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Rowdy Ranch #1

Having the Cowboy's Baby

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The laugh’s on him…

Fun-loving cowboy Beau McLintock is floored when ex-girlfriend Jess Hartmann announces she’s pregnant. He’s the life of the party, not a father figure. He has a joke to fit every occasion. But there’s nothing funny about this.

Although Jess feels honor-bound to inform Beau, he’s the last person she’d choose to be her baby-daddy. He’s not cut out to be a family man. He made that clear two months ago and she broke up with him. Yet now he’s singing a different tune. And turning up the heat.

With her baby’s future at stake, can she trust his change of heart?

Saddle up for the fun-filled Rowdy Ranch series! Steamy western romances from the NYT bestselling author who brought you the Buckskin Brotherhood of Apple Grove, Montana. If you like sexy cowboys, charming small towns, and laugh-out-loud adventures, you’ll love meeting the McLintocks of Rowdy Ranch.

ROWDY RANCH

The books in this series are standalone romances and can be read in any order.

Having the Cowboy's Baby (Beau & Jess)

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2022

1068 people are currently reading
340 people want to read

About the author

Vicki Lewis Thompson

498 books1,535 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.

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5 stars
711 (57%)
4 stars
347 (28%)
3 stars
133 (10%)
2 stars
32 (2%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,588 reviews91 followers
February 24, 2022
I think this maybe the first time that I haven't given 5 stars to this author. I did love it reading it, but I was feeling bored with the 'I'm not sure I want to marry' syndrome. I kept thinking to myself 'get on with it' 😂. Apart from that, I loved it! Lovely characters that I hope to read about on the Rowdy Ranch. 4☆
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
August 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! It was an easy one to read and get into it with the characters. I enjoyed watching these two come back together and figure things out. Jess and Beau were together and things were going great until comments were made about marriage and they split even though both still have feelings. Now about 2 months later, Jess is back and letting Beau know that she is pregnant. She doesn't think he is serious and wasn't expecting him to want to step up and be a father. Beau is set to prove that he can be a great father and trying to prove that he can be serious enough to have a serious and lasting relationship. I loved watching him become aware of what he was doing and how it bothered Jess to a point and then figuring out where that stemmed from. This was a fun and easy story to get into and stay engaged with. The family was fun and excited for more in the series.
I listened to the audio of this one and it was well done. I had fun and thought the narrators did a good job with the characters and story.
1,197 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2023
First of all I didn’t like the cover.
It’s not a man but a boy.
But it fits the male character.
I got lost within a few pages.
Pig racing, multiple fathers……..
It was hard to follow the way it was written.
So I gave up after 25%.
I just couldn’t figure out wether they were 16 or 36 years old.
The dialogue was so childish and immature and chaotic.
Profile Image for Beth.
191 reviews30 followers
September 6, 2023
Listened to the audiobook. Such a fun story with excellent narration!

Shoutout to my friend Michelle Price, who did a fantastic job narrating the female MC’s chapters. Great character voices and so much heart. I’d be happy to listen to her again!
108 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2023
2.5 stars. It says all the books in this series are standalone but it didn’t feel like this one was . Half the story was over as the book began. They’d already been dating and a joke about marriage causes them to break up. We never find out exactly what the joke was and the book starts off with her already pregnant. I also didn’t feel any real chemistry between these two. I struggled through.
528 reviews
November 17, 2022
Ugh. Did not care for this at all. Beau was a man child who didn't want marriage/family. Heroine was right to break up with him because she did. He kept repeating that mantra throughout the book but at the end asks her to marry him & she immediately accepts?? Please.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
November 9, 2024
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/2/2023)! 🎁
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,370 reviews46 followers
January 7, 2025
I usually like this author but the whole multitude of different fathers and half sibling children was off putting for me.
I read book eight first, about the mother as I didn’t realise I had book one.
I couldn’t finish it due to the ridiculousness of the mother, Desiree, having all those children by different fathers.
I decided to read this as I already had it on my kindle, thinking/hoping it might explain some of the reasoning for the weird dynamics of this family.
It didn’t.
There is no clarity, no background, no explanation as to who is who in this family. Names are given but I couldn’t tell you all their names or ages by the end of this book.
His mother apparently just got pregnant by selected men when she wanted another child, then kept sole custody of that child. Ended up with ten children, one is adopted though.

The actual story here was okay, if weak in places. Then we get a rushed ending and another whirlwind romance is done.
Beau seemed like a mummy’s boy, man child at times.
But I could understand his thinking.
We get stupid reasons for a 30 year absentee father. But hey, give the sperm donor a break, he’d had a tough childhood, but at least he sent expensive gifts every year.
Beau had no example of how to be a couple, how to share his life with another, how to be in a relationship. Yes, there was Marybeth and Buck, who are considered family, but they weren’t taken into account.
And though his older brother Sky is apparently married, that was inferred to be a whirlwind romance too. So little help there.
This all wraps up neatly but with no clear showing of Beau’s change of thinking and attitude. He just has a short talk with his mum, then he’s ready to settle down, be a husband and father.
By the end, I’ve decided this series to not be to my reading interest and really do not plan to read any more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lorie - Bookaholic.
370 reviews19 followers
July 12, 2023
Having the Cowboy's Baby (Rowdy Ranch Book 1)

Surprises come in threes -

This is not the first book I have read by this author. I will definitely read all seven books in the 'Rowdy Ranch' series. There is nothing like a good cowboy.

Beau should have inspected those condoms before using them considering cats like to chew on whatever they find, especially if it crinkles. He should have made sure the safety was engaged before handling the gun. His c**k was a loaded gun. A functional condom is a safety device.

"The Mclintock family is now in session. Beau and Jess have the floor."
"In approximately seven months, we'll be parents."
His family may be wondering if they will get back together because of their pregnancy. I Jessica's mind. that's not going to happen. Her brief speech wasn't a crowd pleaser among his family, even leaving Beau a bit surprised. He just agreed with whatever she said.

The whole moral of this story is for Beau Mclintock to overcome his fear of marriage and commitment. When they find out a baby was on the horizon, would Jessica raise this baby by herself or would Beau eventually become father material. He had a lot of work to do.

Find out what happens in the end. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Rukhsar (rukhsandbooks).
515 reviews16 followers
January 26, 2022
She’s done it again! What has she done? Well, not only has she written another book but she’s also started another series! Presenting you with the first of the Rowdy Ranch series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. A touching tale about a cowboy that didn’t know he could love the woman of his dreams and his unborn child with all of his heart forever and ever.

Compared to some of her other tales, this one definitely tugs at your heartstrings, the story is deeper, and the characters have more layers–from the pigs, to the kite, to the yarn. I especially liked the yarn and proposal because there’s a couple of pun-tastic ways I’d like to be proposed to and one of them involves yarn.

In my fairytale version, my man will slip the ring onto my current knitting project so I know he wants us to tie the knot. One of my other ideas is for him to propose around horses so that I can take a pic with the horse and send it to my closest friends to say “you heard it from the horse’s mouth”. If he can’t get us to horses then a ring in my popcorn is also an option so that I can say he popped the question. I’ve got some other ideas but these are some of my favourites. Do y’all have any fun proposal ideas?
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
January 22, 2022
Having the Cowboy's Baby (Rowdy Ranch, #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Thank you Vicki for a new "Cowboy series". This picks up where THE BUCKSKIN BROTHERHOOD ended with Sky's story. (you don't have to read that story to enjoy this one - but I always advise anyone to read all of Vicki's books) This is Beau McLintock and Jess Hartmann's story. After a misunderstanding on Christmas eve Jess broke up with Beau only to find out later she was expecting their baby. This is where the angst and fun starts - she doesn't think he is father material - he wants to prove he is - and what did Midnight have to do with it all? We meet the whole McLintock family and fall in love with all of them, also Jess's dad and more friends. This book kept me laughing and shedding a few tears the whole time. There were some tears, lots of laughs and steam to get us to a very HEA
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic Funny Great word building Wonderful characters Happily Ever After Steamy Entertaining Tear-jerker Page-turner Easy-to-read
56 reviews
January 30, 2022
I really enjoyed “Having the Cowboy's Baby”, #1 of the new Rowdy Ranch series. This is Beau McLintock and Jess Hartmann's story. (Brother Sky’s story is in “Gift-Giving Cowboy”, #10 of The Buckskin Brotherhood.) After a disastrous encounter on Christmas Eve, Jess breaks up with Beau, tearing him up. Two months later, Jess comes back with shocking news, despite their precautions, she’s pregnant. (Her cat Midnight has much to answer for.) Jess doesn't think Beau is father material, but he wants to prove he is. The whole McLintock family gathers for a family meeting and take on Beau’s cause. While Beau is working on his plan, we get to know more about the McLintock family, while listening to their ideas and bets, on Beau’s success. We fall in love with all of them, also Jess's dad and more McLintoch friends. There are a lot of laughs, tears and lots of steam. I’m really looking forward to each of the family’s stories.
I was not raised with cats, but Ms Lewis Thompson’s physical descriptions of Midnight’s movements, are truly visual.
Profile Image for Marti.
3,320 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2022
Having the Cowboy’s Baby by Vicki Lewis Thompson is a quick fun read. The book focuses on the Rowdy Ranch and the McLintocks. Beau is rarely serious. He uses humor to push people away. His family knows this about him and doesn’t let it get to them. His family is everything to him and his siblings and his mother - well - she rules the roost.

Jess Hartmann had broken up with him, despairing that he would ever stop being so Beau. So she was surprised to realize that she was pregnant from their time together. She of course needs to share this information with Beau, but is totally unprepared for Beau’s reaction about being together. Jess thought she would be raising the baby alone. With Beau and his family’s help there might be a way forward for the two of them.

Having the Cowboy’s Baby by Vicki Lewis Thompson was a fun read!
444 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2025
A good story

A pleasant albeit predictable story that I liked. Good, flowing plot and very likeable characters, very well-developed regarding the emotional aspect. Beau McLintock and Jessica Hartmann were recent exes. Not because of lack of feelings but because Beau had a few problems and self-doubts regarding commitment and family. But an unexpected pregnancy (thanks to a very naughty….cat!) makes an appearance, forcing both of them to face their feelings head on and make important life decisions. I loved the fact that the pregnancy was just the catalyst they both needed to self-reflect and recognize truths about themselves and happiness. I also enjoyed the presence of secondary characters and the wisdom they bring to the table. A good first book in a series of interconnected standalones. 4 stars
Profile Image for Tina Louise.
Author 4 books6 followers
February 1, 2022
What a great way to start a new series! Vicki Lewis Thompson knocked it out of the park with Having the Cowboy's Baby; the first book in the Rowdy Ranch series.

Jess Hartman thinks Beau McClintock is a clown, the life of the party, so when she informs him, she's pregnant, she has no expectations of rekindling their brief romance. After the initial shock wears off, Beau enlists the help of his family to prove to Jess he can be a good dad to his child. That's where he finds himself in the process.

This book made me laugh as Beau trained and worked with Slim and Pickens and then cry, when true feelings come to the surface.

I loved this book so much; it will be on my small shelf of those I reread! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I'm so glad I did!
Profile Image for Annette.
3,170 reviews9 followers
February 6, 2022
Love this because it deals with a couple that knows they have the chemistry and are compatible in the bedroom but how do they deal with one another outside the bedroom. Being open about their expectations, opinions, feelings and how they bridge the gaps to give a relationship a try. I think they mature as they get to know one another better by communicating more so they can better understand the differences in their personalities and the why they respond to one another the ways that they do. Love the family dynamics and how they all work together with the couple without drama but with loving support. Wholesome, heartfelt and fun story. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.
590 reviews
March 9, 2025
Beau McLintock
Jess

Jess shows up at Beau’s place after they broke up on Christmas Eve and announces she’s pregnant. Beau is shocked knowing he used protection only to find out Jess’s cat Midnight had punctured the package. After announcing the baby to his family Beau talks Jess into staying with him for a week to show her he can be trusted with the baby. He also wants her back. Jess agrees because she wants Beau back too. This is a good, fast and sweet read. Beau has to work through his feelings of not being the marrying type. Beau has to face his feelings he has for his father and how these feelings have affected him emotionally. I would read more books in the series and by this author.
1,510 reviews20 followers
October 13, 2025
This is the first book in the Rowdy Ranch series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. Beau McLintock is a fun-loving cowboy who never considered being a father. Jess Hartmann and Beau used to date but broke up a few months ago when they couldn’t agree on marriage. Jess shows up and lets Beau know that she is pregnant. With a baby on the way, Jess doesn't feel that Beau will be able to help her raise the baby. But Beau surprises her by trying to prove to her that he can be a great father and is serious about making their relationship last. As they navigate their complicated past and uncertain future, Jess must decide if she can trust Beau's changing heart to help her raise their child. I really enjoyed this fantastic western romance novel.
3,577 reviews40 followers
January 28, 2022
The queen of cowboy romances has done it again. She’s given us a new series that is sure to entertain us for a while.
In this first book, the story centers around Beau McLintock and Jess Hartmann. These two had been in a relationship but Beau was the happy go lucky, and definitely not the marrying or father type and they broke it off.
But what happens when Jess informs Beau she’s pregnant? Will he want to get involved? Will Jess be able to trust her heart to Beau and give him a chance?
This was an entertaining story with interesting characters.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
23 reviews
February 4, 2022
I was sad to say goodbye to the Buckskin Brotherhood, and Apple Grove, with the final book in that series. I feel better now that I have read this first book in the Rowdy Ranch series. More sexy cowboys. More charming small town folks. More happily ever after. There are adorable racing pigs. Who could resist that?
I love the way Vicki writes laugh out loud funny dialog, and scenes that literally bring tears to my eyes, they are so touching. Beau and Jess are very likeable people and I was rooting for them throughout. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a delightful,funny,touching, romantic story.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,487 reviews19 followers
January 25, 2022
A playful cat gives Beau a second chance with Jess. After she threw him over on Christmas Eve, he didn’t expect to see her again but she’s back in his life due to an accidental pregnancy. He’s the wrong guy for her isn’t he? Or is his thinking all wrong? Great characters and one mixed up guy. Loved the family dynamics and looking forward to the other siblings finding their HEAs in future books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books91 followers
April 11, 2025
When Beau McLintock and his ex-girlfriend Jess Hartmann announce she is Having the Cowboy's Baby ~ Rowdy Ranch ~ Book 1 everything changes for the fun loving cowboy. He has a second chance with Jess and his family is behind him as he decides to show her he wants to be a good father and husband to her.

I loved the support of his family, how they all welcomed Jess, her father's support and understanding and Slim and Perkins racing and most of all how sweet and scincere Beau was as he showed Jess love and his maturity.
329 reviews
February 4, 2022
4 1/2 STARS

If there's one thing that Vicki Lewis Thompson does extraordinarily well it is to write a doggone sexy cowboy.
Beau is sweet, funny, and yes, good looking. He's also going to be a daddy. The last thing Jess expected was to find out she's pregnant, especially by her ex-boyfriend, but her happiness outweighs her shock.
This cowboys baby may have been unplanned, but certainly not unwanted.
I read an advanced copy of this book

Profile Image for Eileen.
2,298 reviews
February 22, 2022
Beau & Jess

I love first books in a new series. new town, big family, group of women friends.

Beau is commitment phobic and said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Now he is in the doghouse and needs to show he can be good Dad material for his upcoming new baby.

Jess fell in love and thought he was the guy. Turns out he needs some clarity from his Mom about his Dad in order to make the leap.

It was a good story with lots of new introductions for a new series.
119 reviews
July 13, 2023
Awesome Love Story

The author did a great job with this story line and the characters.You can count on the trouble for the young lovers. You will enjoy meeting the characters and a few things about them and a family secret. I was very happy with the HEA. This author has written other books I have read and she has a way to draw you into the lives of her characters.Love cowboys then you will enjoy reading this book 💓
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,025 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2023
Beau is a down to earth, hardworking rancher/cowboy. His last relationship didn't end well withJess so when he sees her driving up the long drive he's curious. The surprise visit by Jess finds them having to discuss the fact that their safety measures to avoid pregnancy didn't work because Jess is pregnant and they will have a baby in August. I couldn't put this book down and love Beau and Jess's story!
472 reviews
December 1, 2023
Having the Cowboy’s Baby

This book was written about a family In Montana. This state was on my bucket list until this year.
So I know that area. It made me feel comfortable with the story.
Beau is a Cowboy that feels he doesn’t want to be tied down. He is dating Jess who wants to marry and have kids someday. Unfortunately
She breaks it off. Then finds out she is pregnant. Read to see how they handle the situation. I’m reading the series now.
Profile Image for Martimagic.
410 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2022
Great beginning of a new series! As always Vicki Lewis Thompson brings wonderful characters to life, using all the feels we like in a good romance novel. Lots of learning and growing up for the hero as he works to earn the trust and "adult" respect of the heroine. Can't wait for the next entry in the series.
1,460 reviews13 followers
February 5, 2022
This is a fun book! I love this author’s writing; I enjoy the family type atmosphere; and, this new series is definitely a hit. When I met Beau McLintock in the last Buckskin’s book, he made me laugh and I loved him. Now he has his own story and a new love in his life. It’s a great story-line with humor, heavy topics and friendly banter. Thanks for a great read.
456 reviews
August 11, 2023
The Cat chewed the condom! Oh, that’s new one! Love a story that starts with humor. M. Morrison is a great secret. Wowsers, very small town and she is popular even though she has lots of kids and most of the kids have different dads. This son’s dad has never shown up again. Yet, he got his girlfriend pregs (see cat impact). The mom impact will have to undo the dad impact.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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