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Calvin's Cowboy #1
Calvin's Cowboy
Calvin Hamilton reluctantly returns to his home town of Parrish Creek, Texas, to sell his parents' house. Finding the place in need of repair he hires John "Brock" Brockwell to renovate the house before putting it on the market. Brock bares a passing resemblance to Gary Cooper, especially as he often wears western clothing. Calvin has always had a weakness for cowboys.
Time has reversed the two men's fortunes. In high school Brock was the big man on campus, his popularity allowing him to hide his true nature. Calvin was a nerd, bullied by most of the jocks for being perceived as gay. Now Calvin is a successful New York advertising executive, and Brock—a divorced father with a teenage son—faces financial ruin, unable to pay his late father's hospital bills.
Can Calvin put past bitterness behind him and help the cowboy with whom he is rapidly falling in love? Will the deeply closeted Brock be able to admit he has feelings for Calvin? Or will pride, fear, distance, and the past prevent them from building a future together?
Time has reversed the two men's fortunes. In high school Brock was the big man on campus, his popularity allowing him to hide his true nature. Calvin was a nerd, bullied by most of the jocks for being perceived as gay. Now Calvin is a successful New York advertising executive, and Brock—a divorced father with a teenage son—faces financial ruin, unable to pay his late father's hospital bills.
Can Calvin put past bitterness behind him and help the cowboy with whom he is rapidly falling in love? Will the deeply closeted Brock be able to admit he has feelings for Calvin? Or will pride, fear, distance, and the past prevent them from building a future together?
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Drew Hunt
66 books87 followersHaving read all the decent free fiction on the net Drew could find, he set out to try his hand at writing something himself. Fed up reading about characters who were super-wealthy, impossibly handsome, and incredibly well-endowed, Drew determined to make his characters real and believable.
Drew lives a quiet life in the north of England with his cat. Someday he hopes to meet the kind of man he writes about.
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/vie...
Drew lives a quiet life in the north of England with his cat. Someday he hopes to meet the kind of man he writes about.
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/vie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 25, 2011
*Sigh* Where to start?
I'm gonna spell some things out here. To start:
Stories need C-O-N-F-L-I-C-T. No conflict? You don't have a story. You have something that resembles a long rambling letter from your Aunt Agatha that boils down to 'we're all good here, how are you'. There is lots of potential here for conflict, the MCs character flaws (more about those later) are high on the list, for one. So is deadly disease, financial ruin, homophobia, small town mores and parental disapproval. But they are all either ignored (character flaws) or solved 'Hey Presto!' within a few pages. Calvin's mom tells him on the phone that what he is feeling isn't the same kind of love as what she feels for her husband (actually, she is probably right, he's been in love for like 2 days or so). But, yay, before the reader can get worried she calls back to say she didn't mean it! Pfeww! Close call!
I prefer it if the Main Characters are L-I-K-A-B-L-E. If they are not likable, you gotta be able to love to hate them. Or at least they have to be interesting. Or something! Calvin is rude to shop assistants. He throws tantrums like a 3 year old in Emergency Rooms (cuz Brock is about to KEEL OVER! from melanoma), dry cleaners and at hardware stores. He unloads his high school frustrations on Brock within 5 minutes of meeting him. He jerks off admiring himself in the mirror in Brocks clothes. He sprouts the corniest, toe curlingly bad western cliches (Ride me, cowboy! is among the least of them). Seriously, if you grow up in cowboyland can you even have a cowboy fetish? Would that not be like me having a major thing for tall Dutch men and making them come to bed in wooden shoes with a tulip between their teeth?
Now Brock on the other hand may be saddest excuse for a doormat I have ever encountered. Has the man no pride? At all? He is the ultimate sad sack, who is doing absolutely nothing to get out of the mess he is in. Calvin just steps in and pays for everything, then moves him to New York. We're supposed to be touched that the big strong cowboy lets Calvin take care of him, I think, but honestly. Can you spell E-M-A-S-C-U-L-A-T-I-O-N? How sexy is a relationship based on codependency and emasculation? Yeah. Not very. If Brock was a woman this book would be burned at feminist rallies.
I am sure the writer has a healthy aversion to unrealistic romance novels. I'm down with that. But, you know, there is such a thing as T-O-O M-U-C-H realism. Having your characters repeatedly fall off broken toilet seats and having them fart during sex falls under 'too much'. It really does.
Distracted by all the corny cheezeballery in this book I almost forgot about one of the weirdest sex scenes evah. The book deserves OMG-WTF-BBQ status for that one alone.
And that, my friends, is Calvin's Cowboy. Bought and paid for.
Cash, not credit.
I'm gonna spell some things out here. To start:
Stories need C-O-N-F-L-I-C-T. No conflict? You don't have a story. You have something that resembles a long rambling letter from your Aunt Agatha that boils down to 'we're all good here, how are you'. There is lots of potential here for conflict, the MCs character flaws (more about those later) are high on the list, for one. So is deadly disease, financial ruin, homophobia, small town mores and parental disapproval. But they are all either ignored (character flaws) or solved 'Hey Presto!' within a few pages. Calvin's mom tells him on the phone that what he is feeling isn't the same kind of love as what she feels for her husband (actually, she is probably right, he's been in love for like 2 days or so). But, yay, before the reader can get worried she calls back to say she didn't mean it! Pfeww! Close call!
I prefer it if the Main Characters are L-I-K-A-B-L-E. If they are not likable, you gotta be able to love to hate them. Or at least they have to be interesting. Or something! Calvin is rude to shop assistants. He throws tantrums like a 3 year old in Emergency Rooms (cuz Brock is about to KEEL OVER! from melanoma), dry cleaners and at hardware stores. He unloads his high school frustrations on Brock within 5 minutes of meeting him. He jerks off admiring himself in the mirror in Brocks clothes. He sprouts the corniest, toe curlingly bad western cliches (Ride me, cowboy! is among the least of them). Seriously, if you grow up in cowboyland can you even have a cowboy fetish? Would that not be like me having a major thing for tall Dutch men and making them come to bed in wooden shoes with a tulip between their teeth?
