This was a surprisingly good read. I enjoyed the overall premise, the characters and the overall feel of the story. Even the Chishom trail reenactment was interesting, especially with all the sparks going off between Dewar and Haley.

Veena’s review of Cowboy Seeks Bride (Spikes and Spurs, Book 7) by Carolyn Brown
Contemporary Western Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 06 Aug 13

Cowboys and Westerns are not my usual cup of tea, but I am so glad that I made an exception for this delightful story. Starting from when city slicker Haley McKay steps into horseshit as she sets out to mount her horse and prove to these skeptical male chauvinistic cowboys that she can take one for the sisterhood, the author sucks you in and makes you a part of the story.

Haley’s been conned into being part of the cattle drive that’s going to be the basis of her new reality show. She’s a researcher and until the last minute she keeps waiting for someone to jump up and cry “April Fool’s!” But the joke’s on her, and if she wants her reality show she’s going to have to mount up and head out.

Dewar is the trail boss. He has decreed that no women are to be allowed on this all-male bonding trip. Imagine his surprise when Haley shows up instead of the man he’s been expecting from the TV station. He’s pretty sure, though, that she’s going to run off screaming as soon as the trappings of civilization are left behind, but, in fact, he’s forced from reluctant admiration to fan and not to speak of love when she not only grins and bears it at the start but actually thrives on the trail and wins over the entire group. The rough cowboy actually has a very romantic heart, and it is very sweet to see him find her flowers and see to her comfort covertly as their love and relationship blossoms.

I actually laughed aloud at the scenes with the donkey they bring in to protect the cattle from coyotes. I certainly added to my store of trivia, but the donkey’s behavior is darling as he becomes Haley’s pet and protector. And then the scenes with the cattle stampede out of town with underwear twined around their horns as prizes is just as hilarious.

I’m totally emotionally invested as the bonding and camaraderie between the group grows and they find themselves sharing inside secrets, especially Dewar’s cousin, who served as a sniper and is still dealing with the aftermath of his experiences.

This is Book 7 in an ongoing series. I have not read any of the earlier books, but it’s definitely won me over and now I have to go find the author’s back list to add to my growing pile of TBR.

Grade: A