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The Cowboys #3
Once a Cowboy
Brodie Hayes is a former rodeo star, now a rancher—a cowboy, through and through. But when he finds out some shocking news about the circumstances of his birth, he begins to question his identity. Luckily, private investigator Alexandra Donovan is there to help him find the truth about who he is. Along the way, he discovers that even a man who thought he'd be alone for the rest of his life can fall in love. For Brodie, love was something you did once—and for always. But is Alex the type of woman who can take on a stubborn man like him? Because there's one thing about him that will never change, no matter what they find out about his past—once a cowboy, always a cowboy.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
300 people are currently reading
1291 people want to read
About the author
Linda Warren
150 books334 followersLinda Warren loves happy endings. The Rita® nominated and award-winning author has written 26 books for Harlequin, including SuperRomance, American, and Everlasting Love. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a farm/ranch in Texas, she writes about sexy heroes, feisty heroines, and broken families with an emotional punch all set against the backdrop of Texas. She lives in College Station with her husband and spends her days doing what she loves—creating unforgettable love stories—with happy endings.
Linda Warren was born Linda Siegert in Brazos County, TX, on July 2, 1945. She passed away on November 8, 2023, in Bryant, TX. Warren is survived by her husband, several children, and grandchildren.
Linda Warren was born Linda Siegert in Brazos County, TX, on July 2, 1945. She passed away on November 8, 2023, in Bryant, TX. Warren is survived by her husband, several children, and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
January 18, 2012
I enjoyed the first half, but in the second half, things started to irk me. The author put back story in the character's mouths and as soon as she did, it stopped sounding like dialog and started sounding like a scripted info dump (which it was). The hero also related his two best friend's histories so completely that I suspect there is a book for each, but since I now feel like I know all about them, I feel no need to read their stories.
I liked stories where the H & h take their time falling in love, but I didn't feel the transition here like I'd have liked to. She especially seemed to just decide she was in love with him without any real build up.
I also thought the author missed an opportunity to foreshadow the surprise in the heroine's family. It would have been so easy to do that through her father's dislike of the case she'd taken, but his disapproval felt generic instead of case specific.
So it missed the mark for me in little ways. I did however love the heroine's grandmother. What a hoot.
I liked stories where the H & h take their time falling in love, but I didn't feel the transition here like I'd have liked to. She especially seemed to just decide she was in love with him without any real build up.
I also thought the author missed an opportunity to foreshadow the surprise in the heroine's family. It would have been so easy to do that through her father's dislike of the case she'd taken, but his disapproval felt generic instead of case specific.
So it missed the mark for me in little ways. I did however love the heroine's grandmother. What a hoot.
April 28, 2011
Every so often I get the urge to read one of these super cheesy romance novels. It's like getting a pint of Ben & Jerry's -- you know it's just full of empty calories with no nutrition, but you can't help yourself from devouring it.
This wasn't AS bad as other dime-store romances I've read...but it wasn't exactly a stimulating read either. Alex was way too Mary-Sue (she's beautiful, an awesome detective, insanely compassionate, and has a wacky-but-loveable family!) and Brodie "I have to go find myself" Hayes was just...eh. "Oh, no, I'm not a cowboy anymore!" Um...except that you are, and always were no matter which parents you had. In fact, he should've been relieved at the fact that his cowboy-lovin' ways were a part of his biological family, hence the reason he felt so strongly about it his whole life.
I think sometimes I need to read books like these so when I read a awesomely well-written book I can really appreciate the talent and time that went into it.
At least it was free! Thanks, B&N.
This wasn't AS bad as other dime-store romances I've read...but it wasn't exactly a stimulating read either. Alex was way too Mary-Sue (she's beautiful, an awesome detective, insanely compassionate, and has a wacky-but-loveable family!) and Brodie "I have to go find myself" Hayes was just...eh. "Oh, no, I'm not a cowboy anymore!" Um...except that you are, and always were no matter which parents you had. In fact, he should've been relieved at the fact that his cowboy-lovin' ways were a part of his biological family, hence the reason he felt so strongly about it his whole life.
I think sometimes I need to read books like these so when I read a awesomely well-written book I can really appreciate the talent and time that went into it.
At least it was free! Thanks, B&N.
