From New York Times bestselling author who “delivers it all with page-turning romance” (Nora Roberts) comes a story about a down-on-her-luck teacher, a carefree cowboy, and finding second chances in the most unlikely places. After weeks on the trail, Sam Monroe is looking forward to a hot bath, a home-cooked meal, and a real bed. In that order. But he’s greeted by something even better when he … order. But he’s greeted by something even better when he opens the door to his family’s ranch house. Seems the new housekeeper is a gorgeous young woman who cooks like an angel and wrangles his family like a pro. If only she didn’t dislike him so much…
Penny Cash is down on her luck, and the last thing she needs is a flirtation with a wild, carefree cowboy. Sure, he’s funny and sexy, but they’re as different as whiskey and tea. And she’ll be leaving town as soon as she finds a full-time teaching position. But when trouble comes calling, Penny will find out how serious Sam can be when it comes to protecting the woman he loves…
Also includes the bonus novella Saved by the Cowboy by A.J. Pine!
Olivia Belle has always believed in fairy tales…until the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee. When Olivia speeds into Cash Hawkins’ town like a modern-day Cinderella in a ball gown and glass slippers, Cash’s careful existence is thrown for a loop. Olivia could be his happily ever after… if this runaway bridesmaid doesn’t run off with his heart.
protecting the woman he loves…
Also includes the bonus novella Saved by the Cowboy by A.J. Pine!
Olivia Belle has always believed in fairy tales…until the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee. When Olivia speeds into Cash Hawkins’ town like a modern-day Cinderella in a ball gown and glass slippers, Cash’s careful existence is thrown for a loop. Olivia could be his happily ever after… if this runaway bridesmaid doesn’t run off with his heart.
protecting the woman he loves…
Also includes the bonus novella Saved by the Cowboy by A.J. Pine!
Olivia Belle has always believed in fairy tales…until the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee. When Olivia speeds into Cash Hawkins’ town like a modern-day Cinderella in a ball gown and glass slippers, Cash’s careful existence is thrown for a loop. Olivia could be his happily ever after… if this runaway bridesmaid doesn’t run off with his heart.
protecting the woman he loves…
Also includes the bonus novella Saved by the Cowboy by A.J. Pine!
Olivia Belle has always believed in fairy tales…until the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee. When Olivia speeds into Cash Hawkins’ town like a modern-day Cinderella in a ball gown and glass slippers, Cash’s careful existence is thrown for a loop. Olivia could be his happily ever after… if this runaway bridesmaid doesn’t run off with his heart.
aid doesn’t run off with his heart.more
I just couldn’t get into this one. It is very slow burn, and although I don’t need full on intimacy 10% of the way through the story, I would like a little more between the main characters than what Sam and Penny had. Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of Penny. I understand taking care of three brothers your whole life shapes you, but she was more like a 60 year old. I didn’t really feel the chemistry between her and Sam either. There is basically no drama until the very end, and to me, that was too little too late. I don’t need constant drama, but this story needed something more. I didn’t read the first one in this series, but it didn’t make me feel like I was missing something. Although I didn’t love this one, I would read this author again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Who doesn’t love a blue jean wrapped man?
This is one hell of a fun and flirty read. Giddy up 😉
The Cowboy Next Door is the second book in R.C. Ryan’s Montana Strong series, but it’s both the first book I’ve read in the series, and the first book I’ve read by this author, and what an incredibly nice read it was. Aside from the fact that the title has absolutely nothing to do with the story, there wasn’t much that I didn’t enjoy about this novel, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.
First, although I hadn’t read the first book in this series, it worked just fine as a standalone; the inter-relationships between the characters are easily and thoroughly explained, clearly and succinctly. This series centers around three brothers, Ben, Finn and Sam, who shared their early lives with abusive parents, who then spent years separated while in the foster care system, and who agreed to find each other and run away together, which they did. One day, 16 years earlier, they broke into the home of Mackenzie (Mac) Monroe, seeking food, money and shelter, but they got a whole lot more than that. Mac had already lost his wife and child and saw something in these three troubled boys, ages, 12, 11, and 10, and he did something about it–he adopted them, raised them, and turned them into good, decent and strong cowboys and men, and they, along with some of his permanent ranch hands became a family. This novel is Sam and Penny’s story.
