Her Guardian Cowboy

Cook County #1

by Shylyn Ray

After a failed bodyguarding assignment, the last thing Presley West wants is to save a damsel in distress, but the spunky woman he finds standing on the side of the interstate in the pouring rain brings out his protective instincts.

Amber Barlow ran from the clutches of a demon, and into the arms of an angel. But the closer she gets to her guardian cowboy, the more her fear grows, because a gentleman like Presley could never want a woman with a past as soiled as hers.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2022

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is the first book in the Cook County series. I really loved the characters in this book. This book is funny, cute, and just fun to read. I really loved this book. I just loved every minute I spent reading this book. I really cannot wait to read the second book in this series because I loved these characters so much.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romance of 2 wounded souls who find each other but will that be enough? There is drama suspense passion and second chances in this fast paced romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Cook County series and the main characters are Presley West and Amber Barlow. Presley has an Elvis mad mother and runs a rescue service and ranch for horses, helping to rehabilitate them and then foster them out or find them new owners whenever possible. He started out following his father’s footsteps into the rodeo ring, but then joined the military wanting to help others, then finally became a personal bodyguard, mainly for women in bad situations. He left that work after losing his last client in tragic circumstances and has blamed himself for what happened, ever since. He comes across Amber after her car breaks down outside of town and she is locked out and getting soaked in a sudden downpour. She is extremely wary of him and even picks up a rock when he tries to approach her. She is clearly running from something bad and doesn’t trust men. He finally manages to get her into his truck by giving her his gun to point at him, and takes her back to his own home on the ranch. Amber thinks he is tricking her like her ex-Richard and wants to harm her, but the presence of his mother, a trauma nurse, soon puts her partly at ease and she enters the house and starts to settle in.
Amber is reluctant to tell Presley anything about what she is running from, but he soon makes connections and using his previous experiences and contacts, is soon able to find out more about her ex and her friend Carmen, who helped her to run. He knows what she started out as and can easily guess what she was forced into once under Richard’s clutches, but waits patiently for her to bring things up. He is the perfect gentleman. Who calls her darlin’ all the time and even offers her a job in their ranch office, as well as room and board with no strings. He is as protective as anything and finally ends up revealing what happened on his last case and why he changed jobs. She opens up a little, but her last beating and what else happened to her, see her end up in hospital, just as he was starting to romance her, leaving him reminded of his past failure and swearing never to go soft on his client again, as it means he might make mistakes and allow harm to come to her. She believes that if he really knew what she truly was and what she had done in the past, he wouldn’t touch her with a barge pole! They both have a lot to learn about each other and what they both want. A few hurdles to overcome, as the past has damaged them both in some way. As they say, love is blind and you can’t stop it taking your heart on the journey it’s going on. A great HEA ending to the story, no matter their differences and what each has gone through, to get to where they are now. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shylyn Ray has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Amber and Presley. Amber is on her way to Mexico after leaving her boyfriend who abused her. Her car breaks down and she has locked herself out of it. There is a storm and she is standing outside in it. She is thinking about walking to the town but Presley stops to see if he could help her. At first, she is a little unsure of him. He talks her into going with him to his house. Once they get to his house, Miranda, his mother gives Amber something to eat. After, she gets Ambers's name since she didn't give it to Presley. There is an attraction to Amber but Presley doesn't do anything about it. He is going to protect her and nothing else. The next morning they are having breakfast and Amber tells him that she is going to leave since she never planned to stay in town. He tells her that she can't leave since her car won't run. He offers her a job since the woman that had been doing it got married and left town with her husband. The job is typing things into the computer for the horse rescue that Presley runs. Presley gets her to accept the job. He then takes her to town and gets her some new clothes so that she can start her new job. Amber thinks that Presley is attracted to her and she comes up with a plan to get Presley. Her plans don't come out the way she planned. There is a little girl in town who needs some medical treatments and her parents can't afford them, so the town puts on a ride to raise money for her. At first, Presley wasn't going to compete but Amber gets to him and he agrees to do it. After Presley wins, he is with Amber when some man calls her old name. She doesn't pay this man any attention but Presley does and gets mad with the things the man says. As the man is walking off, he said something more about Amber and Presley goes after him. Amber gets it into her head that Presley wouldn't want someone like her so she decides to leave. It is going to hurt because of her feeling for Presley.
Will Amber get to leave Presley or will he stop her?
Will Amber's boyfriend catch her and make her go back with him. Presley or
will she go with Richard.
this was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone. .
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Hot, handsome rancher and former bodyguard Presley is everything a woman could want in a hero. Growly, with a mile wide protective streak and a giant heart, Presley can tell that Amber needs his help from the moment he spies her soaking wet form on the side of the road. Amber is a survivor. She has survived the death of both of her parents, foster care homes, and being being beaten and controlled by her slimy, brutal and manipulative ex. After the last beating, she finally escaped with the help of a good friend and her very old, junkyard worthy car. She has learned not to trust anyone, no matter how friendly or gorgeous, so she does her best to discourage Presley from helping her. But Presley is a born protector and refuses to leave her stranded. He finds a way to give Amber the power to hold him accountable for any actions against her and ends up taking her to his ranch. His mama is a no-nonsense, warm-hearted woman obsessed with Elvis Presley and quite capable of keeping her big, brawny son in line. For the first time in what seems like forever, Amber feels safe on the ranch and in the presence of Presley and his mama. Both soon learn that each of them have demons that haunt them, that they find hard to shake. Both tell themselves not become emotionally involved with the other for very different reasons. He believes emotion will hamper his efforts to protect her and he doesn’t want to scare her away. She believes she will bring danger and evil to his doorstep, and that her sordid past makes her unworthy of love, especially his. But the heart is a funny thing that wants what it wants, and these two are fighting a losing battle.

