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Honky Tonk Cowboys #1
I Love This Bar
Daisy O’Dell doesn’t need anything but her bar. She has her hands full with hotheads and thirsty ranchers, and she’s determined to run the Honky Tonk until they drag her cold dead body through the swinging doors. But when a damn fine cowboy walks in one day, her whole life is thrown into turmoil.
Jarod McBroy was looking for a cold drink and a moment’s peace. Instead he found one red hot woman. She’s just what Jarod needs to deal with his ornery Uncle Rural, who won’t listen to a damn thing he says until he brings home a good woman. Now if only he can convince her to come out from behind that bar, and come on home with him…
Jarod McBroy was looking for a cold drink and a moment’s peace. Instead he found one red hot woman. She’s just what Jarod needs to deal with his ornery Uncle Rural, who won’t listen to a damn thing he says until he brings home a good woman. Now if only he can convince her to come out from behind that bar, and come on home with him…
369 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
395 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,117 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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June 28, 2010Contemporary western is a genre that has never really held much appeal for me, however when I spot the cover of Ms. Brown’s latest release it called to me – yes that little voice that said nekkid man on cover come and hear his story and so the fickle reader that I am took the plunge.
I LOVE THIS BAR bloody well rock.
The book starts out simply enough with Jarod McElroy walking into the local and only Honky Tonk in the area to get a drink and if truth be told to get away from his cantankerous uncle. Little does Jarod know that one accident with the owner of the place will turn his life upside and all in a good way.
The Honky Tonk is owned and operated by one Daisy O’Dell and she has a take no prisoner attitude when it comes to her business and the men in her life, if there was a man in her life that is. From the moment she bumped into Jarod she went all a fluster, but not being one to simper and act all girly like Daisy resorts to the golden rule set down by Mable, the woman who took in Daisy when she needed someone to lean on, and keeps Jarod at a save distance, but with friends, customers and underhanded people like those in her life she did not stand a chance.
Jarod just want to get his job done, which is helping his uncle get his place up to date and out of the dark ages. He has no time for a woman in his life, more over he has no luck with woman - he has had three failures so far to prove it. Despite this he has not given up on finding that one person for him and he is liking the looks of one Ms Daisy alot.
With Daisy not playing ball and Jarod trapped out on the farm with his uncle Emmitt a few people just have to take matters into their own hands and set the wheels of this romance in motion. With a set of triplet who seems to have no life of their own, a sneaking underhanded best friend and an old man who is more here than there Daisy and Jarod did not know what hit them.
If you are looking for a book that just hits the spot and pops all the right button I LOVE THIS BAR is the book to read. I would be nitpicking if I said there was anything of worth that I didn't like about this book.
The characters were all over the place and they somehow worked in the Honky Tonk setting. Daisy is my kinda girl, no lily liver, simpering miss of a girl was this woman, she was something else. Confident in her abilities, assertive in her position as a bar owner and a vet and she only feared giving her heart to the wrong man – did I forget to mention that she knows how to use the business end of a shotgun as well.
Jarod is so lucky Daisy already claimed him or there would be a fight out in the boon docks for him, he was a great character. Courteous to just about everybody, generous with his time, comfortable in his own skin and most importantly he has not let life’s disappointments get him down – as I said Daisy is a lucky girl.
The eclectic mix of support cast made this book for me, who knew that I would enjoy a book with a set of triplet who were constantly underfoot, toss in a scheming little minx and a good lot of interfering family and Daisy and Jarod really didn’t know whether they were going up or down.
I love that there was no drama in this book, it was just a really fun read. Ms. Brown does move the action out of the bar setting for those people who are oppose to that sort of environment and I saw both protags hard at work, hard at play and in some rather emotional scenes as well.
I connected with more than one person in this book but one especially stood out for me, Uncle Emmitt. I thought his character was not only fully developed but was integrated into the plot really well.
Lastly there was an over abundance of country music artist and songs tossed in to fit the scenes or the mood that the characters were in. I can see this being annoying for people who are already familiar with the music type or for people who are just turned off by name pimping in books – for me I loved it. I have already put together a neat compilation of songs based on the flow of this book.
Bottom Line
All in all Brown and I LOVE THIS BAR jump started my interest in a genre that I have never thought I would like much less love. Sexy cowboys, sassy woman and in between that mix in much fun, and a barrel full of laughter.
Love it..
I LOVE THIS BAR bloody well rock.
The book starts out simply enough with Jarod McElroy walking into the local and only Honky Tonk in the area to get a drink and if truth be told to get away from his cantankerous uncle. Little does Jarod know that one accident with the owner of the place will turn his life upside and all in a good way.
The Honky Tonk is owned and operated by one Daisy O’Dell and she has a take no prisoner attitude when it comes to her business and the men in her life, if there was a man in her life that is. From the moment she bumped into Jarod she went all a fluster, but not being one to simper and act all girly like Daisy resorts to the golden rule set down by Mable, the woman who took in Daisy when she needed someone to lean on, and keeps Jarod at a save distance, but with friends, customers and underhanded people like those in her life she did not stand a chance.
Jarod just want to get his job done, which is helping his uncle get his place up to date and out of the dark ages. He has no time for a woman in his life, more over he has no luck with woman - he has had three failures so far to prove it. Despite this he has not given up on finding that one person for him and he is liking the looks of one Ms Daisy alot.
With Daisy not playing ball and Jarod trapped out on the farm with his uncle Emmitt a few people just have to take matters into their own hands and set the wheels of this romance in motion. With a set of triplet who seems to have no life of their own, a sneaking underhanded best friend and an old man who is more here than there Daisy and Jarod did not know what hit them.
If you are looking for a book that just hits the spot and pops all the right button I LOVE THIS BAR is the book to read. I would be nitpicking if I said there was anything of worth that I didn't like about this book.
The characters were all over the place and they somehow worked in the Honky Tonk setting. Daisy is my kinda girl, no lily liver, simpering miss of a girl was this woman, she was something else. Confident in her abilities, assertive in her position as a bar owner and a vet and she only feared giving her heart to the wrong man – did I forget to mention that she knows how to use the business end of a shotgun as well.
Jarod is so lucky Daisy already claimed him or there would be a fight out in the boon docks for him, he was a great character. Courteous to just about everybody, generous with his time, comfortable in his own skin and most importantly he has not let life’s disappointments get him down – as I said Daisy is a lucky girl.
The eclectic mix of support cast made this book for me, who knew that I would enjoy a book with a set of triplet who were constantly underfoot, toss in a scheming little minx and a good lot of interfering family and Daisy and Jarod really didn’t know whether they were going up or down.
I love that there was no drama in this book, it was just a really fun read. Ms. Brown does move the action out of the bar setting for those people who are oppose to that sort of environment and I saw both protags hard at work, hard at play and in some rather emotional scenes as well.
I connected with more than one person in this book but one especially stood out for me, Uncle Emmitt. I thought his character was not only fully developed but was integrated into the plot really well.
Lastly there was an over abundance of country music artist and songs tossed in to fit the scenes or the mood that the characters were in. I can see this being annoying for people who are already familiar with the music type or for people who are just turned off by name pimping in books – for me I loved it. I have already put together a neat compilation of songs based on the flow of this book.
Bottom Line
All in all Brown and I LOVE THIS BAR jump started my interest in a genre that I have never thought I would like much less love. Sexy cowboys, sassy woman and in between that mix in much fun, and a barrel full of laughter.
Love it..
September 13, 2013
This is the first book I've read by Carolyn Brown. She grabbed me from the first sentence! Her characters are spunky and jumped right off the page! As soon as I finished this one, I wanted to get right into the next book in the series. A very nice read. .
June 25, 2013
Daisy O'Dell is the owner and barmaid of the Honky Tonk. She loves her job, her bar, but she sure gets lonely at night. Ruby, the previous owner, always told Daisy not to take men into the back apartment, and Daisy hasn't yet. But, after slipping and falling on the sexiest cowboy she's ever seen, she might have to change her mind.
