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The Tenderfoot
Master of the Western adventure, New York Times best selling author Robert Vaughan is back with another page turner sure to please Western fans of all ages.
When Turquoise Ranch hand Curly Stevens went into Flagstaff to meet a new employee arriving on the train, his first impression of Rob Barringer is of how big and strong the tenderfoot is. Rob’s eagerness to learn and his willingness to take on the most difficult jobs wins everyone over, including ranch foreman Jake Dunford, and Melanie Duford, his beautiful daughter.
Rob is well-educated, and his demeanor and intelligence catches the attention of Melanie, causing him difficulty with ranch manager Lee Garrison, who believes he has an exclusive right to Melanie. Garrison makes life difficult for the ranch hands, and Rob in particular.
When Jake Dunford makes a public accusation that the ranch manager is stealing from the ranch, Garrison reacts by firing everyone, but it is Garrison who is in for a big surprise.
“Vaughan offers readers a chance to hit the trail and not even end up saddle sore.”—Publishers Weekly
When Turquoise Ranch hand Curly Stevens went into Flagstaff to meet a new employee arriving on the train, his first impression of Rob Barringer is of how big and strong the tenderfoot is. Rob’s eagerness to learn and his willingness to take on the most difficult jobs wins everyone over, including ranch foreman Jake Dunford, and Melanie Duford, his beautiful daughter.
Rob is well-educated, and his demeanor and intelligence catches the attention of Melanie, causing him difficulty with ranch manager Lee Garrison, who believes he has an exclusive right to Melanie. Garrison makes life difficult for the ranch hands, and Rob in particular.
When Jake Dunford makes a public accusation that the ranch manager is stealing from the ranch, Garrison reacts by firing everyone, but it is Garrison who is in for a big surprise.
“Vaughan offers readers a chance to hit the trail and not even end up saddle sore.”—Publishers Weekly
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
1305 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Robert Vaughan
441 books133 followers Robert Vaughan is an American writer. He has also written a series of contemporary and historical romance novels under several pseudonyms including "Paula Moore" and "Paula Fairman". His father served in the military and Robert followed him in the 1950s, entering army aviation. He served until the Vietnam War and won numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with several oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several other medals.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 11, 2023
Just a fine book by Robert Vaughan. I can understand why True West Magazine named it the Best Western Fiction Book of 2022. Pretty simple plot. The Turquoise Ranch in Arizona, trouble is nobody knows who the owner is, as it is administered by a law firm in Boston for years. The real owner is Rob Barrington, a young man of about 25 who inherited the ranch after his father died. This is the story of Rob and his low key arrival in Arizona, telling nobody that he is the owner and wants to learn ranching from the ground up, so he becomes a lowly cowboy. We have a well-written book that has the usual share of exploits including a thieving ranch manager, a cattle drive, a stampede and a blooming love affair. Hey, it's a lot of fun and that alone is reason for reading this book!!
January 14, 2023
I enjoyed this traditional historical western romance even more than I anticipated! I knew Vaughan was a writer of "classic" western books, but was surprised by how I was drawn into the story. The plot line was unique and interesting and the characters were spot on. The romance is "clean" as in no explicit love scenes, but you know what? They aren't needed in this story about a man finding himself and earning his own way despite his wealthy background and a woman devoted to family and the land upon which they reside. This was a refreshing break from heavier reads. Highly recommended to fans of western romance on the lighter side.
November 16, 2022
It's undercover boss with a western twist. Fun read for traditional western fans and for those who are thinking about trying the genre. Start here.
October 11, 2023
I love a happy ending but……..
I love this book . I am old school and I just love a happy ending but it feels as though Author Vaughan rushed through the ending. There is such a thing called a timed seduction and just a suggestion to Mr.Vaughan “stretch it out a little bit” next time . I realize that writing is a subjective thing but the anticipated ending felt “so rushed”. Spoiler Alert !!!!!!.He has a party, he proclaims his love, gets the girl, he is shot but lives and the bad guy dies. All this in a very few sentences at the very end. Just like a honeymoon make it lat a little but longer :-0
I love this book . I am old school and I just love a happy ending but it feels as though Author Vaughan rushed through the ending. There is such a thing called a timed seduction and just a suggestion to Mr.Vaughan “stretch it out a little bit” next time . I realize that writing is a subjective thing but the anticipated ending felt “so rushed”. Spoiler Alert !!!!!!.He has a party, he proclaims his love, gets the girl, he is shot but lives and the bad guy dies. All this in a very few sentences at the very end. Just like a honeymoon make it lat a little but longer :-0
November 9, 2025
The timeline isn't right
I was enjoying this book until he introduced the character Rob. He started off describing him and his grandparents as people who could fit in properly at 1st. Then he said that Rob loved football. If the book is set in 1865 and the 1st time a football match wasn't until 1869, timelines dont match. Especially if football was something Rob used to love doing. This doesnt seem believable. Develop your characters so they are believable and can fit into the story please. If he had left that one part out of the story he wouldn't have lost me. The setting is right after the Civil War.
I was enjoying this book until he introduced the character Rob. He started off describing him and his grandparents as people who could fit in properly at 1st. Then he said that Rob loved football. If the book is set in 1865 and the 1st time a football match wasn't until 1869, timelines dont match. Especially if football was something Rob used to love doing. This doesnt seem believable. Develop your characters so they are believable and can fit into the story please. If he had left that one part out of the story he wouldn't have lost me. The setting is right after the Civil War.
June 17, 2022
I Should Have Known
The name Robert Vaughn seemed familiar to me, but I couldn’t make the connection. My brother recommended that I read a book or two by Vaughn, and I’ve just finished my first read. My brother has great taste in reading material, and I’m glad I took his recommendation.
I’m recommending this book to all fans of Westerns. This is a STRONG RECOMMENDATION.
If you like the oldies like Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour, I think you will enjoy this one.
I hope you weren’t looking for spoilers
;-)
The name Robert Vaughn seemed familiar to me, but I couldn’t make the connection. My brother recommended that I read a book or two by Vaughn, and I’ve just finished my first read. My brother has great taste in reading material, and I’m glad I took his recommendation.
I’m recommending this book to all fans of Westerns. This is a STRONG RECOMMENDATION.
If you like the oldies like Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour, I think you will enjoy this one.
I hope you weren’t looking for spoilers
;-)
August 30, 2022
I realize this author has a number of books to his credit, but this one is a poor showing and I don't know if I'll try any more of his works. It seemed like he was grasping at straws to make the story continue for at least 200 pages. There is a lot of worthless information in the story which does nothing but drag it out, then the ending after everything everyone went through during the prolonged story is totally wrapped up on one page! I don;t feel this way about a lot of books, but then none deserve this rating either. Sorry.
February 24, 2023
3.5 Stars
This is my first book by Robert Vaughn. It took me several chapters before the story clicked for me. I would have put it away if this wasn't a group read. Vaughn is a good writer and developed the plot nicely. I'm used to more detailed romantic scenes these days. However, once I got into the characters, it works.
The story itself reminded me of one of my mother's books back in the day. That isn't a bad thing, just not what I expected when I started to read. Once I was caught up in the story, I couldn't stop reading.
This is my first book by Robert Vaughn. It took me several chapters before the story clicked for me. I would have put it away if this wasn't a group read. Vaughn is a good writer and developed the plot nicely. I'm used to more detailed romantic scenes these days. However, once I got into the characters, it works.
The story itself reminded me of one of my mother's books back in the day. That isn't a bad thing, just not what I expected when I started to read. Once I was caught up in the story, I couldn't stop reading.
July 23, 2024
A Fun Read
This story appealed to me because it reminded me of a couple of others I had previously read. It's an entertaining story which moves right along. The primary characters are engaging and the antagonist is appropriately despicable. Max Brand wrote a similar story many years ago with a similar title. You would enjoy it also; although, there are some significant differences in style and plot. As a boy I read another similar story by the author of the X Bar X series. It is a storyline that has great appeal, and I recommend it.
This story appealed to me because it reminded me of a couple of others I had previously read. It's an entertaining story which moves right along. The primary characters are engaging and the antagonist is appropriately despicable. Max Brand wrote a similar story many years ago with a similar title. You would enjoy it also; although, there are some significant differences in style and plot. As a boy I read another similar story by the author of the X Bar X series. It is a storyline that has great appeal, and I recommend it.
June 30, 2022
Loved it!
I built up an appetite for cowboys and ranching after binging on Yellowstone. Found this title on a
random suggestion list. I have to say it was a wonderful meal. Loved the writing style. A very home-coming story for an Indian movie fan with well developed characters. I was fully transported to the turquoise ranch. Found the end to be a little underwhelming and hence the 4 stars.
I built up an appetite for cowboys and ranching after binging on Yellowstone. Found this title on a
random suggestion list. I have to say it was a wonderful meal. Loved the writing style. A very home-coming story for an Indian movie fan with well developed characters. I was fully transported to the turquoise ranch. Found the end to be a little underwhelming and hence the 4 stars.
July 10, 2022
Vaughn delivers another Classic.
All of us that are fans of Western novels know Robert Vaughn’s history of great stories. Tenderfoot is one of the best. Vaughn has a gift of developing characters the reader always loves in locations & settings that fit perfectly. You are in for a page turner at the Turquoise Ranch with Jake and daughter Melanie, their close friends Ed & Curley and the new cowboy, Rob. Enjoy.
All of us that are fans of Western novels know Robert Vaughn’s history of great stories. Tenderfoot is one of the best. Vaughn has a gift of developing characters the reader always loves in locations & settings that fit perfectly. You are in for a page turner at the Turquoise Ranch with Jake and daughter Melanie, their close friends Ed & Curley and the new cowboy, Rob. Enjoy.
August 7, 2022
The Tenderfoot
I enjoy reading westerns, especially as I grew up in the West. However, I am hoping to find a good series of western mysteries with mysterious characters and action. Most westerns are written for people who do not know the West. This book had great characters and a decent story. But most of the time, I was only thinking about how the ending (which I knew the outcome early) would work itself out. Again, this book is good, not great. A 3.8 out of 5 rating.
I enjoy reading westerns, especially as I grew up in the West. However, I am hoping to find a good series of western mysteries with mysterious characters and action. Most westerns are written for people who do not know the West. This book had great characters and a decent story. But most of the time, I was only thinking about how the ending (which I knew the outcome early) would work itself out. Again, this book is good, not great. A 3.8 out of 5 rating.
September 8, 2022
The Tenderfoot
I absolutely loved this book from page one through to best ending ever for Western Romance Love Story that I have read. I thank the Author for such an enjoyable and tender love story. All of the main Characters were absolutely amazing throughout the storyline with lots tender moments and true love along the way. Very interesting how Rob announced ownership of the ranch and his hand in marriage to his true love.
I absolutely loved this book from page one through to best ending ever for Western Romance Love Story that I have read. I thank the Author for such an enjoyable and tender love story. All of the main Characters were absolutely amazing throughout the storyline with lots tender moments and true love along the way. Very interesting how Rob announced ownership of the ranch and his hand in marriage to his true love.
April 12, 2024
Ugh. This book is so not good. The characters are paper-thin, the plot is far-fetched, there is way too much summary and repetition in the narrative, but perhaps worst of all, especially for a Western, there is no sense of place. The ranch, Flagstaff, Phoenix, the cattle drive, all are left completely undescribed. The land, the buildings, in a good Western those all play a prominent role to the extent they're almost a character in themselves. Not in this book. Very disappointing.
July 12, 2024
Although I don't typically read westerns, I do like western fiction. For the month, my book club selected a western to read. I couldn't decide what to choose. Looking up good western novels on Google, I came upon Robert Vaughan. "The Tenderfoot," his story, did not let me down! This lighthearted western was enjoyable to read. This was a great novel that left me wanting more, so I hope Robert Vaughan writes more. Without a doubt, I will read more of this author's work.
August 25, 2024
Be a Cowboy🐺💪🔫🐎
Adult historical western adventure🐺💪🔫🐎 and roman💕
This novel takes place at a later date after the railroads had span the country and side branches had been built to various cities.
There are no renegade Indians And wagon trains This is about ranching and wrestlers. So the time. Is probably the last 10-15 years of the 19th century.
The book is well written but not of the time. That is my favorite.
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited
Adult historical western adventure🐺💪🔫🐎 and roman💕
This novel takes place at a later date after the railroads had span the country and side branches had been built to various cities.
There are no renegade Indians And wagon trains This is about ranching and wrestlers. So the time. Is probably the last 10-15 years of the 19th century.
The book is well written but not of the time. That is my favorite.
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited
May 26, 2022
Good read
A Boston educated young man, inherits a ranch in Arizona. Against the will of his wealthy relatives, he conceals his identity and becomes a cowboy at the ranch. The manager of the ranch is stealing money and rustling the cattle. Would have been a five star if there had been an epilogue.
A Boston educated young man, inherits a ranch in Arizona. Against the will of his wealthy relatives, he conceals his identity and becomes a cowboy at the ranch. The manager of the ranch is stealing money and rustling the cattle. Would have been a five star if there had been an epilogue.
June 22, 2022
Tenderfoot and tenderhearted
I'm sure I'll be reading more books by Robert Vaughan. His characters stampede out of his book. They all have sand and heart. They ride for their boss, not the management and this loyalty is rewarded. The heroine is a little bit slow on the uptake, but catches up with the rest of the crew by the last couple of chapters.
I'm sure I'll be reading more books by Robert Vaughan. His characters stampede out of his book. They all have sand and heart. They ride for their boss, not the management and this loyalty is rewarded. The heroine is a little bit slow on the uptake, but catches up with the rest of the crew by the last couple of chapters.
November 25, 2022
Not a western story at all
It started out as a western story But very soon the handsome rugged hero Met the lovely gorgeous Forming daughter and of course he was the real owner of the ranch So Romance bloom the long with the stars and the clouds the running water Of course. This story is really for lonely women with that little electric thing helping them out
It started out as a western story But very soon the handsome rugged hero Met the lovely gorgeous Forming daughter and of course he was the real owner of the ranch So Romance bloom the long with the stars and the clouds the running water Of course. This story is really for lonely women with that little electric thing helping them out
January 14, 2024
The tenderfoot cowboy turns out to be the ranch owner.
I loved the story. Good character development and story line. A bit of romance, too. The only complaint I have is that the ending was rushed, and that there appear to be no sequels. I guess that is actually two things. I would have enjoyed a continuation of this story, though.
I loved the story. Good character development and story line. A bit of romance, too. The only complaint I have is that the ending was rushed, and that there appear to be no sequels. I guess that is actually two things. I would have enjoyed a continuation of this story, though.
March 19, 2024
Darning socks is more interesting!
This is a silly, implausible story with no redeeming qualities. The protagonists are unrealistic and simplistically drawn. I tried making mightily to be patient hoping the author would write something to turn the plot into something meaningful. Robert Vaughn should take a long break.
This is a silly, implausible story with no redeeming qualities. The protagonists are unrealistic and simplistically drawn. I tried making mightily to be patient hoping the author would write something to turn the plot into something meaningful. Robert Vaughn should take a long break.
May 25, 2022
A good western with a bit of romance!
This was a decent story, though it seemed to have something missing. I know that many big ranches had managers but this just seemed like a incomplete story.
This was a decent story, though it seemed to have something missing. I know that many big ranches had managers but this just seemed like a incomplete story.
May 27, 2022
Good Western
I really enjoyed this Western. It contained some action, but also some romance. This is the story of absentee landlords who own one of the biggest ranches in the territory.
And a nice surprise ending.
I really enjoyed this Western. It contained some action, but also some romance. This is the story of absentee landlords who own one of the biggest ranches in the territory.
And a nice surprise ending.
June 1, 2022
the tenderfoot
Very exciting book. It kept me reading for hours.
Just waiting to see when Rob was going to identify himself and give Les the boot Les got what he deserved.I like clean literature books and enjoyed this book emencely
Very exciting book. It kept me reading for hours.
Just waiting to see when Rob was going to identify himself and give Les the boot Les got what he deserved.I like clean literature books and enjoyed this book emencely
June 16, 2022
A lovely romance crossed with Captain courageous
A very readable tale without going into detail about all the happenings. The stampede takes maybe 4 pages and the big reveal about 10.
A very readable tale without going into detail about all the happenings. The stampede takes maybe 4 pages and the big reveal about 10.
June 20, 2022
Good read
The Tender foot is a cute story about a man who didn't want to be what his family was. He wanted to be a regular guy (cowboy) and run his own ranch. Nice story line and characters. A pleasant book for a afternoon read.
The Tender foot is a cute story about a man who didn't want to be what his family was. He wanted to be a regular guy (cowboy) and run his own ranch. Nice story line and characters. A pleasant book for a afternoon read.
July 2, 2022
An Eastern Elite goes West and finds love
Great book with a beautiful story, however, I wished it was longer or there was a sequel. Vaughan is a prodigious author and I'll read more of his books.
Great book with a beautiful story, however, I wished it was longer or there was a sequel. Vaughan is a prodigious author and I'll read more of his books.
July 11, 2022
rivals L’Lamour
I have found an author that is as good as L’Lamour the novel is captivating and engaging as any western I have ever read. You find myself riding with the characters.
I have found an author that is as good as L’Lamour the novel is captivating and engaging as any western I have ever read. You find myself riding with the characters.
August 3, 2022
Great cowboy story
This is the first book by Robert Vaughan that I've read but it won't be the last. The story was well thought out and with the fast paced action it was a real page turner. I'm a fan.
This is the first book by Robert Vaughan that I've read but it won't be the last. The story was well thought out and with the fast paced action it was a real page turner. I'm a fan.
August 8, 2022
Good read.
I would have liked one more chapter. One month later with coverage of Rob's wedding and subsequent investigation of Les and his partners with justice for all whom they had cheated collectively and how the running of Turquoise ranch was going with Rob at the helm.
I would have liked one more chapter. One month later with coverage of Rob's wedding and subsequent investigation of Les and his partners with justice for all whom they had cheated collectively and how the running of Turquoise ranch was going with Rob at the helm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews