A Cowboy Worth Waiting For

The Cowboy Academy #1

by Melinda Curtis

This cowboy’s done with love…

Or is he?

Former rodeo queen Ronnie Pickett has always had a talent for matchmaking—and now she’s going pro. Her first customer? None other than her friend and teen cowboy crush, Wade Keller. Of course, convincing the widowed bronc rider and single dad that it's time to date again is gonna be a challenge. But no one warned Ronnie about the occupational hazard of falling for her very first cowboy client…

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

From Harlequin Heartwarming:  Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

The Cowboy Academy

Book 1: A Cowboy Worth Waiting For
Book 2: A Cowboy's Fourth of July

Genres: Romance, Harlequin

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

Prior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website to receive two free reads.

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clean romance is like a breath of fresh air. No expletives or sex scenes or anything objectionable to me at all. Just good romance with wholesome characters who are trying to find their perfect match. Ronnie is a girl who is totally unselfish and wants to find matches for other people as her new job venture. Since she promised her best friend Libby to make sure that Wade would find someone to love after Libby died, she has made Wade her primary focus. Wade doesn’t want dates; what he wants is to be successful on the rodeo circuit again. There is a lot of realistic and good-natured banter in the story and I really enjoyed the family closeness that was portrayed. The characters were fun to get to know and the plot was funny as well as heartwarming at times. Good romance with a few surprises along the way and a lot of fun to read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via KBS Consultant. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these clean romances by Melinda Curtis. They are always sweet with a touch of funny while still dealing with a few serious problems. Wade is a cowboy who is a single father that thinks he has no time for more than being a dad and of course being a cowboy. His family knows better and when Ronnie, who made a promise to Wade’s wife on her deathbed to look after Wade, decides to open a matchmaking service she wants Wade to be her first client. How well can that go especially since Ronnie’s liked Wade since childhood.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

A matchmaker looking for her first client and a cowboy not looking for love. She wants him as her first client, but they will find themselves in love. The matchmaker will meet her match in this sweet romance.

Love comes when you least expect. Another new cowboy series from the author

[Denise Loutsch-beitelspacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read. Although you could almost guess the outcome, it was uplifting..

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cowboy Worth Waiting For - I haven't enjoyed a story like this in a long time. Everything about this second chance romance was perfect. The characters, the story lines, the humor and the joy that made the story fun to read and very hard to put down. Go easy on the tea when reading this little gem. 5*

The Wedding Promise - This novella is the first installment of The Bridesmaids, which continues with three more "novellas" or installments. Sweet, funny and a bit different with location, a touch of danger and a goal-oriented heiress. Mix in a veteran and a trio of matchmaking nuns to round out the story. Not happy about their story being cut into four parts. 4*

Baby, Baby, Melinda Curtis - A sweet second chance at love complete with problems and a sweet baby for Cooper and Nora. 5*

Summer Kisses:
A Kiss Is Just A Kiss, #1 - This was a lot of fun to read. For once a guy takes care of a woman, and her dotty grandmother, without terrible, disrespectful treatment from the woman. A misunderstanding stops a wedding and saves three people. 5*

It Happened One Night, #5 - This is a fun series and I only read two books. I love Grandma Dotty, she is filled with a lot of personality. Her grandsons and rest of the characters were almost as much fun. Good story lines filled with love, a misunderstanding, a secret and another another chance. 5*
Summer Kisses end.

Love in Harmony Valley:
Dandelion Wishes, #1 - A sweet romance mixed with plenty of drama along with good characters, interesting story lines and a gamut of emotions. Love. Friendship. Forgiveness. The ability to accept and make changes. A bit on the intense side with the healing, the recognitions and the drama but a good story. 4*

A Small Town Second Chance, #2 - Now it's Flynn and Becca's story. This was a bit sad for me the end. The epilogue should have been included since it was so happy. Wonderful characters, huggable and likeable. Good story lines, too. 4*

A New Beginning in a Small Town, #3 - This book is all about new beginnings for many. Slade is a deep character caught in his own darkness, and his mind. Add the rest of the townspeople, his friends and his love interest to this well written story and you have a hard to put down story. 5*
Love in Harmony Valley end.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are cowboys so appealing? I think it is because their job is a tough one requiring strength and endurance and is embedded in the natural world, the outdoors. Cowboys are by their very nature high on the masculinity scale. That includes Wade, a bareback bull rider and his family of non-biological brothers who are former fosters on the D Double R ranch. These young men faced tough times in their pasts, but were successfully guided by Mary and Frank Harrison through the hurts that landed them in the foster system. The men view Mary and Frank as parents and have chosen to stay on working the ranch that supplies horses and bulls for rodeos.