October 15, 2011
I just don't enjoy category romances very much, but this one was okay. There were some mechanical problems with it, like clunky writing:
By late afternoon she had a lot of information on Brodie Hayes. He’d earned lots of accolades.
"A lot" and "lots" could have been - and should have been - edited to something more exciting. There were several of these instances, plus a lot of info dumping. And though I realize this was not a law book I had to smirk at this:
The DA had its own investigators, but when they needed someone to go the extra mile they knew who to call. Buck was known for getting information out of the person without them knowing it. Everything Alex had learned about investigating, she’d learned from her father.
Oh really? I'm sure the defendant's attorney would sail to victory if this were the case. The defendants MUST know everything the DA knows - it's part of the discovery process, specifically the Jenks Act and Brady Vs. Maryland. If this were the case, the DA would be prosecuted for gross prosecutorial misconduct. But whatever, that wasn't my main gripe about the passage.
Less than a page later:
She’d have to do this by the book, as Buck had taught her.
Doesn't that directly conflict with the above?
Valerie Cryder was accused of killing her husband and two children. The DA hired them to go the extra mile on Mrs. Cryder’s life, digging through all the dirty laundry, so to speak.
Again, no.
But overall I found the story interesting. I didn't really know the characters very well, but I liked the heroine's crazy family; they seemed more real to me than she did.
I did enjoy it as much as I ever enjoy categories. I downloaded it for free off Amazon so I don't feel like it was a waste of time.
By late afternoon she had a lot of information on Brodie Hayes. He’d earned lots of accolades.
"A lot" and "lots" could have been - and should have been - edited to something more exciting. There were several of these instances, plus a lot of info dumping. And though I realize this was not a law book I had to smirk at this:
The DA had its own investigators, but when they needed someone to go the extra mile they knew who to call. Buck was known for getting information out of the person without them knowing it. Everything Alex had learned about investigating, she’d learned from her father.
Oh really? I'm sure the defendant's attorney would sail to victory if this were the case. The defendants MUST know everything the DA knows - it's part of the discovery process, specifically the Jenks Act and Brady Vs. Maryland. If this were the case, the DA would be prosecuted for gross prosecutorial misconduct. But whatever, that wasn't my main gripe about the passage.
Less than a page later:
She’d have to do this by the book, as Buck had taught her.
Doesn't that directly conflict with the above?
Valerie Cryder was accused of killing her husband and two children. The DA hired them to go the extra mile on Mrs. Cryder’s life, digging through all the dirty laundry, so to speak.
Again, no.
But overall I found the story interesting. I didn't really know the characters very well, but I liked the heroine's crazy family; they seemed more real to me than she did.
I did enjoy it as much as I ever enjoy categories. I downloaded it for free off Amazon so I don't feel like it was a waste of time.
October 4, 2009
Brodie Hayes is a former rodeo star, three times world champion, whose life unravels when P.I. Alex Donovan appears on his ranch, asking him to consent to a DNA test. Thinking it's probably some woman claiming he is the father of her baby, he's shocked to his core, when Alex informs him of a woman's claim that Brodie is her son.
With the test twice resulting 99.9% positive, Brodie is faced with a hard choice and an even harder journey toward self-discovery.
I was surprised how much I actually liked this story. The premise was heartbreaking, the story marvelously concocted and even better executed, skirting that fine line between "respectful" portrayal of a character's feelings and doubts and fear of getting into the cheesy territory.
The writing and style did this one justice, taking this delicate thing and making the reader actually enjoy the ride.
The characters were great, the romance perfectly proportioned and developped, the emotions tangible, and Brodie's fears and doubts even more so. I loved Alex and Brodie together, I loved how he realized she was his security blanked and knew there was something deeper between them, but refused to pursue anything further before he knew who he truly was...And wasn't afraid to admit it, didn't go all macho, but instead talked to her...Before getting the hell out of Dodge.
Yes, sadly the category-romance shadow was skirting this book from the very beginning (hence the fear of getting into cheesy territory), and it certainly would've been better if it was a normal (single title) book - the additional pages wouldn't have hurt, but still it was a rather remarkable peace of writing for a Harlequin story.
