My Favorite Cowboy (Heart of Texas, 3)

Caleb’s story has arrived! Donna Grant does it again – this book is just as fantastic as the other two siblings’ books. The first book of the series, The Christmas Cowboy Hero, tells big sister, Abby’s, story; the second book of the series, Cowboy, Cross My Heart, tells the middle child, Brice’s, story and then here in book three, My Favorite Cowboy, tells the youngest sibling, Caleb’s story. Each book holds a good deal of emotional turmoil, drama, suspense and romance as each of the siblings work to overcome their deep-rooted childhood abandonment issues and the emotional repercussions that progressed all the way into their adult lives with relationships. The three are extremely close and help each other through everything, as well as their close friends Jace and Cooper; who are actually more like brothers than just friends. It would be awesome to see each of them have their own story, as well. Also, Audrey’s younger sister, Maddy; it would be great to see her have a happy ending too. There is a great amount of suspense and mystery in this read surrounding Audrey and what is happening to the horses, as well as emotional conflict and reflection for Audrey and Caleb due to their pasts and including finding answers in relation to the horses and protection for Audrey. The two have a lot to deal with and sort out before they can even sort through their feeling for each other and a possible future. There are also a few surprises thrown into the mix, happy and sad, that adds to the complexity of the storyline. All the characters are strong, likeable and relatable and the plot is engaging, making the book hard to put down. Grant definitely pulls out all the stops on this one for emotional drama because it will grab hold until the end. You can tell from the first meeting that Caleb and Audrey are immediately drawn to each other and the more they connect you can tell they belong together, but there are several obstacles that have to be overcome first, professionally and personally, in order for that to occur. They both have issues to resolve within themselves and need to let go of the past in order to make way for a promising future. Mistakes are made, misunderstandings occur and communication halts, but what would a good cowboy romance be without the conflict and emotional journey to a happy ending? Each of the three books in the Heart of Texas series can be read as standalone but would be much better read in order to enjoy the entire family dynamics and overlapping storyline in the background catching up with the other characters in the book. There is also a nice short epilogue that jumps six months ahead to give a glimpse into their future. My Favorite Cowboy was a great read and addition to the series. *I received an advanced copy thru Netgalley and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant is the third book of the Heart of Texas series. While the books of the Heart of Texas series may look like any other contemporary cowboy romance reads they are more of a romantic suspense with plenty of action involved in each book. Each book has a different lead couple so they could be read and understood as a standalone. However, for those that have followed along from the beginning the previous books characters continue to be involved.

Being a veterinarian, Audrey Martinez, will do anything she can to help a sick animal so when she gets a call from an old friend about his horses she goes immediately to help. What Audrey finds however is very disturbing when it seems that the horses in question may have been poisoned.

With it looking like someone is deliberately harming the horses Caleb Harper is among those asked to help look for answers. Caleb always swore he would never fall in love after the way his own mother left him as a kid but when Caleb meets Audrey he can’t help but fall for her. And when it seems the danger is directed at Audrey herself Caleb vows to do whatever he can to find out who is behind it.

I have been reading this series since the beginning and have quite enjoyed each book with all of the action and romance they bring. The characters are likable, the suspense a real page turner and the settings done quite well. It’s also nice to have the previous characters still involved to see where they are in their own relationships after their own danger filled, whirlwind romantic beginnings. Great series that I would definitely recommend checking out.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I have mentioned in other reviews that I love reading contemporary western romances. Something about cowboys makes me weak in the knees. They are my not so guilty pleasure. It was a no brainer that I was going to read and review My Favorite Cowboy when I was approached by the publisher.

I liked Audrey. She was a no-nonsense large equine veterinarian who genuinely cared about the animals. She worked for two large ranches and also helped a horse rescue out, free of charge. Her passion and love for horses were palpable. I loved that she was Hispanic. I have read very few books where Hispanic’s are the main female romantic lead. I thought it was wonderful and refreshing.

Caleb had some serious abandonment issues. He was the last person to see his mother before she took off. He asked her not to leave and she left. Her leaving affected everyone but Caleb was affected the most. That left some deep-rooted issues that manifested in Caleb having trust issues. He also couldn’t invest himself in relationships. I did like Caleb. Besides his issues, he was a great guy. It was interesting watching him fight himself as he was falling in love with Audrey. Interesting and sad.

The main plotline was excellent. It went from who was making the horses sick to who had a personal vendetta against Audrey. Usually, I guess who the person was early on in the book. But, in this case, I was kept on my toes. I was surprised at who that person turned out to be. I was also surprised at the lengths that person went through to cover their tracks. I thought it was going to be someone else and my mind was blown when that person’s identity was revealed.

