Looking for redemption… Finding a future Rancher Liam Dale is in Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. He had no idea vet assistant Trisha Gilbert would be there, too–and he’s even more shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust him and a baby boy to protect. But now that he knows he’s a father, Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a … unexpected reunion into a true family.
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HER SURPRISE COWBOY is Claire McEwen’s 3rd book of the Heroes of The Shelter Creek series. Rancher Liam Dale arrives to Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. What he did not expect is finding Trisha Gilbert—the angel who turned his life around after his one night with her. He is shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust Liam and a baby boy to protect, but Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a true family. Claire McEwen delights her readers by bringing the gang from her previous books whose support smooth the way for Trisha and Liam. HER SURPRISE COWBOY is a sweet, clean romance about two people finding love and becoming a family they are meant to be.
Trisha and her friend Becca went to San Antonio and crashed a wedding. While dancing and enjoying the evening, Trisha met a young cowboy named William. They had a great evening and she woke up and found him gone with no note or anyway to reach him. They didn’t even know each other’s last name or a way to contact them.
Two years later Trisha is at her friends ranch in California and is introduced to a gentlemen that they had just hired. When she saw him, she realized that it was William from the wedding, but his name is really Liam. She has some news that she isn’t sure how to tell him or maybe should I say she isn’t sure she should tell him at all.
This book take you through his emotions and Trisha’s. An awesome book. I was a little sad when it ended because I hated to say goodbye to the book biddies and the whole gang.
This is the first book in the Heroes of Shelter Creek series by Claire McEwen. Liam Dale and Trisha Gilbert had a one-night stand a year ago. Trisha meets with Liam to introduce him to his son Henry. Trisha doesn’t trust Liam and doesn’t think he would be a good father to Henry. Liam must prove to Trisha that he could be a good father and tries to win her heart. I really enjoyed reading this contemporary Western romance novel. I received this free book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Liam wasn’t happy when he ended up with the straw that would land him in California working on his friend Jace’s ranch. And he sure wasn’t expecting to run into one night stand Trish Gilbert. Shame and guilt had been so strong Liam had left the next morning before Trish awoke, neither knowing the others last name. Now they were face to face as Trish works at the vet Liam’s friend Jace uses for his ranch. Liam is at the ranch in order to learn a more modern way of ranching, as his dad expects him to, but how will working in such close company work for these two.
Author Claire McEwen does a really nice job of weaving the past together with the present in a way that readers can connect. And since I have only read one of the previous books in this series, I was able to keep up with the characters and the plot with no problem. It would be better reading the series in order, but not necessary. There is a lot going on in this story, a lot of tensions flying around everywhere and I just wanted Liam and Trisha to finally tell each other their buried little secrets. As they work through anger, guilt and shock feeling, both begin to spend more time with each other. And the more time they are together, the stronger their attraction. This is a sweet story of forgiveness and a chance at life neither of them expected. If you love sweet Heartwarming drama, this is a great one for you. Why not check it out.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I really enjoyed Reunited with the Cowboy, the first book in this series, and somehow I missed book 2. But after meeting Jace & Vivian in book 3, I’m going to have to go back and catch up on their story too!
Her Surprise Cowboy has all the right ingredients for a sweet romance – small town, swoony hero, cautious heroine, an adorable baby, an amusing dog, some yummy kisses, and a cast of fun supporting characters (Book Biddies, I’m looking at you!). But there are so many more layers to this story than may first appear – especially the new & sudden trajectories that one night almost two years ago set for both Liam and Trisha, separately. A one-night stand (which is mentioned as having occurred in the past but never detailed) changed their lives forever with the creation of a sweet little life – one Liam is only just now finding out about, thanks to other events that his reckless night with Trisha set in motion for his own life. They never expected to see each other again and certainly not in this particular setting. As you can imagine, there are a lot of emotions wrapped up in their surprise reunion… and emotions always lead to great romantic tension & delicious kisses!
We’re also introduced to Liam’s brothers at the beginning of this book, and I really hope that McEwen’s next series will be on the Dale boys! They all seem to have intriguing stories just waiting to be told – and all of them have great swooniness potential too.
Bottom Line: Her Surprise Cowboy is a sweet & tender romance with layered characters and a heartwarming subplot, particularly if you are interested in wildlife rescue. Watching Liam embrace the role of “daddy” is as swoony and endearing as you might expect, and so is the romance between Liam & Trisha. A story that draws you in, characters that capture your heart, and just the right amount of humor and warmth.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen is a beautiful story of love, family, and finding your place in this world.
