Book Review- My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant

I liked this story. You have two complicated characters. Audrey is a workaholic and doesn’t have the time for a relationship. Then you have Caleb who has abandonment issues from his childhood and knows he can’t do relationships.
The author creates this interesting mystery that brings them together. There is an instant attraction between them, and they have realistic fears that get into the way.
Audrey is smart and strong. She has built a good reputation for herself as one of the best in her field. You go girl! She was definitely a great character. She has a lot of integrity and follow through. Caleb had a lot of great people in his corner. He was someone to count on. He was a great catch once he got past his issues.
The mystery with the horses kept you guessing. The one behind it all was not who I would have chosen. The author kept me guessing a bit. It was a great read. I give it a 4 out of 5.

This is the third book in the series by this author, and I’ve read the rest of the series also. I had previously thought that this was a trilogy, but turns out there is a 4th book coming out later this year! I liked the premise behind this series, but put into practice so far I haven’t loved the series. This book specifically I had trouble with. I found the characters to be a bit naive in their relationships and the way the relationships developed felt a bit too simple to me. The plot line was intended I’m sure to build up tension and build to the crux of the plot, but the pieces almost felt like they didn’t fit together to me. If you like cowboy romances, I’d say this one was ok but wasn’t my favorite.

*I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review*

Synopsis:
The third book in Donna Grant’s Heart of Texas series, a routine call to check on sick horses suddenly becomes a fight for survival for Audrey Martinez, as she works with sultry cowboy, Caleb Harper, to take down the criminals trying to take down her career.

My Thoughts:
While this is a romance novel, I feel that I was here more for the mystery of who was after Audrey and the horses more than the relationship. The attraction between these two was a bit fast (Audrey was saying how she needed Caleb by day two). For me personally, that is a big turn off, and quite possibly my biggest gripe with this story. That and Audrey’s father, who we learn at the beginning walked away from her and her sister, suddenly reappears at the end and that gets glossed over in the wake of Audrey and Caleb finally coming out of their stubborn mopes to declare their need of one another.

Would I Recommend:
While I wasn’t a fan of the pace of the relationship, if you are a fan of instalove, sexy cowboys, and mystery, this is definitely for you. The writing was great, the plot was great. The romance, eh.

This book was definitely a quick and easy read, with an intriguing storyline. I did expect a little more of a climatic culmination at the end, but it was still good. I liked the two main characters, Audrey and Caleb. They are much alike and they share the same passion for horses. Audrey is easy going, dedicated and an equine veterinarian extraordinaire. Her job allows her to work for free at a horse rescue center, to tend to abused horses. Caleb is a skilled horse trainer with a military background and a confirmed bachelor. Both of them are independently strong willed and when they team up to investigate a crime, they really are a good match. The banter between them was great.

There is an instant attraction, but they both shun relationships. Caleb has carried a lot of anger and bitterness for years and has abandonment issues. He would rather be alone than deal with the fear of someone leaving him. It took him a while to come to terms with his feelings. Together, Audrey and Caleb make perfect sense as a couple when they finally give in to their mutual attraction.

This book was my first read in the Heart of Texas series and it can be read as a standalone. 3.5 stars

Romance, Suspense and Cowboys, there is a lot to like about this story. Audrey and Caleb are great characters and I liked the pace of the story. A really enjoyable read.

I waited a bit to write this review, because My Favorite Cowboy did not bring out my favorite opinions. It brought out the snark, instead. Which I was hoping would mellow if I gave it some time. Spoiler alert: it did not.

How’s the saying go? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

That’s how I feel about this series. Because book one (The Cowboy Christmas Hero) was really good, but book two (Cowboy, Cross My Heart) was a complete dud. Call me crazy, or maybe I’m an eternal optimist, but I went ahead and requested an ARC of book 3. And I’m ashamed of myself for not being able to quit this book.

Why? Let me count the reasons…
1. A hero who thinks it’s cool to use ‘em and lose ‘em - until he’s magically besotted with the heroine. Bonus: a heroine who pretty much does the same thing.
2. No relationship development, whatsoever - insta-lust to insta-love in no time flat, with sweeping statements about how important this person is now for no discernable reason...other than just because they are magically in love now.
3. The most dangerous town ever. Cattle rustling (book one), sexual harassment/assault (book two), and now poisoned horses. It’s like they live in the Wild, Wild West instead of 2019.
4. Everyone is an amateur detective, and miraculously pulls conclusions out of their butts. (I’d give examples here, but don’t want to spoil anything for those who may still want to read this book even though I’m apparently letting the full force of my snark explode.)
5. So much talk about horses - which might be okay if you’re a horse person, but I am not.
6. Referring to a woman’s breasts as globes. But then also using the word vulva. And then going back to euphemisms and referring to the hero’s rod.
7. Characters who don’t deal with their crap - if you’re an adult and know you have issues from childhood trauma, GO TO A THERAPIST! Also, characters who are miraculously now okay after a single conversation.
8. An antagonist that’s figured out off page and an unsatisfying, anticlimactic capture of that antagonist - with reasoning that completely came out of left field.

