Five hundred acres of gorgeous California land is a life-changer for cousins Cash, Jace, and Sawyer—and a surprising chance for each of them to find a game-changing love . . . Sheriff Jace Dalton’s plate is piled high even before he discovers a stranded motorist just a few miles from his home. With two lively young boys to raise, a challenging reelection to win, and a hefty tax bill due on the … reelection to win, and a hefty tax bill due on the ranch, all he wants at the end of the day is a shower and a cold beer. But the woman in the packed SUV clearly needs his help—and though she’s a stranger, Jace finds himself wanting to turn her haunted look into a smile . . .
Fleeing her abusive boyfriend, Charlotte Holcomb thought she’d escaped before she lost everything, but more heartache was to come. Now, sidetracked by a brewing storm, Charlotte has to trust the handsome sheriff. Just one night, she tells herself, before she’s on her way again. But when gentle Jace and his kids offer the kind of sanctuary she never imagined possible, it’s hard to say goodbye. Soon the two wary strangers are becoming friends, and longing to open their hearts to more—if they can move beyond the pain of their pasts . . .
PRAISE FOR COWBOY UP
“Stacy Finz delivers a fantastic tale of cowboys, cattle rustling and the power of love and family in the California gold country.” –Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author
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Just finished it and all I can say is “Oh wow! What a great book!” The perfect sweet love story. And throwing in some hunky cowboys sure didnt hurt! Cant wait for the next one.
Couldn’t put it down! Started out strong and continued throughout with intrigue, drama and suspense. Charlotte or Charlie, was in trouble, and Jace brought her to his house. They fell for each other, so there’s a bit of good heat here, along with two boisterous typical boys just being themselves. All goodness, but there’s always the feeling that things can change in the blink of an eye, and boy did it!
I loved reading this, keeping me in the thick of things to the end.
A stand alone with it’s own romance, tho it is part of a series.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it as a stand alone, but that was not a problem as the author provides plenty of back story. Wonderful characters and a well developed plot made it an entertaining read. I read an ARC from NetGalley.com and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Sheriff and rancher Jace Dalton has lost a lot of people in his life. His parents and baby brother were killed in a car accident, so he was raised by his grandparents at Dry Creek Ranch, and recently lost them. His wife left him and his two sons, so he doesn’t trust easy. But when he finds Charlotte pulled over on the side of the road having a miscarriage his heart goes out to her and he offers her a place to recover. His last housekeeper had just quit, so he volunteers to temporarily fill the position. Charlotte is running from an abusive boyfriend and needs a temporary place to shelter. He picks up that she is not telling the truth, but they slowly begin to trust each other, while Jace’s sons soon adore her, and Jace’s cousins who also have shares of the ranch are suspicious and do not want to see Jace hurt again. Charlotte easily falls in love with the family and the ranch, but worries that she is putting them all in danger. When Jace detects the truth and confronts her, he promises to protect her, but he has his own problems. The cousins are behind on the property taxes of the ranch and he has an election coming up, hampered by false gossip.
Right away this book will break your heart for Charlie. What happens to hear is just so wrong. You really need to read the book to get the full picture of why. Something’s is better to be read fro oneself.
Like with the prior book I totally loved this one. These three cousins are so much fun to read about. Up this time is Jace. If you’ve read the prior book than you already met Jace and his sons. Jace is fighting so hard for what is left of his grandfathers legacy. It might turn out to be a losing battle.
I really enjoyed him in the first book, Cowboy Up and was waiting for more. Cowboy Tough all made me want even more. I guess it’s the mystery of what happened to Sawyer’s sister. I wonder if we’ll finally find out what happened to her in his book.
Okay, enough about that we haven’t even gotten to that book yet. Back to Cowboy Tough. I think my favorite part of this book is the way Jace treated his boys. Even when they were a handful he showed them love to go along with their punishment.
He’s a wonderful dad and sheriff and the two didn’t need to treat him like they do. Or I should say some of the people. Not all. You’ll have to read Cowboy Up to know what I’m talking about. This is why I love series. They are like a ball of yarn that’s knotted.
Since you know kinda what’s going on in Charlie’s life you really feel for her. She’s full of a ton of emotions and she really doesn’t know who to trust. I don’t blame her for not trust or want to bring trouble to Jace and his boys.
It’s really sweet to see how Jace and the boys show her how it’s to be with around good people again. It’s been so long for her that she forgot. She learned a lot about Jace through his boys. You can tell a lot about a man by how he treats the weakest people around him.
