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Cowboy Wanted #1
Cowboy Healing
Patrick Kelly needs some help. His husband passed away a while ago, and now he has a thriving medical practice, two busy kids, and one ranch outside Aspen, Colorado that he's not really sure how to run. Patrick doesn't want to give up on any part of his life, but he knows he can't do it all alone, so he turns to a service to hire a cowboy to help run the ranch and free up some of his time
Caleb Warren wants his family ranch back. So he hires on to work as the foreman there through the Cowboy Wanted service, just waiting for the fancy doctor who owns the place to get tired of roughing it and sell out. The problem is, Patrick's kids love the country life, Patrick is a good man, and Caleb can't quite get past the guilt he feels about being on the road with the rodeo when his family had some real troubles to deal with.
The two of them find more common ground than they expect, and between everything from animals to parent teacher meetings, Caleb lends and hand and Patrick learns to lean on Caleb for help. Can the two of them give up the past and embrace the future together?
Caleb Warren wants his family ranch back. So he hires on to work as the foreman there through the Cowboy Wanted service, just waiting for the fancy doctor who owns the place to get tired of roughing it and sell out. The problem is, Patrick's kids love the country life, Patrick is a good man, and Caleb can't quite get past the guilt he feels about being on the road with the rodeo when his family had some real troubles to deal with.
The two of them find more common ground than they expect, and between everything from animals to parent teacher meetings, Caleb lends and hand and Patrick learns to lean on Caleb for help. Can the two of them give up the past and embrace the future together?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2022
130 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
383 books633 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 18, 2023
On a ranch near Aspen, CO. we have a surgeon with kids, trying to continue on the ranch/farm his husband loved so much. His husband, Bryan, passed away, and he wants the kids to love the farm, and be raised in this beautiful country.
* Patrick, Orthopedic Surgeon, black/grey hair,
6 pack, curly dark red hair, tattoos, and two kids, Mason, 10, dark hair, green eyes, and Maggie, 4, red curly hair, are both Patrick's bio children.
* Caleb, a true cowboy, compact lean muscles,
blonde short hair and blue eyes, retired from rodeo work, is hired for foreman.
What Patrick doesn't find out til later, is that Caleb was raised there and had failed to follow through when he was on the rodeo circuit. That means the person he hired to care for his relatives, neglected them and the ranch, and it was sold. He feels a need to be close to the land and see if the family stays on.
Meanwhile, Patrick brings home 6 abandoned puppies.
Some will go to neighbors, but Mason takes over their care.
Caleb fits right in and is awesome with the kids, too. He has a way with people and animals.
This exciting story gives us all the feels, thoughts and needs of all the different characters.
Later we see the men act on their attraction and Caleb tells Patrick why he came there. Through thick and thin, they seem to fit together well.
We get the conversations concerning the farm's future, their plans, and all the fun times they get to spend together, too. Their Nanny/housekeeper must leave for a family emergency, so Caleb steps up and cares for the kids and the farm. He cooks, cleans, takes the kids to school, and more.
When Patrick's schedule is out of hand, they talk about it, and slowly get it figured out, so there can be more time for togetherness and less burnout.
Is this perfect, no, but it warms your heart as the men and kids take care of each other. The neighbors and townsfolk are helping out, also.
The romance is very cute, vers, and super sexy, too.
I enjoy this author's homey household full of love, problems and all.
ENJOY !
=====
* Patrick, Orthopedic Surgeon, black/grey hair,
6 pack, curly dark red hair, tattoos, and two kids, Mason, 10, dark hair, green eyes, and Maggie, 4, red curly hair, are both Patrick's bio children.
* Caleb, a true cowboy, compact lean muscles,
blonde short hair and blue eyes, retired from rodeo work, is hired for foreman.
What Patrick doesn't find out til later, is that Caleb was raised there and had failed to follow through when he was on the rodeo circuit. That means the person he hired to care for his relatives, neglected them and the ranch, and it was sold. He feels a need to be close to the land and see if the family stays on.
Meanwhile, Patrick brings home 6 abandoned puppies.
Some will go to neighbors, but Mason takes over their care.
Caleb fits right in and is awesome with the kids, too. He has a way with people and animals.
This exciting story gives us all the feels, thoughts and needs of all the different characters.
Later we see the men act on their attraction and Caleb tells Patrick why he came there. Through thick and thin, they seem to fit together well.
We get the conversations concerning the farm's future, their plans, and all the fun times they get to spend together, too. Their Nanny/housekeeper must leave for a family emergency, so Caleb steps up and cares for the kids and the farm. He cooks, cleans, takes the kids to school, and more.
When Patrick's schedule is out of hand, they talk about it, and slowly get it figured out, so there can be more time for togetherness and less burnout.
Is this perfect, no, but it warms your heart as the men and kids take care of each other. The neighbors and townsfolk are helping out, also.
The romance is very cute, vers, and super sexy, too.
I enjoy this author's homey household full of love, problems and all.
ENJOY !
=====
December 11, 2022
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Cowboy Healing is a low-angst, big-hearted story of a cowboy and a doctor who have each lost plenty and are now just discovering what it means to move on from regrets and live for the future.
Caleb is willing to do what it takes to get his family farm back. He figures the city doctor and single father will grow tired of it all and move away. He doesn’t count on Patrick being a good guy, nor on the two kids being so keen on the cowboy way.
The more time they spend together, the more he can’t imagine being on the ranch without them. There’s a lot to do, between the farm and the children, and Patrick works a lot. So they are going to have to have to figure out if they can make it work.
This is an easy, pleasant read, with a couple of great children, 6 puppies, a horse, and two men who find healing in one another.