There were a couple of good things, too, though. For once we have an independent heroine, but one who’s willing to accept help when it’s offered. Actually, that’s the only good thing. Everything else was contrived, unrealistic, and made me want to throw my Kindle across the room.

And with that, I’m officially putting this author on my “I’m Done With This Author” list. I know a lot of people like Donna Grant. Sadly, I’m NOT one of them. I gave her six tries. SIX! And the last two have burned my retinas, bad. I won’t let myself be fooled again.

* thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Grab you by the seat of your pants suspense...along with the discovery of healing love. The story of Aubrey Martinez and Caleb Harper is just what the Doctor ordered you won't want to put the book down as you find out who is wanting to harm beautiful horses and the good Doctor.

This romance has readers making Caleb their favorite cowboy and Audrey into their favorite veterinarian as they read this stunning and gritty romance. Audrey and Caleb are strong, captivating characters that easily draw readers to them as they navigate their somewhat rocky relationship. Audrey has little time for meeting a man and ends up being a little relationship forming stunted and Caleb is a strong, charming cowboy that has some past issues mucking up his relationship forming abilities, this keeps the romance part of the story quite turbulent and emotionally gripping while they navigate all the ups and downs that stems from their issues. All though they do have the help of wonderful, close-knit family members throughout the story which adds to the depth of the story.

The story is steady paced and flows smoothly from beginning to end with thrilling suspense as Audrey and Caleb try to not only save some horses but discover just who would want to hurt them. Dangerous and deadly events adds excitement and gets the readers pulses pounding while some surprising twists keeps everyone on their toes. The emotional issues that faces the characters are gripping and ‘real’ which really makes it easy for readers to not only connect with the characters but also makes it easy for them to picture the story as it takes place.

I enjoyed this book. It started out a little slow but I am glad I kept reading. I loved how the characters and setting were described. This was a great quick read.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I liked this book but for me, it was hard to get into. The characters of Audrey and Caleb are well written, but I didn't think the chemistry between the two was very hot.

The angst that Audrey has to face is daunting and the resolution does come as a surprise. Caleb's determination to protect Audrey is nice and it goes against the grain of what we know about him. We see him failing in love and not necessarily fighting it. Audrey, on the other hand, doesn't want to admit that she has feelings for Caleb. She has seen what the loss of her mother did to her father and she's determined to avoid that at all cost.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book.


Dawn – ☆☆☆☆
Another great book from Donna Grant. However, with this series I can't help but think the boys go looking for trouble so they can get involved, it's like they are attracted to danger.

I'm so glad that Caleb got his own book, out of all the characters I really wanted him to have a happy ending. Brice kind of annoyed me with his meddling ways in this book. I know he was doing it out of love for his brother, but it was still annoying. I liked the lead female, Audrey; she was hardworking, dedicated, and independent. Her love for the all the animals really came off the pages.

As always with this series, something dodgy is going on and the Harper boys are there to help. There were, as always, a lot of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.

Overall, another great book in the Hearts of Texas series.

My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant was such a charming and captivating story. I was lost within the pages for hours and never wanted it to end. This was my first book from Donna and let me tell you, I'll be diving into many more. I love her writing.

My Favorite Cowboy is one of those books that hooks you from the beginning and doesn't let you go. I was so in love with every page. The characters are so easy to love and the story line is really intriguing. It's full of suspense and leaves you anticipating what's going to happen next. Audrey's character is such a loving one. I admired her love of horses and wanting to help animals. When the unexpected happens and she meets Caleb, it's an instant connection. I loved their chemistry and attraction to one another, you could feel it coming from the pages. It was so touching. Everything that happens will have you on the edge of your seat, but you'll also be swooning over Caleb Harper. I loved him instantly. He's protective and caring and just owns the book. It was perfection.

So if you love a story that lures you in, keeps you guessing, and a love that leaves you feeling butterflies, then you'll love this one. I sure did. Can't wait to read more from this author. I give My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant 4 out of 5 STARS!

Audrey Martinez is a veterinarian who has devoted her whole life to the care and protection of horses—even if doing so leaves her little time for meeting a man. Who would have thought that a strange case of criminal horseplay would lead her to falling deeply, wildly in love? If only the man who makes her heart race faster than a wild mustang would let his guard down, that is. . .
Caleb Harper is no ordinary cowboy. Sure, he wears his hat, boots, and jeans like a second skin, and displays an easygoing charm that comes from years of working on the ranch. But with his military background, and Army buddies at his side, he is tried-and-true Texas tough. Audrey knows she can trust a man like Caleb to help her save horses. But can Caleb trust himself to resist his attraction to Audrey—or will the sparks of their desire end up getting them burned?
This is finally the story of the third Harper sibling. He meets his match in Audrey. I really liked Audrey a lot and thought she was a great match for Caleb. She was able to help him start healing in the way he needed. My only issue was the repeated emphasis on how often Caleb (and even Audrey a couple of times) got around. I really don’t like it it when author’s do this. Beyond that, I highly recommend for fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I really enjoyed this book by Donna Grant. This is the third book in the series that is about siblings. Caleb and Aubrey are racing to figure out who is endangering horses. The sparks fly between them. Caleb is set to do anything to protect Aubrey and the horses. I really enjoyed how the siblings and their friends stick together to help Aubrey and her sister Maddy! This book had suspense, sparks and love! I read this book from cover to cover without putting it down!


I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

I so enjoyed stepping back into the Heart of Texas series again, and I’ve been waiting for Caleb’s story which was most definitely worth the wait.

With horses mysteriously dying while under her care Audrey is at her wits end trying to figure out who and why while keeping the rest of the horses as safe as possible. She soon has help from a friend of the owners, one quiet, sexy cowboy who draws her in so easily to trust and care for him – even if he is putting up walls between them.

Caleb has had no interest in a long term relationship for he knows full well that they don’t last. His own abandonment by his mother is all the proof that he’ll ever need of that fact. So his reaction to Audrey is surprising to him. Oh, sure, she’s sexy, competent and dedicated to her horses, but she’s so much more – and that could get him in waters too deep for his comfort zone.

MY FAVORITE COWBOY is a story of richly defined characters, a definite thread of suspense woven throughout, two people falling in love even when one doesn’t believe in that emotion – at first. Caleb has to deal with his issues before he can move forward with Audrey, and watching this couple banter, get steamy, and so emotional was a delightful journey. I really liked Audrey, she’s a perfect match for Caleb in every sense – she takes no nonsense, but she also knows when the man she loves needs her even if he doesn’t. As I said before, I’ve been waiting for this one and I loved every second of Caleb’s and Audrey’s romance.

If you’re in the mood for some special cowboy lovin’ then you’ll want to check out MY FAVORITE COWBOY, I’d not hesitate to recommend this story or the entire series – it’s that good.

*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.*

This one is my favorite for this series so far. The characters were believable and I enjoyed the mystery plot running in the background.
This story stands alone, the previous books are about other characters so you'll soon catch up.
Horses are sick and Audrey who is a vet is trying to get to the bottom of it. Little does she know it's about her. Jealousy drives this story and the author wrapped it up well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Donna Grant is a remarkable writer and has really outdone herself this time with the third book in the Heart of Texas series, My Favorite Cowboy. I would qualify this story not only as a western contemporary romance but also a romantic suspense. She combined her romance with a hint of mystery and danger which made it a riveting page turner. It also was thought provoking when it dealt heavily with abandonment issues. Both main characters were had an aversion to relationship commitments and you see how deeply it can affect one’s whole life.

Audrey Martinez is a dedicated equine veterinarian and is stumped on why horses were getting sick at a family friend’s ranch. The owner calls in reinforcements and seeks out friends he knows he can count on with the Easts and the Harpers. Clayton East, Brice and Caleb Harper all want to be involved when the deduce that something is foul about the situation and precautions have to be taken to keep from it spinning out of control. Audrey is determined to do her best to save the horses. With more incidents happening to her and those close to Audrey, she realizes they are out to destroy her career as well as the horses.

Caleb and Audrey find themselves drawn to one another in the middle of this horrible situation. I love how a relationship is born out of a bad situation. Emotions are high and the stakes even higher but they see something in the other that they’ve never seen before in a partner. They both love horses and they both want answers. Can’t get any worse than an enemy out to destroy your reputation and won’t stop until his plan is complete.

I love the dance between Caleb and Audrey. They both take tentative steps back and forth between having your guard up and then letting it down. They keep their guard up because they hold some personal secrets. Secrets they’ve kept to themselves for a very long time and from the family that they love. They are both so afraid to be vulnerable in front of the other and back away because it’s easier to be alone than to put your heart on the line. Facing a future without the other would be a bleak existence, so they had to lay it all on the line once and for all.

