulled me in with the second chance romance,all the drama and twists and turns as well as the growing love. It's well written with descriptive scenes,moves fluidly and is a great addition to the Baker Brothers series. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 11, 2021
Cowboy & Crushes is the second great book in this new series Baker Brothers of Copper Creek. This book tells us the story of Cal and Ruby. Ruby is the little sister of Cal's best friend Travis and has a crush on Cal. Cal said she was cute and let her hang around them all the time. Cal was handsome and was a player. When Cal's senior year prom came his girlfriend Julia broke up with him. He told Ruby she could be his prom date. When he didn't show up she goes over to his house and he is standing on his porch kissing Julia and took her to the prom. He completely forgot about Ruby and she hurt for years over that event.
Fast forward 3 years and Cal is working his part of the ranch and he loves working on cars. Ruby has just finished her college degree on Marketing and has a job waiting on her in New York in 3 months. She has agreed to help organize the floats etc for the parade for the Festival. She comes over to Cal's house to ask Cal to be the mechanic on the parade vehicles. She has a plan to crush Cal's heart like he crushed hers. When Cal sees her he is smitten. She had grew up into a gorgeous woman. He wants to date her knowing she has only 3 months there. That is way longer than he has dated any girl in his life. But he says he is not ready to settle down and just wants some fun. Let the games begin.
Fast forward 3 years and Cal is working his part of the ranch and he loves working on cars. Ruby has just finished her college degree on Marketing and has a job waiting on her in New York in 3 months. She has agreed to help organize the floats etc for the parade for the Festival. She comes over to Cal's house to ask Cal to be the mechanic on the parade vehicles. She has a plan to crush Cal's heart like he crushed hers. When Cal sees her he is smitten. She had grew up into a gorgeous woman. He wants to date her knowing she has only 3 months there. That is way longer than he has dated any girl in his life. But he says he is not ready to settle down and just wants some fun. Let the games begin.
April 10, 2022
Did his luck wear out?
Ruby and Cal have an interesting story first off she has had a crush on him forever. Now he of course seems to not know about after all she is only his friend’s sister. Guess what things kind of change when Ruby comes home for a visit all grown up. The author wrote this one with a bit of humor mixed in and it was a delight to read. Now make no mistake there are some sad parts but that is what made this such an awesome book to read. I have read these books out of order but I can tell you this series is world class. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Ruby and Cal have an interesting story first off she has had a crush on him forever. Now he of course seems to not know about after all she is only his friend’s sister. Guess what things kind of change when Ruby comes home for a visit all grown up. The author wrote this one with a bit of humor mixed in and it was a delight to read. Now make no mistake there are some sad parts but that is what made this such an awesome book to read. I have read these books out of order but I can tell you this series is world class. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 25, 2022
Ruby had a crush on Cal, her brother's best friend, ever since she was a child. Cal's a player--never sticking to one girl very long. He doesn't want to get serious yet. Years ago Cal hurt Ruby by standing her up as a date for the prom. Now Ruby has finished college, won a great job in New York, and stopped back in her hometown before embarking on her new life in New York. Her goal was to make Cal sorry for the way he's treated her, reverse the situation, and break his heart. Can she do it, or will she remember why she crushed on him all those years ago? Will Cal notice the woman Ruby has become, and how will he react? A fun cowboy romance.
January 2, 2022
Hit me right in the feels
All of Ruby’s feelings from an unrequited HS crush to hoping for some revenge I can certainly identify with. Been there done that. This was going to be just 1 chapter tonight, okay maybe 2 but I couldn’t put it down. Every person in this series comes across as genuine and someone you want on your team come what may.
I honestly didn’t see how a new series could come close to the Millers but this will definitely be on a par with them. Bring on the HEA for Brandon please. My heart hurts for him.
All of Ruby’s feelings from an unrequited HS crush to hoping for some revenge I can certainly identify with. Been there done that. This was going to be just 1 chapter tonight, okay maybe 2 but I couldn’t put it down. Every person in this series comes across as genuine and someone you want on your team come what may.
I honestly didn’t see how a new series could come close to the Millers but this will definitely be on a par with them. Bring on the HEA for Brandon please. My heart hurts for him.
January 15, 2022
The bigger the flirt, the harder they fall. If that isn’t a saying it should be. Cal Baker is a love em and leave em guy, but he seems to do it without making enemies out of the ladies. Ruby McDaniel has had a crust on her older brother’s best friend since childhood, but Cal has never stepped across the friend line, at least not intentionally. That hasn’t stopped Ruby’s heart from being broken. Again, we have romance, humor, and angst, but there is also sweetness and love. The question is can either Cal or Ruby trust the other with their heart. I really enjoyed this book.