Now Brock on the other hand may be saddest excuse for a doormat I have ever encountered. Has the man no pride? At all? He is the ultimate sad sack, who is doing absolutely nothing to get out of the mess he is in. Calvin just steps in and pays for everything, then moves him to New York. We're supposed to be touched that the big strong cowboy lets Calvin take care of him, I think, but honestly. Can you spell E-M-A-S-C-U-L-A-T-I-O-N? How sexy is a relationship based on codependency and emasculation? Yeah. Not very. If Brock was a woman this book would be burned at feminist rallies.
I am sure the writer has a healthy aversion to unrealistic romance novels. I'm down with that. But, you know, there is such a thing as T-O-O M-U-C-H realism. Having your characters repeatedly fall off broken toilet seats and having them fart during sex falls under 'too much'. It really does.
Distracted by all the corny cheezeballery in this book I almost forgot about one of the weirdest sex scenes evah. The book deserves OMG-WTF-BBQ status for that one alone.
And that, my friends, is Calvin's Cowboy. Bought and paid for.
Cash, not credit.
September 12, 2012
3.5*
I was suprised at how easy and angst-free this story was, from the blurb and the setup I was figuring on a lot of inner or outer turmoil from Brock about being gay or some homophobia from the town towards Calvin.
But, nope, didn't happen, and that is actually ok, it was a nice story Calvin who was bullied in HS but has now made it in NYC only comes home to sell his parents home, and Brock who had been the big man on Campus in HS is down on his luck and trying his best to raise his 13 yr old son.
It's a bit of a Cinderfella story, if Cinder was a big ol cowboy with a son named Junior, that is.
Calvin is generous and sweet and helpful and Brock can't understand why someone would care enough about him to want to help him and loves that Calvin wants to take care of him.
Junior is like no 13 yr old boy I know.
So, it was a good read to give my brain a rest and just ride along on is conflict free somewhat sappy story!
I was suprised at how easy and angst-free this story was, from the blurb and the setup I was figuring on a lot of inner or outer turmoil from Brock about being gay or some homophobia from the town towards Calvin.
But, nope, didn't happen, and that is actually ok, it was a nice story Calvin who was bullied in HS but has now made it in NYC only comes home to sell his parents home, and Brock who had been the big man on Campus in HS is down on his luck and trying his best to raise his 13 yr old son.
It's a bit of a Cinderfella story, if Cinder was a big ol cowboy with a son named Junior, that is.
Calvin is generous and sweet and helpful and Brock can't understand why someone would care enough about him to want to help him and loves that Calvin wants to take care of him.
Junior is like no 13 yr old boy I know.
So, it was a good read to give my brain a rest and just ride along on is conflict free somewhat sappy story!
November 7, 2012
3.5
A sweet gentle story.
Calvin and Brock make a nice couple.
At times this had a fairy tale feel to it, but then thats what fantasy is for.
A sweet gentle story.
Calvin and Brock make a nice couple.
At times this had a fairy tale feel to it, but then thats what fantasy is for.
May 14, 2016
This was a decent enough story but it just did not work for me. It seemed to me that if Calvin couldn't win Brock with his charm and hot sex then he was going to buy him. It also seemed that Junior was more the adult than Brock. I did not care for the insta-love in this story.
December 27, 2011
This book was a free read at All Romance over the holidays so I jumped at a chance at a new author (and free book of course). The publisher was also new to me JMS Press that publishes ya fiction among other works.
The story is about Calvin's return to the small dusty Texas town of his birth to sell his parents home now that they have retired to Florida. Parish Creek is a small town on the way down and out due to poor economic times. Stores are closed or getting ready to go out of business. It seems peopled by the bitter, close-minded and rigid.
Calvin had long escaped to success and a happy life in New York City. And now he was back to close up his parents estate. He is full of bad memories of harassment and bullying as a teen in his school years. He hires Brock (John Brockwell), a jock and a member of the group that bullied him Brock turns out to be closeted and ashamed now of his behavior in school. He is deeply in debt, bitter about his failure as the golden boy and a single dad.
So far so good. All the above seems plausible. Then the train goes off the track. Calvin makes Brock his fix-it project. Not in those words but he decides to take charge and correct what is wrong with Brock's life. Why he would do that to someone he hated in school is never addressed in a way that makes sense.That's not my only problem with this book. It's that Brock lets him with little or no objections. The rest of the book deals with Calvin moving himself into the lives of Brock and his teenage son. Brock's son demonstrates more maturity than his adult father does. Brock lets the town people take advantage of him constantly and there is not an area where low self esteem hasn't had an effect on his life. But the book doesn't address this any more than it delves into the abuse Calvin suffered constantly while in school (where where his parents?) Brock's glory days were high school sports and he is pushing his son into playing whether he cares to or not. But even that conflict is not addressed here and simply disappears like all the other problems that are presented here. The conflicts of the past and present pop up only to dissipate without any real resolution.
I wish Drew Hunt had really explored some of the themes he brought up in the beginning of the book and left the second half as a sequel. IMO, Brock needed time to grow up emotionally but that never seems to happen. A nice read that could have been so much more. There are so many nice small bits here that you can see the author's talent. I kept waiting for the other foot to drop so to speak but the story just up and hopped away one legged. So three stars here.
The story is about Calvin's return to the small dusty Texas town of his birth to sell his parents home now that they have retired to Florida. Parish Creek is a small town on the way down and out due to poor economic times. Stores are closed or getting ready to go out of business. It seems peopled by the bitter, close-minded and rigid.