I don't read HAR books, but I'm really glad Harlequin decided to throw this one onto its freebie pile.
With the test twice resulting 99.9% positive, Brodie is faced with a hard choice and an even harder journey toward self-discovery.
I was surprised how much I actually liked this story. The premise was heartbreaking, the story marvelously concocted and even better executed, skirting that fine line between "respectful" portrayal of a character's feelings and doubts and fear of getting into the cheesy territory.
The writing and style did this one justice, taking this delicate thing and making the reader actually enjoy the ride.
The characters were great, the romance perfectly proportioned and developped, the emotions tangible, and Brodie's fears and doubts even more so. I loved Alex and Brodie together, I loved how he realized she was his security blanked and knew there was something deeper between them, but refused to pursue anything further before he knew who he truly was...And wasn't afraid to admit it, didn't go all macho, but instead talked to her...Before getting the hell out of Dodge.
Yes, sadly the category-romance shadow was skirting this book from the very beginning (hence the fear of getting into cheesy territory), and it certainly would've been better if it was a normal (single title) book - the additional pages wouldn't have hurt, but still it was a rather remarkable peace of writing for a Harlequin story.
I don't read HAR books, but I'm really glad Harlequin decided to throw this one onto its freebie pile.
June 30, 2012
What happens when a baby is stolen from the hospital forty years ago and the mother believes she’s found her baby… Once a Cowboy. This is such a story, but it is more than that, so much more. I loved this story and almost read it in a single sitting, but sometimes we do need to get a little sleep….
Brodie Hayes is a world class bull rider and has the scars to prove it. As a teen he saw his dream and went after it, even though it wasn’t what his parents wanted but, it was his dream and it was what made him happy. He couldn’t go into the Army and follow in his father’s footsteps. He felt that he disappointed his parents, but he couldn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t just to please them.
Alex Donovan was a former police officer and currently working with her father in his private investigation firm. She was a good officer but was too soft-hearted and got emotionally involved in a missing child case that did not end well. She left the force after that and began working for her father. Now a woman has come into their offices and said she thinks the gentleman in a newspaper clipping is her stolen baby from forty years ago. Alex knows that she should decline the case, but one look at the picture and she knows she can’t. Alex searches for the answers and gets more than she bargained for.
I believe this was a story more about self-discovery than anything else. It delves into the questions about what makes us who we are. Brodie and Alex both end up learning things about their lives, their families and circumstances.
Brodie Hayes is a world class bull rider and has the scars to prove it. As a teen he saw his dream and went after it, even though it wasn’t what his parents wanted but, it was his dream and it was what made him happy. He couldn’t go into the Army and follow in his father’s footsteps. He felt that he disappointed his parents, but he couldn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t just to please them.
Alex Donovan was a former police officer and currently working with her father in his private investigation firm. She was a good officer but was too soft-hearted and got emotionally involved in a missing child case that did not end well. She left the force after that and began working for her father. Now a woman has come into their offices and said she thinks the gentleman in a newspaper clipping is her stolen baby from forty years ago. Alex knows that she should decline the case, but one look at the picture and she knows she can’t. Alex searches for the answers and gets more than she bargained for.
I believe this was a story more about self-discovery than anything else. It delves into the questions about what makes us who we are. Brodie and Alex both end up learning things about their lives, their families and circumstances.
October 4, 2012
Listen, you're not going to go into this book expecting a work by Hesiod but this short Harlequin romance does its job. Boy meets girl, they are attracted to each other, slow build-up, conflict, they realize they have feelings for each other, pushing away by one or both parties, misery because they live each other, and then the HEA. This hits most of those points pretty well. The reasons were valid, the family drama was real, and the two mains were clearly meant to be together.
I will say that I think I love Naddy and this book should be re-released as an Avon novel so that we get more character depth and development as well as more Naddy. It would also be nice to see Brodie on a happier situation.
I will say that I think I love Naddy and this book should be re-released as an Avon novel so that we get more character depth and development as well as more Naddy. It would also be nice to see Brodie on a happier situation.