April 28, 2022
Cowboys and Crushes
This was another great story about the. brothers finding their true love mates? Ruby had graduate from college and had returned home for the summer. She had secured a job in advertising in Nw York.. Cal was great friends with her brother Travis. Cal had disappointed Ruby when they were in high school. He had asked her to prom, then didn’t show, took an old girl friend. She returned home from college with a little vengeance in her heart. She would hurt Cal like he had hurt her, then she would be on her way to new York.
This was another great story about the. brothers finding their true love mates? Ruby had graduate from college and had returned home for the summer. She had secured a job in advertising in Nw York.. Cal was great friends with her brother Travis. Cal had disappointed Ruby when they were in high school. He had asked her to prom, then didn’t show, took an old girl friend. She returned home from college with a little vengeance in her heart. She would hurt Cal like he had hurt her, then she would be on her way to new York.
December 6, 2021
This is Cal and Ruby's story. It was obvious from the start how this would end but all the twists and turns, challenges and misunderstandings, bumps and detours along the way made it impossible to put down. This is the 2nd book in the Baker Brothers of Copper Creek series and what a great series it is. This book is well written with well developed characters. Natalie Dean is a very talented writer.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 5, 2022
Great Read
Another Copper Creek Cowboy great read. The grouchy looking Baker boys make the girls swoon but attractions are strong. Cal and his childhood friend Ruby find that sparks with maturity causes the heart to wake up to the joy and possibilities of a future along with some bitterness of the past. The heart knows what it wants and they finally overcome the hurts to find happiness. A fun book...keep reading.
Another Copper Creek Cowboy great read. The grouchy looking Baker boys make the girls swoon but attractions are strong. Cal and his childhood friend Ruby find that sparks with maturity causes the heart to wake up to the joy and possibilities of a future along with some bitterness of the past. The heart knows what it wants and they finally overcome the hurts to find happiness. A fun book...keep reading.
April 15, 2025
Try, Try again
Both parties messed this one up for years. Ruby had a crush on Cal for years. There was a misunderstanding about senior prom (10 years ago) that colors everything a jealous green. But now Ruby is back from college but is destined for New York and a marketing job, so they sort of date but both of them have back story that messes it up. Cal finally gets the girl, but the future is still up in the air.
Both parties messed this one up for years. Ruby had a crush on Cal for years. There was a misunderstanding about senior prom (10 years ago) that colors everything a jealous green. But now Ruby is back from college but is destined for New York and a marketing job, so they sort of date but both of them have back story that messes it up. Cal finally gets the girl, but the future is still up in the air.
December 5, 2021
they have know each other forever her brother is his best friend, she left for college but now she is back for awhile than has a boy elsewhere. will there be a second chance for them or will she let the pain of having a crush on him ruin the chance. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest reviewl very good story
December 7, 2021
Cowboys & Crushes is a sweet, second chance romance. Ruby and Cal had tremendous chemistry, but their path to an HEA is a torturous, twisty, bumpy road. This well written book kept my interest. It was fun to watch these two gain maturity and face their feelings for each other. I am looking forward to the next Baker brother's story.
January 11, 2022
Cowboys & Crushes
Cal and Ruby have a great story. Ruby had tagged along with her brother and his best friend, Cal, when they were growing up. She had even had a crush on him until he stood her up for the prom. Now she is visiting and helping with the parade. Ruby has asked Cal to help get the vehicles ready. She is out for revenge but what happens when that plan backfires?
Cal and Ruby have a great story. Ruby had tagged along with her brother and his best friend, Cal, when they were growing up. She had even had a crush on him until he stood her up for the prom. Now she is visiting and helping with the parade. Ruby has asked Cal to help get the vehicles ready. She is out for revenge but what happens when that plan backfires?
February 27, 2022
Cowboys are men with feelings
Natalie Dean does it again! She tells a great romantic tale with twists and turns to keep you wondering, "what's next?" Ms. Dean writes with feeling. You can feel the passion, the pain, the sorrow and the joy. I look forward to the rest of the Baker Brothers' romances.
Natalie Dean does it again! She tells a great romantic tale with twists and turns to keep you wondering, "what's next?" Ms. Dean writes with feeling. You can feel the passion, the pain, the sorrow and the joy. I look forward to the rest of the Baker Brothers' romances.
August 13, 2022
Cal and Ruby are two crazed people!
What arollero of emotions Cal and Ruby deal with. They can't make up their minds what they want from each other. I personally think Travis and Tate should butt out of their love lives and let them settle things for themselves.
Thankfully, they finally wind up together. I think. Time will tell.
What arollero of emotions Cal and Ruby deal with. They can't make up their minds what they want from each other. I personally think Travis and Tate should butt out of their love lives and let them settle things for themselves.
Thankfully, they finally wind up together. I think. Time will tell.
January 25, 2023
What a couple of hard headed people
For me, Ruby was not a likable character. Her pursuit of revenge was off putting.