Will Trish and Liam figure out how to coexist as Henry’s parents?
Trish Gilbert
Trish is our heroine. She is cautious and strict when it comes to her protection. However, Trish is a wonderful mother to not only Henry but also the orphaned animals at the Center. Trish has a heart of gold, but you have to climb the walls to see that. I like Trish, she has a way of doing things and it has been working. But if she allows her past to dictate her present, where does that leave her and Henry?
Liam Gilbert
Liam has some serious issues, but for the most part, it is all in the past. Now he just wants to be taken at face value and prove that he has taken charge of his life. So, imagine the shock when he finds out that he has a son, with the woman who stole his heart. Liam thinks of Trish as an angel, but he has to figure out where his heart wants to be. I think Liam is a great character. He has baggage, but don’t we all. I loved that he was willing to do what is necessary to help Trish trust him.
Five Stars
It has been a while since I have read a romance, and Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen is perfect. The characters are well developed, and the story came together fabulously. I loved the ending. All in all, my rating is five stars. I highly recommend this to all readers of sweet romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Prism Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen.
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
4 1/2 STARS!
Love when they least expect it! With the third book in her Heroes of Shelter Creek series Claire McEwen delights her readers with a surprise baby story line. The characters are flawed, but withstand a sweet redemption. Really enjoyed!
Liam Dale caught my heart quickly with his comeback story and the love he shares with his family. Once he gets to Shelter Creek and reunites with Trisha, all bets are off and he’s coming in strong!
Trisha is a bit of a conundrum. I understand where she’s coming from with the resentment she holds towards Liam, but her attitude towards him was a little hard to forgive sometimes.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sweet small town romance with a group of highly entertaining characters and lots of love and drama.
What happens when two people are meant to be together, but get lost on their way? Liam and Trisha met each other when she decided to crash a wedding and their one night together changed her whole life. It made her a mom to her little boy Henry.
Liam left Trisha that night as quickly as he could because he was so ashamed of his own life. He was addicted to pain medication and he didn’t want to bring anyone else into his mess. Even if she might be the perfect one for him. So he left without a trace.
Now after some time has passed- Liam is offered an opportunity to help his family’s ranch in Texas and give back to them for helping him get sorted. So he goes off to California to learn from and help a friend on how they are humanely treating wildlife while still running a successful ranch. Liam is about to get surprised in more ways then one. First off the woman he left after one night is there and for some reason she doesn’t seem too happy to see him.
He thinks it is due to their monumental differences with wild animals, but no it is a much bigger situation than that. This was a delightful romance of two people learning from their biggest mistakes and embracing life and who they have become due to them.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all my views and opinions are my own.
Her Surprise Cowboy was such a fun “surprise daddy” story! Even though Trisha drove me a little crazy a few times in the middle of the book, with her second guessing and overprotective tendencies, her uncertainty concerning Liam made sense. It was really a special moment in the story when Trisha and Liam began working as a team with Henry.
Liam did a great job of learning to be a dad, while also recognizing that his feelings for Trisha ran deep. I loved the changes that occurred in both Trisha and Liam throughout the novel as they learned to trust each other and opened their hearts to love.
Even though this is book three in the series, readers should have no trouble jumping into this wonderful cast of characters and beautiful setting.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Second chances abound in Shelter Creek, California.
Liam Dale leaves his family and his place of security to learn more about raising grass-fed cattle. Little does he know the woman who, two years ago, changed the momentum of the downward spiral he was in.
Trisha has overcome her own challenges and now has two jobs she loves, is surrounded by a group of friends who have become her family, and cares for her son. He may not have been planned, but he is the light of her life.
Both Liam and Trisha have experienced tragedy that altered the courses of their lives. As Liam comes to terms with the reality of fatherhood, Trisha must learn to trust the man who disappeared from her life after a night of letting go of the tight control she has on her life.
Claire McEwen gives readers and education in wildlife management and welcomes them into the wild beauty of the Northern California landscape. From the friendships to the meddling of the book biddies to the romance, it’s the people of Shelter Creek that leave their mark.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This was a sweet secret baby romance. Trisha didn’t know the full name of the man she impulsively had a one night stand with and he didn’t leave any information when he left before she woke up. Imagine her surprise when she meets her son Henry’s father at her friend Vivian and her husband Jace’s ranch. Liam wasn’t in a good place with drug addiction, but that night with Trisha gave him a reason to change. He didn’t put himself in the best light in Trish’s eyes by shooting at a coyote on Jace’s ranch. But he works to overcome what he did by helping to find its pups, rescuing them, and searching their mother to reunite them. Trisha is scared and doesn’t tell Liam at first about Henry. Even after he knows she continues to put up walls, afraid to trust him and the feelings she’s developing for him. But he sincerely cares about her and Henry even reading baby books and taking lessons from the book biddies on how to care for Henry. Their romance wasn’t smooth, but it was all the more rewarding for what they both overcame.
