Gah! I have adored Pine for years and I adored the fact that this book was about an older woman with a younger man! What may have started out as a quick fling turns into so much more! Pine touches on great topics throughout the book and I adored everything about Jenna and Colt together. I mean, who doesn't want a cowboy!?!

I was NOT expecting this story AT ALL!!

After reading the previous books in the series, I was looking forward to reading Colt’s story. For some reason I had assumed he was a quiet, serious guy. So of course, I was happily surprised to learn that he was so much more than what I’d assumed he’d be. I loved him! Charming and sexy with a hidden vulnerability that surprised me, Colt was an amazing character to get to know. Like Colt, Jenna was also a great character to get to know. She was smart, funny and outgoing. She knew what she wanted and although hesitant to go for it, she put her doubts aside and asked for what she wanted.

And boy, what a ride that was!

Jenna and Colt together was a treat to read. Their attraction to each another was instantaneous and their connection hard to miss. Neither one was looking for love but both yearned to find it someday.

I enjoyed the way the author went about bringing these two together. The flirty banter and bickering made this a fun read, while the candid moments and inner musings brought forth a great range of emotions. It was in between these moments that Colt and Jenna’s connection continued to grow and where their chemistry stood out. I loved it! 🥰

Once again, I enjoyed visiting with Meadow Valley and it’s residents. I can’t wait to see which of the newly mentioned character will be starring in the next book in the series.

All in all, a fantastic addition to the series and a steamy, fun read.

3.5 Stars
I don't know if this was a mood issue for me but this book was a little too insta-love for me. I liked both Jenna and Colt and felt bad for the conflict they faced after their feelings were already so strong for each other. I didn't like that Colt was sort of made out to be the bad guy for his reaction to Jenna's revelation about herself and their future. I think his reaction was a valid reaction to a bad situation and what mattered is what he did afterwards.
I would still recommend this book to readers because I really enjoy A.J. Pine's writing and the story wasn't bad but this was just an okay read for me.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review.

A.J. Pine out doing herself with Aunt Jenna's story or Colt's however you want to look at it. The bringing together of these two storylines are shear perfection A total must read. Tissues are required.

4.5 stars

I loved finally getting Jenna's story!! I also loved the plus side that this story linked both the Meadow Valley series and the Crossroads Ranch series. After knowing Jenna from the Crossroads series and knowing that she took care of her nephews when she still very young herself, you are definitely rooting for her and want her to get her happy ending. Now, I'm saying all this, but you definitely don't have to have read the Crossroads series to fall in love with these characters and this book (though you definitely want to).

Jenna is a little bit older and not looking to fall in love, definitely not with a younger man. But, she allows herself to get caught up in Colt and in this town. I absolutely adore Meadow Valley and all the people in it. They're just so nice and welcoming and definitely made Jenna feel at home.

Jenna and Colt's relationship was sweet and fun, but also had some incredibly serious and tough moments. I loved that even though they thought they started off as just this fun thing, and later ended up thinking something real could never work out, they ended up finding some common ground and common goals. Neither one of them had to give up or sacrifice in order for them to achieve their HEA and I definitely loved that.

I’m over the moon to have finally gotten my hands on Jenna’s story!! I’ve been wanting her to have one since her nephew Jack’s book! And it was worth the wait! Colt was made for Jenna! So thank you AJ Pine:) Jenna is our older heroine who has a farm and a chicken that predict love! On Jenna’s 40th birthday she makes a wish on her candles...for her HEA. Her nephews give her a 2 week getaway to Meadow Valley as a gift. She decides to make a like of things she wants to do in those 2 weeks. Colt is our sexy cowboy hero who works and partly owns the Meadow Valley ranch/retreat. He’s in charge of picking up Jenna to give her a ride....but when he gets there’s he’s blown away by the beautiful woman who certainly could’ve be an aunt to adult males. Lol omg their meet cute! There’s so much attraction and chemistry between these two! I loved watching them fall in love. This book was super sweet with lots of emotions between Jenna and Colt. I was happy to see them overcome their hang ups quickly so they could have their HEA! Just a great read!