March 1, 2009
This book started out great - female P.I. and a retired rodeo star cross paths when she investigates whether he was a baby stolen at birth. The usual angst of "who am i?" follows and contrives to keep the lovers apart. The plot gets way too contrived as the book progresses, though - turns out the P.I.'s mother was not really her mother either, but a dying-of-AIDS-ex-girlfriend-of-mean-as-nails daddy. But for the terrible plot twists and sappy epilogue, this book could have ranked three stars. As it is, two stars is a stretch.
June 20, 2019
Full of tropes and unoriginal. Also problematic ideas about needing another person to complete you, women being there to help a man heal from some trauma, amazing sex on the first try, everyone’s dream is to get married and pop out kids, yada yada yada. Additionally, apparently these people don’t own cell phones because they are constantly driving to one another’s houses instead of calling. There are moments where it’s clear the author is describing something that is unfamiliar to her, and it’s very obvious to even a passerby. If you want a quick-read mindless romance and enjoy the word “cowboy” being worked in at very awkward moments to remind you that it takes place in Texas, this book may appeal to you.
May 29, 2011
This book was your typical Harlequin Romance with a Hunk you can’t resist and a woman who is unlike any woman he’s ever met before ;op
The story was interesting if you can get over the fact that the results were very predictable and the lead female (Alex) is kind of stockerish, seriously back off lady! Which I found endlessly entertaining since Alex is supposed to be an ex-cop now turned P.I.
I loved Naddy the eccentric grandmother and her wild ways, and I would have almost given this book four stars if it was not for the ridiculous coincidence that happens to Alex towards the end of the book, which was just too much for me and almost ruined the book for me. Really people can relate to others and be supportive without having to go through the same horrible circumstances. I don’t want to give anything away, but the situation that happened to Brodie is soooo rare, and makes for a very interesting story without having to put Alex through a similar tragic secret, it just took away from Brodie in my opinion.
Okay that’s about all I want to comment on this book as again it’s a fun, cheesy read!
The story was interesting if you can get over the fact that the results were very predictable and the lead female (Alex) is kind of stockerish, seriously back off lady! Which I found endlessly entertaining since Alex is supposed to be an ex-cop now turned P.I.
I loved Naddy the eccentric grandmother and her wild ways, and I would have almost given this book four stars if it was not for the ridiculous coincidence that happens to Alex towards the end of the book, which was just too much for me and almost ruined the book for me. Really people can relate to others and be supportive without having to go through the same horrible circumstances. I don’t want to give anything away, but the situation that happened to Brodie is soooo rare, and makes for a very interesting story without having to put Alex through a similar tragic secret, it just took away from Brodie in my opinion.
Okay that’s about all I want to comment on this book as again it’s a fun, cheesy read!
January 20, 2013
This was a very sweet story, about a cowboy whose life suddenly was turned completely upside down, and the woman who made him aware that he wasn't exactly who he had always thought he was.
Full review to come soon, both here and at (un)Conventional Bookviews.
Full review to come soon, both here and at (un)Conventional Bookviews.
March 12, 2012
I enjoyed it well enough, I liked a few of the characters and it wasn't horrible. The plot-line was unfortunately predicable from the moment you open the cover. But that's pretty much the case with cheese romances.
December 29, 2010
Good -- I really enjoyed it.
February 22, 2020
Having grown up with "America's Team" and Tom Landry from the '60s and '70s, I found this book delightful. It is a laugh on every page...wait a minute...every paragraph. Walt Garrison starts by giving us a glimpse of his early life in Lewisville, TX, not far from where I live. A thralling metroplis now, but during that time was a sleeply little farm town...in fact the...Lewisville football team is known as the Fighting Farmers.
How did a boy go from these humble beginnings become a fullback for the Dallas Cowboys? He will tell you in his book and he will give you reasons to belly-laugh. He counts himself as lucky...football, rodeoing, whittling, dipping snuff. What a guy! Boasting only in the accomplishments of the team and not his own personal fame.
The story is more about team members, their prowess and their crazy antics, than the team as a whole. In his forward, Dan Reeves says, 'there's nothing phony" about Walt Garrison.
He is a great storyteller. How fun it would be to sit around the campfire with these guys to reminesce about those days. A laugh every 30 seconds.
How did a boy go from these humble beginnings become a fullback for the Dallas Cowboys? He will tell you in his book and he will give you reasons to belly-laugh. He counts himself as lucky...football, rodeoing, whittling, dipping snuff. What a guy! Boasting only in the accomplishments of the team and not his own personal fame.
