Looking for a Cowboy by Donna Grant is the 5th book in the Heart of Texas series and is a plot-driven romantic suspense page-turner. Right off the bat, I have to say that it was a hard subject to read about women being murdered and their babies being kidnapped. It wasn’t easy and I needed to compartmentalize it. The protagonist Marlee Frampton, has made it her life mission to find her niece and the latest case has led her to Clearview, Texas. Clearview is the home of Cooper Owens and the new woman in town intrigues him. When his friends are made suspects in a possible shady adoption, he gathers as much information he can get and decides she needs his support to make things right.

I really liked this story because the author has created a family with the men in Clearview and they are there for each other. Cooper Owens has true friends with the Easts and Harpers, and they’ve had each other’s backs time after time. Finding themselves in the thick of it again, they want to do what’s right. Cooper is helping Marlee but also can’t fight the attraction for this woman. Marlee also feels the same and wonders if he could be the one to bring her life some normalcy. However, this may be the right guy at the wrong time situation. Both realized when their lives were in danger, that life and love is more precious and they shouldn’t let it slip away. The mystery, the suspense and this close-knit family, made this a page turner for me and I had to figure out how it was all going to end. It is a story that can be read as a standalone and you can easily follow the story. Donna Grant is an author that writes different genres and does it well. I love this series and Looking for the Cowboy is one that can’t be missed.

Marlee is a P.I. who is on the lookout for a company who kills pregnant women and kidnaps the baby and her trail is leading her to Clearview. Cooper has his eyes on the newcomer and is less then thrilled to find out she had motives. When she reveals that she thinks someone close to him may have adopted a child from this certain company they work to find out of its true and try find and take down the company together.

There was so much to enjoy about this book. I thought it was interesting the path of life Marlee took. After what happened to her sister she did everything she can to find who might be behind the killing of her sister and kidnapping of her niece. She refused to back down which got her in less then ideal situations and now she's finally closing in on finding the company. Now theres Cooper a guy who might have ties or something and she used him for a moment to get closer to what she wants and now she's in for a different thing when the who clearly have an attraction. After everything is said and done they must decide what to do with connection they have, she's only passing though with this case. Another think I loved about this book was also getting the other side with a worker for this mama killing baby napping business and seeing how sinister he was. I just loved getting his perspective. This was a pretty great book and overall I enjoyed reading it.

This story has a little of everything, sweet romance, sexy overbearing and frustrating alpha males and a beautiful woman who has the right heart and spirit. Thoroughly enjoying and entertaining.

Not what I was expecting from Donna Grant. This is definitely much softer than her other genre based on dragons and a fantasy based world. I love cowboys and this type of read with rugged alpha men whose women are also not doormats. Definitely will give more like this from her a chance.

Uff, this storyline is made up of nightmares. It's gruesome but also a big part of our reality with human trafficking. This has to be one of the basest and cruelest forms. But Marlee and Cooper are lockjawed on discovering these beastly traffickers and they don't stop till they do. It is the worst when it happens to someone you know and even worse when someone you know is involved.

I received for an honest review from Netgalley

I just couldn’t put it down I couldn’t turn page fast enough I loved the characters the whole story was just so perfect it’s a must read

An edge of your seat, emotionally thrilling, action packed journey filled with witty and engaging charters, intriguing twists and heart racing turns. Was a highly entertaining and riveting adventure from beginning to end and so hard to put down.

I was excited to read this one as I love a cowboy contemporary romance. I saw it had high ratings and that made me even more excited. As soon as I started reading it and realized that it really was more of a romantic suspense, I was hooked!

Right up until the romance part of the story started. The relationship between Marlee and Cooper was just, meh. It was lust at first sight, they think each other is mutually hot and go on a date and end up back in bed, which is fine. I have no problem with that. The issue was that there was no chemistry between them. Nada, zip, zilch! I was so bored by the 'relationship' and 48 hours later they were talking about love... I clocked out. I did keep reading only because the suspense part of the book was really great. That is what hooked me right from the get go and it was so well done.

Overall, I did end up skimming the last 20% as you are told who the bad guys are so there is no big reveal. It was still very interesting. I will definitely try more books from this author as the characters, writing and plot were great. It was just that the romance in this book was sadly lacking.

Do not be deceived by the cover. There is some crime involved. 
The book itself was well written, and engrossing. Crime, romance and cowboys, what more does it need to keep the reader hooked! 
Nonetheless, a well and riveting read.

Cooper and Marlee have no idea how they can manage what has happened in their world and how to try and fix/repair themselves from the horrible crimes committed!  I read a netgalley copy and freely leave my review!

Looking for a Cowboy was an amazing read with a suspenseful plot and an excellent romance.

Cooper Owens is intrigued by the beautiful stranger that comes to Clearview, but when she starts accusing his friends of being involved in an illegal adoption he's determined to find out what really happened. P.I. Marlee Frampton has made it her life's mission to find kidnapped children after her twin sister was murdered and her baby stolen. When her recent case points to the Harpers, she comes to Clearwater where she meets Cooper. Working together to find the persons behind the kidnapping ring, their attraction quickly grows.

Cooper and Marlee's romance somewhat follows the love at first sight trope, particularly on Cooper's end. It's a trope I enjoy when done well which was the case here. The chemistry between the pair is fantastic and the steamy scenes are well done. Initially Marlee has a hard time accepting that their relationship could go anywhere as the nature of her work keeps her on the move. I liked how the two worked through that and the solution they ultimately came up with is a good one. The pair work well together on the baby kidnapping ring investigation and I liked that even though Marlee initially accused Cooper's friends of being involved, no one held her doing her job against her. The plot was interesting and overall I liked the way it was resolved.

Looking for a Cowboy is the fifth book in the series, but it functions well as a standalone. The plot in the book is self contained although it does bring in characters from the first four books. So while you would have a better understanding of who everyone is if you've read the other books, it's not required. I did really enjoy getting to see past couples again as that's one reason I generally enjoy series like this that have recurring characters. I love getting to see characters get their happily ever afters and it's even better when we get to see them after they've found it.

Overall Looking for a Cowboy was a great read and I'm looking forward to finally getting Jace's romance in A Cowboy Kind of Love next year. I definitely recommend this series if you're looking for contemporary romance with some suspense.

Looking for a Cowboy is the fifth book in Donna Grant’s Heart of Texas series.  This series revolves around the East-Harper clan and their close circle of friends. In this edition, friend of the Harper boys, Cooper Owens, is at the forefront, but his friends, especially childhood friend Jace Wilder, have his back when trouble comes to town.

Former police officer and current PI Marlee Frampton has come to Broadview, Texas, following a lead to restore a kidnapped infant to his family. Since the murder of her twin sister, Macey, and the kidnapping of her niece, Marlee has devoted her life and created her business, to tracking down those that are involved with the murder of mothers and abduction of babies, sometimes cutting them from their mother”s womb, as happened to Macey.

Marlee’s lead shows that young, wealthy couple Brice and Naomi Harper may have just adopted an infant boy fitting the timeline of the missing child. As she always does, Marlee has researched the couple, their families, and their friends, but when Cooper Owens realizes this, Marlee comes forward and visits the couple who voluntarily test their new son to prove he is indeed theirs. Then the group, having learned the full story, band with Marlee to bring down this black market baby ring.

In a sometimes breath holding tale, the story follows Marlee, Cooper, and his best friend Jace as they pursue the villains.  However, they each are putting their lives at risk as they do so and struggle to survive to capture the villains.

In a romantic thriller that is reminiscent of the fast paced thrillers by Colleen Coble, Donna Grant has spun another mystery that will draw the reader into a world of close family/friends willing to do whatever necessary to protect all in the group, and that now includes Marlee. 

This is a well woven mystery with deeply developed relationships. Again, Ms. Grant has combined the two genres of romance and thriller to provide a multifaceted plot and well developed characters that will stick with the reader well after the book has been read. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

Enjoyable story that was full of action. It was not my favorite in the series, but still enjoyable. The characters were good and the plot interesting. The bad guys were unique and twisted in their type of crime. I liked watching everyone join forces to help the heroine solve the case (sort of) though I do wish there had been closure for her and her sister's death and niece’s abduction. Overall, cute, passionate, and good, but not my favorite in the series.

this latest entry into the heart of texas series is just as good as the ones that came before it. looking for a cowboy finds quintessential good guy cooper owens finding love with tough-as-nails private investigator marlee. there's a connection there from the moment they meet, but marlee's suspicious of cooper's friends, so until they resolve that bit of misunderstanding, they can't move forward. 
marlee's reasons for being suspicious are valid, but if she knew the harpers she'd know how off-base they were, because the family in these stories are just good, upstanding people. and once they realize what is going on and what she's looking to stop, they're all-in on helping her out. 

the suspense and mystery here all unfold at a great pace, and the romance that blooms between the two characters is well done. 

**looking for a cowboy will publish on october 27, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press in exchange for my honest review.

Looking for a Cowboy by Donna Grant is the fifth in the Heart of Texas series. The book description does say that the main character's sister was murdered for her unborn child, but what it does not mention is that the entire rest of the book is non-stop talking about kidnapping, murder, the actual cutting of the babies from their mother's wombs, and illegal adoptions. I really enjoy the characters of this series, they are all good people, but the storyline of this book was just a bit much. That said, I will take a look at the next book in the series because I did enjoy books three and four.

