This was an enjoyable quick read. I liked both stories. They were both very short though. I know they are novellas, but I still think they could have done with each of them having a few more characters. It really would have flushed out the stories more. Of the two I liked Miller slightly more. Not by much but hers worked better for me.

What I didn't like about Miller's, both really was that they felt a bit rushed. It took a bit for both of them to find or show the romance of their relationship, and I have to say that Miller's kind of jumped from meeting each other to love.

I did really like all four characters. They made their individual stories. Without them being so likable I'm not sure how I'd feel. I will say this book in perfect for those who don't have a ton of time to read but still want some to enjoy.

Small Town Hero
Two novellas with similar themes of small towns and HEA.

One Lonesome Cowboy 
By Kinda Lael Miller
Susannah drops everything for her sister and niece.  Now faced with dealing with the past, it's time to get to the bottom of the mental stressor that has been plaguing her sister since she was a teen. And making sure her niece Ellie is okay. 

Ian isn't looking for complications,  he's already dealing with the fallout from his divorce and missing his twin stepdaughters something fierce. But when he meets Susannah he's instantly drawn to her strength and focus under pressure.  Finding a way to make her complicated life mesh with his small-town existence just needs a little compromise. 

Cowboy,  Take me Away
By Maisey Yates

An unlikely pairing of neighbors whose families have been at odds for years. Birdie is ready to leave town,  she's painted with the same brush as her father and hasn't been given a fair shake her entire life.  But her best-laid plans are foiled by her can-do-no-wrong neighbor,  Gunnar. He offers her a solution,  some hard work.  She's not one to back down from a challenge.  As they work closely together they realize that the animosity isn't there and they have more in common than they realized.  Maybe they just needed to leap and Birdie didn't need to fly away to find her safe place.

SMALL TOWN HERO – Linda Lael Miller & Maisey Yates
Kensington Books
ISBN: 978-1496753700
June 24, 2025
Contemporary Romance Anthology

ONE LONESOME COWBOY -- Linda Lael Miller

Susannah Holiday flies to Arizona to care for her young niece after her sister is committed to a mental facility. It means she will likely be upending her life in Chicago, but Susannah will do whatever she can to help her niece. She quickly runs into rancher/paramedic Ian McKenzie, and an attraction develops. However, neither Susannah nor Ian has time right now to get involved with each other. He is currently dealing with his two stepdaughters as they are visiting. As it turns out, Ian and Susannah help each other out. Will their attraction lead to love?

ONE LONESOME COWBOY is a short story that goes rather quickly. Both Ian and Susannah need help, and they are drawn to each other from the moment they meet. Her goal is to unlock her sister’s mental issues, and his is to deal with the fact that he has no legal standing on his twin stepdaughters. As they navigate their lives, they make time for each other. Will everything resolve itself, and can our couple find a way to be together forever?

Short and sweet—and a good way to start off the book.

COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY -- Maisey Yates

Birdie Lennox is the daughter of a notorious cattle rustler and all-around bad guy. No one trusts a Lennox, and Birdie appears to be following in her father’s footsteps. Late one night, Birdie is caught by rancher Gunnar Parsons trying to steal one of his horses. She insists she needs it for a job in Texas. He offers not to report it to law enforcement if she works for him for a few months. She accepts. But once she is living on his property, Gunnar discovers a side of Birdie he didn’t know existed and one he finds attractive.

It's a time of discovery for both Birdie and Gunnar in COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY. Her family has a bad reputation, and she is determined to break the mold, but she needs a horse to work on a cattle drive in Texas. Since she doesn’t have one and Gunnar has plenty, Birdie thought she could borrow one. Alas, he caught her. Birdie turns out to be a hard worker, and he begins to appreciate her, not only as a worker but as a woman. Readers will watch while the two fall in love.

A short tale that will leave you smiling for a good reason.

It’s a couple of great Western contemporary romances for fans of the genre. You won’t want to miss SMALL TOWN HERO. Both are quick reads, but make for reading when time is short.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This reader has mixed feelings about the two novellas in this volume with similar themes--cowboy heroes and redemption, and the stars I gave this book are an average of a 3-star review for "Small Town Hero," by Linda Lael Miller, and a 5-star review for "Cowboy, Take Me Away," by Maisey Yates, who happens to be one of my favorite authors in this genre.

