Wicked Cowboy Charm was a delightful, slow build country romance, between Deke Sullivan, our resident Dry Creek playboy. Josie Dawson is an independent, self-sufficient cowgirl, too smart to fall for a player’s charms, but they lock eyes and they’re single days are numbered!

Josie’s heard about Deke’s reputation from her brother and cousins, and has no intentions of falling for his game, but there is a definite attraction and pull between them. Anyway, Josie’s busy setting up the oil drilling at Lucky Penny and a relationship would just get in the way. Or would it?

Deke’s reputation as a ladies’ man is well earned. There hasn’t been one woman to tempt him past a weekend of sin, but seeing all his friends settle down and find happiness stirs a desire in him. Could it be that he just never found the right woman? Meeting Josie makes him think so. Now all he needs to do is convince her.

A severe snow storm throw Josie and Deke together. Stranded in close quarters they have to face the truth of their desires, and wonder if they could have a future.

This was a slow build romance, which was good for Deke since he usually led with the physical with women in the past, and never got beyond. Josie and Deke got to know each other, admiring each other more and more as the days go on. Their attraction ticked up to combustible levels making it impossible to resist!

I loved the cold winter setting, perfect for this time of year! While I haven’t had the horrible snow storms Deke and Josie encountered, it had been raining cats and dogs for weeks here, and darn it, it’s been cold! I love the thought of being stranded in a little log cabin, warming myself by the fire, baking cookies and hearty meals, playing board games or working a puzzle. Reading hot cowboy romances has to be put on that list, too! If only they’d cancel work (with pay, of course) so I could live out my bad weather dreams!

I also adore the Southern small town country setting, humor, lovable secondary characters and cute animals! As usual Carolyn Brown makes me laugh with her country sayings. I had to read this one out loud to my husband:

“Y’all be safe,” Josie said. “Oh, honey, we’re so old we don’t have to be safe anymore. We just have to enjoy it.” Martha giggled.
“Martha!” Josie exclaimed.

This is the last romance in the Lucky Penny Ranch series, but we get a spin off with the Dawson’s coming up. Can’t wait!

What a great book!

I absolutely loved Wicked Cowboy Charm!! I think this may be my favorite Carolyn Brown novel, it's definitely my favorite of The Lucky Penny Ranch series.

Josie and Deke are great! I especially liked how their relationship began in an unconventional way and outside of the normal routine. They were fun to watch and Wicked Cowboy Charm is actually less steamy but more romantic than the previous books in this series.

Plus, bonus, the steam and foul language are quite low in Wicked Cowboy Charm as compared to many other Carolyn Brown books.

Great news! We found out at the end that, though this is the last Lucky Penny novel, we'll be seeing the Dawsons in a spin-off serious, the Happy Texas Trilogy.

A
Adult -- some steam and foul language but few and far between
18+
Dry Creek, Texas and Drummond, Montana

This is Book 4 in the "Lucky Penny Ranch" Series and Carolyn Brown as always delivers a beautiful story with two likable characters. This sweet story is about Deke and Josie. Deke is a sexy cowboy who likes to party and meet lots of ladies during the weekends. Josie arrives to Deke's ranch trying to help her family dig a well to find oil. When they meet, Deke wants to settle down but Josie doesn't trust him. Then they will be forced to stay together in a cabin during a blizzard and they will finally be able to talk and know each other much better.

Nice story, likable characters, sweet romance!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

This book started out good. Josie was so sweet. Deke had a little bit of a bad boy edge to him but he was too kind to be a full-fledged bad boy. So, back to the beginning. There was funny moments to be had, so I was really looking forward to settling in and reading this book. Which, I did like but my excitement for the book had diminished some. This is because there were no more really funny moments where I found myself laughing. Also, both Jodie and Deke knew that they shared chemistry but it was slow going to get them to admit it and give in to the attraction. Yet, when they did, it was nice.

The story as a whole was good. For example, when Deke and Jodie were caught in the blizzard and had to stay at a cabin. It seemed like it was a very long time with not a lot happening. This was not true but because Deke and Jodie did a lot of talking and not much else and there were not many other characters to help liven the story, it felt long. A cute story.

Four stars: A sweet romance that kindles during a blizzard and then it ignites on the road trip home.

Josie Dawson is new to Dry Gulch, but she is well aware of Deke Sullivan's reputation. She refuses to get sucked in by his great smile and charming ways. Josie is determined to put down roots in Dry Gulch where her brother, Jud, has settled. When Josie catches wind of a couple of terrific stock sales, she doesn't hesitate to jump on a plane and fly to Montana. Unfortunately, winter weather has set in, and Josie finds herself stranded on a small ranch in Montana and her new bunk mate, just so happens to be Deke, who drove up for the same sale. Now Josie and Deke along with his trusty dog, Rascal, are forced to winter out the blizzard in the small confines of the bunkhouse with no electricity. Sparks soon fly, but neither wants to act on their feelings. Will Josie and Deke find love during the blizzard?
What I Liked:
*I have been a fan of the Lucky Penny Ranch Series from the beginning. I can't get enough of these down home folk, the romance, the country life, the food and the feel good. This fourth and final book in the series is the best of the bunch. I loved that it had a unique setting: a blizzard in Montana, followed by a road trip. Plus there is plenty of heat and sizzle. If you want an excellent book to curl up with during a wintry day, this is a sure bet.
*As I mentioned, I adored the setting of this book. When Josie and Deke find themselves snowed in on a small ranch in Montana with the lonely ranchman, Everett. What follows is sizzle and spark while tucked in the cozy bunkhouse as the storm raged. Other than books and board games, the only other thing they can do to entertain themselves is ranch chores and conversation. This is the perfect set up for a blossoming romance. I was reluctant for the couple to leave, but the drive home was just as entertaining. This was such a fun read.
*Everett and Martha practically steal the show. Everett is a lonely widower, living on the ranch. He is kind, sweet and lonesome. When Martha, his lady friend, arrives things begin to liven up. Martha is a hoot. She bakes some mean cookies, and she can brew some wicked moonshine. Plus, she has some one liners that left me giggling. I quickly fell in love with this kindly couple. I would love to have a novella or book with their romance. They are adorable.
*Rascal, the old cow dog, was also a scene stealer. I loved this sweet dog. I always love that Ms. Brown includes many sweet animals in her books.
*The romance is slow to build. It starts with a mutual attraction, but neither wants to act. After a week in close confines, an undeniable spark flares. Things quickly heat up on the long road trip home. Yes, there is a stumble, but nothing major. This was a sweet romance perfect to curl up with on a winter day.
*This is the fourth and final book in the series, but fear not. You can jump in and read this book right now without having read the others as it is companion novel. Each book features a different couple. I have read the other three books, and I liked that I got to catch up with the characters from the previous installments. If you need a cozy, romance to snuggle up with, grab this one or any of the books in the series.
And The Not So Much:
*I wish there was a bit more of Josie's back story at the beginning. She is mentioned in Jud's book, which is the second book in the series, so I was familiar with her character. However, I felt a bit lost going into this one because I couldn't remember all the details on how she came to Dry Creek, especially when it came to the hotel.
*I hated the stumbling block the couple encountered when they came home. It was a growing pain that could have been avoided with communication.
*I am sad this series to end. I want more.

Wicked Cowboy Charm is the perfect cozy, feel good read for a winter afternoon. I loved the blizzard setting, the road trip. the characters and the romance. I couldn't get enough of Josie, Deke and Rascal as well as Everett and Martha. I loved this book! I am sad to see this series end. I definitely recommend this book for when you need a feel good read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

Wicked Cowboy Charm

Wicked Cowboy Charm (Lucky Penny Ranch #4)
Carolyn Brown
Book Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ❣
Wicked Cowboy Charm is the fourth and final book in the Lucky Penny Ranch series. I would recommend you read the books in order because these stories have a strong family orientation. They can all be read as standalone novels however to get that warm and fuzzy sense of community you will want to build your relationship with the whole family.