Her Surprise Cowboy
Her Surprise Cowboy is a book that I found very interesting. I loved the place that Trisha work at that took care of the wild animals. Especially the part about the coyotes.
In Her Surprise Cowboy Liam finds out he is a father. Will Trisha let him be a true father to Henry? It can be hard to let go of being the only parent.
I also enjoyed the Book Group called Book Biddies that were all friends of Trisha. They were so much fun and cared for Henry and Trisha.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Prison book tours. This book review is my own opinion.
I really like this series. It is heartwarming with its wonderful characters. I also like how it is focusing on wild animals and makes you think about coyotes and other animals. This particular book focused on Trisha and Liam, who had met at a wedding in Texas and had a one night stand. That one night stand left Trisha hurt and Liam turning his life around and believing Trisha was his angel. I liked how they accidentally happened to run into each other and how they tried to work things out between them.
Liam is a strong, charming, sexy cowboy and Trisha is used to controlling everything her way and by herself. It was so much fun reading to find out what would happen to them and if they had a future together. I received and advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Thank you in advance to the author, Claire McEwen, and Prism Book Tours for providing a complimentary review. A positive review was not required. All words are my own.
Claire McEwen is a new-to-me-author, but the Heartwarming line isn’t new to me at all. These are the “hope & inspiration” line that feature wholesome stories of love, compassion, and belonging; along with the happy-ever-after ending.
This is a clean read – no sex scenes and no foul or questionable language. There is talk of a one-night stand, but that happened prior to the opening events of the book.
Some content warning might include: drug use, pre-marital sex.
This is part of a series – “Heroes of Shelter Creek”. While I hadn’t read the others, I don’t know if they would be required to be read, but this seemed to work well as a standalone read.
I found this particular book to be slightly different from the normal Heartwarming books – in a more realistic way.
Trisha was an “overprotective” single mom of 11 month old Henry, her baby from that one-night-stand.
Liam arrives in California and can’t seem to do anything right. Trisha and Liam remember each other – and from there, Liam can’t catch a break. He’s there to learn alternative ways of farming, and eventually ends up learning about Henry.
But, everything Liam does – Trisha finds fault with, starting with shooting a coyote he perceived as a threat. Trisha is livid with him over it, despite not realizing that he, being from Texas, does things differently. Still, Liam is willing to learn.
In addition, after telling Liam about Henry, her anxiety goes into overdrive, much to the point it almost annoyed me. There were times she did soften. Although I knew where she was coming from, she didn’t seem to want to give Liam the chance to learn to be a father. She saw his attempts at trying to “be responsible” and “doing the right thing” as negative. She had some serious control issues, and that was almost off-putting.
Liam on the other hand, I admired him so much for stepping up to be a father. Considering he was 26, he was far more mature than his years. His biggest fear wasn’t failing. It was being discovered as a recovering drug addict, despite the fact it was painkillers that he was addicted to following a rodeo accident. Still, the gentle way he kept pushing forward and remained patient won me over. He came from Texas to California to make a fresh start. That’s something my mother and I did when I was younger – we moved from Texas to California, so that’s probably why I loved his character right off.
By about chapter fifteen, I was happy to see Trisha take a softer stance and the story became even more endearing from there. There were moments that she did still annoy me, it lessened. I enjoyed how her “friends” kept her in check when her mind wandered with “imaging upsetting things”.
My heart broke from Liam when he had to travel back to Texas for his father’s surgery. In addition, he had to return to get his family’s ranch set up since that was why he was in Shelter Creek. It seemed unfair that in that moment he had to choose between his father and brothers versus Trisha and his son. He also didn’t know when he would be able to return. His honesty was refreshing and so heart-warming.
Home isn’t a place, so much as where one’s family is. Heart-tugging, emotional, and endearing – this story of love, second chances, and redemption didn’t disappoint.
