Review: Trusting the Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Falling for the Rancher 

When Lauren McCauley returns to the Circle M Ranch after her father's death, she's focused on selling the spread and getting a fresh start somewhere else. But she's unprepared for the jolt her heart feels when she meets Vic Moore. The handsome, broad-shouldered cowboy may have a legitimate claim to the Circle M, and he makes it clear he'd like to lasso Lauren, as well. Terrified of another heartbreak, Lauren vows to cash in and ship out. But the strong and steady rancher is not about to give up on his dreams of a home…and a family to go with it.

My Review

Lauren rolls into town with big plans to sell her estranged father's ranch, and the few things that should make her hesitate don't slow her down. I enjoyed her journey to reconcile with the home and community she grew up in when visiting her father, and how it shaped her. She has a lot of baggage to unpack, and Vic helped her see the ranch from a new perspective. The slower pace of life was healing for Lauren, and she and Vic ultimately learn what is truly important as they grow closer together and make sacrifices for each other.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Big Sky Cowboys series . . .

Review: Courting The Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Meeting the Cowboy's Family

Looking for inspiration, artist Ella Langton rents a cabin in the isolated Porcupine Hills of Alberta. She didn't count on having neighbors, but rancher Cord Walsh and his three children are just a stone's throw away. Still healing from a tragic accident, Ella has no plans of reaching out, but she's having a hard time keeping them out of her yard...and her thoughts. And when little Suzy ropes Ella into helping her with an art project, she can't help her growing feelings for the girl's rugged daddy. With three persistent children, Cord and Ella may find their fenced-off hearts opening up sooner than they thought!

My Review

I took me a bit to understand Ella, yet as each layer was revealed I loved how her journey took her from darkness to light. It was a process for her to embrace a new perspective with the unsolicited help from her overworked neighbor Cord, his friendly children, and his matchmaking father. As an artist I love when the main character is also creatively inclined, and it was interesting to see the various elements and influences of the art world and the pressure on her production and mental health. The pace of the narrative isn't always smooth, and I wished for more development of the romance between Ella and Cord to be shown. Overall it was a sweet read and I loved the happy ending.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the books in the Cowboys of Cedar Ridge series . . .

Review: The Cowboy's Homecoming by Carolyne Aarsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Cowboy's Reunion

Seeking redemption from his troubled past, cowboy Lee Bannister returns to his Montana hometown. He's not looking for love—just to prove he's not the same reckless guy who broke Abby Newton's heart and destroyed her family. But when Abby, a magazine photographer, is assigned to cover the story of his family ranch's 150th anniversary, old feelings start to resurface. He knows Abby will never forgive him. But as they spend more time together, they begin to discover the lies that kept them apart…and that some reunions are meant to last forever.

My Review

Holy moly, what complicated dynamics! The theme of forgiveness is strong in the story and handled realistically and with grace. Lee allowed himself to be influenced by bad friends in high school and as a young adult, even when his parents urged him to stop. He paid a steep price for his rebellion, yet his humbling circumstances brought him back to the Lord. Abby's life has never been the same since the accident, and she is tired of the bitterness she can't seem to let go of. I loved the healing that took place as she and Lee are reunited, feelings and secrets were slowly revealed, and the truth brought everything full circle for their two families. An amazing story with great characters, romantic chemistry, and some twists thrown in to an interesting plot.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Refuge Ranch series . . .

 

 

 

 

Review: Her Cowboy Hero by Carolyne Aarsen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Montana rodeo star Tanner Fortier is a good man. A man Keira Bannister never stopped loving. But when he shows up at Refuge Ranch looking to have his late brother's saddle repaired in time for the championships, he's the last person Keira wants to see. For years, she's kept hidden the real reason for breaking their engagement—and Tanner's heart. But now, with him at the ranch, she's tempted to reveal the truth—one that could destroy him. But she knows that to have a future with the man of her dreams, she has to settle the past…

My Review

There is plenty of emotion in this story of reconnection and reconciliation. I was frustrated for Tanner that he never had closure after Keira broke up with him. She is obviously struggling to forget issues of the past and her vulnerability is apparent to Tanner. The way they slowly warm up to each other is realistic-it doesn't happen overnight which enhances the tension. I enjoyed their banter once they fell back into a comfortable rapport and they become sweet to each other. The reveal of Kiera's devastating secret throws everyone and creates new decisions to be made. There is definitely more than meets the eye to this story and I couldn't put it down until I finished it :)

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)