A Sweet romance from an author who knows how to tell a story. Grant never fails to deliver characters her readers will fall in love with.

Looking for a Cowboy is the fifth book in the Heart of Texas series by Donna Grant, but can be enjoyed on its own as well. I have not read the previous books, and was able to still fully enjoy the read. 

A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered—and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister, and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth—and keep her safe in his arms.

Looking for a Cowboy is a book that starts of dark, and I was not quite ready for it, even though it is spelled out in the teaser. I did like the strength and complexity of Marlee's character, and could relate to her taking on everything herself and having trouble accepting (never mind asking for) help. Cooper is a good blend of fun and strength, and I liked his character a great deal, if not a little too perfect.I liked the pair together, and thought they made a good team. I did think that Marlee had a few moments where she was just too close and made some foolish decisions- but I cannot say that I would do any better. I liked that readers got to see inside the heads of the bad guys too, bringing home the idea that those others see as evil rarely see themselves as such. I liked the secondary characters, which returning readers are likely to recognize and be glad to see more of. Honestly the only real problem I had with the book was some lack of discussion surrounding protection for sex. They can talk about murder and kidnapping, but not the fact that no one has a condom and they just go forward because pulling out is so safe? I have gotten used to such great discussions about sex by characters in romance that it just bothered me a great deal that part of it was missing here.

Looking for a Cowboy is a good romantic suspense book. I think fans of the series will find it a must read.

A lone woman pursues evil down a dark path and her latest evidence seems to lead her to a small Texas town where a helpful cowboy and his crowd of friends are ready to back her investigation and keep the danger off her back as she draws closer. This series drew me in from the beginning and I eagerly await each new installment. This one broke my heart and put it back together.

Looking for a Cowboy is the fifth of the Heart of Texas series that can be read out of order in a pinch, but they tie together through the enlarged cast of characters and the new reader really does want to start from the beginning.

Former police officer turned private investigator, Marlee Frampton, specializes in shutting down shady adoption agencies and child traffickers in her quest to find her murdered twin's missing baby. She's tough and ready to take on anyone. She gets word that an illegal adoption just happened in Clearview, TX and it will further her niece's case. When she arrives, she tries to play a lone hand, but she's a stranger in a small town and a helpful cowboy that has her distracted from her pursuit for once hears her out, after she angers him with accusations against his friends, and stuns her with his help.

Cooper Owens finds red-headed Marlee, one attractive woman even if she just accused his friends of illegally adopting their baby. She shares the reason for her investigation and the horror and pain these special brand of evil are causing and he is all in. Marlee has deadly danger nipping at her heels, but she won't give up and he and his friends are ready to back her all the way.

Looking for a Cowboy introduces a heinous crime. Murder is always a terrible thing, but killing a mother and taking her unborn baby for child trafficking and selling to desperate people wanting a baby just guts me. I think I was struck by this to the point I was distracted from the suspense and the romance, both. That is to say, it was another solid, engaging romantic suspense in a fabulous series. I am so glad to get Cooper's story and to pair him with a tough investigator like Marlee was even better. I love how they handled their conflict like adults and they talked straight. So refreshing. They were instantly into each other and the attraction was sizzling, but they were in the middle of something big so the romance sort of marched along at the side of the suspense.

The story can standalone, but I was supremely happy to see all the guys and the Harper's extended clan get in on this one. Marlee had some great backup as she took on the baddies. It was exciting and I was flipping pages fast especially through the climax and ending.

I'm still shell-shocked by this book and there are definitely trigger warnings for those who are sensitive to such crimes against children and adoption, but this was a gem of a romantic suspense that exceeded my pre-reading excitement. Those who love the idea of combining sizzling cowboy romance with a strong suspense element need to give this series a go.

Looking for a Cowboy really clicked for me. I like the strong family ties and close friend relationships and small-town setting. Marlee is driven to find the ones who murdered her twin sister and stole her infant niece 10 years ago. Cooper doesn't really need to work thanks to his mom's good investment strategies but steps up to help his family of friends whenever he sees a need. When these two meet it's under stressful circumstances, but they are instantly attracted to each other's strong character and dedication. This story has so many twists and turns in solving the current situation Marlee is involved in and makes for a page-turning read that kept me up most of the night.

A horrific crime starts off the story. Then the book kind of settles back and we get to know Marlee and Cooper. I liked Marlee, and the author did a good job of establishing what drives her. I felt like the chemistry was good between them. There was a little deja vu for me as I read parts of the story, like it was modeled after something is read before, but I never could place what it was. I found the book riveting, though. It’s well worth the reader’s time spent in reading it.