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

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Cook County Series and it is Presley and Amber's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Amber hadn't had a easy life and was running away from a abusive relationship when her car broke down and that is when Presley stops to help her but things don't go very smoothly as Amber is not only wary but doesn't trust easily after what she has been through but she decided to take a chance as she had no where else to go. Presley stopped to help a woman who's car had broken down and he could see the fear in her eyes even though she was sassy and tried to be strong but he managed to get her in the car and took her to his house where his mother would help calm the woman down and make her feel safe until her car was fixed. The more time that Presley and Amber spend together the stronger there feelings for each other grows but Amber doesn't feel like she is good enough for anyone never mind Presley who is kind, caring and keeping her safe plus she wouldn't want anything to happen to any of them as her ex was very dangerous so when her past comes back to haunt her she does the only thing that she can and that is run but Presley is there to stop and protect her. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it Presley and Amber got the happy ending that they both x as they were so perfect for each other. This is the first time that I have read anything by Shylyn Ray but definitely not the last as it was so well written and a real page turner and totally worth reading and I can't wait to read more of her books in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

As it’s only 164 pages it’s really rushed. Not very well written about severe trauma.

When Presley comes across Amber she’s soaked stood outside her broken down car. Amber is on the run from an abusive man, and is terrified of Presley. Presley takes her back to his ranch, and gives her a job, and holds her every night when she’s terrified and has nightmares. Amber very obviously has had something traumatic happen to her. It starts off being well written about her trauma, but sadly the author rushes through it and her trauma miraculously disappears. Without any counselling. 🙈

Presley has his own nightmares as he was a bodyguard whose client was murdered, and he’s never got over it. At first he pushes Amber away as he vows to protect her. Of course that doesn’t work as Amber won’t let him push her away.

Sadly the whole book is very rushed and there’s way too many details missing. One of the biggest details missing is the sex!! There’s no sex!
I’m not wanting to read a book where there isn’t a plot only sex, but there’s no sex in this. She starts taking her boots off and then it’s later on!! Felt like I was reading a really old Mills and Boon. 😂 I’d like to have known more about Amber and her choices in her previous life, as it’s not explained.

