This is the third book in the series but it can be read on its own which is great since it's my first in the series. It's the story of two people trying to do what is best for their niece after her parents are killed in an accident. Reese's twin brother is little Sawyer's father while Lorelei's sister was her mother. Each want and love the little girl. Each has their own ideas on how to raise and care for her.

Little Sawyer will just melt your heart! I loved every single moment she was in the scene. While Reese has the best of intentions he did stick his foot in mouth a lot which I think made him all the more lovable. Lorelei was a bit too hard on Reese a few times in my opinion. She had built walls so high and so thick around her heart I was surprised that even little Sawyer was able to through them. She was more than a little stubborn and strong willed.

This is simply an amazing book. It started with two people thinking they would be raising their niece on their own and ended with an amazing little family.

Wow .. this truly is a feel good small town Cowboy love story.
This is my 1st time reading anything written by Laura Drake and I enjoyed reading the blossoming love story between Lorelei West and Reese St. James. These two individuals were bought together by a tragic accident of the loss of each of their siblings. They each are from two complete different backgrounds and find themselves having to deal overnight with being potential guardians to a sweet little 6 month old baby girl. Can these two both find what they each been missing in their life and do some personal growth.

This is the third book in Laura Drakes the Chestnut Creek series and it was a pleasure to read.

Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

RC for honest review with no compensation Received from NetGalley and Forever

A Cowboy for Keeps is book 3 in the Chestnut Creek series by Laura Drake. Emotional, well written with lots of heart!!

Lorelei West lives in Unforgiven, New Mexico, manager of the town cafe, takes care of her mother who has dementia and has just found out her sister and boyfriend died in a car accident leaving a baby girl behind for her to raise. She is saddened about her sister’s death but now her dream has come true to raise the baby girl as her own since she can’t have children of her own...until the wealthy Reese St. James from Texas her sister’s boyfriend twin brother shows up to claim the baby girl as his own to raise in Texas since he can’t have children either...

What happens next is some humor, a little suspense, doubting themselves, shared love for the baby, some tears, grief and maybe finding what both have been missing in their lives....love!!

A very well written and entertaining romance. Well developed plot and characters. Love books with cowboys and children. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review

A Cowboy for Keeps is the third book in Laura Drake’s Chestnut Creek series. Lorelei West lived in the shadow of her shiny rodeo star sister, Patsy, while she held down a simple job in their hometown of Unforgiven, New Mexico, and monitored their mother’s post stroke care. At 37, Lorelei felt that most of her options for a future family were past, that is until Patsy and her boyfriend are killed in a tragic auto accident and she is left as the guardian for a six month old little girl she didn’t know existed until the call from the Las Cruces police.

Reese St. James has been left behind at the family oil and cattle ranch along the Rio Grande in Texas while his brother, Carson, fills his dreams as a rodeo star. Reese is shocked when he learns of his brother’s death, and complete surprise when he learns he has a niece and an heir for the St. James legacy. What surprises him even more is when his money and standing means nothing to the little girl’s New Mexico guardian.

In a touching tale that begins with deep loss and travels to rebirth, Ms. Drake has developed a beautiful story of strength, courage, and the adaptability seen when one finds a path that suits them so much better than a lonely existence. Although not a smooth trek, it is a touching story of the heart. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

A really great book that pulls emotions from all sides - and shows family dynamics common today.
Lorelei West and Reese St. James are both thrown for a loop after a tragic accident. Can they come together as one to make happiness for a small child happen?
This book is incredible and hard to put down.

4 stars

A Cowboy for Keeps by Laura Drake is a well written and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it held my interest from start to end and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Reese and Lorelei unfold.

Overall, A Cowboy for Keeps is a good addition to the Chestnut Creek Series and I highly recommend it.

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

This is my first read by this author. It was cute and sweet and actually an unexpected natural event I didn't expect, I guess I was expecting more push and pull between the main characters.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lorelei is a oroud, strong, hard-working cafe manager struggling to make ends meet. She cares for her aging mom with dementia when she learns her baby sister has died in a car accident leaving a daughter she never told her family about.

Sawyer is the sweetest baby and brings much joy in dealing with the grief they feel. Enter Reese, the identical twin brother of Sawye'rs father, who died in the car with Patsy, the love of his life. He just wants to get to know his last surviving family member. His background colors all his relationships, and Lorelei is a challenge in his life.

This is a story of live, redemption, family and learning to savor the simple things in life. A great read that I recommend you run out and grab!

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

This is the first book I have read from Laura Drake and it won't be the last. A Cowboy for Keeps was a great romance with great characters. Reese and Lorelei were both complex characters and I liked them both. I also enjoyed the storyline. I definitely plan on reading the first two books in Laura's Chestnut Creek series and look forward to more.