"Small Town Hero" was a love-at-first-sight story, and I'm not a true believer in that trope in general. Susannah Holiday stops on the road to try to help a young boy who has been thrown from his horse and is seriously injured. Ian is the first responder to arrive and is instantly enamored of Susannah, a total stranger, who was coming to town to care for her young niece, since Susannah's sister had had a mental breakdown and was in a mental hospital. There's not much character development in this story, I didn't feel connected to any of these characters, and this was just an okay read for me. I give it 3-stars.

"Cowboy, Take Me Away," Maisey Yates' novella, was a much better read, her characters fully fleshed-out, and the slow build romance between Birdie Lennox, the have-not, ne'er-do-well, 28-year-old daughter, a survivor of an alcoholic father and a missing mother on a nearby ranch, who is not above stealing anything from food to one of Gunnar Parsons' stable of horses, was a much more sympathetic character with little self-esteem. When Gunnar catches her red-handed, trying to steal one of his mares in the middle of night, he decides to offer her a job working for him on his ranch, rather than calling the police and having her arrested. I loved the way Gunnar treated the wanna-be horse thief, giving her a job at his ranch, and slowly coming to realize that there was a lot more to Birdie than just her bad reputation. Theirs is a slow-burn love affair and had me riveted and reading their story until the wee hours of the morning. It was a 5-star read, and I absolutely loved it. It's a 5-star read.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book, The opinions stated are my own.

This 'duet' of two novellas from authors I enjoy and have read before was a very nice way to spend a couple of afternoons thinking of cowboys and their loves.

Ms. Miller's book was about helping. Paramedic Ian, meets Suzanna who is relocating to take care of her niece while her sister is having a crisis, at an accident scene. It's almost like they needed an introduction and the accident gave them that! Neither can forget their initial meeting. As the story moves along, Ian and Suzanna both realize they are looking for something...but don't think they can achieve it together. Fate plays a role letting them see that everything can be worked out if you want it badly enough.

Ms. Yates' book is about overcoming. Birdie and Gunnar have been next door ranch neighbors for their entire lives. They went to school together. When Gunnar catches Birdie trying to steal one of his horses, he gives her a choice. Work for him to 'pay off' the debt of trying to steal his horse and she'll get the horse when the debt is paid. Gunnar has always had bad feelings for Birdie and her family. Her mother abandoned the family and her father is a drunk. They are no account loafers in his opinion. Birdie has always felt Gunnar was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has never had any problems. When each of them realize they know nothing of the other, they realize their perceived notions must be overcome before they can move on.

Two very good feel good stories.

Thank you NetGalley for these Sweet ARC’s for my honest review. I loved that both of these stories are about true heroes.

Story 1 is about Family coming first. Susannah gets the call that she is needed to come care for her niece while her sister deals with her mental health. Susannah is a very special sister that any sibling would love to have it’s such a beautiful story of hope and a real chance at real love with an actual hometown hero, Ian. It is such a joy to watch Susannah and Ian’s relationship grow in to something very special.

Story 2 is heartbreaking to see Birdie who is living a very rough life at the hands of her drunk father. She is determined to do anything to fly away from her situation including stealing a horse from her neighbor which she desperately needs to get her fresh start. However, in the process, she gets caught by the owner, Gunnar, who is just a lonely cowboy. So, instead of calling the cops, he has offered her a deal. He will allow her to work off her crime. it is truly heartwarming to see the support he gives her when he realizes her current living situation. Birdie doesn’t know quite how to deal with this kind of support. There is a lot of tension but I loved how their relationship evolves. A true enemies to lovers story.