This book is set in a snow storm, and I know this is a popular theme at this time of year, but it works well in this case. It's the first book to be set mainly away from the Lucky Penny Ranch.

Deke Sullivan has never thought about settling down, but lately, he has been watching his close friends find love, and with the right woman, he is beginning to see the appeal of it too.
Josie Dawson is new in town and a member of his favourite family. She is looking to join the Cowgirl business and settle roots locally in Dry Creek.
She knows Deke is trouble from the second she lays eyes on him, but that doesn't mean she's blind. He is a hot dose of Cowboy with all the charm and sweet trimmings. Just ask any of the many women in his hometown. Josie refuses to be his newest edition, but with an adventure in sight and a snow storm to cut off the world, there may just be a chance for these two.

Wicked Cowboy Charm is a sweet romance. The two main characters are hot for each other right from the start it just takes them a while to warm up to the idea of something more. This was a nice ending to a charming series of Cowboy romance novels. 4.5 stars out of 5.

This book is available in both paperback and kindle edition just like the rest of the series.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback £6.37 or £3.99 Kindle ebook, 336 pages
Expected publication: January 31s,t 2017

Q & A with the Author
Carolyn Brown
1. What did you enjoy most about writing this series?

The characters—plain and simple. They became my friends (and enemies) and I loved having all those sassy gals and sexy cowboys in my head all those months.

2. Which was your favourite book to write?

Can’t say as I had a favorite. They were all such a delight to write, each with their own set of obstacles and different personalities.


3. Who was your favourite character in the books and why?

That would be like choosing a favorite child which reminds me of a personal story. I have three children: a son, Lemar, then two daughters, Amy and Ginny, all grown with families of their own these days. When they were all teenagers, I got tired of hearing, “You love Lemar more than me.” OR “You love those girls more than me.” So I set them all down for a “visit” one day and told them that I had to work as well as keep up with being a wife and mother and I did not have the time to love them all every minute of every hour of every day of every week. So they each got two days and Sunday belonged to their father. And they didn’t get to choose or know which day was theirs. So the next time I heard, “You love Lemar more than me,” I simply said it wasn’t her day and if she didn’t straighten up, tomorrow wasn’t looking too good either. It’s the same with writing. Some days I love a particular character; the next when he’s being a problem child and not talking to me—well, it’s not his day!


4. The characters and places are already established by the last book how did this affect the storyline?

It’s like making fresh bread from an old recipe. There’s already a setting (except that Deke and Josie spend part of their time away from Dry Creek), already a group of friends and family, but the outcome is like pulling a loaf of fresh bread from a warm oven. It’s new and fresh and although the readers know the setting and the family, hopefully they enjoy the new story.


5. What's next?

This is what I like to call a bumper crop year for books. The lineup for 2017 looks like this:
The Barefoot Summer, Jan. 3 (Available now)
Wicked Cowboy Charm, Jan. 31
Small Town Romance Collection, February
Talk Cowboy To Me, March 7
The Lilac Bouquet, March 28
The Toughest Cowboy in Texas, May 30
The Strawberry Hearts Diner, July 25
Lucky in Love (reissue), Aug. 1
Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas, Sept. 26

I have said it before, and I will say it again. I like Brown's books because they are sweet. There is always good banter going on and it makes me want to visit where they are and have some pie or something.

In this one, Deke meets Josie. She is staying with her brother, she has plans, and they do not include a wild cowboy who flirts around. But destiny does have a way of making own plans. Like having them stranded in a snowstorm, just the two of them, well and a dog and an old man. For days. I did like how they got to know each other. They still fought that attraction, but ha, you can try it, but you will fail.

You could see they would fit well together, they just had to get there in their heads first. But it made for an interesting journey, even if the first half was being crammed together in a bunkhouse.

Conclusion:
As always then, a sweet romance with a good couple, and a great side characters.

Deke Sullivan finally gets his story told in Wicked Cowboy, and fans of Carolyn Brown's Lucky Penny Ranch series are very excited to get 300+ pages of Deke. He’s a fun-loving man who works hard and is fiercely loyal, but he’s never wanted more than a good time and isn’t one for relationships.

Josie Dawson arrives in Dry Creek looking to possibly buy a place and raise rodeo stock when she meets Deke. She knows immediately that he’s not looking for to settle done, but she is very attracted to him and he feels the same. They end up going to Montana together to look at livestock and get caught in a blizzard. Well, it is hard to resist their mutual attraction when you’re stranded in a small cabin, and the two get closer. When they return to Dry Creek feelings have developed feelings but neither thinks the other is ready to commit.

Wicked Cowboy moves at a slow and steady pace that can drag a little if you are an impatient or someone looking for a lot of action. The story is charming, the characters fun and charismatic and it’s an enjoyable read. If you love western romances, you will definitely enjoy Wicked Cowboy.

I have loved the Lucky Penny Ranch series since book 1. The first 3 books in the series I loved, but this one just didn't do it for me. I had been looking forward to Deke's book and it makes me sad that I didn't really care for this one. I really like Carolyn Brown's writing style and I loved the first 3 couples but I felt nothing for Deke and Josie. I didn't connect to them individually and I didn't feel their relationship. It just fell flat. On top of that the book crawled for me. Deke and Josie didn't really have anything going on until the 69% of the book. The pace was way too slow for me and I found myself getting bored. Now that being said the book wasn't bad and I didn't hate it. I just didn't get into it. I still love Carolyn Brown and I can't wait to try the spin off series!

Carolyn Brown wrote a fun letter to her readers that appeared in the back of this book. Apparently, we’ve all been pestering her since book one of the Lucky Penny Ranch series that we love our Deke and wanted his story. I confess that I was one of those folks doing the pestering. He appears right away as best friend to the heroine and shirt-tail kin to all of the Logans while becoming close with the new to town and new Lucky Penny owners, the Dawsons.

He’s loyal, hard-working, great looking and a fun-loving type who always seems content to live it up at a bar and take home a pretty woman so by the time Wicked Cowboy Charm came along I was eager to discover just what special woman would turn his head permanently.

The story opens when Josie Dawson comes to town to join her brother in the oil drilling project. She is thinking Dry Creek is her opportunity to buy a small spread and start raising rodeo stock. Deke Sullivan the family friend turns her head a bit, but Josie doesn’t see him settling down any time soon even if he adores babies and being around the family, works steady and shares some similar interests in rodeo stock.

Resistance gets tough when the pair of them end up in Montana looking at livestock for sale only to get caught in a blizzard. Deke’s been attracted in Josie, but just as wary of something permanent with a gal he thinks is going to do her oil job and leave. However, getting stranded out at a cabin in a blizzard and a long road-trip back home makes them both start thinking about plans and people changing.

I reacted very differently to this one than any of the author’s books since the very first time I picked up one of her books. I’ve gotten so used to her writing that I wasn’t expecting to not instantly sink into the story and connect with it. For the longest time I could not figure out why I was still sitting on the outside looking in. I could not figure out how after this story ended up in Montana I got distracted. I stayed that way off and on until nearly the point they returned home and from there on, I was fine again.

Because I have never had this problem with the author’s books that I’m well into the double digits on, I was bugged and had to figure it out. I like the characters, I like them together, I like the country cowboy backdrop, and I liked the plot. So why the issue? The only thing I could come up with amused me to death, but I think it is true.

Here it is: she wrote it too well.

That is to say, she wrote what it would truly be like for a couple in this beginning of an attraction getting stranded on a small ranch spread, in a small cabin without electricity, chores to do, but idle days and then a long weary drive from Montana to Texas in winter weather. It got tedious because being snowed in or traveling under those circumstances can be that way even when romance is in the air. So yes, I laugh because I think that was my issue. Now, I can move on and know why I loved this story, but struggled to stay engaged for some of it.