Jarod McElroy can't take his eyes off the pretty barmaid, but he knows it won't go any further. She's a barmaid and he doesn't mess with barmaids. Besides, his stay is only temporary. He is helping out his Uncle Emmett, who has Alzheimer's and has no time for the little brunette. He's already had three fiances`, and he isn't looking for a fourth.
When Emmett takes a cotton to the idea of Jarod and Daisy being married, Daisy moves in to pretend and play house. She's always liked Emmett and wants his last days to be peaceful. But the sparks can't be denied between her and Jarod and the passion and sass sizzles. Jarod wants Daisy but he has to leave soon, go back to run his own ranch. Daisy may have to choose between her Honky Tonk and her heart.
I Love This Bar is the first in Ms. Brown's new Honky Tonk series and wowee it is a winner! Hot cowboys, sassy women, country music, and good ole fashioned loving will keep you thoroughly entertained and wanting a cowboy of your own. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, Hell, Yeah!. Ms. Brown's romances just tingle my toes and make me smile.
Jarod McElroy can't take his eyes off the pretty barmaid, but he knows it won't go any further. She's a barmaid and he doesn't mess with barmaids. Besides, his stay is only temporary. He is helping out his Uncle Emmett, who has Alzheimer's and has no time for the little brunette. He's already had three fiances`, and he isn't looking for a fourth.
When Emmett takes a cotton to the idea of Jarod and Daisy being married, Daisy moves in to pretend and play house. She's always liked Emmett and wants his last days to be peaceful. But the sparks can't be denied between her and Jarod and the passion and sass sizzles. Jarod wants Daisy but he has to leave soon, go back to run his own ranch. Daisy may have to choose between her Honky Tonk and her heart.
I Love This Bar is the first in Ms. Brown's new Honky Tonk series and wowee it is a winner! Hot cowboys, sassy women, country music, and good ole fashioned loving will keep you thoroughly entertained and wanting a cowboy of your own. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, Hell, Yeah!. Ms. Brown's romances just tingle my toes and make me smile.
June 11, 2016
Bar owner/Vet Tech Daisy O'Dell and rancher Jarod McElroy didn't exactly meet cute. Actually, it could have been ugly when the pair slipped in beer someone spilled on the floor of the local watering hole Daisy owned, The Honky Tonk. From that instant neither Daisy nor Jarod could get through five minutes without thoughts of the other.
In the meantime a host of quirky and stereotypical characters are introduced, including 'roundheel' Chigger, with her heart of gold and the heart of a local rancher in her hand, Chigger's mother who believes Chigger stays out weekend nights playing monopoly and Jarod's elderly, cantankerous uncle who isn't above playing senile to get his way .
Chigger and the uncle try to convince Daisy and Jarod to see how perfect they are for each other. But Jarod's ended several wedding days without a wife and the last candidate he'd choose is a barmaid. Daisy's definitely not trying to complicate her life by adding a man to it, especially one who seems to lack respect for her job.
Sexy, sassy women against smoldering, handsome boys next door that do wonders for jeans and wear cowboy hats have minor conflicts and country music lyrics come to life make this small town Texas outing unexpectedly, innocently cute. The corny, stereotypical, 'punny' jokes, wacky situations and fun characters were fitting and made this reader laugh out loud several times.
Rating: 4.25stars
In the meantime a host of quirky and stereotypical characters are introduced, including 'roundheel' Chigger, with her heart of gold and the heart of a local rancher in her hand, Chigger's mother who believes Chigger stays out weekend nights playing monopoly and Jarod's elderly, cantankerous uncle who isn't above playing senile to get his way .
Chigger and the uncle try to convince Daisy and Jarod to see how perfect they are for each other. But Jarod's ended several wedding days without a wife and the last candidate he'd choose is a barmaid. Daisy's definitely not trying to complicate her life by adding a man to it, especially one who seems to lack respect for her job.
Sexy, sassy women against smoldering, handsome boys next door that do wonders for jeans and wear cowboy hats have minor conflicts and country music lyrics come to life make this small town Texas outing unexpectedly, innocently cute. The corny, stereotypical, 'punny' jokes, wacky situations and fun characters were fitting and made this reader laugh out loud several times.