There were a few secondary plotlines. One involved Caleb, Brice and Abby’s mother, Helen. Another one was Brice and Naomi’s fertility issues. Another one involved Audrey and Maddy’s father. They were all wonderfully written.

I was mad with the storyline involving Brice and Naomi. Caleb shouldn’t have said ANYTHING. NADA. It wasn’t his place. I would have been so upset if someone else broke news like that to the family.

I also understood why Caleb was so against meeting Helen. I also understood why he did what he did at the end of that storyline. Forgiveness is a hard thing to do.

I will say that the storyline involving Audrey and Maddy’s father was the only one that didn’t make sense. From the beginning to the end, I was left going “He did what? Why turn up now?“.

The sex scenes were fog up my Kindle’s screen hot. I was a little disappointed that the author went the whole “I forgot to wear a condom, hope you are clean” route. I know these are fictional characters but I was mentally screaming at them “Diseases, people. DISEASES. Get tested ASAP.”

The end of My Favorite Cowboy was nail-biting. The bad guy was revealed as was the reasons why that person did what they did. I loved the epilogue. I was left wondering if there was going to be more books in the series. I am hoping so.

Caleb Harper doesn't do permanent. If he doesn't get close to anyone, they can't leave him. But the minute he sees equine vet Audrey he's hooked. Audrey's inability to discover why some horses at the rescue are falling ill is frustrating her. When someone goes after her test samples, and then goes after her, Caleb takes it personally and names himself her protector. The problem is, he wants to be more, only his fear is standing in his way.

Donna Grant knows how to write an intense, emotional story that speaks to the heart of her characters. We met Caleb and his brother in The Christmas Cowboy Hero, the first book in the series. He was barely a teenager then. He struggled then to get over the fact his mother had deserted him and his siblings and struggles still. Ms. Grant gives us a complete picture of the young man who carries that fear close, not knowing how to let it go, but knowing letting go is the only way he can have the life he craves - with both his brother and with the woman he loves.

Welcome to phenomenal cowboy book full of mystery, conspiracies and a large dose of love.

Yes it is all of this. The first chapter setups the intense storyline with veterinarian Audrey Martinez called in by a close family friend to see why his horses are getting sick and what from. During this very descriptive chapter Author Donna Grant sets up the main characters and several secondary characters. With this chapter she also leads the reader into a "who done it" with precision and expertise.

Audrey and her sister, Maddy are both fully developed characters showing how hard it is for sisters to understand each other through their differences and love for each other. The constant friction between them adds an element of tension that increase the mystery to the storyline.

Caleb Harper finally gets his story and I am delighted on how it was handled in this book. He has always been a tough and hard to read character causing me to wonder what drove him to be so hard headed and against relationships. The reader will discover the answer to that question in this book.

All the characters from the previous two books to this series make a showing in this book and I loved the diversity of all of them when they are in the same room. I would truly love to be at a dinner with all of them. Now that would be a fun night.

This book includes lots of twists and turns. But..... the most enjoyable thing is that you think you know the answer to the ending but you will be surprised and have a few tears added for good measure.

Sportochick's Musings gives 5 STARS for this storyline continuing the fine job of showing how families work together with friends to solve the seemingly impossible odds.

awesome book

I really enjoyed the book! Caleb and Audrey are so much alike it’s scary. Both swearing off serious commitments but are secretly wanting that fairytale love story. And they are equally too stubborn and prideful for their own good!

I enjoyed the storyline and the mystery was interesting and engaging. I did experience a few hiccups in the story where I felt a few scenes could have been fleshed out more instead of resolving too quickly but that didn’t affect me too much. I’m excited to find out who’s book is next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects or influences my thoughts and feelings about the story.

My Favorite Cowboy (Heart of Texas, Book 3) by Donna Grant was just what I needed after reading a few serious books in a row. The story involves a mystery, but mostly just the two main characters (Caleb & Audrey) being hot for each other and not knowing how to commit beyond a one-night (sizzling) encounter. They both frustrated me with their stubbornness, but it just made the journey more interesting while anticipating what would happen between the two. Not having read the first two books in this series did not affect my understanding or enjoyment of this story.

The first book by Donna Grant I have read. The overwhelming instant concern and involvement Caleb, his brothers, family and friends was a bit unbelievable. Even the mystery is sick and dying horses. I continued reading to just to find out why the horses were sick. Not a book I would yell, you gotta read.

This is my first Donna Grant book, didn’t like it. The heroin was unlike able.