I think the most heartbreaking part is around the last half of this book. Again, you’ll need to read it to find out why, but I really liked how the author handled her becoming her own person again. As a whole, this is a wonderful story that I didn’t want to end. I really enjoy these people even if they are only on paper. Do yourself a favor and read the series in order. There are only two books so far and you’ll really get to know what’s whats if you do.
Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So we meet Charlie who is running from her scumbag and abuser of an ex, leaving doubt in her, afraid and wary of who is who. and she needs to learn how to trust again, can you blame her? Well I certainly didn’t and I liked and respected her, this lady has been thru a lot. She meet Jace, who is also trying to rediscover and trust again after getting out of a marriage to someone who would abandon their children (yeah-horrid) right when they both needed each other without knowing how much they did. Anywho they meet on a crazy situation, but again when they needed each other the most. I liked that these two got to know each other before jumping in the sack and feeling like they loved each other from just a look. No Stacy took the time to express what Charlie went thru, and how doesn’t matter how poor or rich you are, abuse can come from anyone, or anywhere. We have Jace’s sons who had to go thru the suffering of having a parent that leaves you because they were selfish, self centered, heartless. Luckily these two met and it wasn’t the everything is good now, there were secrets and feeling that each had to overcome to be able to be what the other needed and they themselves can love and respect. Only thing that I didn’t like was that I didn’t know this wasn’t the first book so I have to go back, and that it was just a little slower than I am used to..just a little
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
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I would seriously give this more stars if I could. I adored this series. Now I did read them out of order as they could be stand-alone reads. There is an underlying theme of unpaid taxes on the ranch and Sawyer’s missing sister, Angie but they really can be stand-alone. Each one is fantastic. I am really hoping that Sawyer’s sister, Angie get a story also.
Charlie Rogers is on the found on the side of the road by the County Sheriff, Jace Dalton. At first Jace thinks she is homeless as her small SUV is loaded down with boxes, clothes and other miscellaneous items. Jace tells Charlie that she can’t stay there and where the nearest places are for her to go. She barely moves and clutches her middle. Jace opens the passenger door and notices blood. Charlie is pregnant and is about to miscarrying her baby. Jace rushes her to the nearest hospital for help. The doctor informs Jace that Charlie had been assaulted hence the loss of the baby that was in the second trimester. Jace takes Charlie home as it is late evening and she had been given painkillers. What happens is just a griping tale of how much these two go through to get to their HEA.
I just adored both of the main characters. Even though I have never been in either of their situations, they were so relatable. The plot is one that flowed beautifully. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I had to see what the author had in store for these two. There were some great scenes that made chuckle, laugh, sigh and almost cry. I felt like I was right there in the midst of the scenes. I could really picture the action in my mind.
The story was written in a multiple POV format. Not only was there the POV of the two main characters but we also see Sawyer’s. His story is the third book of this series.
There were some sexy scenes. The author gave some light detail but nothing of a graphic detail. I would HIGHLY recommend this story and the entire series to anyone over the age of 18.
Dry Creek Ranch #2, Jace, Cash, and Sawyer are still trying to figure out how they can keep their ranch in one piece and still have enough to pay the taxes which are coming up and on top of all that Jace is up for re-election as Sheriff and this time he has competition. Jace also needs a new babysitter for his boys, even though the oldest, Travis, is old enough to watch Grady they don’t always play nice. Charlotte is on the run from her fiance with the help of an organization that specializes in her situation she’s trying to get as far away from him and San Francisco as possible she only made it as far as Dry Creek. Charlotte’s former fiance cost her everything and now she has to start over. When Jace earns her trust enough for her to confide in him he talks her into staying at least for a little bit and file a restraining order. Charlotte helps around the house, watches the boys when they need it, helps out with the re-election campaign, and she start to find something to help her make money, refurbish and upcycle stuff she found at an old barn. She is well on her way to falling in love with the town, the boys, and Jace now she only needs to stop worrying about what her ex-fiance is going to do when he finds her.
Overall, it was another fabulous read from Stacy Finz. Wonderful characters love Charlotte heartbroken but resilient, Jace hesitant to start a relationship with a woman who has up until now been a city girl and one who might leave him and his boys and they have been through that before he can’t do it again. This a a wonderful romance, Stacy Finz has a way with words, she pulls you in and makes you feel like your part of their family. I am really looking forward to Sawyer’s book and finding out about what happened to Angie.
Charlotte Holcomb/Charlie Rogers had pulled off the road when the cramping started. “This is bad, real bad,” she thought. The next thing she knew a sheriff was asking her to put her window down and telling her she couldn’t stay there. She told him she would get her car back on the road but realized she just couldn’t. When the sheriff noticed blood on the seat she told him she was having a miscarriage. He convinced her to let him take her to the hospital and maybe they could save the baby.
Sheriff Jace Dalton knew he had to act fast. He got her out of her car and transported her to the closest hospital. Jace decided to wait there to see how Charlie fared. The ER doctor informed him that Charlie had lost the baby and he was concerned she had been abused due to seeing contusions and much bruising on her back. Jace strongly suspected that Charlie was running from an abuser. She refused to remain at the hospital so Jace attempted to find a motel room where Charlie could spend the night and hopefully get her strength back. No rooms were available so he ended up taking her home. And that’s how it all began.
Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz is the second book in her Dry Creek Ranch series. I read the first book in the series, Cowboy Up and totally enjoyed it. I liked Cowboy Tough just as much. Ms. Finz has three tough, honorable characters in the Dalton cousins. These three men inherited Dry Creek Ranch after the death of their grandfather. They face financial difficulties with past due taxes owed and the need to find ways for the ranch’s income to increase. I like how the author finds perfect matches for these guys. In this case Jace Dalton is raising his two sons on his own after his wife left them. Charlie agrees to stay and help with the boys while Jace looks for a babysitter. Charlie gets along great with the boys and comes to care for them. Knowing her ex-boyfriend who comes from a very wealthy and influential family will eventually catch up with her means Charlie has to move on at some point. Jace falls for her and wants her to stay. The storyline moves along smoothly and I think will keep the reader’s interest. This is a wonderful small town romance filled with love, community interest and family togetherness.
Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz is the second in the Dry Creek Ranch series. This second book is at least as good as the first, if not better. Sheriff Jace Dalton finds a woman parked at the side of a road out in the country. She appears to be in the middle of miscarrying a child. When she is finally released she won’t tell him her name, only Charlie, which he senses is not entirely accurate. There are no motel rooms available so he takes her to his house for the night. He’s a nice guy. The one night turns to months, until neither one of them can remember her not being there. During that time Charlie shares some of her story and Jace investigates and discovers more of it. She is running but she has nowhere to go. He wants her to be safe. If she has to leave, so be it. In the process Charlie discovers that a man can be angry but not raise his voice or become violent. It is a revelation to her, reminding her that her father had been the same. She had forgotten.
This is a fabulous story that centers on spousal abuse, a very current topic. Charlie’s story ends much more tragically than many do, although the danger is no less. It takes a courageous woman to get out. We see this courage in Charlie. We see it in Jace and his sons, and the rest of his family. All the while, life goes on around them. Jace’s son Travis gets caught in a compromising position with his girlfriend, Charlie starts a successful business, Jace is busy running for re-election, the taxes on the ranch are still due, and more. This is a busy book about life and about love. Things don’t always work out the way we plan: that is a tragedy, but sometimes things are better than we could have planned. Finz does a terrific job with building characters and setting. This plot and the subplots were all good, and true to life. I love this series and can’t wait for the next one. I recommend to all readers of modern romance and modern cowboy romance.
I received a free ARC of Cowboy Tough from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #cowboytough
Stacy Finz has another winner with her latest book, Cowboy Tough. This novel grabs you right from the start and the heart-stirring story never loses momentum. The two primary characters, Charlotte Holcomb and Jace Dalton, have amazing chemistry, and their romantic courtship is replete with friendship, desire and love. Ms. Finz is a talented storyteller and her words kept me glued to my seat.
Charlotte is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, who just happens to be a successful attorney and the son of a Senator. Due to a bad storm and tragic circumstances, she needs a place to recoup and regroup. Jace is the local sheriff and he offers to let her stay on his ranch for the night. One night turns into many more, and Charlotte, Jace, and his two boys form a family. In addition, Charlotte’s self worth begins to blossom, even though she is constantly looking over her shoulder. Jace has sworn to keep her safe and does everything in his power to do so, while caring for his sons, running the ranch with his two cousins, and campaigning for reelection.
Cowboy Tough is a quick-paced story with well-defined and exciting characters. I loved the way Ms. Finz evolved Charlotte and Jace’s relationship, with trust, tenderness, and desire. This is an emotional read, so you may want to have some tissues handy. If you are looking for a contemporary romance with a bit of suspense, an engaging plot, and a happily ever after that will leave a smile on your face, read this book.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Cowboy Tough was a good read. I enjoyed Jace and Charlie’s story and loved catching up with the Daltons. I look forward to the next book in the Dry Creek Ranch series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley.
An incredibly sweet and exciting story! Jace and Charlie’s story starts out in tragedy but it’s soon clear that Jace, his family and his ranch are the keys to healing Charlie’s heart.
