Title: The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby
Author: Heidi Rice
Format: ebook
Genre: Romance, accidental baby, cowboy, rodeo, small town
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 5 of The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo
POV: Evie, Flynn
Steam Level: steamy
4/5

The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby is the fifth and final book in The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series. While each is book is standalone there are a core group of Rodeo participants and storylines that are mentioned. You don't need to know their stories to enjoy any of these books. In The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby we meet Evie and Flynn. Evie is a journalist from New York who is sent to the Copper Mountain Rodeo to find her groove after her marriage ends. Flynn is one of the ranch hands and also a participant in the rodeo. Their chemistry is strong from the start. After a lovely and steamy weekend Evie returns to the city, leaving behind the country and her cowboy, and things go from bad to worse.. I really enjoyed how Heidi Rice dealt with generational trauma and how comments/actions from you childhood shape you and your beliefs as adults. Overall this was a fun book.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I’ve primarily enjoyed most of the books in this series and have liked that for the most part, they have all pulled together but there was something about the instant romance between Flynn and Evie that hit a duff cord with me.
They were so far apart that I couldn’t help but feel that I was missing some major details of their backstory and that distracted me.
Evie was easily fooled, her boss was playing her from the outset and by the time she realised it, the damage was done…honestly, I could have shaken her for being so dense!
Flynn was just what I would have expected before reading the book and I don’t know whether that was a good or a bad thing, this sexy cowboy should have more to give, I just think the author held a little too much back for too long.
A decent read but it had the legs to be more!

The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby by Heidi Rice is book 5 in the "79th Copper Mountain Rodeo" series.
It once more takes us back to the fictional town of Marietta, Montana and if you like Cowboys, rodeos and everything that goes with it, you have yourself a great story.

A year after her marriage has crashed and burned–along with her dreams of becoming a mother–Irish newspaper columnist, Evie Donnelly, is not impressed with her editor’s suggestion she head down to Marietta to find some ‘new meat’ for her dating column. With her confidence as a woman at an all-time low, surely the last thing she needs is to risk hooking up with a rodeo cowboy? Despite a troubled past as a foster kid, calf roping champion Flynn is a man who adores women. Maybe he doesn’t do commitment, but he does do good times and he is only too happy to help when he discovers a smart, funny and beautiful but undeniably fragile woman behind Evie’s tough exterior who is in desperate need of his own personal brand of sexual healing. But when the rodeo is over, Evie and Flynn can’t forget those three stolen nights together in Marietta–especially when their wild, wonderful ride turns out to have even more unforgettable consequences.
I really wanted a book about hot cowboys. Unfortunately the main character kind of ruined it for me. I really tried getting into this book, but Evie really just got on my nerves (she carried on worse about her ex 1 year after their divorce worse than I did 1 year after my husband’s death). Also, no idea why the author chose to make Evie and her friend from the UK. There was absolutely nothing to indicate there was any reason or that they were supposed to be and I actually forgot. They didn’t say anything differently or word anything differently. DNF. Wasn’t for me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I am a huge fan of Heidi and love a good cowboy romance so this book was just perfect for me it was really well written and I was quickly pulled into the story. I just loved Flynn and Evie even though things don't start well for these two they are so great together this is a super addition to the series and I would definitely recommend it.

What a surprisingly good, and addictive read this was! First, it's the fifth novel in the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo multi-author series, and it's the first novel I've read by this author, and it most certainly won't be the last. Usually, stepping into a novel this late in a series leaves me lost and confused, but thankfully, the author, who has serious writing chops, saved the plethora of characters from the previous novels until the epilogue, so although I didn't know their stories, it really didn't matter and this novel worked perfectly as a standalone and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

Evie Donnelly grew up in rural Ireland, moved to Dublin, eventually moved to the U.S., found an apartment in Brooklyn, and began her career as a journalist, writing a column called Evie8, a snarky, smart and sassy diary about the events in her life--at least it started out that way. She met and married her husband, but after several years of marriage and wanting to start a family, Evie couldn't get pregnant, and after her third round of IVF (in vitro fertilization) failed, her husband left her and they divorced--all of this sad chapter in her life detailed for readers of her column. As a result, her readership was dwindling, and so her editor decided to send her to Montana, where her friend and former roommate found love, to cover a rodeo, and with a suggestion that she really needed to get her sexual mojo back and put some life back into her column.

Evie was very much taken with the beauty of Montana, and while staying with her friend Charlie (Charlotte), who lives with rancher and deputy sheriff, Logan, as the two women are chatting over tea, Charlie agrees that it's time for Evie to move on, and perhaps get with a sexy cowboy, even if it's for just a one-nighter. After Evie makes some disparaging, scathing and snarky remarks about farm boys and their lack of "sexpertise," she meets handsome, sexy Flynn O'Connell, a rodeo calf roper who's working on Logan's ranch, after he overhears her remarks and takes them as a personal challenge. Charlie is only too happy to fill Evie in on Flynn's sexual prowess, and reputation for hot one-night stands with the ladies, and Evie is about to find out just how true his reputation is.

Evie and Flynn are two characters that jumped off the page for this reader. As they get to know one another, both in and out of bed, we actually get to know them, and while the sex in this novel is scorching hot, I finally got what I've been complaining about in short romance novels for years--two backstories! Evie's mother became pregnant as a teenager and married Evie's father. He left her mother when Evie was a young child, and her mother became a bitter single parent, who drilled into Evie the dangers of being sexually active outside of marriage. While it's not mentioned in the novel, abortion is illegal in Ireland, so making a mistake that ends in pregnancy there is not a good idea. As a result, Evie's ex-husband is the only man she's been with, and she found their sex life a bore, as did her ex, especially after their sex life became all about getting Evie pregnant.

Flynn also had a rough childhood, the son of a violently abusive alcoholic, and at a young age, he and his siblings ended up getting separated and placed in different foster care homes. After four years of being shuttled from one foster family to another, Flynn and his siblings were finally reunited by a loving couple, who raised them into adulthood, but the scars of their early abuse certainly left their mark on Flynn, and made him commitment phobic, but the chemistry between himself and Evie was impossible for either of them to ignore, and Flynn studiously disproved all of Evie preconceived notions about the difference between fumbling farm boys and more than capable cowboys. But while the attraction between Evie and Flynn was impossible to ignore, their past history colors their present relationship, and after spending 3 days together, in and out of bed, Evie must return to Brooklyn and write her story. Feeling guilty for her loose behavior, thanks to having her mother's voice in her head, Evie is ashamed, and never even says goodbye to Flynn, who cared about her more than any woman he'd ever met and more than he ever realized he could.

Since you've probably noticed that the word "baby" appears in the title, you know that Evie is going to get pregnant. Knowing that her ex-husband impregnated the current woman in his life, Edie had assumed she was infertile, and when one episode of unprotected sex with Flynn happened, she told Flynn that there was no chance of her getting pregnant, and so they stopped using protection for the rest of their encounters.

As if things weren't bad enough, the lovely column she wrote about her time in Montana didn't have enough sex and sass in it to suit her editor, who, behind Evie's back, took her private revelations about her time with Flynn, and unbeknownst to Evie, rewrote the column and printed it, making Evie's Montana column as snarky and nasty as possible, and painting a terrible and wrong picture of the time Evie spent there, the town, the rodeo, and especially Flynn. When Evie gets a nasty phone call from Charlie and Logan, she's even more devastated when Logan tells her she's no longer welcome there. Shortly thereafter she discovers she's pregnant, and while she's thrilled that she's going to have the baby she's always wanted, what will she do about telling Flynn that he's going to be a father? How will he react after being backstabbed by what he believes is the column she wrote? And how will Evie be able to support herself and her child after quitting her job the day after she read her rewritten column and learned that she had been betrayed by her editor?

For answers to the aforementioned questions, you're just going to have to read this highly emotional, deeply moving and well-written novel, which has all the snark, sass, sexiness, personal drama, backstory and angst that's been sorely missing from a number of my recent romance reads. This book has it all, in spades, and I highly recommend it.

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

I totally enjoyed reading Rodeo Cowboy’s Baby by Heidi Rice, book five in The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series. I’m not sure what’s in the water in Marietta, but in addition to the hot, hot, hot cowboys, matchmaking is definitely in the air. This is Evie and Flynn’s story. Irish transplant Evie had dreams of becoming a mother, but they crashed and burned along with her marriage. Her editor sends her to the rodeo to look for new meat and material for her dating column. Evie's friend, Charlie, now lives in Marietta and tries to set her up with a real sexy cowboy for a weekend fling. Evie is not just into it, she just wants to be left alone. But Flynn is just too hard to resist. After growing up in foster care Flynn does not do commitment; not that he doesn’t love woman. He does. However, when he meets Evie, he sees just how broken she is. He is determined to heal her and set her free. Their three night fling ends with Evie walking away without even a goodbye to Flynn. She has fallen for him and can't face saying goodbye. After all it was just a fling - Evie and Flynn both agreed to that. These two have to figure out how to handle the little gift that is a reminder from those three night.

The attraction between these two is evident from the start and despite Finn initially being offended by an overheard snarky comment from Ellie, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. To both their surprise, the connection is more than sexual - they find they like each other, a lot. I liked the way Ms Rice delved into how having a challenging childhood can affect a person as an adult; in how they think and behave. Both Evie and Finn had problem parents and I thought is was interesting seeing how this affected their responses to each other.

This was a wonderfully sweet and moving story that is not to be missed. It had me laughing, crying and everything in between. This story has laughs, pain, secrets, heartbreak. sexual attraction, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This story has been a combination of sizzlingly sexy and heartfelt emotion as rodeo cowboy Finn, a notorious one night stand guy with a reputation for being exceptional in the sack meets up with journalist Ellie, who is in a bit of a slump after a failed three-year marriage, failed IVF treatment and a failing career. The zing between these two is palpable from the start and despite Finn initially being offended by an overheard snarky comment from Ellie, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. To both their surprise, the connection is more than sexual - they find they like each other ... a lot.
I liked the way author Heidi Rice explored the lasting impressions of challenging childhoods on the way adults might think and behave. Both Evie and Finn had problem parents and it was interesting to see how their upbringing affected their responses to each other.
I also liked the pacing of this story. I was hooked from the start and stayed that way until the end, though I did get the feeling in the last chapter or so that the ending was being rushed a little. All of a sudden feelings were explained, the scales fell off Finn’s and Ellie’s eyes and undying love was declared. Really though, this was a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

The best laid plans . . . often get changed! A year after her marriage broke up, Irish born newspaper columnist, Evie Donnelly is sent by her editor to Marietta who hopes she’ll discover someone to date there! Hooking up with a rodeo cowboy doesn’t seem like a sensible idea to Evie - until she meets Flynn, a calf roping champion who loves women but is determined not to do commitment. The attraction between them is powerful and irresistible but it also has unexpected consequences!

As usual with many Marietta based books, each book in the series is written by a different author, features a different leading couple but is based around the same event in the same main location. I love how these authors collaborate to create their own shared world with many shared characters and scenarios and this is another great example of this exemplary team work.

This story has characters from the other stories but the focus is on Evie and Flynn. Learning why her first marriage broke down and why Flynn is shy of commitment make many of the events in this story even more poignant. Fairly obviously from the title, it is a surprise pregnancy story. It is also a well paced read with plenty of twists to entertain the reader and keep them turning the pages - a great addition to the series!

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby is written by Heidi Rice, published by Tule Publishing and is the fifth novel in the 79tb Copper Mountain Rodeo Series. Evie Donnelley is a journalist on the verge of a burn out. Her newspaper/blog column, Evie8, which was based on dating experiences, marriage, ivf, is tanking after the collapse of her marriage, her husband got his other woman pregnant! Her editor sends her off to Marietta, where her best friend Charlie lives, which is hosting the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo, to find a new dating storyline/ basis for her column. Evie meets Flynn, a cowboy who loves women but doesn't want a relationship or commitment. They have three unforgettable. Ugh ta together and then Evie reluctantly heads back to New York. Her cut thrust editor published a cruel article about the relationship under Evie's name which hurts several people close to her. Will she be able to solve the rift and build bridges with Flynn? As there is a life kind consequence they should do!t

I received this book via Netgalley and Tule Publishing in exchange for a honest

The Rodeo Cowboy’s Baby is book number five in the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo by Heidi Rice. This Evie Donnelly and Flynn O’Connell’s story.

I enjoyed Flynn and Evie’s story. The chemistry between Evie and Flynn was intense. Both characters have issues from their past that make them run from relationships. This story had humor, hot chemistry, and emotional situations.

FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

3.5 stars. A nice book with a good romance, and developed characters. However, the ending was rushed and that took away from the overall story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Evie Donnelly has been struggling to keep her column afloat ever since her marriage soured and she got divorced. But when her boss forces her to go to Marietta and mingle with cowboys at a rodeo to get new material for her column; material that will hopefully have her readers coming back for more, she finds more than she bargained for, even though she and Flynn don't get off to the best of starts. Will Evie be able to win Flynn over or is a second chance at forever after not in the cards for her?

What a wonderful story to end a fantastic series this book was where I was entertained from start to finish because of the main characters that have interesting back stories; engrossing dialogue that had me smiling because how could the hero not take offense to what he hears the heroine say before they're even introduced; and the obstacles these two face together are tough, but I liked how they overcome them, especially since the heroine has some difficult choices to make when it comes to her career and whether she'll fight for her future with the hero, considering how their relationship goes awry and he may never be able to trust her again.

With the main characters, they're relatable, likeable and I loved how this story really takes off from the moment these two meet. Certainly, the heroine should feel a little embarrassed, but I liked how they could joke about what Evie says, even though the hero is determined to prove her wrong. Will Evie give into the strong chemistry between her and Flynn to discover how wrong she is in her assumptions about farm boys and how different cowboys are to farm boys. Moreover, the heroine was resilient; courageous; sassy at times; and yet I thought she was a little weak when she didn't stand up for herself at the moment where something significant happens that leaves everyone angry at her. How could she not want to fight against what happened when it comes to her career?

While the hero, he's been through a lot and it's understandable why he doesn't do relationships. However, I liked how the heroine had him changing his mind and I liked how determined he was to win her over when the time comes to prove he's ready to be everything she needs. He's also confident, a little cocky, has good friendships with his siblings and the secondary characters and had me smiling because of his teasing banter, especially in the moment he and the heroine meet. Then again, there's a little bit of hostility too because he took offense to her words about farm boys.

Overall, Ms. Rice has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to prove to the heroine that they should be together, especially after what she tells him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as these two are so good together and I liked how determined the hero was to show the heroine he wants her forever. I would recommend The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby by Heidi Rice, if you enjoy the surprise pregnancy trope, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Sinclair Jayne, Joan Kilby, Jeannie Watt and Sarah Mayberry.

4 star

The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
The Cowboy Meets His Match (The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 1) by Sarah Mayberry
The Bull Rider's Return (The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 2) by Joan Kilby
Cowboy Come Home (The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 3) by Sinclair Jayne
The Cowboy's Last Rodeo (The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 4) by Jeannie Watt

This is Evie and Flynn’s story. Evie had dreams of becoming a mother, but those dreams crashed and burned along with her marriage. Her editor sends her to the rodeo to look for new meat for her dating column. But Evie is not into it. She just wants to be left alone. Flynn who grew up in foster care does not do commitment but that does not mean he doesn’t love woman. He does. When he meets Evie, he can see just how broken she is. He is determined he will heal her and then set her free. After one three nights are they really ready to say goodbye? What about the little gift from those three night? Will they have them both running away or to each other?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

Evie had a writing career that was on the downslide because she had been writing about all the happiness and happenings in her own personal life. Including meeting her hubby, getting married, trying to get pregnant, IVF, and the end of her marriage. But the kicker her ex-getting his girlfriend pregnant by accident and his need to announce it to her.

Which, was a neon sign. telling her that it was all her fault that they weren’t pregnant. As the readership started to drop as her depression when up her boss Janice decided to basically become her pimp saying she needed “Fresh Meat” to get her mojo back.

In other words, get screwed every which way but Sunday. Janice had called Evie’s friend Charlie in Marietta, Montana. Where she had moved when she found true love with Logan, the sexy sheriff there.

They are going to be having the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo, therefore, the cowboys that are adorning the calendar would be available as well as the ones entered to ride in the rodeo. Being that Charlie had the sheriff at her beck and call he could help break the ice.

Evie however, didn’t want the ice broken. Because she wasn’t ready to get back on the horse so to speak. Or have to tell why she had been out of the saddle for so long in the first place. Part of that was meeting Charlie’s house guest Flynn that Charlie would be good with as a one and down but Evie wanted no part of it and she was harsh in her ideas of a ranch hand and cowboys and what they are good for.

Yet, she couldn’t lie to herself about the instant heat and the waterworks wetting her panties. With the easy growling banter, she was encountering with this cowboy, Flynn, he had heard her discussion with Charlie and was bringing her to task for it.

He was the first man ever and she did mean ever to cause this reaction within her. As much as she hated to admit it she very much enjoyed it especially since she knew she was getting to him too. The sparks were hot and so was the chemistry between them.

I so did like this book. I do have to say, the first chapter had me worried it was rough for me to get through. Only because it was like the third book in a row that had been dealing with an infertile couple. Once it got going Flynn and Evie were funny and engaging to read. They each had zingers for one another, put-downs in good nature. Flynn forever the gentleman.

The one time he’s not his big brother happens to be visiting and puts him in his place and he’s half hung over. You will enjoy this one for sure. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

Evie was sent by her editor to Marietta to do some "research" for her newspaper column. Since her divorce and inability to have a baby her column is no longer holding her readers interest. She needs some new material to write out about. Maybe there is a cowboy in her future. Evie has no desire to hook up with anyone. Flynn doesn't do relationships, but he does love women. When he first meets Evie they get off on the wrong foot. The attraction soon takes over and they spend three nights together and it is the best loving that Evie has ever had. After she returns home Evie discovers that a little surprise came home with her. She is keeping this baby whether Flynn wants to be a part of it or not. This is her miracle baby and all that she has ever wanted. When Flynn finds out about the baby his reaction is not quite what she had hoped for. Will Flynn realize there is more to life than having a new woman all the time? Will Evie do this parent thing all on her own? Great read.

There are times when a story will simply reach out and touch your emotions, where you’ll “get” the hero and heroine so easily, and when the plot feels more like real life than might otherwise be comfortable… that’s what The Rodeo Cowboy’s Baby was for me. There’s no rhyme nor reason as to why some stories do this to me, I suspect most readers have their “buttons” that get pushed which is why fifty people can read the same story and come away with different reactions. Simply put I loved Flynn and Evie’s romance, I connected with them both and I was completely engaged with their story.

Life happens, ya know? And that is exactly what happened to Flynn and Evie individually, their lives happened and bad things became a part of what makes them unique. Things that will remain with them forever, or until someone special changes their self-view of themselves and the events that have shaped them. For Evie it was her mother’s bitterness, her hatred that made Evie a constant target for her mother’s anger. Then later Evie’s unrelenting need for a baby of her own. For Flynn it was his father’s actions that shaped him, and the special couple who would foster Flynn and his brothers and sister through their formative years. But for them both, the memories, the self-viewing of themselves runs deep and plays a part in what happens between this couple.

There are layers to Flynn and Evie, and at first we only see the surface… and then slowly we’re allowed to see them as they truly are. Outside factors, miscommunications, and for Evie, her own tendency to triple think things and always blame herself even when things aren’t her fault… all of those will play into their romance. The bottom line becomes is three days enough time to really know if someone is right for you? Do you go against all logic and believe in, trust in your instincts?

I loved The Rodeo Cowboy’s Baby for the romance of Flynn and Evie — but also for a quite amazing epilogue that wrapped up the romances from this year’s 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series one year later. We get to touch base with each of the couples, see where they are, how life is treating them… very much like a reunion of friends and family. That was the icing on the cake that made up this series. I had a blast, and if you love a good cowboy romance or simply adore anything Marietta, Montana then I believe you will, too. Indulge yourself and enjoy.

*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.*

Let me say that Evie and Flynn’s romance is Hot Hot Hot, even after Flynn hears Evie talking to her friend about him in a not nice way and she didn’t even know him.
Oh and it brings some raucous laughs and I didn’t like how the name of the book gives to much away.
This story is delicious, page turning reading, don’t let it sit on your TBR pile to long.

Evie has hit a low spot in her life as not only did her marriage end but all her dreams for the future have ended as well. To make matters worse her editor is not pleased with her blog and has sent her to Marietta to get some material to spice up her column.

Flynn did not have a good childhood, but he has managed to create a successful career as a calf roping champion. When he meets Evie, he is intrigued by the brash, yet vulnerable sides of her personality and they are unable to deny the chemistry between them.

They had agreed to a no strings fling but when their time together is over they both have regrets but what happens when he leaves her with more than memories?

I really liked the two of them together as they help each other deal with the emotional remnants of their past. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Evie Donnelly writes a column for The Brooklyn Voice, Evie8, that has taken a downturn in popularity and readership. She is sent by her editor to Marietta to find a way to reinvigorate her column-with a cowboy romance! Evie meets a cowboy beyond her wildest dreams in Flynn O’Connell. Flynn lives and works at the same place Evie will be staying-her best friend’s boyfriend’s ranch. They both have met their match and have a weekend fling that could be much, much more. But, the Evie8 column burns the bridges both with Flynn and with her best friend and with the town! A very unexpected pregnancy, the damaging column and her return to Marietta bring Evie face to face with Flynn and with a reckoning.