This was my first book by Victoria James. It won't be my last. I'm a pushover for unrequited love...if there's a pathway to a happy ending. In this case there is, though it isn't a clear one by any means.

James's characters charmed me, intrigued me, and won my heart with their journey to love. I haven't read the earlier books in the series, though I plan to at my first opportunity. I never felt lost or confused by stepping into the series at book four and I thoroughly enjoyed Dean's and Hope's character paths. Having said that however, I get the impression from conversations within their group of mutual friends that perhaps their story arc has played out in the background during those first three books which leaves me with the feeling that, had I read the books in order, my emotional attachment to them would have been even deeper. I guess that's a long way of saying this book stands on its own but might possibly be even better if read in series order.

There are a lot of complicated feelings at play in this book, giving it layers that make the reading experience richer and more complex. The author weaves everything together in such a way that gives the story a realistic, relatable vibe - as if it was happening to someone I know. I appreciate the time she took with Hope and Dean, giving them the space necessary to work through the byproducts of grief and guilt. I adored Hope's daughter, Sadie, wise beyond her years yet still imbued with the wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm of a young child. If I hadn't already been half in love with Dean, his relationship with young Sadie would have sealed the deal.

I also enjoyed how the author contrasted the dysfunction of Dean's family with the love and support of Hope's, clearly showing that money does not equal happiness and that the face families show to the world does not always equate to what's happening behind closed doors.

I don't know if Victoria James has plans to write a story for Dean's brother but I'd like to go on record as saying I'd love to read it. In the meaning, I'll be going back to the beginning to read the first three books in the Wishing River series. And adding Victoria James to my must-buy, western contemporary romance author list.

Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the cowboy hat, boots, and massive buckles don't do a thing for me...so why do I read what can be classified as Western Romances? Ah, well, if you already read them, than you're in the know, but if not, let me introduce you to the "hero type" represented in many of these stories. They are flawed, but genuine. They know how to treat a woman AND her family/friends. Their circle of friends may not be large, but those within it know they are there for them come heck or high water. There's nothing you could do to change their mind about you once they've seen your true heart, and that's not meant in a creepy stalker way, but in a he'll-be-there-however-you-need-him sort of way. They may be good looking, but they don't generally lord it over you, even if the opposite sex does take note. They live their lives in the moment while remembering the past and cherishing the future. Have I turned your head yet? Good, now let's get to THIS story...

Dean and Hope have been around each other since they were in school, but a hesitation to express teenage feelings and the chance to explore what they might have been went with the wind. He wasn't one to step in on someone else's "territory", so Dean stepped back, politely, and pursued his dreams with the singular focus of someone wanting to make their own way in the world despite their family history, so that one day they could take the reins of the family legacy from the dirty hands of the one currently in charge. Yes, there is family drama, on his side at least, and severely downplayed considering the pompous a**hat his father truly is, but he gets his comeuppance eventually, so have no fear even in the face of evil. *glares at Dean's father* Hope built her life with a husband and child, but was widowed too soon, and left with unanswered questions, heartache, and insecurities. Her arrival back in Wishing River was suppose to be a new start, but it holds its own challenges that if she doesn't get in front of them, might just mow her down. Okay, that was more to build suspense because Hope is one heck of a person. A loving mom, there for her friends, unwilling to take charity without giving something of herself back...you can see why she's held in such high esteem in her circle, and why a certain gorgeous doctor cowboy type man may hold the idea of her close to his heart...but there are secrets they both hold that could tear them apart even if they manage to get out of their own way.

I'm telling you this is one you don't want to miss! True, they are in their heads a wee much at times, but we all have to work through things before we make our move, it's called being human. I really loved both of their characters, as well as their friends, because they felt genuine. Their concerns were relateable, their dreams attainable, their potential for love reachable. There was a lot of "able" running around, including her little girl that is just so sweet! She actually helps with some of the adult problems because while they are stuck in their heads, she's reaching with her heart, and her genuine honesty helps them see the way. A great add to the series, which, as noted above, can be read as stand alone titles, and the perfect way to kick off your new year of reading!

Mail Order Cowboy was emotional and sweet and I liked Hope and Dean together quite a bit. They had a nice connection and the relationship development between them felt natural.

I always enjoy Victoria James' books, and Mail Order Cowboy was another great read. This series keeps getting better with each book. I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

This book is all about The Feels and it will give you plenty of them. Hope and Dean were easy to like and root for. For the most part, I thought the book read fairly easily, although there are a few times when I felt that things got bogged down a little. The romance is sweet and the emotions deep and intense as this engaging story unfolds.