I would expect nothing less from Stacy Finz and she definitely didn’t disappoint. 5 stars!!
ncredible reading and subject matter by Stacy Finz as we return to Dry Creek Ranch. Jace Dalton and Charlie Rogers story will pull at your heart strings all they way through and truly make you feel for each character.
Jace found Charlie on the side of the road in medical need after taking her to the hospital and waiting until she had been cared for he offered her shelter.
Charlie was running for her life she didn’t know a man could be as solid as Jace but she knows she could never stay.
Kudos Stacey more than 5 stars if I could
Cowboy Tough was a romantic, suspenseful story. I enjoyed returning to Dry Creek Ranch and the sexy, Dalton cousins. This book focused on Jace and his boys, Travis and Grady. Jace’s wife left him awhile ago and the boys have not seen or heard from their mom in a few years. They liked to get their housekeepers/ babysitters to quit until Charlie came along.
Charlie’s story had me on pins and needles because she fled from an abusive relationship and you knew Corbin would be back to get rid of her but you did not know how or when. That was one of the reasons that made the story so interesting, The other was the chemistry between Jace and Charlie if she could only trust him. I could not put this book down and I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what happened to their cousin, Angie. She has been missing for five years. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Cowboy Tough was a heartwarming story with great characters Jace and Charlie were endearing characters that pulled me in from the beginning and kept my attention until the end. There was some suspense in Cowboy Tough but, mainly it was about two people coming together and forming a lasting relationship and their family and friends being there for them during good times and bad.. Overall, it was an amazing story and I can’t wait to read this talented author’s next book.
Finz brings readers a wonderful second in the Dry Creek Ranch series. This one has all the feels, well-written dialogue, and complex and well developed characters. I love the setting for this small town romance where everyone knows your business, but they (for the most part) like you anyway. This romance will have you rooting for a happily ever after.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romance and small town romance genres.
Loved this story. Jace and Charlotte were so good together. They each had issues in their past that they needed to overcome and with the help of each other, they were able to and so much more. They were able to find love again. This story was so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I have read several of her books and she never fails to make me fall in love with her work more and more each time I read it. I can’t wait until the next book in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Every town needs sheriff like Sheriff Jace Dalton in Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz. I think it would be rather impossible to get to know him in this story without falling at least a little in love with him. Despite Charlotte Holcomb’s past, she wants to succumb to those feelings, believing that good men still exist.
Instead of cattle rustling, domestic abuse is taken on in this second story of the Dry Creek Ranch cousins’ series. Jace is honorable, hardworking, a stand up kind of guy wo also has a great sense of humor at times. Being the father of two boys, he needs it. Charlotte Holcomb is stronger than she thinks even with the heartbreaking beginning of this story. A clear reminder that domestic abuse crosses all economic and social backgrounds. The plight of the victims is real, needing real support to survive, recover and thrive.
Stacy Finz is a storyteller extraordinaire. I grieved, worried, hope and loved right along with Charlotte Holcomb from beginning to glorious end.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz
Dry Creek Ranch #2
Jace and Charlotte probably would never have met if her miscarriage had not sidelined her on the road in Jace’s territory. And even though he played good Samaritan they would not have had seen one another again if this that and the other thing had not serendipitously happened to keep them together longer than that ride to the hospital. The reasons he offered her shelter and she chose to accept the shelter make for a good story. Add in the backstory of both, the sons of Jace and both eventually falling for one another and you have a fairy tale HEA come true. Now…what will happen in book 3? Will Sawyer find his sister or will he find a woman of his own or will all of that happen and more?
What I liked:
* Charlotte/Charlie: beaten but not entirely broken, smart and courageous once she made her move, knows what she wants and reaches out for it, creativity aplenty, a good partner for Jace
* Jace: a good father, tied to the land, excellent sheriff, a bit clueless regarding his election campaign, looking toward the future and a good partner for Charlotte
* Cash & Sawyer: Great cousins and support characters in the story
* Aubrey: a good friend and assistant to Charlotte
* The way the story was told
* The relationship between Jace, Cash & Sawher
* The reality and grim reminder of farms going under and the cost to those who lose their livelihood
* The closeness between Jace & Charlotte and how it grew slowly
* Travis and Grady – Jace’s children
* The series
What I did not like:
* The abusive boyfriend – he, hopefully, will get what he deserves
* The Beals losing their ranch (maybe?)
* That politicians can win elections even though they don’t have a clue what to do if/when they win
* That I have to wait to read the next book in the series.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Do I want to read the next book in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington – Lyrical Shine for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one about Charlie and her struggles she goes through and how she handles them. Then how Jace and the Dalton family steps in to help being a family who has each others back. It is a standalone read and only the second in the series but it is a great series to get into.