June's book gave a great view into a family of ranchers. Her romance set up was terrific. Loved the way they fell for each other and how they cared for each other. I read this book back when it came out.

This book for me started out like I was going to enjoy it. The two led characters had not seen each other since high school and Dixie comes back years later because of her father. Beau still has feelings for her even though it has been years but you the reader are dragged through not only their past with their parents but also the crime that is going on in the small town. It is that part that just seemed off for some reason for me and I could not get into it. Even though I finished the book I just felt something lacking and the story not right. Maybe it is me I normally don’t like to give negative but I just did not care for this book sorry.

I checked and this book is actually written by someone from Texas, so maybe this is accurate, but would the sheriff's department of a small town outside Amarillo really need to go to the local Mexican restaurant to find someone who could speak a few words of Spanish to two young human trafficking victims? I mean… I did two years of Spanish in high school almost 30 years ago, and I reckon I could have dredged up a few words to reassure them. Not having at least one Spanish-speaking officer or an on-call translator in a border state like Texas seems absolutely unbelievable. And going to the Mexican restaurant to find a translator - seriously? Could that get any more stereotypical? It’s problematic as heck and the author really needs a sensitivity reader to check the unconscious racism here.

The romance at the core of this book is a second-chance, with Dixie Moore returning to the small town she left as a teenager and meeting her high school sweetheart, Beau, once again. Except she's got a daughter in tow she never told Beau about because her conniving mother claimed Beau's father told them to get out of town.

I thought younger Dixie must have been absolutely spineless not to insist on speaking to Beau herself, which didn't jibe at all with either her older self or how anyone described her teenage self. It was a contrived plot which got more outlandish as we got to know Beau's ridiculously loving father Big Jim, and Beau himself. Dixie's mother gaslighted her appallingly and it made me absolutely furious when Dixie immediately forgave her and welcomed her back into her daughter's life.

Beau was a good romantic hero, kind, caring, hard-working and protective, but Dixie frustrated me so much I wanted to shake her. She flip-flipped from stubborn to spineless in a blink, and we never got to see the truth of her feelings about her father's death and her mother's betrayal apart from the author telling us she had one crying jag and one phone call with her mother where she cut ties, only to backflip when her mother turned up two days later.

The book had a decent premise, but there's a deus ex machina in the (racist) people smuggling subplot, some very token gay representation nobody but Dixie handles well, and a hot mess of a heroine. Two stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.

When I voluntarily requested an advance reader copy of this novel I had no idea that it was the third book in a series, and the only one in the series I've read, although I have read one other book by this author. The blurb sounded good--a second chance, secret baby, contemporary romantic suspense murder mystery, but in my opinion, the blurb was better than the book for a number of reasons, and I can only give it a 2.5 star rating.

Dixie and her childhood sweetheart, Beau Garrett, were in their senior year of high school, planning to go to college, and get married after they graduated, until one day, Dixie and her mother simply disappeared without a word, a note, a phone message--nada. Beau was utterly devastated, as was Dixie's father, Vern. No one knew where they went or why, and it's not until Vern, who owned and operated the local feed store and his own ranch, was found murdered that Dixie has to return home because as Vern's only child, she needs to plan his funeral, and, oh yes, she's the sole beneficiary in his will, even though she hated him, Beau, and the Garrett family. Unbeknownst to anyone, Dixie was pregnant with Beau's child when she disappeared. The will stipulated that in order to inherit, Dixie must take ownership of and run the feed store, return to and live in Langston, and reside at and maintain the family ranch for one year. To say that she's almost apoplectic with rage and bitterness is putting it mildly. She's a stone cold bitch to everyone in town, never sheds a tear for her murdered father, and when Beau is absolutely stunned to learn he has a 5-year-old daughter, Ava, and tells Dixie he's still in love with her and is over the moon about his surprise fatherhood, does she believe him? Nope.

As far as incredibly stupid heroines go, Dixie's a top contender for the gold medal. When her mother told her that her father didn't approve of her pregnancy and hated her for getting pregnant, and that when Dixie's mom, Mamie, also told her that when she had approached Beau and his family with news of Dixie's teenage pregnancy, they turned their backs on her and couldn't have cared less about her or Beau's child. How could she simply accept what she was told without asking why the father who adored her and the boy who thought she hung the moon and planned to marry her could suddenly turn their love for her into hate? Couldn't she make a phone call or send a letter? Why didn't she ask her father what he'd done to make her mother hate and want to desert him, after years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Dixie goes from hot to cold, belief and non-belief through the entire novel, and when, even on her wedding day, she's still got doubts about her soon-to-be husband, who sees her as his soul mate, made me wonder what there was about her that had Beau so utterly enraptured, beyond her looks and their sex life.