Welcome back to Shelter Creek. You’ll fall in love with Trisha Gilbert and Liam Dale. Both of these characters have their own struggles to deal with and life changing moments. When an event brings them together their lives forever change. Liam didn’t know just how much his life changed until he meets back up with Trisha in Shelter Creek when he comes to learn new ranching methods at Jace and Vivian’s place. You won’t want to put this book down!
Great story! As usual Claire McEwen delivers a heartwarming cowboy story with friendship, love, compassion, and very interesting info about wildlife preservation. This is the story of Trisha and Liam, a single mother who unexpectedly reunites with her baby’s father, a Texas cowboy who comes to Shelter Creek to learn progressive cattle farming. You will love it!
I love returning to Shelter Creek and all the wonderful residents of the town. Liam and Trisha’s story is such a heartwarming story that put me under its spell at page one. A sexy cowboy and a single Mom, these two are perfect each other and their story has humor, healing, romance, and all the feels. Add in a cute baby and cute animals and it’s perfect. I love the wildlife conservation that is part of all the books in this series and I look forward to the next book in the series.
This sweet romance was a wonderful addition to the Heroes of Shelter Creek series. I loved Liam, Trisha and their adorable baby boy, and it was fun catching up with the residents of Shelter Creek. I really liked Liam’s family and would love it if Claire McEwen wrote a story for each of his brothers.
In “Her Surprise Cowboy”, Book 3 in author Claire McEwen’ “Heroes of Shelter Creek Series”, a man and woman both striving to overcome past mistakes are unexpectedly reunited–and each of them is holding back a life-changing secret. A chance meeting at a wedding led to one shared night between Liam Dale and Trisha Gilbert. Kisses fueled by champagne and the chance to escape reality were later replaced by shame and regret, and Liam had left before Trisha awoke–they hadn’t even told one another their last names.Trisha never expected to see Liam again, and she had no way of contacting him to let him know that he was the father of adorable baby Henry–the light of her life. After almost two years, a sudden surprise meeting takes them both aback. Liam has come to his friend Jace’s ranch in Shelter Creek, California to learn modern, progressive ranching techniques that he can implement at his family’s spread back in Texas. Trisha, a vet’s assistant, is also friends with Jace and his wife, Vivian. At first, Liam and Trisha keep their previous meeting to themselves, and Liam is aware that Trisha is not happy to see him. Eventually, she must tell him about their son, and he is stunned to learn that he is a father. Liam has his own big secret–the real reason why he left that morning without speaking to Trisha or leaving a note. To clear the air between them and make way for a happy family life together, the truth must be told. Can trust grow where doubt once lived, and can love be stronger than regret? Claire McEwen is a unique storyteller, blending the traditions of the past with modern concerns of land and wildlife conversation and somehow weaving them into important elements of touching and heartwarming stories of contemporary western romance. I have greatly enjoyed, and highly recommend, “The Heroes of Shelter Creek Series”.
Book Copy Gratis Author
This is book three in or ‘The Heroes of Shelter Creek Series’. All the books can be read as stand alone but so much better if read in order. The characters from the first books enter act within all the books.
Knowing their stories help make each new one just a little better. Having said that this is Trish Gilbert and Liam Dale’s story and it is a wonderful read. Good girl Trish goes to visit her some what wild best friend Becca in Texas. After they have a few drinks at a hotel bar, Becca talks her into crashing a wedding at the hotel. Where after a few more drinks which is so not like Trish she meets William.
A oh so handsome cowboy who ask her to dance. They have a great time laughing at how bad of dancers they are. But the music is so loud they can’t hear each other. They end up in William’s hotel room and when Trish wakes up with a very bad hang over, she is alone and William has not left a note or his last name or phone number she feels very used.
Flash forward Eleven months to CA to the ranch of her friends and boss Vivian and Jace. Trish works as a technician for the Vet Emily and also at the Shelter Creek Wildlife Center. When she goes to the ranch to help Vivian she runs into none other then William/Liam from Texas.
He is now working at the ranch and turns out to be a friend of Vivian husband Jace.
He told her his name was William, but Jace introduced him as Liam. Poor Trish is blindsided as she has a hugh secret that Liam doesn’t know. There one night together left Trish a new mother !
Wow, this book has so much going on, Trish is very protective of Henry her son, overly so.
Does she tell him, how will he react, on top of this great secret their are others on both sides.
So as not to give away to much these two will need to work thru a lot if either will find a happy
ever after and as a baby is involved it adds to the drama.
I hope you will give this book a try you will laugh, cry and love these two as they work everything out or try too. It’s a great book of second changes and just how much love, family and friends can help each other.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.