The story is more about team members, their prowess and their crazy antics, than the team as a whole. In his forward, Dan Reeves says, 'there's nothing phony" about Walt Garrison.
He is a great storyteller. How fun it would be to sit around the campfire with these guys to reminesce about those days. A laugh every 30 seconds.
January 15, 2018
Once I started this, I hated to put it down! This is a great read, loved it from start to finish and highly recommend to anyone who likes Western Contemporary Romance. I have never felt the need to pick a book apart as to its construction or what it should be written like....I don't care, so long as the story holds my interest, and this one did. I read strictly for pleasure, I like happy endings and this book gave me one. Somebody wrote that the heroine was too sweet....like that type of person doesn't exist anymore. Well, maybe they don't, which is very sad if it's true, but this is 'fiction', so the character can be any type of person the author chooses, and for me, this worked, totally. So, I am recommending it, and will definitely read it again, it's a keeper for me.
July 10, 2018
I really loved this story.
I found the characters so real and funny. I loved everything and every one: Brodie the cowboy and former bull rider rodeo worldchampion, Alex and her lollipops, the way she is with her life and deal with a grumpy father : Buck and an unique grandma who made me laugh loud many times, his AUnt Cloe
I loved the pace of the story and the very interresting character studies, his parents (the old and the new family) but also, his friends/brothers forming the Amigos, the way Brodie and Alex discovered and aknowledged their feelings, their needed separation and their strenghth facing so much problems/tragedy.
the way Brodie faces what destiny threw at him.
beautiful story of lies, love, hurt, humor,family interesting characters and storyline. I loved reading it
I found the characters so real and funny. I loved everything and every one: Brodie the cowboy and former bull rider rodeo worldchampion, Alex and her lollipops, the way she is with her life and deal with a grumpy father : Buck and an unique grandma who made me laugh loud many times, his AUnt Cloe
I loved the pace of the story and the very interresting character studies, his parents (the old and the new family) but also, his friends/brothers forming the Amigos, the way Brodie and Alex discovered and aknowledged their feelings, their needed separation and their strenghth facing so much problems/tragedy.
the way Brodie faces what destiny threw at him.
beautiful story of lies, love, hurt, humor,family interesting characters and storyline. I loved reading it
November 10, 2018
The main theme of Once a Cowboy is that Brodie Hayes is first, last and always a cowboy. He is an ex-national champion bull rider, a rancher and loves his life.
Alexandra Donovan is a private investigator working as a 'partner' with her father, also an ex-cop, Buck. He thinks she is too soft and gets too involved with her cases but that is just how she is made as a caring and compassionate woman.
Alex takes a missing baby case that is forty years old and it turns out to totally turn Bodie's life upside down when the DNA tests show he is the son of her client. I loved the raw emotions of all the characters and how they helped and supported each other.
Alex's Grandmother Naddy added a great deal of humor, fun and helped to lighten the plot too.
Alexandra Donovan is a private investigator working as a 'partner' with her father, also an ex-cop, Buck. He thinks she is too soft and gets too involved with her cases but that is just how she is made as a caring and compassionate woman.
Alex takes a missing baby case that is forty years old and it turns out to totally turn Bodie's life upside down when the DNA tests show he is the son of her client. I loved the raw emotions of all the characters and how they helped and supported each other.
Alex's Grandmother Naddy added a great deal of humor, fun and helped to lighten the plot too.
November 16, 2018
Alexandra 'Alex' Donovan, PI, is hired by the Braxton family to find out if Brodie Hayes is their son who was stolen from the hospital 40 years prior. Alex tries to be discreet in getting Brodie's DNA but a match forces her to confront him with the news, putting his whole life in question. The difficult period of figuring out what happened, adjusting, and forgiving brings Brodie and Alex into close contact as Alex attempts to help. This was a fairly predictable story but well handled.
August 22, 2021
Not even sure how this book got on my kindle but I couldn’t get through it. I got just over halfway and gave up. It’s a cheesy romance novel and the story itself is okay but really could have been written better. Plus there are soooo many errors in the book which really irks me so I just couldn’t get into it to have the desire to finish the book.