Mary Pat, the kindhearted county social worker, visiting nurse and home-school advisor, is the one who brings Penny to Mac’s ranch. Penny and her 3 brothers lost their parents at an early age, leaving Penny Cash, the oldest sibling but still in her teens, to raise her younger brothers with the help of an aging aunt, who moved into their home in order to keep the siblings from being separated and moved into foster care. Penny’s dream was to be a teacher, but with 5 people to support, clothe, and feed, as well as keeping a roof over their heads, meant that attending college and getting her teaching certificate while working two jobs, plus looking after her ailing aunt and rambunctious brothers, took her longer than most, and she came to Haller Creek because she’d been about to embark on her first job as a teacher. When the teaching position she believed was hers was given to another, she met Mary Pat, who brought her to Mac Mackenzie’s ranch, to work as a housekeeper and cook, something she had plenty of experience doing. Two of Penny’s three brothers joined and found careers in the Army, and the youngest brother, Curtis, just turned 21, and wasn’t very good at staying in touch. Penny desperately needed this a job, and a place to live until somewhere down the road, another teaching position opened up.
From the beginning, Penny and Sam strike sparks off each other, and Penny sees in Sam, a handsome, sexy, charming flirt, who spends all his free time at the local bar, drinking, carousing and hustling at the pool table–making him seem all too much like her own father, whose drinking and gambling addictions left Penny and her siblings penniless but for the mortgage-free roof over their heads. The very first time Penny accompanies the family to the local bar, she notices her youngest brother, Curtis, in the back room, at the pool table, drinking and playing for money, and losing. He’s been working at a nearby ranch and doesn’t appreciate her interference. She’s devastated to see him following in their father’s footsteps, but there’s nothing she can do or say that will change him–all she can do is worry, and continue working at the ranch. Because she was used to being in an all-male household, she fits right in, and impresses the heck out of the Monroe men and their ranch hands with her cooking, her hard work, and her kindness. Fighting her attraction to Sam, who can’t seem to overcome his attraction to her, becomes both a blessing and a curse, since he’s pretty hard to resist. But when Curtis loses way more money than he can come up with to a major pool hustler, gets fired when he asks his ranch boss to advance him the money, and then flees, he unknowingly puts Penny’s life in danger.
What started out as a heartwarming, sweet, and somewhat sexy romance about a family running a rural Montana ranch, soon turned into an excellent novel of romantic suspense, and although some might complain about not much happening during the first two-thirds of this novel, what it did offer was a close look at the daily life and operation of a cattle ranch–all the work involved in keeping the ranch running smoothly, and the deep interconnections of a blended family and their neighbors, and gave this reader a realistic look at the risks and rewards of choosing such a life and livelihood. I loved the kindness and consideration of all the characters in this novel, and their commitment to both the ranching life and to each other.
Yes, this is a romance novel, and yes, there’s an HEA ending, but what I liked most about this novel was the slowly building relationship between Sam and Penny, and between Penny and the rest of the family, their willingness to sacrifice their own dreams and safety for the greater good of all concerned, the interesting interplay between Mac and Mary Pat, which may or may not be explored in upcoming novels in this series, and the sheer human kindness and decency of these characters.
For this reader, The Cowboy Next Door was a winning combination of good writing, good plotting, good storytelling, and well-developed characters with emotional depth and maturity. I’ll be backtracking to read the first novel in this series, and am eagerly awaiting the next.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
An Inspirational book of Family, love and Coming together. R.C. Ryan gives us a book about Mac Monroe’s second son Sam and the young lady he hired to be the housekeeper and cook at their Ranch. Sam has always been a wild one and it seems for the beautiful Penny Cash he may just change his ways.
Penny has always been studious and series, especially since she had to raise her brothers from such a young age. When her youngest brother finds himself in a little hot water it’s Penny who may feel the wrath.
