The Cowgirl and the Country M.D.

Top Dog Dude Ranch #5

by Catherine Mann

Will a winter fling on a ranch lead to the family of her dreams?

After putting her dreams on hold to care for her aging parents, Eliza Hubbard is finally ready to focus on her career. A coveted job as stable manager at a legendary ranch is just what the doctor ordered. But pediatrician Nolan Barnett isn’t like any M.D. Eliza ever met. Between sleigh rides, rodeo demos and animal puppet shows, the sexy widower and his two orphaned grandkids are melting her resolve. Even Nolan isn’t immune to the magic of moonlight…or a renewed desire to put down roots…

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.

A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com

Reviews

[Miyuki]

Sooo this story doesn't fall into my usual reads. Yes, I love single parent books and it is a single parent book. But the age of characters is something that makes this book not my usual. I mostly read characters aging til mid thirty something or below that.
In this book our hero, Nolan is a single Grandfather and is fortynine years old. (As you can see older than my preferred reads characters.) He is having trouble bonding with his grandkids and the accidental or coincidentall run in with a flyer is the getaway he thinks they all need to bond and him to figure out how to parent his grandkids.
And unbeknownst to him at that flyer meeting moment, the woman with the flyer was the one who'd help him in healing from his losses.
Que to our heroine, Eliza who works at the dog dude ranch. Yes, she's the one with the flyer.*wink wink*
She has her own griefs and again unbeknownst to her as well at the flyer dropping moment, the troubled granddad with two grandkids, would be 'the one' for her.

When I came across this book, knowing the aga factor, somehow, for some reason I just wanted to give it a try. I mean just because you're old doesn't mean happily ever after is out of picture for you and forty nine doesn't count as old.
Seeing Nolan and Eliza navigating their relationship is pretty awesome.
*Sparkle eyes*
Then we have Charlet and Declan! I liked them alot. And wanted to see what happened with them. Hope they get their happily ever after too. Or I'll go and smack Rory upside down the head! I understand he has his reasons for acting out but still.
Tell me there's a continuation of their story plaese.

Overall, this was my first read by Ms. Catherine Mann, and though at times I had trouble understanding stuff, it's a good read. And also its my first time reading a book with two couple's point of view and both their stories showing together. Its kind of different and fun.

Anyone who prefers above mentioned tropes it's for you...
Hope you have the fuzzy feels that I got from Nolan and Eliza and mostly from Charlet and Declan, while reading this.
Have fun a read.
Thank
you Ms. Catherine Mann for the free copy of this book from booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paediatrician Nolan is struggling to bring up his two grandchildren on his own, and he books a stay at Top Dog Dude Ranch for them for a holiday retreat. There he grows closer to ranch employee Eliza, and they both struggle with doing what their hearts desire, wanting to be together, wanting to prioritise the kids; and Nolan has the added stress of survivors guilt and regret.

Eliza and Nolan were really sweet together and I'm not afraid to say it really tugged at my heart strings. I also really liked this magical Top Dog Dude Ranch world created by the author. The stories are all very well written and also not too lengthy so it was easy to get through in a day.

I was really excited to read this after reading 2 previous books from this series. Now I have read 4 from this series and I have to say I enjoyed them all a lot. I think the books are alright to be read as standalones but I really like the whole Top Dog Dude Ranch world so it was nice to read the books in the series. So far my favorite is The Lawman's Surprise, perhaps because Charlotte and Declan had a few short chapters in this book (Nolan and Eliza's story) - what a way to hook you onto the next story!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Top Dog Dude Ranch where miracles happen and healing begins.
Eliza is the new stable manager at the ranch and is fulfilling her dream of an equine therapy program while healing from the death of her parents. Nolan is a pediatrician who is now guardian to his grandkids following the death of their parents and he is still dealing with the death of his wife from five years ago. Nolan decides to schedule a two-week vacation at Top Dog in hopes that he can get a handle on taking care of two toddlers plus his everyday duties at his practice. Nolan and the kids are slowly drawn into all kinds of activities and the more time they spend with Eliza the more everyone's feelings get intertwined. Only how can they make a relationship work when they live three hours apart? Read to see if Top Dog Dude Ranch can work its magic again and give these four the happy ending they deserve.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming happy ever after at a legendary ranch with a sweet comfy family-oriented vibe and the healing magic in Moonlight Ridge.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

It’s always a delight to return to the Top Dog Dude Ranch series for another unique couple’s romance – and Nolan and Eliza face some very unusual situations for them as professional relationships take on a much more personal tone in The Cowgirl and the Country M.D.

