I tried to get into this one a while back and put it down for some reason. It’s a DNF for me right now, but I may try to read it in the future.

A courageous cowboy who falls hard for a childhood love, you say?? Count me in because not only does cowboys makes me clutch my pearls, but mix it with love and heroism (faints) :). Cowboy Courage is about a cowboy who has well, courage. Hud is a cowboy who also doubles as a volunteer firefighter and a tall glass of man and heroism. He runs into Rose at a her aunt's B&B while in town and as they say…the rest is history. Let me warn you that this book is part of a series, but I did not read the rest of the installments, so these characters are brand new for me. Let me tell you how a big, gorgeous cowboy fell hard for a woman named Cactus Rose. :)

As I mentioned before, this book is part of a series so the story opens with Hud and Rose talking in her aunt's B&B. Rose's aunt, the owner of the B&B, is on a vacation and Europe and has left her niece to look after it. Rose is in a middle of a cross road because she has to decide whether she should enlist back in the military as a translator or head back home to her overbearing family. Rose and Hud was such a cute couple and I appreciated that their love story was not perfect or easy for the matter. The chemistry was great and the side characters just added more to the story. One character that I have to mention is Aunt Luna. :) Wow, what a character she is?!! I wanted her to be my aunt throughout this story. I just loved Aunt Luna and I wanted to know the result of her and Wilbur's relationship.

Even though I was really enjoyed myself in this story, there were a couple of things that turned me off. The romance was a slow burn and the sexy, hot scenes were brushed over. I was a little lost with their initial meeting that took place in other stories because I did not read the other book. The author does not make an effort to tell me either. Also the chemistry took time to build up, but when it did I was hooked. There was the funny thing where they were "middle school" lovers, not high school lovers. Rose comes from a military commune and they live like Amish people. No offense to Amish people or anyone associated with them, but the dad was a jerk an very controlling.

Okay, I am done with the negatives because I LOVED this book. Yes, there were some negatives, but not enough to affect my experience while reading this book. I am giving this story a 4 stars and you will need to grab your book and tea for this one. Ohhhh I just love a good love story. Muahh!!

Talk about roadblocks. Two people have never encountered as many hurdles. Each character has a sort of preconceived notion about what their future holds but in COWBOY COURAGE each is going to have to take a good hard look at those plans. Simply put plans change, circumstances change – life happens. In COWBOY COURAGE Carolyn Brown takes us through the necessary steps toward a hopefully brighter more fulfilled future.
So we have two wonderful characters who have lived very different lives. So who says different is bad or unsurmountable in a relationship. How many couples have you known, whether in real life or between pages of a great novel that don’t seem to fit. At least not at first glance. We meet Cactus Rose who just completed her fourth tour of duty and is faced with an importance decision. Rose doesn’t have much of a life outside of the military at this juncture. Her youth was spent as part of a commune with her mother and father. Rose had mixed feelings about how rigid the rules were in the commune. So surprisingly she left behind one strict life to another in the military.
Now Rose is helping out Aunt Molly. Molly is off to a long vacation of travel with five fabulous friends. By the way we have met the Fab Five in previous works by Carolyn Brown. While on this trip Molly needed Rose to help out at her B&B and gift shop and let’s not forget taking care of Chester the cat.
This is not Rose’s first time in Sunshine. She actually attended high school there for a couple of years. And that is when Rose first met Hudson Baker. Rose enjoyed the attention that Hud doled out. She appreciated how he helped her acclimate to a very new experience out of the commune. And somehow neither of these two teens every really forgot each other even though their lives definitely look different paths.
Fast forward several years later Rose and Hud have to decide if there is a future for the two of them. Carolyn Brown does her usual best in creating havoc in the best way. Love is always the answer but the road to getting there can be full of forks. Choosing which to follow is the challenge. Carolyn Brown magically creates a world in COWBOY COURAGE. Actually three. Life at a ranch, in military and a commune are imagined and compared through one of my favorite authors. It’s always a great time to pick up a Carolyn Brown book to meet new characters and revisit old friends.

Loved this book and I didn't want it to end. Carolyn Brown is one of the best western romance writers ever. Highly recommended

Rose O’Malley is on leave from the military and she is holding down the fort at her Aunt’s B&B so her Aunt could go on a curse. Now back in a town that she had not been in since Jr. high she was surprised to see Hudson Baker, she was equally surprised to find out that he was not married. They each had a big crush on each other for the time she lived in town before her father moved them to a commune.
Hud came in handy for her because things started to break in the B&B though she could seven different languages she could not fix what was breaking. She also knew she was going to need to fix her heart as well because she did not know what to do with the feelings, she still felt for Hud.
Many different characters keep this story moving along with the arrival of another Aunt after she gets into a fight with her live-in boyfriend and that in itself is a story. Overall a good book and you do find out what she decides about either re-enlisting or staying. A very good book.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

I don’t what it is about Carolyn Brown but every one of her cowboy romances I have fallen in love with and this one is not exception. For me it was Hud that made the book. Why? His strength in himself and what he wants. His roots and knowing where he belongs and who he is. His roots to his family and his loyalty. He is comfortable in his own skin and a wonderful, caring, honest hard worker. He has his ranch and works hard on it. He has his family he loves and is there for people when they need him. So when Rose comes to town after years of being away to take care of her aunt’s B&B Hud’s world gets rocked. The girl he loved and lost is back and he wants her to see him as the one to stay for. The chemistry is instant and explosive. I love how they interact with one another. How he helps Rose take care of the Bed and Breakfast when she needs it even if she seems flummoxed by it all.

Rose is at a crossroads to me. She is in between reenlisting and wondering if she wants to but doesn’t know where her language skills could be used outside of the military. While trying to figure it out, she decides to help her aunt and in the process sees her crush from years ago. Only he is helping her in so many ways. He helps her by listening and fixing things. By being there when she needs him and also shows her that she is more than her job. She is smart,, sexy, and funny. And through some events Rose even learns that there are places her skills can be used where she is helping so many and getting a feeling of reward for that as well.

The story is adventurous, fun, sweet and sexy. I love how Hud is there but not pushing Rose to see what he sees. He guides her and shows her.He opens his heart to her even at the risk of being hurt and has faith she will stay.

COWBOY COURAGE is the sixth book in the LONGHORN CANYON series, and it was nice to be back in Texas with characters we’ve met before. This time we also traveled to Kentucky and Alabama and met some new characters throughout the story. It was a fast-paced read with a lot of laugh-out-loud moments, thanks especially to Rose’s great aunt.

The story takes place at Aunt Molly’s B&B, where Rose is staying. Rose gets a surprise when her first love comes to the gift shop to buy his sister a birthday gift. Hud and Rose start to reminisce, and sparks fly.

The story also takes place at Hud and his twin brother’s ranch. I love how the characters grow and how their stories ebbed and flowed and tied up nicely at the end. Throughout it all, Rose is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life.

There are wonderful descriptions of the ranch, the town, and even the weather. The commune where Rose grew up is hard to fathom, and it’s surprising that she’s as well adjusted as she is. There is nice closure, and I hope there are more books in this series since there seem to be more stories to tell.

Ms. Brown is an author whose books I enjoy, whether she’s writing cowboy romances or women’s fiction. She’s a go-to author for me, and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

Who doesn't like a second chance love story featuring a cowboy? But as enjoyable as I usually find that premise, this story left me a little wanting. It failed to read like coming back to an old friend but more like 'been there, done one too many times before'. I was sad because I'm use to enjoy stories from this author.

If you like cowboy romance, you must read Carolyn Brown. I love small town cowboy romance.
Great chemistry between the main characters. Ms Brown does so we'll with her secondary characters. They are always quirky and fun.

This is book six in the Longhorn Canyon series and it features Hud and Rose. I really liked Rose. She’s a little quirky, like her family and she doesn’t make hasty decisions. Everything is seriously thought out. Hud is a big sexy cowboy that has loved Rose since they met in junior high at the age of 14 but there was no time for them then. Her father moved them away and now she’s back, 14 years later and the sparks are still flying.
Rose’s Aunt Luna is hilarious! I think everyone should have one!

This is an easy, laid-back romance where nobody is in a hurry. The story line is smooth and the characters are fantastic.

Four stars: A charming second chance romance with some quirky and endearing characters.

Cactus Rose is temporarily minding her aunt’s bed and breakfast for a few weeks. Rose hopes it will give her time to rest up and make up her mind as to what she wants to do next. Rose speaks seven languages. She used those skills in the military traveling the world for the last few years. She isn’t sure if she wants to re-enlist or settle down. Then when Hud Baker, a blast from her past, comes striding into her life again, her heart jumps. Rose fell hard for Hud in middle school, before her parents whisked her away back to an isolated life in the commune. Time and distance separated them, but it seems the heart hasn’t forgotten. Will Rose finally settle down?
What I Liked:
*Another Carolyn Brown book, another charming read. I liked that this cowboy romance featured unexpected, quirky characters and a sweet second chance romance. There is plenty to love in this one.
*Cactus Rose is an unconventional character. With a name like Cactus Rose, you know she has to be unique. Raised in an isolated commune, Rose was desperate to spread her wings, even if that meant going against her father’s wishes. Serving in the military, Rose saw the world, but she never felt settled, until she returned to Texas. I loved that Rose was daring, smart and willing to follow her heart. She is sassy and spunky too, which I loved especially considering her background.
*Hud Baker is everything you love in a cowboy. He is hardworking, tall, kind and handsome and he has a heart of gold. Time and time again, he shows generosity and bravery toward neighbors and strangers. Who wouldn’t want a man who dashes into burning buildings to rescue others?
Aside from Hud and Rose, there are some fantastic secondary characters. My favorite was Aunt Luna. Her name is fitting as she is a bit of a lunatic. She whips in out of nowhere after she gets in a fight with her long time common law husband. Luna is an old time hippie who likes her whiskey. She is an absolute hoot. I couldn’t get enough of her. Then there are plenty of catchups with the cast of characters from the previous books in the series. You get all caught up to date on the happenings of everyone else in this series.
*The romance is charming. I love that it picks up where it left off in junior high. It was if time and distance fell away. The two hearts reconnect and things take off. I love that it was a simple romance without a bunch of drama and conflict.
*I loved that this book had many unconventional story lines. From Rose’s unique upbringing, to the tornado, broken hearts and new beginnings. I liked that this book was a bit unexpected.
*I love that you can pick up this book without having read any of the other books as it is a companion novel. If you have read the full series, it is fun to catch up with all the other couples from the previous five books, but it certainly isn’t necessary to read the rest of the series.
*The book ends with a bright happy spot. All is well for the gang, but there is more to come, I hope.
And The Not So Much:
*I was fascinated by Rose’s unconventional upbringing in a commune. However, I was disappointed that there wasn’t much background or detail on her life in this religious commune. Only when Rose makes a short trip back does the reader get a glimpse into her life. I wish that this part of the story was fleshed out more.
*Aunt Luna was my favorite character, but I wasn’t thrilled with what happened to her. It just didn’t fit her character to settle where she did. I wanted her to get payback and stay with Rose!
*I was disappointed in Rose’s little tantrum toward the end of the book. She should have known Hud better and not made assumptions. It was silly.

Cowboy Courage is a charming book with an adorable second chance romance and unforgettable characters. If you want a cute, entertaining feel good story, this is one to grab. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous five books in the series as this is a companion/ stand alone novel. Don’t miss this fun read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

I really enjoyed this book. Loved getting to know Rose and Hud and seeing that chemistry. Rose got some major decisions to be made while her aunt is out for a while she could stick around or end up back in the military and I was curious where things would take them down the road of this book. There is so much to love and enjoy with this book, I have yet to come across a book that the author Carolyn Brown has come up with that I didn't like. If you love friends to lovers type of romances you'll enjoy this one.

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
This was a great book !
Rose was ready for a change.
Her aunt's bed and breakfast seems like the answer.
Hud was not prepared for Rose's return.
Read the book for the wild ride!
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Book #6 of this series.
Rose has spent several years in the military and comes to her Aunt's Inn to take over while her Aunt is on vacation. Seems the Inn needs a few repairs, which she doesn't know how to do but in enters Hudson, a crush from her past and a handyman of everything.
Rose's Aunt also has a cat , who seems to be a little thief and had me cracking up.
We find out Rose was raised in a religious commune and sounds more like a cult and how her dad is in charge of everything and not happy that she left the commune years before to be out in the world. So she is dealing with her dad, mom and another Aunt who comes into town, A very eccentric Aunt who I found to be hilarious.
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a sweet second chance romance between a couple who experience "love at first sight" at the tender age of 14, but were separated before even a year could pass. I read this as a stand alone, even though it is the 6th book in the series.

Except for the one year that she was allowed to go to school, Cactus Rose O'Malley was raised in a commune, where her authoritarian father ruled. As soon as she was 18, she enlisted in the Army and had been around the world as a translator. After 10 years, she is in the position of having to decide to re-enlist or find a life outside of the military and comes to visit her aunt- who lives near the ranch that Hud Baker and his twin had bought. Funny things get in their way as they try to renew their acquaintance. Is fate trying to keep them apart or push them together. Amusing story with endearing characters, especially Aunt Luna , who is a "hoot" and funny situations.

I read a ARC supplied by NetGalley.com. There was one scene in there about a false arrest, which was superfluous and should be left out of the final edition. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Heartwarming, sexy, fun and emotionally thrilling romantic journey filled with interesting charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. This was a great read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed reading this action packed adventure.

Steady, quieter, and hard-working Hud Baker never wanted much, but he starts wishing mighty hard for the girl of his dreams to want him back and want to stay with him when sassy Rose O'Malley arrives to temporarily help out her great-aunt by running the B&B while Molly's on her European vacation. If I want feel-good, fun-loving down home cowboy romances, I need look no further than Carolyn Brown's Longhorn Canyon series and Cowboy Courage is no exception.

Cowboy Courage is the sixth entry in the Longhorn Canyon series of standalones. It can be easily picked up on its own though it does reference back to the earlier couples in the series who are some of the side characters in this one.

Hud encountered Cactus Rose O'Malley at his friend's wedding, but it was not their first meeting. Rose was his junior high first love and the girl who stayed in his memories long after her family moved away. Now, nearly fifteen year's later, she's around again and that electrifying feeling he had for her is sparking as strongly as ever. Hud never wanted more than a ranch to work on and build up, a wife, and family and now he suspects that Rose might be it for him. If only she would stick around instead of going back into the Army.

Rose's enlistment is up and she needs to do some powerful thinking on whether to re-enlist or move on. Her folks want her to come to live at the Commune in Kentucky with them. She loves her family, but commune living and its rules is not for her. But, what is? She has a gift for linguistics and speaks seven languages which made her a great asset in the army, but there isn't much call for that sort of thing in ranch country. But, there is Hud, his extended family, the friendly small town there. Maybe she can finally stop wandering and sink her roots.

Cowboy Courage is an easy going, gentle romance. There are some mishaps and a brief bit of excitement, but for the most part, the conflict is internal as Rose has to figure out what she really wants and where she fits. Hud is a hero all around from his quiet, humble, hard work as rancher and volunteer firefight to his love for family and his neighbors. He's rooted deep and knows who he is and where he belongs. In a sense, he is static with Rose moving and shifting around him. Waiting and respecting her enough to do it without putting on pressure or trying to manipulate her made him even more fabulous.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Longhorn Canyon story without a feisty senior to liven things up and this comes from Rose's Great Aunt Luna and her pistol, Madam. There were some hilarious scenes with her around. Oh, and that crazy cat Chester who stole the scene more than once.

While I enjoyed Cowboy Courage and am semi-in love with Hud, I do have to admit that this one just missed it for me. I think it was the last quarter that caused this. I saw the point of where the author took things and why they went there. However, it felt obvious to me that the important choices were presented and made with the heroine just hem-hawing at that point and going through the motions of hashing through things longer than needed. Then there was that quick bit of fussing at the end that came out of the blue to me. Fortunately, it was gone just as quickly.

But, that said, this was still a solid, entertaining and enjoyable read that I'm glad to have picked up. I definitely want more Longhorn Canyon series- Paxton!!! And, more from this auto-buy author that I can easily recommend to those who love cowboy charm, hilarious antics, and sassy heroines in their cowboy romances.

Hud Baker is a Texas cowboy . I like the name Hudson. He stops by to see his ex at her business after she comes back around. Cute,but a little slow moving

I really couldn't get into this book. This book was so cheesy and personally I found this book to be too long or I should say it dragged on. Maybe I just need to step away from romance novels for a while.

This was a great romance and I really enjoyed both Rose and Hud. Even though this one was a bit predictable, I was able to finish it in one day.

What I loved about this book:

1. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and I especially enjoyed Rose's Aunt, I hope to be that whitty and sarcastic in my old age. 😂 The independence of the female characters was also a favorite of mine.

2. This book takes place in two different settings and I enjoyed them both. I find communes intriguing so that was an added bonus and small towns will always be my favorite setting.

3. I enjoyed the second chance romance plot of Rose and Hud's story. It was sweet and the chemistry was obvious between them.

While there was a lot I found enjoyable about this one, there was just something missing for me. Even though it was only a 3⭐ book for me I still recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, light whitty read.