Cowboy Healing is a low-angst, big-hearted story of a cowboy and a doctor who have each lost plenty and are now just discovering what it means to move on from regrets and live for the future.
Caleb is willing to do what it takes to get his family farm back. He figures the city doctor and single father will grow tired of it all and move away. He doesn’t count on Patrick being a good guy, nor on the two kids being so keen on the cowboy way.
The more time they spend together, the more he can’t imagine being on the ranch without them. There’s a lot to do, between the farm and the children, and Patrick works a lot. So they are going to have to have to figure out if they can make it work.
This is an easy, pleasant read, with a couple of great children, 6 puppies, a horse, and two men who find healing in one another.
January 10, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is a sweet, low-angst, cowboy romance between mature partners who need a steady hand. Caleb seems like he could be a jerk, but he’s a decent guy who finds himself bowled over by the people he’d hoped to hoodwink. He always acts on behalf of Patrick, never trying to con him, and he confesses his relationship to the previous landowners before he and Patrick get too invested personally. I loved how generous Patrick is, and how his kids are such a focus. He makes quick decisions based on the belief that everything will work out, and that kind of optimism is refreshing and attractive to Caleb.
This story ended happily, so I expect to only catch Patrick and Caleb as side characters in future stories of the Cowboy Wanted series. I am intrigued by the series concept of matching cowboys to jobs and look forward to seeing how that develops in further books.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is a sweet, low-angst, cowboy romance between mature partners who need a steady hand. Caleb seems like he could be a jerk, but he’s a decent guy who finds himself bowled over by the people he’d hoped to hoodwink. He always acts on behalf of Patrick, never trying to con him, and he confesses his relationship to the previous landowners before he and Patrick get too invested personally. I loved how generous Patrick is, and how his kids are such a focus. He makes quick decisions based on the belief that everything will work out, and that kind of optimism is refreshing and attractive to Caleb.
This story ended happily, so I expect to only catch Patrick and Caleb as side characters in future stories of the Cowboy Wanted series. I am intrigued by the series concept of matching cowboys to jobs and look forward to seeing how that develops in further books.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
December 21, 2022
ok Romance with issues
Rating: 3🌈
Cowboy Healing has some good narrative elements to it. The basic storyline is good. The characters with the children are very well written. And while it took me a hot minute to connect with a cowboy whose sole aim for working for a overwhelmed widowed parent is to ingratiate himself into his good graces in order to get his family off the ranch, well, yeah. I bet I’m not the only one.
Caleb , a well crafted character, starts off as a unlikable cowboy, who’s aiming to take back his family’s ranch that was sold out from him, partly out of his negligence, partly because of a agent’s criminality.
Patrick, a orthopedic surgeon, is a widower and father of two children. He’s a bit obsessive about his practice and out of his comfort zone on the ranch, which was his husband’s dream.
I liked Patrick but, again, major events occur that should propel him towards more introspection and character growth. That really doesn’t happen. Instead, it’s Caleb asking for change, even short term. It’s Patrick’s character that’s seems to have a unformed foundation, as though the author isn’t as sure of this character as they are of the cowboy.
Patrick complains of the “lost years” due to his profession. Yet is oblivious of his drive and it’s effects upon his family. Even when Caleb asks for help, it’s a ranch hand , not a orthopedic assistant which is intended.
Is the author unaware of the character’s issues that she’s writing into the story and relationship?
That part of his character, added to the elements below just keeps me from totally investing in the story, the future for the family, and the relationship.
Issues:
1. Editing issues. See example below:
““That’ll be up to them. We’ll see.” The doc didn’t seem too convinced on that front. “Maggie is more interested than Caleb.”
That should be Mason. Not Caleb. A easy edit/error catch. Especially given the very next sentence below.
“Caleb bit back a grin. Yeah, he might be a bit scary if they were city kids.”
2. Second larger issue: The disappearing dogs. Four to be exact.
“He agreed, although the dogs were becoming off-leash beasts now that there were only two. “I would be fine with that, then.””
And with that small, throwaway line, the author disposed late in the book of a fairly significant story element. That of 4 husky puppies that were hugely loved and important to Mason, son of Patrick. The fact that Mason loved, trained, named,and spent most of his hours with these 6 dogs , (now only 2 as 4 have vanished into thin air with no explanation) during the story . The author made them a integral family element only to carelessly discard them in this way towards the end of the book. Where’s Ginger? All the rest? Honestly, it’s is something I can’t understand.
It changes a deeply held belief about Mason’s character and promises made ( he built structures, spent hours on researching sleds, training) only for the author to trash this part of the story for no discernible purpose. All Tortuga had to do, basically, was not mention them other than to say dogs versus the individual husky names.
Why eliminate a beloved book aspect and something we deeply associated with not only Mason, but the family as a whole?
This is where a great editor would have stepped in and challenged these decisions. As well as corrected the easy editing mistakes made along the lines I pointed out earlier.
Most writers, well people in general are aware of the unwritten rule . Don’t kill off the animal characters in films/books, etc. Because your audience/readers will take note. And be very unhappy.
Issues like these make a book come off as unpolished ,their odd narrative choices throwing a reader out of the storyline, never to recover.
I enjoy B.A. Tortuga as an author but the books lately have more a feeling of being piecemealed together instead of one that’s been finely tuned, beautifully edited with an eye towards hard decisions and fine details.
That’s a shame because she’s got one of the best ear for location, colloquialisms, and regional variations as far as culture when talking about Texas and certain parts of that country that I know of. From the rodeo to the raw dry landscape of New Mexico, when she’s in her element, there’s no one finer.
