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Riding Cowboy Flats #2
Just a Cowboy
Dalton is a young cowboy running from a secret, one he doesn't think he can be forgiven for. Herschel is just a thirty-something cowboy who thinks everyone deserves a second chance. Herschel hires Dalton to work on his ranch, knowing the kid needs all the confidence and TLC Hersch can give.
Herschel might just be the best thing that has ever happened to Dalton. He's worried about his past, but finally decides to trust in the future. Just when he's about to tell Herschel everything, all hell breaks loose. Will Herschel be able to help Dalton face his past, or will they both end up alone?
Herschel might just be the best thing that has ever happened to Dalton. He's worried about his past, but finally decides to trust in the future. Just when he's about to tell Herschel everything, all hell breaks loose. Will Herschel be able to help Dalton face his past, or will they both end up alone?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2010
5 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Julia Talbot
307 books267 followersJulia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia is a hybrid author, and has been published by many presses as well as self publishing. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 15, 2017
I hated the way the author had Dalton as a 28 year-old and sounding like he was a young school boy. And for Hersch to come over as so old he almost had one foot in the grave and he was only 35! It really, really irritated me. Hersch kept calling Dalton kid, and thinking things like “hell, had he ever been that young” He was only 7 years older for goodness sake!!! Hardly Methuselah. The whole story was based around this older man younger man scenario and it just didn’t ring true at all and ruined the whole story. Not a western fan at the best of times!!
January 13, 2020
Second chances can be hard to find, and Dalton desperately needs one. Luckily he runs into Herschel, who is almost “in the business” of giving cowboys a second chance – provided he likes their handshake, they look him in the eye like they’re honest, and they work hard. But even if this sounds like an easy setup, it is anything but. Dalton hesitates to open up, believing nobody will ever forgive him. Herschel may hire underdogs for a living, but he thinks he is too old to take what Dalton offers. Add complications like the past suddenly catching up with Dalton in an unforeseen way - and you’ve got one heck of a ride for these two guys!
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 13, 2020
Second chances can be hard to find, and Dalton desperately needs one. Luckily he runs into Herschel, who is almost “in the business” of giving cowboys a second chance – provided he likes their handshake, they look him in the eye like they’re honest, and they work hard. But even if this sounds like an easy setup, it is anything but. Dalton hesitates to open up, believing nobody will ever forgive him. Herschel may hire underdogs for a living, but he thinks he is too old to take what Dalton offers. Add complications like the past suddenly catching up with Dalton in an unforeseen way - and you’ve got one heck of a ride for these two guys!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 13, 2017
Wow, terrible grammar in this one, even where there is no dialogue. Someone needs to teach the author how to conjugate "to be" and the difference between was and were.
Hershel is an older rancher who takes in Dalton, who seems to have a superior way for calming horses. Well, the May-December romance is sweet and nice. It is like having a sweet piece of candy in the reading world.
Here's the big twist -- before he left his home in Texas, Dalton thinks he had killed a man that his sister was involved with and he fled from the jurisdiction. In actuality, he didn't kill anyone and he has been in self-imposed isolation for no reason at all. (Well, that bit of drama resolves itself in about three pages.).
I wish I could say more about this story, but there isn't much to say. It is a light bit of fluff without much content. My problem with the 69 page story was that it is an incredibly slow read . . . It took forever for me to finish it; maybe, because I just wasn't captivated by the content. Overall, three stars.
Hershel is an older rancher who takes in Dalton, who seems to have a superior way for calming horses. Well, the May-December romance is sweet and nice. It is like having a sweet piece of candy in the reading world.
Here's the big twist -- before he left his home in Texas, Dalton thinks he had killed a man that his sister was involved with and he fled from the jurisdiction. In actuality, he didn't kill anyone and he has been in self-imposed isolation for no reason at all. (Well, that bit of drama resolves itself in about three pages.).
I wish I could say more about this story, but there isn't much to say. It is a light bit of fluff without much content. My problem with the 69 page story was that it is an incredibly slow read . . . It took forever for me to finish it; maybe, because I just wasn't captivated by the content. Overall, three stars.
January 10, 2025
Dalton is on the run when he finds a job and a place to stay on Herschel's ranch in New Mexico. Herschel doesn't ask too many questions when he hires Dalton, he likes to give everyone a chance to prove themselves. A little innocent flirting leads to dinner and some alone time. The two men grow closer and Dalton thinks he may be able to stop running until his past catches up. Dalton is at his wits end as he tries to sort out his family drama until he calls Herschel and with his strength and wits find a way for Dalton's family to calm and for them to truly unite. Trust and communication are key to any relationship and Herschel helps Dalton do just that, making a wonderful romance.
