Cover Image: Cowboy to the Core

Cowboy to the Core

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Member Reviews

COWBOY TO THE CORE is absolutely one of the best books I've read this year. It has banter, coming of age, swoon-worthy romance, and the characters I have grown to love over the last few books. People always ask me why I enjoy Maisey's books so much, and this story is a prime example. Each book is deep and complex with palpable emotions from each and every character mentioned. Maisey Yates writes some of the most three-dimensional characters I have ever read. Even her secondary characters have depth!

The book follows Jamie, who just started working for Gabe on his ranch. Jamie is trying to start a new chapter in her life and Gabe is trying to figure out his next life steps as well. It has been a long time since I connected with a character as much as I connected with Jamie Dodge. Which is amazing because I have almost nothing in common with her.

I challenge you to read this book and not relate to Jamie's feeling of displacement and loneliness as her family all moves on with their lives and she is seemingly left behind. My heart hurt for her. She has always been confident to a fault; it was beautiful and heartbreaking to watch her learn some hard truths about herself and life in general. The woman only wears sports bras for goodness sakes! Jamie lived a very sheltered life and watching her come into her own was a true joy.

While I connected with Jamie's personal growth more, Gabe's journey was wonderful as well. He was charming, grounded, and at the end of the day, a really good guy who knew a great woman when he met her. I especially appreciated the way he helped Jamie through her hurdles. Both of them were relationship newbies, and it showed, but the genuine affection and respect between the couple is what really made this book stand above.

Overall, I really wasn't sure I would like this book. Jamie isn't a heroine I usually gravitate towards, but Ms. Yates completely sold me. I want to tell everyone about this book. I this is going to stay one of my top reads of 2019.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

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I don't think it's secret that I love all of Maisey's books and I was exceptionally excited for Jamie's story.

I've loved Jamie since the first time we saw her. She seemed skittish and prickly and I couldn't wait to get inside her head. I should have known that underneath the crunchy shell was the start of a marshmallow. I really enjoyed seeing her work through her feelings and grow as much as she did. Gabe was interesting. He's got a good amount of baggage and I would have liked more of his growth through the entire story instead of a chapter at the end, but it sort of works. Together, they had great chemistry and definitely an annoyed-to-interested type of story.

Plot wise, it was good. There was a lot of inner monologue that felt repetitive and while there was a a good amount of conversation, somehow it still didn't seem like enough. I didn't quite get the leap from lust to love in less than a month--even if they have casually known each other for a while. And as always, I truly enjoyed seeing all of the other characters.

Overall, it was the characters that kept me reading. I do think the marriage proposal at the end wasn't really needed, but I'm happy to see that they were heading in that direction...although I wouldn't have hated an epilogue. Regardless of what Maisey writes next, I'm reading it.

**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**

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3.5 Stars! What I love about Maisey Yates books, is I know what I'm getting myself into, specifically sexy and multilayered cowboys!! I'm also here for the female leads that read as tomboys.I love that Jamie has that type of personality, and I love her independent nature. Although at times, it also makes me frustrated with her. I'd say one of the nice things about this book is that its an easy read, but can still stir up some emotions in the reader! If you love Maisey Yates, this book is for you!

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Jamie never knew her mother and she was raised by her overprotective father and three older brother which has resulted in her being a tomboy. On the outside she may appear to be outspoken and abrasive but underneath she is not as confident as she appears.

Gabe has always wanted to manage his father’s ranch, but his father wanted a different life for him. Feeling betrayed by his father when he was a teenager, he left home and became a rodeo star but due to his father’s health he has returned home to help out.

Gabe needs a horse trainer and Jamie wants independence from her family so having her work for him seems like the solution to both their problems. Although they don’t get off to a great start as they begin working together and truly get to know each other the feeling and chemistry between them ignites. Will there be a happy ever after between a feisty innocent woman and a man who has only seen the painful side of love?

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First off, let me begin by saying I thoroughly enjoy Maisey Yate’s writing style...her narrative make me feel like I am standing on a farm, riding a horse or watching a sunset. She’s descriptive without being overly wordy or redundant.
Now comes my criticism. I’m tired of the older, world-weary cowboy/rodeo guy getting busy with the innocent virgin. Yates is not the only one that does it, so I’m not singling her out. And her other recent heroines from Gold Valley don’t all fall into this category, so it’s not even necessarily a theme with her. Or maybe my issue is with Jamie herself...
Overall, I liked Jamie and Gabe. From the beginning, they were both honest with each other, on the ranch at work, and what this new physical relationship was going to be. Casual, no strings, no hearts...just sex. Of course, things change, feelings develop, just like most romances. But Jamie’s feelings seem to chance very quickly. And for a young woman with, lets call it, stunted emotions, it was a bit too fast. Then again, Gabe was too wrapped up in his dysfunctional family drama to become aware of those chances until they slapped him upside the head.
So, my actual rating is 3.5 stars, because I did enjoy the pairing and the story. I thought Gabe and Jamie both grew as people, but I thought that change was lightening fast and it threw me off kilter.