Once Dixie returns to town to fulfill her obligations under the will, she's accompanied by one-half of a gay couple, Scott, her best friend, who, while visiting the feed store is also shot in the chest. Next Scott's partner shows up, and he's filled with hatred for Beau and the Garrett family too. Everyone in Dixie's life is as bitchy as she is, and it was almost impossible to like any of them. Dixie is unwilling to let the sheriff and law enforcement do their job and find out who murdered her father in what they suspect might have been a robbery, and although she has a young child who depends on her, Dixie gives no thought to endangering her own life, especially after Scott is also shot in the chest at the feed store. Dixie is incredibly foolhardy and starts her own investigation. Beau can't talk her out of it, no one can. When 2 young girls and a 20-something woman, all of whom speak only Spanish are found in the feed store shed, suddenly we learn that human trafficking might have been the motive behind both Vern's murder, and Scott's attempted murder. Will Dixie now let law enforcement investigate? Not a chance.

While I liked Beau Garrett and the entire Garrett family a great deal, for their kindness, hard work, and affection for each other and how they all instantly fell in love with little Ava and welcomed her into their family, I simply couldn't figure out what Beau saw in the woman who abandoned him and broke his heart years ago, nor could I accept his undying love for her. As far as I could see, she certainly hadn't given him the benefit of a doubt when her mother badmouthed him and spent years turning Dixie against him, her father and the Garrett family. When Dixie finally discovers that her mother was a liar and had her own agenda for leaving Langston, Dixie's easy acceptance and forgiveness of her mother's self-serving, self-indulgent, and snooty attitude, and the pain she caused her only daughter, Vern, Beau and the Garrett family, was, quite frankly, beyond my ability to fathom.

All in all, I found the murder mystery part of this novel far more interesting than the on-again, off-again romance between Dixie and Beau. Little Ava was, in my opinion, the best thing about this novel. It's not a terrible read, but there wasn't a whole lot of depth or backstory to these characters and to this story, and even after the expected HEA ending, I still thought strong, stalwart Beau deserved a better woman than Dixie.

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

Beau had a heart of gold and he still hasn’t been able to get over his high school sweetheart leaving town without a word. When misfortune for Dixie issues he is right beside her willing to help in anyway possible. He is desperate to clear up any misinformation that has resulted since he has seen her and help her take those tentative steps into a more prosperous future. Dixie is still unsure of everything that has happened but is willing to open her heart up once again. Danger lurks nearby and pushes both characters closer together. Great continuation of the series and blends the other books seamlessly into the storyline.

This book was full of action and fiery attraction between Beau and Dixie. I loved that Dixie was a hot head and Beau found a way to tame her anger, This book was fast paced and wonderful. This is the third book in the Dark Horse Cowboy series, but the first one that I have read, and know I need to read the first two, I highly recommend this book

A well executed story...with so many moving parts, segueing seamlessly from one to another, it was easy to lose myself over to Beau and Dixie and there tumultuous journey to their HEA. At times the characters felt a bit flat in their personalities and mannerisms, but that was overshadowed by the story itself...with all the best parts that make for a captivating story...tension, suspense, conflict, compromise, turmoil, lies and coverups, and of course romance...the pages couldn’t turn fast enough.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Dark Horse Cowboys #3, Beau Garrett's story the last of the Garrett boys gets reunited with his first and only love Dixie Moore. I think those of us who have read this can all agree Dixie was a fucking idiot as a teenager. Instead of going to her Father herself and getting his side she automatically believes her mother and thinks the worst of her father, Beau, and his family. Now almost five years later she's back to take care of thing after her father's murder, his will stipulates she remain in Langston and run the feed store and ranch for a year then she can do with it what she will. But when her best friend gets shot at the feed store just like her father she knows her father's murder wasn't just because of a robbery.

Beau can't fathom why Dixie is so cold to him and his family when she was the one who left without a word breaking his heart and she acts like he did something wrong. When he discovers what happened five years ago he knows he'll never let her go again. They never stopped loving each other and once Dixie realizes the truth she is remorseful. But the business with one murder and one attempted murder at the feed store and then finding out that someone has been using it as a weigh station for human trafficking has the whole Garrett clan on their toes.

Overall, while this is technically Romantic suspense, it's more heavy on the romance then the suspense and I wish it was the opposite. I guess it's just what I was in the mood for at the time. But this was a good read, I did enjoy the story for the most part but Dixie was an idiot but it didn't take her long to realize something was wrong with her mother's version of events from five years ago. I enjoyed the whole series, Loved the second one. Dixie's secret wasn't hard to figure out, neither was the whodunnit but the story to get to that point was a good one and the romance was nice. I look forward to more June Faver books.

This kept me hooked all the way through. Author did great on the plot. I loved this book. Would read more.

I was expecting a bit more suspense from this book based on the categorization of the series. When To Call A Cowboy was an enjoyable afternoon's read. I really appreciated the author's ability to make me care about a character (the heroine) I actively disliked. I hadnt read the other books in the series, but WtCaC seemed to stand alone with no issues. I think the series sounds good, based on this read.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Second Chance Romance which normally I enjoy, but have to admit there was just something about the heroine that rubbed me the wrong way! I have read other books of June Faver's and have enjoyed them immensely. I will read others by this author, but just have to say this book was not my cup of tea!


I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my open and honest review.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion. Great read and I would definitely read this author again.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Human Trafficking, Murder, Attempted Murder

Beau has an amazing family and community. When there is a murder in their small town, the last thing he thought would happen is that he finds Dixie, his first and only love, and how much that impacts his feelings.

Dixie hates her small town. She moved away and never wanted to look back. But when her father is murdered, she knows that she has to go back and put his affairs in order. She has never forgiven Beau for his betrayal.

Beau is confused and hurt by Dixie's apparent hatred. He never understood why she left. Dixie doesn't understand why Beau and his family turned their backs on her and her mom.

But as the mystery unfolds as to who killed Dixie's dad, more truths come out and it creates an atmosphere where love overcomes all. Dixie and Beau have a great chemistry and while they are trying to figure out who is the bad guy in their town, they are also working on their own relationship.

I was disappointed in Dixie's relationship with her mom. It seemed too easy and nice for all that had gone on.

Overall, this is a sweet, second-chance story with a bit of mystery in it.

An exciting cowboy romp. The story starts out with a knockout drag down fight. It ends with a beautiful wedding. The author paints a great picture of the joy of family and how it can bring joy into your life. The characters are wonderfully delightful. Little Ava is a peach! It is a wonderfully fun read that you will thoroughly enjoy.

I like a people story such as this one that you can sink your teeth into. I also have not read this author before now so she was a good discovery. This also could be said to be a second chance one even though turmoil does come with that. Beau and Dixie carry you through this one as you escape into their world. Also ate up the mystery that seeps in and penetrates this one. I also discovered this author can keep me captivated with a story that keeps me hanging on and at the edge sometimes. Great read from beginning to end.

WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY is a story that while I enjoyed parts of it, I was divided about other parts. And I really can’t explain why because that would mean spoilers – and I don’t willingly do spoilers. Although I will say I was firmly on Beau’s side on this one – Dixie, well, I never warmed up to her and will have to be content that the hero loves her to pieces in spite of her actions.

Beau and Dixie’s story is full of danger, deceit, misunderstandings, and murder. There is suspense but it’s not what drives this story – that would be Dixie and Beau’s past and how they work to resolve that hot mess. There were characters that I loathed, simply for their selfish decisions that affected so many other lives without thought or care. Once again the Garrett family pulled me in with their closeness and antics. WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY is a good story, I simply couldn’t connect with the heroine. If you enjoy Modern Western Romance with a touch of Suspense then you’d enjoy this one. I’d recommend the entire series – and I’m looking forward to the Christmas release later this year.

*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.*

June Faver brings this tragic to heartwarming tale of Beau Garrett and Dixie Moore - When she returns after the death of her father, Dixie and Beau learn the truth about a lot of things. There is even some suspense in this book.

Dixie Moore hated her small town and the people in it she never understood why Beau Garrett and his family turned on her family the way thy did. She has had to return to settle her fathers affairs after he is gunned down in front of his feed store Beau never understood why Dixie went so cold on him and why she left ton so suddenly. As they come in one another company again they find the attraction between them is still intense and as they ty to solve her fathers murder things come to light that explain what happened years before because all isn't that it seems in their small town

This was another cowboy second chance romance and all in all it was okay. Dixie left with her mother when she was senior. That was a years ago and now she has to come home to manage her fathers estate. The problem? She is so angry with her father and ex that she can’t get out of their fast enough.

Beau lost the love of his life when Dixie left without a word. She’s back and he loves her just as much now as he did then. The problem? Something went wrong and really neither side has the whole story.

When her fathers death is murder and the bad guys are in plain sight, Beau needs to keep Her safe but will he be able to wrangle his hard headed spitfire?

It was good but I felt it could have used more of the two instead of jumping to the grandpa so much. All in all it was okay and I did enjoy it.

WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY by June Faver is the third in a contemporary cowboy series, but it is easily read as a stand-alone romance. Though it is billed as a romantic suspense, it is more of a heartwarming story with a bit of suspense! It pulls in multiple romance tropes (second chance romance, secret baby, childhood sweethearts, accidental pregnancy, and woman in peril) which seems a tad over-done. Two childhood sweethearts are separated for six years. When Dixie, the heroine, returns to her former hometown after her father’s murder, she learns that her life has been filled with deceit and discovers what really happened. She along with the hero, Beau, try to solve a murder, a shooting, and a child sex slave ring. The suspense aspect is not overly scary, though the heroine has one TSTL (too stupid to live moment) in which she places herself in danger and doesn't use the gun she tucked into her waistband when she should have.. There are also some loose ends that aren’t well-tied together, for example, why an incompetent sheriff remains in office. Also, having worked closely with Child Protective Services, I’m not certain that a social worker could allow kidnapped children be released in the custody of people who are not their parents.