My Favorite Cowboy had all the right elements to make this one my favorite in the series. It had family, suspense, romance and forgiveness. The author has made each one of the Harpers stories engaging and satisfying. Caleb’s story was just exceptional in my opinion. Caleb has grown up over the three stories and had much to overcome. Audrey was his equivalent and his definite match. Families can be a detriment and a saving grace. They just needed to know how to deal with both aspects without closing them off to the good things in life. The main characters experienced both and came out ahead in the end. I loved this story.

Audrey is a veterinarian who loved and cares for horses so its beyond her why many of the horses in the area seems to be getting sick. Calebs been working on the ranch for years and his horses seems to be out of sorts and calls Audrey for help. Little did they expect for an attraction but there it is. Now they are on a mission to find out whats going on with the horses and who could be behind whats going on with the animals.

This was a nice contemporary romance book. I pretty much spent my day reading it avoiding the real world because what this author has created was a heck of a lot more interesting. I enjoyed getting to know the character and seeing the dual point of view getting to know what they really think. I enjoyed the romance, there was a bit of steamy scenes throughout the book but not a whole lot where it takes over which I appreciate. I liked the bit of mystery and seeing how they were trying to work out what was really going on with the horses. Overall pretty great book I really enjoyed it.

Horses Rule

I just jumped in with book three in the series and, having been introduced to the family members, can see that each couple would have had its own story. But any pertinent information is included within this tale which stands well alone. Separation anxiety and abandonment issues loom large for a number of the characters whose childhoods were less than stellar, and those backgrounds now inform the actions of the adults. A solid (equine) murder mystery lies at the center of the action and the novel moves forward rapidly keeping dual focus on the building romance as well as the investigation progress.

A long term fan of Ms. Grant's dark fantasy world I followed her to Texas and the contemporary world of cowboys and rodeos. While I'm not necessarily a fan of western romance I enjoy the nice touch of danger and intrigue that the author brings to these romances.
Caleb Harper is a bit of loner even in the midst of his family and their happiness. Abandoned by his mother at a young age he more than his siblings has wounds that love doesn't seem to heal. Can Veterinarian Aubrey Martinez sneak in and accomplish what others haven not been able to?

While Aubrey is the best in the business and much sought out by the ranches and horse breeders in the local area, she's contracted to two of the large exclusive stables who consume all her time. Always willing to help a friend she takes personal time to help out her father's old friend who runs the local auction house when horses that he has for auction suddenly become very sick. Suspecting foul play the owner also calls in the Harper brothers to provide protection for Aubrey as well as the horses even as they try to narrow down the cause of the sickness.
Caleb and Aubrey are attracted to each other. Both of them love horses and the chemistry is just right with nights spent in vigil over sick horses. When the danger accelerates Caleb is there to help and support Aubrey and her sister but it seems that the person responsible for the horse illness is after more than horses, they want to destroy Aubrey's reputation in the area.
Ever since the first book in this series when a seal returns home to find love and a ready made family of two young boys who have been abandoned I've had a soft corner for these characters. Caleb has been the most resistant to finding love and peace. This story has a lot of emotional depth and intensity since both Aubrey and Caleb are carrying baggage and its interesting to see how it all comes together for a happily every after.
I'm hoping the author will take the time to stay here a while and write the stories for some of the interesting characters that we've met here and who definitely need a HEA.

My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant is a mystery/romance that revolves around Caleb and Audrey. Audrey is an equine vet and Caleb is a veteran, running a ranch with his brother. His goal is to sell the best-trained horses around. The issue becomes apparent when all of a sudden horses are being poisoned, and they are all under the care of Audrey, pointing to her as the poisoner. There is no real reason show would do this to the horses she loved, but there are no clues pointing to anyone else. Additionally, it is a slow acting poison so it is hard to pinpoint when it is taking place. There are all kinds of additional cast members: Caleb's extended family; Audrey's sister, Maddy; stable owners and other vets, all complicating the situation. Was it the stables the criminals were after? Or was it Audrey?

To complicate matters, Cab and Audrey hook up one night, but both are convinced that they are unable to connect with another person, so that is an intriguing part of the story to be explored.

This is a good story: more than a romance; more than a mystery. The characters are multi-dimensional and there are more than enough subplots to involve everyone in a tale that emulates real life: complicated and messy. The poisoner is found; many, if not all, of the problems are solved. It is an enjoyable journey. One I recommend you take.

I received a free ARC of My Favorite Cowboy in exchange for a fair and honest review. @netgalley #myfavoritecowboy