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Cowboys & Brides #1
Billion Dollar Cowboy
Book 1 of Cowboys & Brides
From New York Times and USA Today-bestselling author Carolyn Brown comes a contemporary Western romance filled to the brim with sexy cowboys, gutsy heroines, and genuine down-home Texas twang.
Colton Nelson was twenty-eight years old when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. Now he's desperate to keep the gold diggers away. It shouldn't be too hard to find a pretty girl and hire her to pretend to be his one-and-only.
Laura Baker's got mixed feelings about this—she's on the ranch to work, not to be arm candy. On the other hand, being stuck for a while in the boondocks with a gorgeous cowboy isn't half-bad.
What neither Colton nor Laura expects are the intensely hard lessons they have to learn about the real cost of love...
Fans of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer will thrill to this moving story of a marriage of convenience between a cowboy who has it all…and the woman he could never have enough of.
Cowboys & Brides
Billion Dollar Cowboy (Book 1)
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby (Book 2)
The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride (Book 3)
How to Marry a Cowboy (Book 4)
Praise for Bestselling Contemporary Western Romances by Carolyn
"An old-fashioned love story told well… A delight."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
"Sizzling hot and absolutely delectable."—Romance Junkies
"Funny, frank, and full of heart… One more welcome example of Brown's Texas-size talent for storytelling."—USA Today Happy Ever After
"Alive with humor… Another page-turning joy of a book by an engaging author."—Fresh Fiction
From New York Times and USA Today-bestselling author Carolyn Brown comes a contemporary Western romance filled to the brim with sexy cowboys, gutsy heroines, and genuine down-home Texas twang.
Colton Nelson was twenty-eight years old when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. Now he's desperate to keep the gold diggers away. It shouldn't be too hard to find a pretty girl and hire her to pretend to be his one-and-only.
Laura Baker's got mixed feelings about this—she's on the ranch to work, not to be arm candy. On the other hand, being stuck for a while in the boondocks with a gorgeous cowboy isn't half-bad.
What neither Colton nor Laura expects are the intensely hard lessons they have to learn about the real cost of love...
Fans of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer will thrill to this moving story of a marriage of convenience between a cowboy who has it all…and the woman he could never have enough of.
Cowboys & Brides
Billion Dollar Cowboy (Book 1)
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby (Book 2)
The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride (Book 3)
How to Marry a Cowboy (Book 4)
Praise for Bestselling Contemporary Western Romances by Carolyn
"An old-fashioned love story told well… A delight."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
"Sizzling hot and absolutely delectable."—Romance Junkies
"Funny, frank, and full of heart… One more welcome example of Brown's Texas-size talent for storytelling."—USA Today Happy Ever After
"Alive with humor… Another page-turning joy of a book by an engaging author."—Fresh Fiction
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
540 people are currently reading
1246 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,128 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 7, 2013
The heroine, Laura, meets the hero and billion dollar cowboy, Colton, while working on his ranch to pay off a debt owed to her cousin, Andy, for settling a debt to loan sharks that was incurred by her sister, Janet. Okay, there were so many unrealistic and flimsy parts of this storyline that I frequently stopped and reasoned with myself to encourage myself to finish this book. The book explains that Colton won a million dollars in the lottery and Andy invested it to yield over a billion dollars. I checked to see if this was a historical romance and nope..it was a contemporary. So what investments go from less than one million dollars (after taxes) to over a billion dollars in the last few years---of course the answer is none. I'm not sure why the author even bothered to include an explanation if she wasn't going to make it at least partly realistic.
Another condition of paying off the loan sharks is that Laura have no contact with her sister. Almost as soon as Laura arrives Andy begins offering her communication with her sister, visits, etc. to pretend that she and Colton are in a relationship. And even when the sister arrives at ranch after Laura whines on and on throughout the book about them being the only one there for each other--they stay in different rooms and don't get along at all. They fight within minutes of Janet arriving. Then Janet is depicted as looking ""well worn"" and trying to get Laura to scam Colton for his money. In the next few pages she alternately wants to sabotage Laura in a competition, sleep with another cowboy on the ranch, hurt Laura by telling her that she is still gambling, and then suddenly tells Laura Colton is too good to hurt or let go. I was totally confused is Janet the mean, low-down sister using Laura to protect her and keep her habit going or has she been rehabilitated, redeemed, and is now giving Laura good advice? The lack of detail and speed of progression made it impossible to understand why Janet was engaging with Laura in this way.
The romance never really got off the ground for me. The book had an identity crisis. It seems that the author couldn't decide whether she wanted a sweet romance, inspirational romance, or erotic romance. Colton is supposedly poisoned by a woman in town and needs protection. Andy and the rest of the family dream up using Laura as his pretend girlfriend. They begin by taking Laura to church and to her surprise she sits next to Colton and shares a potluck dinner with him while the others go home. There were several scenes where Laura and Colton were at church or the pastor was at their home. There were several passages concerning the pastor findng a wife (that previously wanted Colton) and refusing to leave the church because God wanted him to remain in the little town of Ambrose. Why include church services, congregational members, and scripture passages but then have it go absolutely nowhere. I get that church is a big part of most people's lives in Texas, but it would have helped to have it actually tie into their relationship. Maybe have the pastor counsel them or maybe they get an epiphany at the church but there was nothing of the kind. At one point Colton even admitted he found more inspiration at a schoolyard than church.