Rating: 4.25stars
October 9, 2012
For a cowboy book, it's surprisingly innocent. There is some hinting at smut, but no real action going on. For a book that promises a scorching hot story, it doesn't deliver. Making the cowboy hot and his girl the girl a sweet next door doesn't mean the book is going to be hot. It's just going to be sweet.
As a romance, the book is sweet. It's a cute story. Normally I'd give it 4 stars. The reason I'm docking the book, is because it doesn't deliver what it promises in the blurb. When I go into reading a book, I want the author to give me what they say they'll give me.
As far as characters go, I did like Jarod and Daisy a lot. They had a good chemistry. All the trouble they got themselves into was snappy and funny as hell. If the book had been sold in as a cute cowboy story, it would have been a solid 4 stars.
As a romance, the book is sweet. It's a cute story. Normally I'd give it 4 stars. The reason I'm docking the book, is because it doesn't deliver what it promises in the blurb. When I go into reading a book, I want the author to give me what they say they'll give me.
As far as characters go, I did like Jarod and Daisy a lot. They had a good chemistry. All the trouble they got themselves into was snappy and funny as hell. If the book had been sold in as a cute cowboy story, it would have been a solid 4 stars.
August 26, 2016
I loved this book! Another great read by Carolyn Brown! Daisy O'Dell is the owner of the Honky Tonk bar in a small town in Texas. When Jarod McElroy walks into her bar, sparks instantly fly! I love how Daisy is a strong and very independent woman! Love her sass and straight forward honesty! How can you not love Jarod! A sexy, romantic, tough rancher who is trying to win Daisy's heart. You fall in love with all the character, laugh with them and become a part of their world. What a wonderful ride this book was!
September 5, 2017
I liked the story line. It was cute.
The writing was hard to follow. Narration jumped around too much. The names were hard to keep straight at the beginning, since a lot of them end in "Bob". The description (mainly the last sentence) is really misleading. There was very little "action" in their romance.
I was disappointed and won't read the rest of the series.
The writing was hard to follow. Narration jumped around too much. The names were hard to keep straight at the beginning, since a lot of them end in "Bob". The description (mainly the last sentence) is really misleading. There was very little "action" in their romance.
I was disappointed and won't read the rest of the series.
September 4, 2010
The first book in the Honky Tonk series by Carolyn Brown. I love cowboy stories and grabbed this for them. Not bad but a tad slow for me. It just didn't pull me in like I wanted it to.
July 8, 2020
This book is such a slow burn and so repetitive. I DNF around 60% after about 6 months of trying to read it. 🤷🏼♀️
May 5, 2023
I really liked Daisy-she had her own ambitions and dreams, however as the story progressed it felt like the narrative made her want to give it all up so she could be with Jared. I also didn't like him that much-he was way too judgemental of her being a barmaid, and then later way too quick to want her to quit. Felt like he needed her to change her passions and I didn't like that at all.
July 15, 2024
This was such a fun book to read with the quirky characters and relationships. She owns a honky tonk that she inherited from a good friend, he is a rancher/cowboy who came to help his uncle on his ranch. The characters are great and music helps people see their feelings.
June 2, 2011
Four stars for ‘I Love this Bar’ by Carolyn Brown. It’s a contemporary cowboy romance – my first for the genre – and I’ve got to say I’m liking cowboys. A lot. I’ve read countless football and hockey romances recently so these sexy cowboys are a nice diversion.
Brown does a good job with the character development and the sexual tension. She manages to produce an authentic feel to the story with her descriptions of the Honky Tonk (complete with specific country and western songs, lyrics and artists), cowboys and ranch life, and also the way she writes in the everyday language of the locals (although I’m an Australian who knows jack-all of Texas or cowboys!). Her characters are gorgeous, from the leads to the ‘Tonk regulars but I especially like the heroine. She’s smart, independent, vulnerable and has a heart of gold.
We are introduced to life at the Honky Tonk. Beautiful Daisy O’Dell is the owner and operator of the bar and in the first few pages she ends up flat on her back with a cowboy on top of her. Don’t worry – it’s all innocent enough, but the sparks between her and the handsome cowboy are undeniable. Although, deny them she does, or tries to. You see, Daisy is sworn off men after the last one raised his hand to her. She doesn’t need a man and there is no way on God’s earth she will ever leave the Honky Tonk or compromise who she is for any man ever again.