I don't know where Laura Drake has been hiding because she's a new author for me, and A Cowboy for Keeps is the third novel in her Chestnut Creek series, but this sweet, poignant, charming, enemies-to-lovers romance novel, which never made me feel lost, has made me a fan, and it gets 4.5 stars from this reader.

Lorelei West, manages the Chestnut Creek Cafe in Unforgiven, New Mexico, a town left behind when the interstate passed them by, the railroad line was closed, and no one seemed too interested in travelling Route 66 anymore. For the locals in this town, where everyone knows everyone, including their private lives, the cafe is gossip central, and Lorelei, who has never been married, is quite independent, still lives in the run-down, generations-old, family farmhouse with her mother, whose stroke left her somewhat mentally compromised, and her mother's caregiver, Mrs. Wheelwright, and, at age 37, Lorelei has given up on the idea of marriage and children. Years earlier, the man she gave her heart to, and was ready to marry, turned out to be not only a liar, but a cheating husband too. She considers herself plain, beige, and boring, having grown up in the shadow of her younger sister Patsy, who left Unforgiven as soon as she was able to follow the rodeo. Patsy was not only pretty and charming, but she also had a glittery, fun personality that drew people, especially men, to her, and it's been quite a while since she's been home, or even in touch by phone or text. Lorelei loves her job, but still struggles to make ends meet, and as a result, her car is old, her assets bare, and the family home is suffering from age and neglect with peeling paint, old appliances, and a leaky roof, but what it does have is warmth, tradition, and love.

When Lorelei gets word that her beloved sister has been in a fatal car accident, that news is hard to take, but she's shocked to learn that her sister's 6-month-old daughter, Sawyer, the result of a pregnancy and birth she knew nothing about, was the only survivor, and Lorelei rushes to claim custody of her, thrilled to have a chance to keep and raise her sister's baby, and finally have the child she always dreamed of having. She has no idea who fathered Sawyer, or even if her sister was married, but whoever that man was, she learns that he also died in the car crash.

Reese St. James' life couldn't be more different than Lorelei's. He's one of two sons born to a family of great wealth from oil and cattle ranching on their over 400,000 acre spread in Texas. He grew up in an ostentatious mansion, with his brother, Carson, who, unlike Reeese, was born to be a rancher and who was his father's favorite son. Their mother's untimely death left their overbearing, insensitive father, a changed, harsh, and broken man--without her, Reese became the butt of his father's scorn, and when forced to get on the back of a rank bull at age 14, to prove he wasn't a sissy, was thrown and brutally stomped upon, leaving him unable to father children. His brother, Carson, a cowboy through and through, also left home for the rodeo life, leaving Reese to see to the ranch and live in their huge, cold and empty family home, but that's all about to change, as soon as he learns that Carson has been killed in a car accident, and that Carson had fathered a daughter, 6-month-old, Sawyer--who Reese sees as his only chance of having and raising a child, and he's soon hot on the trail of his little niece. Reese too hasn't had luck in love. The woman he planned to marry inadvertently made it clear that she was only after Reese for his money, so he dropped her and hasn't had more than a few short encounters since then.

Ms. Drake has crafted a wonderful story born of tragedy, and created two finely drawn characters who only want what's best for their little orphaned niece, but who, because of the vast differences in their lives and financial circumstances, soon become combatants for custody of the baby. Lorelei sees Reese as a threat, and treats him as such. All Reese wants is a chance to meet his little niece, get to know her, and be a part of her life. When he sees Lorelei's run-down home, he believes his millions will give Sawyer a better life, but there is no way Lorelei is giving up custody of Sawyer, and the tension and eventual attraction between these two strong-willed characters is what drives this highly emotional story forward. Lorelei is driven by her pride and independence, and Reese seems to think his money will solve all her problems, a sentiment she completely and adamantly rejects--repeatedly, but she cannot in all good conscience deny Reese a chance to bond with little Sawyer, and he slowly integrates himself into the West family, but his home is in Texas, and the West family is in New Mexico, so how will it end?

I thoroughly enjoyed the slow build-up of this enemies-to-lovers romance, but as things heat up between Lorelei and Reese, I felt somewhat cheated when their relationship turned steamy and then the author left most of the action between these two strong-willed characters behind closed doors. I think that readers of contemporary romance these days have come to expect something a bit more graphic than this author provided. My other issues are that it's made clear early on that Lorelei is aware that she is 5 years older than Reese, yet the two characters never even discuss it, nor is the fact that when these two finally do have sex, Reese, a man who can't father children, immediately dons a condom, even though he's aware that Lorelei has been celibate and has avoided men for almost a decade. Shouldn't one of them asked the other if that condom was necessary? I'm all for safe sex and self-protection, but I believe the matter should have been discussed rather than assumed, since it left me wondering if Reese was protecting Lorelei or protecting himself from Lorelei.