My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This review is given freely and honestly

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The novel has an apt name, cause once I opened up my mind and heart to the broken protagonists and their growing pains and process, it hit me to the core with the profound emotions and insights their story provides. The feels went from raw, crushed, humbled, to the tender, ardent, and adoration. There are so many subtle life lessons, inspirational moments, thoughts and perspectives to take home on multiple matters. The author didn't give the characters not one easy road out with their personal problems or with their family drama.
Yes, there is absolutely adorable, sweep your feet under you romance in the tale. And it is passionate, sizzling, heated, and intense. The love scenes are beautifully done and so well embedded into the plot, showing how the hero and heroine find their harmony with each other in a delightfully lovely way.
But it is those deep, vulnerable, delicately honest conversations between the different characters that time and again blew my mind, had me reflecting on the insights and inspiration the scenes provided.
Jamie Dodge at first seemed like a prickly, temperamental tomboy. She grew up as the youngest sibling with dominating older brothers and a father who didn't know what to do with a daughter. She lost her mother within days of being born, and the survival's quilt, and determination not to be the poor girl who lost her mother, she hides behind thick walls and abrasive behavior. Seeing her come to her true self, find her voice, and place, and purpose made me smile.
Gabe Dalton has tried to balance his life between his parents temper tantrums and atoning their mistakes. Determined not to be like them, he seems to prove just the opposite. I admired and applauded his aspiration to make the world a little bit better place for those in need. His ideas and the big heart for those alone and hurting, in need of guidance, were admirable.
Gabe with his broken soul and giving heart is just the person to understand Jamie. They connect on so many levels, it was marvelous to watch them get to know each other. There is that overpowering physical attraction, but also they are there for each other, they listen to each other and comfort the other when needed.
I marveled this story and everything it had to offer, everything I got from it, with the feels, the inspiration, and the insights. The Gold Valley series has been like a string of pearls, each story filled with the perfection that comes after the emotions are let free and then ground by life and polished by acceptance, respect, and love of the right person. The stories can be read as stand-alone books, but I wouldn't want to miss any one of them.
~ Five Spoons!

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There are lots of reasons why men become daredevils. Usually you think it is to prove to themselves or perhaps someone else that they are strong and brave. Not all the time. There are times these choices are just bad choices. No real reason behind them except to exit a bad scene. In COWBOY TO THE CORE we meet two characters that have made choices that haven’t really given them the happiness they were craving. Interesting part is that they didn’t know they needed happiness or love for that matter. They were invested in their lives, hidden from the truth that neither one was really happy or fulfilled.
Maisey Yates pointedly illustrates in COWBOY TO THE CORE that crap happens. There’s no avoiding these harsh moments. It’s all in how you handle it that determines whether or not you come out on top.
For Jamie Dodge her life began on a rocky foundation. Jamie’s mother died two days after giving birth to the first daughter after three sons. Her mother left behind a grief stricken husband and three young boys who barely had time to get over the tragic death before assuming a very new and challenging role. That of a single parent and brothers to a new born red faced baby girl. Jamie grew up with a doting family that treated her as one of the guys. Hey they didn’t know any better. Jamie was as much of a cowboy as any of the Dodge men. And unfortunately she saw herself as such.
Gabe Dalton knew all the Dodge’s after all it was a rather small community in Gold Valley. And on top of that his half-sister was engaged to one of the Dodge brothers. So Gabe had grown up in the same small town as Jamie.
Gabe was well aware that the Dodge brothers knew his reputation earned on the rodeo circuit especially in regard to women. So when Jamie is offered a job on the Dalton ranch they were ill at ease. Sure Jamie was the best horse trainer around but she was also an innocent. The brother’s kind of felt like she was walking into the lion’s den.
Jamie at twenty five was an innocent. She was great with horses and ranch life but little else. She had been protected by her male family members. Didn’t know much about softness and the only love she knew about was that of her family and few close female friends. Most of her friends were now in committed relationships which made Jamie feel like an outsider. She didn’t understand the attraction to a guy. Jamie was totally unprepared for her reaction to working closely with Gabe Dalton. She wasn’t at all the type to attract attention from the likes of this rodeo star. She was honest about her lack of feminine wiles and such.
Problem was Gabe was equally surprised at his reaction to this strong willed, honest to a fault, young woman whom he had always thought of as a tomboy.
Here’s the thing Gabe. Tomboys grow up and in Jamie Dodge’s case become pretty, resourceful and caring women. Better hold onto your hat Gabe. This just may be the scariest ride you’ve ever been on.
I’ve been fortunate to read and review all the stories in the Gold Valley series by Maisey Yates. Each one featured remarkable characters that stay in your heart long after you close the book. Well written dialog captures your attention and keeps you turning the pages for more. Each story touches the reader again thanks to the remarkable writing skills of Maisey Yates. If you love cowboys and cowgirls get to know Maisey Yates and her fabulous characters.