Hope Roberts, along with her daughter, Sadie have moved to a ranch her husband inherited. She knows she needs help and when no one responds to her help wanted ad, she knows she’s in trouble. She is trying to get their home livable and keep her business up and running. She has no time or the know how to fix the ranch as well. The only response she gets from the ad is Dr. Dean Stanton. He was Hope’s husbands doctor before he died and she blames him for her husband’s death. Hang on tight readers!! MAIL ORDER COWBOY is such a crazy ride.

MAIL ORDER COWBOY is the fourth book in the Wishing River series. It can easily be read as a stand alone which is what I did. I wasn’t lost with the story at all. Hope is really struggling with having Dean help her out on the ranch. She knows he is being pulled in every direction and walks around exhausted most of the time. Plus he is keeping a secret from Hope and it is weighing heavily on him. I have never read Victoria James before, but I sure am glad I read MAIL ORDER COWBOY!

I usually am reading many books at one time but once I started MAIL ORDER COWBOY all other books were put aside. I found myself cheering for Hope at the same time as I was really sad for the struggles she was going through. I finished reading the very last page with a huge lump in my throat and a big smile on my face! I can not wait to read more by Victoria James. Once I started reading this very emotional and sweet story, I could not put it down. Be prepared to ignore everything else until you are done. All I wanted to do when I finished reading was to reach out and give Dr. Dean a big hug.😁

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a Clean Cowboy Romance, and this is the fourth book in the Wishing River series. I have not read the other books in this series, but this book can be read as a standalone. I really loved the characters in this book, and I loved getting together the characters in this book. The two main characters in this book stole my heart. The storyline pulled me right into it. I do think that there were some parts of this book that moved a little slower than I would like. I loved the ending of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Entangled: Amara) or author (Victoria James) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Mail Order Cowboy by Victoria James is a lovely cowboy romance. Hope Roberts has inherited a small ranch from her late husband’s grandparents. While she was thrilled to have this legacy for her daughter, she also recognized she had neither the time nor the expertise to bring it back from the edge of disaster and to run it. So, she did the obvious thing and ran an ad for a person to help. She had hired a young man who seemed to know what he was doing despite his age. Then, all of a sudden, he backed out of the job. Dr. Dean Stanton was nearby when he dropped this bomb, only to discover that he was going to to to work for his father, the senior Stanton, at double the wage. Unlikely he was worth that. Everywhere Hope turned something was going wrong and Dean recognized her father’s hand in all of it. So, he decided to go work for her himself, not that he had the time, but it was Hope. He had been in love with Hope for years, since before her husband had died. He couldn’t tell her that but he could help her.

Dean was a good guy, and a well-written character. He somehow had grown up to be a decent man, despite his father’s best efforts. He was a doctor, helped around his family’s ranch, and now had to fit in time to help Hope. He was generous, not to mention, handsome and very sexy. Hope was a hard-worker, a naturopathic physician. She had planned to go to medical school but had to stay home when her father fell ill. She is the ideal woman and still likable. This is definitely an evil father story with a fairly simple plot, which worked really well. James painted a picture, very detailed. Despite the fact the outcome was assured, she made the book interesting and warm. It told the story of a beautiful widow, an overworked doctor, an narcissitic man, and the reunion of estranged brothers. It was a heart-warming story. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Mail Order Cowboy by Entangled Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Netgalley #EntangledPublishing #VictoriaJames #MailOrderCowboy

Mail Order Cowboy is Victoria James’ fourth book in her Wishing River series. All of the books are standalone titles. I haven’t read all of them, yet I didn’t feel like I was missing any backstory at all.

I loved this story. I’m a characters girl, and there was so much to digest where the hero and heroine were concerned. Both of them had such complicated, hurtful pasts they had to overcome. Hope’s past was tragic, but Dean’s really tugged at my heartstrings. He was trying to be all things to everyone and drowning. I adored how they supported one another without being clingy or overbearing. But seriously… Dean was absolutely swoon-worthy! His dad, though. Not sure I’ve ever wanted to smack a character more.

If you enjoy small-town, emotional, contemporary romances with complex characters that pull at your heartstrings on almost every page, you’ll love this book.