oh i felt really lucky to be able to read this book as i dont often find 2 in 1s so openly available. or certainly ones who read my search list. and this one was just great. exactly what id wanted it to be and both as good but different as each other.
the town may be small but the characters hearts certainly arent.
i liked the themes that both books touched on. from trauma to new guardianship. and also what happens when people see us one way and in fact we want to strive for who we actually are.
Susannah has to do something brave.and that is come and care for her niece. but the juggle and struggle is real .shes still got her work, now childcare and added to that someone else catching her eye to contend with. but Ian isnt just an catch, he could be the catch. and hes turning out to be there for her far more and better than she could dare hope for. and vice versa. but these two have reasons for their guarded hearts. and it is going to mean courage must brave the way. but even if they dont dare, maybe there love will mean they have little choice but to find out.

then we have Birdie. shes made a big mistake and needs to make up for it. and in a big way for more than one person. she she is put in the position of having to work off the debt she has caused. but shes doing it on Gunners ranch. and this bloke is rubbing her in all the wrong ways. not least because of his views and feelings already embedded for her and her family. but this is definitely the preferred option. soon though, these pair are finding and falling with the opposite of dislike. and the more they spend time with each other the more they see something in each other and see each other finally being "seen".
these are small town heroes and if i dare say it heroins alike.
i loved how these were true gems of people. not without their flaws but who isnt, who isnt! these people are humans but with such an underpinning of goodness. such kindness and the ability to grow, adapt and be there for each other.

Two of my favorite authors and they did not disappoint. Both stories were fast reads. I feel like even though they were short they felt complete. I loved that at the end of each you could smile. They had just enough steamy parts and that completed it.

Susannah Holiday is a web designer and house flipper in Chicago. She gets a call that her sister is in the hospital and her niece needs her in Arizona. Ian McKenzie is a paramedic and horse whisper in town they meet the first day she hits town. Ian and Susannah spend time together and know they are attracted to each other. Can Susannah and Ian get together?

Birdie Lennox is the daughter of a thief and has had a hard life. She is caught trying to steal Gunnar Parsons horse so she can get a job. He decides to give her a job at his ranch. The more time they spend together they find they have a lot in common.

I absolutely love Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates!

You had me at small town, cowboys, romance and so much more.

One Lonesome Cowboy - Linda Lael Miller
I loved this heartfelt story about a guarded single mom and her niece, and a quiet, horse-whispering hero who’s just as cautious with his heart. With the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and a swoon-worthy lead, this is a story that stays with you—and a hero you won’t forget.

Cowboy, Take Me Away - Maisey Yates
Full of tension, charm, and unexpected heart, Cowboy, Take Me Away delivers a fiery romance between a tough-as-nails outlaw’s daughter and a straight-laced cowboy. Birdie and Gunnar’s chemistry crackles as they clash, connect, and uncover a love neither saw coming. A fun, heartfelt enemies-to-lovers story with a wild-west twist! I would love Gunnar to take me away!

Small Town Hero by Linda Leal Miller and Macy Yates, in the first book Susan gets a call her sister has had a tragic accident and she must go to Arizona to take care of her small niece, Susan thinks life can’t get any worse but they will get much better insert paramedic! Ian McKenzie and his cute little twins Mabel and Vivian. After a few bumps in the road he becomes a blessing not only to her but her sister and niece as well. The next story is Cowboy Take Me Away, when good boy and even better man gunner catches Birdie Lennox stealing a horse he thinks the apple doesn’t fall from the tree being the daughter of an infamous cattle wrestler but when he agrees to let her work off her and her dad‘s debt she doesn’t know what to think about her lifelong nemesis. they grew up next to each other with him chasing her away from his property especially the creek but the longer they’re forced to be in each other’s company the more they realize they’re falling for each other. Can Bertie let go of the past and allow her much abused heart to be loved or will her inner thoughts and self-doubt keep her from the one good thing she’s ever been offered. The first story loan cowboy is a good slightly action romance is a really good story I loved Elie the twins Mabel and Vivian, the romance was swoon worthy and a definite recommendation for me. As for the second book it was more a practice and wish fulfillment and OMG did it fulfill all my wishes I love stories like this and although I wish it had been written more like the first story if I was better versed in literary lingo I could explain further but regardless it was still a great book and one I definitely recommend. I love these two authors book bundles and cannot get enough of them and definitely recommend this one.#NetGalley, #KensingtonBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MacyYates, #LindaLealMiller, #SmallTownHero,

