Review: Cowboys of Summer

Cowboys of Summer

"As the summer weather sizzles, relax by the pool with stirring tales of handsome cowboys and the spirited ladies who wrangle them into romance. Six of Christian fiction's most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer."

"In Mary Connealy's, "Dr. Tess and the Cowboy", sparks fly when Dr. Tessa Rhoades discovers dinosaur bones on Joe Holt's ranch and decides to excavate-even if that means kicking Joe off his own land. 
In "Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St.John, injured rodeo champion Justin Cooper returns to the sleepy Oklahoma town he escaped for fame and fortune--and takes his biggest tumble yet--straight into the arms of Stevie Marshall, his first love who soon has him questioning his life choices. 

In Tina Radcliffe's, "Lake Effect", cynical cowboy Tucker Jackson knows he's in trouble when he starts counting the days until the end of summer and praying 'summer girl' Jessica Richards will find a home for her heart in Paradise. 
In "His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens, rancher Zeb West tries hard not to fall for Beecher Brown, the feisty but off-limits sister of his best friend. As she tries to prove she's capable of running her family's ranch--the one he's trying to buy--he might just find he's met his match...for life. 
Will Lorna Seilstad's characters make "Great Strides" when Dana Etherton, the owner of a horse therapy ranch, must choose between the kids she serves and Adam Malone, the embezzler who's been assigned to do community service there?
When Paige Monroe agrees to draw the press away from a country star's wedding by pretending to be the look-alike bride, she wasn't counting on having very real feeling for her decoy fiancé, Sterling Tanner. 

Sherri Shackelford's, "The Decoy Bride", shows what happens when two people feigning love forget they're acting."

Author(s): Mary Connealy, Cheryl St.John, Tina Radcliffe, Missy Tippens, Lorna Seilstad, Sherri Shackelford

Length: 512 pages

Format: e-book

What do an archaeologist, bull rider, 'summer girl', 

rancher, embezzler, and accountant have in common?

TRUE LOVE! 

"Dr. Tess & the Cowboy" by Mary Connealy 

I was honestly surprised that I didn't really care for this story. I love everything Mary writes.

The romance seemed fast, kind of superficial and a tad touchy. I didn't really see a foundation building throughout the story. They meet, instantly attracted, make out a few times then BAM engaged. 

Again, I take novellas with a grain of salt timeline wise. I completely understand A LOT of stuff needs to take place in a short amount of time. I've just seen way to many done to near perfection that sometimes "quick romances" feel rushed.

I really enjoyed the main and side characters, they were well written. I can't deny Mary has a way with words, this just wasn't what I'm used to from her.

I rated it 3.5/5 stars.

"Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St. John

I'll always agree to read a story that includes anybody in the rodeo circuit! Hand me one with a former bull rider home because of an injury and his high school sweetheart, YES PLEASE! (Remember, I'm all for Hallmark/cheesey romances! I LIVE for it)

I loved the relationship between Stevie and Justin. There was definitely attraction, but there was also doubt and fear. They both had been hurt before, could they make it work this time around?

It was paced wonderfully, nothing felt rushed and the end had me swooning.

I rated this a 5/5 stars.

"Lake Effect" by Tina Radcliffe

I loved this story. Beginning of the story gave me "Beauty and the Beast" feels.
And just like in that fairytale a bubbly ray of sunshine turned our beast to a prince.

Jessica was a real character. She had fears and doubts about the future, but she trusted everything would work out. Through it all she never lost her spirit or spunk. She was just what Tucker and Libby needed in their lives.

From "bear" to "beau". A cute small tourist town romance.
I rated this a 4.5/5 stars

"His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens

Aaaa a favorite troupe. (One I don't talk about much since I haven't seen it a ton)
Falling for a siblings' best friend. Oh the trouble this troupe can bring to a story...😏*insert evil laugh*

Zeb was super reluctant to love Beecher.
1) He was honoring a promise to his best friend and Beecher's older brother.
2) He did't know HOW to love Beecher.
His past kept him from truly knowing what real love was and how to accept it. Even so Beecher kept a pushin' and chippin' away at the wall around his heart and in the end the cement crumbled.

I loved the tenacity and strength of Beecher's character. She knew what she wanted and didn't let a single thing stop her from getting it.

I rated this a 4/5 stars.

"Great Strides" by Lorna Seilstad

An convicted criminal and a non-profit organization. What could go wrong?

I loved this redemption/second chance story. This story was a great reminder that God looks on the heart and everyone deserves a second chance!

Dana's attitude in the beginning, though understandable, got under my skin really fast. I'm so glad she had a chance of heart and recognized Adam for the man he was not his past decisions.

I loved the hippotherapy plot to this story. This branch of therapy has a place in my heart, and it does work.

I rated this a 4/5 stars.

"The Decoy Bride" by Sherri Shackelford

Oh my baby hippos...the attraction of this romance was the foundation for this romance. (see above for my disclaimer) I get timelines, I truly do! But these people "feel in love" in less than 24 hours. I guess a near death experience could do that to you? 🤷

How I WANTED to enjoy this story, the plot was FABULOUS! C'mon decoy brides?! (Another favorite troupe) It just really did not work for me. *There were some mentions of very sexual thoughts and cuss words.* I personally did not feel like it needed to be in the story, it didn't add to the plot in any way. As always this is my PERSONAL OPINION!

I did enjoy the writing voice, it was humorous and there was some great dialogue. I have enjoyed this authors' work for a different publisher and will stick to reading those.

I rated this 2/5 stars.


I rated the ENTIRE collection a 3.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to leave a positive review**All opinions are my own*