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This will be appearing on Romance Reviews Today in June. http://romrevtoday.com/

COWBOY TO THE CORE – Maisey Yates
A Gold Valley Novel
HQN Books
ISBN: 978-1-335-50497-5
June 2019
Contemporary Romance

Gold Valley, Oregon – Present Day

As the youngest child (and only girl) in the Dodge family, Jamie is tired of being taken for granted and decides to go work for Gabe Dalton at his ranch training horses. Gabe intrigues Jamie, but he’s much more experienced than she at life, especially when it comes to winning over the opposite sex. Yes, she will privately admit that she’s attracted to him, but why would he even bother looking at plain looking Jamie? Now with her brothers all hooked up with their own women, she wonders what she’s missing when it comes to sex. And of course, while she came to work at Gabe’s ranch to get away from her overbearing brothers, he’s almost as bad as they are. He gets under her skin, so it’s inevitable that their confrontations soon turn into heated passion between them. Will Jamie finally get to explore what it’s like to be a woman with Gabe?

Gabe is a former rodeo star who has had his share of buckle bunnies at his disposal, yet it’s the prickly Jamie who is now getting him all hot and bothered. She’s sassy, talented at training horses, and sexy as hell when she’s angry at him. After she challenges him one night, he responds by kissing her. Then, later that night she shows up at his cabin ready to have sex with him. Turns out that one night with Jamie isn’t enough. Is it just lust…or is he falling for the sexy cowgirl?

Jamie and Gabe have known each other for years as both families have ranches in Gold Valley. Yet, they were in different worlds: Jamie has been sheltered by her overprotective family and Gabe left home at eighteen to travel with the rodeo. Jamie’s mother died a couple of days after she was born, which has left a hole in her life despite the love from her father and brothers. Gabe’s parents have a tumultuous relationship due to his father’s many affairs, including one that resulted in a half-sister who only showed up a few months ago and is now engaged to Jamie’s brother. Knowing his father was unfaithful has left Gabe feeling like he will end up like this, so he doesn’t plan to ever marry. It doesn’t help that a pregnancy scare when he was young freaked him out. He knows Jamie is the type who should have a man who is faithful, honorable, and decent. He doesn’t think he’s that man. But she insists she wants them to have sex and that it won’t mean a thing. So, he takes her up on the offer for them to indulge in a fling. One taste of Jamie and Gabe wants more.

There is a lot of back and forth between Jamie and Gabe in COWBOY TO THE CORE which results in some fun dialogue and entertaining scenes. He’s a man—no, a cowboy—to the core and she challenges him in ways that he’s never seen before. She has had people around her doubt her, and she’s ready to prove she can do what is asked of her. Jamie even has a plan for the future that she tells Gabe about, and it involves leaving Gold Valley to participate in barrel racing. Her family won’t like it, but she plans to do what she wants for the first time in her life. She figures once her affair is over with Gabe it will be easy to walk away. But love has a funny way of interfering…

Readers of Maisey Yates’s Gold Valley books will be familiar with many of the characters who are in COWBOY TO THE CORE but it can easily be read as a standalone as this tale is about Gabe and Jamie discovering they’re attracted to each other. Love wasn’t in their plans but their hearts have another idea. A charming and riveting tale you won’t want to miss, be sure to pick up a copy of COWBOY TO THE CORE.

Patti Fischer

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I really enjoyed this story. Yates can really tell a great cowboy romance. Jamie's growth throughout the story line was interesting to read. Her self learning and strength made the book.

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The youngest Dodge sibling, little sister Jamie gets her HEA in this story from the Gold Valley series. In previous books, we've gotten to see that she is restless. Growing up without a mother, she is positive that she couldn't miss what she never had. There's been nothing that has made her want to be a girly girl or become "pretty," she's just beyond ready for a change in her life. Ready to take charge of her own life and become a barrel racer. To do that, she's accepted a job taking care of retired rodeo horses at the Dalton place.
Gabe Dalton never wanted to be a bronc rider. Rather than going into the rodeo, he wanted to be a rancher. He saw how his father, also part of the rodeo scene, cheated on his mother and how unhappy it made both of them. Short-term? Sure. Can he do that with one of his employees? He's sure willing to try. Surprisingly (okay, this is a romance so maybe not SO surprising), something that's supposed to be just physical starts helping both Jamie and Gabe grow in ways they never expected.
I really wish Ms. Yates would branch out from the innocent young virgin and overly experienced older man. Like, Gold Valley is somehow populated with pristine young ladies but yet the male population has enough other women to be so practiced they probably should be getting tested even years later. Good Time Cowboy had a woman who was previously married but that's the only one I can recall. Would be nice for more of a shake-up.

Three stars
This book comes out June 18th
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin and NetGalley
Opinions expressed are my own

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Cowboy To The Core is book six in the Gold Valley series. Plus who doesn't love some cowboy romance in their life.

Jamie is a tomboy who was raised by her brothers and father after she lost her mother when she was litlle. She's a strong independent woman and works around horses. Doesn't show a lot of emotion. Recently feeling to overwhemled by her family she decides to look else where for work. But is work all she will find or is there something more in store for her?

Gabe is an ex- rodeo cowboy and is friends with Jamie's brother. He's looking for someone to help with the horses at his ranch. His father and him don't always see eye to eye which causes some issues between the two.

This book has lots of emotion. They have trust issues and not so good pasts. Which have molded them into how they are today. But the chemistry between the two is just undeniable. Together can they give each other the strength to learn forgiveness and to face any past demons?

*Received this arc from Harlequin Romance vía NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

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Finally Jamie’s Story, Jamie deserves her own hot cowboy. Right?

Gabe Dalton is a rodeo star with a sexy swagger that the ladies love well almost all the ladies . Gabe is determination to work with the best when it comes to horses and that would be Jamie Dalton a hard core straight shooting lady. Gabe Dalton had gone to and crossed the line with Wyatt Dodge when he hired Jamie, but in truth Wyatt Dodge was wrong in his thinking all Jamie was to him was a friend with a brilliant mind on horses.

Jamie the lone daughter of Quinn Dodge has felt she had to man up to play with the boys, constantly proving she could do anything her brothers could. Jamie was a horse whisperer in most ways, that is why Gabe Dalton hired her, even with Wyatt Dodge breathing down his neck. Jamie finally gets her moment to shine I love her brass and sass, but she about broke my heart when her character finally opened up about being a motherless child

In the space of a moment Jamie and Gabe where taking things head on between them from boss to employee to friends to possibly more. They both have family baggage full of hurt, but in order to move ahead they both need to find the answers to what ales them so they can be free.

Supporting characters are the amazing family and friends from the previous books in the ( series) I always enjoy being able to catch up with them all. I have too admit it was hard too read the emotion between Jamie and Wyatt, I as the reader can feel that Wyatt at a lost how to handle Jamie emotions.

The plot is Maisey Yates at her finest. Cowboy to the Core has characters that will remain with you as you turn the last page. Hot, passionate moments that literally will make your toes curl. The true meaning of what family love is all about, and forgiveness.

Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!

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I think the thing that was most fulfilling for this title is that it finally gave a long-appearing side character a fulfilling story arc. Could there have been a little more character development? Sure. Could there have been a little more drama storywise beside it being self-exploration heavy? Sure. But it really was really great to round out the Dodge family's stories and be set up to move into the Dalton's family's stories (especially with the set up for Jacob and Caleb that Yates does in this 6th volume).

I have said before in my reviews that if Yates keeps writing small town, cozy, country tales ... I will keep reading them because although formulaic (like many mass market romance series), I just really like reading them and they make me feel good after reading them.

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it's getting hard to differentiate between all the heroes and heroines in this series. the heroines are always virginal and the heroes are always emotionally stunted assholes. i was looking forward to Jamie's story because she seemed so strong with such a fun job. but she turned into the same story as the virgin who was younger than the hero.

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I had a love/hate relationship with Jamie and Gabe. For the most part, I liked Gabe. He was chivalrous, caring, and pretty straightforward. Then he had to go and screw things up! Jamie though...I really struggled with her abrasive, immature attitude. When the light bulb finally came on for her emotionally, there was a big turn around, however, by then I was worn out with these two! I didn’t buy into the romance either. Everything just seemed imbalanced, but I could see the potential for things to develop for the better.

So this wasn’t my best read by Yates, but it’s not the worst either. Aside from issues with Jamie, I think my biggest problem was the timing. Jamie’s struggle to define herself, Gabe’s family drama and his personal issues, and then Jamie’s newly discovered emotional depth made the romance feel like it was sitting on the back burner forgotten.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I could totally sympathize with Jaime's character as the youngest sibling in a family comprised of older brothers. She is just as capable as any of the guys but none of them treat her that way until she takes a job off the ranch.

Another great title from Maisey Yates and will be added to our library collection.

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amie lost her mother a little after her birth. She was raised by her three older brothers and Father who treated her a "one of the boys". She never had any female influence growing up, so her tendency leaned towards being a tomboy. Jamies also never really felt any sexual interest in a man and she's okay with that knowing the mechanics of it but just thinking she's not as crazed as other about sex.

Jamie had a gift with horses and she loves being around and working with them. She's feeling smothered lately by her brothers and Father. She realizing that she needs something more, away from them.

Gabe Dalton needs someone to train horses at his rescue ranch and offers Jamie the job. Jamie needing to do something for herself and away from her brothers takes the job. Gabe is an ex-rodeo cowboy, something Jamie doesn't have much respect for. Gabe is working hard to fulfill a dream he had when he was a young man in making it a thriving ranch. A dream his Father didn't support. Gabe and his father have some issue between them that cause a lot of friction in their relationship. Gabe is friends with Jamie's brother.

The two start off their working relationship with some tension and strong opinions. But Gabe decides to work with her and try a different approach. After a couple days of working together Jamie realize that she's becoming aware of Gabe, physically aware and she's starting to feel attraction, physical attraction. Gabe, he appears like he's all good and has everything figured out. He likes his woman experienced and excepting it's a one nighter. He's got a lot of hurt from his father and scars from watching his parents marriage. But he starts noticing Jamie in a different light and things start change and shift between them.

These two have some issues with trust and past hurts. Jamie never having a woman in her life and trusting men, cowboys and rodeo cowboys especially. Gabe hasn't had the best example of what marriage is like and what a healthy relationship looks like between a couple. The two challenges each other to work on past hurts and relationships to further what they feel for one another. Their development isn't smooth but a lot needs to be worked through for them to make it as a couple. They are sweet and endearing and loved watching them fall in love and make their HEA work for them.

Appreciate the ranch life that was portrayed and how I felt like I was right there in the middle of the story experiencing what was happening. The secondary characters and their flaws and redemption was satisfying as well.

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You really can't go wrong with Yates. Seriously. You need her cowboys in your life!

The Gist: Gabe needs a horse trainer for his family ranch and Jamie, well, she needs a breather from her own family ranch so signs up to help evaluate and train new horses for Gabe. Simple. Easy. No emotional involvement. Just a job. She is not tempted by cowboys. Not even a little. No, ma'am! ::snort::

I liked Gabe and Jamie. Broken but endearing and lovable and make you want to hug them even when they're being stupid or irrational. Jamie is all prickles and attitude. She's not easy at the start but whoa this girl is pretty amazing as the book goes by. Talk about personal growth and facing some hard truths about yourself. And Gabe. He may look like he has it all together but he's got his own personal brand of self discovery happening. He's sexy and infuriating sometimes but man when the guy decides to go all in he goes all in and is pretty damn honorable, too.

Their romance was lively. She's a young thing with absolutely no use for cowboys. He likes his women a little older and a lot less prickly. They had great chemistry and heat and it was hard not to root for them as they dealt with each other and tackled all kinds of difficult things. They really did make each other better people.

All in all, Cowboy to the Core was full of cowboy (and girl) goodness. It was really remarkable seeing how far these two both came from chapter one. Seeing them turn into better and more well rounded individuals and finding some happiness, joy and peace. It was just lovely to see.

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I loved this one!! I've been looking forward to Jamie's story and couldn't wait to read it once it hit my Kindle. The character development of both characters—but especially Jamie—was wonderful. It was really rewarding to see Gabe and Jamie grapple with their growing feelings and attraction. It made for some sweetly intimate moments, so laugh-out-loud funny moments and some genuinely gut-twisting moments.

I have read a LOT of books by this author and I can honestly say this one is a highlight. Definitely adding it to my re-read list (something I have been doing more and more of lately), and giving five very happy stars.

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Jamie's story was not what I expected. I spend the first half of the book feeling that "I'm just not sure about this" feeling, and then realized that I loved it. I can't identify what part of the story hooked me. I think that it's because Jamie reached a point where she stopped acting like a spoiled tomboy teenager and started acting like an adult.

Excellent story for the character that I've been most excited to read!

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