Calvin had long escaped to success and a happy life in New York City. And now he was back to close up his parents estate. He is full of bad memories of harassment and bullying as a teen in his school years. He hires Brock (John Brockwell), a jock and a member of the group that bullied him Brock turns out to be closeted and ashamed now of his behavior in school. He is deeply in debt, bitter about his failure as the golden boy and a single dad.
So far so good. All the above seems plausible. Then the train goes off the track. Calvin makes Brock his fix-it project. Not in those words but he decides to take charge and correct what is wrong with Brock's life. Why he would do that to someone he hated in school is never addressed in a way that makes sense.That's not my only problem with this book. It's that Brock lets him with little or no objections. The rest of the book deals with Calvin moving himself into the lives of Brock and his teenage son. Brock's son demonstrates more maturity than his adult father does. Brock lets the town people take advantage of him constantly and there is not an area where low self esteem hasn't had an effect on his life. But the book doesn't address this any more than it delves into the abuse Calvin suffered constantly while in school (where where his parents?) Brock's glory days were high school sports and he is pushing his son into playing whether he cares to or not. But even that conflict is not addressed here and simply disappears like all the other problems that are presented here. The conflicts of the past and present pop up only to dissipate without any real resolution.
I wish Drew Hunt had really explored some of the themes he brought up in the beginning of the book and left the second half as a sequel. IMO, Brock needed time to grow up emotionally but that never seems to happen. A nice read that could have been so much more. There are so many nice small bits here that you can see the author's talent. I kept waiting for the other foot to drop so to speak but the story just up and hopped away one legged. So three stars here.
July 24, 2011
I was introduced to this book and author through a reading challenge and very thankful for it! The one very unique quality about this book is that the characters and their story most closely resemble real life people and situations than any other book I’ve read. The characters aren’t the totally buff Adonis types that seem to frequent many m/m romance books; instead, they are real men who aren’t perfect looking (but hot in their own way) and have to deal with life’s issues the same as the rest of us. I wanted to give Calvin and Brock a big old bear hug. I just loved these guys, and Junior was an extra dose of adorable:) This story is a little bit about forgiving old wrongs and a whole lot about building a relationship on the foundation of trust with lots of attention and romance thrown in for good measure. I was rooting for them all the way and the book ended on a very satisfying note, but I did wish for just a bit more of a sneak peek into their future. All in, I’m very happy for the recommendation and will definitely check out more work by this author!
August 1, 2011
Calvin traded the small town of Parish Creek, Texas for life in the Big Apple. Only now, Calvin returns home to help his parents sell their home since they have retired to Florida. Not much has changed in this small country town except that one of his greatest enemies, the popular baseball star-John Brockmann, is now down on his luck and about to lose everything. John, who simply goes by Brock, is hired by Calvin to complete some repairs on the homeplace before putting it up for sale. Calvin finds 'Brock' to not be the same bully he was in high school and actually finds an attraction for this hard-working cowboy. Despite his business partner Tim's advice, Calvin puts his heart and money out there to help Brock and his son Junior. Calvin has been suckered in the past by quick crushes and fast romances, but Calvin believes this to be the 'real deal'. Even so, the two are worlds apart and may never be able to be together.
February 19, 2011
While I enjoy this angst-free story about a rich New York executive and his handsome cowboy (and guess what, the term of endearment doesn't make me gag! yay!), at the same time I feel like a lot of scenes are repetitive (especially Calvin paying for everything since Brock is practically bankrupt).
It can be cut a little shorter. Everything goes pretty easy -- I guess I'm expecting more turmoil or conflict, especially since the story happens in Texas and Brock doesn't really start his "life" being gay.
It's a nice story but not truly memorable for me.
It can be cut a little shorter. Everything goes pretty easy -- I guess I'm expecting more turmoil or conflict, especially since the story happens in Texas and Brock doesn't really start his "life" being gay.
It's a nice story but not truly memorable for me.
February 17, 2012
I just loved the story of Calvin and his Cowboy Brock. It was a sweet love story and shows just what can happen when you are able to put past hurts and misunderstandings behind you. Love Junior and how mature he seemed to be. It seems that Brock made sure to avoid the same mistakes his father had made raising him. But the sequel on my wish list.
January 13, 2012
I got this as a free read over the holiday period. It was great, loved the fact that the "real men" burped/ farted had kids and were not totally body perfect. Yes I have to agree with the others it does not have conflict but it was a sweet great predictable read with lots of funny moments, also it was a full length book rather than a short novella
December 26, 2011
Nice read, a smoothly flowing Cinderella - themed story, well written, without much conflict.
August 26, 2018
3.5/5
It was a nice book.
It was a nice book.
March 21, 2016
This is an interesting story with several familiar elements
1) Down on his luck closeted cowboy
2) Geeky guy who was bullied comes back to small town after making good in the big city
3) Now successful geeky guy (who is now also hot) hires closeted guy who is still gorgeous this many years after HS
4) Successful guy falls for closeted cowboy and vice versa
However, the way this is done is well written - even if it happens a little bit fast for my liking. Calvin and Brock are good guys though, so it's nice to see something nice happen for both of them. Calvin has been looking for a real relationship and poor Brock is just trying to get through his crappy life after being left with a mountain of medical bills and raising his 13 year old son in a down economy in a dying town. The real miracle is that they find in each other what they are looking for and what they need. Calvin is shocked when Brock kisses him, but of course he's quite happy about it :) Their road isn't easy - Brock isn't used to getting or accepting help and Calvin can be a little pushy, so they have to negotiate and feel their way along.