Jarod McElroy is the cowboy who has just fallen on top of an angel. The woman is a stunner, and try as he may, he just can’t get her pretty face out of his mind. But after three failed engagements he’s done with women – especially one who is a barmaid. No, she might be pretty but he’s certain she ain’t worth the hassle. Anyway, he’s not here to stick around. His Uncle Emmett’s health is failing so Jarod is lending a hand on his uncle’s ranch. As soon as old Emmett passes on Jarod will be back home to Oklahoma.
Of course, we know they end up together and it is just a really nice, down-to-earth story. There are four books in the ‘Honky Tonk’ series and after reading ‘I Love This Bar’ I’m really looking forward to the next three.
Brown does a good job with the character development and the sexual tension. She manages to produce an authentic feel to the story with her descriptions of the Honky Tonk (complete with specific country and western songs, lyrics and artists), cowboys and ranch life, and also the way she writes in the everyday language of the locals (although I’m an Australian who knows jack-all of Texas or cowboys!). Her characters are gorgeous, from the leads to the ‘Tonk regulars but I especially like the heroine. She’s smart, independent, vulnerable and has a heart of gold.
We are introduced to life at the Honky Tonk. Beautiful Daisy O’Dell is the owner and operator of the bar and in the first few pages she ends up flat on her back with a cowboy on top of her. Don’t worry – it’s all innocent enough, but the sparks between her and the handsome cowboy are undeniable. Although, deny them she does, or tries to. You see, Daisy is sworn off men after the last one raised his hand to her. She doesn’t need a man and there is no way on God’s earth she will ever leave the Honky Tonk or compromise who she is for any man ever again.
Jarod McElroy is the cowboy who has just fallen on top of an angel. The woman is a stunner, and try as he may, he just can’t get her pretty face out of his mind. But after three failed engagements he’s done with women – especially one who is a barmaid. No, she might be pretty but he’s certain she ain’t worth the hassle. Anyway, he’s not here to stick around. His Uncle Emmett’s health is failing so Jarod is lending a hand on his uncle’s ranch. As soon as old Emmett passes on Jarod will be back home to Oklahoma.
Of course, we know they end up together and it is just a really nice, down-to-earth story. There are four books in the ‘Honky Tonk’ series and after reading ‘I Love This Bar’ I’m really looking forward to the next three.
January 14, 2011
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I don't think the genre Western Romance if for me, however I am hooked on the series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The story line was good and did keep me interested. It was a very clean romance book. Its one of those where the chemistry is there between the characters but the author closes the door and you are left out like a dog in the rain. However, that is ok. I like to know a little more then was let on, but I can still enjoy a book either way. I was not crazy about how people in the book were so stereo typical. Everyone had a problem with Daisy being a bartender, including Jarod in he beginning. However learning that she is also a vet tech changes everyones opinion. I think knowing she owns the Honky Tonk and that its an well going business should have been enough to impress anyone. I am hoping that in the next book, the characters aren't so judgemental. I also hope by the end of the series all the Walter boys are married off. Especially Billy Bob. He had his heart quite broken in this one.
August 27, 2023
When the dear friend who took her in at 21 died, she left Daisy her bar and her appartment at the back of the Honky Tonk. She's tending the bar one evening when she falls on the floor on top of a stranger thanks to a puddle of beer.
Jarod moved in temporary with his uncle who's been diagnosed with Alzheimer. He's going to run the ranch for him. Thanks to the old man, Daisy and Jarod end up having to fake being married.
It's one of those times where I wished I haven't done a reread because the misogynistic dialogues of Jarod's uncle and the prejudices his family also passed on to him about bartenders were too infuriating and ruined the fun for me.
Jarod moved in temporary with his uncle who's been diagnosed with Alzheimer. He's going to run the ranch for him. Thanks to the old man, Daisy and Jarod end up having to fake being married.
It's one of those times where I wished I haven't done a reread because the misogynistic dialogues of Jarod's uncle and the prejudices his family also passed on to him about bartenders were too infuriating and ruined the fun for me.
