What a perfect book! All the feels!
Wishing for a Cowboy is the third book in the Wishing River series by Victoria James. I have not yet read the two previous but am definitely looking forward to it. From the first pages I was engaged and distraught each time life got in the way causing me to put the book down. I was fully immersed in the storyline and could not wait to see how things turned out for Will, Janie & Aiden. I felt there was a lot of real-life issues that the author did a fabulous job with writing into the story. Often we read stories with similar premises and predictably know how it will turn out. While I had made my inferences, there were a few emotional surprises along the way. This book had a lot of different feels. From Will and Aiden understandably and Janie as well. All three of these characters had so much taken away from them.

Janie comes to Montana with her nephew Will in hopes to gain financial help from WIll's father. Once she arrives and states her reason for being there, the book understandably takes on a serious tone. My thoughts? I was angry from the injustices that Janie's sister brought to them all and took no responsibility for. I won't go into any details but I will say that the author did a great job with realistically putting these three hearts back together.

If you are looking for an emotional story, set in the backdrop of Montana that is well written and engaging, I highly recommend Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James.

While I received a review copy from NetGalley, this is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

“Victoria James, a New York bestseller of contemporary romance, is a new author for me. This 3rd book of the Wishing River series, is an easy read with a heart wrenching story of loss, abuse and finding love. Although a little drawn out, I would return to Wishing River to read the previous 2 books.
Janie Adams has been mum to her nephew Will from the day he was born, it’s never been a sacrifice, but now she needs help from Aiden Rivers, there’s one big problem-Aiden has no idea that he has a 15 year old son!
Janie, Will and Aiden struggle to open up and trust each other, they have disappointments to overcome if their dreams are ever going to come true.

Janie’s sister Maxi has never admitted the truth to Will, Janie or Aiden. When she returns to claim what she believes is hers, it seems that moving forward will be impossible! Support from friends help to open up the possibility of a future together!”

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own’.

Wishing for a Cowboy is the latest book in Victoria James’ Wishing River Series. Janie Adams and her nephew/ward arrive in Wishing River late in the evening, arriving at Rivers’ Saloon after closing time. With only one vehicle in the parking lot, presumably the owner’s, Janie musters all her gumption and heads inside to deliver the message she has traveled 10 hours to relay. Janie has fallen on financial hard times. Trying to raise her nephew, keep a roof over their heads, and complete her own education has buried Janie in debt.

In order to keep moving forward, Janie needs help, which has brought her to Wishing River to request help from Will’s biological father, Aiden Rivers. Janie has been told by her sister, Maxi, that Aiden wanted nothing to do with her once she told him she was pregnant. Maxi was very ill as a youngster, which has now set her up to be a selfish, entitled person who thinks only of what she wants. Because of Maxi’s ineptitude, Janie became Will’s legal guardian when she was only 18.

When Janie reveals her purpose and Will, a mirror image of a young Aiden, walks in, Janie finally learns the falsehood of her sister’s story. Although totally blindsided, Aiden steps up immediately, offering shelter and demonstrating that he wants to accept responsibility in whatever form that may take.

In a deep conversation with Will, Aiden learns that Janie is deep in educational debt. He makes it go away as he feels he owes Janie so much more. As their friendship evolves, even deeper feelings develop, until Maxi appears in all her beauty with the expectation that since she is there the world will fall at her feet.

This is a wonderfully told tale of what true love and acceptance encompasses. If Janie can just learn to believe in herself; if Aiden can just learn he is worthy, and if Will can adapt to a new life, perhaps all the past mistakes can be turned into stepping stones to a better future. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!

Wishing for a Cowboy!

Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James is the third book in the Wishing River Series. It was another wonderful story by this author!

Janie was always put down as she was growing up. Her mother told her she was not attractive and she needed to take care of her “special” sister. In hindsight, this made Janie the smart woman she is with the ability and drive to achieve her dreams. However, when she was a young teen, her sister had a baby, and Janie saw the need to step in and become the boy’s guardian, but more, his unofficial mother. Now, Janie is over extended and needs help financially. Her sister tells her to go see the boy’s father and ask for financial help from him. However, Aiden doesn’t even know he was a father, and now, he wants the opportunity to get to learn about his son. They soon discover, Janie’s sister lied to them all, leading Janie and her nephew Will to believe Aiden didn’t want a baby and left her when he found out she was pregnant. After working through the lies and mistrust, Janie, Will and Aiden find their groove. And Aiden and Janie discover they are made for each other! Now, they just need to figure out how to be a family with the strange dynamics.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

I really liked the story and the characters, I couldn't put it down, so I had to read it in one sitting.

From the beginning I was drawn in by both characters. Believable from the start, both of them had their own individual motivations and hopes and dreams that seemed incompatible at first, but as they got to know one another and helped one another, it was clear that they were able to blend and change their expectations into something full of happiness and a forever both deserved but hadn't yet felt they were worthy of. This was a really nice story that I was surprised to find I enjoyed as much as I did. I kind of thought it would be simple, predictable, and a good way to spend a couple hours, but it was more than that with complex individuals, internal angst, a dramatic individual that threw wrenches in nearly everyone's plans, and a sweet ending that fit the characters and the story itself.

One of those romances that you just can’t stop reading!
I must confess that I like my romance steamy but sometimes I like to give my libido a rest and read a really beautiful and well-written love story. This is it! In this book two deserving, intelligent and strong people find each other. It is not angst-free however. Once you read what terrible things Aiden’s father used to spew and how Janie’s mother spoke to her while giving Maxi anything she wanted…Well, there may be some gritting of teeth. Just saying. And then there’s Maxi, Will’s biological mother. Reading about her is bad enough but when you get to “meet” her in the book, you will detest her.
Janie Adams has found Will’s father and Janie and her nephew are on their way to meet him in hopes he can help them. She is financially in trouble. Asking for help is abhorrent to Janie, but she has no alternative. She’s never asked for a handout. What she didn’t expect is the man she meets. He isn’t at all like Maxi described him. He’s nice, open and handsome. Aiden feels an attraction the moment he sees Janie, but that’s before he finds out that she has brought his son, Will to meet him. The son that he never knew existed is now 15yo. Aiden is furious with Maxi and himself for the boy he used to be. There are so many beautifully written parts to this book, one of which is Aiden’s heart-to-heart with Will on the porch. If you don’t get teary eyed, check your pulse.
Loved this story. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled and NetGalley and it gets a minimum of 5 dreamy stars.

This sweet story is Book 3 in the "Wishing River" series and this book was such an enjoyable read with characters that were so well rounded and a storyline that was so well written that I ended up reading this book in one sitting!

I have mixed feelings on this book. First off, I love this author and have read many of her books, have loved them all, but I think this is the first one where I’m torn on how the characters were continually rehashing their negative pasts. I actually loved the premise of this story, Janie and Will end up on the doorstep of the unknowingly Aiden who has no idea he’s the father of a fifteen year old, the product of a failed relationship with Janie’s irresponsible sister Maxi. Your heart just goes out to all three of these people, all hoping for the best, but not knowing what to expect with this newfound news. I get that Aiden and Janie’s upbringing was negative, but it just seemed to continually drag the story down. What I really loved was the developing relationship between all three characters, very heartwarming, and the end of the story definitely makes up for the slow down in the middle of the book. Loved the setting of the story, loved the secondary characters, and really loved Morris.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

WISHING FOR A COWBOY by Victoria James was such a sweet romance. I loved the range in emotions brought to the page and how the author took the time to establish and develop Janie and Aiden’s connection. Both of them had their insecurities and issues and it was a treat to see how they slowly trusted one another enough to become what each of them needed.

All in all, a heartwarming, romantic story where two strangers find friendship, love and a place to belong.

Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
What a fun story and characters! Interesting twist with it not being the mom that shows up with a kid in tow. Fast paced, no graphic adult scenes.

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

This is a wonderful feel good story. There were times when I just wanted to pull both Aiden and Janie in for a hug. The story was beautifully written and the plot flowed nicely. It was written in my favorite dual POV format. That really helps me to connect and better understand the characters the way the author intended. While this is a part of a series and prior couples make multiple appearances, you don't have to read the prior stories to enjoy this.

Janie became guardian to her 4 year old nephew when she was just 18. She raised Will while working two jobs and going to going to school to become a veterinarian. She put Will in the car and drives from Chicago to Wishing River. She has held everything together but lately, she needs help. The bills have just gotten away from her. She decides to ask Will's birth father for some money to help them out.

Aiden is struck dumb when Janie shows up in his bar with the news of him being a father to a 15 year old son. He was never told of the boy's existence. Hurt and anger run through him while coming to grips with fatherhood. Aiden didn't have the best of fathers himself. In fact, he was both mentally and physically abused. What does he know about being a father? Can he overcome his painful past to be the right kind of father to his son? He is also developing feeling for the boy's aunt.