3.5 Stars - Super cute closed-door older heroine younger love interest. This book would have been a 5 star had it kept me interested - for some reason, I found myself distracted.

Thank you Forever Pub for an advanced copy for my sassy review!

I had not read the previous books in this series, so I quickly read them before reading "only a cowboy will do". I enjoyed the previous books and I enjoyed this one also.

Jenna is only 40 years old, but she has enough experience as being a mom to be much older. She had to raise her three nephews after their parents suddenly died. In appreciation for her putting her own life on hold, the nephews gave Jenna a two week stay at a friend's ranch in Northern California for her birthday. One of the ranchers, Colt, happened to be in town and has offered to drive Jenna up to the ranch.

Jenna & Colt hit it off immediately. They have a lot of funny experiences happen to them on the 5-6 hour drive north and they both took it in stride. Once they reached the ranch, Jenna decides to tell Colt about the list she made to feel like she is living and not missing out on anything - one of those items happens to be to have a fling with someone. Colt volunteers, but both begin to seriously fall for the other, but they don't want to admit it since that isn't part of the deal.

This is a cute story that I really enjoyed. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

Only a Cowboy Will Do is the latest work by author A. J. Pine. Jenna Owens has just celebrated her 40th birthday with the nephews she has raised since their early teens and their families surrounding her with love and gratitude. As a special gift to Jenna, her boys have given her a two week stay at Meadow Valley Guest Ranch in Meadow Valley, California. Transportation has been arranged by her nephews for the 6 or so hours of travel. Colt Morgan, one of the owners of the ranch, has been visiting his sister in town and they have arranged for him to pick her up and transport her to the Guest Ranch with a puddle jumper flight home.

Since there is such a long trip ahead, Jenna suggests taking a more scenic route than the major highways. Several hours from their destination they encounter drenching storms and a flat tire that lands them at the home of Maggie and Robert, a small farm along the way. It is this evening that draws 40 year old Jenna and 30 year old Colt together.

Through the days ahead Jenna and Colt share histories and feelings, but where will these feelings lead? With jumbled emotions and mixed feelings, Jenna and Colt negotiate a tenuous beginning to what just might be a wonderful relationship! However, both Jenna and Colt carry an assortment of baggage with them that may just preclude a future for them.

This is a delightful book from A. J. Pine. The characters are engaging, the setting enticing, and the story enchanting. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO is the third instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult MEADOW VALLEY romance series. This is thirty year old,rancher Colt Morgan, and forty year old farmer Jenna Owens’ story line. ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Colt and Jenna) ONLY A COWBOY WILL follows Jenna on a two-week vacation to Meadow Valley, California, a vacation gifted from the nephews she raised as her own. Hitching a ride with rancher Colt Morgan, our couple never expected to be caught in a rain storm, having to spend the night together with another couple. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Colt and Jenna, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close.

Jenna Owens doesn’t date younger men. Having raised her three nephews after the death of their parents, Jenna has spent most of her time living on the farm, tending to the animals, and the nephews she loves but a two week vacation in Meadow Valley, California finds our heroine writing a ‘bucket list’ of things to do, a list Colt Morgan is more than willing to help her complete. Colt Morgan doesn’t do relationships having been burned in the past but something about Jenna draws Colt like a moth to a flame, and our hero is about to get burned when Jenna’s secrets are eventually revealed.

The relationship between Jenna and Colt is slow to develop as neither one is looking for anything permanent but Jenna’s bucket list includes a short term fling, and Colt is a willing participant until his heart is lost the our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are implied and fade to black.

We are reintroduced to Sam Callahan and Delaney Harper (My One and Only 2); Jenna’s nephews Jack, Luke and Walker Everett.

ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO is a story of family and relationships, secrets and acceptance; romance and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and charismatic.



