Cowboy Bold is the first book in the Longhorn Canyon series and I can’t wait to be back. Cade and Retta have immediate chemistry and are slow to act on it but their romance played second fiddle to the eight kids whom social workers recommended to Cade to be part of his summer program on his ranch. What he and the others did for those kids to give them hope, a feeling of belonging, structure, kindness and love was phenomenal and kept me turning the pages so I could see what would happen next! The kids – 4 boys and 4 girls – wormed their way into my heart as did Mavis, the cook, and her husband, Skip, the supervisor for the boys for the summer program and even Cade’s brother, Justin and their ranch foreman, Levi.

Learning a little at a time about each of the characters helped endear them to me. They each had a depth to them, even the kids. The story flowed smoothly and was interspersed with ranching and the summer program along with warnings for Cade who had been burned once before. Seeing Cade and Retta, both out of their element regarding love, was sometimes fun to watch and other times sad. I loved how Retta threw herself in wholeheartedly to whatever she was doing especially with the kids. She had so many ideas that just seemed to roll out!

The descriptions of the ranch, the bunkhouses, the animals, the activities and even the food made me feel that I was there. There was a happily ever after in the offing that I didn’t expect to see in Cowboy Bold along with some closure. Loose ends were tied up nicely but there are hints of what’s to come in the second book in the series, Cowboy Honor, which is Levi’s story. There was an excerpt in the back of the book that just whet my appetite for more.

Brown is a fairly new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Favorite Quote: Dammit! She fished. She hunted. She knew the difference between a bull and a heifer, and a computer worked for her like it knew her personally.

Sweet, cowboy romance…

Carolyn Brown is one of my favourite authors when I am in the mood for cowboys and sweet romance. And of course I’m always in the mood! Longhorn Canyon is a new series centering on the LC ranch and the family of brothers that own, run and ride it. Cade has buried himself in working the ranch ever since he got burned by love. When Retta came to help for the summer, he had to remind himself he wasn’t looking for love. Luckily, Retta was happy to let him know she wasn’t interested either. Of course, that is when the story really began…

Loss, grieving. Realizing that life was all about choices and change. About trusting and following your heart. There was a lot of soul-searching in Retta and Cade’s courtship, done under beautiful summer skies and in front of a passel of kids that made the best chaperones. Retta was strong and realistic, determined not to lose her long-dream. Cade was equally determined she didn’t lose sight of what was even more important – what made her happy…

The push and pull as they tried to figure out what they both really wanted and needed was full of laughter and tears, quirky kids and even quirkier animals. This was the perfect read on a hot, Sunday afternoon…

Cowboy Bold is first book in the Longhorn Canyon series by Carolyn Brown and it was amazing! I loved everything about this book! I can hardly wait to see what she comes up with next!

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.

Cade runs the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and opens it up to underprivileged kids during the Summer. Retta has lost her Father and it has taken everything she has to take care of his medical bills. Cade needs a girls counselor, and Retta is just the one for the job. When they meet the chemistry between them could burn the house down. Cade is still getting over being left at the alter 2 years ago. I came to love all the characters.Carolyn Brown's writing is superb. I loved this book and recommend it to everyone. I give Cowboy Bold (Longhorn Canyon) 5/5 stars.

Well, what a wonderful getaway read this was, and such a nice change from the darker romance novels I usually read and review. Cowboy Bold, Carolyn Brown's first novel in the Longhorn Canyon series hooked me from the very first page and kept me hooked throughout. It gets a 4 star rating from this reader.

Longhorn Canyon Ranch is run by Cade Maguire and his brothers--it's a working ranch with a difference. Every summer, for 5 weeks, the ranch plays host to 8 inner-city kids, 4 boys and 4 girls, from broken, dysfunctional or foster homes, and gives them a chance to be out in the fresh air, experience ranch life, learn some new skills, and get away from the city. As we first meet the heroine, Retta Palmer, she's looking for an interim place to live and a short term job, and the notice she saw about being counselor to some of these children attracted her. As someone who grew up on a ranch, she certainly knows the ins and outs of ranch life, and she likes children. She's spent the last 3 years taking care of her ailing father, and after cancer finally took him, she had to sell the ranch and everything she owns to pay his medical bills. She's highly trained and skilled in banking and finance and has a dream job interview with a large bank in Dallas, but she needs a place to live until them, so the ranch job sounds perfect to her, and so does the ranch owner, Cade Maquire, a big, tall, handsome cowboy.

While this is a romance novel about two people with similar backgrounds but different goals, it was the kids and their activities and ranch chores that really stole the show in this novel. As expected, when the kids first arrive at the ranch they are surly, uncooperative, and have loads of attitude issues, and there's even one little boy, Benjy, who has a genius IQ but is also on the autism spectrum, and Benjy stole my heart almost immediately. Watching these kids learn to accept each other, learn to work as a team, care about others, and care about and for the menagerie of animals Levi is constantly rescuing was charming and utterly heartwarming, as was the slow-building relationship between Retta and Cade, which took a back seat to this ragtag group of mismatched kids, who, through working on the ranch, keeping their bunkhouses clean and tidy, learning to cook and do kitchen tasks, and a variety of other skills, games, and activities learned about one another and became both friends and family to one another.

The only things I didn't love about this novel were the ongoing mentions of team rivalry--Retta is from Oklahoma, and loves the Sooners at Oklahoma University, while Cade is a Texas Longhorns fan all the way. There's nothing wrong with that except for the fact that the differing team loyalties between Retta and Cade are mentioned ad nauseum, and for someone like myself, who couldn't possibly care about team sports any less, it got old fast. The other thing I didn't love about this novel was fact that Retta's college training and prior job experience in banking and her long delayed goal of climbing the corporate banking ladder made her repeatedly insist that after camp ended on July 5th, she was heading to Dallas to get that bank job and nothing and no one would stand in her way, including Cade and her own heart, when it was so clear all along that she and Cade were perfect for each other.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable read, with the kids and animals taking center stage, and I loved the way Ms. Brown made each one of these children an individual, with their own issues, backgrounds and personalities, and it was impossible not to fall in love with little Benjy. It reminded me of my own experiences working at a camp for the handicapped when I was a teenager, and this novel had so much heart and warmth that it had me tearing up more than once. As a series starter, it certainly has me hooked, and I'm looking forward to reading the upcoming novels in this series.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Cute romance with funny supporting cast of children and elderly folks. Their romance was slow but there.

My first read from author Carolyn Brown was incredible; at times it brought tears to my eyes. Reminiscent of author Lorana Hoopes although a little less Christian in places. Maybe the best book I’ve read this year! I look forward to reading the sequel Cowboy Honor coming in fall of 2018. (RIP Marley 7/24/2018)

Cowboy Bold by Carolyn Brown is a deep touching story that tells us home is where the heart grows.

Cade owns and runs Longhorn Canyon Ranch along side his brother Justin and friend Levi. after being dumped Cade swears off anything serious with women. A quick date here and there was all he wanted. That was until he met up with with a woman who is worth loving even if she is a Sooner fan.

Retta is a small town girl that turned city, but one thing you could never do is take the country out of the girl. She returned home to help run the family farm after her dad developed cancer, after his death Retta needed a change , she found it at the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and her new job as the girl camp counselor.

There is chemistry between Cade and Retta, but both unsure what to do with it. For Cade was he truly over his ex? Could he open his heart again knowing that like Julie, Retta was planning on leaving? Retta was taking a break after her fathers death before getting on with her live and job. She would not let one bold cowboy change her plans.

Mavis, Slim, Justin and Levi give Cowboy Bold a nice boost. I enjoyed their interaction with Cade and Retta. Their love and advice for Cade came through as caring, not overly done. The show stoppers for me were Kirk, Nelson, Benji, Lance, Faith, Gabby, Sasha and sweet little Alice the kids of the camp. They gave the adults a run for their money. *smiles* The plot was done in Carolyn Brown style. Strong characters all around, strong sense of growth, working together, heart. I went through quite a few tissues while reading Cowboy Bold.

Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!

Carolyn Brown does not disappoint with her Western themed titles. My "cowboy" fans will love it! Her books seem to make the time fly and the home-grown characters are a joy to get to know.

Cowboy Bold was such an enjoyable story to read. Some parts were a little cheesy but, all in all, I liked the story line, the characters and the overall feel of the book.