What a wonderful surprise, two stories in one great read from two great authors. Ian and Susannah it was love at first sight. Two do gooders falling for each other and then Birdie and Gunnar like two misfits with a slow burn love. This is a definite couldn't put down enjoyable read. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In “One Lonesome Cowboy” by Linda Lael Miller, Susannah Holiday arrives in a small Arizona town to help her struggling sister and care for her niece. But a roadside act of kindness brings her into the path of Ian, a compassionate paramedic with a guarded heart. Their connection is immediate and poignant, and Susannah’s warmth and resilience make her a standout heroine. The emphasis on family—both broken and healing—gives the story heart and grounding. Miller’s writing shines with tender moments and emotional clarity, reminding readers that love often arrives when you least expect it.

Maisey Yates’ “Cowboy, Take Me Away” dives deep into emotional territory with the story of Birdie Lennox, a neglected girl from the wrong side of the tracks in Central Oregon. After stealing a horse in a desperate bid to escape her circumstances, she meets Gunnar, the gruff neighbor who catches her—but also sees past her scars. Yates masterfully explores themes of judgment, shame, and second chances. The slow unraveling of Birdie and Gunnar’s guarded hearts is beautifully done, layered with pain, hope, and hard-won trust.

Small Town Hero is a heartwarming duet of novellas that celebrate redemption, connection, and the healing power of love, all wrapped in small-town charm. Together, these stories complement each other perfectly. Miller’s novella brings lightness and grace, while Yates offers raw emotional grit. Both novellas are emotionally satisfying and offer rich character arcs, making Small Town Hero a deeply touching, page-turning experience. A beautifully balanced collection that blends warmth, grit, and heartfelt romance.

I was excited to read "Small Town Hero" because Maisy Yates is one of the contributors and I love her books. What I didn't expect was how much I would enjoy, devour, and become attached to was Linda Lael Miller's contribution. The stories touched me in different ways making for a wonderful read.

"One Lonesome Cowboy" by Ms. Miller was story of hope and love at first sight. Susannah Holiday is called to a small town in Arizona to care for her niece and hopefully help her sister. Oh my, Susannah is the sister we all should be lucky enought to have. Her gentle and caring heart was an inspiration. Her kindness has her helping a boy on the side of the road. The chance meeting with Ian, the paramedic, was intense. I couldn't wait to see if anything would come of it. The family dynamics within this story brightened my day. Family comes first. Family above all else makes for a beautiful ending.

Maisy Yates's "Cowboy, Take Me Away" had me hoping for a wonderful romance. She did not disappoint. It taking place in small town, Central Oregon just made it that much better. My heart broke for Birdie. She had had a rough life living with her drunk father and all the bad things that go with being neglected. Instead of helping, the citizens seemed to turn away and talk about her, speaking of anything and everything negative. Desperate to leave, she steals one of the neighbor's horses only to get caught. It didn't take long for Gunnar, the grumpy cowboy, to see there is much more to Birdie Lennox. Learning about Birdie and Gunnar was like peeling layers from an onion, including the tears. Watching them discover each other, their truths and let walls crumble was the highlight of my day.

Sweet romances. I really enjoyed the first one by Linda Lael Miller. I did not finish the second one as I did not care for either one of the main characters. I may finish their tale later. Fun to read quick, happily ever after stories. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I really enjoyed both stories in this book. The first one was new to me , because I haven't read books by Linda Lael Miller before. It was romantic and I look forward to reading more books by her. I loved the one that Maisey Yates wrote. It was steamy and romantic. The ending was cute. I love reading books about small towns. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Linda L. Miller's story
The h leaves her home and got a job in Chicago. to go take care of her niece. while her sister is in a facility.. . She meets the H, who is a paramedic and horse trainer. Eventually the sister remembers what happened to her that put her in the facility.



M Yates
The h tries to steal one of the H's horses that she needs or a job. She gets caught by the H There is bad blood between the families. They develop a relationship .

I received an ARC from net galley

Bestselling authors Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates team up in Small Town Hero, a western romance anthology celebrating the men who risk their lives every day to keep their communities safe—the quintessential small-town hero.