Wade lost his wife Libby to a brain tumor. He continues to isolate himself from hurt by distancing himself from people. The exception is his foster family and his tweenage daughter Ginny. Ronnie, who was Libby’s best friend, promised Libby that she would find a new wife for Wade who was also a longtime friend of Ronnie’s. Her means to accomplish this end (while disguising it) is starting a matchmaking business for cowboys, cowgirls, and all who enjoy rodeo. Ronnie, known for her kind heart, also has a reputation for messing things up—from the businesses she starts to navigating the physical world.

All the characters are likable, and young Ginny is realistic as she bounces back and forth between being a little girl and wanting to be “grown up.” The brothers have different strengths and strong bonds; they enjoy a lot of good natured ribbing. Ronnie is a fun character; she has resolved not to fall in love and can’t see the romance right in front of her while she successfully matches up other couples.

If you like clean romances and cowboys or are just intrigued by the cowboy life and lifestyle, I think you will enjoy A Cowboy Worth Waiting For. Knowing author Melinda Curtis’ expertise with series that revolve around families, I would expect this to be only the first of some good stories about each of the brothers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect story to start this new The Cowboy Academy series. I really enjoyed the characters especially Ronnie, Wade and his daughter Ginny who is wise beyond her years (she’s only 10 years old). I liked watching Ronnie become a matchmaker and she wants to match Wade with someone only to realize she has feelings for him and her last match she makes for him would actually be a really good fit but Wade has feelings for Ronnie and wants to be done with the matchmaking. Of course we also get to have his brothers, his parents, friends and her parents along for the adventure and giving their two cents when it’s not asked for or doesn’t belong. The letter that Wade’s deceased wife left for him was so touching and yet gave him permission to be happy and find someone again but he still feels guilty but I believe with Ronnie and her overzealous personality and with a little help from Ginny, I think Wade and Ronnie are ready to see what might happen between them. I enjoyed this book and liked the ending and I’m looking forward to seeing more of Ronnie, Wade and Ginny hopefully in the next book in this series. My favorite line in this story is, ‘sometimes the luck you need turns up when you least expect it’.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book which has its humorous moments and its emotional parts too. Wade is a single father of Ginny, age 10 going on 15! He lost his wife and hasn't quite moved on but his good friend, Ronnie (Veronica) thinks he should. In fact, she made a promise to his late wife (her best friend) that she would find a wife for him after she died. So, Ronnie goes into the matchmaker business - she wasn't planning on it, it just sort of snowballed! Ronnie is known for being a klutz and getting in over her head. She feels bad about that. Wade understands it and defends her and bails her out, usually! I enjoyed their friendship and loyalty. Ronnie had a good heart, she was just a little pushy sometimes! She was really sweet to Ginny. Both Wade and Ronnie's siblings were great - both supportive AND funny! The parents were great too. I loved the relationship aspect of many different people in the book - father/daughter, siblings, man/woman, friends. As hard as Ronnie tries to find Wade a wife, both of them can't ignore the fact that they are just right for each other! I liked the road they traveled to get there.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It’s about young love, friendship, loss, and family. Rodeo Queen Ronnie Pickett has made her goal to find someone for her friend Wade Keller. He’s a good friend, a widow, a single father, and a bronc rider. She’s doesn’t know why he hasn’t moved on. They both lost someone special to them. She’s starting a matchmaking business, and she’s bound and determined to find someone for him even if he doesn’t want anyone. One after one it’s a fail. But boy oh boy one is a doozy to say the least. I couldn’t stop laughing at that one. One Ronnie I think was a little worried about. They had a lot of common. It was after she spoke with her brother that it hit her. She needed to talk to Wade right away.
Wade just didn’t know how to get through to Ronnie that he didn’t want to be matched with anyone. As his brother wouldn’t stop teasing him about some “vibe” between them he brushed it away. He played her game until he had enough. The last blind date was a surprise, but he knew why it couldn’t happen. There was someone else who had his heart.

Buy the book to see what happens. When I read Ms. Curtis’s book she makes me laugh, cry, and just feel so much.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Heartfelt and delightful! Melinda Curtis is kicking off a brand new Cowboy Academy series with healing, hearts of gold and humor and I enjoyed every minute of it! The characters have a strong connection between them before their chemistry this go round even comes to a head, so there's baggage to be sorted through, attraction to act on and happily ever afters to promise. I'm looking forward to more to come in the series!

Ronnie is sweet yet stubborn in her determination to honor a promise to her late best friend and find her husband and little girl someone to step into her shoes. She has good intentions, but her refusal to see what's truly happening between them almost derails it before it begins.

