3.5 stars

The Trouble with Cowboys by Victoria James is a sweet, heartfelt and well written romance.
I enjoyed the storyline, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I liked watching the relationship between Tyler and Lainey unfold.

Overall, The Trouble with Cowboys is a lovely read and perfect reading on a Sunday afternoon.

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

An emotional and very enjoyable romance. I struggled a little through the middle as it slowed, but for the most part very much appreciated the characters--Lainey and Tyler, and the secondary characters who I hope will also get stories. I felt, at times, that Tyler was treated somewhat unfairly, and was deserving an apology instead of the silent treatment, though perhaps that just made me love and care about him more? Beyond that, the writing of this book, along with the push-pull of Lainey and Tyler's budding relationship, was excellent, and the progression natural if at times frustrating (just ask poor Tyler...).

By the time came for me to close this book, I was deeply invested and engaged, and very happy to see the hint of more to come from Wishing Creek. It will be especially good to get an update on Lainey and Tyler, since their story has more to come.

All in all, a great start to a new series and a romance that'll hit your feels for sure.

Tyler and his father had a big blow out and hasn't been home for eight years. Now he's back home to support his father after finding out he had a stroke and help run the ranch that seems to be going down. Laniey wanted bigger things in her life but managed to stay stuck in the town she grew up in taking on the running of her late grandmothers diner. Shes one of the many people not happy about Tyler's return after abandoning his father but what they never expected was that attraction between the two. I really enjoyed this western contemporary romance. It was interesting seeing how everyone would receive Tyler back in his hometown after leaving his father for so long. No one knew the truth of that matter between the two and its obvious the towns people took sides and deeply cared about the father considering how everyone was taking their part in the care of the man. It was also interesting seeing how in turn he helped everyone else in his own way. Tyler had is bagged and I liked getting to see how his view was with everything that was happening in the book. I also liked Lanieys character, she was a very loyal and caring women despite her upbringing. She cared and loved her mother even with how her mother treated her and made her feel second best. Laniey would do everything she can for those that she loves and even put her dreams on hold to care for her mother then to make sure her grandmothers business stays open after she passed. Then there was the connection that was brewing between and seeing the drama and romance unfold. Overall this book was pretty good I really enjoyed it.

What a wonderful story to read over a gray and rainy weekend. Author Victoria James gives us another fantastic story of love lost and found again.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What an emotional rollercoaster throughout this book. You kind of sympathize with Tyler when he feels like an outsider but then he goes and hurts Lainey, and you lose the sympathy and get angry with him!

How can you not like Lainey? She gets the one thing that she dreams of and then has to keep putting it off to help out family members - not sure that I would have been so kind as she was when her mom got sick.

Lots of relationships needed mending and hope to see more from this group - will Hope and Dean see past their differences? Will Cade and Aiden find their own women to love? Loved the HEA, especially that Tyler apologized publically!

Lainey has endured more loss than any 25yr old should. After losing her grandma, the only one who ever cared and loved her, Lainey vowed to keep Tilley’s diner open. In doing that, she had to give up her dreams of becoming an artist and attending art school in Italy. Lainey then loses her mom to cancer. With bills piling up, she’s at wits end. Then, in walks Ty...her childhood crush.

After leaving abruptly eight years ago, Ty returns home. His father has had a stroke and needs help running the ranch. Ty never wanted to leave and always believed he would live his life working the ranch next to his dad, until his mom dies. Hateful words and secrets were revealed causing Ty to leave. But he always knew he’d return. Although he didn’t think his former friends would treat him so harshly. Stopping at Tilley’s before going to see his dad, he reconnects with an all grown up Lainey.

I loved the smoldering chemistry between Lainey and Ty. So hot they couldn’t their hands off each other. Lainey’s honesty, faith, and ability to speak her mind was absolutely refreshing. Lainey was one of the few who took the time to really look at and see the “real” Ty. She was able to slowly knock down the walls he built and get him to realize he was worthy of love. I loved Ty’s support of Lainey’s dream, his loyalty, and his sense of family. Their witty banter had me laughing out loud! I can’t wait to read Dean and Cade’s stories! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Mixed Feelings!

I am really torn about this book! It was highly emotional for me, but as I’m a very logical person, I had difficulty with the interactions of people, reactions to Tyler’s return, and how the characters were all of a sudden willing to give up their long-held dreams. Perhaps it was my mood while reading the book, but it didn’t make me feel good, even when the main characters get their HEA. I found it horrid that Lainey seemed to make righteous judgements when she only had half a story, or felt that she was always in the right when she and Tyler had a fight.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review.

After the death of his mother and harsh words between he and his father, Tyler left his home in Wishing River, Montana, never expecting to come back. That changes when word reaches Ty that his father has had a stroke. Back in Wishing River, Ty’s the latest subject of the gossipers but he expected such. What he didn’t expect was Lainey, owner of the local diner, and friendly visitor of his father.