That’s the reason I’ll keep reading in hopes of finding that complete book again.
As for Cowboy Healing, maybe the things that bother me aren’t deciding factors for you. In which case, I’m sure you will be fine with it. It’s the first in a new series.
Rating: 3🌈
Cowboy Healing has some good narrative elements to it. The basic storyline is good. The characters with the children are very well written. And while it took me a hot minute to connect with a cowboy whose sole aim for working for a overwhelmed widowed parent is to ingratiate himself into his good graces in order to get his family off the ranch, well, yeah. I bet I’m not the only one.
Caleb , a well crafted character, starts off as a unlikable cowboy, who’s aiming to take back his family’s ranch that was sold out from him, partly out of his negligence, partly because of a agent’s criminality.
Patrick, a orthopedic surgeon, is a widower and father of two children. He’s a bit obsessive about his practice and out of his comfort zone on the ranch, which was his husband’s dream.
I liked Patrick but, again, major events occur that should propel him towards more introspection and character growth. That really doesn’t happen. Instead, it’s Caleb asking for change, even short term. It’s Patrick’s character that’s seems to have a unformed foundation, as though the author isn’t as sure of this character as they are of the cowboy.
Patrick complains of the “lost years” due to his profession. Yet is oblivious of his drive and it’s effects upon his family. Even when Caleb asks for help, it’s a ranch hand , not a orthopedic assistant which is intended.
Is the author unaware of the character’s issues that she’s writing into the story and relationship?
That part of his character, added to the elements below just keeps me from totally investing in the story, the future for the family, and the relationship.
Issues:
1. Editing issues. See example below:
““That’ll be up to them. We’ll see.” The doc didn’t seem too convinced on that front. “Maggie is more interested than Caleb.”
That should be Mason. Not Caleb. A easy edit/error catch. Especially given the very next sentence below.
“Caleb bit back a grin. Yeah, he might be a bit scary if they were city kids.”
2. Second larger issue: The disappearing dogs. Four to be exact.
“He agreed, although the dogs were becoming off-leash beasts now that there were only two. “I would be fine with that, then.””
And with that small, throwaway line, the author disposed late in the book of a fairly significant story element. That of 4 husky puppies that were hugely loved and important to Mason, son of Patrick. The fact that Mason loved, trained, named,and spent most of his hours with these 6 dogs , (now only 2 as 4 have vanished into thin air with no explanation) during the story . The author made them a integral family element only to carelessly discard them in this way towards the end of the book. Where’s Ginger? All the rest? Honestly, it’s is something I can’t understand.
It changes a deeply held belief about Mason’s character and promises made ( he built structures, spent hours on researching sleds, training) only for the author to trash this part of the story for no discernible purpose. All Tortuga had to do, basically, was not mention them other than to say dogs versus the individual husky names.
Why eliminate a beloved book aspect and something we deeply associated with not only Mason, but the family as a whole?
This is where a great editor would have stepped in and challenged these decisions. As well as corrected the easy editing mistakes made along the lines I pointed out earlier.
Most writers, well people in general are aware of the unwritten rule . Don’t kill off the animal characters in films/books, etc. Because your audience/readers will take note. And be very unhappy.
Issues like these make a book come off as unpolished ,their odd narrative choices throwing a reader out of the storyline, never to recover.
I enjoy B.A. Tortuga as an author but the books lately have more a feeling of being piecemealed together instead of one that’s been finely tuned, beautifully edited with an eye towards hard decisions and fine details.
That’s a shame because she’s got one of the best ear for location, colloquialisms, and regional variations as far as culture when talking about Texas and certain parts of that country that I know of. From the rodeo to the raw dry landscape of New Mexico, when she’s in her element, there’s no one finer.
That’s the reason I’ll keep reading in hopes of finding that complete book again.
As for Cowboy Healing, maybe the things that bother me aren’t deciding factors for you. In which case, I’m sure you will be fine with it. It’s the first in a new series.
December 15, 2022
Just a Bit Different
This is not the typical cowboy themed romance, though it has all the same elements. The storyline is a bit disjointed, with some jumps in the time line not as smooth as others. Decent character development and a slow build relationship. The book ends on a positive note, with a promise for a future HEA.
This is not the typical cowboy themed romance, though it has all the same elements. The storyline is a bit disjointed, with some jumps in the time line not as smooth as others. Decent character development and a slow build relationship. The book ends on a positive note, with a promise for a future HEA.
April 2, 2024
COWBOY UP!!
Wow this is a great Book. Patrick a single Dad and Doctor who needs lots of help. Caleb is Rodeo man who is retired and missing home. These two men are too cute. Kids, Dogs, Horses, Goats and tons of work to do. BA TORTUGA writes Cowboy Romance with a true flare. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS NEW COWBOY WANTED SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
Wow this is a great Book. Patrick a single Dad and Doctor who needs lots of help. Caleb is Rodeo man who is retired and missing home. These two men are too cute. Kids, Dogs, Horses, Goats and tons of work to do. BA TORTUGA writes Cowboy Romance with a true flare. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS NEW COWBOY WANTED SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
August 26, 2024
I loved this book. It had lots of things that I love. I love cowboy stories and stories with single dads. Single dads who fall in love and live happily ever after. Caleb is the perfect cowboy. This is a slow easy story, and I found it comforting. It had me smiling often and even crying some happy tears. I’m already a fan of B. A. Tortuga and this book just reinforces that.
January 16, 2026
Thank you, BA! I enjoyed the book immensely. Patrick is a surgeon, and of course, Caleb is a former rodeo star. The book follows a good storyline that's different than what BA normally writes. I always look forward to BA's books!
December 21, 2022
Widower Dr. Patrick Kelly needs help with the ranch his late husband dreamed of running and former rodeo star Caleb Warren, whose family originally owned the place, applies for the job of ranch manager in hopes of outlasting the orthopedic surgeon, whom he's sure will give up and sell eventually. But Caleb doesn't reckon with falling in love, not just with the doctor, but also with his children. And Patrick, whose heart has been dormant for three years, discovers that he CAN love again. They take it slow, because they're grown men who've seen enough of life not to rush into anything, and they weather the storms that inevitably occur when two people who were strangers become lovers.
I didn't round this up to 4 stars because something about the narrative style was off-putting for me. I love the deep point of view, but sometimes it got confusing and I had to re-read to figure out who was speaking/thinking and what he meant. Also, I found the presentation of the children to be uneven. Maggie speaks like a much older child half the time and switches between her 3-year-old persona who mispronounces words and the older girl who speaks fluently. It was a distraction for me. And Mason also sounded like an older person instead of a 10-year-old boy. I found it disconcerting.
I didn't round this up to 4 stars because something about the narrative style was off-putting for me. I love the deep point of view, but sometimes it got confusing and I had to re-read to figure out who was speaking/thinking and what he meant. Also, I found the presentation of the children to be uneven. Maggie speaks like a much older child half the time and switches between her 3-year-old persona who mispronounces words and the older girl who speaks fluently. It was a distraction for me. And Mason also sounded like an older person instead of a 10-year-old boy. I found it disconcerting.
December 6, 2022
3.75 Stars
Enjoyable read
Cowboy and a doctor who is a single parent - win win in my book.
This was a pretty low angst easy read for me.
I found Caleb was hard to like at the start but that was only because we knew his agenda and to be honest I didn't like the sneakiness of it. It was a shame as he turned out to be a fabulous character. and I felt for him at the end as he was left holding down the fort and doing nearly everything as Patrick was constantly working.
I liked Patrick and how hard he pushed himself to do right by his little family and his demanding job. He worked himself to exhaustion and never begrudged the time his kids needed. He also never felt jealous of the time the kids spent with Caleb and how close they got to him. I enjoyed that Caleb's big secret came out early and there wasn't any hissy fit, they just accepted it and got on with life.
I did find the whole happy happy, brady bunch feel a bit unrealistic but I was prepared for it, I just found it weird that not once did anyone lose their temper, not even the kids.
Pretty easy read, would read the next one
Arc provided by GRR.
Enjoyable read
Cowboy and a doctor who is a single parent - win win in my book.
This was a pretty low angst easy read for me.
I found Caleb was hard to like at the start but that was only because we knew his agenda and to be honest I didn't like the sneakiness of it. It was a shame as he turned out to be a fabulous character. and I felt for him at the end as he was left holding down the fort and doing nearly everything as Patrick was constantly working.
I liked Patrick and how hard he pushed himself to do right by his little family and his demanding job. He worked himself to exhaustion and never begrudged the time his kids needed. He also never felt jealous of the time the kids spent with Caleb and how close they got to him. I enjoyed that Caleb's big secret came out early and there wasn't any hissy fit, they just accepted it and got on with life.
I did find the whole happy happy, brady bunch feel a bit unrealistic but I was prepared for it, I just found it weird that not once did anyone lose their temper, not even the kids.
Pretty easy read, would read the next one
Arc provided by GRR.
February 11, 2024
cute story, but boring to me
I’m pretty flexible with my ratings but I had a hard time getting through this book. I found it very boring, very little connections to the characters, and the way it was written did not keep me interested. Character development was weak, and I just didn’t connect to them. Many people will enjoy it I’m sure bc it is a cute story, but I did not find it entertaining enough to keep my interest to finish it in a day or 2 like I usually do. This was my first time reading this author and I’m not sure I want to read another one.
I’m pretty flexible with my ratings but I had a hard time getting through this book. I found it very boring, very little connections to the characters, and the way it was written did not keep me interested. Character development was weak, and I just didn’t connect to them. Many people will enjoy it I’m sure bc it is a cute story, but I did not find it entertaining enough to keep my interest to finish it in a day or 2 like I usually do. This was my first time reading this author and I’m not sure I want to read another one.
December 21, 2022
Lovely story, strong characters
I have loved almost all of BA Tortuga’s books but this is my favorite so far. Patrick and Caleb are strong men and the story’s pacing allows us to get to know then both well, independently of each other. There is a pretty instant attraction but not insta-love, which makes sense for these two men.
The kids, animal, and supporting characters are also great. Highly recommended.
I have loved almost all of BA Tortuga’s books but this is my favorite so far. Patrick and Caleb are strong men and the story’s pacing allows us to get to know then both well, independently of each other. There is a pretty instant attraction but not insta-love, which makes sense for these two men.
The kids, animal, and supporting characters are also great. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2024
Caleb was a cowboy who retired from the rodeo after his grandparents' farm had been sold off to someone who had outbid him. Thinking he would find a backdoor way to get the farm back, he went to work for Patrick, the owner of said farm.
Patrick was an orthopedic surgeon, trying to do the best he could taking care of his two kids after the death of his husband, Bryan. It had been Bryan's dream to own and operate his own farm, and Patrick felt obligated to make the farm work. Enter the answer to his prayers in the form of his new hire hand, Caleb.
Initially, I had a hard time getting into the book. There was a lot of internal musings that seemed to be on repeat on both their parts. However, once Caleb came clean with Patrick, those musings went way down, and I was able to connect with Caleb and Patrick's story. I enjoyed watching Caleb, Patrick, Maggie, and Mason (Patrick's two kids) all start to mean something to each other and start to build a life together. Because of that, I gave this an additional star.