My heart went out to both Nolan and Eliza for far different reasons. Eliza was a late-life baby, the only child of her aging parents. And time is certainly something we can do nothing about as their physical health began to take its toll. She’d moved home, close to them in order to watch over them leaving her own dreams behind for the time being. Now that she’s on her own Eliza is doing what she loves, working with horses as the stable master at the ranch. It’s her job and her joy to interact with the guests but one man and his young grandchildren are taking up a large part of her heart as she gets to know Nolan, Gus, and Mavis during their stay – a stay that Nolan obviously needs even if he doesn’t believe it.

I fell in love with Gus and Mavis. Two young children who have lost their parents have everything they knew changed as they come to live with their grandfather. Nolan is trying his best, he is, but during his own marriage (before his wife’s death) he was focused on his medical career leaving little time for his family. With his son and daughter-in-law’s sudden deaths he’s become a father figure as well as his role as a grandfather for the kids – and he has no clue what he’s doing or if he’s even getting it close to right. His introspective thoughts were heartbreaking at times, and I loved watching him relax, give himself a break, and open himself up to possibilities both with the children and with Eliza.

The Cowgirl and the Country M.D. had me in laughter, and tears as Nolan and Eliza’s romance played out to their happy ending. We get a chance to see another second romance take shape as well, and I’m looking forward to learning more about that situation in time. And it’s always fun for me to run into familiar faces around the ranch. If you enjoy a good, solid romance with lots of laughter, tears, awkward moments, some sizzle, and a couple that belongs together if they’ll only take the risk – then The Cowgirl and the Country M.D. is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are sure to fall head over heels in love with Catherine Mann's latest, The Cowgirl and the Country M.D.

The time has come for Eliza Hubbard to make her dreams a reality. Having put all of her career ambitions on hold to care for her aging parents, Eliza is determined to get the job she has wanted for so long: a stable manager at a legendary ranch. If Eliza gets the job, all the sacrifices she had made would have been worth it. However, she's about to realize that there is far more to life than working hard - thanks to unconventional doctor Nolan Bennett...

Nolan is like no M.D. Eliza has ever met before. Between sleigh rides and animal puppet shows, Nolan has made Eliza feel like she has found somewhere she belongs. The handsome widower and his two adorable grandkids quickly steal Eliza's heart. Will she finally get the happy ending she had long given up on? And will Nolan and his grandkids be able to show her that a home with them on the ranch is where she is meant to be?

Catherine Mann's The Cowgirl and the Country M.D. is a lovely read full of warmth, humor, emotion and charm. A terrific romance about second chances, new beginnings and falling in love, make yourself a big mug of cocoa, find a comfy chair and lose yourself in this heartwarming tale!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Nolan Barnett didn't expected to become a widower in his forties. Nor that by the time he was 49, he'd lost his son and became legal guardian of his two grandchildren. But Nolan sees it as a second chance. To be more present in Mavis and Gus's lives than he was for his son
and wife when he was starting his practice at a pediatrician.

Eliza Hubbard also knows what it's like to take care of family members. She had to say goodbye to her parents after looking after them in their older and sicker days. She miss them but she's ready to start her new life as the stable manager at the Top Dog Dude ranch. A place where families can go on vacation, trouble teens can find a new way of life, or where broken heart can mend. It's a special ranch who offer many activities for both young and old. And that's where Nolan and Eliza find each other and fall in love, despite wanting to keep things friendly to not get attached because they know a long-distance relationship would not be possible.

