This is book 2 in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series and it can be read as a stand alone.

I admit I have not read the first book in the series but I very much want to.

Falling for a Cowboy is a heartwarming and inspiring story that is different from any other romance novels I have read and it is one that I just couldn't stop reading.

I enjoyed getting to know the Cade family in Christmas at Cade Ranch (now I need to go back and read the prequel to this series!), and am thrilled to get more of the man who was described as wrapped in plastic.
Jared Cade’s charmed life is about to catch up with him when his best friend faces the most difficult challenge of her life—losing her sight. Amberley James knows more about Jared than any other woman. After all, their friendship began as teenagers and over the years they’ve pushed each other to win.
In Falling for a Cowboy, Karen Rock peels back the layers of fear and helplessness that come from Amberley’s loss of sight. She also shows readers the true meaning of friendship—encouragement and support when one is at their lowest point, standing ready to do anything to assist, pushing the right buttons to motivate from fear, and calling each other out when necessary.
With the Cade-Loveland feud adding plenty of drama to the family dynamics (off topic, but I vote for a series with the Loveland family next), can Jared discover what some of his family already knows? That he and Amberley are meant for each other?


Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Amberley is the kind of heroine you hope to find, but never knew you were searching for. Jared is a walking dream that steps from a imaginative figure into real life. Falling for a Cowboy blends heartbreaking realism with courageously inspiring characters. Karen Rock has created a piece of hope in what seems like a hopeless situation. At her lowest point, Amberley faced her fears. She may have lost her faith but Jared refused to allow her to lose that spark that made her into the woman she was meant to be. Through the tears, despite the fears and because of faith, what began as a tragedy became a triumph. Falling for a Cowboy is phenomenally fascinating storytelling.

After reading the first book in this series, I was lucky enough to get the chance of reviewing Falling For Cowboy. This book is a romance novel at heart but it also deals with serious issues, like disability and the way the world sees those who have one.

Amberley is a proud woman who has made herself known in the world of barrell racing, independent at heart, she hates showing weakness, something her father hated to see. When she finds herself going blind, she struggles with what this means for her career and her future. Jared has been her best friend for years, always pushing her to do better.

What follows, might seem like the classic 'Friends falling for each other' story line, but it's so much more. Rock's writing packs an emotional wallop, as we follow our heros as they discover new feelings, the unknowns, the past and the future.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series 5*****

I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Falling for a Cowboy is the second book in Karen Rock's Rocky Mountain Cowboys series. This book follows Jared, he's a bit the charmer of the family and everything comes easy to him. And Amberley, a barrel racer who takes a big set back when she becomes legally blind. It's a story about falling in love and finding your way.

Just like the first book this book was a great read. It's romantic, heartwarming and while it's definitely a great romance book, it's so much more than that. It deals with expectations, promises, physical disability and also how hard we can be on ourselves. It's about winning, following your dreams and fighting for what you want.

I liked how this was a friend to lovers romance. Jared and Amberley have been best friends for a long time and now that they're suddenly feeling more, they're struggling with how to proceed and whether to risk their friendship for more. I liked how well these two knew each other and their romance was great. They always had each others back. Although I did got annoyed a bit about something Jared did and said toward the end of the book. Amberley handles it great and I only respected her more for it.

Both Jared and Amberley were great characters. Jared is a bit of a charmer to whom everything comes easy, except now he has to win Amberley's heart and he actually has to fight for something. It was interesting to him struggle with that and have to come to terms with his feelings and realize that there are things fighting worth fighting for. I did get annoyed at Jared a few times, but overall it was clear he wanted the best for Amberley and his family and that he really cared about Amberley. I didn't really care for their competitive spirit tough and felt sad how they let the words of their dead parents influence so much of their life. Although it did feel realistic, it also felt like they were a bit too hard on themselves at times.

And while I liked Jared, I think I liked Amberley even more. At the start of the book she becomes legally blind and at first she really struggles to come to terms with it and I really felt for her. I thought her reaction felt very real. It's great once she starts to work with her disability and realize she doesn't have to give up on your dreams. she slowly wins back her confidence and also finds something new that she loves doing. She does push herself a bit too hard at times and was so focused on being number one and winning, but once she lets go of that it's beautiful to see her transform.

I also liked how the parts written from Amberley's point of view illustrated her blindness and also how she handled it. Like how the sounds and smells got more prominent and she imaged how things would look. And also how she moved around and used other clues than her sight.

We also get to see the rest of the Cade family again and Sofia and Javi. I was lovely to see how the rest of the characters were doing and I enjoyed getting to see the slight romance story of the Cade brothers mother continue in this book. It's fun to get to see the already familiar characters from a different point of view. There are also are some new characters and some awesome animals (I really liked Petey) we meet in this book.

To summarize: Falling for a Cowboy is a beautiful and heartwarming friends to lovers romance. The romance between Amberley and Jared was great to see, they've been best friends for so long and know each other so well and I liked seeing them slowly grow even closer. I liked both characters, but I did get annoyed at times at Jared. But then on the other hand there are some great scenes with these touching gestures and how he is there for Amberley and how her blindness doesn't change how he feels about her. I did really like Amberley and seeing how she adapted to being blind. I didn't really care for their competitiveness, but I did like seeing them both change over the course of the book and realize that winning wasn't all that's important. While it's a romance, it's also deals with a lot of other topics and plot lines and I liked how that enriched the plot. Overall this was another great book in this series and I am already looking forward to the next book!

4.25 Stars!

Continuing with the Cade brothers, it's now Jared's turn to find his HEA. This is a friends-to-lovers story which pairs Jared with his long-time best friend, Amberley. Per usual, I really enjoyed Karen Rock's character and story development along with the tender romance. In addition, Rock presented a character with physical limitations that always seem to be a big draw for me. I absolutely love reading about characters who have to overcome more than just psychological issues. It was impressive how Amberley's character never felt like a victim of her limitations, at least after her initial shock. She worked hard not to let those limitations become restraints and still be successful in her chosen life path. Jared was a fabulous hero - loyal, honorable, and protective, but with his own psychological battles to overcome. Together, they were a sweetly romantic couple with playful banter and feisty strength. My one qualm is some of the internal monologue of Amberley's character. For me, there was a little too much back and forth agonizing and I grew tired of the angel/devil-on-the-shoulder-references. Those were minor personal issues compared to the overall story and consistently skillful writing by this author.

Another emotional and heartwarming book by Karen Rock.
Falling for a Cowboy is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series, although this one completely works as a standalone, so if anyone reads this without having read the first book they don't have to worry about feeling lost within the story.

The story follows Amberley who is a barrel racer, but unfortunately she finds that her bad eyesight is due to a genetic condition that is causing her to go slowly blind, this is of course a huge blow to her since that pretty much means her career is over. On the other hand we have his best friend Jared, who also had to cut short on his career but in the NFL because of an injury. Knowing about Amber's condition he wants to help her and be by her side, to not let her give up on her life.
As they start to spend time together, their feelings become stronger but it won't be an easy ride because they both have obstacles to overcome but it's impossible not to cheer for them.

I think this is a great book, with strong messages like not letting life beat you down, to do your best to overcome whatever adversities life turns your way. And of course you have a beautiful romance story. I'd absolutely recommend this Falling for a Cowboy,

Be sure to strap in before reading this one! It’s a rollercoaster of a ride. Love seeing these tough champs truly thrive together, despite adversity and conventional medicine which suggest their glory days are over
I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers/partners story and this one does not disappoint. However, it’s no smooth ride. There are more bumps than a country backroad in deep East Texas.
Always winners, both Amberley and Jared are tested on just what they are made of and what’s really important. They have to decide whether failing eyesight and a potentially career ending football injury are enough to permanently sideline them. Together, they’ve always faced each new challenge. Can these life-altering events keep them down and drive a permanent rift between them?
Be sure to grab the tissue box before taking this one on. It’ll wrench your heart out and make it race at the same time. You can’t help cheering for this pair.
Thanks Harlequin, Karen Rock and Netgalley for the ARC. IMHO, Rock did a fab job exploring the many ways these challenges impact the readers mentally, physically and emotionally.

This was a great, heartwarming story of 2 best friends that fall in love.

Amberley had always been a barrel racer & had felt pressured to be the best by her late father. However, she thought her dream would end when she went legally blind due to a genetic disorder. Her best friend Jared Cade wants to be there for her, to help her while he is dealing with being sidelined from playing professional football due to an injury. The more time they spend together the more they realize they are more than friends. This is the 2nd book in the Rocky Mountain Cowboy series but can be read as a stand alone book.

Heartwarming story about the heartbreaking circumstance of a young woman's life and how she overcomes with the help of dear friends. Nicely written and populated with likeable characters and very well handled. I recommend this one.

Karen Rock is fairly new to me and she's quickly becoming a favorite. Her stories aren't simple romances, they go a little deeper. It almost borders on women's fiction. There are more to her stories than simply a boy and girl. She goes that extra step, I can clearly tell that she's done her research, and it's much appreciated
This is a really sweet story. you take two people, the best of friends, over achievers, champions, heroes, and hit them with the realization that maybe they aren't going to be the best anymore. One is a Heisman trophy recipient, a pro football player, with an possible career ending injury, and the other is a champion barrel racing star who goes blind. The story shows how they come together to overcome their challenges, and strive to get back on top, to be winners again. Along the way, they discover what is truly important.
Oh, and love. Could they actually be in love? And .. maybe they've always been in love? Is it real or physical attraction? Most important, do they pursue this and risk a very cherished friendship?
I think this story is realistic, the characters are realistic, their struggles are real, Karen Rock has a way of conveying the obstacles without a long-drawn-out journey,. Yet, I was anle to detect the stages that Amberly went through . Having a debilitating illness is like a death, the death of your hopes and dreams, and you really do go through the stages of
grief. Amberley had the the denial, anger, depression, etc until she finally comes around -to the acceptance of what her limitations are and what they aren't.
And Jared, he is just a real doll through this whole thing, I mean, how you could not fall in love with him is beyond me. He steps up amd helps out wherever he's needed. Even when it's a little girl afraid to ride a horse. This is where I could see that Karen Rock did her homework. Her depiction of the riding therapy classes were spot on. I particularly love it when an author gives me a new experience.
The book is well developed, good dialog, great characters. The description is so well written I could easily visualize everything. it was so easy to get lost in.

A great story about two friends who find their friendship can lead them thru good and bad times. Both overcome obstacles that lead them on a journey of finding love and learning their own inner strength.

I love the story premise. Centered around the Cades, this journey is Jared and Amberley's and it was filled with hope, devotion, love, frustrations and many tears along the way. Very inspiring and so realistic, having to overcome hiccups (handicaps) along life's bumpy roads to finally find their HEA together. Along with added tidbits of the family(s) to make you want the rest of their stories too.
I received an ARC and voluntarily giving my honest opinion

I’m pressing the side of my kindle like mad, hoping to turn the page. I need more Amberley and definitely more Jared Cade. I’m crying happy tears and wishing like mad there was more to this story. It satiated me and yet left me hungry for more at the same time. How is that even possible?
What can I say about Falling For A Cowboy that won’t spoil the story for others and yet allows me to gush over how much I loved the story, the characters and every single word that Karen Rock wrote? For once, I’m almost speechless.
When it comes to writing reviews, I’ve learned that sometimes short and sweet is what’s appreciated most, but other times I can’t stop myself from pouring out a stream of consciousness onto the page.
This story appealed to me from the off because of 3 key things; the author (whom I have come to love very much and would class as one of my top 3 favourite authors of all time), the fact that it’s about cowboys (because who doesn’t love a Cowboy romance?) and last but by no means least because it’s a story of triumph over adversity.
This is no ordinary love story. It isn’t “boy meets girl, falls in love, happily ever after.” No, this is gritty, angst-ridden, filled with hope, love and high-octane emotion filled prose that has you on the edge of your seat.
I was swept away by Jared Cade. He promised his father he would be the hero his family needed, but he didn’t know how to fulfil that promise. Everything he once thought he needed was suddenly called into question. Used to being a pro-athlete with women falling at his feet, he didn’t know how to romance a woman. There was no need to learn how when women willingly threw themselves at him.

Amberley is one of the most kick-A heroines I’ve ever come across in the book world. I can’t give the game away, but she really overcame everything thrown at her with grace, grit and determination. She’s incredibly beautiful inside and out. The further I got into her story, the more my heart filled to bursting. She was dealt a really [*@$!] hand but the way she proved to herself and everyone else that she could rise from the ashes, that was utterly amazing. I cried with her, laughed with her and loved with her.
There was a lot going on in Falling For A Cowboy. A lot to take onboard and a lot to fall in love with. One of those things was Harley. Somehow, a horse endeared himself to me in a way many humans don’t. He gave Amberley strength when her own wavered. He gave her purpose, passion and courage to overcome the trials and tribulations thrown at her. Their relationship was pretty special.
The whole story had me in knots. My emotions were all tied up in a ball and threatened to overwhelm me at times. The way Karen Rock writes a story always sucks me in and I give myself over to the fictional world she creates. I didn’t want this story to end and as I sit here writing this, I am left with a warm, happy feeling settling over me. That’s what Karen does best. She will draw you into her world, make you fall in love and sear her words into your heart. Her stories are heart-wrenching, yet also heart-warming at the same time. The love with which she creates her characters shines through and this is why I will read everything she ever writes. Nobody makes me feel the way she does.
There were times when I wanted to reach into the book and slap sense into the characters (mainly Jared), times I wanted to reach out and hold Amberley close and let her cry on my shoulder and I defy anyone not to feel a myriad of emotions as they read the beautiful prose and are transported to the Spirit Ranch. This was actually quite an apt name because the whole story embodies spirit!

I’ll end my review here, although I probably should have ended it sooner. I can’t help all the feelings that want to spill out of me into the screen. I’ll only say one more thing, and that is this; I want my own real-life Jared Cade. Not the athlete that has to be the best, but the man who shines through the ruggedly handsome exterior. He owns my heart!

Love just might be blind, maddening and completely wonderful.

Everything had come too easily for Jared Cade. That was until his charm and good looks could not win him the one thing he really wanted, the love of his best friend Amberley James.

Falling for a Cowboy is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series by Karen Rock. If you love a series with real life issues, including families that drive you up a wall, and heart, do yourself a favor and start this series.

While this is a series, you can pick this book up and completely follow the story line without being lost. So you can start here or with Christmas at Cade Ranch.

While I have not had an opportunity to read it, as of yet, you can go back to the beginning with A Cowboy to Keep.

But, no matter what you decide grab a good cup of coffee or tea, one of these books and fall in love with the Cade family. You won't regret it. (Unless you find yourself staying up way too late in order to finish it, like I did.)

I received a free copy of Falling for a Cowboy by Karen Rock from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.