Lainey is barely making ends meet with the diner, has artistic aspirations, and a healthy dose of mistrust for all cowboys. When Ty Donnelly rolls back into town she has several reasons to want to avoid him, but her body and mind have other ideas. Both characters harbor secrets and pain but are exactly what each other need. Victoria James’ The Trouble with Cowboys had me reading most of the story through blurred vision. I felt Lainey's pain and couldn’t help but cry for her. I felt Tyler’s pain and his quiet suffering.

You all should know by now that Victoria James is one of my absolute favorite authors. Her writing is realistic and her subject matter for each book is believable. Her heroines and her heroes are not perfect, but they are perfect for one another. There is a reason that Victoria James is one of my all-time favorite authors - she writes impassioned and realistic contemporary romances. To date, I've read most of her books and each one manages to evoke emotional responses from me. At the very least, I always tear up during some part of the novel. Her characters are believable and realistically written.

Victoria's writing is phenomenal. Her characters, the plot, themes, drama, and passion pull the reader in and keeps them engaged. There is true emotion that can be felt by those readers that become one with the books they read. I get lost in the novels and put myself right into the middle of them. I feel for the characters and drawing on my emotions is what makes a book worth 5 stars for me. If I hurt with them, cry with/for them, laugh, or get angry, then the author did a fantastic job and has written the perfect book (or in the case of Victoria...books) for me. Victoria James is amazing!

The Trouble with Cowboys could also be called the trouble with family life. Victoria James takes two likable characters who have been hurt by parental actions, throwing them together. The emotional fallout between Tyler and his dad after his mother’s death has been festering for years. Lainey’s had her own mother issues but also had a special grandmother.

However, when they meet they still have a lot of emotional baggage. If you have read anything by Victoria James then you know that emotions are strong in her stories. Also characters must work though them in the present to move on in the future with a lasting, loving relationship. Such is the case for Tyler and Lainey. Then there are changes over time, secrets and other characters roles in their lives that round out their story.

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read with the good storyline and great characters that kept me totally captivated until the turn of the very last page!

This was a sweet clean romance that left me a bit torn. On one side I read it in one sitting because I was sucked into the story and the characters. On the other side I was not (not even a smidge) convinced Ty deserved all the judgement he was heaped with and I kept hoping for a huge apology scene that never came.

For those that like clean (no smexy scenes) romance reads, this one is worth a read. The chemistry is still hot and there’s still plenty of steamy moments :)

The prodigal son returns in The Trouble with Cowboys. Tyler comes home after 8 years in response to his father’s stroke and begins an uphill battle.

I enjoyed getting to know Tyler and felt bad for him as he returned to his home town and faced the reality of what happened while he was gone. I struggled a little bit with the amount of animosity he received from the town and how that situation was resolved. The animosity Tyler received seemed disproportionate with things revealed later.

Lainey is the owner of the town diner and Tyler’s polar opposite. She’s the type of person that everyone would want as a friend. I found myself a bit frustrated with Lainey and the yo-yo behavior she had in terms of wanting/not wanting to be around Tyler. It made sense as her baggage was unpacked, but it seemed like she was shooting herself in the foot a bit.

I liked these two together. I understood the give and take between them and the emotional struggle Tyler had given some of the baggage he’s carrying. That said - I didn’t understand Tyler’s behavior when he created the drama that would eventually create the conflict resolution and happy ending. It felt like a manufactured conflict.

Overall, this was a good book and I am curious to see what might happen to Tyler’s friends. From the breadcrumbs dropped, I am expecting Dean and Hope's story to be next and I am looking forward to see them resolve their issues.

Another outstand story by Victoria James.

This book gives you all the feels. Tyler is as stubborn as a mule like his father. Lainey is a sweetheart who he is to help anyone she can. The sparks fly when they are in the same room.

Tyler's father maybe just as stubborn but has a kind heart. It take a lot to raise another man's son like his own son. I would know from personal experience.

I can't wait to see what Victoria James has in store for us readers in her next Cowboy book.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing.

The Trouble With Cowboys
By: Victoria James

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Stubborn takes the wheel

In this well written story of second chances, first loves and necessary apologizes you find some of the most stubborn people. With each relationship you’ll find pain and a longing to start over. I liked this book my only reason it’s not a 5 Star was it got very long winded at times and I’d loose interest.

Eight years ago, Tyler Donnelly left Wishing River, Montana, after a terrible fight with his father and swore he’d never return. But when his father has a stroke, guilt and duty drive him home, and nothing is as he remembers––from the run-down ranch to Lainey Sullivan, who is all grown up now. And darn if he can’t seem to stay away.
Lainey’s late grandma left her two things: the family diner and a deep-seated mistrust of cowboys. So when Tyler quietly rides back into town looking better than hot apple pie, she knows she’s in trouble. But she owes his dad everything, and she’s determined to show Ty what it means to be part of a small town...and part of a family.
Lainey’s courage pushes Ty to want to make Wishing River into a home again—together. But one of them is harboring a secret that could change everything.

