She won the job… Can he win her heart? Hiring Amanda “AJ” McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn’t foreman Travis Maxwell’s first choice–but his sisters insist she’s perfect for the job. And AJ’s determined to prove she’s just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything…including his heart.
Another delightful story in Tina Radcliffe’s Big Heart Ranch series!
This book was great it was funny and entertaining. I was laughing through out the whole book. I loved the characters and it was nice to see a woman ask forgiveness for a change most books its the other way around. I only wish there was an epilogue so I know what else happens. I’m kinda sad that it’s over lol.
I love Tina Radcliffe’s cowboy romance books and Falling for the Cowgirl totally hit the spot! This is book 2 in the Big Heart Ranch series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. This book has all of Tina Radcliffe’s trademark goodness that makes her books enjoyable – easy-to-follow and fluid writing, nicely paced and interesting plot, flawed yet lovable characters, and solid thread of faith. If you enjoy contemporary western romance, you will love this book.
I don’t know much about ranching or horses (gasp!) or rodeo circuit but the author describes the life on an Oklahoman ranch with clarity and detail that I never got lost in the backdrop of the story. Travis is the ranch foreman and part owner who is skeptical, cynical, goal-driven, and hard- headed. He gets outvoted by his sisters (the other ranch partners) and ends up hiring AJ, an intelligent, capable, hard-working woman experienced in ranching, as the assistant foreman. AJ feels that she has a lot to prove in this male-dominated world and clash immediately with Travis. Their friendship and trust build slowly as they learn to work together for the good of the ranch. Travis has some letting go to do and AJ has some forgiving to do.
What a fun read! I can’t wait for book 3 which will focus on Emma, the youngest of the three Maxwell siblings. You’ll surely want to pick up Claiming Her Cowboy as well (book 1) to read about Lucy, the eldest Maxwell sibling.
I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher and was not obligated to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Disappointments and heartbreaks have happened to both characters in the past so it’s not easy for AJ and Travis to trust the other. Travis reluctantly hires AJ (Amanda Jane) as his assistant foreman on the Big Heart Ranch. He isn’t quite sure a woman can handle the job but his sisters sort of twist his arm. He soon sees that AJ is more than capable. AJ has worked on a ton of ranches and it seems her gender always seems to get in the way even though she is more than good at her job. She is hoping this time she can stay. I loved their interaction and how even when they disagreed, they eventually worked things out. The other characters on the ranch were fun too. This is a very good story about not only forgiveness but allowing yourself to be led in a new direction. Great story!
Falling For The Cowgirl is the second story in Tina Radcliffe’s Big Heart Ranch series. This is Travis’ story. Radcliffe has a gift for creating authentic characters. There is so much depth and so many layers you can’t help but fall in love with them.
A great story filled with humor, love, understanding and compassion. Add some villains, a few misunderstandings and some interesting plot twists. I couldn’t put this book down.
Ms. Tina Radcliffe continues to leave me in an blissful state of happiness after each book I finish.
Falling For The Cowgirl was phenomenal. Travis and AJ were the perfect couple.
The drama incorporated in this one hit close to my heart.
I had roping horses growing up and they were part of my family, so when Gus went missing, I truly felt the grief AJ was going through.
The Lord works in mysterious ways! He knew Travis and AJ were perfect for one another, they completed each other, filled a void each had, while their love blossomed.
I love the strong heroine in this story! The characters are realistic and natural.
Take one feisty, independent, hard-working cowgirl and one slightly chauvinistic, set-in-his-ways hunky cowboy; throw them together and watch the sparks fly—in more ways than one. With lots of witty banter, head-butting, and intrigue, Tina Radcliffe’s writing pulled me right in and kept me turning pages. Her realistic, engaging, wounded characters came to life on the page and made me feel as if I knew them. I loved the setting on Big Heart Ranch, which the Maxwell siblings run for orphans and neglected, abused children. It sounds like just the place to heal those wounded hearts, and if it can heal a few of the adults’ hearts as well, then all the better! A tender message of faith, forgiveness, and hope runs through the story and gives it an added dimension. This is the second in the Big Heart Ranch series, but it can be read as a stand-alone book. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Tina Radcliffe has done it again. She’s written another awesome can’t-put-down book. Falling For The Cowgirl stole my heart just like AJ stole Travis’. Despite Travis’ issues with control and security, I think AJ had his number right from the start. Falling in love wasn’t easy for them, but laced with the perfect amount of humor, trust, pride, and respect they made it to their HEA, along with some help from two bison, a dog, blackberry pie and advice-giving cowboys. This is the second book in her Big Heart Ranch series. You’re going to love this sweet romance!
Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe
If you had asked him, I don’t think Travis would have realized that he thought a woman couldn’t work as well as a man but underneath everything, he did start out believing that way. He was a fun character, being quite outspoken and having a short fuse, and yet he had quite a soft heart.
