[Mini Review] Once Upon a Cowboy by Maggie McGinnis

Once Upon a Cowboy by Maggie McGinnis
Series: Whisper Creek, #3
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: June 30, 2015
Format: ebook
285 pages
Goodreads

Synopsis 

In this sexy Whisper Creek romance for readers of Kristan Higgins, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe, a red-hot cowboy uses some Montana magic to give a reclusive beauty her happily ever after.

Yoga instructor Jessalyn Alcott radiates peace, calm, and serenity—on the outside. Inside, she still feels like the broken, desperate girl from the trailer park. She’s got dark secrets she can’t share, which is why she never lets her relationships go beyond the third date. But when she travels to the Whisper Creek dude ranch for a friend’s wedding, Jess is enchanted by a cowboy whose deep blue eyes, dimpled smile, and rock-hard body make it tough to remember why she keeps running scared.

Cole Driscoll has struggled to find his place on a family ranch where he’s always played second fiddle. His future might be uncertain, but he’s sure of one thing: He wants Jess by his side. Easier said than done. When it comes to getting close, she’s full of excuses, and he longs to fix the hurt he sees in her eyes. Now that she’s at Whisper Creek, there’s nothing he wants more than to break down the walls around her heart and heal her pain with the power of love.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I read this book earlier this year and really enjoyed it. I just realized, as I was making lists for this upcoming year, that I never reviewed it! Oops! So I thought I would write a mini review of this one since it's been a while since I read it, but still wanted to give it the attention it deserves. There's just something about cowboys that intrigue me though I've never met a one. Maybe it's because they're working outside all day, riding horses, being with animals. I don't know. But it's pretty sexy (at least, it is in books). I know real life might not be quite that sexy, but dang, these authors know how to write about them! Jessalyn has a lot of secrets and wants to keep to herself. But once she meets Cole, it's a game changer and she won't ever be the same. This was a fun, romantic read with a lot of emotions. I've read other novels by McGinnis and I can't wait to read more! 

[Review] A Cowboy's Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis

A Cowboy's Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis 
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Nov. 18, 2014
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.

Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I loved this book! I haven't read anything by Maggie McGinnis before, but I can guarantee you, this won't be my last! I could probably gush about how much I liked this book, but that would get boring :) But... just a little gushing won't hurt! This book drew me in right away and wouldn't let me go. I stayed up way past my bed time to keep reading. These characters were captivating. Haley is a small animal vet who wishes she could spend less with small pets and more time with animals bigger than her head. And Daniel is so busy being a big-animal vet and taking care of his twins, that he doesn't have a lot of time for himself.

This book was really well written and I thought the characters were well-rounded. I felt like I really got to know each of them, as well as some of the supporting characters. And honestly, I'm a sucker for single dads taking care of their kids. Add that to a romance, plus cowboys.... it doesn't take much! I'm addicted and I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, I've always had this thought and dream about living in Montana - somewhere out in the middle of nowhere on a ranch with a bunch of horses and mountains in the background. I'll probably never live there, but it's a dream. Maybe I should visit the state first...

I really wish I would have known about Kyra and Decker's story before I read this, but it doesn't seem like you necessarily need to read them in order. That being said, I'm still going to grab that copy next!!! And if Jess and Cole are next, I know its going to be a good one. I can't wait to read more from McGinnis! As much as I read a variety of genres, romances are always one of my favorites and I can't give them up.