May 29, 2010
I love this book! I adore a good cowboy romance and this was a good one! It had me laughing and crying...I went through a whole range of emotions.
I completely fell in love with these characters. They were a great "down home" bunch and I must say that I thought Chigger was great. She made me laugh out loud everytime her character came up.
If you enjoy a good country romance then this is one to check out. I am really looking forward to the next one in this series Hell, Yeah....I think it's going to be good!
And is that cover hot or what!?
October 24, 2010
An ode to Toby Keith's song, country music, honky tonks and country living. I Love This Bar was full of great characters, fun moments, music and good lovin'... Don't expect detailed bedroom scenes in this book, but it does have good romantic moments. Loved all the characters from Daisy and Jarod to the secondary cast: Chigger, Momma, the Walker triplets, Tinker, Merle and cousin Cathy. If you like ranchers and country music, you'll enjoy this one. I did.
November 25, 2014
Cute, fun story. The ping-pong POV continued to confuse and annoy me, and the conflict was really light, but it's a cute story.
I've been past the Smokestack restaurant and kept thinking it was out in the middle of nowhere, and if Thurber has a population of 5, then it is pretty much nowhere. I do find it unlikely that there are "woods" out back of anywhere in that area... but there might be a cluster of mesquites, I guess.
I've been past the Smokestack restaurant and kept thinking it was out in the middle of nowhere, and if Thurber has a population of 5, then it is pretty much nowhere. I do find it unlikely that there are "woods" out back of anywhere in that area... but there might be a cluster of mesquites, I guess.
June 7, 2010
This was an ok read for me. I was distracted through most of the book so it didn't hold my attention for long. The characters were likable, it had a few laugh out loud moments. I really wish there was on page love scenes. The story is written well, I may finish the series but I wont be rushing out to get the next. 3.5 stars
December 24, 2016
I really liked this western romance. Jarod was a perfect gentleman (well sort of) and as Daisy said "was sex on a stick". Once burned Daisy was protecting herself and her heart but Jarod's sweetness did her in. I found this to be very romantic and I loved the addition of country songs/lyrics which made things really hit home.
January 27, 2011
Carolyn Brown writes great characters. Although the cover of this book is quite yummy, the scenes within are not overly graphic which makes to pretty tame for this genre. Great book, I am looking forward to the next one!
June 4, 2021
Right from the start I found Daisy to be a super unlikeable character. She slut shames another woman almost immediately:
"Daisy wondered if 'slut' was contagious". Rude.
Then a few sentences later "Chigger was one of those women who had no morals. If she saw something wearing jeans and boots and wanted it, she set about getting it." So I guess if you're bold, it means you have no morals? :/
The slut shaming did get better when Daisy befriended Chigger but it doesn't excuse it.
I found the way the author changed character perspectives jarring. One paragraph would be from Daisy's point of view and the next from Jared's with no warning. I'm used to the transition being more explicit.
Something that annoyed me: why are there triplet brothers named Billy Bob, Joe Bob, and Jim Bob... Like wasn't it confusing enough for their parents to have three identical sons?! Lmao
This book also felt like it was at times an advertisement for country music. I couldn't relate to or picture any of the songs in my head except Sweet Home Alabama.