There is very little chemistry between the two. They sleep together while out of town to attend a social function but it's so perfunctory it's almost annoying. They become aroused while dancing and rush back to the room to finally have sex. No details are given (unless you count he entered her as a detail) and after supposedly being unable to keep their hands off each other they have sex once and are so overcome from the intensity that they fall right to sleep. What??? When they arrive back home they have sex everywhere except their beds multiple times and a little more in the way of details is given here. I guess these times weren't so intense since they could have sex several times in a few hours. Finally Laura admits she doesn't want to have sex in a bed with Colton and spend the night because of commitment issues. That's it. No exploration and when she finally ends up in bed with him there is no romantic pillow talk from him to her to explore her issues or calm her fears. It's more or less so you did it and yaay for you. It was a total miss on the romance for me.
The changes in scene were very abrupt. Several times the book jumped ahead to the next day or next several days with no warning or segue. i would have to go back to see if I accidentally missed something. The flow was very choppy.
The plot synopsis sounded very promising but because of the multiple elements of romantic genres and the many characters that were featured I became lost many times while reading this book. I was so prepared to absolutely fall in love with this book it hurt to see the author fail to take advantage of multiple missed opportunities to turn a lukewarm book into a great book. If she had picked a direction (specific subset of romance) and fully developed it this book could have really been an attention grabber.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
Another condition of paying off the loan sharks is that Laura have no contact with her sister. Almost as soon as Laura arrives Andy begins offering her communication with her sister, visits, etc. to pretend that she and Colton are in a relationship. And even when the sister arrives at ranch after Laura whines on and on throughout the book about them being the only one there for each other--they stay in different rooms and don't get along at all. They fight within minutes of Janet arriving. Then Janet is depicted as looking ""well worn"" and trying to get Laura to scam Colton for his money. In the next few pages she alternately wants to sabotage Laura in a competition, sleep with another cowboy on the ranch, hurt Laura by telling her that she is still gambling, and then suddenly tells Laura Colton is too good to hurt or let go. I was totally confused is Janet the mean, low-down sister using Laura to protect her and keep her habit going or has she been rehabilitated, redeemed, and is now giving Laura good advice? The lack of detail and speed of progression made it impossible to understand why Janet was engaging with Laura in this way.
The romance never really got off the ground for me. The book had an identity crisis. It seems that the author couldn't decide whether she wanted a sweet romance, inspirational romance, or erotic romance. Colton is supposedly poisoned by a woman in town and needs protection. Andy and the rest of the family dream up using Laura as his pretend girlfriend. They begin by taking Laura to church and to her surprise she sits next to Colton and shares a potluck dinner with him while the others go home. There were several scenes where Laura and Colton were at church or the pastor was at their home. There were several passages concerning the pastor findng a wife (that previously wanted Colton) and refusing to leave the church because God wanted him to remain in the little town of Ambrose. Why include church services, congregational members, and scripture passages but then have it go absolutely nowhere. I get that church is a big part of most people's lives in Texas, but it would have helped to have it actually tie into their relationship. Maybe have the pastor counsel them or maybe they get an epiphany at the church but there was nothing of the kind. At one point Colton even admitted he found more inspiration at a schoolyard than church.
There is very little chemistry between the two. They sleep together while out of town to attend a social function but it's so perfunctory it's almost annoying. They become aroused while dancing and rush back to the room to finally have sex. No details are given (unless you count he entered her as a detail) and after supposedly being unable to keep their hands off each other they have sex once and are so overcome from the intensity that they fall right to sleep. What??? When they arrive back home they have sex everywhere except their beds multiple times and a little more in the way of details is given here. I guess these times weren't so intense since they could have sex several times in a few hours. Finally Laura admits she doesn't want to have sex in a bed with Colton and spend the night because of commitment issues. That's it. No exploration and when she finally ends up in bed with him there is no romantic pillow talk from him to her to explore her issues or calm her fears. It's more or less so you did it and yaay for you. It was a total miss on the romance for me.
The changes in scene were very abrupt. Several times the book jumped ahead to the next day or next several days with no warning or segue. i would have to go back to see if I accidentally missed something. The flow was very choppy.
The plot synopsis sounded very promising but because of the multiple elements of romantic genres and the many characters that were featured I became lost many times while reading this book. I was so prepared to absolutely fall in love with this book it hurt to see the author fail to take advantage of multiple missed opportunities to turn a lukewarm book into a great book. If she had picked a direction (specific subset of romance) and fully developed it this book could have really been an attention grabber.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
May 15, 2019
Review to come . . .
I didn't hate it but I didn't like it.