Additionally, the supporting characters in this novel added a welcome touch of wry humor, from the two old codgers who befriended Reese at the cafe counter, to Nevada, the no holds barred cook and her penchant for take no prisoners tee shirts, to Lorelei's mom, whose memory wasn't what it once was and who kept referring to Reese, who brought expensive steaks over for their dinner one night, as the Meals-on-Wheels guy. I must also mention the hilarity of Reese's first experience with changing Sawyer's dirty diaper, which was laugh out loud funny. And finally, there's baby Sawyer, an adorable toddler who not only charmed Reese, Lorelei, and everyone who met her, but who charmed the heck out of this reader as well.

All in all, this was an excellent and deeply moving read, and I can't wait to read the two Chestnut Creek novels that preceded it, because clearly Laura Drake is a writer to watch and follow, and I'm happy to be able to recommend her and this novel.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps is the third book in Laura Drake's Chestnut Creek series. Each can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. This book tells the story of two strangers who meet when, after a fatal accident takes their siblings lives, their niece needs to be cared for. Both want what's best for the child but both have different definitions of what that means. The more time they spend together they have a chance to become a family of their own if they'll let down their walls and take a chance.

I think this might be my favorite one of the series. I loved Reese so much even if he constantly stuck his foot in his mouth. Half the time he would try to explain something he never thought it through first and sounded like a dumb a** but you knew he had the best intentions and just choose to say it in the worst way possible. By the end I couldn't help but laugh at it. He was way out of his element with Lorelei and no matter what he said he usually had to prepare for a battle. Lorelei was stubborn, independent, strong, caring and had 5 foot thick walls around her heart. I felt she was a bit too harsh on Reese sometimes because it was very clear he was trying his hardest. She was also really hard on herself and was constantly talking down to herself which was sad to read. Little Sawyer was a bright star in this book. All the moments of interaction with her will melt your heart.

The story had a steady plot with realistic dramatic scenarios to keep it moving along. I enjoyed the characters so much that I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. It was also nice that the couples for the previous books were strong supportive characters for the Lorelei.

A Cowboy for Keeps is a western romance about found family that will steal your heart and leave you with a smile on your face.

New book boyfriend alert! Reese's insecurities gave him a soft side that pulled me right in. His interactions with his niece, Sawyer, tugged at all my heartstrings! And then there is the way that Reese pursues Lorelei. Swoon. Seriously, I loved all the moments of their interactions. Lorelei's insecurities definitely rule her life, to a point I wanted to yell at her at times. Because of this, I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. I think both of their love for Sawyer despite the complicated relationships they had with their siblings, was just so wonderful. This is just a heartwarming story and I would definitely recommend it!! Thank you to Forever Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book reminds you how easily life can change in a minute. Lorelei's sister is killed in a car accident and Lorelei becomes guardian to her niece, Sawyer that she knew nothing about. Lorelei is a very strong, stubborn person who has closed her heart to love. I think she lived in her sister Patsy's shadow.

Eventually Reese finds out about his niece and he ventures to Unforgiven to meet her. I enjoyed watching Lorelei and Reese butt heads and it was funny how many times Reese stuck his foot in his mouth and ultimately made Lorelei angry.

There were some scary moments too as they try to work together for little Sawyer. It was sad to find out how Reese grew up after his mom died and it was so nice to see how Lorelei opened up his heart and made him long for things he never knew he really wanted.

I am so glad there was an epilogue to allow the reader to know how the story ended. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Laura Drake sure knows how to write a good cowboy romance, even if the character doesn't really consider himself a cowboy. His whole life,Reese has fought being the cowboy his father wanted him to be. He also doesn't think he'll ever be a father, but when his brother dies and leaves a daughter, he's determined to step up. Lorelei, the baby's aunt/now mother has other ideas. Lorelei is a very strong, not to be pushed around woman. She loves very strongly. That love just might extend to Reese if he'd just keep his fool mouth shut and stop throwing his money around to try to fix things for her. She doesn't need a man--but she sure might want him.
This was a quick, easy read that leaves you happy.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance

Lorelei loves her life. Sure, she might wish things were different sometimes, but she's content with what she has and who she is. When she gets word that her sister has died in a fatal car crash, she is devastated. The real kicker is that her sister had a baby that nobody knew about! Lorelei rushes down to make sure that her niece is safe and is able to return with her. Lorelei has always wanted to be a mom, it just never happened for her. Now, she's vowed to make sure that her niece knows her mom and knows love.

Reese is a hard character to relate to. He's closed off, somewhat pushy, and despite wanting to do the right thing, sticks his foot in his mouth more often than not. He's been living in his father and brothers' shadows his entire life. And when he learns that his twin brother, the dare devil and favorite twin, has been killed in a car accident, he isn't quite sure how to process the information. Then, when he learns that he has a niece, Reese wants to make sure that she is cared for and has the best of everything his money can buy. What he isn't expecting is a protective woman who wants nothing to do with his money.

These two have to navigate all sorts of new things. Rearing a niece, Texas weather, egos, and making sure their niece knows that her parents loved her. It was a somewhat drawn out story that perhaps didn't need to take so long. However, watching Reese and Lorelei figure out how they were going to co-parent, mesh their lives together, and create new memories for their niece was fun to see. It's a sweet story where love does conquer all.

Triggers: Car accident, Abusive family life

Touching, charming, and sincere!

A Cowboy for Keeps is a sweet, heartfelt story that takes you into the lives of Lorelei West and Reese St. James, two strangers who come from completely different backgrounds who must learn to cope with the loss of a sibling, their surprising new status as potential guardians to a child they never knew existed, and a budding relationship that will require a lot of trust and understanding.

The writing is passionate and tender. The characters are multilayered, stubborn, and reliable. And the plot told from two different points of view unravels nicely into a tale about life, loss, grief, responsibility, friendship, family, compromise, parenthood, happiness, and the importance of communication.

A Cowboy for Keeps is the third novel in the Chestnut Creek series, and once again Drake has written a heartwarming, satisfying, engaging, western romance that’s brimming with hope, heat, and heartache.

Heat Factor: It’s not like a bell pepper but I certainly wouldn’t call it a ghost pepper either.
Character Chemistry: It’s a slow dance with some initial foot stomping.
Plot: Lorelei West and Reese St. James learn their respective siblings died in a car accident leaving behind a surprise baby. Together they have to figure out how to navigate both their new responsibility and their budding feelings for one another.
Overall: It’s a classic “poor woman saved by rich guy” type situation with a lot of curveballs.

Secret Baby?? Surprise parenthood?? Yes, this small-town contemporary western has both. When Lorelei West and Reese St. James lose their respective siblings in a car wreck, they’re both shocked to discover the two tragic love birds left behind a beautiful baby girl. Lorelei has very little to offer in terms of resources--she’s caring for her mother who has dementia with the help of her close friends, and manages a cafe in a small and somewhat dying town in New Mexico. Reese St. James seems to have it all as a wealthy rancher, but is lonely and hurting. Both are desperate to be part of their niece’s life.

As you can imagine, Lorelei is terrified Reese will swoop in and take the baby from her. (And sometimes, honestly, it felt like Lorelei was a bit ridiculous and I kind of felt like Reese would have been the more stable parent? But, whatever.) Trust between the two is a slow and grinding process, and there were more than a few times I got a little frustrated by Lorelei’s overblown pride and Reese’s bungling attempts to insert himself into their lives. Lorelei is somewhat emotionally crippled by something relatively minor that happened when she was very young, and it made her seem a bit...bitter and immature? Reese made more sense because he didn’t have a lot of experience with expressing himself emotionally and was used to handling things as a high-falutin’ oil man. So the big conflict was a little frustrating because I felt like Lorelei was sometimes a bit irrationally cruel and distrustful of Reese after they’d worked so hard to build a healthy relationship with such high stakes.

However!! I was absolutely delighted to see a small town represented so accurately. It was small and struggling but it was full of strong characters and traditions and I could see it so clearly in my mind. It was really well done, and the town had such a personality that any reservations I had about the characters being difficult were kind of washed away. I’d definitely read more of the series!


I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

Lorelei and Reese lose their younger siblings but gain a niece in the process of also getting their HEA. I was super excited it was an older late 30s lady for once but Lorelei was a little too prideful and set in her ways to communicate with Reese that it got in the way of the story and made me want to yell at her. I get the whole independent-poor-take care of yourself-bad first love but sometimes when you start to hate or yell at the character it takes away from the story- especially in romance. Reese is rich Texas oil/cattle boy but a sweetheart when it comes to the baby and really Lorelei. Loved the side characters and the little small town.

I really enjoyed Drake's writing and I read this as a standalone and not the others before it- so want to go back and read her other books.

Overall, 3 stars and 3 steam

Thanks to Forever for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This enemies to lovers romance was really unique, with it centering around grief, and the raising of a child. The way that these two ended up overcoming their anger, and coming into being a couple was really sweet. The support system of the small town of Unforgiven is amazing. I always love small town romances for that reason. This one really was sweet, and I would recommend checking out the previous book in the series also. (The first book had a trope that wasn't my favorite.)