Songs mentioned:
I Love This Bar by Toby Keith
River Of Love by George Strait
Sweet Home Alabama
Hell Yeah by Montgomery Gentry
Redneck Woman Gretchen Wilson
Let Your Love Flow Bellamy Brothers
He'll Have to Go by Jim Reeves
Rockin' Years by Dolly Parton & Ricky Shelton
Only One Love in My Life by Ronnie Milsap
Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley
I Can't Stop Lovin' You by Don Gibson
Send Me the Pillow You Dream On by Hank Locklin
It Happens by Sugarland
Long-Haired Country Boy by Travis Trett
Where Corn Don't Grow by Travis Trett
I Cross My Heart by George Strait
Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert
One Wing in the Fire by Trent Tomlinson
Help Me Make It Through the Night by Sammi Smith
Stand up by Mel McDaniel
Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
Right or Wrong by Wanda Jackson
Country Bumpkin by Cal Smith
Long Slow Kisses by Jeff Bates
When I Get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley
The Baby by Blake Shelton
I Always Get Lucky by George Jones
Slowly by Faron Young
Passionate Kisses by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Who's Your Daddy by Toby Keith
Artists who were name dropped:
George Jones
Ray Price
Lefty Fritzzel
Waylon Jennings
Willie Nelson
Merle Haggard
Brad Paisley
Josh Turner
Jim Currington
Sara Evans
Sugarland
Garth Brooks
Alan Jackson
Patsy Cline
Don Williams
Hank Williams
But surprisingly I did end up finishing the book even though I hated Daisy. I grew up in Oklahoma myself and it brought back a lot feelings of my old home. I laughed when Daisy told Jared he was just plain rotten because my Aunt used to say that to me all the time.
TL;DR
Came for the cowboy romance but stayed for the nostalgia.
"Daisy wondered if 'slut' was contagious". Rude.
Then a few sentences later "Chigger was one of those women who had no morals. If she saw something wearing jeans and boots and wanted it, she set about getting it." So I guess if you're bold, it means you have no morals? :/
The slut shaming did get better when Daisy befriended Chigger but it doesn't excuse it.
I found the way the author changed character perspectives jarring. One paragraph would be from Daisy's point of view and the next from Jared's with no warning. I'm used to the transition being more explicit.
Something that annoyed me: why are there triplet brothers named Billy Bob, Joe Bob, and Jim Bob... Like wasn't it confusing enough for their parents to have three identical sons?! Lmao
This book also felt like it was at times an advertisement for country music. I couldn't relate to or picture any of the songs in my head except Sweet Home Alabama.
Songs mentioned:
I Love This Bar by Toby Keith
River Of Love by George Strait
Sweet Home Alabama
Hell Yeah by Montgomery Gentry
Redneck Woman Gretchen Wilson
Let Your Love Flow Bellamy Brothers
He'll Have to Go by Jim Reeves
Rockin' Years by Dolly Parton & Ricky Shelton
Only One Love in My Life by Ronnie Milsap
Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley
I Can't Stop Lovin' You by Don Gibson
Send Me the Pillow You Dream On by Hank Locklin
It Happens by Sugarland
Long-Haired Country Boy by Travis Trett
Where Corn Don't Grow by Travis Trett
I Cross My Heart by George Strait
Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert
One Wing in the Fire by Trent Tomlinson
Help Me Make It Through the Night by Sammi Smith
Stand up by Mel McDaniel
Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
Right or Wrong by Wanda Jackson
Country Bumpkin by Cal Smith
Long Slow Kisses by Jeff Bates
When I Get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley
The Baby by Blake Shelton
I Always Get Lucky by George Jones
Slowly by Faron Young
Passionate Kisses by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Who's Your Daddy by Toby Keith
Artists who were name dropped:
George Jones
Ray Price
Lefty Fritzzel
Waylon Jennings
Willie Nelson
Merle Haggard
Brad Paisley
Josh Turner
Jim Currington
Sara Evans
Sugarland
Garth Brooks
Alan Jackson
Patsy Cline
Don Williams
Hank Williams
But surprisingly I did end up finishing the book even though I hated Daisy. I grew up in Oklahoma myself and it brought back a lot feelings of my old home. I laughed when Daisy told Jared he was just plain rotten because my Aunt used to say that to me all the time.
TL;DR
Came for the cowboy romance but stayed for the nostalgia.
April 14, 2020
I cannot believe this is a book written by Carolyn Brown. I have really enjoyed so many of her other books: The Ladies' Room, The Strawberry Hearts Diner, et.al. This one was just awful. First, the narrator did little to distinguish between characters. And all those (First Name) Second Name Bob. Second, the stereotyping of Texans was really a put off for me, they sounded stupid, not Texan. Last, there was no continuity with the two main characters. One minute, they loved each other. The next minute, they never wanted to see each other. I think what really put me off was the narrator...she just made everyone sound like a bad stereotype! Don't think I'll listen to the next one in the series.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
March 29, 2020
I expected so much! This is the first Carolyn Brown book I have ever picked up. This is also the last. I was looking for warmth, fun and sweet - maybe a smidge of sexy. I was looking to get lost in I Love This Bar. In my mind, there was so much potential.