Where was the romance? The H was too wishy washy :(
I didn't hate it but I didn't like it.
Where was the romance? The H was too wishy washy :(
November 30, 2025
Colton Nelson won a million dollars in the Texas lottery, catapulting him from ranch hand to ranch owner. Through careful investments by his best friend he is now a billionaire and a target for every gold digger in Texas. After his drink is drugged one night out at the bar, his family and close friends decide desperate measures are required.
Laura Baker’s sister, Janet, has a gambling addiction. Sinking herself into a debt to loan sharks she can’t repay, Laura asks, her cousin and best friend to Colton, Andy for help. She promises to work at the Nelson ranch until she can repay the debt to Andy.
Andy and the rest of the family see a connection between Colton and Laura and decide to set them up as a “fake” couple to keep the gold diggers away. Quickly the “fake” relationship starts to take a turn into something more serious, but with Laura and Colton’s trust issues it is an uphill battle.
Billion Dollar Cowboy was a sweet and endearing plot. Finding love in unexpected places, it was just a nice break to the non-stop action of other stories. I found it completely pleasurable meeting the characters of this ranch home town and I look forward more stories of finding love.
This ARC copy of Billion Dollar Cowboy was given to me by Sourcebooks - Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on June 4, 2013.
Laura Baker’s sister, Janet, has a gambling addiction. Sinking herself into a debt to loan sharks she can’t repay, Laura asks, her cousin and best friend to Colton, Andy for help. She promises to work at the Nelson ranch until she can repay the debt to Andy.
Andy and the rest of the family see a connection between Colton and Laura and decide to set them up as a “fake” couple to keep the gold diggers away. Quickly the “fake” relationship starts to take a turn into something more serious, but with Laura and Colton’s trust issues it is an uphill battle.
Billion Dollar Cowboy was a sweet and endearing plot. Finding love in unexpected places, it was just a nice break to the non-stop action of other stories. I found it completely pleasurable meeting the characters of this ranch home town and I look forward more stories of finding love.
This ARC copy of Billion Dollar Cowboy was given to me by Sourcebooks - Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on June 4, 2013.
May 18, 2013
Issues of trust, intimacy, communication, love, understanding you name it the list can go on and on, the truth of the matter is they all stem from one thing, your past.
It can effect your entire future, overshadowing any dreams you might have and hold you back from the life you deserve. Letting go or simply opening up can be the hardest thing you will ever need to do, but when it comes to doing it in the name of love, it opens doors you never knew were closed in the first place.
For Laura that is precisely the case, she comes to the ranch to work off her debt, a debt she only gained by baling her sister out of yet another stunt.
She gets sucked into playing the role of girlfriend to ranch owner Colton, billionaire cowboy, to help him keep the gold diggers at bay. Easy peasy, nope you guessed wrong the attraction between her and Colton is harder to resist than chocolate covered strawberries when you're on a diet!
She gets knocked of her feet by the plain old fashioned cowboy who has the heart of a prince. However she is not the only one that has issues, nope her darling I'll-make-you-burn-hotter-than-the-Texas-sun Colton has his very own set of issues, and with both of them having fears and doubts getting together on a more emotional love-you-forever level seems darn near impossible!
But as we all know this author always has a trick up her sleeve to show just how true love always prevails, and in this read she did so with vivid clarity and told the tale of a memorable couple.
The character of Laura was a real lively one! Fun, feisty, go getting attitude, ready to kick butt no matter what, when or who comes her way. I loved that the author gave her so much spunk, had she been weak and the kind to back down all the time she would not have been a good match for Colton.
Laura is the type of character that is able to push any man when he hits a low point, of course when it comes to her own issues she does not always react with same "Here I go ready to get 'em" spunk but the author shows the reasoning behind this with little flashbacks into her childhood, making it clear to me as reader. I completely adored Laura and loved every single moment of her showing off her "take me on and eat dust" attitude.
The character of Colton was a real sweetheart of a man, he worked hard till he hit the jackpot, but never does his personality change from use to be poor to now I am so rich I can buy anything I want so therefore I care about nothing, as sadly happens to so many people in real life.
To me as reader this made him the ultimate hero. I could understand his reasoning behind not trusting people with the whole gold diggers lurking around, and I was actually expecting him to be a more hard and arrogant character because of this.
But instead I got a kind, caring and total angel (okay so not so much of an angel as you're thinking, afterall the man does know how to set the sheets alight), of a man a real nice guy that was the perfect match for Laura, as he knows how and when to push her buttons and when to back down, all while never ever loosing his temper!
The backdrop setting of a small country town where everyone knows everyone and everything about everyone was very nicely incorporated by the author, it blended in with the feeling of belonging and family that Laura needed and it also showed that country folk no matter if they are richer than the biggest of players in the world , they always stick together helping each other out anytime anywhere as if it is all just in a day's work.
The dialogue was fun and playful, emotional and truth revealing, but also laced with loads of humour. I laughed out so load at some of the things that came out of Laura's mouth that I very nearly fell out of my comfy reading chair! But I also found myself tearing up during times when the read got very emotional as the past of both main characters and some secondary ones came tumbling out.