AJ was a woman in a male-dominated field. Despite the fact that Travis’ sisters were both completely for hiring her as assistant foreman, he was against that decision. I love the way she managed to handle so many things that he had been unable to do. She got Dutch to work morning shifts. She fired Rusty in such a way that he was actually grateful for it. Having only read about ranches, I was very surprised that AJ showed up for her interview wearing a suit. It just never even occurred to me that a cowboy would interview in anything other than jeans. What a stereotype that is, though, so I apologize to ranchers, cowboys, and cowgirls!
AJ was such a complex character. I thought it was great how it didn’t even occur to her to not speak the truth directly all the time. I admired her determination to continue working on ranches despite the problems she encountered in the past.
I loved the visit Travis and AJ took to pick up the bull they purchased. The folks on the ranch where the bull was were so fun. The way the wife kept trying to get AJ to bring home more critters than just the bull was humorous.
The idea of rustlers in this day and age seems as incongruous as the idea of pirates, yet we know that there are such things as modern-day pirates, and I imagine there are rustlers as well. It was interesting to learn that branding is is more commonly done via a tag than a branding iron. The tags, unfortunately, can be easily removed if someone had a desire to do so.
I would have liked to have learned more about the fostering aspect of the ranch. Where did the children live? Who lived with them to care for them? Where did they eat?
The romance was very sweet yet not easy, because both Travis and AJ had problems trusting others. And because AJ had very bad experiences with former bosses and co-workers wanting more than a friendly working relationship. The conflicts they had to work through made the story seem realistic and made it quite enjoyable.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.
Get a preview of Falling for the Cowgirl at amongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Falling for the Cowgirl was such a fun sweet story to curl up in my reading chair with. We have two characters who do not like the preconceived notions people have about them and would much rather be seen for who they are along with their skill sets and accomplishments.
AJ McAlester is trying to find ‘home’ where she can be who she is, a cowgirl who knows her stuff. Travis is not so sure that a woman can do the job he wants done, but his two sisters, who are also his business partners have great intuition when they hire AJ. Travis is AJ’s immediate boss and he sets out to test her mettle, and what he sees impresses him. More than that, his heart is also softening towards her.
AJ is constantly trying to prove herself after the loss of both her parents and empty promises from her stepfather. I felt for her the most and I could understand why she was always running. She proved herself as an excellent worker but her one flaw was that she had built her walls so high that she really would not let anyone get close to her.
The side characters were an extra bonus, both human and animal. There is a bit of suspense as there are some modern day cattle rustlers making mischief. But my favorite part was the banter. It progressed from guarded to sassy and by the end of this read I was grinning from ear to ear.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
AJ Rowe is the kind of employee any ranch owner would want. Experienced with horses, possessing an incredible work ethic and having a mind that allows quick thinking and wise decisions. Just the person that Travis Maxwell and his two sisters are looking for to fill their need for an assistant ranch foremen. Yes, AJ seems perfect except for the fact that the initials AJ stand for Amanda Jane and this cowboy is a cowgirl! Travis immediately rejects her application but he is overruled by his sisters and AJ becomes the newest member of the Big Heart Ranch staff. Her previous jobs have demanded extra efforts for her to prove herself and she accepts that this job will be no different. She is determined to do her very best to fulfill the mission statement of this special place that is dedicated to providing a home for ophaned, abused and neglected children.
From the beginning it is apparent that Travis and AJ share an incredible chemistry but both are carrying around past hurts that they can’t seem to shed. Several times the barriers begin to come down and then something happens to cause them to retreat and once again readers face the possibility that there is no future for this special couple. I loved the scenes when they are struggling with their feelings and some of the conversations are both heart-warming and heart-breaking! In one scene Travis tells AJ “I trust you. It’s me I’m having issues with” and AJ replies “You need to turn it over to the Lord, Travis. Your value isn’t measured by whether or not this grant comes through. Just like it isn’t measured by your face on a magazine cover.”
I recommend Falling For The Cowgirl to anyone who enjoys Christian romance because Tina Radcliffe has created a book that has it all! The romantic scenes between Travis and AJ will definitely increase your pulse rate. Great secondary characters supply depth to the story and the plot includes deception, theft, honesty and loyalty. The setting of the Big Heart Ranch adds the perfect touch and I can’t wait to read the third book in this Big Heart Ranch series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a favorable review.
Falling for the Cowgirl is the first book that I have read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last! I enjoyed this story so much! The setting was very interesting. I really enjoyed reading about all of the preparations that AJ and Travis were having to work on in order to apply for a special grant that the ranch needed. Their day to day lives felt very real to me.
The romantic tension in this novel was so good! These characters were attracted to each other right away, yet neither one was interested in any kind of romantic relationship. However, I appreciated the way that their actual interest in each other naturally grew as they began working together, spent time talking to each other, and basically became friends.