Patrick was an orthopedic surgeon, trying to do the best he could taking care of his two kids after the death of his husband, Bryan. It had been Bryan's dream to own and operate his own farm, and Patrick felt obligated to make the farm work. Enter the answer to his prayers in the form of his new hire hand, Caleb.
Initially, I had a hard time getting into the book. There was a lot of internal musings that seemed to be on repeat on both their parts. However, once Caleb came clean with Patrick, those musings went way down, and I was able to connect with Caleb and Patrick's story. I enjoyed watching Caleb, Patrick, Maggie, and Mason (Patrick's two kids) all start to mean something to each other and start to build a life together. Because of that, I gave this an additional star.
June 20, 2023
Didn’t like this as much as another in the series.
* I just wrote a review for this book and was looking at it before hitting ‘Done’ and it disappeared. The page defaulted to the Goodreads home page in an instant. This has happened more than once, lately. I find myself saving the page every few lines of review for fear it will disappear, but forgot to this time.
Is this happening to anyone else?? I’m on the Goodreads app on an iPhone.
* I just wrote a review for this book and was looking at it before hitting ‘Done’ and it disappeared. The page defaulted to the Goodreads home page in an instant. This has happened more than once, lately. I find myself saving the page every few lines of review for fear it will disappear, but forgot to this time.
Is this happening to anyone else?? I’m on the Goodreads app on an iPhone.
December 13, 2022
I am all for a new cowboy series from BA Tortuga! Guaranteed to be an enjoyable read that's fairly low angst with all the feels.
Patrick's decision to hire a cowboy is desperate with how much he has going on in his life with not enough time for most of it as an orthopedic surgeon with two children, Mason aged ten and Maggie aged four, and a ranch to run with a horse, some chickens etc. Caleb is a gift from the gods, perfectly sliding into the job and the kids love him, which is an extra bonus when he has to help out there too. Unfortunately, his decision to work there doesn't start with the best of intentions. It doesn't take long for the family to tug on his heartstrings and for him to realise they are all where they belong.
It's a slow burn romance between the two men, but once they wake up to each others attraction and feelings, there's no stopping them and they're all in. The childcare amazing with fun personalities, especially Maggie who is the more sociable of the two, and you can't help but be drawn in. It's adorable and emotional when they talk about their daddy who passed away. Patrick does well with moving on, with it being three years and even thinking his husband sent Caleb to them, knowing he'd be a perfect fit for their family. There's a lot of upbeat moments amongst the group mixed with the occasional sad one, and a dose of drama towards the end to bring everyone closer together.
I enjoyed all aspects of those story - characters, relationship and plot and can highly recommend to fans of BA and those who enjoy a low angst, contemporary cowboy romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Patrick's decision to hire a cowboy is desperate with how much he has going on in his life with not enough time for most of it as an orthopedic surgeon with two children, Mason aged ten and Maggie aged four, and a ranch to run with a horse, some chickens etc. Caleb is a gift from the gods, perfectly sliding into the job and the kids love him, which is an extra bonus when he has to help out there too. Unfortunately, his decision to work there doesn't start with the best of intentions. It doesn't take long for the family to tug on his heartstrings and for him to realise they are all where they belong.
It's a slow burn romance between the two men, but once they wake up to each others attraction and feelings, there's no stopping them and they're all in. The childcare amazing with fun personalities, especially Maggie who is the more sociable of the two, and you can't help but be drawn in. It's adorable and emotional when they talk about their daddy who passed away. Patrick does well with moving on, with it being three years and even thinking his husband sent Caleb to them, knowing he'd be a perfect fit for their family. There's a lot of upbeat moments amongst the group mixed with the occasional sad one, and a dose of drama towards the end to bring everyone closer together.
I enjoyed all aspects of those story - characters, relationship and plot and can highly recommend to fans of BA and those who enjoy a low angst, contemporary cowboy romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
December 6, 2022
I am so excited about this series
I love the premise of this series and if the first book is anything to go by we’re in for lots more fantastic stories. Caleb and Patrick were so lovable. They both are dealing with a lot and, despite the circumstances being very different, there are a lot of similarities in the guilt they feel. My heart broke for both of them; nobody is perfect and it’s so easy looking back to see all the things we could have done differently. Learning to live with what past and move on to the future is what’s important and both of these guys made the real effort to do that. One of my favourite things about BA is that the characters communicate. Not always entirely effectively, not always immediately but they actually talk. They take responsibility for their own happiness and accept where they need to do better. It makes for some really enjoyable, low angst, sweet (even when it’s a little sad) reading. I also genuinely love that BA writes kids realistically. They don’t act like mini-adults unless it genuinely makes sense for them to (trauma can do that sometimes) and they have the emotional range kids have. I usually am not a huge fan of reading kids because they’re always so unbelievable that it’s distracting but I’m always exited to read a book with kids in it that BA’s written because I know it will be done really well. I’m really interested to see who else is going to need some cowboy help in the future books, though I have to admit they’re going to have to work hard to beat Caleb and Patrick.