I love the sagas of the Baker brothers. Book 1 was great. This one, not as great. Cal was stubborn too. It was encouraging to see his metamorphosis into a grown man with more understanding. Ruby won me back in the end.
For me, Ruby was not a likable character. Her pursuit of revenge was off putting.
I love the sagas of the Baker brothers. Book 1 was great. This one, not as great. Cal was stubborn too. It was encouraging to see his metamorphosis into a grown man with more understanding. Ruby won me back in the end.
February 1, 2023
Great follow-on story to Cowboys & Protective Ways. I think I preferred the relationship between Cal and Ruby to Ian and Jessica as it felt a bit more real. The relationship moved a bit fast as well (again, it is a quick read, so understandable), but it helped knowing the two had known each other for years. The banter was great between the couple as well.
February 22, 2023
3.75 stars... Both of the MCs annoyed me with their inability to make up their minds. I finished the book because I have a goal to meet. It was an ok plot. I'm not a fan of this trope - an MC starting a relationship with a lie. But the book was easy to read and clean. If you really love clean, contemporary Cowboy romance, then you may enjoy it more than I did.
January 1, 2022
Cowboys &Crushes
Another great book in this series on the men of Cooper Creek.This one is about a brother and his family trying to tell him how to fall in love without loosing himself in a life he thought he knew all about . This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Another great book in this series on the men of Cooper Creek.This one is about a brother and his family trying to tell him how to fall in love without loosing himself in a life he thought he knew all about . This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
January 5, 2022
Enjoyed reading
Great story about Cal and Ruby. She was his best friends sister. Growing up. They were always together now she is back from college. She holds a grudge because of the prom. They have to work out their problems and fine love.
Great story about Cal and Ruby. She was his best friends sister. Growing up. They were always together now she is back from college. She holds a grudge because of the prom. They have to work out their problems and fine love.
May 19, 2022
Ruby and Cal
Ruby has had a thing for Cal since forever. Her brothers best friend, she hung around them since she was a little girl. Now she's all grown up and out of college and ready for romance.
Ruby has had a thing for Cal since forever. Her brothers best friend, she hung around them since she was a little girl. Now she's all grown up and out of college and ready for romance.
July 2, 2022
ebook
He’s a player and she’s had a crush on him for years. She’s home from college and he suddenly notices her. But she’s not interested as she’s going to NYC in the fall. He’s persistent and falls for her but she still likes him but not ready.
He’s a player and she’s had a crush on him for years. She’s home from college and he suddenly notices her. But she’s not interested as she’s going to NYC in the fall. He’s persistent and falls for her but she still likes him but not ready.
July 9, 2022
A good read!
I enjoyed reading more about the family. It was interesting to see how Ruby and Cal reconnected and how their feelings changed and developed from when they were younger.
I enjoyed reading more about the family. It was interesting to see how Ruby and Cal reconnected and how their feelings changed and developed from when they were younger.
July 18, 2022
Cowboys & Crushes
She has had a crush on him for years. He is a serial dater. Now she has returned to give him a bit of his own medicine. Find out how that turns out! Good story, about honesty and communication. Good clean romance.
She has had a crush on him for years. He is a serial dater. Now she has returned to give him a bit of his own medicine. Find out how that turns out! Good story, about honesty and communication. Good clean romance.
October 24, 2022
Entering Book
The book happy very interested and was hard to put down. Nice to Read something that one’s suggesting of sex but not describing it in detail. Anyone that enjoys light and easy reading would enjoy this book.
The book happy very interested and was hard to put down. Nice to Read something that one’s suggesting of sex but not describing it in detail. Anyone that enjoys light and easy reading would enjoy this book.
April 24, 2024
Great read!
Book two in this series did not disappoint.Cal is as stubborn as they come, but he knows when to say enough. Fortunately for him, he listens to his brothers and his best friend....
Another goodread!
Book two in this series did not disappoint.Cal is as stubborn as they come, but he knows when to say enough. Fortunately for him, he listens to his brothers and his best friend....
Another goodread!
May 2, 2024
What a sweet love story I am really enjoying reading about these brothers and the mischief that they can get into. This book in the series didn’t have any suspense but it did have a lot of drama! Read Cal and Ruby’s story!
August 17, 2025
This was not my favorite story. I did not care for the way they played games and toyed with each other‘s emotions. The characters were very immature and neither one should be in a relationship. It had a good ending, but the characters annoyed me through the whole book.
November 29, 2021
What a great story! Cal turned out to be a total romantic, definitely not what I anticipated based on book one in this series. This story is a dream come true for many.
January 7, 2022
Loved this story
I really enjoyed this story. I only wished it was a bit longer with more details favour Cal and Ruby. Great story.
I really enjoyed this story. I only wished it was a bit longer with more details favour Cal and Ruby. Great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews