Cowboy Ely

Cooper's Hawke Landing #7

by Rhonda Lee Carver

To really move forward, sometimes it takes going back to the very beginning.

Trying to escape a bad relationship, and desperate to find a safe place for her daughter, Megan Nash returns to Cooper’s Hawk. Down-on-her-luck, she has no other choice but to ask her estranged father-in-law for help. He still blames her for the accident that killed his son, but learning that he has a granddaughter, he offers them a roof over their heads…just until Megan can get back on her feet. Yet, being civil isn’t part of the bargain.

b>Her patience will be tested.

Ely Dutton has physically healed from a mortar blast that left him injured and scarred, but he’s still on the mend mentally. Realizing hiding away in an isolated cabin on a mountain isn’t helping, he decided to go back to his childhood home. He accepts the position as Sheriff, because a man has to live. He likes things simple, so when an old connection is sparked with Megan, he attempts to ignore his attraction.

A relationship, especially with a single mother, isn’t part of his five-year plan.

Further complicating what should have been an easy job as Sheriff, he must shed light on a mysterious death that is connected to Megan. As new clues are exposed, so are the secret layers of her past.
In a quest to navigate their new lives and old demons, Megan and Ely will learn to trust, love with all their hearts, and let go of hurtful ties.

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Contemporary

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2022

About the author

Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.

By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).

Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.

Be sure to stop over at BookBub to get the latest on updates and sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhond...

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two hearts in need of healing learn trust is the soil upon which love grows. Ely has come home to Cooper’s Hawk to not only start a new life as Sheriff but heal mentally from his time overseas. He’s found a place to live and is starting to feel at home when Megan crashes into his life. They get off on the wrong foot, but he soon realizes she’s like a skittish colt, ready to bolt at any moment. He tries to ignore his attraction to her but to no avail. Heaven help him, he’s falling in love with her. When he’s forced to investigate the accident which killed Megan’s husband and his high school friend, Bray, years ago, will he be compelled to lay charges against the woman he loves? Can he and Megan both let go of the past and forge a future together?

Cowboy Ely is a western romance featuring two later-in-life characters who against all odds find love. I’m becoming a big fan of later-in-life romance. I’m a firm believer that it’s important to show people older than thirty find love and have great amounts of passion. Cowboy Ely is also about coming home, healing from past hurts, and moving on. I connected with both Ely and Megan right away. Both are dealing with trauma, each in their own way. Their journey, both together and apart, was an emotional one and irresistible to read. The plot moved at a great pace with new and old characters in this series to interact with. The romance unfolded naturally and full of steamy good times. The descriptive narration pulls the reader into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Cowboy Ely and I can’t wait to read the next couple in this series. Yes, this is book seven in the Cooper’s Hawk series, but it can be read on its own. Fans of western romance will love Cowboy Ely. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan and her daughter are trying to find a safe place. They return to Cooper's Hawke to stay with her father-in-law, who blames Megan for the accident that killed his son. Her neighbour is Ely.
Ely has retired from Special Forces. He has physically healed, but is left scarred. He accepts the position of Sheriff. Ely remembers Megan from school.
I enjoyed reading this story, although not my fave of this series. 4☆

[Kelly Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper’s Hawke Landing never disappoints. We meet Ely Dutton and Megan Nash as well as Megan’s ten year old daughter, Molly. This book is full of love, acceptance, breakthroughs, chemistry and mystery death. The way everything unfolds is a perfect balance. The subject of PTSD is a hard subject for many and sadly it never goes away completely but can be often managed. Rhonda Lee Carver approaches this subject well. We see a glimpse of what many experience with PTSD and how they cope . She also shows the pain of loss and the guilt that can be associated with such loss. In my opinion, I felt the pains of each individual and could relate. I haven’t been in the exact situation but I do understand the great loss and how easily it is to draw within ones’ self.

The description of the main characters allows my imagination to draw clear pictures of each. One could say that my imagination pictures one handsome new sheriff in town. One who carries himself in such a way that turns heads and gives an air of safety to those who know him. Coming back to ones’ hometown can’t be easy but both Ely and Megan are willing to give it a shot. In my mind, I see Megan as one who might be shy or drawn in until comfortable with others but has strength that is hidden behind those things. I see a beautiful 5’2” force of nature when it comes to those who she loves.

The chemistry between the characters drew me in. Not only do we have sparks between Ely and Megan but we also have the family dynamic at play between multiple characters.
Relationships can be hard; having a bird's eye view, so to speak, we see situations that happen often in real life. This fact makes it relatable which is a plus. Second chances are always special regardless of the type of relationship. Rekindling friendships are the best in real life and fiction. The story is beautiful in every way.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ely had isolated himself with his dog Finn after retiring from the military. He finally feels ready to move forward with his life, accepting the position of Sheriff, Ely Dutton has returned home to Cooper's Hawk. Things weren't quite the way they were since his father had sold the family ranch and moved away. His sister Penny is still there and that's where he's staying until the place he's renting is ready for occupancy.

Megan Nash had to leave Texas, opening her heart only betrayed her. Now she's doing what's best for her daughter, even though it means facing her father-in-law. Returning to Cooper's Hawk is hard, many blamed her for her husband's death including his father. She can only hope the man will let them stay so she can get her life together. Noah doesn't make it easy but finally allows her to stay in the furthest guest cottage from the main house. The work he lays out for her is more than she expected but she wouldn't shy away from it.

Megan and Ely's first encounter is less than friendly as he's distracted and spills coffee all over her shirt. He almost looses his patience with her too, but manages to stay civil.

Little did they know that wouldn't be the only time they see each other that day. Megan has an envelope to deliver to the Sheriff, who is attempting to make coffee when she enters his office.

Things are far more complicated than they appear, as this story unfolds. Ely doesn't realize he wants a relationship and Megan only wants what's best for her daughter.

As threats come in choices are made and surprises happen. I didn't see that coming.

Fun and entertaining with some action and some sizzle!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young man, Ely Dutton leaves Cooper’s Hawk as fast as he can. Ely vows not to become his father and enlists. After surviving a mortar attack, Ely retreats to the mountains living as a recluse while fighting his demons. Ely finally returns home to become the Sheriff of Cooper’s Hawk. It’s a small town and people don’t forget ANYTHING, but Ely vows to win over the people of Cooper’s Hawk. What he doesn’t expect, is the instant attraction he feels for the woman he just dumped coffee on….Megan.

Megan Nash and her daughter escape a bad situation in Texas to return home to Cooper’s Hawk. She has very little money and needs a safe place to live. So she returns to her ex-father in law’s house. It’s not a happy reunion as he still blames her for his son’s death, but it’s her only option. When he finds out he has a granddaughter, he allows them to stay, but is not civil to Megan. Megan and her daughter live in a tiny, run down cabin on the property where she works day and night without pay. When she crosses paths with Ely, her ex high school crush, she’s devastated that he doesn’t even recognize her. But the old spark is still there!

Another wonderful novel in the series! I truly enjoyed how Ely and Megan were able to help each other overcome their pasts. Megan’s little girl quickly won over her grandpa and helped heal the past between her mom and grandpa. I highly recommend this novel! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

[Colleen N · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sad it’s over

I was surprised there was a new sheriff in town, but I absolutely loved this slow burn romantic story of Ely.

This poor guy has been through the ringer, and it was nice to see how he took all of his sadness, anger, frustration, and despair, and turned it into the man he has become today. This author has a way of weaving words into brilliant storylines and making you feel connected to each and every character in all of these books. This series is one of the best series I have picked up in a very, very long time. I didn’t read anything in between. I read all seven books back to back and that’s a lot coming for me. Seeing how a family overcomes such a deep loss and where that leaves, the father of the man and the wife of the young man was written very realistically. I could feel all of those emotions and how his father and the young man’s wife would each deal with his death differently.. This entire story pulled at my heart strings in one way or another from page 3 to the last page. The only sad thing is that the series is complete and I want to read so much more about so many of the other characters maybe the author will put together one last book that is like an epilogue of all the couples and where they are now. One can hope and beg right? If you enjoy a contemporary romance series that has good looking cowboys and strong females I highly recommend picking up this one.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Ely is the 7th book in the Cooper’s Hawke Landing series. Ely Dutton is back in town after his time in the military. He is trying to overcome his mental and physical injuries from his time spent overseas and returns to Cooper’s Hawke to become the new Sheriff in town. Megan Nash, a down and out widower with a young daughter, returns to Cooper’s Hawke to get back on her feet and so that her daughter can get to know her grandfather. Penny, Ely’s sister, and Megan were childhood friends so Ely and Megan know each other but have not seen each other since Ely left for his military service. This is a heartwarming story about rekindling a friendship and then watching it progress. I love the relationship that Ely was able to develop with Megan’s daughter, and the relationship that Megan and her daughter were able to reestablish with her daughter’s grandfather. This book is well written, emotional, and has a few twists and turns that I really enjoyed. This is a great series. I am looking forward to more.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To really move forward, sometimes it takes going back to the very beginning.” “It seemed a bit cliché…the sister’s best friend crushing on the older brother, but there was no denying, once upon a time she’d been madly in lust with him.” Chemistry sizzles between them from the beginning. A second chance at happiness. A second chance at life.

Ely was staying with his sister temporarily. He also had a new job as the Sheriff. He had retired from Special Forces two years ago. He still suffered from PTSD, but it was getting better. Then Megan returned to town and turned his world upside down.

Megan had returned to Copper’s Hawke with her daughter. She had left over ten years ago when a tragic accident took her husband. Now she has to ask for help from the one man that hates her, her father-in-law. He gives them a place to stay temporarily. Then she runs into her high school crush.

[Christine Lacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Ely is a welcome addition to the Coopers Hawke Landing series. It has become one of my favorite of her series. Rhonda has such a way with the words that weave you into the story.

Ely was wounded in the military and after a few years of therapy and medical procedures, he finally returns home. For a while he stays with his half sister, Penny.

Megan had lost her husband on the night of their wedding in an unfortunate accident. Feeling everyone blamed her for his death, she fled town. She returns after years being gone, with a 10 year old daughter in tow. She goes to her father in law’s house for help.

Now both she and Ely are living in the cabins on this farm. After their first disastrous meeting, they start these comical conversations. The emotions between them are growing also.

But someone is out to get Megan. Since Ely is the new sheriff, it’s his job to find out what’s going on and their romantic connection just keeps getting deeper.

I love the banter between Ely and Megan. I love Molly, Noah, Finn, Sam and Penny.
I don’t know if there are any more books in this series but I love all of Rhonda’s books. This is an awesome story.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Ely
(Cooper’s Hawke Landing Book 7)
Rhonda Lee Carver
Cooper’s Hawke Landing draws Megan and her daughter home so she can get back on her feet. Her father-in-law isn’t too welcoming. Ely has returned after being injured in the military to become the sheriff. Can they overcome their past and look forward to a future? Patience, perseverance, trust, love, and forgiveness all must be dealt with in hopes a second chance at a happy ever after can be accomplished.
Strong characters who deserve a happiness and definitely forgiveness add to the continuation of Cooper’s Hawke Landing. Definitely a story that shows compassionate characters.
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 of the Cooper's Hawke Landing Series. This book was absolutely fantastic and a powerful story and a emotional story filled with heartbreak and loss and grief and trying to find a way to let go of it. Megan Nash was a young mother and widow who needs help but will the only person be welcoming her back? Ely Dutton has been physically healed from motar blast that left him injured and scarred and taking a Sheriff position but when he meets Megan can he fight his feelings for her or will someone try to kill her?this book will have you so enthralled and have you going through many emotions. Rhonda has done it again.

[Sara Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about this silver haired fox! Ely is the new sheriff in town after hiding away for some time. He's back home near his sister and ready to get on with his life. Little did Ely know that a death would be keeping him busy right away. Megan is down and as a last resort decides to go back to where it all began, although it won't be the homecoming she'd like, it was her only option. Megan did not expect Ely and the impact he'd have on her life, or the evil that follwed her. While they are both figureing out their paths in life and what they want can they see each other on their paths? This was such a heartwarming story with plenty of action to keep you hooked!

[Amanda Bordner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan and Ely’s story was an amazing addition to the Coopers Hawke Landing books by Rhonda Lee Carver.

They’ve both returned back to their hometown after major change and loss in life. They’re adjusting to and finding a new “normal” and begin to reconnect. When secrets from the past are revealed, will what is discovered tear them apart?

Just loved this second chance story, and ESPECIALLY because the two characters were a bit more mature. Rhonda writes stories that touch you and make you connect with and feel such a strong connection to the characters from the get go. You root for them and cheer them on, and want to console them during the tough times. 5 stars!

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only do you get romance,  you get mystery and second chance love.  During the peak of the drama I found my heartbeat cranking up.  Ely sure grew up before his return to Coppers Hawk, he's still not sure he's capable of committing to anyone.  He catches himself intrigued by his sister's friend Megan now that she has come back to introduce her daughter to Noah who happens to be Molly's grandfather.  Things take an interesting turn when newly appointed sheriff Ely and his deputy Sam can't solve strange events.  This had a very surprising twist.  I would recommend this story with all its intriguing twists and turns. 

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not let the beauty of this romance fool you, because Ely and Megan's story is a heavy weight hitter emotionally. This enticing read is lush with intense emotions, drama and twists that had me glued to the pages and feeling all the feels. Poignancy and genuineness are sprinkled with enough sweetness to create a story that is sinfully easy to connect with and trust me when I say that this couple is totally going to have your heart melting as they steal it. I am volitionally posting a candid review.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance!

Cowboy Ely: Wow! Excellent story of returning home! They might not have wanted to come back to the one place they grew up but it was time to come home! He came home because of his sister and he need to get back to the living and took the job as sheriff and she came home to get away from problems and need Noah to meet his granddaughter. Megan need to come to terms it was not her fault what happened to Bray all those years ago. She belonged home and her daughter need to where her heritage is an learn about her father. It was a great story!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance romances and I also love characters that are more mature. Rhonda Lee Carver has given us both in this story. He comes back to town after serving in the military and is the Sheriff. She comes back to town after her husband dies. The emotion between Ely and Megan was so good and I enjoyed watching these two work through their relationship. Ms. Carver has another hit in this story and that is why she is one of my favorites.

[Eileen McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ely Dutton and Megan Nash and her daughter return separately to Coopers Hawk as broken people. Both find themselves living in cabins on Megan’s father-in-laws property. The baggage these two people carry would fill an 18 wheeler! In addition, there is a murder that seems related to Megan’s past. Tons of drama, twists and turns and intrigue pulled me into this wonderful tale and kept me turning pages. Great read!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Megan Nash is out of options for her and her 10 year old daughter, she turns to her ex-father-in-law for help. Begrudgingly he agrees to help them temporarily. Little did Megan know that her childhood crush would reenter her life when she returned to Cooper's Hawke, bringing complications of his own! Great read to see how these two lost souls help each other mend their pasts and learn to trust and love again!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Cowboy Ely" (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 7) by Rhonda Lee Carver was a great read. I enjoyed Ely and Megan's story. This was a nice addition to this series. This story was full of romance, passion, hot cowboys, veterans, entertaining characters, small-town life, law enforcement, family and friends, twists, and more. I hope we'll be seeing more stories about Cooper's Hawk in the future. Highly recommend it to all fans of romance, cowboys, veterans, law enforcement, small-town life, and series.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC Copy of this book through BookFunnel and I voluntarily chose to review it. I am a really big Rhonda Lee Carver fan I know when I see her name on a story, I will get a great read. This is a well written story with wonderful characters. This is the 7th book in this series, and I have loved each one of these books. I would encourage everyone to get this one. This one is worth your time. Loved this one!!!!!

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming home to Cooper's Hawke Landing isn't going to be easy for Megan Nash. After the death of her husband she finds herself heading back to the Nash farm to raise her daughter and introduce her to the Grandfather she hasn't met. While running errands she finds herself covered in coffee and frustrated by Ely Dutton who turns out to be the new town sheriff. I find the characters are lovable and makes you want to root for them. The story is well written and kept my attention from cover to cover!

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about rekindling a friendship and then watching it progress. Megan and her daughter head home so she can get back on her feet. Ely has returned after being injured in the military to become the sheriff. Someone is out to get Megan, since Ely is the new sheriff, it’s his job to find out what’s going on. I love the banter between Ely and Megan.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan and Ely have known each other since high school and she is his sister Penny's best friend - but a rough start to her marriage and a bad accident sends her running from home. In her recent return the bad feelings are still there and they have a very rough road to find their HEA! I read a bookfunnel version and freely leave my review!

[Melanie Bowers]

I love Rhonda Lee carver.I love all her books and this was no exception. An easy to read, fun romance between Megan- a single mum coming home to escape a bad past relationship and get back on her feet and Ely - her high school crush. I love them together. I love the way they work together to make their lives better and how they overcome their past.

[Bobbi Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems cliche a girl crushing on her best friends older brother and he forbidden to look at her. Megan and Ely find themselves both back home after a rough few years. They both carry burdens. There are people in town that have expectations from them and would rather them leave again. They have to figure out how to trust someone again to find out if going back home can heal them both.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ely has moved home to Cooper's Hawke and is taking the sheriff's job. Megan Nash has come to ask her husband's father for a place to stay. Megan and her daughter had to leave Texas due to a bad choice in a boyfriend. Megan and Ely are both staying in cabins on the property. The is some suspense as it seems someone is after Megan. Loved all these books

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one about Ely and his struggles he deals with and how he comes back to become sheriff and turn his life around. Megan and her daughter, Molly are looking to start over and live in Cooper's Hawk. A standalone read but a great series pulling you in.

[Martimagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

always Rhonda Lee Carver delivers a story that will keep you enthralled from the very first sentence. This is a story of two mature adults with lots of "baggage" finding their way to a new beginning. All the emotions and plenty of drama with our desired HEA.

[Leann McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn

This story is a slow burn with loads of feelings.
Ely has his demons to conquer but so does Megan. Together they work through a minefield to get to their HEA. Great addition to the series.