I did enjoy it but it was disappointing.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is full of pain, sorrow, regret, good people, respect, courage, support, understanding, acceptance, connection, chemistry and lots of love. Presley was a good man struggling with something from his past, he tried to to do what was right and sometimes he made me want to shake him. Amber was running from her past, trying to live a better life and trying to make peace with her past, all whilst hoping to stay alive and hidden.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship, their strong personalities and the connections they made and had with other characters. I liked the addition of Sun Diamond and Elvis to the story and I thought the story flowed well. There were moments that made me smile and laugh in this and there was one moment towards the end when Presley said something that made my heart lift, I've enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to reading the next from this series .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last thing Amber needed was for her car to conk out on her, even worse in the middle of nowhere and worse than that a tall and handsome cowboy stopping to help. Amber has guts and determination which she needs while on the run but struggles with how to feel when not only Presley but his Mum welcome her with open arms knowing she is being chased even when they don't know from what. Surprisingly both Presley and Amber have pasts holding them back from moving forward and while Presley is strong and determined you know he will need a spit fire to push him to move forward with life. You get some good laughs (I especially loved the part towards the end with Miranda and Ray!), great characters as well as animals and two at times bull headed people who have an attraction that could be so much more if they allow it. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Erzsebet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet yet emotional type of story that involved a woman fleeing her old and abusive life.
When her car fails in the middle of nowhere, a cowboy offers her aid and comfort.
Presley feels regret and guilt after a former client died on his watch so is extra protective of Amber.
She is hiding from the man who hunts her and doesn't want anyone else to suffer.
She doesn't know that the people of this county are selfless, kind, loyal, loving and supportive.
Will her past catch up to her?

This was unpredictable and a decent length which was the perfect bedtime read for me.
I love the idea of a strong, masculine, tall cowboy who is definitely drool worthy as a book boyfriend.
Presley recognises the skittish behavior she has and his ability to deal with her is adorable.
This is pure perfection in book form and I was glued to every page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley and Amber are both running from their pasts - she's actually running from an abusive relationship - he's metaphorically running from a perceived mistake. They could be perfect together if they can figure out to let go of their fears and live in the present. His mom is just terrific, and hilarious with her Elvis obsession. And you can't help but fall in love with Elvis the dog - such a little beggar. This is my first read from the author, and I already have the next books in this series lined up to be read. The story flows nicely, and the book is so well-written. It held my complete attention to the point that I was nearly at the end of the book but not realizing how close I was, wishing for more. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Cook County series. I absolutely adored Presley and Ambers story. It made me laugh and cry. I love Presley's mama, she's funny and a real firecracker. On a scale of 0-5 the heat level is a 1, bedroom scenes aren't descriptive, leaving it to the imagination. There is cussing in the book. Presley and Amber have both been broken by life. Presley is still haunted by his final bodyguard assignment and finding Amber on the run, from an abusive ex, needing protection brings out those feelings of failure again. He's determined not to fail Amber. Amber struggles with trust and feeling worthy, understandable with every thing she went through. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty McGovern Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

I had never read a book by Shylyn Ray but I loved the blurb and cover so I bought it. I am so glad I did this was a really good book! He was your perfect good manners, sexy, good looking cowboy who used to be a bodyguard. She was running from a terrible past but was no one’s victim. When he gave her his gun and told her to shoot him if he tried anything just so she would get in his truck out of the rain. I couldn’t believe it! That was one of my favorite parts of this wonderful story. That was just the beginning then the story gets really good! Lots of twists and surprises in this good book. Oh and I loved his Mom she was so great and that adorable dog. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me author, and I am glad I found her. ‘Her Guardian Cowboy’ is a quick read, a sweet story with plenty of emotion and sass. Presley and Amber’s story is about how two people can heal when they find their soulmates.

Amber and Presley are both running from their pasts. She is on the run, and he has withdrawn from his. One stormy night they end up in each other's paths as her car breaks down on the highway. Should she trust him?