I loved Junior! What a great kid. Not sure all 13 year olds are like this, but as a person who was never young even when I was young, I found it plausible. I do think some children are just naturally intuitive and understand there is a bigger world out there and the love Junior has for his dad is so nice to see here.
Even with all of the troubles for Brock, thanks to Calvin's gentle persuasion, this couple does successfully move towards their HEA.
1) Down on his luck closeted cowboy
2) Geeky guy who was bullied comes back to small town after making good in the big city
3) Now successful geeky guy (who is now also hot) hires closeted guy who is still gorgeous this many years after HS
4) Successful guy falls for closeted cowboy and vice versa
However, the way this is done is well written - even if it happens a little bit fast for my liking. Calvin and Brock are good guys though, so it's nice to see something nice happen for both of them. Calvin has been looking for a real relationship and poor Brock is just trying to get through his crappy life after being left with a mountain of medical bills and raising his 13 year old son in a down economy in a dying town. The real miracle is that they find in each other what they are looking for and what they need. Calvin is shocked when Brock kisses him, but of course he's quite happy about it :) Their road isn't easy - Brock isn't used to getting or accepting help and Calvin can be a little pushy, so they have to negotiate and feel their way along.
I loved Junior! What a great kid. Not sure all 13 year olds are like this, but as a person who was never young even when I was young, I found it plausible. I do think some children are just naturally intuitive and understand there is a bigger world out there and the love Junior has for his dad is so nice to see here.
Even with all of the troubles for Brock, thanks to Calvin's gentle persuasion, this couple does successfully move towards their HEA.
February 21, 2012
3.5 stars.
Calvin Hamilton returns to his hometown to sell his parent's house and runs into one of his former high school's jocks, John "Brock" Brockwell. Brock is divorced and raising a son while trying to keep his construction business afloat. After enormous hospital bills piled up from his father's illness, Brock is deeply in debt and grateful for Calvin for hiring him to renovate his parent's house. Calvin, a nerd in high school, is now a highly paid NY executive.
I really liked these two characters and I enjoyed the dynamic between them. I thought it was a fine balance between pride, love, and acceptance as the men Calvin tried to help Brock without overstepping his bounds and Brock tried to make decisions that were best for his son. I enjoyed this book and although I liked the ending, I would like to eventually know more about Calvin and Brock's future. It was more a HFN than a true HEA ending.
Calvin Hamilton returns to his hometown to sell his parent's house and runs into one of his former high school's jocks, John "Brock" Brockwell. Brock is divorced and raising a son while trying to keep his construction business afloat. After enormous hospital bills piled up from his father's illness, Brock is deeply in debt and grateful for Calvin for hiring him to renovate his parent's house. Calvin, a nerd in high school, is now a highly paid NY executive.
I really liked these two characters and I enjoyed the dynamic between them. I thought it was a fine balance between pride, love, and acceptance as the men Calvin tried to help Brock without overstepping his bounds and Brock tried to make decisions that were best for his son. I enjoyed this book and although I liked the ending, I would like to eventually know more about Calvin and Brock's future. It was more a HFN than a true HEA ending.
February 5, 2012
There were some serious WTF moments in this book. I've lived in NY and do not agree that the MC's behavior in any way reflects how NY people are. Some of the actions and reactions also left me kinda scratching my head. Had to stop reading, sit back and ponder in which universe it would make sense. Still don't have an answer.
The two stars are for the sex scenes, which were very well written and incredibly hot. Other than that? Nope, don't make sense, and if any of that had happened with a woman MC, I'd have thrown the book against a wall and walked away.
The two stars are for the sex scenes, which were very well written and incredibly hot. Other than that? Nope, don't make sense, and if any of that had happened with a woman MC, I'd have thrown the book against a wall and walked away.
December 22, 2011
It was entertaining story but nothing I'd like to reread.
June 18, 2021
1.5 stars
Calvin returns to the town he grew up in, located in rural Texas, from New York to take care of selling his parents' home for them. In order to get the place ready to sell, he hires Brock, one of his former classmates, to do the job. In school, Brock was one of the jocks and popular kids, and Calvin was picked on for being thought gay. (Because everyone who doesn't play sports and is academically inclined and is smaller in stature is gay. *rolls eyes*) Now, Brock has fallen on hard times, and Calvin is pretty successful. With them being thrown into proximity by Brock working on the house, Brock and Calvin have the opportunity to get to know one another from a fresh perspective.
Uhhhh. Something positive...Brock's son was pretty cool. Understanding and loved his father. And I liked how caring Calvin was. However, I had so many issues with this book. When Calvin and Brock first meet again, Brock says that he isn't gay (in a derogatory way), but has somehow told both his ex and his son that he is. Why is he denying it to Calvin? And he's had plenty of experience with other men, without telling himself that "a hole is a hole", so he's not in denial that way. Calvin was very pushy, and I just found it hard to believe that Brock would upend his whole life for Calvin based on a couple weeks of sex. Also, how could neither of them recognize the difference between a scab and a mole? And what about Brock's ex? A change in address for her son would also affect her, even though their child lives with Brock. On top of all that, the writing seemed a little...one dimensional (I think) to me.
Calvin returns to the town he grew up in, located in rural Texas, from New York to take care of selling his parents' home for them. In order to get the place ready to sell, he hires Brock, one of his former classmates, to do the job. In school, Brock was one of the jocks and popular kids, and Calvin was picked on for being thought gay. (Because everyone who doesn't play sports and is academically inclined and is smaller in stature is gay. *rolls eyes*) Now, Brock has fallen on hard times, and Calvin is pretty successful. With them being thrown into proximity by Brock working on the house, Brock and Calvin have the opportunity to get to know one another from a fresh perspective.