I love the premise of this series and if the first book is anything to go by we’re in for lots more fantastic stories. Caleb and Patrick were so lovable. They both are dealing with a lot and, despite the circumstances being very different, there are a lot of similarities in the guilt they feel. My heart broke for both of them; nobody is perfect and it’s so easy looking back to see all the things we could have done differently. Learning to live with what past and move on to the future is what’s important and both of these guys made the real effort to do that. One of my favourite things about BA is that the characters communicate. Not always entirely effectively, not always immediately but they actually talk. They take responsibility for their own happiness and accept where they need to do better. It makes for some really enjoyable, low angst, sweet (even when it’s a little sad) reading. I also genuinely love that BA writes kids realistically. They don’t act like mini-adults unless it genuinely makes sense for them to (trauma can do that sometimes) and they have the emotional range kids have. I usually am not a huge fan of reading kids because they’re always so unbelievable that it’s distracting but I’m always exited to read a book with kids in it that BA’s written because I know it will be done really well. I’m really interested to see who else is going to need some cowboy help in the future books, though I have to admit they’re going to have to work hard to beat Caleb and Patrick.
November 30, 2022
Anytime I see a book by BA Tortuga, it is an automatic must read for me. I love her characters and her cowboys…mmm. Patrick andCaleb were so good! ❤️ Patrick is a widower left trying to keep a hobby ranch afloat, while being a single parent to two precocious kids and managing a busy medical practice. Caleb just wants his family land back. These two were perfect. One thing I love about BA’s books is that even though there might be a little angst, the overall story will be a lighter read, a nice escape from reality. There may be some darker themes and bad things may happen, but the characters all come together like family of any kind should. I fell in love with Patrick and Caleb. Patrick needed help and a partner and Caleb fit in like he was meant to be there. Healing really does come in different shapes and sizes but what Patrick and the kids needed was their “Cowboy Caleb.”
December 14, 2022
I love this author’s cozy cowboy stories with kids. They always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling, and her characters stay with me long after I’ve finished reading. I enjoyed the premise of this series, and am looking forward to more, and hopefully getting a glimpse of Patrick, Caleb, and the kids and how they’re doing.
I liked that Patrick’s late husband, Bryan, is still a huge part of the story. Although he’s gone, Patrick has to work through his guilt about moving forward with someone else, and Bryan will never be forgotten. Patrick is a great dad, but needs someone to share his life, and become a family with his kids. I love how he and Caleb fall for each other, despite Caleb’s initial determination not to, and how his plans slowly change from wanting his ranch back to hoping for a future with Patrick. I liked that it does take a while for things to return to their normal after Patrick learns the truth. It felt realistic.
I love the family and community vibe of the story. Their friends and neighbours rally round when they’re needed, and I love Decker and his family. The puppies and Princess Anna steal every scene they’re in.
Despite being most low angst, the wake-up call for Patrick to slow down is nicely done and realistic. I’d been waiting for something to happen, given the way he pushes himself with his demanding job. I love how the story and characters build over time with day-to-day glimpses of their lives, which is one of my favourite parts about this author’s stories.
I liked that Patrick’s late husband, Bryan, is still a huge part of the story. Although he’s gone, Patrick has to work through his guilt about moving forward with someone else, and Bryan will never be forgotten. Patrick is a great dad, but needs someone to share his life, and become a family with his kids. I love how he and Caleb fall for each other, despite Caleb’s initial determination not to, and how his plans slowly change from wanting his ranch back to hoping for a future with Patrick. I liked that it does take a while for things to return to their normal after Patrick learns the truth. It felt realistic.
I love the family and community vibe of the story. Their friends and neighbours rally round when they’re needed, and I love Decker and his family. The puppies and Princess Anna steal every scene they’re in.
Despite being most low angst, the wake-up call for Patrick to slow down is nicely done and realistic. I’d been waiting for something to happen, given the way he pushes himself with his demanding job. I love how the story and characters build over time with day-to-day glimpses of their lives, which is one of my favourite parts about this author’s stories.
December 13, 2022
Cowboy Healing by BA Tortuga is the first book in her Cowboy Wanted Series. Caleb Warren is a former rodeo star who retired and was very close to his grandparents when he was growing up. He had hoped to buy their ranch when they passed on but was outbid. His friend, Koby, ran a business that matched cowboys with jobs on ranches. When he found out that the owner of his grandparents’ ranch was looking for a cowboy to work it, he jumped at the chance, hoping that the doctor owner would decide that ranching wasn’t for him and would sell it to him once he got to know him. The doctor, Patrick Kelly, was an orthopedic surgeon and was way overworked with his job, his two kids, and the ranch. He husband had died 3 years earlier and he was just about at his wits end so he was very happy when Caleb showed up and he offered him the job. The story continues as they get to know each other and find out that each is a good guy trying to do their best. Caleb not only takes care of the animals but also the children, Maggie and Mason, when their nanny has to leave for an emergency. Patrick is overwhelmed by his kindness and his ability to help and they start to develop feelings for each other, even though Patrick is having a hard time after losing his husband. Caleb understands and welcomes conversations about him which endears him even more to Patrick. Eventually, when the kids are away, they act on their attraction and find themselves falling in love. I absolutely loved this story! The characters were so well written and fleshed out with both their happy times and the angst that happens in all relationships. They slowly fell for each other and the reasons why they did were obvious from what was happening at the time. I also liked that the children were a major part of the story and their characters were also well written so you knew just who they were. The animals and their love for them, especially the horses and the 6 puppies they adopted, were also a big part of the story. The side characters were not as prominent but played an important role in helping when they were needed. The love scenes were tentative at first but then full on, even though they had to take a back seat to what was happening when the children were around. There was also an exciting scene at the end the helped Caleb to know that Patrick was his forever. All in all this was a wonderful story and I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
March 27, 2023
Honestly, I think have to stop reading Tortuga books because they're all so similar they've begun to blend together. It's almost the same plot every time: two guys meet, one is almost always a short bowlegged cowboy with rodeo background, there's always kids with one of them, and animals. The two men look at each other, are in immediate simpatico, and then they're lovers from like 25% in. They have the same speech patterns too: "Okay? Good. Right on." There's no real depth to the main characters and definitely none to the secondary characters. What the author does do well is crafting backgrounds that impact the characters.