Overview

The towns may be small, but the hearts of the cowboy heroes in this duo of romantic novellas are as outsized as the rugged land that surrounds them.

Standout Elements

Both novellas delve into themes of redemption, healing, and the transformative power of love. Miller’s story touches on the challenges of unexpected guardianship and confronting past traumas, while Yates explores the complexities of inherited reputations and the courage to forge one’s own path.

One Lonesome Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller

When a family crisis brings web designer and part-time house flipper Susannah Holiday to Arizona to care for her young niece, she’s soon juggling work, childcare—and her growing feelings for local paramedic and horse whisperer Ian McKenzie. They have more in common than meets the eye—including being cautious when it comes to love. But when a disturbing revelation from Susannah’s past surfaces, Ian is there to comfort her, and they both find their longing hearts opening to a better future—together.

Cowboy, Take Me Away by Maisey Yates

After Birdie Lennox, daughter of a notorious cattle rustler, gets caught stealing a horse off Gunnar Parsons’ land, she ends up bunking in his barn to work off her debt—plus her daddy’s. But Birdie hardly has patience for Gunnar’s moralizing. The man inherited his ranch and has always hated her family. Still, it beats prison. Maybe. What neither anticipates is discovering they have more in common than they dreamed possible. Even more unexpected is the spark between them—and the love it might ignite.

Character Analysis

Susannah Holiday: A resilient woman facing unexpected challenges, Susannah’s journey is one of growth and rediscovery.

Ian McKenzie: A compassionate paramedic and horse whisperer, Ian embodies the essence of a small-town hero.

Birdie Lennox: Determined and spirited, Birdie’s struggle to break free from her family’s shadow is both compelling and inspiring.

Gunnar Parsons: Stoic yet fair, Gunnar’s interactions with Birdie reveal a depth of character and a capacity for understanding.

Memorable Quotes

“Sometimes, the threads we fear will unravel us are the very ones that bind us closer together.”

“Love doesn’t always come riding in on a white horse; sometimes, it walks beside you in worn boots.”

Final Thoughts

Small Town Hero offers readers two heartfelt stories that celebrate love, resilience, and the strength found in tight-knit communities. While each novella stands on its own, together they provide a satisfying exploration of the western romance genre. Fans of Miller and Yates will appreciate their signature storytelling styles, and newcomers will find this anthology a delightful introduction to both authors.

Small Town Hero offers two offerings with girl meets cowboy/hero/good guy: One Lonesome Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller and Cowboy, Take Me Away by Maisey Yates.

One Lonesome Cowboy: After hearing the news that her sister has been hospitalized for her mental issues, Susannah Holiday heads to Arizona to care for her young niece. She meets paramedic Ian McKenzie and feels drawn to the hero/good guy/cowboy that he is. When she discovers information that could help her sister face past tragedies, the one person that she trusts to help her decide what to do is Ian. Strong main characters offer support and eventually love as both Ian and Susannah find a relationship that is truly worth nurturing.

Take Me Away: When Birdie Lennox needs transportation to get a job, she reasons that a horse... a stolen horse.. will do the trick. Her neighbor, Gunnar Parsons has plenty of horses - so it is only right that she gets one. Gunnar doesn't see it that way but offers Birdie a job instead. They both have the opportunity to see each other in a different light. She isn't the bad person that she thinks she is, and Gunnar is just the good man she deserves. Their friendship lightens many layers of loneliness. It is a true bonus when that friendship develops into love and a tenderness they both crave.
Thanks to Kensington, Linda Lael Miller, Maisey Yates, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Th duet of Small Town Hero by Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates is two wonderful stories of men doing the right thing daily. These novellas were short enough to read in an evening but long enough for me to get to know and like the characters.

One Lonesome Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller is the story of Susannah and Ian. Both have family issues but stand by their families. Their problems are very different, but both are important to the welfare of others and themselves. The romance is quick but then it is a novella.

In Cowboy Take Me Away by Maisey Yates is the tale of Birdie and Gunnar. Having known each other since childhood their backgrounds are very different. I enjoyed this story so much as Gunnar helped Birdie see a better way to live while Birdie helped Gunnar to grasp the joy in life. The epilogue was such a marvelous way to end their story.