I just adored this sweet romance. There were no sexy scenes besides one when things started to get out of control but Aiden quickly called a halt to it.

If you love a haunted cowboy and a strong female, then I would highly recommend this to anyone. I would think that anyone over the age of 16 or 18 would enjoy this. I would suggest that a parent may want to have a say in the decision.

This was a really sweet read that was so easy to become absorbed in. Janie has been raising her nephew since she was little more than a child herself but when she finds herself needing help she tracks down the father she thought turned her back on his own child only to find out he never knew he existed, Aiden's life is turned upside down when Janie and his son walk into his bar but maybe his life needed to be flipped around. A ranch, some good friends, and people who are starting to form the kind of family they never dared to hope for made this book a lovely escape. I so enjoyed James' writing. There were times I worried she would take things too far with Janie's mean girl sister or Janie's feelings of inadequacy but she never did. I loved the bond between Janie and Will. It was my favorite part of this book. I so look forward to reading more from James.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review,

Victoria James has penned an emotional, poignant and uplifting contemporary romance readers will not be able to resist: Wishing for a Cowboy.

Janie Adams has dedicated the past fifteen years to being a single mom to her nephew. There is absolutely nothing that Janie won’t do for him, so when she discovers the identity of the boy’s father, the two of them travel across town to the small town of Wishing River, Montana to find him. When Janie tracks Aiden Rivers down she plans to give him a piece of her mind, but when she claps eyes on the ruggedly handsome cowboy who had abandoned his son, Janie is flabbergasted not just by the fact that he had no idea that he had ever fathered a child – but also by her immediate attraction to him.

Aiden cannot believe his eyes and ears when he discovers that for the past fifteen years he had a son nobody had told him about. He didn’t even know Janie’s sister was expecting his child, let alone that she had a sibling who has turned his life upside down whom he is desperate to get to know better. But romance is the last thing on his mind – he has fifteen years of parenting to make up and he vows to get to know his son and make up for all the years he had missed. Aiden never planned to be a father, but he plans to be the best dad he can possibly be to his son – and luckily for him Janie is by his side ready to help him ease himself into parenting.

As Janie and Aiden begin to get closer and closer, their feelings for one another deepen, but when the past rears its ugly head again, will they let old doubts come between them and destroy any hope they might have had of a future together or will their love find a way to thrive despite of all the obstacles standing in its way?

Victoria James’ Wishing for a Cowboy is a book that will warm readers’ hearts and even have them reaching for the tissues on a couple of occasions. A brilliantly told romantic tale about coming home, putting the past to rest and forgiveness, Wishing for a Cowboy is the story of a loyal, courageous and resourceful heroine and a sexy hero with a heart of gold readers will fall in love with.

An immensely enjoyable tale small town romance fans will love, Victoria James’ Wishing for a Cowboy is simply delightful.

I don’t remember reading any of Victoria James books before, but am glad I took the chance on this one. I have found another enjoyable author to read. My immediate impressions about this story, and this couple is one of quiet warmth. For me, the story of Janie, Will, and Aiden was like watching a tv show. It kept my interest but didn’t have a lot of drama. It was reading about how this family came together to be whole. Janie is Will’s aunt, but has raised him all of his life. His mother has not been in the picture, but the book starts with Will (who is now a teenager) and Janie finding out who Will’s father is and go to find him. He has no idea he has a son, but immediately feels the connection. Although I did like the story, I did not have any strong emotions for any of the characters. It was a sweet feel good book for me.

This is the third book in the series. It's such a heart felt story. One person's actions have changed lives forever, but the silver lining is it may lead a family to forever. This pulled out all the emotions. I loved Janie and Aiden. They both stole my heart along with Will. All three of them didn't have an easy road, but especially Janie and Aiden. Janie is super woman in my opinion for taking care of her nephew as if he was her own son. The sacrifices she made and dreams she put on hold to make sure she was there for Will shows you how much Janie deserves all the best in life. What was supposed to be a short trip to Wishing River turns into something so unexpectedly wonderful. Aiden is a stand up guy and he needs to learn he is not defined by his past. He is wonderful guy who steps up when life throws him a curve ball. I would so recommend this book. It's going to give the true meaning of family.