As stated before I had such high hopes. My first impressions is there is no warmth created at all. In fact, there is nothing created. We are told there is a bar. There isn't any description that eludes to why the regulars come back - we are simply told that it's their kind of bar. The characters reminded me of cardboard cut outs. There was nothing left for the reader to glean from any of them.
It's as though the writer expects everyone who picks up the book to know that Toby Keith song. In fact all the writer did in the pages is recreate the song - she added names to the faces but not much else. If this is cowboy romance, my lord they need writers for this genre.
As stated before I had such high hopes. My first impressions is there is no warmth created at all. In fact, there is nothing created. We are told there is a bar. There isn't any description that eludes to why the regulars come back - we are simply told that it's their kind of bar. The characters reminded me of cardboard cut outs. There was nothing left for the reader to glean from any of them.
It's as though the writer expects everyone who picks up the book to know that Toby Keith song. In fact all the writer did in the pages is recreate the song - she added names to the faces but not much else. If this is cowboy romance, my lord they need writers for this genre.
November 12, 2021
I've read many Carolyn Brown books she is one of my favorite romance authors. I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. I really enjoyed this a lot. I liked the characters a lot. I thought Daisy and Jarod made the cutest couple. The chemistry between them was just amazing. I was really sad when the Uncle or Grandparent died (I can't remember which) I almost cried while I was at work. I liked their little marriage of convenience. I haven't seen that to much in her books. It wasn't an actual marriage the family member thought it was. Honestly I think the reason I didn't like this was because of the narrator. I'm so used to Carolyn's book have one narrator for her newer things it was different with her older books.
October 9, 2023
Tough talkin' female protagonist and a cowboy in an easy to read book? Gimme! This was my very first read by Carolyn Brown and I've got to say I'm interested enough to read her other work. Daisy, finding her place in the world and in her small town after weathering the odds -- she really appealed to my as I read her story. Stuck in the mud Jarod (when it comes to certain opinions) suprised me enough to change my opinion of him as the story progressed. Contrary to what I expected, the chemistry in the story was more sweet than hot & heavy. So, if you're looking for something with a litle more spice to it, steer away. But, if you're looking to sink into a sweet small-town romance about at the honkytonk, ranches, cowboys, ornery men and donkeys -- then I reccomend this book!
March 13, 2022
Definitely a clean romance with a solid love story. For me there wasn’t enough build up for the romance. It seemed disconnected. Yes, they hung out and had some great banter and interactions but there seemed to be more about the side characters than the main characters. The dual POV also threw me so much. I found myself having to re-read paragraphs to figure out if it was Jarod or Daisy talking and it just ruined the mood for me that I’d have to put the book down and come back to it.
September 9, 2017
I LOVE THIS BAR by Carolyn Brown is book #1 of the Honky Tonk series. A great fun book to read as you follow Daisy and Jarod on their journey to a happily ever after. I loved every minute of this book and hated for it to end. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. This author knows how to get your attention and hold onto it. Try it, you'll like it !!
October 2, 2017
This was an okay story. Nothing to get all excited about. There are several places in which the details don't match. Not just the previously mentioned removal of Jarod's boots. There were a few places with editing errors. Places where punctuation errors were made. This book is getting a higher rating than I want to give it because I actually had to break out the tissue over Emmett.
June 30, 2018
Daisy inherits The Honky Tonk after her friend passes away. When a Stranger rolls into town she quickly finds herself falling for him against all of her better judgements. Isle of the author's writing style and that she has the ability to pull you into the story. great storyline this even better characters. love the realistic happy ending
August 30, 2019
Great story. Loved the Southern atmosphere. I feel like I just spent time with friends. I really liked Jarod and Daisy, though I found her a bit too back-and-forth on her feelings. Most of all, I loved the Honky Tonk. Reading a book set in a bar the heroine owned was great. I'll have to read more in this series, for sure.
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