March 25, 2021
Great continuation of series
Book 2 of 3. Hershel takes in a young man looking for work. He's drawn to the handsome Dalton, but Dalton's past is creating a bridge between them. Of course, two is always better than when dealing with problems.
KU, contemporary, book in series, standalone, cowboys, age gap, first time
Book 2 of 3. Hershel takes in a young man looking for work. He's drawn to the handsome Dalton, but Dalton's past is creating a bridge between them. Of course, two is always better than when dealing with problems.
KU, contemporary, book in series, standalone, cowboys, age gap, first time
September 10, 2020
there is not much to say about this story, it is a story without much content,
this book just didn't captivate me
this book just didn't captivate me
May 30, 2017
Saddle Up
Herschel was introduced in "Jackass Flats," first in this series which begins in 2008 in New Mexico and is now moving right along a few years later. Like Tate in the first book, he's an ex-rodeo star of indeterminate age (a frustrating element of both books, but I guess late 30s would be best).
Like Tate he's lonely running his own ranch now, but he is more aggressive in his partner-seeking side than Tate. As Tate discovered in his discovery of military man Dave, age differences don't matter much when the match hits the straw of lust.
Herschel's interest is a tall drink of ginger, Dalton, who wanders onto his ranch looking for a job with his past in West Texas possibly hot on his heels. The way Herschel brings his "honey" Dal into his life, in a rather quick way, may raise an eyebrow or two, but these two are far better lovers initially than Tate and Dave were--though Dal is quite inexperienced and needs to be coddled along.
The way Dal's secret is disclosed, his decision to deal with a rude interruption in their lives, and Herschel's subsequent plan to solve the situation is handled with a cocked eyebrow and some humor. I loved that Tate and Dave were part of the story as well.
One thing that's totally unique about this series is Julia Talbot's use of the vernacular from the southwest in both the dialogue of the characters and in the third-person narrative. I fell right into the pattern and adored it because it was done so well and is so comfortable.
The first chapter of the next book is included in the Kindle edition, and based on that I look forward to spending more time with these New Mexico cowboys.
Herschel was introduced in "Jackass Flats," first in this series which begins in 2008 in New Mexico and is now moving right along a few years later. Like Tate in the first book, he's an ex-rodeo star of indeterminate age (a frustrating element of both books, but I guess late 30s would be best).
Like Tate he's lonely running his own ranch now, but he is more aggressive in his partner-seeking side than Tate. As Tate discovered in his discovery of military man Dave, age differences don't matter much when the match hits the straw of lust.
Herschel's interest is a tall drink of ginger, Dalton, who wanders onto his ranch looking for a job with his past in West Texas possibly hot on his heels. The way Herschel brings his "honey" Dal into his life, in a rather quick way, may raise an eyebrow or two, but these two are far better lovers initially than Tate and Dave were--though Dal is quite inexperienced and needs to be coddled along.
The way Dal's secret is disclosed, his decision to deal with a rude interruption in their lives, and Herschel's subsequent plan to solve the situation is handled with a cocked eyebrow and some humor. I loved that Tate and Dave were part of the story as well.
One thing that's totally unique about this series is Julia Talbot's use of the vernacular from the southwest in both the dialogue of the characters and in the third-person narrative. I fell right into the pattern and adored it because it was done so well and is so comfortable.
The first chapter of the next book is included in the Kindle edition, and based on that I look forward to spending more time with these New Mexico cowboys.
September 19, 2010
4.5 stars. Julia, fire the editor.
October 2, 2010
3,5 stars
October 2, 2010
Easy fine story with a touch of mistery. The end is short and partly unsatisfying, from my point of view.
July 7, 2016
Loved this story!
Good life lessons. Great characters. Dal and Hersch are an odd couple but one you root for and admire. I have read this several times. Still rocks!
Good life lessons. Great characters. Dal and Hersch are an odd couple but one you root for and admire. I have read this several times. Still rocks!
October 20, 2010
Nice story.
April 15, 2013
Not a bad book just not overly exciting. Also its pretty much sex free.
March 29, 2017
I like a book where one or both of the main characters is funny. Herschel may make fun of his own age but he is not old and he sure is funny. He makes this book that much of a better read.
Herschel is one of those Cowboys that believes in giving everyone a chance to prove themselves by the way they shake your hand with a firm grip, someone who will meet your eyes when they talk to you, and by how they work on his ranch and not try and show off or one up another hand. That is exactly how Dalton landed a job on Herschel's ranch. Though Herschel is not dumb enough to think that Dalton is not hiding something that he is running from but he feels that he deserves a chance and that is exactly what he is going to give him.
When Herschel keeps pushing Dalton to open up about his past and unburden himself Dalton almost runs but instead he stand s his ground and goes head to head with Herschel. Herschel could fire Falton for it and Dalton knows that but instead Herschel surprises him by respecting him for standing up for himself. From that point on something starts to change between them.
The closer they get the harder it is for Dalton not to tell Herschel about his past but at the same time he is scared Herschel will hate him. Just when Dalton starts to trust that Herschel will have his back no matter what, Dalton's past comes walking back in and along with it a whole new set of troubles.
Will dalton and Herschel be able to get through Dalton's past or will it ruin what could possibly be his future?
This was a great read. I really enjoyed it. Herschel definitely made this book. He is serious when he needed to be but he also knows how to handle a situation without resulting to violence. He is funny and caring. He is exactly what dalton needs. This book was a fun read with a few spots of seriousness but for the most part it was a great read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Herschel is one of those Cowboys that believes in giving everyone a chance to prove themselves by the way they shake your hand with a firm grip, someone who will meet your eyes when they talk to you, and by how they work on his ranch and not try and show off or one up another hand. That is exactly how Dalton landed a job on Herschel's ranch. Though Herschel is not dumb enough to think that Dalton is not hiding something that he is running from but he feels that he deserves a chance and that is exactly what he is going to give him.
When Herschel keeps pushing Dalton to open up about his past and unburden himself Dalton almost runs but instead he stand s his ground and goes head to head with Herschel. Herschel could fire Falton for it and Dalton knows that but instead Herschel surprises him by respecting him for standing up for himself. From that point on something starts to change between them.
The closer they get the harder it is for Dalton not to tell Herschel about his past but at the same time he is scared Herschel will hate him. Just when Dalton starts to trust that Herschel will have his back no matter what, Dalton's past comes walking back in and along with it a whole new set of troubles.
Will dalton and Herschel be able to get through Dalton's past or will it ruin what could possibly be his future?
This was a great read. I really enjoyed it. Herschel definitely made this book. He is serious when he needed to be but he also knows how to handle a situation without resulting to violence. He is funny and caring. He is exactly what dalton needs. This book was a fun read with a few spots of seriousness but for the most part it was a great read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
April 3, 2017
When the cute cowboy, Dalton shows up on Herschel's steps for a job, he hired him the old fashioned way with just a handshake. Herschel knows Dalton has a secret but doesn't want to push him away. He figures in time Dalton will tell him.
Dalton thinks his secret is unforgivable and doesn't want to run from Herschel. But just when he decides to tell Herschel, Dalton gets a call that could change everything.
Just a Cowboy is a good western romance. It is fast-paced, has well-written characters and an interesting plot.
I liked the slow building romance between Dalton and Herschel, but then again the May-December trope and cowboys are two of my favorites wrapped up in one. Add in Julia Talbot's writing style, and it's a win all the way around. Dalton reminded me of the colts he was breaking, skittish but sweet.
I can't wait for more in this series.
Dalton thinks his secret is unforgivable and doesn't want to run from Herschel. But just when he decides to tell Herschel, Dalton gets a call that could change everything.
Just a Cowboy is a good western romance. It is fast-paced, has well-written characters and an interesting plot.
I liked the slow building romance between Dalton and Herschel, but then again the May-December trope and cowboys are two of my favorites wrapped up in one. Add in Julia Talbot's writing style, and it's a win all the way around. Dalton reminded me of the colts he was breaking, skittish but sweet.
I can't wait for more in this series.
April 6, 2017
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be a standalone. Book one was on Tate and Dave, which are in this book briefly but did not hinder this book at all for me.
Herschel is a good ole cowboy in his thirties that runs a ranch for him and his sister. The one thing I love about cowboys is their big hearts and the way the help others in bad situations, Herschel is no different. He believes people deserve a second chance and hires his right hands that are such people.
This is where the author introduces us to Dalton. He’s a 28-year-old cowboy on the run from his past. He’s a hot ginger with freckles and all. He believes his past is so horrible, that no one can ever know the real him. Dalton is attracted to this big cowboy, but Herschel keeps trying to ask questions. Dalton can’t reveal his real self and tends to run back to the bunkhouse.