Cade Maguire was burned and burned bad. Left at the alter, he refuses to get attached to any one woman again. He learned his lesson the hard way … the same way that he learned that football wasn’t where he was supposed to be … the hard way. His life is on the ranch, helping people find themselves and living life the way he knows how – simple and hard-working. Until Retta walks in and blows all his plans for his life away.

Retta Palmer is getting on with her life plan after her father’s death. Get a summer job, go back to the city and get her job back and move forward. She’s unsure if she’s totally qualified for the counselor’s job at Longhorn Canyon Ranch but she sure is going to sell what qualifications she has to get it. Then she see’s Cade. Her boss. The man she ends up dreaming about every night. The one man that could possibly make her change her life plans. But, she doesn’t want another ranch … she wants bright lights and the big city. Doesn’t she? Isn’t that where she is supposed to be?

So, what harm could a little summer fling bring? Maybe both of them losing their hearts to the other. Maybe learning how to take a chance again. Maybe finding out just where you belonged all along. And, with the help of eight kids also trying to find their way in life and 2 people who already found their way, Cade and Retta could find the one person who truly fulfills everything they ever wanted in life.

So, the kids really made this story fun and interesting. Between their attitudes, their different personalities and the war of the sexes, it just made everything so fascinating. I loved watching them come together, work together and make life-long friends … with the help of Cade, Retta, Mavis, Skip, Justin and Levi. Carolyn Brown did a beautiful job of bringing this story to life. She wrote a touching story with so many life lessons in it. I was really thrilled with the way the story ended and it’s message. Home is where the heart is and Cade and Retta definitely found their home.

The first book in Carolyn Brown's new Longhorn Canyon is a gentle read. That being said, I loved the easy pace of small town life portrayed by Cowboy Bold. Carolyn Brown can be counted on to provide an entertaining read, and Cowboy Bold fits the bill. I appreciated that she spent a minimal amount of time setting up the series. This book is all romance, happily ever after romance and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cowboy Bold is a charming read and a pleasant distraction. I look forward to the rest of the series.

Longhorn Canyon is a place I would love to go. I enjoyed the characters in the story. They were all people I would like to know and would be happy to have as friends. The main characters Cade and Retta were meant to be. You could see that they both filled a hole in each other's lives. I loved their interactions through the whole story. The kids in the book made the story extremely fun. The book was heartwarming and left me feeling happy. I would recommend. I look forward to more books in the series so I can catch up on all the characters. I received an advance copy in return for an honest review.

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Retta is happy that she found a job.
After paying her father's medical bills, she was left with nothing.
Cade was desperate. He needed a counselor pronto.
Retta came in the nick of time.
Now, if only he could ger rid of this attraction for the pretty Retta.
Denial, thy name is Cade.
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!

Longhorn Canyon #1, This was a great start to a new series. My opinion on it is really split there are things I really enjoyed about the book and others things that I didn't, nothing to do with Brown's ability to write, I teared up more times than I realize. It's just personal preference stuff that got on my nerves, like Cade being a Longhorns fan, as a Texas native I'm not much into football but my FIL says we root for the Aggies so we root for the Aggies. The friendly rivalry between Cade and Retta when it came to the Longhorns versus the Sooners got old real quick. There were some other things but I enjoyed the book for the most part. The family dynamic the Maguire family was nice the three brother's running the ranch and having a summer camp experience for troubled kids, where they get to learn the hard work that goes into the ranch and the value behind the hard work. I love that idea. The kids were great to they really win you over for the story. Retta and Cade's romance almost seemed like the secondary story line, the kids and the camp for me stood most for me I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. Like most of Brown's book the characters take it slow they really take the time to get to know each other and it's nice and kind of realistic the progression of their relationship, but I was disappointed in the ending.

Overall, the kids are the best part of the story, especially Sam. As the start of a new series this was a great introduction to the characters, to Longhorn Canyon, and what all they do there. (the cover model looks a little like Scott Eastwood, yummy)

I am huge Carolyn Brown fan, so starting this new series was a no brainer and an automatic one click for me. I can never get enough of her sweet, sexy cowboys!
Cade Maguire might be my favorite one of them all! He is sweet caring and a big ole flirt that had me giggling and swooning all at the same time. I fell completely in love with him from the start.
Retta is independent, and stronger than she knows. My heart ached for her as I watched her greive for her dad and try to get her life back where she felt it should go.
This book has my heart! I loved every second of this story and I cannot wait to see what Brown brings us next!

I recently had a chance to read Cowboy Bold as part of the Extreme Book Nerd Challenge (A book set in the South) and loved it! As far as romances go this is a fairly clean one and that made it all the more enjoyable for me. Retta was a wonderfully fun character and Cade was every cowgirls' dream. I'm excited to read the rest of the series as they arrive!

One city girl, one die-hard rancher, and eight mischievous kids. Let the chaos begin!

Every summer Cade Maguireopens his Longhorn Canyon Ranch to underprivileged city kids. But this year he's having a hard time finding a counselor for the children until Retta Palmer walks through his door.

Flat broke Retta is thrilled to hear of an opening for a counselor position. She's not as thrilled about the ranching part, or the sexy cowboy with beautiful blue eyes who's her new boss.

After being left at the altar two years before by his fiancée, Cade isn't sure he can take another heartbreak. And Retta isn't even sure she wants to stay. But the sparks between them are absolutely undeniable. And with a couple of lovable kids and two elderly folks playing matchmaker, Cade and Retta may find that the best way to heal is with each other.

I read all of Carolyn Brown books so it took me by surprise when I didn't so much like this book as the other books that I've read from her. I don't know if it was the pacing, the plot or the characters but something hit me the wrong way. Maybe, I was having an off day...I don't know. I just didn't feel the chemistry between Cade and Rhetta...I wanted to because I loved all of her rancher stories but I just didn't here.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Cade loves making the kids who come to his ranch every summer find something in themselves that they didn't realize they had. When he meets Retta, he thinks she may find something during her stay as well.

Retta's father just passed away and she needs a place to stay until she can interview for her former job in Dallas at the end of the summer. She left rural Oklahoma determined to "make it" in the big city, and with nothing left in Oklahoma, she's going back to Dallas come hell or high water.

Staying on Cade's ranch is a temporary thing, but the longer she's there, the more Retta realizes that she misses ranch life, the slow pace, the small town life. She's not sure if she can give up her dream of being successful in the business world for happiness. That is, until she realizes that they are not mutually exclusive.

Cade's ability to know what Retta needs is instinctive and just what she craves. His concern and caring for her is just want you want in an alpha male and once Retta sees Cade for the man he is, she knows her heart is lost.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Cade was great. His brothers awesome. Retta started the book meh and as you got to see her with the kids and learning to let go and allow herself to grieve and fall in love you find her to be wonderful.

Cade is a cowboy through and through. He is also a kind and caring man. What he does for those kids every summer takes hold of your heart. But he has also been burned by a very selfish woman in the past and is wary of giving his heart away at first. So when Retta comes in for a interview, he feels the attraction to her but fights it. even after he hires her for the summer, he fights it. Tries very hard not to succumb but he begins to learn who she is and he falls. He sees that the is kind and strong, smart and loving, caring and tough as well. She takes hold of his heart and doesn’t let go.

Retta comes to the ranch only for a summer job. She has a goal and doesn’t want to deviate from her plans. No matter what her heart feels and where she belongs, she will not deviate from her plans. She does great wit the kids. She helps them find themselves and their confidence. Helps them believe they can be something but also teaches them teamwork and friendship. With Cade, she feels so much but quashes it. They start a fling or what they think will be a fling but it turns into more. The romance is sweet, intimate and sensual.

Cade fights his feelings at first but in the end embraces them. Even though it hurts him he does respect and support Retta. He asks her to stay, offers her a job but also doesn’t force his desires on her because he loves her. He follows the thought if you love someone set them free....Retta needed to find her way. She needed to move on from the death of her dad and follow her heart. She had to find out what mattered to her. Had to let go of her well constructed plans and follow her heart and see that she can achieve her plans but in a different way. Cade gave her this time and space because he loves her. So beautiful. She does figure it out just takes her a little longer than one would like.

The story is sweet and fun. Those kids are awesome and Cade’s brothers can’t wait for their stories. The romance was a slow burn and tender with many intimate moments that are both sensual and sweet. I loved how they got to know each other as friends and find support and respect for each other before they went further on their feelings. Characters you love and a story to fall for. A overall great book.