Both Alison and Cain are familiar to regular Copper Ridge readers but I don't think you'd need to have read the whole series to dive into this book.
Alison was introduced as having been helped out of an abusive relationship by some of our previous H/H in the series. In subsequent books, we learned about her opening a bakery and reaching out to help other women in similar circumstances. This time, she's helping out the daughter of one of the Donnelly brothers. Violet's mother left her and Cain without a word and Cain then moved his daughter from Texas to Oregon. She's been sullen and withdrawn (few teenagers aren't) but Cain is only just starting to realize how much she's acting out.
Even though Cain and Alison agreed to have a no-strings affair, Violet and their own emotions are getting in the way. Can they
I didn't love the ending and there were some other plot points that bothered me but I really appreciated the adult conversations (the main characters talked to each other? No way!)

Four stars
This book comes out June 27

review will appear in July at www.romrevtoday.com

DOWN HOME COWBOY – Maisey Yates
Copper Ridge: The Donnelly’s, Book 2
HQN
ISBN: 978-0-373-80199-2
July 2017
Contemporary Romance

Copper Ridge, Oregon – Present Day

Cain Donnelly moved from Texas to Copper Ridge with his teenage daughter, Violet, to start a new life after his divorce, working and sharing a ranch with his three half-brothers. Since he’s decided to remain responsible in not upsetting his daughter, he’s avoided dating, but one night in a bar with his brothers, he spots a beautiful redhead, and he wishes he could get down and dirty with her. To his surprise, it turns out the redhead is Alison Davis, and she’s Violet’s employer at the bakery. Now that Cain knows where to find Alison, he makes all kinds of excuses to be around her. It soon turns into an unexpected passion neither expected.

Divorcee Alison is a survivor of domestic violence and has no intention of ever giving her heart to another man. She’s devoting her life to building her bakery into a thriving business, and has taken to Violet, who is at odds with her father. Alison also noticed Cain that night in the bar and is stunned to learn that he’s not only Violet’s father, but that he’s interested in her. But friendship comes first, with Violet being the link that brings them together. Yet, the fiery attraction between them cannot be denied. Since Cain isn’t looking for a commitment and Alison isn’t looking for marriage, a temporary fling should be perfect for them, right?

It’s a return to Copper Ridge, a small town on the Oregon coast that has plenty of cowboys and other hunky men to keep the ladies buzzing like bees around a hive. Cain’s wife suddenly asked for a divorce and signed over custody of Violet to him, literally walking out of their lives. When Cain learned he’d inherited one quarter of his grandfather’s ranch in Oregon, he decided a change of scenery would be good for him and his daughter. Violet has had a tough time adjusting to Copper Ridge, but she did find a job she enjoys, working at Alison’s bakery. But her attitude towards Cain has him struggling to find answers. Alison’s easy friendship with Violet leads him to turn to her for help, which throws them together. Of course, the fact that there’s an attraction bubbling underneath the surface leads to plenty of red-hot chemistry burning between Cain and Alison in DOWN HOME COWBOY.

Alison spent eight years married to her now ex-husband and hid the abuse she suffered. But it all came out in a public way and she hates being the subject of conjecture in Copper Ridge. After her parents didn’t return her love and a spouse who blamed her for their marriage failure, Alison is not wanting to jump into another romantic relationship. Yet, she can’t deny she’s attracted to Cain, and after an encounter in the bakery that has them “doing it” on a table, she wonders if she’s making a mistake. As much as she gives into having sex with him, she can’t go beyond a casual affair. To do so would mean giving her heart to a man…and she fears losing it.

If you haven’t read the other books in the extensive Copper Ridge series by Maisey Yates, don’t worry because so far, each one works as a standalone. Cain’s brother, Finn, and his fiancée do pop in and out of DOWN HOME COWBOY, and you can find their tale in SLOW BURN COWBOY, which came out in April 2017.

When Maisey Yates pens a new Copper Ridge story, readers know they’re in for an emotional tale that blends nicely with scorching sensuality. There’s plenty of that in DOWN HOME COWBOY and makes for an irresistible read that I highly recommend.

Patti Fischer

I love all these books in this series. I really loved Cain and Allison, they were each hurt in the past. Neither were looking for love or a relationship. But you know you find it when you least expect it. The only problem is, can they each let go of the past and move on? Will they allow themselves to be happy? If you like romances that are sweet and emotional then you will want to read this one.