January 16, 2019
It was good
I grew up with Harlequin books because my mother and grandmother read them. Its like going home for me. This one was great! The plot was intriguing and the characters likable.
I grew up with Harlequin books because my mother and grandmother read them. Its like going home for me. This one was great! The plot was intriguing and the characters likable.
July 22, 2017
Loved this story where family matters. It was perfectly paced keeping my interest from the start. A twist to keep your interest until the end. Fast read.
October 18, 2017
I THINK I LOVE THE BRAIN DRILL.IT FANTASTIC
July 28, 2019
Don't judge this book by its cover; a sweet story with well developed characters that is a quick pleasant breeze all the way to the end.
April 10, 2020
A good romance novel. Not too mushy! Good plot, nice little twist in the falling action. I enjoyed it!
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April 30, 2020I reviewed this for my YouTube channel, Op Shop Romance.
https://youtu.be/wJ4AxaZdncQ
https://youtu.be/wJ4AxaZdncQ
December 14, 2019
Great
Great book enjoyed characters. I like shorter books but this provided more development of characters. I would definitively recommend it.
Great book enjoyed characters. I like shorter books but this provided more development of characters. I would definitively recommend it.
July 26, 2012
(review originally posted on blog in March) I got Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren as a free Kindle read a while back. I have absolutely zero romance going on in my life so I figured why not live vicariously through someone else. Hehe. This someone else happened to be Alexandra Donovan, a private investigator who finds herself falling for the hunky cowboy who just so happens to be the subject of one of her investigations.
Helen Braxton comes in to Alex's office asking her to check out rodeo star Brodie Hayes, claiming he's the son she had 40 years ago that was stolen from the hospital not too long after birth. Alex tries to be discreet and not stir up too much in Brodie's life but it doesn't quite work out the way she'd planned. Now she's bulldozed her way in to his goings on and he doesn't know which way is up anymore.
Once all is said and done with Brodie, though, Alex gets a shock of her own that she has to figure out how to come to terms with. And does surprisingly well for someone whose world has just been turned upside down. Brodie seems to have rubbed off on her.
*
Alex Donovan is a no BS character. She doesn't expect people to take care of her and she's opinionated and straight forward. Extremely likeable and refreshing. She's blunt but caring and can tell you what's what with tact. Brodie sounds like a handsome cowboy who knows exactly who he is. Until Alex comes along. Despite that, though, he takes the news as well as can be expected.
This was a quick read and not quite what I'd expected. I was pleasantly surprised. And I enjoyed it a lot. I think I would have liked to see the relationship between Alex and Brodie develop a bit more before diving right in, but it wasn't too hurried to be at least a little realistic I suppose. Although it's always frustrating when you know what's going to happen long before it does and then you have to spend the rest of the book waiting for the character to figure it out as well. The love scenes between the two were tasetful. Not overdone or poorly done.
I loved Alex's grandmother. One reviewer on Goodreads said the author should write "The Many Adventures of Naddy". I completely agree. Naddy is definitely not your typical grandma. And it sounds like she'd be a fun character to follow for a while. Alex's father, Buck, was not what he'd been made out to be though. I did not get the sense that he was the bulldog she claimed he was. But that's ok. He was a minor character and didn't really play a huge part in the book.
The ending, in my opinion, was a little "You've got to be kidding me". Still a great book, but I didn't like the development in Alex's life. The blow she was dealt after she'd helped Brodie and the Braxtons. And reading the epilogue, even though I knew that all of the characters had been mentioned, at least in passing, there were still a lot of names to try and keep straight and I had to read it a few times to get it figured out. It made me smile though.
I'd recommend this for anyone looking for something new to read. Or anyone who loves cowboys and romance. Probably not anyone under the age of 17, simply because there ARE some love scenes. It really was a good book to read.
Helen Braxton comes in to Alex's office asking her to check out rodeo star Brodie Hayes, claiming he's the son she had 40 years ago that was stolen from the hospital not too long after birth. Alex tries to be discreet and not stir up too much in Brodie's life but it doesn't quite work out the way she'd planned. Now she's bulldozed her way in to his goings on and he doesn't know which way is up anymore.