From this read I am taking away a message of, what ever happened to you in your past, it can be overcome all you need to do is take a risk, don't hold back and fight for what you want, along the way you will still encounter sorrow but you will for sure find your happiness.
I recommend this read for all lovers of romances that involve good old fashioned cowboys ready to take on the world in the name of love and for fans who love a heroine that will knock their socks off!
This was the first read in this author's new series of four hot, mouthwatering, delicious kick ass cowboys who each meet their match and I look forward to getting to know the rest. A fun, spicy, passionate and heart warming read!
5 star review
" The cowboy prince finds his very own Marilyn Monroe"
It can effect your entire future, overshadowing any dreams you might have and hold you back from the life you deserve. Letting go or simply opening up can be the hardest thing you will ever need to do, but when it comes to doing it in the name of love, it opens doors you never knew were closed in the first place.
For Laura that is precisely the case, she comes to the ranch to work off her debt, a debt she only gained by baling her sister out of yet another stunt.
She gets sucked into playing the role of girlfriend to ranch owner Colton, billionaire cowboy, to help him keep the gold diggers at bay. Easy peasy, nope you guessed wrong the attraction between her and Colton is harder to resist than chocolate covered strawberries when you're on a diet!
She gets knocked of her feet by the plain old fashioned cowboy who has the heart of a prince. However she is not the only one that has issues, nope her darling I'll-make-you-burn-hotter-than-the-Texas-sun Colton has his very own set of issues, and with both of them having fears and doubts getting together on a more emotional love-you-forever level seems darn near impossible!
But as we all know this author always has a trick up her sleeve to show just how true love always prevails, and in this read she did so with vivid clarity and told the tale of a memorable couple.
The character of Laura was a real lively one! Fun, feisty, go getting attitude, ready to kick butt no matter what, when or who comes her way. I loved that the author gave her so much spunk, had she been weak and the kind to back down all the time she would not have been a good match for Colton.
Laura is the type of character that is able to push any man when he hits a low point, of course when it comes to her own issues she does not always react with same "Here I go ready to get 'em" spunk but the author shows the reasoning behind this with little flashbacks into her childhood, making it clear to me as reader. I completely adored Laura and loved every single moment of her showing off her "take me on and eat dust" attitude.
The character of Colton was a real sweetheart of a man, he worked hard till he hit the jackpot, but never does his personality change from use to be poor to now I am so rich I can buy anything I want so therefore I care about nothing, as sadly happens to so many people in real life.
To me as reader this made him the ultimate hero. I could understand his reasoning behind not trusting people with the whole gold diggers lurking around, and I was actually expecting him to be a more hard and arrogant character because of this.
But instead I got a kind, caring and total angel (okay so not so much of an angel as you're thinking, afterall the man does know how to set the sheets alight), of a man a real nice guy that was the perfect match for Laura, as he knows how and when to push her buttons and when to back down, all while never ever loosing his temper!
The backdrop setting of a small country town where everyone knows everyone and everything about everyone was very nicely incorporated by the author, it blended in with the feeling of belonging and family that Laura needed and it also showed that country folk no matter if they are richer than the biggest of players in the world , they always stick together helping each other out anytime anywhere as if it is all just in a day's work.
The dialogue was fun and playful, emotional and truth revealing, but also laced with loads of humour. I laughed out so load at some of the things that came out of Laura's mouth that I very nearly fell out of my comfy reading chair! But I also found myself tearing up during times when the read got very emotional as the past of both main characters and some secondary ones came tumbling out.
From this read I am taking away a message of, what ever happened to you in your past, it can be overcome all you need to do is take a risk, don't hold back and fight for what you want, along the way you will still encounter sorrow but you will for sure find your happiness.
I recommend this read for all lovers of romances that involve good old fashioned cowboys ready to take on the world in the name of love and for fans who love a heroine that will knock their socks off!
This was the first read in this author's new series of four hot, mouthwatering, delicious kick ass cowboys who each meet their match and I look forward to getting to know the rest. A fun, spicy, passionate and heart warming read!
5 star review
" The cowboy prince finds his very own Marilyn Monroe"
July 9, 2013
Title:Billion Dollar Cowboy
Series:Cowboys and Brides Bk 1
Author: Carolyn Brown
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Colton Nelson was 28 when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. When women started lining up wanting some of his millions, even going so far as to drug his beer, his family asks the lovely new ranch assistant to help out by pretending to be his girlfriend. They make her an offer she can't refuse, so even though she doesn't like it one bit, Laura agrees to help. Laura Baker and her sister, Janet, had been raised in foster homes. Though she was the younger of the two, Laura was always bailing Janet out of trouble. Janet thinks Laura should take advantage of the billionaire cowboy but Laura is getting to know Colton intimately and she doesn't give a damn about his money. True love isn't for sale.