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4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Cowboy to the Rescue (Meadow Valley)
My One and Only Cowboy (Meadow Valley, #1)
Make Mine a Cowboy (Meadow Valley, #2)

This is Jenna and Colt’s story. She is looking for a forever love but since a storm has her chancing her plans. She meets Colt and she is willing to have a little vacation fling after all he is younger, and it might be just what she needs right now. Colt is not looking for anything long term. He wanted a big family and his hopes were crushed when his fiancée didn’t want the same things. Now he is better off without her. He does not mine the fling and he wants Jenna but what happens when feeling come into the mix? Can they work on a future or will they both want things they can’t give each other?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

Just loved this reverse age gap, Jenna has just turned 40 after raising her nephews who now have families, they give her a trip up to their friends resort. Colt is to pick her up which leads them on a trip from hell but also starts the sparks Jenna wants to have a vacation fling for her vacation wish list- but it turns serious fast. I really enjoyed the whole multiple ways to have a family aspect at the end.

This was one of those that the flow, all of the characters worked perfect, wonderful storyline, and a little unique plot. I read this in one setting- I just couldn't get enough of it! I'm really loving this setting and side characters! I hope the vet is next!


4 stars
3 steam

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

Jenna and Colt were the best! There were so many things that I loved about their story - the first time they met, their road trip, the candid photos, Jenna's love of ice cream, Colt helping her check off the items on her Happily-for-Now list, and the epilogue, which was the perfect ending.

I enjoy this series and happy that Jenna was finally given her HEA! Jenna altered her plans to care for her nephews. Now they are grown with children of their own and she's got a little empty nets syndrome. She's still young to pursue her dreams but not sure what they are any more.
She takes her gift and decides not to waste it. She starts immediately on her list with Colt. He's a smooth taking cowboy who didn't have the easiest childhood. He immediately recognizes that Jenna is a sweetheart and can't let her go after their 2 week fling.
The book is a bit redundant at times but I liked how these two were willing to reinvent themselves .
The ending was bittersweet and had me reaching for my box of tissues. We were given the sweetest ending I but I could have read more about this couple!

This book deserves 5+ stars. Such a feel good,happy book and I know we could all use a make me feel good book right about now!
In ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO Jenna Ownes thinks she should have her life figured out after all she just added 40 candles to her last birthday cake, her life should be in order.
She's finished raising her nephews, 3 handsome, responsible young men starting their own families now.
Time for her to let loose a bit now, be uninhabited.
She's done her duty now she wants a little relaxation at a quaint California ranch.
She's looking for a 2 week vacation fling, no strings or commitments attached.
Try telling that to her heart though when she meets, TOO HOT FOR HIS OWN GOOD, Colt Morgan owner of the ranch she is planning on staying at.
"I don't date younger men" her brain says, her heart hasn't gotten the message though.
In Only A Cowboy will Do ,Jenna's past seems to be rearing it's ugly head just when there is the possibility of a real romance starting. Will Colt Morgan be able to see past all this to the woman he has come to love?
Thumbs up, I really enjoyed this book! Now I need to read more by this new to me author!

Pub Date 30 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

When Jenna Owens if gifted a two week vacation at Meadow Valley Ranch for her big four-oh she decides to embrace her first vacation in...forever, vowing to make this vacation one for the books. Colt Morgan, partial owner of the ranch, is in town visiting his sister, so he agrees to drive the mysterious Aunt Jenna and her psychic chicken (yup - you heard that right!) back up for the start of her vacation. What he doesn't expect is that Aunt Jenna will be young, vibrant, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Colt's love life has been on the back burner since his ex stomped on his heart six years prior. Jenna has similarly been gun shy since the horrible ending of her last relationship.

Jenna and Colt are so...amazing. These two are like puzzle pieces that fit together in all of the right ways. They have both lost family members far too early in life, and they are both so caring, compassionate and selfless in their generosity to others. Throw in some crazy funny interactions - the humor in this book had me laughing out loud. I absolutely loved how each of them put themselves out there. And like the citizens of Meadow Valley, I want a friend like Jenna too! She's the friend you didn't know you needed, but is absolutely irreplaceable.

