Each having their own secrets and demons made Cash and Aubrey at dynamic and stubborn couple. Bring in a 12 year old that Cash knew nothing about and this little family fights to figure out their place in Dry Creek. I have now added Stacy Finz to one of my favorite authors. She is pure. She is raw. She is heart strings pulling, but her books do not have to take you down a dirty road to get you to the end of a feel good book.

Stacy has started a new series, and it’s clear her heart is 100% in it with this tale of failure, recovery, redemption, and second chances, with a little mystery thrown in for good measure. Aubrey and Cash meet at the very lowest point in their lives, and are drawn to each other despite knowing that nothing can come of it. Yet it’s clear that they bring out the best in each other, and despite their best efforts they start to bond. Can both of them ‘cowboy up’ and face the rotten hands they’ve been dealt, the town’s censure, and their growing attraction?

I love that Ellie, Cash, and Aubrey are flawed and occasionally graceless; one of the reasons I read Stacy’s work is that she is a master at characterization. The tension in the book comes partly from circumstances that make it clear Aubrey can’t stay in town, and Cash isn’t so sure he can either, though they both would prefer to. In addition, there is a crime that needs to be solved. It’s not super-hard to guess what’s going on, but this is a romance rather than a mystery and I happily grant a bit of leeway when solving the crime gives the HEA a shove in the right direction. Overall, there is a joy in the writing that shines through and is easy to appreciate, that makes even the darkest parts of the book a delight to read. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review, and I’m already anxious for the next book in this new series.

I loved the ending of this book. I’m glad the author included an epilogue as well. I would read it again because it was that good.

* I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I'm always hesitant when reading a new author, but glad I took a chance because I enjoyed the start of this new series. I'm a sucker for family stories and cowboys. This has both along with the nuances of living in a small town. The townspeople rally around when one of their own is harmed protecting them at all costs, but when the truth is revealed they apologize and move on. Forgiving and forgetting is what it's all about.

I can't wait for other stories of the cousins at Dry Creek Ranch!

I received a free ARC eBook from the publisher and Net Galley for my honest opinions.

There were so many things I liked about this book and one that I didn't. This was not the authors fault but she did such an amazing job at her story telling it sort of happened.

I really liked Cash. For all his grumpiness he really did have a lot going on right now. The man has a lot on his plate. Every aspect of his life is in upheaval and he isn't being given a chance to process it. Loosing his job, demands about their grandfathers farm from his cousins and oh ya, finding out are a father to a preteen. I'm going to give Cash a pass on a lot!!

Aubrey broke my heart over and over in this book. Here was this really warm, kind and generous woman just trying to do the right thing and yet the hits keep coming. Whether its her business, broken engagement, or her car she just can't catch a break. I loved the relationship that sprung up between Aubrey and Ellie. I feel like they both just needed a friend and they clicked!!

OK the part that I disliked. I read a lot of cowboy books. I love the different series that usually center on some mythical town that I would love to live in one day. However, that warm feeling didn't come in reference to this town. The things they did to Aubrey and said about her was unforgivable. I know rumors spread but this was too far. Refusing service and things like that made me want to throat punch the majority of the people in this town. On the positive side, the author did a fantastic job at making us feel for Aubrey and feel her anger and hurt. She was just trying to be a good person and help a friend out and unfortunately made her the most hated woman in the whole town.

4.5 stars. I really liked this one. The characters were developed and the side characters added dimension to the story, yet did not take over it. I liked the mystery plot and the different threads running through the story and its humour. The only part that could be improved a bit is tying up the whole Mitch aspect better- in fact as a "bad guy" he was a little under developed- I understood the reason for the rumors but not for how he acted like Aubrey was crazy when they were in private, nor why he worked so hard to pretty much drive her out of town. Overall this book was very good and I look forward to future stories in the series.

In Cowboy Up, we see the bad side to living in a small town. Not only does everyone not mind their own business, they spread rumors that may not be true. Poor Aubrey was just trying to do the right thing which kept biting he in the rear end. Lucky for her, Cash is on her side.

Cowboy Up starts a new series set in another small but great Northern California town. This is the story of Cash Dalton, former FBI agent and father to a 12 year old “surprise” and Aubrey McAllister, local girl, who has recently broken her engagement to the supposed “catch of the town”.

There is great dialogue as well as humor as Ms. Finz works out the relationship between Cash and Aubrey, Cash and his daughter and Aubrey and the town.

It was a fun read and am looking forward to the stories on Jace and Sawyer

I really love cowboys, there is just something about their personality and hard work that pull me in and this book was amazing. The characters and the chemistry pulled me into the story. This was my first book from this author and I am hooked.

I’m a sucker for cowboy romance novels but this is one of the better ones I’ve read. I fell in love with Dry Creek Ranch and all of the characters were relatable and such depth you feel like you’re part of the Dalton family.

I particularly liked the many different stories and going on so that it wasn’t strictly focused just one the main couple and wasn’t just a sappy romance novel and it kept me reading through it quickly needing to know the resolution to the many things going on. I really hope to get to read more on these characters soon.

Cash Dalton has just found out he's the father of a 12 year old from the girl's dying mother. They had a one night stand at a law enforcement conference and she never told him she was pregnant. To say he is stunned is an understatement, and it breaks him out of the rut he's in, staying in an nearly uninhabitable cabin on his shared family ranch. He meets his daughter, Ellie, at her mother's funeral.

Aubrey is renting another cabin on the ranch next to Cash's. She caught her fiancé cheating but he is a wealthy local real estate developer who's told everyone she's been cheating with Jace, who rented her the place (Jace and Sawyer are Cash's cousins). Aubrey hasn't shared the truth because her fiancé was cheating with the wife of a mutual friend and she's concerned about her friend's mental health if he finds out (he is a former soldier who was paralyzed in a bombing). The town is subsequently shunning her and her jobs are drying up thanks to the jerk.

Cash and Aubrey don't have the greatest start (definitely a meet disaster) but his daughter, Ellie, takes a liking to her and Cash asks her to help decorate Ellie's bedroom to make the cabin more welcoming for her. Cash holds himself to a high standard and he is really struggling with sudden parenthood and wanting to get to know his daughter while bumbling about at it. He is also struggling with the ranch; their grandfather lost a lot of money due to drought and they're all trying to figure out how to pay the massive property tax bill that's coming up. Jace and Sawyer don't want to sell and it's near impossible to make a living off the ranch, and the land is very valuable (the book is set in Northern California).

The relationship between Aubrey and Cash develops as they work on Ellie's room together, acknowledge their attraction, and slowly build up their trust in each other. They're also obviously dealing with a lot of personal stuff and it's very well balanced with everything else that's going on. Both Cash and Aubrey need to find new jobs but that may take them in different directions; Cash isn't sure about another big change (getting more serious with Aubrey) when Ellie has recently been through so much upheaval. Ellie just wants her mom back and to go home, which is understandable.

It appears Jace's book is up next in early 2020. Looking forward to both his and Sawyer's books. Stacy Finz fans will really enjoy this new series. Cowboy Up will also be a good fit for readers looking for books set outside of the usual ranching regions in contemporaries or those who enjoy single parent romances.

This is a nice start to a new small town/cowboy series centering around the Dalton cousins Chase, Jace and Sawyer. Chase just quit his job at the FBI after a case that went sideways. He has been adrift and licking his wounds at a cabin on his grandfather’s ranch when he learns that he has a twelve year old daughter who’s mother just died. Adding to his chaotic life is his hot next door neighbor, Aubrey. Aubrey just dumped town golden boy Mitch after he catches him betraying her. Mitch turns the town against her by saying that she left him for Jace (which wasn’t true). Aubrey is now the town pariah. Since she lost her job working for Mitch and most of the town won’t give her the time of day, she is also adrift. Chase hires Aubrey to decorate is daughter Ellie’s bedroom, and their relationship starts to develop. Chase and Aubrey are likable characters and I enjoyed the development of their relationship. The only quibble I had, which kept this from being a five star rating, was that most of townsfolk were pretty nasty to Aubrey. Usually in small town romances, the town is like another character that you like. Overall this was an enjoyable book and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest review.

Stacy Finz has done it again. She is so skilled at creating likeable characters in a beautiful setting. The Dry Creek Ranch series starts with the Dalton cousin Cash, a troubled former FBI agent. There is tons of family drama, a great mystery and a lovely romance. The only reason I didn't give it more stars is the graphic sex, which detracts from a 10 star story. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

4.5 stars.
A quote (from ARC):
“If you let her go, you’ll be sorry. For once in your life, let your heart lead you instead of your insatiable need to save the planet. Take a chance on love and cowboy the fuck up.”
I was completely absorbed by “Cowboy Up”, it’s a wonderful story about ordinary people facing extraordinary and unexpected events with strength and aplomb. This is my second time reading Stacy Finz and I find her writing style utterly engaging and this story was a pleasure to read, with its riveting characters and dialogue and subtle sense of humor.
Cash, Aubrey and Ellie are wonderful characters, real and multidimensional, I just felt connected to them and to Cash’s family. Cash and Ellie’s relationship is something unique and tender.
I loved our “rough-around-the-edges” and a bit tortured hero who yet is so gentle with his daughter, and Aubrey, our assertive and mature heroine. It was lovely to watch them go from friend-with-benefits to lovers and even the sex scenes weren’t the fastidious kind you have to skip. And the honesty between them and the lack of silly drama is so refreshing.
Now I’m waiting for Jace and Sawyer’s stories.

Very enjoyable book that I really hope is the first of a series! The Dalton men were great characters and the promise of Sawyer and Jace is very enticing!

Cash Dalton is a retired FBI agent making his way back to Dry Creek after a very unfortunate case that led to an early end to his career. Finding out his is a father to a 12 year old little girl cements the fact he needs to be "home".

Aubrey McAlister is the recent divorcee and the talk of town. I understand the premise of the book and how the scandal is laid out, what needs to be "done" to keep a supposed "important" secret, but I wasn't crazy about it. Aubrey seriously had no friends in town but the one she is accused of cheating with and the one she is used to being protective with. Seriously, Mitch was such a jerk how could everyone in this town side with him? Hard to take. Still batting this "secret" around and whether or not it was heroic or falling on an unnecessary sword. So, cudos to the writing that still has me thinking about this book long after the read.

Ellie needs mentioned because she was an adorably lost little girl having moved to Dry Creek after her mother's death. She has a tough road and choices she regrets, but I loved every bit of her story.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC and I hope Dry Creek is a series!

I really enjoyed this book. Cash and Aubrey are great together. It's a cast of many from a small town but they know what they think they know. Read it and enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a fantastic book to read. I adored Cash and Aubrey (along with his 12 year old daughter Ellie). The plot was well written and a such that it felt like I was right there in the middle of the scene. There was a lot going on with these characters and it kept me guessing. I look forward to more of Dry Creek Ranch Series. The two remaining cousins Jace and Sawyer are such wonderful men that I look forward to reading them.

I loved that the book was written in a multiple POV format. Not only getting Cash and Aubrey, we get Ellie's as well. This twelve year old recently lost her mother, the only parent that she has known. Cash is notified that he has a young daughter and the struggle that father and daughter go through is heartfelt. I really felt for Cash. He is a former FBI agent that is haunted by his last case. This man has so much going on but he was so well-centered that he just handles everything beautifully. Aubrey breaks up with her fiance weeks before the wedding and goes to live on Dry Creek Ranch in the cabin next to Cash's cabin. The town is split in their loyalty as the ex-fiance is a much loved man of the town. Aubrey takes the brunt of the town's people spite and malice. She is a wonderful person who doesn't inform the town of the true nature of the split to protect another beloved member of town. Cash and Aubrey two immediately spark off of each other and not in a good way. It was a joy to see these two go through so much on their journey to a HEA.

If you love a well written romance, then this one is for you. I couldn't read this one fast enough. The only problem with that though, is I hated to see it end.

Cash, the ex FBI agent, Jace, the town sheriff, and Sawyer, the writer are all cousins and share ownership of their grandfather's ranch in northern California. This is Cash's romance, between his neighbor Aubrey who broke off her engagement to the town's golden boy and is now the town recipient of viscous gossip. Cash also finds out he has a 12 year old daughter, the result of a one night stand years ago. She is not happy to leave Boston, right after they bury her mother, to end up on a broken down ranch with strangers. I enjoyed this one, and had trouble putting it down. Only issue I had was his attitude towards her at the end, and he would have let her go without the push from his cousins. Would highly recommend this book and author, and look forward to the next book in the series.

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
This book promised me a hot cowboy who is a single dad, some neighborly bickering and love. I got all of this, but I wasn’t really satisfied. In my opinion the plot was rushed and if scenes were longer for me that were not the important scenes. I wished for more and longer scenes between Cash and his daughter. Their relationship was so fragile and not at all formulated in a way that was believable. I wished there was more to them, but I did not get that.
The character development for me was a bit difficult to describe. In my opinion the side characters were stronger than the three main characters, which made me like them more, than Cash and Aubrey. They did so many things that were not at all reasonable for me. I could not understand their thoughts and most of their actions were so far-fetched that I really began to question myself and them. I couldn’t understand Aubrey at all. It’s hard to explain what I mean without giving spoilers, so I will leave it to this. Cash got the easy way out in my opinion. I would have liked to see him standing up and doing the right thing since he always said he would do it and then *poof* nothing. I understood what happened, but for me it was not enough.
All in all I expected more from this book, but it was an enjoyable read. The writing style was god and I was able to follow the plot easily. It’s a book you can read between two harder books, to slow down and just enjoy an easy romance.

A great start to what promises to be a “can’t read fast enough” series. Since I live in Northern California the scenes are familiar and more personal. The characters are realistic and dynamic, their personalities are multidimensional, each has carved out their own identity, making them all unique to the success of the story.

This romance is genius in its ability to transport you within the mindset of the characters, thereby keeping you engaged as the story progresses. Within the romance, you also have a new father discovering love for his new to him daughter, deceit, intrigue, infidelity, theft, and last but not least, cattle rustling! All in all and thrill ride of a romance.

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