Uhhhh. Something positive...Brock's son was pretty cool. Understanding and loved his father. And I liked how caring Calvin was. However, I had so many issues with this book. When Calvin and Brock first meet again, Brock says that he isn't gay (in a derogatory way), but has somehow told both his ex and his son that he is. Why is he denying it to Calvin? And he's had plenty of experience with other men, without telling himself that "a hole is a hole", so he's not in denial that way. Calvin was very pushy, and I just found it hard to believe that Brock would upend his whole life for Calvin based on a couple weeks of sex. Also, how could neither of them recognize the difference between a scab and a mole? And what about Brock's ex? A change in address for her son would also affect her, even though their child lives with Brock. On top of all that, the writing seemed a little...one dimensional (I think) to me.
April 4, 2016
A few days ago there seemed to be another twitter storm brewing over HEAs in romance novels, for any of you who doesn't get the acronym, it stand for Happily Ever After. I'm not sure what prompted the kerfuffle, but it's a ridiculous argument. Apparently there are some who think a HEA is not needed in a romance novel. Granted, I'm fairly new to the whole romance game, but I don't get the idea of romance without a HEA. Why else would I allow myself to get suckered into the story, if it wasn't to see the main characters, after all the strife they've gone though, grab the brass ring at the end. They need the HEA. Hell, for that matter, I need them to have a HEA. How else will I ever believe that there is one out there for me someday?
Everything I just wrote, was to allow me to comment on the last paragraph of the synopsis. And it's just not a comment on this synopsis, but on the whole concept of publisher synopses to begin with. The language, in general, is so hyperbolic. I get that they are trying to grab a readers attention, to make them buy a book in order to figure out the outcome, but give me a break. This is a romance novel, of course they work it out in the end. And speaking of this synopsis, Brock is not deeply in the closet. Is he out to the general public, no, but both his ex-wife and son are in the know.
This was one of the first romance novels I read, and one of the first to get me hooked on the whole cowboy theme in romance novels. I don't think I really had a thing for cowboys before, but after almost two years into my romance education, I'm hooked. There is something about a hot guy in tight denim, carrying himself with honor, and taking care of his loved ones before all else. And Brock is one of the best of them. He doesn't live on a ranch, he doesn't ride a horse, but he is all cowboy. He has sacrificed himself, and his needs, in order to be what he needed to be for his dad, and for his son. He's taken a beating for it, and when we meet him, he has some deep wounds, but like all cowboys, he refuses to give up, and he does what needs to be done to take care of his responsibilities. He's that guy you are rooting for as soon as you meet him. He's also the guy you want to take home to meet your family.
When he meets Calvin, and Calvin is a whirlwind, he isn't quite sure what to make of it. Here is this guy, that he's quickly falling for, offering him a way out. But in Brock's mind, he's the cowboy, he's the one that is supposed to come riding to the rescue, not be the one getting pulled up onto the horse, thus avoiding the stampeding buffalo. So it takes a while, just a little bit of time, for him to trust that Calvin will be there to catch him, to trust Calvin enough that being vulnerable in front of him, admitting that he needs help, won't emasculate him. But once he does, once he excepts what's being offered, not only for himself, but for his son, he claims what's his. It's a perfect HEA, and only an idiot would think it should have worked out any other way.
Everything I just wrote, was to allow me to comment on the last paragraph of the synopsis. And it's just not a comment on this synopsis, but on the whole concept of publisher synopses to begin with. The language, in general, is so hyperbolic. I get that they are trying to grab a readers attention, to make them buy a book in order to figure out the outcome, but give me a break. This is a romance novel, of course they work it out in the end. And speaking of this synopsis, Brock is not deeply in the closet. Is he out to the general public, no, but both his ex-wife and son are in the know.
This was one of the first romance novels I read, and one of the first to get me hooked on the whole cowboy theme in romance novels. I don't think I really had a thing for cowboys before, but after almost two years into my romance education, I'm hooked. There is something about a hot guy in tight denim, carrying himself with honor, and taking care of his loved ones before all else. And Brock is one of the best of them. He doesn't live on a ranch, he doesn't ride a horse, but he is all cowboy. He has sacrificed himself, and his needs, in order to be what he needed to be for his dad, and for his son. He's taken a beating for it, and when we meet him, he has some deep wounds, but like all cowboys, he refuses to give up, and he does what needs to be done to take care of his responsibilities. He's that guy you are rooting for as soon as you meet him. He's also the guy you want to take home to meet your family.
When he meets Calvin, and Calvin is a whirlwind, he isn't quite sure what to make of it. Here is this guy, that he's quickly falling for, offering him a way out. But in Brock's mind, he's the cowboy, he's the one that is supposed to come riding to the rescue, not be the one getting pulled up onto the horse, thus avoiding the stampeding buffalo. So it takes a while, just a little bit of time, for him to trust that Calvin will be there to catch him, to trust Calvin enough that being vulnerable in front of him, admitting that he needs help, won't emasculate him. But once he does, once he excepts what's being offered, not only for himself, but for his son, he claims what's his. It's a perfect HEA, and only an idiot would think it should have worked out any other way.
July 1, 2012
5 stars
This is such a sweet and loving story. How refreshing to read a story such as this. There were so many places in this story where shit coulda hit the fan, but it didn’t. Both characters were wonderfully written and they captured my heart. I enjoyed the whole book and look forward to reading the next one.
Junior is so wise for his age. He fits so well in this mix. He wants his dad and Calvin to be together. “…he and Maggie got on like a house on fire.” –Calvin’s Cowboy
Love that saying!
There’s belchin' and fartin’ in them thar hills too! Brock farts in the afterglow! Twice! ROFLMAO!
Calvin let out a long noisy fart.
“That’s better.”
“So romantic,” Brock snickered.
“Shut up. You weren’t the one with a telephone pole shoved up your ass this afternoon.” –Calvin’s Cowboy LOL…Priceless.
Got some dirty talkin’ goin’ on. Brock even got his toes sucked and licked. Wooooo! Calvin’s a kinky lil’ sumthin’.
Pootipops? Pootipops? *snicker*
Oh god, I’m so screwed (hey, those are Calvin’s words). But I so know what he means. This story tugged at my heart strings, kept a smile on my face, gave me more than a few ‘awww’ moments, and brought tears to my eyes. I’m so screwed. ;)
This was my most favorite part of the entire book…
“If you’ve got room in your apartment and your life for a bankrupt cowboy and his son, then…” he swallowed. “Then I’d like to move in permanently.”
“Hoo yeah!” Calvin yelled.
Everyone in the small restaurant looked over at them. Brock started to panic, but then realized he was with Calvin, the man he loved, and this was New York.
“It’s okay, y’all,” Brock said to the room. “I just asked this amazin’ man if he’d share his home and his life with me an’ my son.” Brock raised Calvin’s hand to his lips.
“An’, as you heard, he said yes.” The room erupted into applause, everyone came up to them, one-by-one, to offer their congratulations. –Calvin’s Cowboy
Bravo to Drew Hunt!
This is such a sweet and loving story. How refreshing to read a story such as this. There were so many places in this story where shit coulda hit the fan, but it didn’t. Both characters were wonderfully written and they captured my heart. I enjoyed the whole book and look forward to reading the next one.
Junior is so wise for his age. He fits so well in this mix. He wants his dad and Calvin to be together. “…he and Maggie got on like a house on fire.” –Calvin’s Cowboy
Love that saying!
There’s belchin' and fartin’ in them thar hills too! Brock farts in the afterglow! Twice! ROFLMAO!
Calvin let out a long noisy fart.
“That’s better.”
“So romantic,” Brock snickered.
“Shut up. You weren’t the one with a telephone pole shoved up your ass this afternoon.” –Calvin’s Cowboy LOL…Priceless.
Got some dirty talkin’ goin’ on. Brock even got his toes sucked and licked. Wooooo! Calvin’s a kinky lil’ sumthin’.
Pootipops? Pootipops? *snicker*
Oh god, I’m so screwed (hey, those are Calvin’s words). But I so know what he means. This story tugged at my heart strings, kept a smile on my face, gave me more than a few ‘awww’ moments, and brought tears to my eyes. I’m so screwed. ;)
This was my most favorite part of the entire book…
“If you’ve got room in your apartment and your life for a bankrupt cowboy and his son, then…” he swallowed. “Then I’d like to move in permanently.”
“Hoo yeah!” Calvin yelled.
Everyone in the small restaurant looked over at them. Brock started to panic, but then realized he was with Calvin, the man he loved, and this was New York.
“It’s okay, y’all,” Brock said to the room. “I just asked this amazin’ man if he’d share his home and his life with me an’ my son.” Brock raised Calvin’s hand to his lips.
“An’, as you heard, he said yes.” The room erupted into applause, everyone came up to them, one-by-one, to offer their congratulations. –Calvin’s Cowboy
Bravo to Drew Hunt!
May 21, 2012
M/M romance and historical romance are by favorite types of romance literature because there is a restraint enforced by society to build on the personal/emotional aspects of the relationship instead of jumping in to the sexy scenes. Historical are policed by society. M/M romance that are set in rural or homophobic settings are policed by the violence and rejection of the community which makes for some great anticipation and sacrifice from one or both of the main characters to make the relationship work.
Calvin Hamilton is a fixer. He likes to take people in trouble and help them, which includes his parents when they decide to sell their home and move down south to a retirement community. So Calvin takes a vacation from his high power PR job in New York city to come down to his hometown of Parrish Creek (middle of nowhere Texas). Calvin did not have a good high school experience (like most high school students) but it is compounded by the fact that he was in the closet drama club geek. He is now out and proud gay which comes to a shock for John 'Brook' Brockwell (Jr? Sr?) when he comes looking for a job. Brock is a fix-it man for the town of Parrish Creek. I'm not going to go in to all his problems, but to make a long story short, the only thing going well for him is his wonderful son. That kid reminds me of my own wonderful accepting (a little too smart and observant) child.
This was smoothly written with a few sexy scenes and a longish length for M/M romance as most of the others that I've read have been about 100pages.
200 plus pages and bought from All Romance ebook site.
2 stars
Calvin Hamilton is a fixer. He likes to take people in trouble and help them, which includes his parents when they decide to sell their home and move down south to a retirement community. So Calvin takes a vacation from his high power PR job in New York city to come down to his hometown of Parrish Creek (middle of nowhere Texas). Calvin did not have a good high school experience (like most high school students) but it is compounded by the fact that he was in the closet drama club geek. He is now out and proud gay which comes to a shock for John 'Brook' Brockwell (Jr? Sr?) when he comes looking for a job. Brock is a fix-it man for the town of Parrish Creek. I'm not going to go in to all his problems, but to make a long story short, the only thing going well for him is his wonderful son. That kid reminds me of my own wonderful accepting (a little too smart and observant) child.
This was smoothly written with a few sexy scenes and a longish length for M/M romance as most of the others that I've read have been about 100pages.
200 plus pages and bought from All Romance ebook site.
2 stars
May 3, 2013
Calvin has returned home to help his parent sell the family house. Calvin hires Brock to do the repairs. He sort of wants to show Brock that he is no longer the nerd to be bullied by him and the jock but a successful advertising executive. He plans to come in get the work don house on the market and out of town as fast as he can since he loves his new life in New York. As soon as he meets Brock he sees there has been quite a change. Not only does Brock favor Gary Cooper and fit Calvin’s fantasy of a hot cowboy, but he has suffered a great deal of financial and personal hurt.