The author did a good job of creating back stories for both of these characters. I could appreciate the reasons why both AJ and Travis struggled with trust issues after some of the things that they had both experienced.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish and look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Falling for the Cowgirl
Tina Radcliffe has once again pulled at my heartstrings with her newest novel Falling for the Cowgirl.
This second book in the Big Heart Ranch series, which can be read as a stand-a-lone, had me hooked from the first page as I turned page after page till its end! Such a gifted writer, Tina Radcliffe always tells such a good story with characters that just draw you into their lives and then make you hate to see the story end!
This story of love and second chances is swoon worthy and definitely a must read! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
Travis and AJ both have struggles they need to work on. Working together at Big Heart Ranch shows them both that change can be good and home is where the heart is. Ms. Radcliff knocked it out of the park with this one!
‘It would be a very long time before she got over Travis Maxwell’s betrayal.’
Tina Radcliffe takes us back to Big Heart Ranch for this second in the series. Big Heart is a ranch set up to help disadvantaged children and Radcliffe has made it seem so real, the reader feels part of her setting.
Travis Maxwell and his two sisters were all in foster care and have set up the ranch to make other children feel special. It is a wonderful place. However, right now they need an assistant foreman. When A.J. Rowe shows up to interview, neither sibling knew A.J. was Amanda. Travis, in particular, is dead set against a woman in this role. His sisters vote him down, though, because A.J. has the best credentials. Travis grudgingly agrees for A.J. to take the position and soon finds out she is tops in her field. She has some really new ideas that Travis thinks will cost him, but he allows her to take her lead and soon the ranch is better for it. But is his heart on the line?
A.J. herself has some issues and never stays long any place she works. She just doesn’t feel appreciated for herself, but she is beginning to believe things might be different at Big Heart Ranch. Then something happens that has her second guessing herself again. Will these two allow God to work in their lives and bring about His good plans for them?
I loved this book and read it in two days. I only recently discovered Tina Radcliffe’s work and I’m a fan now for life! She creates believable characters and settings and plots. I recommend this one highly!
*My thanks to the author and publisher for an early copy of this book. All opinion stated here are entirely my own.
This is a good story about two people with separate goals who have to overcome personal prejudices in order to succeed. Travis Maxwell wants to think he’s a modern man until he’s confronted with his own opinions about women doing what he considers man’s work, only AJ McAlester has the skills he needs to run the ranch and help him move it into the sustainable category to qualify for a needed grant. AJ has lost every ranching jobs she’s had for one unreasonable anti-woman reason after another and when she’s given a three-month trial at Big Heart she’s determined to prove that she’s up to the job. Travis has a fear of women running his life and AJ fears being run off the job. Can they come to terms and work together? But for how long?
I love this story because men who think woman can’t do certain jobs are common and it is a pleasure to read about someone (even though she’s fictional) that overcomes the stigma and is seen for her real value. Also, the heroine is not a toughened, hard core individual. Even though she tries hard to overcome odds she’s still sensitive, and we see her emotionally wounded.
This is another wonderful story from Tina Radcliffe with her signature sharp wit and humor.
I received an advance copy of this story with no obligation to review. I chose to review it all on my own.
“Hiring Amanda “AJ” McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn’t foreman Travis Maxwell’s first choice—but his sisters insist she’s perfect for the job.”
With that opening line, you know you’re going to see so many sparks fly it would put a firecracker to shame! These two certainly don’t hit it off so well; he has old fashioned ideas on how to build a thriving self-sufficient cattle ranch while she has some rather unconventional methods and isn’t afraid to suggest them. Oh I love AJ, she’s feisty, independent, stubborn, and out to prove she can do anything as well as any man! Having worked ranches all her life, she’s also looking to finally put down roots somewhere she can call home. Working for Big Heart Ranch is like a breath of fresh air, as long as she can keep her heart from falling for her boss. Travis is in the same boat; bullheaded as the day is long, and not easily swayed to anyone else’s thinking! He certainly has enough on his plate without the distraction of a pretty lady and getting his own heart tangled up. Things start happening at the ranch that forces them in a united front and maybe just a bit of compromise.
These two are fun to watch, especially when they bandy about witty barbs!
“You make me nervous,” she admitted.
He frowned. “I do?”
“Yes.”
His eyes met hers. “If it’s any consolation, you terrify me.”~ page 80
See what I mean? It’s stuff like this that made me laugh out loud and look forward to more from these two characters. There’s a lot of layers, great second-hand characters, reminders of faith, family dynamics (annoying sisterly advice anyone?), and falling in love to read in the pages of this well written book by Tina Radcliffe to enjoy. What I love the most? Big Heart Ranch is based off a true life children’s ranch in Alabama that gives these kids second chances. Now who’s heart wouldn’t melt at that?
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *