A sweet, lovely romance! A second chance romance along with a reunion of family. Lots of love, lots of discussion, lots of life changing decisions. Lovely characters with Lucy and Garth's romance at the forefront, but Seb, Jemmy, and Liam's stories will hopefully be written too!

This book was a complete NO for me. I just disliked it from the first page and nothing got better. The writing style didn't work for me, and I felt the book was dull from beginning to end with cliches and subpar characters.

As the introductory story in a new series, Prickle Creek, Her Outback Cowboy hits all the right notes on giving just enough background to entice and pull at my interest while leaving so much unspoken left for me to discover along the way.

The grandchildren are summoned home by their grandmother to impart news and future plans for the family. This is a family that has been hit with tragedy on several occasions and has become the center of all the cousin’s lives. While everyone has a story to tell or a lesson to learn, we start off with Lucy and Garth. Once these two could have had a future together if it weren’t for stubbornness and misunderstandings. Her Outback Cowboy is a second chance for love story, but it will only happen if these two lose some of that stubbornness. Garth now owns his family farm next door to Lucy’s grandparents property. He’s worked hard to be where he is now. He’s been away, he’s had the career but his heart is here on the land. His heart also still belongs to Lucy who has no intention of leaving the city life behind. Watching Lucy and Garth fall more in love, deal with their differences and clear up misunderstandings makes this a believable, enjoyable romance. I think what I enjoyed most was there was no huge drama – there are a bunch of small to medium things that need to be dealt with, but at the base these are two people still in love – they simply have to find the way to make it work for them.

The first story in a series has such a strong role in whether I’ll want to learn more about the people, community I’ve been introduced to. Prickle Creek looks to be a lively, interesting series – and I definitely want to learn more about the other cousins and their love lives. If you’re looking for a strong couple, interesting secondary characters, a story line that is engaging while leaving some tings to be discovered then I believe you’d enjoy Her Outback Cowboy. I’d recommend this story for any Romance reader who enjoys a good, solid story to get lost in.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I am very happy to say that I requested and was gifted a copy of this novel via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion after choosing to read this delightful book. The pivotal character in the story is the Grandmother, Helena, who contacts her four grandchildren(Lucy, Sebastian, Jemima, and Liam) and instigates their return to her home, Pickle Creek Farm near Pilliga Scrub, where they all grew up after a tragic accident killed their parents. Gran is a true matriarchal figure and all four cousins, with varying degrees of reluctance, leave their homes and jobs to visit. They discover their grandfather is in hospital for surgery and Gran wants to talk to them about the future.

One of the cousins is advertising art director Lucy Bellamy. She is busy creating a new ad campaign and is surprised when returning to the place she’d always wanted to escape from actually revives some happy memories rather than the resentment she felt as an orphan. When she meets with Garth Mackenzie, now the owner of what had been his parents’ farm next door to Pickle Creek Farm, the attraction between them is instantly rekindled. However, Lucy has no intention of staying on the farm, whilst Garth has returned to stay after university and then working as an engineer. She’s always been the one for him but she still seems to want the city life whilst he prefers his Outback farm. As more revelations are made, can love find a way to help these two move on to their HEA together or will past resentments drive them apart again?

This is a great start to a new series and it was a pleasure to escape into the Australian Outback setting which the author brought to life in my imagination whilstI was reading the story. The interactions between the characters are superbly portrayed, making them feel ‘real’. There are some fantastic twists that add to the angst and turmoil, keeping the dramatic story flowing and the reader enthralled. It is a fun, light hearted and enjoyable story that I have no hesitation in highly recommending. I can’t wait to read more in this series, presuming the other books will focus on Sebastian, Jemima and Liam but still let readers know more about how Lucy and Garth’s relationship progresses!

This is book one in the Prickle Creek series and it features Lucy Bellamy and Garth MacKenzie. Although there are other things happening in this story and with other characters, Lucy's decision on where to live her life and what to do with it is the main thread.

Annie Seaton writes in a way that takes me to Australia, though I've never been, and I can almost feel the weather, the red dusty roads, the roos and the dogs. I also feel a tremendous sense of family in her stories. There were a couple of moments that brought tears to my eyes but the one that got me the hardest was when Lucy says:

"Listen Gran. Close your eyes and listen. Can
you hear it?"
"Hear what?"
"I can hear Mum, Aunty Jean and Aunty Carol
laughing. They're here with us in spirit."

...and the tears started flowing.

BRAVO Annie Seaton! Beautiful and emotional! Excellent writing with fabulous characters. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

It has been awhile since I have sat down with one from this author so it was a delight in itself. Also since I have a nephew and his wife who live in Australia I get to have a clearer picture when finished if I am fortunate. This one is also it seems a second chance romance with Lucy the one who gets shown exactly what is real. Garth is the one I sided with the most sighing for him. They both have a different mindset but it is delightful seeing the direction it actually goes. The romance grows giving warmth that spreads throughout. A plus is also that this is the first in a series. Family will also shine through in this one making it shine as bright as a star at night with all that comes together with the pleasure you will be given from this author.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Garth McKenzie returned home and took over his families farm. He worked hard to achieve his dreams but was missing his one love. A country boy at heart searching for the one who left him so long ago not knowing Lucy returns home to help her grandparents tend to the farm that has been in their family for generations. She always wanted to see the big city and is finally progressing in her career as a freelance advertising consultant. When she returns home she never expected to see Garth again as she decides what her future ultimately holds and where she will be the happiest.

As far back as Lucy can remember, she has always thrived on adventure. So despite the people and heartache she left behind, she set off to spread her wings. She never counted on family responsibilities and the boy of heart calling her home. Can the man of her dreams bring her wandering days to an end? Annie Seaton can be counted on to light up a day with her brand of humor, heart and hope. She keeps readers on their toes by showing that in life the highs can far outweigh the lows.

The last place Lucy Bellamy wants to be is the family spread in the Australian Outback. She's made a very nice life for herself in the city and that's where she wants to stay. Family calls though so off she goes along with her 3 cousins. When faced with the fact that they will need to take over the family ranch or it will be sold since the grandparents are getting older, the four decide to each put in their time to keep that from happening. Seeing her ex Garth Mackenzie is a nice perk of being back but not even Garth can get her stay. Can he?

A fabulous fun story with great secondary characters that should gives us more great stories in the future. This is a light easy read with little angst and a lot of fun. Definitely one I recommend.

Her Outback Cowboy by Annie Seaton
Prickle Creek #1

Four phone calls are made to cousins requesting they return to Prickle Creek. Two men and two women who have found their way into the world and have successful jobs are called back to see their grandfather in hospital. The four are faced with a huge decision presented by their grandmother and my guess is that there will be four books in this series that will star Lucy Bellamy (first), Sebastian “Seb” Richardson, Jemima Smythe and her brother Liam. All have fond memories of time spent with their families on their grandparents’ ranch. All lost their mothers at the same time. All have ties to their ancestral land. But, are those ties strong enough to draw them from their jobs and lives and take on the responsibilities of country life on a large tract of land? That is the first question.

But, as that question is dealt with in the series the next question I Lucy’s and it deals with the fact that she believes she is a city girl unable to live happily in the country. She might go back for a short period of time to help out but to live there and not in the city? Not likely. Even meeting up with her old flame Garth MacKenzie might not be enough to lure her back to her roots. It takes some time and angst and pain for the two to work things out but eventually they do get their HEA AND I am eager to find out which one of the three remaining cousins will have their story told next.

It was a thrill to have my wish granted by Entangled Press LLC! I hoped when requesting this book on NetGalley that I would have my wish granted so was stoked to find out that I did indeed have the opportunity to read and review this first book in what will be a great series. Why did I want to read and review this book? Because I have read a few other books by this author, enjoyed them and wanted another crack at a book she has written…especially since they are not in local bookstores.

4 Stars

*I received a copy of Her Outback Cowboy from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a honest and voluntary review**

Her Outback Cowboy by Annie Seaton is a wonderful book with lots of love, laughs, a rekindled romance with her first love and a long lasting love for her grandparents.

Lucy Bellamy receives a phone call from her Gran, Helena, requesting she come home to Pilliga Scrub and Pickle Creek Farm to help out with the harvest. Each of her cousins, Sebastian, Jemima and Liam will all receive the same phone call to come home to help while their grandad heals from knee surgery. But when she arrives, Lucy realizes that her first love Garth Mackenzie has also returned home will they rekindle their love and will she stay once her 3 months are up helping out? She hated the Outback with its heat, bugs and animals can Garth change her mind to stay with him forever?

Garth Mackenzie has always been a neighbor to Lucy's grandparents and Lucy's first love, but he left for University and became a Engineer. After working in the mines he returned home and bought out his parents. He's now ready to settle down, getting married and start a family. When Lucy returns home he's determined to do whatever it takes to convince Lucy to stay. Will he be able to convince her that home is where not only love is but his heart?

I'm hoping that there will be more books so that we can learn Liam, Sebastian and Jemima finding their own loves on the ranch they grew up on. This was a great book and I'd give it 4.8 stars and look forward to the next book by Annie Seaton.

The first words that come to mind to describe this book is sweet, wholesome, first love and family and that about sums up HER OUTBACK COWBOY. It is one of those feel good reads that isn't bogged down with deep emotion baggage; it truly is a story about reuniting first love and coming home.

Seaton leads the way for further Outback adventures with not only Lucy's cousin clan but maybe even the vet. I'm looking forward to it!

I received this ARC copy of Her Outback Cowboy from Entangled Publishing, LLC - Bliss. This is my honest and voluntary review. Her Outback Cowboy is set for publication June 19, 2017.

My rating: 4 stars

Written by: Annie Seaton
Paperback: 190 pages
Publication Date: May 19, 2017
ISBN-10: 1546778209
ISBN-13: 978-1546778202
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/her-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Outback-Co...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-...

Reviewed for:
http://tometender.blogspot.com

8 likes

This is a tough one to review for me. I had a tough time with this one, I've read better by Annie.
It was basically Lucy I think that didn't sit well with me, totally unrelateable and Garth wasn't that much better. I liked Liam and the rest of the cousins however they were minor players. I loved Gran and Pops! Now those two made the book. She was strict, hardworking and yet so kind to her grands when it came down to it.
Gran calls the 4 kids home without telling them why, Lucy hates the outback and the farm and her memories of the boy next door Garth. Who she doesn't realize is now back home running his family farm. Lucy hasn't a nice thing to say about the farm, so Gran keeps her busy with her in the kitchen. It's harvest time, Pops is having knee surgery and they need help. There's a bottom line to Gran's calling the kids home also, you have to read the book to find that one out. Also where they're all headed, who ends up where and how it all plays out. Lots of little twists and turns. I thought Garth and Lucy were both selfish, self centered people and what surprised me was the attraction there. Yeah well, selfish is as selfish does. You may need a Bex toward the end of this one!
I have to lowball this and give it 3.5 but rounded it up because of Gran and Pops.
Not the best Annie has written. That's just me, please read it because it's Annie.

**arc from Netgalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review**

I loved this book. I have always enjoyed books with an Australian outback setting and I was not disappointed with Her Outback Cowboy. Good story line and characters. I recommend this book.

A pretty good read. Look forward to the cousins getting a book

A fun book about a ranch in the outback. Four cousins are requested by their grandmother to come home to help with the ranch while the grandfather has surgery. This is the romance of the first granddaughter, so I am guessing the other granddaughter and the two grandsons will also get a romance. I liked, but more on the animosity and why they haven't been back for years would have helped. Also, more on the crooked foreman, which caused the grandmother to be antisocial with Garth, would have added a nice detail. Like the glossary of Aussie words in the back, and look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend this book and author.