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review. This book is a lovely written story about a second chance for a father and son to restore their relationship with the help of a loving woman. Appealing characters and a compelling plot make it an engaging read.

After his mother died from cancer, Ty Donnelly and his father had some harsh words to each, culminating in his father telling him to get out of his house, which he did - for 8 years. Always thinking that one day he would return home, he first worked on the rodeos, but then on ranches, working himself up to foreman. Which is where his once best friend, Dean, now a doctor, found him, informing him that his father had a stroke. He came immediately, but was not well received, especailly by his other best friend, Cade, who is now the foremen. Nevertheless, planning to stay and return the ranch to glory it once was.

Lainey Sullivan never knew her father and her mother abandoned her to live with her grandmother Tilly at a young age. But Tilly brought her up with a strong work ethic, a moral compass and loyalty. She also told her to stay away from cowboys, as they are trouble. So before Tilly died, Lainey promised her that she would keep the cafe open, destroying her dream of going to Italy on the art scholarship that she had received. She also had had a crush on Ty when she was in high school, and finds the grown up Ty even more enticing. While Ty was gone, she and his father, Martin had become friends, so she had been bringing him food every day. Lainey and Ty are both attracted to each other, but he doesn't think he is good enough for her. How does all this tie up into the requisite HEA? You'll have to read the book to find out. One con: while Ty eventually explains to Dean and Cade why he left town without telling them, in the age of cellphones, texting, WhatsApp ...etc, there was no explanation of why he ghosted them.

Over the years, I have enjoyed Victoria James’ storytelling skills from the beginning, and in my opinion, THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS is her absolute best work (so far). Lainey and Tyler’s journey broke my heart on so many levels. What they have each experienced would break most people, but they keep going, keep doing, keep living even when that is probably the hardest thing they’ve had to do, ever. Eventually, they will heal themselves, each other and relationships that have been damaged along the way. It’s not going to be an easy task. There are hard choices to make, forgiveness asked for, understanding their side necessary, and seeing the entire picture with all of the facts is essential for them to be whole again, and to find their happiness together as well.

This is a story of the human condition as well as a romance. People make mistakes, bad decisions made under emotional stress are hardly ever the right ones. In the end, we only can do whatever it takes to get through and hopefully onward to a resolution.

THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS is rich with secondary characters who help drive the emotions, the situations, and even the resolutions eventually. I sincerely hope there will be more stories to come for now I so want to know what happens to these people that I’ve become emotionally invested in over the course of their combined stories.

I would highly recommend THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS to any reader who enjoys going deeper into characters, that can appreciate the levels that people go through as they flounder in life trying to make something wrong right again. It’s a slow burn romance with a couple you’ll be emotionally engaged with, a complete community to fall in love with as well. While I did receive an ARC of this story, I will purchase it upon release as well for this is a story I will read again, probably finding even more depth and more to enjoy once again.

*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.*

A story that has Tyler Donnelly returning to Whispering Springs after being away for eight years. He is home because he heard that his father is not well after he had a stroke. Not expecting a welcoming home celebration what he really gets is hatred and just plain why are you back now? The only person who is actually happy to see him is Lainey, the owner of the dinner that used to be her grandmothers. The same grandmother that told her not to fall for a cowboy. She really tries not to but she had a crush on Tyler in High school and now seeing him eight years later it has only grown past a crush. AAs much as the two of them try to not be together they always seem to be together. Especially since Tyler friends or the friends he thought he had before he left still won’t talk to him. Both Lainey and Tyler have secrets. His is the fight with his father after his mother died and the real reason he left. For Lainey, the money Tyler’s father loaned or gave her, plus the years that she has put her dreams of art school on hold. Really she gave them up. Now as you get into the story you find forgiveness, after a lot of anger, hope in each other especially what she sees in Tyler. Also the hope and forgiveness of a father and son. Will Lainey find her love in a cowboy though that breaks her heart or will he walk away from her? Read this book to find out. Will say this book makes you hungry at times talking about apple pie and lasagna two of many of my favorite foods. Liked the book, the characters. Especially Lainey and Tyler. A very good book.

I absolutely loved this book. Great romance scenes that aren't too explicit and characters that draw in the reader make this a truly great book. I didn't want to stop reading.

This was a cozy romance that I was completely on board for. I will be honest and say that the story was predictable, but when you read as much as I do it is hard to find a new twist that hasn't been done. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. Seriously, the town is a character all on its own! I will recommend it to my romance readers at the library.

Tyler left his parents house after fight with his father, he left everything he knew, his friends.
After 8 years he is back, his father needs him.
Lainey's mother left her with her grandmother when she was young. Her grandmother raised her. She doesn't trust people.
Will those two find a way to be together or alone forever they'll be?