This is book 2 in the Montana Strong series and it features Sam and Penny. Penny‘s mannerisms, personality and beliefs make her seem like she’s from the old west. So much so that a couple of times I had to reread sections and make sure I was reading a modern cowboy romance. I loved Sam’s carefree attitude: work hard, play harder. When it came to ranching he was serious. I also liked the fact that for the first time in a long time, this cowboy was not ALL about the ladies. The romance build at a perfect pace. It was real and it was explosive! The unexpected drama that played out towards the end gave the story the edge it needed.
The family at the Monroe Ranch was beautiful. The characters were fantastic! I’m looking forward to reading more about the Monroe Ranch family.
Montana Strong #2, can be read as a standalone. All things are quiet on the Monroe Ranch but it’s about to get shaken up when Mac Monroe does a favor for a very dear friend. Mac hires Penny Cash on at the ranch to help out with cooking and cleaning when her teaching job at Haller Creek falls through. When Mac adopted Sam and his brothers over sixteen years ago he turned the three foul-mouthed troublemakers into ranchers. Sam Monroe took to ranching like it was something he was meant to do. Sam was in no hurry to settle down he was content to go out drink beers, hustle a little at pool, and sleep around that was until he walked into the house after three weeks out with the cattle and found Penny in his kitchen.
Penny was used to being in a household of all men, she practically raised her three brothers all by herself after their parents death, so she was prepared for what to expect when she started on at the Monroe Ranch. What she wasn’t prepared for was how strongly attracted she was to Sam. A slow burn romance that builds their relationship before anything else. Both are hard workers who know the value of a hard days work but where Sam knows how to kick back and relax Penny doesn’t. Penny has worked hard her whole life when she wasn’t taking care of her brothers or her elderly aunt she was studying to be a teacher, it’s been her dream for as long as she can remember. Penny discovers that her youngest brother is working on a ranch outside Haller Creek, she also finds out he’s been betting and losing money playing pool and when trouble follows him Penny gets caught in the middle. Sam just found happiness with Penny and now he’s will to put his life on the line to save her.
Overall, it’s a contemporary western with a splash of suspense, just the way I like it. R.C. Ryan hits the spot with this heartwarming family relationship, sexy and smart cowboys, a picturesque setting, and a romance that burns slow but hot. Sam and Penny have a lot in common but just enough to keep it interesting. Finn said the dreaded famous last words of a single man, “I guess it’s up to me to stay strong and resist whatever love virus is going around.” *maniacal laugh* I can’t wait for his book.
Slow Burn
Swoony Cowboy
Loads Of Suspense
Irresistible Love Story
The Cowboy Next Door is the second book in R.C. Ryan’s Montana Strong series.
This series is based on three brothers who were born into abuse and neglect, fighting their way through life until they ended up on Mac’s property and Mac took a hand at taking the boys in and raising them to be decent human beings instead of hellraisers.
The Cowboy Next Door is Sam Monroe’s story.
Sam has always been the son Mac worried most about. He was the one that hid his pain behind laughter and smiles. Now Sam is living his life as a rancher by day and a pool hustler by night.
But when Penny is hired on as the housekeeper at the Monroe Ranch, Sam finds his thoughts are taken up by the beauty and slowly he begins to change his ways.
This is the second novel I’ve read by R.C. Ryan, To be honest, I liked the first book in this series (Cowboy On My Mind) but I didn’t love it. So I was a bit hesitant to request a copy of The Cowboy Next Door. But because I love cowboys so damn much, I couldn’t resist! And I’m so damn glad I caved into the temptation. I loved Every Single Thing about this romance. The slow burn, the suspense towards the end along with those final heartstopping moments. This one definitely had me on the edge of my seat hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.
Penny and Sam’s romance is so freaking adorable. I loved their playful banter that ignited in two nights of endless passion. Couples like them are the reason why I read romance novels!
Even though the first book in this series didn’t spark my attention I have to say, after reading The Cowboy Next Door I’m more intrigued by this series and I can’t wait to get ahold of Finn’s story!