In this one, Patrick is a workaholic orthopedics surgeon. He's got two kids, Mason (10) and Maggie (6), and they are still grieving the sudden loss of Bryan, Patricks husband and father to the kids. He needs help running their Aspen-area ranch which comes with the menagerie of chickens, horses, and dogs. So Patrick hires Caleb, who secretly wants to buy the ranch out from under Patrick because his grandparents owned it and they lost it to mismanagement.
Most of the book deals with Caleb folding into the family, confessing his secret, and his growing intimacy with Patrick. Which was okay but I found it tedious and repetitive.
Two Stars
In this one, Patrick is a workaholic orthopedics surgeon. He's got two kids, Mason (10) and Maggie (6), and they are still grieving the sudden loss of Bryan, Patricks husband and father to the kids. He needs help running their Aspen-area ranch which comes with the menagerie of chickens, horses, and dogs. So Patrick hires Caleb, who secretly wants to buy the ranch out from under Patrick because his grandparents owned it and they lost it to mismanagement.
Most of the book deals with Caleb folding into the family, confessing his secret, and his growing intimacy with Patrick. Which was okay but I found it tedious and repetitive.
Two Stars
December 12, 2022
An amazing start to a new series, Cowboy Healing is beautifully written, sweet, funny, deals well with some difficult issues, the characters are wonderful and I was fully engaged from the first page to the last. I love everything about this book but my favorite part is the beautiful relationship that develops between Caleb and the kids. He may start out with an agenda that could be detrimental to Patrick and his small family but it doesn't take him long to fall for all three of them. Patrick is trying to be the best dad possible but even with a lot of help he will have to learn how to put his family first. They really are perfect for each other and I love how their relationship evolves from boss/employee to so much more. The kids and all of the animals keep both men busy as well as Patrick's very demanding job so finding time to be together is challenging but giving up isn't an option. The ending is perfect, the secondary characters add a lot to this story and I can't wait to read the next book in this new and delightful series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
December 17, 2022
This is a fairly low angst cowboy love story. I usually absolutely love B.A. Tortuga’s cowboy romance but I found this one to be a little slow for me. I can usually read them in one sitting but this one just didn’t hold my interest like their other ones. I didn’t really dislike the characters but I didn’t love them either. I think this story would have worked better for me as a shorter novella. I also found the big “dramatic” moment at the end actually kind of ruined the love story. The entire story was built around Patrick basically being a workaholic and in the end he still was. He was in a bad car accident because he was in a rush and it didn’t change anything. He was still trying to work while healing in the hospital, and Caleb basically had to tell him to start prioritizing the family. Even though Patrick almost died he didn’t start prioritizing his kids and Caleb. To me that didn’t make an HEA, and instead made it seem like Patrick and Caleb wouldn’t last. I will still definitely read the nest book written by her.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
December 15, 2022
Another story from BA Tortuga that just makes you believe in love. Caleb shows up to work on Patricks ranch with a hidden agenda, but can he discover that this is truly the place he was meant to be all along. Patrick is a widower with 2 young children who just needs a helping hand to survive and Caleb is there to provide it. Read along as they discover a chance at real love together. I just adore how the author's stories of love always feel so organic to me. Not rushed or forced together. Just two people who build their feelings for each other naturally. You see them deal with real life situations that all couples, regardless of orientation, have to deal with. Work, Kids, Home Family and everything in between and they do it in such a natural manner that you just can’t help but relate to them. Cowboy Healing is no exception to the fantastic storytelling that BA Tortuga always provides and I’ve come to realize that these great tales should be the rule for all books. Again, can’t recommend high enough!
December 16, 2022
When Patrick's husband died and left him with a lot on his plate - the care of their children and the ranch his husband had dreamed of working - he found himself overwhelmed and exhausted. He is also a physician and he is way overbalanced with too many things that need his attention with too little time and rest. He advertises for help with Cowboy Wanted, a service that matches people interested in working on ranches with ranches in need of help. Caleb's family had owned the ranch Patrick and his family now live on and he answers the ad. He wants to come home. Caleb thinks that what he is getting is a chance to be there and see if there is a chance to get Patrick to sell. Instead he finds a man over his head, kids in need of his attention and a family. They need one another, Patrick needs to slow down and learn to enjoy his family and work less. Loving Caleb helps him begin to realize though work is important he needs to be there for his children and not miss out on this second chance at love.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2023
Cowboy Healing by author B.A. Tortuga is the first book in the Cowboy Wanted series. I loved this story. It is a really great connection with the characters and the story itself is not terribly heavy to read. I like books where I can relax and enjoy the story.
Caleb, he is half owner of the business. He was an all-star rodeo legend and now just wants to do something to help others. He doesn’t look like your typical run-of-the-mill guy. He is strong, knows who he is, and is loyal.
Patrick, he has been on call for ages, tired, cranky, and has active children to keep up with. Recovering from his partner's passing years ago. He is a mess and needs help.
I loved getting to know both men. I felt they each brought something the other needed to the table. There are strengths in both men that had me cheering for them and their happy endings. I really would love to read more in this series in the future and find out what happens next.
Five Shooting Stars
Caleb, he is half owner of the business. He was an all-star rodeo legend and now just wants to do something to help others. He doesn’t look like your typical run-of-the-mill guy. He is strong, knows who he is, and is loyal.
Patrick, he has been on call for ages, tired, cranky, and has active children to keep up with. Recovering from his partner's passing years ago. He is a mess and needs help.