Be prepared for Amber’s lack of filter, an Elvis-loving mama, and some other surprises. I am looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber is running from a bad man in her friend car. She is taking the long way to Mexico. Now she broke down on the side of the road in no man land. Out of the night comes a cowboy to help her since she locked the keys in the car. It is pouring rain and she is stand off at him. Will Presley make it pass her hard outside? Presley wants to protect her as he can see she need that, because he was a body guard and lost his last protector. Can they find a way to heal each other or not. This book had laugh and tears, but great to read.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers, if you’re looking for a new author, you need to read Shylyn Ray’s books. This may be her debut, but she gives us an engaging read with some wonderful characters. Presley meets Amber when her car breaks down and he luckily stopped to offer his assistance. Is she running from someone? Yes, she is. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say this book had me reading until the end. I think Amber was the perfect one for Presley and I really enjoyed reading about Presley’s sister and his mom and her surprise love interest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Presley stops to help a woman alongside the road with car trouble on a thunderstorm night, he knows deep down she’s going to be trouble. As a former bodyguard, his instincts tell him she’s on the run from something or someone and he feels obligated to protect her. Amber has secrets and a past that isn’t pretty, but can’t help fall for the handsome, gentle and caring Presley. When he finds out the truth, she’s sure he will kick her out. An awesome storyline with all the feels and wonderful characters that steal your heart. I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber is running from abuse when her car dies and Presley stops by in the middle of a storm to help her. Getting her back to his place, she calms down and he sees the signs he used to see as a bodyguard. The characters are well developed, with great backstories and determination, secrets and lots of pain keeping them from moving on. The storyline has drama, suspense, danger, big decisions, steam, acceptance and much more. Loved their entertaining situations and banter, mom and her quirks, and the big event - until the jerk shows up. Great ending to cap it all off.

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I could survive what Amber had to live through. She escaped but she’s scared and keeps looking over her shoulder. Presley rescues her from being stranded despite her fighting him on it and opens up his home to her, but he’s afraid to let down his guard and allow her into his heart after what happened to the last woman he protected. Amber and Presley have their share of arguments, misunderstandings, and funny moments. He was a little too rough with her at times in his quest to protect her. His bold certain singer loving mother was a riot.

[Sharon S]

Good beginning to the series.
Great characters and sometimes intense storyline.
Amber is on the run when her borrowed car dies alongside the road.
Presley is a cowboy that stops to help Amber and gives her a ride to town.
Amber has a past she’s embarrassed and afraid to tell Presley about. It also could bring danger to this man and his mom.
Can Amber learn to trust a man again? Can Presley keep her safe?
*Mild Adult language.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man named Presley, runs a ranch for rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ex military and ex bodyguard, guilt issue. Amber, car break down and running from abusive ex, trust issues and hiding past, rescued by Motorist passing by 8n torrential rain and offered accommodation and job. A dog named Elvis, mother obsessed with The King and employees interested in relationship.
Clean, simple but entertaining reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Presley and Amber. The author does a great job pulling you in with all the drama and danger and kept me glued to the pages with all the suspense along the way. She moves the story fluidly with detailed and descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story with a strong beginning.

Amber has run away from a man who abuses her. During her journey to safety, she is stranded in a heavy rainstorm and is found by a cowboy who takes her to his home. Because of her past experience with men, she doesn't trust Presley until he proves otherwise

A strong begin that sinks in the middle and ends with a sweet and happy ending.

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

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun evening read, with a refreshing take on the heroine's past and the accepting thoughts of the other characters. The chemistry was easy to see and the dialogue was fun. Not world changing but a lovely read! This is my first Shylyn Ray book but I doubt it will be my last.
These are, from what I can tell, pretty sweet romances, in comparison to the racier ones I have read recently but it doesn't suffer for it!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one.
Presley and Amber's was a quick and very good story. There are few twists along the way and some memorable characters that I think you will love. When reading this one expect some tears and some laughter to overcome you. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Joy Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Shylyn Ray that I've read. I found it to be interesting from page 1 and enjoyed the 2 main characters - Amber, running from an abusive boyfriend and Presley, a former bodyguard who feels guilty about a client's death. I loved both of them. The story is great. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

[LINDA L GAREY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your facts right on getting on horse. You always get on a horse on left side horse put your left

Foot in stirrup first and pull yourself up and throw right leg over horse. Always. You also need realize difference between bareback bronc and saddle bronc. You must not have fact checket.

[Kelly Hindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story with many twists and turns and about learning to trust again. From a young lady running away to being rescued and then learning that everyone is not the same. That just because someone hurts you in any or many ways does not mean that others will do the same and that you can stand up for yourself and learn to trust other. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series Cook Country. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more from them. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and fit well together. I enjoyed this book.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a start of a series. Loved this book. Great storyline. Book keeps you interested. Couldn't put book down. Recommend this book and author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.