Billion Dollar Cowboy is the first book in Carolyn Brown’s new series Cowboys & Brides. While the plot isn't new and there were some cliché moments, Brown offered up a fun romance that kept me entertained.
This tale takes place in the heart of Texas at the ranch of now billionaire Colton Nelson. His best friend and financial consultant Andy hires his cousin Laura Baker to help him in the office. Laura is an enabler and continually bails out her gambling addicted older sister. When Laura is laid off and her sister has two days to pay back ten thousand dollars, Laura is forced to seek Andy’s help. So she ends up living over the barn and helping Andy with the ranch books and investments to work off the debt. He sets conditions for both sisters and one is that they have no contact. Colton has his own share of problems since he won the lottery and those include woman trying to catch him. When ladies at a club slip him a mickey his grandmother and Andy come up with a plan and the tale that unfolds was fun, sweet, and I quickly consumed it.
Colton and Laura both have trust issues so watching these two get to know each other was fun. I liked Laura she has a big heart and we see transformation in her throughout the tale. Colton has issues when it comes to women and their love of his money. He is smexy, rugged, and down to earth. He loves his ranch and sees fit to help others and make a difference. Laura is refreshing and he teeters between being in awe of her and wondering if she is scamming him. The situations they find themselves in led to humor, a little heat and plotting all of their own. Their chemistry felt genuine and while the plot was predictable the characters made it enjoyable. Andy, the grandmother, townsfolk and Laura’s sister all added to the plot and forced the characters into situations. I found them all to be interesting and I would love to read their stories.
I have always had a soft spot for heroes in cowboy boots and denim and Brown offered me a fun escape.
Fans of small town Texas romances with a little heat will enjoy Billionaire Cowboy. Grade A+
Review by: Helen
Check out more reviews at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series:Cowboys and Brides Bk 1
Author: Carolyn Brown
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Colton Nelson was 28 when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. When women started lining up wanting some of his millions, even going so far as to drug his beer, his family asks the lovely new ranch assistant to help out by pretending to be his girlfriend. They make her an offer she can't refuse, so even though she doesn't like it one bit, Laura agrees to help. Laura Baker and her sister, Janet, had been raised in foster homes. Though she was the younger of the two, Laura was always bailing Janet out of trouble. Janet thinks Laura should take advantage of the billionaire cowboy but Laura is getting to know Colton intimately and she doesn't give a damn about his money. True love isn't for sale.
Billion Dollar Cowboy is the first book in Carolyn Brown’s new series Cowboys & Brides. While the plot isn't new and there were some cliché moments, Brown offered up a fun romance that kept me entertained.
This tale takes place in the heart of Texas at the ranch of now billionaire Colton Nelson. His best friend and financial consultant Andy hires his cousin Laura Baker to help him in the office. Laura is an enabler and continually bails out her gambling addicted older sister. When Laura is laid off and her sister has two days to pay back ten thousand dollars, Laura is forced to seek Andy’s help. So she ends up living over the barn and helping Andy with the ranch books and investments to work off the debt. He sets conditions for both sisters and one is that they have no contact. Colton has his own share of problems since he won the lottery and those include woman trying to catch him. When ladies at a club slip him a mickey his grandmother and Andy come up with a plan and the tale that unfolds was fun, sweet, and I quickly consumed it.
Colton and Laura both have trust issues so watching these two get to know each other was fun. I liked Laura she has a big heart and we see transformation in her throughout the tale. Colton has issues when it comes to women and their love of his money. He is smexy, rugged, and down to earth. He loves his ranch and sees fit to help others and make a difference. Laura is refreshing and he teeters between being in awe of her and wondering if she is scamming him. The situations they find themselves in led to humor, a little heat and plotting all of their own. Their chemistry felt genuine and while the plot was predictable the characters made it enjoyable. Andy, the grandmother, townsfolk and Laura’s sister all added to the plot and forced the characters into situations. I found them all to be interesting and I would love to read their stories.
I have always had a soft spot for heroes in cowboy boots and denim and Brown offered me a fun escape.
Fans of small town Texas romances with a little heat will enjoy Billionaire Cowboy. Grade A+
Review by: Helen
Check out more reviews at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
July 11, 2020
This was a romance which had a few too many cliches for me. There was something which kept me from connecting well with the characters. The guy was a billionaire; the gal was poor. They had both lost their parents and suffered various things. Isn't anyone just normal folk? It was easy and sort of fun to read but it didn't take me anywhere.
December 15, 2018
Colton ha sido acosado por las mujeres desde que ganó la lotería. Solo lo acosan por su dinero y el está harto de no poder ir ni a la tienda tranquilo.
Laura ha sido contratada por el mejor amigo de Colton para ayudarle en el trabajo como pago porque él rescató a su hermana de una gran deuda.
Tanto Laura cómo Colton tienen problemas, pero las artimañas de la familia de Colton termina con ellos fingiendo ser una pareja... Fingiendo? Mmmm quizás...
