The Cowboy and His Runaway (Rock Springs Texas, #1)

Riley is running for her live. Blaze is used to help people in danger. Acn these two soul find love, happinness evern with a dangerous man in the loose? good audibook and sweet love story

First book I have read from this author (and will not be the last).
Blaze helped his step-sister Sage learn to trust again after her father abused her and he found her in their barn.
What goes around comes around.
Riley is found in the same area in the barn as Sage was but she is not know to any of the family.
Riley is running from an abusive ex.
Love and safety is what she needs and eventually gets.

Great book

I have read some of the later books and decided to start at the beginning. I am also a part of the author’s newsletter and was able to get a novella about Colt, Sage and Blaze and how they all became a family. That really helped in understanding all of the characters that are mentioned here in this book. There are a lot of characters basically family members.

I loved reading how Blaze and Riley came together. Blaze is a protector through and through. He stood up and protected Sage when they were growing up and that easily included Riley when she is found in the barn injured. Riley escaped with $40 to her money and little else. Her boyfriend had abused her physically and she left after giving him some sleeping pills mixed with alcohol. She hitches a ride with a female semi-driver, Lilly. She tells Lilly a little about her situation (two black eyes and needed some pain-relievers were a big giveaway). She fibs though when Lilly drops her load in Rock Springs, TX that she will stay at the local B&B and call her friend. Riley goes behind the bar and hopes to find some food. She isn’t too proud at this point. When two men come out and start arguing, Riley hides in the back of a pick-up and covers up with some blankets back there. She wakes up when the pick-up starts up and winds up at a ranch. She makes her way to the hayloft in the barn and falls asleep. She is found the next day.

This starts Blaze and Riley toward their adventure and HEA. These two have a long road ahead of them though. Will Riley overcome her past and see that Blaze is a good guy and nothing like the evil ex? Will Riley’s ex-boyfriend find her? Can Blaze protect Riley? These and several more questions arise.

I loved the dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the characters’ thoughts really helped to connect with them. It makes them more realistic.

This is a spicy read. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves cowboys and is over 18.

Be Aware! This story, as tasteful and careful as it can be, does include conversations and situations involving domestic abuse both in the characters’ past and being faced in the present. If domestic violence/abuse is a trigger for you… simply be aware before picking up this title. (said with complete respect to both the author and to the reader)

I’ve said publicly, and quite frankly, that romances that spring domestic abuse on me unaware are stories that, unless they are ARCs, I will make a decision at that moment to continue or to close the book and walk away. Domestic abuse is a trigger subject for me – it is for many readers, so I protect myself when reading about the subject. This isn’t something I go on and on about, it’s simply part of my personality now. I make sure that for those stories that I did continue with and enjoyed have a very loud and clear trigger warning on the review – this is the first time I’ve explained myself.

The reason is quite simple really – the series “Rock Springs, Texas” will deal, in one way or another, with domestic violence or domestic abuse, most times in a character’s past but occasionally in their present as well. Not one of those situations is tossed out there unaware, none are done for the shock value – they are part of the character’s lives, deep in their DNA now (and I get that) so dealing with the character’s triggers with kindness, good taste, and perhaps understanding make this a series that entertains and, in a good way, teaches that there can be happiness, a good life beyond the really bad crap that sometimes happens.

It is for that reason that I’ll continue until the final book with this series – perhaps even binge reading as I become familiar with these people who are touching my life in a positive way. I have reached a point in my life where I can do that – not every reader can, we each make our own decisions… but I would encourage all readers to pick up “The Cowboy and His Runaway” and experience Blaze and Riley’s romance for themselves, meet the siblings (not all blood related) who run these ranches with each other’s help as they all deal with their pasts, live in the present, and open their hearts to love in their futures.

Riley waited for the right moment, and when it finally came she ran as fast and as far away as she could – which given her physical condition at the time, was a miracle in itself. One unaware angel driving a big rig brought Riley to a small town that would hold her future, help her heal in so many ways, and offer the love of a lifetime with one amazing man. I loved Blaze and Riley, from the beginning the reader knows that they are right for each other, eventually. Watching Riley heal under the tender care of this unconventional family was like aloe to a wound, calm, soothing, and just felt so good. In fact, I fell in love with this entire family and I’m definitely looking forward to discovering their individual stories.

This is probably my most unusual review… ever. But because this story was so good – and as part of that “triggered” audience, I needed other readers who might also fall into that audience to know that although it was painful at times to read, it was also a story of hope, of recovery, of possibilities, and of finding love in spite of all that has happened in Riley’s life. I don’t give out 5-star reviews often (mostly 4.5 is as high as I go) but ‘The Cowboy and His Runaway‘ deserve every single one of those 5 stars… and more.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Sweet Sweet! I love this sweet and touching story. Blaze’s family is amazing! They have each other’s backs and don’t mind helping those that need it. I enjoyed watching the fall between Riley and Blaze. And how well Blaze is with the kids. I enjoyed the narrator and how she was able to bring the story to life through audio. Great listen!