Can we just say wow!!! I mean cowboys you really can’t go wrong right. This book has lots of cowboys, fun and two broken people who are looking to just belong. There was not one slow part in this whole book, it had me on the edge of my seat and keeps you guessing with every page. I really enjoyed the value of “family” in this book its not all about being blood related but belonging. I also really enjoyed how the story played out overall. Penny has an old soul to her and the author did an amazing job with all the characters. I did not read the first book in the series and I am already to read more to see what happens next to the Monroe family. This book does have adult scenes but over all its minimal and not a huge part in the book. The chemistry is amazing its just seems so natural.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
Immediately drawn in with the prologue and couldn’t put it down after that. Even though the book was a little tamer than what I usually read, I still bought into Sam and Penny’s chemistry. Definitely a good read for anyone looking for a cowboy/rancher story with an extended family, some laughs, and plenty of adventure and suspense.
The Cowboy Next Door is the first book that I’ve read by R.C. Ryan, and I can’t wait to read more. She wrote Sam’s character perfectly! He had all of the characteristics of my favorite type of hero.
I loved the storyline and all of Sam’s family members. I hope the next book in the series continues the side story of Mac and Mary Pat. I really want them to find their happily ever after, too!
Another winner from Ms. Ryan. I wasn’t sure about Penny and how I would like her but after getting to know her and her background, I could understand her and her reactions. At first glance, you think that Sam is a devil may care cowboy with some sketchy habits. But as Penny finds out, there’s more to Sam than what you see on the outside. I always enjoying reading about families who come together through different situations than just through blood. There were some terrifying situations for both Sam and Penny but fortunately, they came out fine. Can’t wait for Finn’s story.
Sam and his brothers Ben and Finn were abused as children. They ran away from the last abusive foster home and were rescued by Mackenzie Monroe. He legally adopted them and raised them, on his ranch, as the men they would become. Sam has always loved the ranch life and after three weeks in the hills with the cattle he returns to find Penny Cash as their new housekeeper. Penny, a certified teacher, was supposed to be teaching at the local school when the teacher she was going to replace remained in the position. Mac knew that she needed a job and was convinced to hire her. After helping to raise her three brothers, she knew how to take care of a household and soon became indispensable to the family. Penny doesn’t plan on staying, as she plans on accepting the first teaching job that is offered, but fate has a way of changing her plans. She finds Sam attractive, but they are so totally different…can they make a go of it? When a relative of Penny’s brings unexpected danger to her, can Sam rescue her in time? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
The Cowboy Next Door by R.C. Ryan is book Two in the Montana Strong Series. This is the story of Penny Cash and Sam Monroe. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Penny thought she was getting her dream job ad sold everything to get that job, but she found that she didn’t have the position. Now she is having to find a temporary job until another position opens up, which leads her to Monroe Ranch. There she will work as cook and house keeper, which isn’t to far off her taking care of her younger brothers. But there is a torn in her side at the ranch…Sam. Sam hasn’t been one for slow and steady relationship…more in the fast and leaving. But Sam is finding that Penny is making him rethink a lot of things and feelings. So enjoyed this sweet romance!
The Cowboy Next Door is the second book in the Montana Strong series. I easily read and enjoyed this book without having read the first in the series. I’ve since remedied that oversight! This is the fun, sweet story of Penny Cas, a teacher struggling to find a teaching position, who takes the job of housekeeper at the Monroe Ranch. That’s where she meets the sexy but infuriating Sam Monroe. The banter between these two is fun and the chemistry is sizzling. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this one and enjoy their story.
I enjoyed reading about Sam and Penny. I thought it was a sweet and tender live story. This novel had many twists and turns. I thiught it was well written and a good storyline. This is the second book in the series. Although I didn’t read the first book it was still easy to follow.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A great addition to the series, Sam and Penny’s story had me hooked from the start. A nice easy romance with a twist I didn’t see coming. Can’t wait for Finn to meet his match.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The following is my impartial review of this book.
Sam was a wild man-child until he first laid eyes on Penny. Penny came to Monroe Ranch and changed the lives of everyone there.
This book was a sweet story that stayed clean but then took a turn a turn towards crazy town!!! Not in a bad way, but so totally unexpected in a contemporary romance. I give this 4 stars because I couldn’t get enough of the story – I just needed to find out what happens next!