Se me ha hecho muy largo y plano. No sé por qué pero esta historia no me ha hecho sentir nada, me parece una de esas peliculas que ves en la tele un domingo por la tarde porque no hay nada mejor. Me ha faltado sentimientos, tanto que me transmitiera el libro como que tampoco me creí los de los personajes. Como ya veis me llevó un montón leerlo porque me aburría mucho.
Lo siento pero creo que no ha sido para mí, y eso que me encantan los vaqueros...
Laura ha sido contratada por el mejor amigo de Colton para ayudarle en el trabajo como pago porque él rescató a su hermana de una gran deuda.
Tanto Laura cómo Colton tienen problemas, pero las artimañas de la familia de Colton termina con ellos fingiendo ser una pareja... Fingiendo? Mmmm quizás...
Se me ha hecho muy largo y plano. No sé por qué pero esta historia no me ha hecho sentir nada, me parece una de esas peliculas que ves en la tele un domingo por la tarde porque no hay nada mejor. Me ha faltado sentimientos, tanto que me transmitiera el libro como que tampoco me creí los de los personajes. Como ya veis me llevó un montón leerlo porque me aburría mucho.
Lo siento pero creo que no ha sido para mí, y eso que me encantan los vaqueros...
November 28, 2014
This was a really fun book. Colton is a cowboy who is now a billionaire and being constantly pursued by women who are more interested in his money than him. Laura is on the ranch to work off a debt to her cousin, who is Colton's best friend and financial adviser. Colton's family and friends come up with an idea that will give Colton a break and Laura the chance to pay off her debt faster. They want Colton and Laura to pretend to be involved. Colton's desperate and Laura just wants her debt gone, so they go along with it, not expecting their fake relationship to start to feel very real.
I loved both Colton and Laura. Colton was just an ordinary cowboy until he won the lottery. Now he has a ton of money and no peace from being pursued. When someone drugs him, his family decides to step in and help. First they set up Colton and Laura to make it look like there's something going on, then they let them in on the plan. Colton and Laura aren't too thrilled with the idea at first, but they're willing to give it a shot. It isn't too long before the fake relationship starts to feel real, but both of them have some things holding them back.
Colton was raised by his grandmother after his parents died in a crash. His parents were passionate people and fought a lot. The last thing he remembers of them is their fighting, and then they were gone. He associates fighting with separation, and two people together will fight, therefore commitment will bring separation. And that's just too much pain. He also has trouble talking about his feelings. But Laura understands him and being around her doesn't make him feel the same way he does around others.
Laura and her sister were raised by their aunt after their mother died. Laura never knew her father. She sees that any relationship is headed for disaster because sooner or later someone is going to leave. Why start something that will only end in heartbreak. She feels like she was important enough for her mother to fight for her health and not die, so why would anyone else care for her like that. She feels like Colton really cares for her, but she has a hard time trusting that it's enough.
I loved seeing Colton and Laura getting to know each other. Colton is sweet and kind and hasn't let the money go to his head. He still works hard on the ranch. At first he wonders if Laura is scamming him the way that others have tried to do, but soon learns that she is just as real as he is. It was fun to see his playfulness when he showed her the pool and the gym. He was surprised to see how well she fit into life on the ranch and that added to the feelings that were growing for her. There's also some really hot chemistry going on between them that he has no trouble accepting, it's just that pesky "L" word that is creating problems.
Laura started off just wanting to pay her debt and leave. She's not really comfortable among people she doesn't know and Colton's money freaks her out a bit. She's not happy about her cousin's machinations to get her to help Colton, but she'll do it to have a chance to see her sister. She discovers that he's much more down to earth than she expected, and begins to like him for who he is. I liked the fact that his money means absolutely nothing to her, that it is more of a negative than a positive for her. She's really nervous about a couple of the events she has to attend with him, but has a better time than she expected. She still doesn't feel like she fits in his world. Her feelings grow for him, but she isn't ready to make their relationship real without knowing that he feels the same. I loved the fact that they could actually talk things out when they had an issue.
I loved the secondary characters and the richness they added to the story. Grandma Maudie was a trip of an old lady. She has a heart of gold, raised Colton and is now raising her niece Roxie. She doesn't put up with any crap from either one of them. Roxie was another one that I loved. She's a teenager who also had a less than stellar mother. Laura sees a lot of herself and Janet in Roxie, and relates to her very well. I loved seeing the changes in Roxie that came from being around Laura. I also loved the way that Laura was there for Roxie, especially with the girl's problems with a classmate. Laura's sister Janet was a character that had to grow on me. Her attitude at the beginning made me realize why Andy Joe had set the conditions he had. I really wanted to smack her for the things she said about Laura's relationship with Colton. I was happy to see the changes she started to go through, and for Laura's sake hope she sticks with it. It was fun to see various other residents of the town and their effects on the relationship between Colton and Laura. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
I loved both Colton and Laura. Colton was just an ordinary cowboy until he won the lottery. Now he has a ton of money and no peace from being pursued. When someone drugs him, his family decides to step in and help. First they set up Colton and Laura to make it look like there's something going on, then they let them in on the plan. Colton and Laura aren't too thrilled with the idea at first, but they're willing to give it a shot. It isn't too long before the fake relationship starts to feel real, but both of them have some things holding them back.