This book is what I would call wintery because there's no Holidays in it but plenty of winter activities fun.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in The Top Dog Dude Ranch Series and it is Eliza and Nolan's story. Eliza is an only child to older parent's and when there health declined she put her dreams on hold to take care of them but now alone she has a job as a stable manager at the Top Dog Dude Ranch which she absolutely loved. Nolan is a widower and now a father figure to his two grandchildren Gus and Mavis after the death.of there parent's and he is also a pediatrician so life is hectic but he hopes that he can give his grandchildren a good role model in himself even if he does sometimes feel like he is drowning. When Eliza and Nolan meet at the ranch they have a instant attraction and I loved watching them connect with each other and grow closer the more time that they spend together but with them living quite a distance from each other doubts start to creep in but will they be able to trust how they feel and take a chance on each other and become a family only time will tell. This book has great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and kept your attention throughout and I can't wait to read more book's by this author in the future.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowgirl and the Country MD by Catherine Mann latest edition in her Top Dog Dude Ranch series. Eliza Hubbard, Top Dog stable manager and equine therapist, learned the hard way about loss when she lost her aging parents. A chance run in with an overworked pediatrician while dropping off a thank you to her late parents’ therapists changes her life. Dr. Nolan Barnett was widowed 5 years ago, and an unfortunate accident made him a full-time father again to his two young grandchildren. When Dr. Barnett decides to take a well-deserved break to the Top Dog Dude Ranch, they run into each other again. Eliza steps up while the Barnett family is at the ranch because she can’t stay away from Nolan. Nolan has the same issue. They decide to give into the chemistry between them and can’t help falling in love. Catherine Mann masterfully weaves in the animals of Top Dog Ranch into the story. I love these stories and look forward to the next one.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowgirl and the Country M.D. is a standalone contemporary romance by Catherine Mann, and is the fifth book of the Top Dog Dude Ranch series.

The set up for the Top Dog Dude Ranch is a super sweet and charming background. Set on an idyllic ranch and the titular Top Dog Ranch, the series has a heart warming atmosphere that is so easy to connect to. Where couples are brought together as they work or live near the Top Dog Dude Ranch, a place for holidays and healing - for guests and employees alike.

This novel is a totally heartwarming romance between a single, widowed pediatrician and a compassionate woman who is head of the stables at the Top Dog Dude Ranch, who happens to also specialise in equine therapy. This story goes through trauma, loss and healing, for both main characters. It's a gentle and slow burning romance that tugs at the heart strings.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan and his two grandchildren that he became responsible for after their parents died, have started their two weeks at the Top Dog Dude Ranch. It is a place known for healing and making families stronger. Eliza is the head horse wrangler and is known for helping everyone and everything around the ranch. The two hit it off and the kids are having a blast.
Loved the characters, their personalities and their backstories showing how much they all have come through. The storyline is believable, with wonderful insights and vivid locales. The woven relationships have their ups and downs but they get stronger every minute. Loved how the young boy, Gus, was able to say things outright that also made his grandpa rethink their situation toward a very happy ending. Terrific story that will definitely stay with me. This series just keeps getting better and better.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to reading all the books in the Top Dog Dude Ranch series. This book is centered around Eliza and Nolan. Neither one of them is a stranger to loss. Recently, Nolan’s son and his wife were killed and Nolan became the sole caregiver to his two grandchildren, Gus and Mavis. Eliza recently lost her parents. As she’s saying goodbye to the workers at the rehab center in Chattanooga, Nolan comes in with Mavis and Gus. She gives Nolan a flyer to her work, Top Dog Dude Ranch in Moonlight Ridge. Three months later, Nolan has rented a cabin at Top Dog. Grab your copy of this beautifully written story and see what happens. I bet you’ll fall in love with all the characters, both two-legged and four-legged.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Sulis Springs.
The characters in this piece are a bit older, a bit set in their ways, and a perfect match for each other that is if they allow the attraction to grow. Our hero is a grandfather who is raising his grandchildren after the death of their parents. The heroine is trying to get things together after the lost of her parents. I loved Noland I could just see him trying so hard to be a good parent to his grandchildren and completely overwhelmed. I really felt for these characters after things turned sour. Yet the lovely author allowed her characters to come up with a solution to their main challenge. Beautifully written this book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Eliza and Nolan, both have had a devastating losses in recent times and a chance meeting leads them to meeting again three months later and the sparks you thought were there when they first met most definitely are there now. You really fall in love with all the characters whether they be adults, the children and even the animals and makes you want to visit Top Dog Dude Ranch. Eliza and Nolan are not spring chickens, but still young in life with only being in their 40s which I not only found refreshing but made this a great read even better. This was a fantastic read and having only read this book in the series I want to go back and read the others one after the other!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series about second chances. Elizabeth Hubbard finally has her dream job as stable manager and equine therapist at the Top Dog Dude Ranch in Tennessee, after caring for her aging parents for several years before they both passed away. And into her life comes Nolan Barnet, a pediatrician who finds himself caring for his two young grandchildren after his son and daughter-in-law died in an accident. And he's trying to be more present for them, than he was when his son was growing up. And something about Elizabeth draws him.