Once all is said and done with Brodie, though, Alex gets a shock of her own that she has to figure out how to come to terms with. And does surprisingly well for someone whose world has just been turned upside down. Brodie seems to have rubbed off on her.
*
Alex Donovan is a no BS character. She doesn't expect people to take care of her and she's opinionated and straight forward. Extremely likeable and refreshing. She's blunt but caring and can tell you what's what with tact. Brodie sounds like a handsome cowboy who knows exactly who he is. Until Alex comes along. Despite that, though, he takes the news as well as can be expected.
This was a quick read and not quite what I'd expected. I was pleasantly surprised. And I enjoyed it a lot. I think I would have liked to see the relationship between Alex and Brodie develop a bit more before diving right in, but it wasn't too hurried to be at least a little realistic I suppose. Although it's always frustrating when you know what's going to happen long before it does and then you have to spend the rest of the book waiting for the character to figure it out as well. The love scenes between the two were tasetful. Not overdone or poorly done.
I loved Alex's grandmother. One reviewer on Goodreads said the author should write "The Many Adventures of Naddy". I completely agree. Naddy is definitely not your typical grandma. And it sounds like she'd be a fun character to follow for a while. Alex's father, Buck, was not what he'd been made out to be though. I did not get the sense that he was the bulldog she claimed he was. But that's ok. He was a minor character and didn't really play a huge part in the book.
The ending, in my opinion, was a little "You've got to be kidding me". Still a great book, but I didn't like the development in Alex's life. The blow she was dealt after she'd helped Brodie and the Braxtons. And reading the epilogue, even though I knew that all of the characters had been mentioned, at least in passing, there were still a lot of names to try and keep straight and I had to read it a few times to get it figured out. It made me smile though.
I'd recommend this for anyone looking for something new to read. Or anyone who loves cowboys and romance. Probably not anyone under the age of 17, simply because there ARE some love scenes. It really was a good book to read.
January 11, 2020
Okay
This book is okay. The writing was very good. But I find the plot hard to deal with though I know things like this happen in real life. Not for me though.
This book is okay. The writing was very good. But I find the plot hard to deal with though I know things like this happen in real life. Not for me though.
January 6, 2012
Oh how I love sexy cowboys. This may be the first cowboy romance I've reviewed, but rest assured it won't be the last.
Look at that cover model. I just want to lick him.
Retired Pro bull rider Brodie Hayes finds out from sexy PI Alex Donovan that he's actually the child of a couple whose baby was stolen from the hospital forty years ago.
Well, there's one I haven't heard before. I guess these days us romance writers have to come up with some new and interesting premises to keep it fresh. This one is a doozy.
Now, Harlequins are known for being short and sweet and I've always found that I wished they were longer. So many times there are jumps in the story that I feel leave me hanging. That happened a few times in this book, there were several spots in the beginning chapters that I found myself wishing the author would have made this book a bit longer (but would have had to publish it with somebody else because of HQs guidelines/rules). Linda Warren wove it all together pretty well.
My biggest complaints were how long it took our hero Brodie to figure himself out. I felt like a forty year old man, even one who found out his parents weren't really his, wouldn't be quite so whiny about it. He was just a little to woe is me for my tastes.
I also didn't really get why Alex was attracted to him in the first place. (Besides the fact that he was six feet of cowboy scrumptiousness)
This is (probably) the third book in a series about some rodeo-ing friends and I did feel a bit lost at times (especially the epilogue) when the author threw in details about these very minor secondary characters. I again thought the book would have been better if it had been longer and I could have developed some attachment to those other hot cowboys. I do however appreciate when an author gives you a glimpse into characters lives from past books.
The plot being pretty original, the writing darn good with lots of emotions and an HEA I think it was one of my better free reads.
My recommendations:
I would have paid for this book, but not up to cover price. Maybe $2.99.
I may or may not seek more of this author's books out. This was a pretty good book, but I didn't love it.
This was definitely worth the one-click.
I give it four stars.
This review is also on my blog 356 days, 365 free e-books at amydenim.blogspot.com
Look at that cover model. I just want to lick him.
Retired Pro bull rider Brodie Hayes finds out from sexy PI Alex Donovan that he's actually the child of a couple whose baby was stolen from the hospital forty years ago.