Colton was raised by his grandmother after his parents died in a crash. His parents were passionate people and fought a lot. The last thing he remembers of them is their fighting, and then they were gone. He associates fighting with separation, and two people together will fight, therefore commitment will bring separation. And that's just too much pain. He also has trouble talking about his feelings. But Laura understands him and being around her doesn't make him feel the same way he does around others.
Laura and her sister were raised by their aunt after their mother died. Laura never knew her father. She sees that any relationship is headed for disaster because sooner or later someone is going to leave. Why start something that will only end in heartbreak. She feels like she was important enough for her mother to fight for her health and not die, so why would anyone else care for her like that. She feels like Colton really cares for her, but she has a hard time trusting that it's enough.
I loved seeing Colton and Laura getting to know each other. Colton is sweet and kind and hasn't let the money go to his head. He still works hard on the ranch. At first he wonders if Laura is scamming him the way that others have tried to do, but soon learns that she is just as real as he is. It was fun to see his playfulness when he showed her the pool and the gym. He was surprised to see how well she fit into life on the ranch and that added to the feelings that were growing for her. There's also some really hot chemistry going on between them that he has no trouble accepting, it's just that pesky "L" word that is creating problems.
Laura started off just wanting to pay her debt and leave. She's not really comfortable among people she doesn't know and Colton's money freaks her out a bit. She's not happy about her cousin's machinations to get her to help Colton, but she'll do it to have a chance to see her sister. She discovers that he's much more down to earth than she expected, and begins to like him for who he is. I liked the fact that his money means absolutely nothing to her, that it is more of a negative than a positive for her. She's really nervous about a couple of the events she has to attend with him, but has a better time than she expected. She still doesn't feel like she fits in his world. Her feelings grow for him, but she isn't ready to make their relationship real without knowing that he feels the same. I loved the fact that they could actually talk things out when they had an issue.
I loved the secondary characters and the richness they added to the story. Grandma Maudie was a trip of an old lady. She has a heart of gold, raised Colton and is now raising her niece Roxie. She doesn't put up with any crap from either one of them. Roxie was another one that I loved. She's a teenager who also had a less than stellar mother. Laura sees a lot of herself and Janet in Roxie, and relates to her very well. I loved seeing the changes in Roxie that came from being around Laura. I also loved the way that Laura was there for Roxie, especially with the girl's problems with a classmate. Laura's sister Janet was a character that had to grow on me. Her attitude at the beginning made me realize why Andy Joe had set the conditions he had. I really wanted to smack her for the things she said about Laura's relationship with Colton. I was happy to see the changes she started to go through, and for Laura's sake hope she sticks with it. It was fun to see various other residents of the town and their effects on the relationship between Colton and Laura. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
January 2, 2020
There are some interesting characters, some entertaining parts, and even some sexy and romantic moments, but mostly I was underwhelmed. The premise of the book is similar to To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but with adults, and with way less logical reasoning, so it felt too ridiculous right off the bat for me to buy in, and they double down on that ridiculous plotting later. The dialogue is also often deeply unrealistic and not at all how actual humans speak (especially when characters reference pop culture, mostly country songs, and over-explain the reference...ouch). The love story doesn't really get to build tension and amp up the way I would have liked, and it often feels anti-climactic. The main couple briefly talks about their commitment/trust issues, rooted in childhood trauma, but rather than dealing with that in any real way, they act like love will just fix it, so they can feel free to just rush into things. Their interest in each other makes sense, but it never felt particularly compelling. It felt like the author spent too much time trying to plot out and explain ridiculous reasons for them to be forced together rather than savoring them actually falling for each other and the little moments involved in that. It just didn't quite do it for me. Still, there are a lot of women in the book with whom I felt some kinship, and the ranch does sound way more appealing than I ever expected one to sound!
October 1, 2022
This was such an endearing cute western romance and as always when this author is involved, I had a fabulous time with this one. The pacing was a bit slower in the middle which is why it took me so long to finish it, but I adored the setting and the trope and the characters were so delightful. I do think that this author is better in audiobook at least for me. I was really fascinated by the set up for this one. I do love a good fake relationship romance. The romance that develops between the main characters was so much fun and really sweet yet spicy at times too. (the sauna scene haha ). Carolyn Brown really knows how to write her atmospheric westerns and it only made me want to go out to the countryside while reading this one here. I love how realistic these books fee like and Carolyn Brown definitely knows her stuff. I was also intrigued by other characters that we ended up introduced to and I definitely want more from this series and can't wait for book 2 but might try it in audio for it.
August 19, 2024
The plot was promising but it didn't work for me in the end.
January 23, 2025
Simple cowboy romance
May 15, 2019
Read for Romance Book Club, May 2019.
Too much down-home goodness for this lil filly. DNF at 60%. But great, great book club discussion.