I loved Wade so much. He's such a kind man and watching him struggle with what the right way to move forward was just touched my heart. Ginny was a doll too.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a sweet romance filled with angst and good-heartedness as love comes to those who least expect it.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean cowboy romance is a touching , sweet, at times heartbreaking story.
Former rodeo queen Ronnie Pickett and widower bronco rider Wade Keller have been friends since childhood.
Though she was the one that encouraged Wade to go after Libby, who would later become his wife, Ronnie has secretly loved Wade since grade school.
Her latest business is matchmaking . As much Ronnie loves Wade, she doesn’t want to loose his friendship so her main objective is to find Wade a new wife.
But like it often happens in life, things don’t turn out as expected. Especially when a promise to the deceased wife and friend is what seems to be leading them to each other.
Will they both risk the friendship in order to find love?
The plot was entertaining and engaging. For me, Ronnie was a little immature but still likable as was Wade.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely own.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the characters in this story and can't wait to see the others get a HEA. Ronnie has loved Wade since they were kids. When her friend told Ronnie that she was in love with Wade, Ronnie stepped aside and let her have him. Now her friend has died, and Wade is a single father. Ronnie locked her heart away a long time ago and doesn't think that love is for her. When his wife died, Wade locked his heart away and isn't interested in love again. Wade's wife didn't want him to be alone after she was gone and knew that Ronnie would be perfect for him. She left her wishes in a letter for Wade but he can't bring himself to consider Ronnie in a romantic way. But the more Wade is around Ronnie, the more he knows that they are meant to be. Can he convince Ronnie? She keeps trying to fix him up with different women. The only woman he wants now is Ronnie. Will she finally believe that they are meant to be?

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story! The dynamics between the two main characters is so entertaining. Both of them are really good people and want to keep their life-time friendship and not possibly lose it by going into a romantic relationship. Of course, there is much more history to it than that statement.

Ronnie has the best intentions at everything she does, but no matter how hard she tries, mishaps seem to follow her. That is why she made some guidelines to her life to protect others. Wade adores his friend Ronnie, but she already told him years ago that they are too similar to be a couple. Where does this leave them now that the attraction is really strong, and the universe seems to be pulling them together.

I enjoyed this story so much! After reading a book that was quite serious, it was a delight to be engrossed in this wonderful romance. Great characters, fantastic plot, and amusing dog.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cowboy Worth Waiting For by Melinda Curtis is the first book in The Rodeo Academy series. Ronnie Pickett hadn't really meant to start a matchmaking business. Her goal was to find a wonderful wife for her good friend, bronc rider Wade Keller, whose wife succumbed to cancer a few years earlier. As usual things kinda got away from her. I really enjoyed this book. Ronnie's and Wade's backgrounds and friendship since childhood were very interesting. I felt like the main characters became my friends and family as this author included such well-developed and likable characters in the book. I bet this book generates lots of sales just from the cover alone. I know I was attracted by it. Melinda Curtis is one of my favorite authors and this book is a super beginning to her new series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to see that this will be a new series! Because I really enjoyed this book. I love these sweet romances. I love the different states this author takes me to. I really enjoyed the matchmaker storyline and the family and friend feelings throughout.
Ronnie starts a matchmaking business and her first client is Wade, widower and cowboy with a ten year old daughter to raise. Although there were some feelings between them, Ronnie is sure that her goal is to set him up with the eligible young ladies and tries hard to keep a promise to his late wife to help him find someone after her passing.

This is a sweet and tender story along with some humor, as well. Can't wait for the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mix feelings with this book. I liked Wade he was an amazing dad, son and friend. He faced a lot of loss in his life but overall he truly cared for those close to him and would do anything for them. I liked Ronnie at first she was a independent and had an idea of what she wanted out of life. However towards the middle of the book It felt like the author did a 160 turn around with Ronnie and she became this broken person who just didn't see her value or worth and she came off very whiney and immature. I really liked Wade's family and Hank they were some very strong characters and really helped make this story. Overall the story was cute just dragged a little. The author did keep the story clean so will be suitable for all readers.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronnie Pickett, a former rodeo queen is now trying her hand at matchmaking. She set her eyes on Wade Keller, a widower who has a young daughter and is a retire bronco rider. Ronnie always had a crush on him for years but when his wife and Ronnie’s best friend wanted him, Ronnie stepped back. Now she’s looking for the perfect woman for him. Wade doesn’t feel like he’s ready to date but he does enjoy spending time with Ronnie. The more time they’re together, the more Wade thinks Ronnie is the one for him. Can he move forward? His wife would not want him to be alone. Will he convince Ronnie she’s the one? Will Ronnie push him away again, just like when they were younger? Does she even realizes that she does that? Can she succeed as a matchmaker? Lots of wonderful characters. Second chances, letting the past go and finding true love. Worth the read

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this story made me smile. Ronnie Pickett is always thinking of other folks, trying to matchmake them with who she considers “their soulmate”. She just doesn’t have a clue when it comes to herself. And she is adorable about it! She promised a (now deceased) friend that she would help her husband – who happens to be Ronnie’s best friend from forever – move on after her death. Only...Wade Keller is perfect for her (Ronnie)! Only she just doesn’t see it. Add to that Wade isn’t really interested in dating anyone and the fun starts flyin’. Seriously, it’s a very cute, fun romance. Add in a smart-as-a-whip young girl and a cast of town characters, and I smiled thru it all.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in the Cowboy Academy series, in which former barrel racer Ronnie Pickett acts on her late best friend's request to find widower Wade Keller a new wife and his daughter, a new mother. But Wade isn't interested. At least that what he insists.

And each such attempt by Ronnie only makes more obvious who he might consider if only she'd stop throwing other women in his way. Ten year old Ginny is on board with Ronnie, but is that enough to convince Wade to step up and declare what his late wife has revealed in that letter she left him that he's refused to read?

No spoilers here, and this promises to be an interesting new series.

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know it’s a good book when it makes you snort-laugh while reading it and “A Cowboy Worth Waiting For” by Melinda Curtis fits that description perfectly.

Ronnie Pickett decides to start a matchmaking business and her first client is her teenage crush, and rodeo star, Wade Keller.
The last thing Wade wants is to fall in love again and yet he goes along with Ronnie’s scheme.
These two are in for a lot of surprises as they discover how well they know each other and maybe, just maybe discover they are a perfect match.

I always enjoy a book by Melinda Curtis and she seems to get better with each book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some parts humerus, some parts raw and emotional A Cowboy Worth Waiting For by the talented Melinda Curtis is a story with characters that will wrap themselves around your heart and soul. A promise to a best friend will change the course of Ronnie’s career forever and puts her squarely in single Dad Wade’s life. This is a sweet matchmaking story where the matchmaker and her subject come to realise they are the perfect match for each other. Great story, fabulous secondary characters and a gorgeous start to Melinda’s new series the Cowboy Academy.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about second chance love. Impulsive, accident prone Ronnie sets up a matchmaking business as a cover for finding a new wife for her widowed friend. This cover takes on a life of it’s own and causes Ronnie both joy and grief (and the reader a fun read). Once Wade accepts that after two years of mourning, he is not cheating on Libby to want a new love, he knows exactly who he wants, it’s just a shame Ronnie’s not on the same page!
Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade and Ronnie are my fav characters for friends to lovers romance. This was story was so sweet , funny and hopeful.Ronnie is quriky and driven her heart is in the right place when she trys to start a match making business , with her sights set on Wade, but not for her. Wade who is a father and Widower has known Ronnie since they were kids, his heart has always known shes the one . This story was entertaining and fun , one of my fave tropes .

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronnie Pickett sets up a matchmaking service in order to find widowed Bronc Rider Wade a wife but Wade a single dad is not interested but Ronnie doesn't give up and Wade finds himself falling for Ronnie but Ronnie feels she is not a good match for anyone and never plans to marry.
can Wade change her mind?
Melinda Curtis never fails to please.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this book! After a terrible month and a hectic couple of weeks, I needed this wonderful romantic piece of fluff!

Melinda created a small town with lots of friendly people. This is the start of a new series "cowboy academy" book one features Wade Keller and long-time friend Veronica "Ronnie" Pickett. Wade is an orphan, widow, and a single dad. Can he learn to love again? Ronnie has had a strong of bad luck when it comes to love. However, she's great at setting other couples up. Ronnie decides to act on her friends' last wishes and see Wade married again. Can she convince him to go out on a limb and start dating again?

Read this fabulous book to find out.

[Donna Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, quick read about unanticipated love. Ronnie has no plans to marry ever. She just wants to remodel the house her aunt left her and started her matchmaking business. A widowed hermit is just the client she needs to find a match. But, she may find more than she bargains for with this match. Great book with cowboys, friendship, matchmaking, and much more. Grab a copy and enjoy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting start to a new series. I particularly enjoyed the matchmaker angle to this story. Ronnie and Wade have a long history, but each also has their own share of baggage. So happy for the final HEA, especially after all the bumps in their road. Wonderful story. Melinda writes another winner.

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby, Wade and Ronnie's friendship goes back years to high school. Now Libby is dead and Wade is a single dad to Ginny. Ronnie had promised Libby to find Wade a wife after she was gone, but Wade doesn't seem to have let Libby go. Wade is struggling with Libby's last letter to him, giving him permission to be happy with Ronnie. Sweet story which is absolutely clean and uplifting.

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Cowboy Academy and what a fun way to start the series. The cast of characters is delightful with Ronnie and Wade leading the way with subtle attraction and witty banter. The author immediately draws you into the story and embraces your attention to the end. This is the perfect book to get comfy in your favorite spot and read the day away.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

a new series with a new author to me

The story line very good and entertaining. The characters are well written and very realistic. I’ve enjoyed reading this story and looking forward to the next one in the series