A pleasant western romance about a widowed single mother who inherits a ranch and hopes to make a living for herself and her daughter, Sadie. Hope Roberts is a naturopathic doctor with a practice in Wishing River, Montana. She needs help for her ranch and places an ad for a “mail order cowboy”. When her “cowboy” arrives, it is to inform her that he has had a better offer and won’t be working for her. When Dean Stanton, local doctor and rancher, learns that his father is behind the loss of her worker, he volunteers to help with the ranch. Dean’s father has warned Hope to stay away from his son, but Dean has no plans to listen to his father, only staying on their ranch to please his beloved grandfather. As his father continues to meddle in Hope’s life, will Dean realize that he can no longer honor his grandfather’s wishes? Has Hope found the love of a man who will eat any kind of awful food she makes…because he loves her? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Victoria certainly knows what it takes to create a touching story. After reading the Boyfriend contract, Victoria got me hooked. And after Cowboy For Hire and Wishing For a Cowboy, I was a total fan.

And Mail Order Cowboy is no exception. Hope is a single mother, who inherited a ranch. Together with her daughter, she tries to stay afloat, which isn’t easy. It looks like someone is trying to get her to leave town. And pretty much the only one who can (and wants) to help her is the one she doesn’t want. Because Dr. Dean Stanton is the one who made her a widow in the first place.

All out of options, however, she grudgingly accepts his help, to fix her ranch. And while being together, she can’t help but admire and maybe, just maybe, be a little bit attracted to him. Dr. Dean has always had a little crush on Hope. But being married meant that she was off limits. With her husband now deceased, maybe he stands a chance. If only he can hide his secret from her.

But secrets always find a way to come out. Also Hope’s secret. And when they come out: will that be the end of the butting romance?

As always, Victoria shows us a story with many layers. Cute, wonderful and gripping. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A definite worth the read. This was a very enjoyable story and a very pleasant way to pass some time.

3.5 Stars

I really enjoy this series, and honestly, a Doctor/Cowboy trying to go after a single mom, be still my heart. The story was a bit long in places, I think the angst of these two characters could have been shortened a bit and we would have still enjoyed this story even more. Seriously disliked Dean's father. Overall great book, can't wait to read the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

A sweet small town, cowboy romance is what you will get in this romance from Victoria James. Victoria James' writing has an ease and conversational tone that lends well to this well paced romance. This is the fourth book in the Wishing River series and it can be read as a standalone, it is the first novel I have read by Victoria James and I found that I was easily drawn into this small town world she has created. Yes, I could see what characters I would have a deeper understanding of if I had read the previous books in the series but that did not draw from the enjoyment of the story. James' characters are well laid out and the chemistry and romance between the hero and heroine is gently plotted through out this "misunderstanding" to lovers, story.

This book over all was a really lovely introduction to Victoria James as an author for me. It is sweetly enjoyable. Her characters are likable and the situations feel like everyday ones that we all experience. The steam level in this romance is very low, no explicit moments, just some kissing. The romantic relationship between the hero and heroine was charming in many moments. The heroine is a single mother and it is really lovely seeing the hero fall for both the heroine and her daughter. The hero definitely falls first, which I adore. There are also some endearing caretaking scenes between the hero and the heroine's daughter and then the heroine and the hero which charmed me (I am a total sucker for a caretaking scene).

If you love a small town cowboy romance then you will enjoy this novel. James' writing feels very accessible and easy to read, her characters are fun and supportive, and you will be left with a smile on your face. I am glad I have given Victoria James a chance and I am looking to exploring other works by her in the future.

Another charming, heartfelt, small-town romance from Victoria James! If you enjoy handsome cowboys, sassy kids, and heroines with pride, then you’ll love the latest installment in the Wishing River series.

“If life could stay like this forever, if this moment with her could last forever, he’d never want anything more.“

An easy (but by no means simple) read, Mail Order Cowboy hits on some deep topics, including finding love after loss, forgiveness—when it can and should be applied—and creating boundaries. There’s a lot going on here that will tug at your heartstrings, while at the same time reminding you that love is the catalyst for decisions good and bad.

Hope and Dean have oodles of chemistry, and it’s impossible not to root for them to find a way to reconcile the past with the future they want…or are avoiding. Hope’s little girl, Sadie, is a shining light and her relationship with “Dr. Dean” is super cute. And the ending? Just as I hoped (and predicted) it would be.

For those new to the series, it’s easy enough to dive in here, though there are cameos from previous protagonists—and it’s great to catch up with them—so if you can read the earlier books, I highly recommend it. Otherwise, enough this sweet, chaste, and altogether lovely romance.