I loved getting to know both men. I felt they each brought something the other needed to the table. There are strengths in both men that had me cheering for them and their happy endings. I really would love to read more in this series in the future and find out what happens next.
Five Shooting Stars
December 13, 2022
beautiful, heartwarming story
Caleb’s family ranch had gone to the highest bidder, he wanted it back. Patrick’s deceased husband had bought the land and had passed away. Patrick needed help on the ranch, with his two kids, animals and Patrick being a doctor worked long hours. Caleb answered the ad, and settled in to see what he could do to get Patrick to sell. Kids happen, animals happen, feelings happen, both discover they need each other and want to be one. Caleb learns how to be a parent, Patrick needed to learn how to slow down and breath. One car accident, terrified kids and a marriage proposal as Patrick passes out. Patrick learns that nothing is more important than family, and kids, 6 huskies puppies, two horses,….and one wonderful finance. As always, B.A. Tortuga does a wonderful job of getting everyone to fall for the cowboy. As we all know, nothing is better than the cowboy ways.
Caleb’s family ranch had gone to the highest bidder, he wanted it back. Patrick’s deceased husband had bought the land and had passed away. Patrick needed help on the ranch, with his two kids, animals and Patrick being a doctor worked long hours. Caleb answered the ad, and settled in to see what he could do to get Patrick to sell. Kids happen, animals happen, feelings happen, both discover they need each other and want to be one. Caleb learns how to be a parent, Patrick needed to learn how to slow down and breath. One car accident, terrified kids and a marriage proposal as Patrick passes out. Patrick learns that nothing is more important than family, and kids, 6 huskies puppies, two horses,….and one wonderful finance. As always, B.A. Tortuga does a wonderful job of getting everyone to fall for the cowboy. As we all know, nothing is better than the cowboy ways.
December 15, 2022
Low angst, sweet romance between a doctor and a rodeo cowboy, with kids, dogs, horses, goats and baggage thrown in. I adore this author’s way of painting a picture and her cowboy’s just make me happy.
Patrick is a surgeon with two kids, a horse, a hobby farm and the stress of trying to keep the farm up after his husband has passed away. Cowboy Caleb is looking for a way to get his family’s land back from the family who bought it out from under him. He gets hired on as foreman, hoping to bide his time until the doctor sees it’s just not for him and he can buy him out.
This book is very low angst and the character development is what moves the story along. I fell in love with both men, in spite of their baggage, and Maggie and Mason are just icing on the cake. This is really sweet, with some heat, romance and a wonderful way to spend some time. This will definitely be one of my comfort reads from now on.
December 15, 2022
I loved this heartwarming story. Patrick is an orthopedic surgeon trying to raise 2 kids and keep the ranch that his deceased husband loved going. Caleb accepts a job to help with the ranch, but he also has an agenda…. Get the doc to sell the ranch that he grew up on to him. It doesn’t take long for Caleb to get invested in the kids and Patrick. I was glad that his deception about the ranch didn’t cause the problems I thought it would. The book is pretty low angst and low heat, and filled with love, great kids and of course animals. I really fell in love with this family and was very invested in their hea. It did end kind of quick and I would have liked to have a few more chapters, I wasn’t quite ready to let go of them. Hopefully we will get to keep track of them throughout the series.
dnf
January 20, 2025DNF @ 8%
Premise was ok, but I couldn’t really stand the author's weird writing style.
"And another nation was heard from" like what does that even mean? Why does Patrick refer to his son talking that way?
Tons of the dialogue wasn't properly given enough context, so the thoughts that were shoved between didn't make sense. Like when Mason volunteered to look after the dogs and Patrick's dialogue went: "Ok, son. If you think you can handle it..." Patrick hated this shit. He hated that Bryan wasn’t here to help him.
Like where the hell did the "hated this shit" come from? Mason was literally just saying he wanted to stay up with the dogs. Sure he had school in the morning and probably shouldn't, but that shouldn't have been enough for Patrick to "hate this shit". What was "this shit" supposed to refer to anyway? Parenting? Jesus.
Premise was ok, but I couldn’t really stand the author's weird writing style.
"And another nation was heard from" like what does that even mean? Why does Patrick refer to his son talking that way?
Tons of the dialogue wasn't properly given enough context, so the thoughts that were shoved between didn't make sense. Like when Mason volunteered to look after the dogs and Patrick's dialogue went: "Ok, son. If you think you can handle it..." Patrick hated this shit. He hated that Bryan wasn’t here to help him.
Like where the hell did the "hated this shit" come from? Mason was literally just saying he wanted to stay up with the dogs. Sure he had school in the morning and probably shouldn't, but that shouldn't have been enough for Patrick to "hate this shit". What was "this shit" supposed to refer to anyway? Parenting? Jesus.
Read
December 19, 2022Patrick is a single dad, having lost his husband, and he is at his wit's end with his kids, his medical practice, and his late husband's recently acquired horse ranch. So Patrick hires cowboy Caleb, who just wants to get his family's ranch back in his own hands. It does not take long for them to figure out that they are a good fit for each other, and they both get their HEA.
I enjoyed reading this book. You can really feel the struggles that they were both going through. The MC's had amazing chemistry once they gave into their mutual attraction. Lots of sweetness to behold: sweet kids, adorable puppies, darling horses, cute bunnies. All in all, it was a really good book.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this book. You can really feel the struggles that they were both going through. The MC's had amazing chemistry once they gave into their mutual attraction. Lots of sweetness to behold: sweet kids, adorable puppies, darling horses, cute bunnies. All in all, it was a really good book.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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