While there are obstacles placed in their path, there is no way you can read Jenna and Colt's story and not wish for these two to have the HEA they so deserve. I couldn't get enough of this story. and I know you will feel the same!

Only a Cowboy Will Do is the third book in the Meadow Valley series. This heartwarming story is warm, witty and romantic. Jenna and Colt were a wonderful couple with great chemistry. I love all three books in this series but, I believe that this one is my favorite.

This book. I can barely think of words that would do it justice.

I’ve been hoping for Jenna’s HEA ever since meeting her in the first Crossroads Ranch story and this book did not disappoint. She deserves all the happiness in the world and while there were some angsty bumps in the road to get there, this ending left the biggest smile on my face.

Colt was everything and I can’t think of anyone better for him than Jenna Owens. I really didn’t want this book to end but I am hoping that the residents of Meadow Valley are in for their own HEAs!!

There are times when I can articulate a review rather quickly after finishing a book, and there are times when I need to let the words percolate before I can write them down. In the case of A.J. Pine’s Only a Cowboy Will Do, it could’ve gone either way.

My first reaction after closing this book was giddy excitement and all the feel good feels. That review would’ve been a pretty mess of fangirl happiness over a book that melded two wonderful series with one happily ever after. Not bad, not at all, but perhaps a wee bit over the top.

My hope is, by having given myself time to let Colt and Jenna’s story settle, I’ll be able to say it with more gravity. So here goes: Only a Cowboy Will Do is a charming romance, with so much heart—and a deep vein of emotion—that, days later, I find myself still thinking about, and smiling over, it.

The story is deceptively simple: Jenna, having just turned 40, is finally “free” after raising her not-so-much-younger nephews after the death of their mother and the heartbreaking change that it wrought in their father. She doesn’t regret her sacrifice—it clear that her delight in the three men finding love and family is genuine—but she does feel that she’s missed a part of life. A part that she’d like to try to rediscover during the two-week vacation those same nephews gifted her for the big 4-0.

And that’s where Colt comes in. He’s an acquaintance of her nephews, a partial owner in the ranch where she’s to stay, and her ride from Oak Bluff to Meadow Valley. Oh, and he’s several years younger than Jenna—and if that sounds like an afterthought, then that’s okay. Although a part of their journey to HEA, it’s handled with little fanfare, because why should it matter, when love is in the air? Their meet-cute is exactly that—Colt is expecting a much older (read: elderly) woman and his surprise at meeting her is smile-inducing. There’s a psychic chicken, some ill-fated cookies, one definite trap of a question, and a whole truckload of chemistry.

From there, the book only gets better and better. Jenna and Colt both have their reasons for wanting to keep their “fling” on a timer, but it’s obvious to anyone watching—err, make that reading—that these two are fated. At every turn, their connection feels genuine, palpable, and all I wanted to do was make it jump off the page and into my real life. (With me as Jenna, if I’m being painfully honest.)

Since I couldn’t do that, I did the next best thing. I straight up, flat out enjoyed the hell out of it. Even knowing what potentially lay ahead couldn’t stop me from becoming invested in them. From the clear message that family is what you make it, to the idea that it’s never too late to find something special, and all the swoony, sweet, and shattering moments in between, Only a Cowboy Will Do has all the qualities I long for when I crack open a book—and all the ones that lead to giddy excitement and all the feel good feels.

Jenna and Colt’s story was enjoyable. There definitely was a curveball thrown in there that I wasn’t expecting. But after that, I had a good idea where the story was leading. No surprise in the end.
I’m not a huge fan of older woman, younger man. There’s always a stigma there and it always seems to be a bone of contention by either main character or the people around them. Plus, I like a story with surprise babies and you know you won’t get that with an older woman.
Overall, though I enjoyed it and it was well written. I’d still give it 5 stars for this reason.