I really liked this story but I did find a few things that just didn’t sit so well with me. For starters, the day they meet back up you can tell there was a great deal of animosity on Calvin’s part to Brock. It also appeared that brock was in denial about being gay as he kept calling Calvin names and treating sort of as he may be weaker of the two. Then they got to the hospital and wham before ya know it Brock has Calvin in the john giving him a blow job. From there love blossoms very quickly. However. I loved the closeness of the two and the relationship that bloomed even though it escalated in a matter of days. I loved both characters and Brock’s son. I found the story charming. I liked that Calvin though he appeared to be the weaker or less macho of the two was more dominate and take charge. Brock’s story was sad yet sweet and this is definitely a fantasy type love story but one very worth reading.
Recommendations: If you like successful advertising executives, Hot cowboys, construction workers, Enemies, to friends to lovers, fast moving romance and hot mansex this one is for you.
I really liked this story but I did find a few things that just didn’t sit so well with me. For starters, the day they meet back up you can tell there was a great deal of animosity on Calvin’s part to Brock. It also appeared that brock was in denial about being gay as he kept calling Calvin names and treating sort of as he may be weaker of the two. Then they got to the hospital and wham before ya know it Brock has Calvin in the john giving him a blow job. From there love blossoms very quickly. However. I loved the closeness of the two and the relationship that bloomed even though it escalated in a matter of days. I loved both characters and Brock’s son. I found the story charming. I liked that Calvin though he appeared to be the weaker or less macho of the two was more dominate and take charge. Brock’s story was sad yet sweet and this is definitely a fantasy type love story but one very worth reading.
Recommendations: If you like successful advertising executives, Hot cowboys, construction workers, Enemies, to friends to lovers, fast moving romance and hot mansex this one is for you.
January 20, 2012
Brock was broke. Not from his own making, but from the hospital bills from his father before his death, from the recession, and the pressure of raising his 13-yr old son. An owner of construction company in small town in Texas, he didn't have much since nobody hired him during the recession. When Calvin came back from New York to renovate and sell his parents' house (who moved to Florida earlier), he hired Brock. Sparks fly between the two. But, with Calvin lived in New York, being a successful owner of a PR business, and Brock, a broke cowboy lived in Texas, would there be hope for them? Not to mention, there is Junior, Brock's son...
A beautiful sweet story. A bit cheesy at a time, but I just enjoyed reading it. It's not without conflict, although the conflict is brought in a very subtle manner. Would a macho former star athlete accept helps from a proud out gay man? While Brock is a macho, construction worker man, he actually enjoys being taken care of. Calvin, while smaller physically, has the power of money, and even though not always, tendency to take care 'stray' men--some of them took advantage of him. Calvin's friends are afraid that Brock would be like that. I really enjoyed the dance of power. Calvin is careful not to humiliate Brock more, while Brock is careful not to be seen as money grabber.
If you need a feeling-good book, and a few chuckles, give this one a try.
A beautiful sweet story. A bit cheesy at a time, but I just enjoyed reading it. It's not without conflict, although the conflict is brought in a very subtle manner. Would a macho former star athlete accept helps from a proud out gay man? While Brock is a macho, construction worker man, he actually enjoys being taken care of. Calvin, while smaller physically, has the power of money, and even though not always, tendency to take care 'stray' men--some of them took advantage of him. Calvin's friends are afraid that Brock would be like that. I really enjoyed the dance of power. Calvin is careful not to humiliate Brock more, while Brock is careful not to be seen as money grabber.
If you need a feeling-good book, and a few chuckles, give this one a try.
April 16, 2012
I just kept reading last night, I was waiting for updates to my computer to finish installing but was so close to finishing I just kept going.
I did enjoy Calvin and Brock's dancing around each other before finally admitting that they had fallen in love. There was more than once I would have liked to shout at these two "Just admit it...you're in love.", but unfortunately you can't really do that with fictional characters. It's hard for some to admit that you can fall in love at first sight. I know I did...its been nearly 19 years since that day and we're still together and madly in love.
It is not always easy to return to your home town and then to be confronted with people from your past that you would rather just not know. Calvin is brought back to his home town in Texas from New York to sell his parent's home after they move to Florida. The house needs repair and when the contractor shows up there is one of his nemeses from High School John (Brock) Brockwell. Brock has changed over the years and is coming to terms with himself as a gay man in a very small town. Calvin is immediately smitten by this impoverished cowboy and things progress from there.
I did enjoy Calvin and Brock's dancing around each other before finally admitting that they had fallen in love. There was more than once I would have liked to shout at these two "Just admit it...you're in love.", but unfortunately you can't really do that with fictional characters. It's hard for some to admit that you can fall in love at first sight. I know I did...its been nearly 19 years since that day and we're still together and madly in love.
It is not always easy to return to your home town and then to be confronted with people from your past that you would rather just not know. Calvin is brought back to his home town in Texas from New York to sell his parent's home after they move to Florida. The house needs repair and when the contractor shows up there is one of his nemeses from High School John (Brock) Brockwell. Brock has changed over the years and is coming to terms with himself as a gay man in a very small town. Calvin is immediately smitten by this impoverished cowboy and things progress from there.
March 23, 2012
This was more than a hot m/m read. This story had substance, realistic characters and a believable plot. It was one of the best I've read lately with only a couple of minor things for me to bitch about. Since I was born and raised in Texas, and still live here, I can understand some of the concern Brock had about how he was viewed as a homosexual man. I think the author did a great job of showing his shock at the change in attitude once Brock got to NY, but his sleepy little Texas town really didn't treat him badly. To me, that was more of a shock than anything. My only other complaint is how little Jr's mom is mentioned. Brock admits getting along with his ex just fine. So, she had no problem with him taking their son on a prolonged trip to NY? And when considering the move, she was never brought into the equation. This would have been more believable if she had been a bad mom, or had left them without a word.
Overall, I recommend this book for not only a hot read, but one with romance and realism. It's the first in memory where the characters actually fart. Lol!
Overall, I recommend this book for not only a hot read, but one with romance and realism. It's the first in memory where the characters actually fart. Lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2014
A sweet erotic story. How can that be you ask? Talk to Drew Hunt who wrote this story. The two MCs knew each other in high school but were not friends. Calvin hated Brock the Jock. Brock stood by and laughed while the other jocks bullied Calvin the Gay Geek. We learn Brock was very afraid of his secret being revealed. It was a small town and still is. Now they meet as adults and it is hot, steamy and erotic. There are no real bad guys in this story. Just a small minded small town. Now Calvin lives in NY with a successful business and money. Brock is divorced with a young son and to many bills due to his father's fatal illness.
Is this story realistic? No way, but it is an easy read with hot, hot sex. Brock is beautiful. Calvin tells that enough times. Brock is also a little out of shape with no six pack abs. That is refreshing. They are in lust and soon in love, but they live on opposite sides of the US. The solution is too easy, but the guys are so wonderful I do not care. Sometimes a loving fantasy is a good thing to read.
Is this story realistic? No way, but it is an easy read with hot, hot sex. Brock is beautiful. Calvin tells that enough times. Brock is also a little out of shape with no six pack abs. That is refreshing. They are in lust and soon in love, but they live on opposite sides of the US. The solution is too easy, but the guys are so wonderful I do not care. Sometimes a loving fantasy is a good thing to read.
July 16, 2012
CALVIN’S COWBOY by Drew Hunt is one of those books that almost all the way though I couldn’t see how it was going to have an HEA, or even an HFN.
Brock has no intention of leaving Texas and Calvin will not even consider staying there after his parents’ house is sold, so how is the budding relationship between then going to ever work out? I won’t spoil the story by telling you how it does or where the men end up but I will tell you there is a very satisfying HEA and the plot that gets them there is carefully negotiated by Mr. Hunt, even if some things happen a little too quickly or easily. As a Texan myself I thought Mr. Hunt’s story demonstrated a bit of a grudge against Texas but perhaps someone done him wrong in our great state.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the sequel
Please see my complete review on July 22, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Brock has no intention of leaving Texas and Calvin will not even consider staying there after his parents’ house is sold, so how is the budding relationship between then going to ever work out? I won’t spoil the story by telling you how it does or where the men end up but I will tell you there is a very satisfying HEA and the plot that gets them there is carefully negotiated by Mr. Hunt, even if some things happen a little too quickly or easily. As a Texan myself I thought Mr. Hunt’s story demonstrated a bit of a grudge against Texas but perhaps someone done him wrong in our great state.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the sequel
Please see my complete review on July 22, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
April 3, 2011
Calvin’s Cowboy is a romantic tale about a man coming home and finding love. In this book, I liked the fact that Brock and Calvin were not high school sweethearts reuniting. In fact, Calvin did not like Brock very much in high school, so that tension perfectly sets up the first part of the novel, as Calvin and Brock evolve from reluctant friends to lovers.
Drew Hunt weaves a charming love story with solid characterizations and plot. My only niggle was there was no conflict in this book, whether it be external or internal. The problems between Brock and Calvin are handled immediately and without fuss, which seemed to me to be unrealistic. As a reader, I would have preferred a little more discord as that would have made the HEA even sweeter.
Other than that, I enjoyed Calvin’s Cowboy and recommend it for the romantic in us all. 4 stars.
Drew Hunt weaves a charming love story with solid characterizations and plot. My only niggle was there was no conflict in this book, whether it be external or internal. The problems between Brock and Calvin are handled immediately and without fuss, which seemed to me to be unrealistic. As a reader, I would have preferred a little more discord as that would have made the HEA even sweeter.
Other than that, I enjoyed Calvin’s Cowboy and recommend it for the romantic in us all. 4 stars.
September 6, 2015
Likable enough read. The biggest issue is that it was a bit boring.
The author's writing is good. The progess of the plot smooth. The plot was very predictable though. There were also no major conflicts, heck Brock didn't e ven fight ANYTHING that happened. The one time he ran and that was it!
The characters were interesting. I liked the overall dynamic until Calvin starts being unreasonable everywhere he go when he doesn't get his way. Brock stops being the tough cowboy and becomes the broken man, easily lead by Calvin. It really breaks these characters into different men that I don't feel like reading about.
Overall a sweet read that needed a little "more" to make it better.
The author's writing is good. The progess of the plot smooth. The plot was very predictable though. There were also no major conflicts, heck Brock didn't e ven fight ANYTHING that happened. The one time he ran and that was it!
The characters were interesting. I liked the overall dynamic until Calvin starts being unreasonable everywhere he go when he doesn't get his way. Brock stops being the tough cowboy and becomes the broken man, easily lead by Calvin. It really breaks these characters into different men that I don't feel like reading about.
Overall a sweet read that needed a little "more" to make it better.
September 8, 2014
The first quarter of this book didn't work for me, but I persisted. Once I got deeper into the novel, I was engaged with the characters and the situation. The one element that didn't ring true was Brock's willingness to take Calvin's charity. I don't know very many men who would do that! There was some token resistance, but then Brock caved pretty darned easily. The book would have been much more sophisticated and psychologically more "true" if the author had presented a true picture of the clash of wills between the men that resulted from Calvin's desire to take care of all of Brock's financial woes.
But even without this, I did find myself liking this book in a fond, wistful sort of way.
But even without this, I did find myself liking this book in a fond, wistful sort of way.
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