This couple is a very sweet and charming couple. Herschel is very understanding and thinks Dalton’s problems are not as dramatic as he makes them out to be due to his age. The age references was the only thing that really bothered me. These two are not even 10 years apart but Herschel is made out to be this old man and Dalton is made to be a kid.
I really enjoyed how the author lets these two build their trust of one another. Trust is huge in relationships, and these two have definitely built trust between them. They even start planning holidays together. That is until Dalton’s sister shows up and Dalton just leaves with her.
Herschel shows Dalton what it’s like to have someone stand behind you no matter what. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys sexy cowboys and an endearing love story.
Herschel is a good ole cowboy in his thirties that runs a ranch for him and his sister. The one thing I love about cowboys is their big hearts and the way the help others in bad situations, Herschel is no different. He believes people deserve a second chance and hires his right hands that are such people.
This is where the author introduces us to Dalton. He’s a 28-year-old cowboy on the run from his past. He’s a hot ginger with freckles and all. He believes his past is so horrible, that no one can ever know the real him. Dalton is attracted to this big cowboy, but Herschel keeps trying to ask questions. Dalton can’t reveal his real self and tends to run back to the bunkhouse.
This couple is a very sweet and charming couple. Herschel is very understanding and thinks Dalton’s problems are not as dramatic as he makes them out to be due to his age. The age references was the only thing that really bothered me. These two are not even 10 years apart but Herschel is made out to be this old man and Dalton is made to be a kid.
I really enjoyed how the author lets these two build their trust of one another. Trust is huge in relationships, and these two have definitely built trust between them. They even start planning holidays together. That is until Dalton’s sister shows up and Dalton just leaves with her.
Herschel shows Dalton what it’s like to have someone stand behind you no matter what. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys sexy cowboys and an endearing love story.
April 19, 2017
You have to love the old cowboy, Herschel. He believes, in the cowboy tradition: a handshake, a look in the eye, staying honest, and working hard. He’s been busy, taking over the ranch, helping his sister, and he’s just a no-nonsense kind of guy. Herschel’s pleased with the new hire, Dalton Crealy, too, but between chili season, alfalfa cutting, and protecting the spread, he hasn’t had time for much else. When he does take time to pay attention to Dalton, though, they discover a mutual interest.
Dalton has finally found a place where he can feel safe, and Herschel plays a big part in that. Dalton is happy just doing his job, riding fences and taking care of the horses. He’s hiding a secret because of his sister’s problems, and is on the run. Just when things are looking up, his sister finds him.
When Herschel finally finds out why Dalton has left the ranch for longer than he should have, Herschel goes after what’s his. But not without some good old teasing from his best friend, Tate. Herschel is bound and determined to get Dalton’s family off his back, straighten out this whole mess and bring his man home.
Just A Cowboy is a short novella in the Riding Cowboy Flats series, and it is about just that: cowboys. Julia Talbot’s easy storytelling style is just a delight. Family drama, mature cowboy versus younger cowboy, cowboy lovin’, and a little fighting add to the storyline. I liked Herschel from the first book, Jackass Flats, and I’m glad he got his own story. Of course, there’s an HEA. Herschel wouldn’t have it any other way.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Dalton has finally found a place where he can feel safe, and Herschel plays a big part in that. Dalton is happy just doing his job, riding fences and taking care of the horses. He’s hiding a secret because of his sister’s problems, and is on the run. Just when things are looking up, his sister finds him.
When Herschel finally finds out why Dalton has left the ranch for longer than he should have, Herschel goes after what’s his. But not without some good old teasing from his best friend, Tate. Herschel is bound and determined to get Dalton’s family off his back, straighten out this whole mess and bring his man home.
Just A Cowboy is a short novella in the Riding Cowboy Flats series, and it is about just that: cowboys. Julia Talbot’s easy storytelling style is just a delight. Family drama, mature cowboy versus younger cowboy, cowboy lovin’, and a little fighting add to the storyline. I liked Herschel from the first book, Jackass Flats, and I’m glad he got his own story. Of course, there’s an HEA. Herschel wouldn’t have it any other way.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
April 9, 2019
2.5. Okay. Just wrote a few lines to review the first book”Jackass Flats”. This one suffers from some of the same issues. Dal is 28 years old, his character reads very young, 19 maybe. Herschel is 35, and his character reads old! What the heck? Theres a real problem with this series.
Theres a bit more passion, if you want to call it that, in this book. But not much more than I found in Jackass Flats.
A less than okay read.
Theres a bit more passion, if you want to call it that, in this book. But not much more than I found in Jackass Flats.
A less than okay read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews