Not much cowboy-ish for me. Too much unessesary drama and annoyance. I mean, just communicate already!
Hard pass.

Marcus comes to Big Chance to work at his friend Adams ranch. Marcus has brought Jake another friend that served together with Adam. Adam has started a dog rescue and training for dogs for vets. Emma is a widow and Adam's sister. When they first meet, they are attracted to each other. When Marcus finds out Emma is Adam's sister he backs off. Emma has been taking care of her grandfather and needs help with him. No cowboys in this book. That was unfortunate. It was a good read.

DNF. I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one wasn’t working for me. It might be a case of wrong time but after reading for a while and not feeling it, I read other reviews and have decided this isn’t for me right now. Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

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

This is a story that I just got lost in. It is the second one in a series and can really be read as a stand-alone but I would highly recommend reading the first story "Big Chance Cowboy". It will really help to get a feel for the characters and the situation regarding the rescue mission.

Marcus is just the all-around "people-schmoozer". Due to injuries sustained during war, he was injured along with the rest of his team, he is on limited disability status. Marcus' back was severely injured but being a soldier was all he ever wanted. He is trying to get back to the teams and go to war again. He meets Emma and there is an immediate attraction between the two. Emma is a widow as well as the sister of his sargent. Her husband has been gone for two years and Emma can't get over the feeling that she failed her PTSD husband. Between the lying and drugs it was rough for her.

I adored these two characters and loved being able to read how they overcame their obstacles to get to their HFN ending. I loved the dual POV format that this book is written in as well. Getting that glimpse into the character's thoughts really helped me to connect with the character.

The plot just flowed beautifully. I couldn't wait to see what the author had in store for these two. Unfortunately that meant that the book was over before I really wanted to be! I just hope there are more stories coming about the rescue ranch.

This is a slightly sexy read. There was some action BUT the author I think did a great job in not having overly graphic detail. It was really all about the two characters and their story.

If you adore the wounded protagonists (especially a sexy Army Ranger!) and don't mind a slightly sexy read, then I highly recommend this story (actually the prior book as well) especially if you are over 18.

Lucky Chance Cowboy is the second installment in the Big Chance Dog Rescue series - I would recommend reading the first in the series (Big Chance Cowboy) before giving this one a try. Do note that these books feature veterans and service dogs in training, not cowboys.

Big Chance is a ranch where veterans help other veterans, and also dogs who need a home, with the dogs being trained to provide even further assistance to veterans over time. Well, it's a ranch in development - the startup of this nonprofit venture is the backbone of the book, and how our main characters come to be connected.

And that, really, is where the books shine for me. I love how they integrate information on PTSD, disability, and service animals. The way previously unwanted dogs can find loving homes and truly change the lives of veterans? Just beautiful.

I didn't find the romance in this book as swoon-y as that of the first in the series, I think (at least in part) because of the assumptions Emma made about Marcus. While they were understandable given her past, they made me uncomfortable (and I think, a little less apt to root for them to get together). But I'm glad I read this one as I do certainly want to continue on with the series - I loved getting to see the progress that's been made at Big Chance Rescue Ranch.

What is up with this title? There were no cowboys in this story or in this series for that matter and it does the book a disservice. This series revolves around a ranch that plans to take shelter dogs and teach them to help veterans in need, the Big Chance Dog Rescue is more than a dog rescue, it’s a place for injured veterans to find their way back from all sorts of situations they survived while serving their country. I love the premise of this series, but for me this book was too predictable, a bit disappointing, and I just didn’t feel the connection between the hero and heroine.

Marcus Talbot is at his buddy’s ranch to finish his rehabilitation before proving to the medical board he is ready to go back to combat. While there he is training Patton to be a mobility support dog one he is relying on while getting back into shape.

Emma Stern sits on the board of directors at her brother’s dog rescue and will do anything to help him succeed except train dogs even though she’s good at it. She wants to deny the attraction she feels towards Marcus, her brother’s Army buddy and friend, but she can’t; she can however stay far away as she knows that he has demons she can’t help because she’s tried before and failed.

Both Marcus and Emma have a lot of baggage and it doesn’t help that they are both hiding a big part of themselves from the world and each other. Marcus flirts, we are told it excites Emma but I just didn’t feel it. I felt for so much of this book they were at odds, then they’d move a little closer, then at odds again, then closer, and then back to being at odds, and honestly it was exhausting. I get Emma had been hurt and was still harboring a lot of frustration and guilt from what happened with her husband, but I felt like she was putting all of that onto Marcus. Marcus was no better he refused to believe he had a problem, he lied to himself and others about how bad his injury was still affecting him, and he wouldn’t talk about either one. It took far too long for them to open up to each other and even when they did then it was two steps back.

Add in two major setbacks at the ranch, one of which seemed contrived and the other that seemed added to kick them when they were down and I grew very weary while reading this because it seemed like it just went from one crisis to another without very much good in between to make it satisfying.

I’ve read Ms. Stanley in the past and have enjoyed her work, but Lucky Chance Cowboy which contained no cowboy, very little romance, and way too much drama was not the book for me.

This sounded like a good book, misleading title or not. However, this book fails in a way that annoys me when authors do this, misunderstanding and lack of communication between the two main characters. I liked both characters to a point, but it let me down when it came to their relationship.

Marcus Talbott is a soldier through and through, and he's not going to let an injury keep him from his Army unit. Sure, he nearly broke his back, but that's nothing his positive attitude and work ethic can't fix, right? In the meantime, he's got a place on the board at the Big Chance Dog Rescue, and flirting with his friend's sassy sister, Emma, is a welcome distraction. Emma Stern is barely scraping by while working and caring for her elderly grandfather, but she's running out of options—and hope. The last thing she has time for is Marcus and his flirting, sexy as he might be. But every time Emma thinks she's reached the end of her rope, Marcus is there to lend a hand. Maybe there's more to the handsome playboy after all.
This sounded like a good book, misleading title or not. However, this book fails in a way that annoys me when authors do this, misunderstanding and lack of communication between the two main characters. I liked both characters to a point, but it let me down when it came to their relationship.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, and I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it just didn’t quite work for me. Marcus is one of the injured soldiers recovering at Big Chance Dog Rescue and Emma is the sister of Adam, the man who started the dog rescue ranch.

On their own, both Marcus and Emma are complicated, likeable characters. Emma struggles to make ends meet while caring for her grandfather and working for her former in-laws. Marcus is desperate to speed up his recovery and return to active duty. They both have interesting, complex histories and I feel like I should have engaged with them more than I did.

I think it’s the romance that misses the mark for me. Emma doesn’t trust Marcus at all – she does have her reasons though – and I hate the judgmental assumptions she makes about him. Marcus is possibly a little bit selfish and a little too single minded to really see Emma or try to forge a healthier relationship with her. Something about the hot and cold relationship strewn with miscommunication and mistrust feels like something I’d warn a girlfriend about – not encourage.

The writing in this story feels much choppier than the writing in the first book and it took me a long time to read because my attention kept dropping off. The pacing is a little slow, the characters don’t feel quite as human as they did in the first book, and I kept picking the book up and putting it down for far too long. I still love the concept and I really hope this story is a blip and the next book is as good as the first one.

First time reading anything by Teri Anne Stanley and I enjoyed it.
I felt so much for Marcus. I know back pain and understood his suffering. His drive to return to active duty was incredible but you know the end result. I just wanted to give him a big hug.
Emma and her struggles with taking care of her ailing grandfather, her in-laws and the love everyone had for her dead husband. The secrets she kept put so much strain on her.
I enjoyed them getting to know each other and help one another through the pain in their lives.
Looking forward to reading more.

I almost stopped reading the book due to the story was too slow. I glad that I stuck with the story - it has several holes in the story - but not enough to really drive the reader crazy. The main characters in the story are each dealing with their own PTSD. Emma is still trying to keep the guilt she has about her husband killing himself and the death of her dog. She still lives and works for her in-laws and has kept her husband addiction problems to herself to protect their memories of him. Emma has also taken on the daily care of her grandfather who is getting harder to control (he has dementia and is reverting to childish behavior more and more daily). I pains her to see the one great man slowly stop functioning in the world he once loved.

Marcus has returned to his friend's farm - that has been turned into camp / training facility for assistance dogs trained to help returning veterans with PTSD and other medical / physical needs. Marcus is attempting to hid how bad his pain is - he is afraid he will be forced out of the Army Rangers due to his back injury. Marcus also O.Ds on pain meds and Emma finds him just in time to get him the help he needs. She is taken back to her husband's battle with paid killer abuse and decides to fight her attraction for Marcus.

Marcus is afraid of his attraction to Emma - he is not sure if he can accept himself if he is kicked out of the army. All he has ever been good at is fighting - he feels lacks the focus to attend school and is bored silly with desk work. The ranch gives him a chance to see that he is a people person - he can see what people need to heal themselves / and what the program can do help them heal (PTSD , emotional support, and physical assistance).

There are some major hiccups in the story with funding - a supposed investor is really running a sham and steals money from non-profits, and the continued decline of their grandfather.

Emma realizes that her in-laws are aware of some of the fight / horror she went through.

The second book in Big Chance Dog Rescue, Lucky Chance Cowboy gives us Marcus and Emma’s story. A refreshingly wonderful read, I enjoyed the well delivered story full of engaging characters and wonderful animals. I will be looking forward to reading more

Although the title is a little misleading...this is another incredible book by Teri Anne Stanley. In giving you Marcus and Emma's story she brings light to PTSD and animals and it is such a wonderful thing.
Marcus and Emma fight their mutual affection but for not.
This book will keep you page turning all through out.

Title: Lucky Chance Cowboy

Series :Big Change Dog Rescue #2

Rating: 3.4 to 4

Would I recommend it?yes

Would I read more of this series ? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

This is the first time I've ever read anything by this story and while it's a second book in a series I had no problems following the story ,or understand what was going on. One of the things I loved about it was how the author bright to live the struggles of our veterans and how their lives as well as their loves change when they come back from war. Another thing I loved was how the main characters took rescue dogs and trained them as well as and give them a second chance at live because they deserved a chance of happiness as well. The only problem I had going into the story was how Emma kept comparing Marcus to her late husband, and didn't really want to give him a chance or want to believe he was injured until she found out.After that the story was great. With that said I want to say thanks to

Sourcebooks Casablanca as well as Netgalley for letting me read and review exchange for my honest opinion.

Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion.
This book is an in-depth look at the struggle of how the military sacrifices for our freedom and the pain of injuries related to such. Their identity is tied to the mission and this book shows the massive life change when that mission is aborted.

Heartwarming small town emotionally thrilling, sexy fun and highly entertaining romantic adventure... this was a great read. Really enjoyed this down home romance.

Marcus and Jake still carry the effects of a blast in Afghanistan. I got bogged down by details and was too slow moving.

Lucky Chance Cowboy is the second title in the Big Chance Dog Rescue series, and like the first story, Marcus and Emma’s romance is an emotional journey.

Marcus truly believes that his only role in life is as a soldier, he doesn’t really know any other lifestyle. So in spite of an injury during his last mission, Marcus is convinced that he’ll be back to his job just as soon as this pesky rehab and exam are over and done with. The truth is, even Marcus will admit in his dark, quiet moments to wondering if that can possibly be his future but since he knows no other way but to power through and get the job done he puts those concerns aside for now. Fortunately, his rehab has brought him to his friend’s dog rescue operation and a very lovely, very vulnerable, very untrusting woman who will capture his heart. Now to help her heal hers.

Emma has endured just about all that she can handle, and then she handles more. A widow who watched her husband’s battle with pain medication addiction, she is about at the end of her rope now. Her grandfather is living through dementia, she’s trying to make ends meet and simply survive. She has no time for healing her own demons she’s got too many other things to deal with. Her first impression of Marcus isn’t the best, and to discover that this handsome man who gets on her last nerve will be around the rescue center is annoying. Yet, Marcus is polite, flirty, and always there whenever it seems that Emma is in trouble or needs some help. Something has to give – maybe two wounded hearts finding a home.

Lucky Chance Cowboy flows easily, believably as Marcus and Emma dance around the attraction between them. Both are stubborn, although Emma probably wins the award for the most stubborn, bull-headed, opinionated even when she’s wrong of the two. I understood her reasons but that didn’t stop me from flinching from some of her words or actions. Marcus is a good example of still waters run deep, what you see on the surface hides a lot – not bad, just things he’s conditioned to keep from sight. Together they’ll end up healing each other but to get to that happy ending will involve some pretty amazing pups, a vile bad guy, and overcoming the past for them both. I enjoyed their romance very much, it’s believable, even relatable and it’s filled with temper, laughter, heartache and discovering that love comes when you least expect it and you have to be open to that discovery.

*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.*

Lucky Chance Cowboy was an interesting read. It had endearing characters but, the dogs won my heart. I love reading stories about dogs and especially rescue dogs. Overall, this was a great read and I would recommend it.

Sexy soldiers with loads of heart! With the second book in her Big Chance Dog Rescue series Teri Anne Stanley delights with another wounded soldier finding love in LUCKY CHANCE COWBOY. If you read the first book in the series you will recognize and reconnect with most of the characters quickly.

Marcus is an enjoyable character. He is a good guy trying to heal enough from his back injury to get back to active duty with his team. He doesn't want to admit the pain he's truly in on a daily basis, and the distraction of flirting with Emma is too good to pass up.

Emma is easy to connect with. She's in over her head trying to take care of her cantankerous grandfather, work at the feed store and find time to help her brother Adam with the dog rescue here and there ... the last thing she has time for is a man. Too bad Marcus seems to get to her more than anyone ever has.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming yet sexy read about former soldier's helping rescue dogs with some romance thrown in as they each stumble across their happily ever after.