Mail Order Cowboy (Wishing River Book 4) is a lovely story, telling how Dr. Dean Stanton offered his services to help Hope Roberts, a young widow who recently accepted the inheritance of her late husband Brian, a dilapidated ranch outside of Wishing River that was bequeathed on behalf of Brian that Hope believes to actually be for their daughter, Sadie.

Dean has carried his guilt in his part for carrying the secret that Brian had refused further treatment when his cancer returned. However, his HIPPA oath prevents ever telling. What he can do is help Hope achieve this by making the property safe and able to sustain her family.

A naturopath by training, it would seem Hope and Dean are opposite sides of a coin. Is it true that opposites attract?

This is such a worthwhile story. Wonderful character development, a lovely setting, and a story for the ages. It also demonstrates bridging from a life lived with discrimination and despair versus one lived with life and love.

Once again, author Victoria James has brought questions, conflict, and conclusion for her readers. This is a lovely story of new beginnings. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it

Mail Order Cowboy by Victoria James is third in the series but reads well as a stand-alone. Hope and her nine-year old daughter inherit a ranch in Wishing River from her late husband’s family. Ranching is new to these two with plenty of work needing to be done to get it all up to speed. Dr. Dean Stanton is doctor and cowboy wanting to help. There is a history and hard feelings on Hope’s part. This story is Dean working to win her over with lots of drama, angst, and some major family struggles.

Sadie is a favorite character of mine from the book but there are so many others to like. While it is a romance, there is a “villain” in the story. He has no repentance or any conscious it seems. You can see whare this story will have to go for there to be a HEA for Dean and Hope but still reading how they got there was certainly kept my attention. Forgiveness, self-confidence, believing in love are all theme in this story along with life can be difficult, unfair even but keep on keeping on.

While there are places to smile there are many places for a tissue because of the despondency in this story. Still the ending is wonderful indeed., nothing but smiles all around.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a sweet story about love family and forgiveness. The journey we are on can have many trials and it is the love of friends and family that see us through. Dean is a doctor from a wealthy family that has a secret about his patient Brian he has kept for years. Hope lost her husband Brian to cancer and Dean was his doctor. Hope is struggling to make ends meet with her daughter Sadie. Will Dean ever tell Hope the truth about Brian? Will Hope allow her self to live again?
Thank you Netgalley for complimentary copy.

Review: 3.5 stars

Thank you Entangled Publishing, Riki Cleveland and Victoria James for e-arc in exchange of honest review.

This book reminds me of a Hallmark Love Story. Hope is a single mother with a kid that inherited a ranch from her dead husband’s grandparents hoping that luck has finally turned her side. Little did she know it was more work that it is. Dean is a doctor/cowboy who was in love with Hope for years and offered to help Hope with her ranch. See how they fall in love as they went through some life challenges.

It’s a sweet read and part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Past couples from part of the series played cameo roles in this book.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet contemporary cowboy read

Hope Ramsey is busying raising her daughter and running her own business. Dr. Dean Stanton is the town rich guy and also good guy.
They have been dancing around each other for years now. Hope inherits her deceased husbands grandparents ranch. Shee needs help fixing it up and hire a young cowboy, but Dean overhears him quitting for a better paying job at Dean's family ranch. He takes on the job of helping Hope with the ranch. As they finally grown closer his dad wants to interfere in the relationship. Also, Dean has been keeping secrets on Hopes husband's death from cancer.

Mail Order Cowboy by Victoria James, book three in her Wishing River series, is a heartwarming story about grief and grieving, but about kindness, forgiveness, the closeness of friends, the guilt and regret of keeping secrets that no one should have to bear, and lastly, it's about moving on. Hope Roberts lost her husband to cancer six years earlier and just inherited a broken down ranch from his grandparents. She's a naturopathic doctor, mom to 9-year-old Sadie, and has no clue about running a ranch. Dr. Dean Stanton has the perfect life on the outside; he is wealthy, a doctor, a successful rancher heir to a fortune, attractive, and charming. What others don't see is that he is slowly dying inside due to his relationship with his father; tense, and destructive making Dean feel lonely and unworthy. His narcissistic father forced Dean’s older brother Morgan, to leave the ranch because of their father’s unethical behavior and sleazy behavior with his sons’ girlfriends. Dean is miserable and has accepted the blame Hope has for his not discovering her husband Brian's cancer until it was too late to save him. As Dean spends time helping Hope with her ranch, both discover many things about each other. Hope and Dean have been through so much and their journey to healing will be a long one. Their time together working on the ranch is healing as they work through past hurts toward feelings of attraction and love. This story was written with heart and soul. I highly recommend Mail Order Cowboy by to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.