Cowgirl Tough

The Raffertys of Last Stand #4

by Justine Davis

Sometimes the line between love and hate is blurry…

Cody Rafferty and Britt Roth may have grown up on adjacent Hill Country ranches, but they’ve always been oil and water. Britt knows it’s because Cody’s a tech nerd who doesn’t get the ranch life she loves. Cody knows it’s because Britt’s a single-minded cowgirl, who lives to complain about the technology he loves. Their families claim it’s because they were born within minutes of each other.

They’ve declared one truce in their lives—when Cody’s father was KIA overseas. Neither of them expected there would be another, but when Cody suspects a crash of his test drone spooked Britt’s champion barrel racing horse, endangering her life and future, he calls a second truce. Prodded by guilt, he steps up to take care of Britt and her beloved horse. Britt balks, but Cody’s hard to refuse even for a tough cowgirl. Forced together, they learn surprising things about each other neither ever knew.

Can these two lifetime adversaries learn to get along, especially when they realize that the sparks that fly between them aren’t fueled only by anger?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Westerns

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2022

About the author

Author biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.

But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.

Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)

Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.

But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And now, the official stats:

Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was interesting. In a good way, of course. Enemies-to-lovers romance with a great cast of characters. Since Cowgirl Tough is the fourth installment in the Rafferty's of Last Stand series, there are quite a few secondary characters. For me, that only made this novel better. I won't go into the details of why these two are enemies and they most definitely were. But when an incident causes them to be in close proximity for a period of time, Britt and Cody see things in a new perspective. I truly enjoyed this book and this series has been enjoyable as well. In particular, I am a huge fan of this author. As a matter of fact, I am currently re-reading her Texas Justice series which also takes place in Last Stand, Texas.

Do I recommend this novel? Absolutely! I also recommend you start from the beginning or at least go back and read book one after you read this. The Rafferty's have had to deal with tragedy and as a result has shaped them into the men they have become.

This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

[Christina Montminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this final story in The Raffertys of Last Stand series. It was definitely an eye opener when we get to see the animosity between Cody & Britt. There's was a love/hate relationship, in which they loved to hate each other until they are put in a situation where their close proximity makes them see the other differently than they have their whole life. Cody & Britt, born on the same day, in the same hospital at almost the same time & living next door to each other their entire lives have been sniping at each other since they've been able to talk & walk. Britt the championship horsewoman & Cody the Techie have fought many times over Cody's drones or as Britt calls them his toys, now Cody fears that his drone has caused Britt's latest accident & feels guilty for her injuries. Now Cody is taking care of her & they're both learning new things about each other that they didn't know or didn't care to know before. Now things are getting hotter as both their families are slowly pushing them closer together, as if they know something that Britt & Cody don't. What once started out as enemies tolerating each other has turned upside down & now they're falling in love hard & fast. This book brought a lot of emotions but the ending literally had me in tears. Definitely recommend. Thank you to Tule Publishing & author Justine Davis for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowgirl Tough is a tough “enemies-to-lovers” trope that seems to have started at birth. Cody is the youngest with his story being number four in the Raffertys of Last Stand by Justine Davis. I know some people who are enemies in my small town but none started as young or carried it as long as Cody and Britt.

I really thought I would have a difficult time liking these two characters since much of their behavior is still in the childish realm. However, they are very likable. Also their family members voiced many of my thoughts so I know that they actually knew that the behavior was immature. This combination characters plus a memorable conclusion made this an enjoyable story to read.

Justine Davis just has that knack for creating characters that feel so real and authentic. The dialogue is full of wit, sass, and honesty all within a smooth paced plot. You can’t go wrong with a Davis contemporary cowboy romance.

4.5 Stars
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.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in the Raffertys of Last Stand series.

Born on the same day, within minutes apart, at the same hospital in Last Stand, Texas, Cody and Britt’s mothers used to think they would end up together. But Cody and Britt couldn’t be more opposite. Growing up as neighbors, they constantly got on each other’s nerves. Cody is a tech guru and Britt is a cowgirl, all about barrel racing and her love for horses. When a tragedy strikes and Cody is there for Britt, even staying with her at her house, it just might be enough for them see things in a different light. Maybe they really are meant to be together.

I couldn’t get enough of this book. During the rest of the series, Cody never really stood out among his brothers, but in this book, he turned out to be an amazing young man. I was so happy when him and Britt found their happily ever after.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc of Cowgirl Tough from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the fourth and final book in Justine Davis’ series The Raffertys of Last Stand. I am sad that the series has ended. I loved getting to meet all the Rafferty brothers, their mother and their significant others. Justine also did a great job at introducing the reader to each of the 4 Rafferty sons so that by the last book I had already learned some things about Cody. It was also wonderful that some of the Last Stand characters from other books were included in these stories. Cody Rafferty is the youngest brother and is well liked by the people in his hometown. He is very intelligent and in addition to helping with ranch duties, he has designed drones and ranch computer programs and a score of other highly technical projects.

Britt Roth and her parents live on the ranch adjacent to the Rafferty’s. She and Cody were born on the same day and grew up together. Unfortunately they have hated each other since birth. Their families are friends and the two of them exchange barbed comments and pranks. Britt is barrel racer and has been making a lot of money racing with her horse that is extremely difficult and high strung. She hates Cody’s drones and believes they are dangerous around her beloved champion race horse.

One night Cody is flying his drone and it crashes somewhere that he can’t see it. His mom receives a call from Britt’s mom that her horse has returned to the ranch without her. Cody is worried that his drone’s crash caused her horse to get spooked and throw her. So he makes it his mission to search where he suspects the drone crashed and finally locates her. She is badly injured on her wrist and ankle. She goes to the ER and is treated. Cody volunteers to help take care of her, calling for a truce to their normal behavior.

As Britt and Cody spend time together, they talk and share things about themselves, helping each other figure out why they’ve had such issues with each other in the past. This all allows them to become closer. They also realize they have a lot of chemistry. Because of her injuries, they aren’t able to act right away on their new and unbelievable feelings toward each other. Cody feels guilty because he thinks he has caused her accident. Yet without the accident they would never have found themselves falling for each other. He doesn’t want to tell her what he’s afraid of for fear it will ruin their new romantic relationship. As secrets come out, there is a lot of angst and suspense about what the future holds for the couple.

It is a wonderful book, a terrific series and such likable characters and families. I hope Justine will be writing a new series soon. I’ve given this 5 stars and highly recommend it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A captivating take on the “enemies-to-lovers” trope, “Cowgirl Tough”, by Justine Davis (Tule Publishing), is a wonderful conclusion to The “Raffertys of Last Stand” series, featuring an awesome “computer nerd” hero and a heroine full of grit.
As usual in Justine Davis’ books, the characters are strong, honorable and likeable (and beautiful).
Cody is a fascinating character, all that smartness and creativity working for the benefit of family and community. I liked watching him working, so focused and oblivious when immersed in his technology inventions.
The honesty and sweetness of this handsome cowboy nerd are very appealing.
I got a little frustrated sometimes with Britt’s stubbornness but she’s a good, decent person.
It’s really fascinating to watch these two going from decades of hostility and even open animosity to a very slow romance.
There’s an innate sadness in this family – the Raffertys – and the author never allows us to forget that, but this is a great “feel good” story, about family, friendship and love.
It was also great to see again some of the remarkable Highwaters and their extended families.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Last Stand, Texas with the Rafferty family. A family whose lives were forever changed when the father of the four boys was KIA.
As a fan of this series, I have come to love the story of each son. Stories that at time were heartbreaking until the sons found their significant other.
Last unattached brother is Cody. He is the youngest, and more of a computer wiz than a rancher, but one that very much loves the land and his family.
His lifetime nemesis is his neighbor, barrel champion, Britt Roth.
While out on her family ranch in the middle of a storm, her horse spooks leaving Britt injured. Cody fears that one of his drones is the culprit and takes it upon himself to take care of her.
What started out as guilt, starts to become more personal as feelings develop. But what will happen when Britt finds out the truth ?
Though it was less dramatic than previous stories, it was just as sweet and touching. This is a series that I will be sad to say goodbye to.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by TULE. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justine Davis’ fourth, and final, book in The Raffertys of Last Stand series Cowgirl Tough, is the culmination of all four books in that every character’s journey to this point was given pinnacle attention and brought to a wonderfully gratifying conclusion.

Cody and Britt’s journey was especially fraught with acrimony until a pivotal misconception turned their barbs and snide comments into a touching, and heart warming HEA. The most memorable moments truly brought tears and encapsulated all the feelings that had driven the couple over the years. Their tenderness (once turned around) to each other was heartwarming, and their chemistry palpable…one of the most satisfying HEA’s I’ve encountered in some time.

All in all this was a quite satisfying ending to a very emotional and rewarding series.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the stories of the Rafferty’s of Last Stand and have so anxiously awaited Cody’s. I really adored this one as it was a lifelong journey for Cody and Britt to come together and build on the chemistry they already had. Their story is very sweet and it was fun to follow along as they both learned to see what was right in front of them.

Another thing I enjoyed about this story and the stories of the rest of the Rafferty clan is the author’s ability to tackle the subject of grief and how differently people grieve while also being able to present a “life goes on” theme without making it cheesy to where it just wiped away the characters’ pasts.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in what has been a fun series and I do believe that the best couple was left for last It is basically an enemy to lovers story Cody Rafferty and Britt Roth may have been born at almost the same time and grown up in one another's lives but that is where the similarities end she is a no nonsense cowgirl while he loves and breathes technology When a mishap with a drone of Cody's means that Britt and her horse are injured he immediately steps up to care for them Will the close proximity make them realise that they aren't so different after all and maybe they are perfect for one another

[Rita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked parts of this (the parts featuring Cody with his family), but I am not a fan of enemies to lovers, or the “we thought we hated each other, but really it was passion” idea. That second one shouldn’t even apply here because they started fighting each other from birth, apparently. Passion shouldn’t enter into it before puberty, so using that rationale here just feels squicky. And frankly, if I dislike someone I don’t find them attractive, period. So I just found this whole romance unbelievable.

Also the way they kept sniping at each other into their late twenties was so immature that I didn’t like either of them until they finally grew up!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read. Cody and Britt grew up together. They were born on the same day, at the same hospital and they are neighbor's. Their mom's always hoped that they would be close but they were complete opposites. When something happens to Britt Cody fears he had something to do with it so he steps up to help her. With their close proximity feelings and chemistry starts to develop. Will they be able to move forward together or will they stay stuck in the past? I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Eve Gaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cowgirl Tough! I love all Justine Davis's books so that's no surprise. Cody and Britt were a great couple, even though it took them a while to see it. I adored Cody. He was so sweet and so lovable. Britt is definitely Cowgirl Tough, so it was intriguing to see how she dealt with her vulnerabilities. As is always the case with Davis' books, the animals (horses this time) were characters as well. Cody's horse Trey was amazing. I want one like him. A must read for fans of Justine Davis and new readers alike!

[Delacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable installment in the 4th book in the Raffertys of Last Stand series. I liked the enemies to lovers plot, which I thought was well done, with our combatants slowly learning that there were many positives to each other. The book had a little humour, but also dealt with grief and how everyone process it differently. Overall, a very good story. * I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for honest opinion.

A great addition to The Raffertys of Last Stand series, Cowgirl Tough by Justine Davis.
The storyline was very good with it's character development, the ups and downs between the main characters that kept me intrigued from first page until the last page. A total win.

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one went straight to my heart, Britt and Cody are the couple of book four of The Laffertys Of Last Stand series and the sparks flying between them makes this book a great addition to a great series I highly recommend.
If you like reading about family, friends and slow romance please don’t miss this one.
I was given an advance reader’s copy in exchange for my review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice conclusion to the series. Cody Rafferty and Brit (Brittany) Roth.
Nice cover on audiobook (Hoopla) with two gorgeous horses .. perfect for this story.
Bluebonnets and the hill country of Texas ….
Justine Davis is a favorite author of mine. She writes wonderful characters and interesting tales.

[Debra M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute opposite attraction romance between two kids who grew up next door,one would rather ride her horse and practice barrel riding while the other would play on his computer and his tech toys until one fateful
day that changed everything.
.

[Jane Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One mother Four brothers and four Women

A beautiful set of books about a family that knows loss and eventually love.
Although written about the same family each Man has a unique experience finding love and how their strong mother holds it all together.
Enjoy the read 📚

[John Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I really enjoyed this series and the people who are in it. The people and their back stories , the circumstances they had to deal with, and the animals made me enjoy the series even more. Great reading.

[Gail G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the accuracy with the writing about horses. Both the H/h were immature and hated each other, their hate turned into passion. But the heroine was still too impulsive and quick to anger.

I borrowed the audio book from the library. The narrator was male and did a good job.

[Louise Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemy to lovers story. Cody and Britt have argued with each other since they were kids. He is a tech nerd and she is a cowgirl who loves the ranch life. When Cody's drone scares her horse both Britt and her horse are injured. Cody blames himself and helps both the horse and the girl recover. The more time he spends with her the more he feels for her. Maybe it was there the whole time. But now he can't not feel this unfamiliar pull toward her. Maybe there was always something there behind the arguing and fighting. Good read.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I see Justine Davis' name as the author of any novel, I know that I am in for a wonderfully written book. And this one is no different.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

***1/2

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book the series was pretty good

[Jewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read the rest of the series, you shoyuld read this one. Otherwise, it's a very predictable romance. It was my lease favorite of the four.

[Feija · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ I really really liked this book!!

[Paula Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemy to friend novels are so neat. First, there is the establishment of the enemy relationship-the sarcasm, the cutting remarks, the underhanded tricks. Then, a flipped switch-confusing undercurrents, liking each other, trying to change the MO. This novel has it all plus lots of tension and energy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.