Well, there's one I haven't heard before. I guess these days us romance writers have to come up with some new and interesting premises to keep it fresh. This one is a doozy.
Now, Harlequins are known for being short and sweet and I've always found that I wished they were longer. So many times there are jumps in the story that I feel leave me hanging. That happened a few times in this book, there were several spots in the beginning chapters that I found myself wishing the author would have made this book a bit longer (but would have had to publish it with somebody else because of HQs guidelines/rules). Linda Warren wove it all together pretty well.
My biggest complaints were how long it took our hero Brodie to figure himself out. I felt like a forty year old man, even one who found out his parents weren't really his, wouldn't be quite so whiny about it. He was just a little to woe is me for my tastes.
I also didn't really get why Alex was attracted to him in the first place. (Besides the fact that he was six feet of cowboy scrumptiousness)
This is (probably) the third book in a series about some rodeo-ing friends and I did feel a bit lost at times (especially the epilogue) when the author threw in details about these very minor secondary characters. I again thought the book would have been better if it had been longer and I could have developed some attachment to those other hot cowboys. I do however appreciate when an author gives you a glimpse into characters lives from past books.
The plot being pretty original, the writing darn good with lots of emotions and an HEA I think it was one of my better free reads.
My recommendations:
I would have paid for this book, but not up to cover price. Maybe $2.99.
I may or may not seek more of this author's books out. This was a pretty good book, but I didn't love it.
This was definitely worth the one-click.
I give it four stars.
This review is also on my blog 356 days, 365 free e-books at amydenim.blogspot.com
May 13, 2010
A bland book, in my opinion - it was a free ebook as a part of the Harlequin anniversary set, so I suppose I can't complain too much, but I saw the plot beginning and ending from a mile away - and that disappointed me. The story revolves around Brodie, a 40 year old retired rodeo star who finds out that he may be the missing child of a family whose son had been kidnapped as a young child. Alex Donovan is the investigator who not only breaks the news to Brodie, but also ends up falling in love with him.
I read this book with an open mind, because there's really not much complexity to this book, and it's very easy to digest in about an hour or so of straight reading (I read it twice). The character emotions are real given the circumstances, and I give it to Warren in that she creates this atmosphere between Brodie and Alex that does manage to work in the scheme of events as Brodie debates his identity and comes to terms with the revelations surrounding the case. However, plot curveballs beware, there's a lot of unnecessary drama here and it comes out of nowhere. How on earth does Alex suddenly find out that her own family situation is, well...the way it is? Was it really necessary? And does the book have to drag out the drama the way it does? I don't think so, and there's a lot more that could've been added to this story, I think, that could have helped it be more original and still leave a lasting impression.
To be honest, I wouldn't consider this a great read and it really didn't provide me with much to cling to. I think if you're new to Harlequin or romance books in general, it probably wouldn't come across as all that cliche, but considering I've read hundreds of stories like this one (and they've done it far, far better), I can't say it's a book I'd recommend to anyone. If I can refer specific titles that actually use this same plot device and are worth the time, I will reference them in an edit to this review.
Overall score: 1/5
I read this book with an open mind, because there's really not much complexity to this book, and it's very easy to digest in about an hour or so of straight reading (I read it twice). The character emotions are real given the circumstances, and I give it to Warren in that she creates this atmosphere between Brodie and Alex that does manage to work in the scheme of events as Brodie debates his identity and comes to terms with the revelations surrounding the case. However, plot curveballs beware, there's a lot of unnecessary drama here and it comes out of nowhere. How on earth does Alex suddenly find out that her own family situation is, well...the way it is? Was it really necessary? And does the book have to drag out the drama the way it does? I don't think so, and there's a lot more that could've been added to this story, I think, that could have helped it be more original and still leave a lasting impression.
To be honest, I wouldn't consider this a great read and it really didn't provide me with much to cling to. I think if you're new to Harlequin or romance books in general, it probably wouldn't come across as all that cliche, but considering I've read hundreds of stories like this one (and they've done it far, far better), I can't say it's a book I'd recommend to anyone. If I can refer specific titles that actually use this same plot device and are worth the time, I will reference them in an edit to this review.
Overall score: 1/5
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