Cowboy Courage: Includes a bonus novella

The story of Rose O’Malley and Hud Baker is a second chance love story. They met in middle school and crushed on each other. He was from a respected ranching family and her family was more transient. Her family left and moved to a commune where she grew up. She later went into the Army. While on leave, Rose is now back in town taking care of her aunt’s B & B while Aunt Molly is traveling. There Rose reconnects with Hud. A man who seems always to be rescuing those in need. We get a chance to meet Rose’s aunt Luna who brings some comedy to the story as well as words of wisdom. It’s a story about second chances, love and family. That said, maybe because I have not read the previous stories, I found it to be ok, but not memorable. More of a “month in the life “ of the characters . I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever. The opinions are solely my own.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** While Cowboy Courage is part of the Longhorn Canyon series, this is the first book in the series that I have read. I can confidently say that it can be read as a standalone without any issue. Rose O'Malley has just returned from serving in the military and she's trying to determine if she's going to reenlist or start down a different path in her life. She's currently staying at her Aunt's B&B, taking care of it while she's on a trip of a lifetime. Hudson Baker is a cowboy who also is a volunteer firefighter. He's hard-working, loyal, and a cowboy through and through. Needing a birthday gift for his sister, he stops by the Rose Garden Gift Shop to browse and he gets the shock of his life when he sees Rose for the first time in years. Rose and Hud had been sweethearts for a year in junior high before Rose's family moved back to their commune. Neither Rose or Hud ever forgot the other, as they were so well matched, but them being in the same location again was not likely. Now that they have reconnected, will the chemistry still be there now that they are adults? And will Rose decide to reenlist or stay where her heart is starting to take root? Rose's Aunt Luna was one of the best things about this book. She was the perfect side character to bring some comic relief to the story. This was a tale about second chances and finding your own way in your own time and it was a journey I enjoyed.

This is book six in the Longhorn Canyon series and it features Hud and Rose. I really liked Rose. She’s a little quirky, like her family and she doesn’t make hasty decisions. Everything is seriously thought out. Hud is a big sexy cowboy that has loved Rose since they met in junior high at the age of 14 but there was no time for them then. Her father moved them away and now she’s back, 14 years later and the sparks are still flying. Rose’s Aunt Luna is hilarious! I think everyone should have one! This is an easy, laid-back romance where nobody is in a hurry. The story line is smooth and the characters are fantastic.