Wishing for A Cowboy by Victoria James is a terrific story about a young woman cleaning up her sister's mess and finding love at the same time. Janie Adams and her 15-year-old nephew, Will, have arrived in a bar, looking for a man named Aiden Rivers: Will's father, who he has never met. They are desperate. Janie is too far in debt to carry on. She needs help. However unlikely, she is looking for it her, in Aiden. He looks like what she had expected: a playboy, just as Maxi had said. He didn't act like a playboy, though. And his house: a cabin didn't look like a playboy's, either. He seems thrilled, though wary, about Will. They got a DNA test although it wasn't necessary. It was obvious who Will's father was. He asked her and Will to extend their stay. They did. Maxi, of course, was not cooperating, finally speaking to Aiden, but not to Janie. Janie got a temporary job in a vet's clinic; she was studying to be a vet. She made friends. All in just a couple of weeks. Then Maxi showed up.

Janie had had Will most of his life. Maxi was not great with responsibility. Their mother had spoiled her, Janie was not gorgeous, or so she's been told repeatedly, so she would have to be smart and get a good job. She loved Will and they had a fabulous relationship. Will saw things as they were and appreciated having Janie in his life. Aiden wanted to be his father. He hadn't known, all those years ago, and now that he did, he wanted it all. This is a scenario that seems all to real, with the way life is these days It was heart-wrenching to be inside Janie's head as she navigated losing Will and never being enough for Aiden, like Maxi had been. She loved her job as a vet's assistant and knew she would love being a vet, if she could figure out a way to finish school. This story was full of everyday problems, and everyday life. Even if a reader's situation is different, they could empathize. Isn't that what reading as all about? Good book.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Wishing for a Cowboy by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #wishingforacowboy

Wishing for a Cowboy is the third title in the Wishing River series – and this one is full of emotions, questions, assumptions, and figuring out the past in order to move forward to the future for two unlikely people and one teenager searching for answers. I was easily swept back into this world by Aiden’s and Janie’s romance. Discovering he had a son, a fifteen-year-old son will rock Aiden’s world. Learning that Will’s father wasn’t anything like she’d expected may change the course of Janie’s life. These three need to go beyond a past that is about to creep up on them once again – will they do that separately or as their own unique family.

There is so much that I want to say about Wishing for a Cowboy, yet without giving away major spoilers I can’t really go into the detail that this story deserves. Janie has raised her nephew, Will since she was a mere 18 years old and he was only around 4. The sacrifices she made for this sweet boy are realistic, and sometimes painful. She raised a good kid, but now hard times have hit and she needs to find Will’s biological father for financial support. What she discovered upon finding Aiden was that she and Aiden had been lied to by her sister, deeply lied to in ways that changed lives forever.

For Aiden, there was no denying the mini-me standing in front of him was his son… a son he had no clue existed for fifteen long years. How could Will’s mother have done that to them all? Now, Aiden has to work from ground zero in gaining Will and Janie’s trust, to help them as he learns about his son and about the minute details of parenting a teenager. Slowly they will build relationships from strangers to friends – and perhaps more. When the past comes back rearing its ugly head once again will this newly formed “family” be able to stand together or be torn apart once more… this time with Aiden knowing full well what he’s losing.

I absolutely loved Wishing for a Cowboy. It’s realistic where it needs to be, believable even relatable at times. Both Janie and Aiden are holding onto secrets that need to come out into the open for their relationship to thrive. Aiden and Janie are strong, stubborn people who haven’t had the easiest of lives yet together they work, they fit, and watching them come to that conclusion and act on it was a delightful journey. If you enjoy a romance that goes a bit beyond the happy ever afters into consequences of actions and how they enriched lives, then Wishing for a Cowboy would be a perfect fit for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Entangled Publishing 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.*

I beautiful story. Janie has been raising her nephew Will since she was 18 years old. One hears of the “dead beat dad”. Well Will mother is the “dead beat mom”, out of sight, out of mind as they say. Janie has been mom to Will, but jugging work, school and being there for Will has left her broke. As a last resort Janie drives 10 hours from Chicago to Wishing Rivers, to ask Will dad Aiden to help them out. The thing is Aiden didn’t know he is a father, Janie sister Maxi never said a word.
The story is about trust, forgiveness and love. Very well written. I can’t wait to read the next book.
 I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

4 stars
This had the premise of a woman telling her sister that the man who was the father of the niece would step up if ever they needed help in raising his son. Unfortunately, the sister lied left the son with the aunt and that aunt dug in and did the best she could while going to Vet school.

She finally goes to the dad to ask for assistance and bam...the lie comes out, he never was told he had a son.