This is an older couple, if I remember correctly. I think Elizabeth is 40ish, and Nolan is 49. The grandkids are 4 and 2.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the first book I've read by Catherine Mann. I liked it, a lot. The only thing that threw me was that there was a second couple thrown in the midst of the main couple's story. Their scenes were often out of the blue. I honestly hope to read that couple's story. The author has talent writing good storylines and likable characters. This was a sweet read with a touch of bedroom steam. I overall enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan needs help after he loses his son and daughter-in-law and gains custody of his young rambunctious grandchildren. Eliza puts her ailing parents first before her dreams and she’s finally at her dream workplace and job. The ranch sounds like a wonderful place with so many activities. Young Gus and Mavis take advantage of them. For someone who doesn’t have much experience raising children since his deceased wife did all the work with their son Nolan has a lot of patience and works hard to be there for them. Eliza helps but she fears having her heart broken when they leave.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful family story with Eliza who works at the ranch and Nolan who he meets when he takes his two grandchildren there. He is a widow who has taken in his grandchildren when his son and his wife get killed. It will warm your heart to see Eliza have the family that she has always wanted and Nolan get a second chance at being a better parent than when he was a younger parent.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Nolan and Eliza. The author does a great job developing their relationship and takes you into their lives as they find happiness and love. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandfather,widower is raising grandchildren, that new trope.
She is a stable ranch manager finally getting her dreams together.
He booked retreat on the same ranch. Sparks flying, is possible to get happiness. Will they ?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza is finally doing what she loves, she doesn't need man to make her happy, but when she meets Nolan, everything changes. Problem is he doesn't live close to her and none of them want other to give up their jobs.
Wonderful storyline, loved it.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After experiencing horrible family losses for both Nolan and Eliza. They find each other at her new workplace that has a great way of helping people heal. This was a great read and I truly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romance with big personality. Eliza and Nolan are a sweet seduction that speaks to the soul. The Cowgirl and the Country M.D. gives the heart a reason to smile. From funny to emotional, Mann leaves a lasting impression.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After many tragedies, it was fate that these two came together to heal each other and become a loving family. This was my first read by this author, but it definitely won't be my last!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothy Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Excellent Book

Catherine is a new author to me I just loved this book this book should be a ten star book I already purchased her next book in this series I highly recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer

[Margery R. Milmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowgirl & the Country MD

Although I never had read Catherine Mann' s stories, I found the story believable & fast paced. Excellent story. Looking forward to reading more stories by this author.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book. Loved how dedicated Nolan was to caring for his grandchildren. Gus and Mavis were adorable. Eliza knew how Top Dog Dude Ranch can help heal. Loved how their chance meeting at the clinic turned into so much more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storyline and the book was hard to put down. I loved it from start to stop, This is the fifth in the series, another wonderful story by Catherine Mann.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Catherine Mann; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fifth book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Eliza & Nolan.

[Heather Gibbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Catherine Mann that I have read and I love the pace of the books. Great chemistry and a lovely storyline that follows and ends happy .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.