3 ½ ★
This is the 8th book in the Copper Ridge series but it can be easily read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous books and did not feel like I missed something. Which is always good.
Most know, that I enjoy Cowboy books among Rockstar and Hockey books , when it comes to romance books, so it was really way to like this book.
This was the first book I read by Maisey Yates but I plan on reading more of her books. I liked the writing style it had a nice flow to it and was easy to follow and get lost in.
I did enjoy the story and the characters for the most part, some parts were a bit annoying but nothing major that made me want to stop reading. I l liked the back story of the characters and it made us really see why they are the way they are.
While most of the story was easy to predict it still was very enjoyable to read. I enjoyed all the side characters as well even if I did not know that from the precious books.
I thought they had just the right amount of page-time not too much or little.
Overall. Great read and looking forward to read more by this author. I rate it 3 ½ ★

You can't go wrong with any book by Maisey Yates. Down Home Cowboy is one of the Copper Ridge novels featuring brothers who inherit a ranch together. Cain has had a rough time after his wife abandoned him and their young daughter, Violet. Violet is 16 now and Cain has no idea how to parent an angry rebellious teenager. Alison has rebuilt her life after an abusive marriage and she owns a bakery. Cain and Alison aren't looking for anything permanent. Both of them are lonely and so busy that they decide to keep their relationship purely physical. As they learn more about each other, they get closer and help each other heal. I really enjoyed this story!

I have been enjoying this series from the beginning, so I'm at the point where I don't even read who they're about.

I've always liked Alison and I was excited to see that she got her own book. She's a genuinely good person who needs a little good for herself. Cain is stubborn and stoic and it's delightful to read him fall. As always, the group of friends are fun. Same for seeing Cain's brothers.

Plot wise, it was sort of what I expected: a hefty portion of teenage drama with a side of adult drama. They're were some sweet moments, but for a MC who needs to learn to open up and talk, it didn't seem like there was a whole lot of dialogue. And maybe that's where it lost me a bit.

Overall, it was a good story, but sort of lacked a spark I was expecting.

**Huge thanks to Harlequin Books for providing the arc free of charge**

Down Home Cowboy by Maisey Yates is a wonderful novel. I couldn't put it down from the moment I started it until I finished the very last word. How I have not read a novel by the author in the past is beyond me but I can promise that this will not be the last that I will read by her.

Not only is the cover for this novel eye catching (who doesn't love a sexy cowboy on a book cover) but the entire story line will catch your eye and your heart. I literally had to pry my eyes away from it and take a break from reading. It's a captivating, charming, and overall beautiful read that I would very much recommend to romance fans.

** Review will be posted online during release week **

I liked this story. It was hot and steamy with two broken characters that learn to put the past behind them and look forward to a future with each other. This is book 8 in the Copper Ridge series and Cain has returned to the ranch with his 16 year old daughter from Texas. Allison has been in several of the previous stories as a friend but now has her own book. The story deals with the aftermath of physical spousal abuse.

Wonderful romantic story of how you're never too old, too jaded, too hurt by the past to fall in love.

Cain Donnelly came back to Copper Ridge to try to start over with his teenage daughter Violet. After his wife walked out years ago abandoning he and Violet, he knows they both need to start fresh and put the past behind him. Unfortunately coming back to the family ranch isn't quite the reset button that Cain was hoping for. His relationship with his brothers is still strained at best and he can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of his daughter.

Alison Davis has worked hard to rebuild her life after finally leaving her abusive husband. She's built a successful bakery where she employs women who need the same independence that she has built for herself. She lives her life on her terms and doesn't need or want a man in her life. If only her friends would stop suggesting otherwise now that they have all found "the one".

Cain and Alison are attracted to each other from the first time they see each other in Ace's bar but since neither of them is interested in any entanglements they didn't act on their attraction. When Violet starts working in Alison's bakery Cain and Alison are thrown together more often than either of them are prepared for an eventually their attraction wins out. They agree to a physical relationship hoping that they will burn the desire out of their systems, but soon find they both need more than they bargained on. Can an uncommunicative cowboy and an untrusting baker find happiness or will their past baggage destroy their chance?

I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the struggles that all parents go through at one time or another when parenting a teenager, especially in the case of one parent being out of the picture entirely. None of us have all the answers so it feels like we're fumbling in the dark looking for the light switch at times. Alison's relationship with Violet was so well done while also allowing her to maintain the role of adult in Violet's life. I sure hope we get to see glimpses of their life in future installments of Copper Ridge.

I want to move to Copper Ridge. Alison has been our friend for a few books now and every book she is a little stronger. Her bakery is not only up and running but it is used as a springboard to change women's lives. Now it is time to take control of her own life and come out of the shadows she cowered in for so long.

Cain finally gave up on his ranch back in Texas, and on the ex-wife who left without a trace. He moved back home, with his daughter, to find a new life. Everything is changing. Violet has a chip on her shoulder bigger than the state they left behind. With Alison's help Cain begins to communicate with his daughter and re-discover his own needs.

Friends with benefits sounds like a great idea. It just never turns out the way they plan.

In DOWN HOME COWBOY Maisey Yates takes on the challenge of dealing with a sullen teenage girl (is there any other kind) while trying to reestablish yourself in a new town, new home and possibly find a way out of the lonely closed in existence of a man whose wife suddenly walked away not only from their marriage but their daughter as well. Maisey Yates excels at relationships and her pairing of couples is candidly second to none. Well at least in my very humble opinion. Suffice it to say once you’ve read a Maisey Yates story you are hooked.

DOWN HOME COWBOY is a sort of welcome back to Copper Ridge but newcomers are quite welcome and will quickly become acquainted with some lovely characters.

Cain Donnelly and his sixteen year old daughter Violet are going through yet another period of adjustment. It seems as if the two of them are continually adjusting to still another phase. Violet was in her teenage angst stage. Hating her father. Bemoaning the fact that Cain relocated them away from friends and school. Cain had been by her side through all the stages since the mother left. For the most part Cain did okay for someone who considered himself rather ill equipped - but he has been a wonderful dad. Realizing you are doing your best is a difficult hurdle. Violet is basically a good kid – just really unhappy right now and most of her moods and attitude is of course directed to her father Cain.

Cain is valiantly trying to cope and not over react – but he’s no saint. On a more personal adult side well Cain doesn’t really have one and that’s a gnawing issue. Cain can’t figure out how to date or have any private time with any woman who might catch his eye. His brothers are becoming rather annoying reminded him what he is missing.

And then Cain spies Alison who surprises him. He is mentally already undressing her but of course he puts on the brakes. No time. Violet to consider. Still pretty raw from being summarily dumped. Alison is a whirlwind of personality, sexiness, courage and confidence. That’s how Cain sees her. Alison has just recently taken Violet under her wing. At Alison’s bakery there are actually lots of women who are learning skills needed to re-enter the workforce and create a robust resume. They learn all sorts of skill at the Pie In The Sky.

Lucky for Cain he likes pies. Cain is going to have to eat quite a few once he garners up the courage to ask Alison for help with Violet. Violet needs a woman’s input and ear. Alison has already gained Violet’s trust. So now all Cain has to do is keep his relationship with this woman who agrees to mentor his daughter at arm’s length. It’s for a good cause. Now the only question is whether Alison and Cain can maintain their cool. Each has so much baggage they fully acknowledge that they do not want or need a relationship. But sex. Well that’s a horse of another color.

DOWN HOME COWBOY has dialog that absolutely sets the scene for this wonderful family story. Being a single parent is tough enough when kids are young. When they reach their teenage years that challenge escalates. Maisey Yates helps her characters maintain their sense of humor while honestly handling some tough times. Maisey Yates handles this issue with great respect for all parties – parents, children, friends and family. And she somehow finds a way to include a segue into a personal life for them all. Just lovely.

Finally, Alison gets her happily ever after, even if she will fight it every step of the way. Cain is a single father, to an ornery teenage girl, when they both move to Copper Ridge, he hopes they can have a fresh start. Both the heroine and hero in this romance, are unsure how to really love someone, they learn along the way. Plenty of humor and charm in this one.

This is Cain and Alison's story in the series. I liked this better than the first book- less sibling rivalry and the characters seemed more established.

Yates writes teen/parent angst authentically. I hurt for both Violet and Cain as the misunderstandings built.

The romance between Cain and Alison wasn't as strong as the romance in the first book. Both had to learn to trust again after being "burnt" by their first marriages.

I can't wait for book 3. There is an excerpt included st the end of this book that has me hooked.