As to Deke and Josie. They were a great pairing though I liked that the instant attraction was only the beginning. I think one of the strengths of this author’s stories is that she really sells the relationship and how it looks on an everyday basis. Deke’s rep of never dating or being in a relationship really has Josie pausing. She is barely over her ex cheating on her with one of her childhood friends so she is wary of a guy who gets around. Deke, himself, only figures out that he’s just been looking hard for the right woman so he’s skittish that Josie might not be around permanently and he doesn’t want to get attached only to see her move on. They both feel the connection and the rightness of being together, but wonder if this is like an enchantment that will wear off when they get back home. I liked how there was that extra time in the last quarter of the book back home because I had the same need to see them back in reality and dealing with how they could make it work.

So, I am sad to see this series end, but ecstatic by the news that there will be a spin-off for the Dawson cousins back in Happy, Texas. The author writes cowboy country romance brilliantly and I can’t praise her books enough. Those who like their small town cowboy romances really need to give her stuff a go if you haven’t already.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Has wicked ever been this charming…

Cowboys. Sigh. Cowboys…. I could think about them all day. When I want to take a break from all that deep thinking, I am even happier to read about this author’s irresistible ranchers (aka COWBOYS!). This series has been a sweet cowboy offering from the start and this, the last in the Lucky Penny Ranch series, was a last gentle look at characters, and a place, that felt like home…

Thrown together in a snow-filled adventure, Josie and Deke are going to be tested. Are their clothes warm enough to withstand the cold? Can their libidos handle the close proximity? They are both going to find out as the weather is determined not to cooperate…

“…it’s not fear of commitment. It’s fear of making a mistake and begin with the wrong woman for the rest of my life.”

This is not a complex, drama-filled story even as it challenges traditional roles. Josie is smart. She knows her business, whether it be oil or cattle, while being a compassionate and caring woman. Deke is a man comfortable in the saddle and on the ranch with a love for animals and people that is as sexy as he is. He is not afraid to show his gentler side as his love for people and animals shines through. Their romance is a Texas two-step, a gentle, flirty walk amidst friendship, board games and plenty of sweet talk.

“My house phone will be deader’n a roadkill possum before the night sets in too.”

If a bit too much of Deke’s, shall we say, intriguing turns of phrase finds its way into the story, it’s a minor negative in a story and series that wrapped me in feel good from the start… I’m happy to hear there will be a spin off series as I’m not ready to leave the Lucky Penny Ranch! -Diane

She knows him by reputation. He knows her by heart. For Josie, Deke has trouble written all over him. So why does her heart tell her to take a risk, when her mind tells her to get out fast? Deke is a charmer. His reputation proceeds him, but the man behind the rep has just his match in Josie. His heart is on the line and nothing will keep him from claiming his heart's desire. Wicked Cowboy Charm has the wit and the heart that Carolyn Brown delivers so well. Lucky Penny Ranch is a winning series.

There was that wicked cowboy charm again, complete with a twinkle in his eyes and a raised eyebrow.

I'm something of a sucker for a charming cowboy, which is why I keep coming back to this series from Carolyn Brown. The cowboys feel authentic and have a sweet, Southern charm about them, and the romance is classic, swoony and cute. They're simple books—filled with quick love, church-going small town residents and hardworking heroes and heroines. But they're also lovely books, written with an ease that makes them very enjoyable and altogether fun to read.

I'll be honest—I don't see these books appealing to everyone. Mixed in with the charm is a level of sugar that may prove too much for some; a goodness that's borderline sappy at times (I swear, I say that with the utmost affection). But for me, it works. It works because cowboys like Deke Sullivan make me want to imagine country life. He's a strong, kind and gentlemanly rancher, even if his reputation is more than a bit wicked, and it's kind of adorable to see him fall for Josie Dawson, who is herself a strong rancher. It's a good match, filled with sweet words, proper interactions, some old-fashioned notions, and relatively clean—but still decidedly heated—sexual tension.

It's actually a nice break from the down-and-dirty sex you get in more erotic romances. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but Wicked Cowboy Charm incorporated sex in a way that felt more natural, less... wicked. Two people with a connection that burned slow yet bright succumbing to their need for one another. It's really just one more charming thing about a book that's maybe a little soft and fluffy, but is also swoony and fun.

And, let's not forget, filled with wicked, charming cowboys…

“Honeymoon is over,” she teased.
“Darlin’, the honeymoon would never be over for us. We might burn down the world with the heat but the honeymoon would last forever.”

~ FOUR STARS ~

Josie is now living with her brother and his new bride. She is ready to start drilling and start building a home in Dry Creek. When she sets off to Montana to look at buying some bulls and broncs things don't go as plan, but some of the greatest adventures start with plans gone wrong. Deke can't believe how beautiful Josie is he knows she's off limits but he can stair just not touch. He sets off to another part of Montana to buy some bulls to start rebuilding his family ranch. When a storm moves in it appears that they are stuck together in a bunk house and on a ranch with a old man who quickly becomes a friend. Will they be able to get back home with there hearts in tact and there bulls or will the blizzard have other plans for them?

When I opened this book and started reading the first page I was super excited I because I have fallen in love with this series. I super enjoy the characters, they are fun and so what relatable. I really enjoy how much the author allows you to connect with the characters as if you are catching up with friends and not just reading about fictional characters. There is some adult scenes in this book so it may not be for all readers but for those who can should this book is amazing and hard to put down. I have super enjoyed this book and you will not be disappointed. While your at it grab the other books and catch up with this fun group I can't wait to read more.

Deke is the rebel rouser and southern charmer. He likes partying on weekends and one night/weekend stands. He’s never had a relationship nor wanted one. He owns his own small ranch, helps his BFF, Allie, with her construction company and helps out on the ranch across from him, the Lucky Penny, when he can. The three Logan siblings are like his sisters.

Josie has recently arrived in town. Her brother owns the Lucky Penny Ranch with their two cousins. She’s looking to find oil on the ranch as well as owning and renovating the only motel in town for her oil crews when needed. She’s hard working, independent, intelligent and can hold her own.

When Deke and Josie meet, sparks fly. But Josie knows his type. She got rid of one cheating ex and isn’t looking for a relationship now. This book moves really slow. They spend a lot of time kissing, snuggling and getting to know one another. It takes until almost 70% into the book for these two to have sex.

I loved their dates, especially the clues leading up to the first date. I was anxious to see how Deke would react on their second date. I loved the necklace he gave her and the symbolism. The ending kind of rushes in.

Loved the phrase “Man plans; God laughs.

I loved Everett and Martha. It was so sweet how Everett talked about his first wife, Lorraine.

There are so many references to country music stars, songs and lyrics in this book. If you are not a country music fan, you will not get some of the descriptions and nuances. “Deke had Josh Turner’s voice, Luke Bryan’s cute little dimple on one side, and that sexy smile that melted a woman’s thong under britches. And Blake Shelton’s height and muscles.”

This is a very sweet, light romance. You see characters from previous books, but you can easily read it as a standalone. However, you will get more enjoyment from the series if you read them in order.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

3 Stars -Josie and Deke experience the slow burn which makes it very special. Deke sees the light... Josie is the one for him and they embark on a long road to friendship and then romance... Nothing like Cowboy romance

Wicked Cowboy Charm (Lucky Penny Ranch) is a sweet, heartwarming story. Deke and Josie are are a couple that I really loved reading about. They were a very likable couple that you wanted to see get together. The whole story line was great! Deke is a down home boy who likes to party on the weekend and loves the ladies, but when he meets Josie he just wants to settle down with her and leave his women chasing and partying ways behind. Josie has a nose for finding oil, and when she comes to town to help her family dig a well on their property, she meets Deke. A cowboy who is sexy as hell and a smooth talker. Josie won't be fooled into thinking that he will settle down with one woman. When they are forced to stay together in a cabin during a blizzard, they get to thinking that they can make things work between them. You will fall in love with these two characters like I did. I recommend this book and series to everyone!! So on that note, I give WICKED COWBOY CHARM 5/5 STARS.