Too much down-home goodness for this lil filly. DNF at 60%. But great, great book club discussion.
May 27, 2013
Reading this story was like reading a modern fairytale in many ways. There were several improbably aspects to it, but I just went with it when I treated it like a romance painted with a soft colors and brushes over the canvas like impressionist art rather than has bold realism in contemporary romance.
Its the story of an ordinary cowhand, Colton Nelson, that strikes it rich winning the lotto and then richer through investments. He just wants to live his life simply and quietly on his ranch with his adopted family all around him, but unfortunately his new bank account figures have all the ladies salivating to become Mrs. Nelson, the billionaire cowboy's wife.
His good friend, Andy Jo, has a solution to the problem for him. Andy Jo has hired his cousin a few times removed, Laura Baker, to be his assistant in a special arrangement. Andy paid off her sister's gambling debt to a loan shark and now she's paying it back by work as his assistant to pay off the loan. Andy's plan is to use Laura to pretend to be Colton's girlfriend.
The family is all in on it and Laura agrees because Andy allows her to bend one of his rules regarding her sister. Colton and Laura enter into the act and things are going well until things get real. Unfortunately, Colton wants nothing to do with the 'love word and Laura can barely say 'commitment' let alone feel she can manage it. There is also a little suspicion on Colton's part that Laura is just playing a deep game to get her hands on his money. As they continue along fooling everyone else with their mock relationship, they both realize that they can't fool themselves. Laura's time on the ranch is coming to an end and she plans to walk if Colton won't give her the one thing that will make her stay.
As I said before, this has qualities to it that are parts fairy tale, parts sweet romance and a few other things thrown in for good measure. The hero is rich, but it has a small town romance feel to it. The pace on this one took its time which was fine, but I admit there were a few moments when I just wanted the story to move it along a bit faster. The transitions between scenes was a bit choppy, but other than mildly distracting, it wasn't too bad.
All the characters were well written and I enjoyed getting to know each one. I liked how the story switched to various characters perspectives though mostly the two main characters of course. Laura and Colton got on my nerves a bit with their insecurities and denial that what they had was the real thing and not just some fake relationship or that they were good in the sack. They were both passionate people and the scenes included sex, but it didn't get graphic. There was one character (who will remain nameless because of spoiler issues) that threw me off because what was described in most of the book didn't jive with what came later. There was a sudden change and while I was glad for it; in truth, personalities don't go through that drastic of a change like that.
All in all, it was an enjoyable Contemporary Western Romance that those who tend to enjoy their romance on the sweeter side will enjoy.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing my reading copy for review purposes.
Its the story of an ordinary cowhand, Colton Nelson, that strikes it rich winning the lotto and then richer through investments. He just wants to live his life simply and quietly on his ranch with his adopted family all around him, but unfortunately his new bank account figures have all the ladies salivating to become Mrs. Nelson, the billionaire cowboy's wife.
His good friend, Andy Jo, has a solution to the problem for him. Andy Jo has hired his cousin a few times removed, Laura Baker, to be his assistant in a special arrangement. Andy paid off her sister's gambling debt to a loan shark and now she's paying it back by work as his assistant to pay off the loan. Andy's plan is to use Laura to pretend to be Colton's girlfriend.
The family is all in on it and Laura agrees because Andy allows her to bend one of his rules regarding her sister. Colton and Laura enter into the act and things are going well until things get real. Unfortunately, Colton wants nothing to do with the 'love word and Laura can barely say 'commitment' let alone feel she can manage it. There is also a little suspicion on Colton's part that Laura is just playing a deep game to get her hands on his money. As they continue along fooling everyone else with their mock relationship, they both realize that they can't fool themselves. Laura's time on the ranch is coming to an end and she plans to walk if Colton won't give her the one thing that will make her stay.
As I said before, this has qualities to it that are parts fairy tale, parts sweet romance and a few other things thrown in for good measure. The hero is rich, but it has a small town romance feel to it. The pace on this one took its time which was fine, but I admit there were a few moments when I just wanted the story to move it along a bit faster. The transitions between scenes was a bit choppy, but other than mildly distracting, it wasn't too bad.
All the characters were well written and I enjoyed getting to know each one. I liked how the story switched to various characters perspectives though mostly the two main characters of course. Laura and Colton got on my nerves a bit with their insecurities and denial that what they had was the real thing and not just some fake relationship or that they were good in the sack. They were both passionate people and the scenes included sex, but it didn't get graphic. There was one character (who will remain nameless because of spoiler issues) that threw me off because what was described in most of the book didn't jive with what came later. There was a sudden change and while I was glad for it; in truth, personalities don't go through that drastic of a change like that.
All in all, it was an enjoyable Contemporary Western Romance that those who tend to enjoy their romance on the sweeter side will enjoy.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing my reading copy for review purposes.
June 13, 2013
A sweet contemporary romance infused with heat and humor. Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Laura Baker and her sister, Janet, have a love/hate relationship, but still they are very close. However, Laura has made it a habit of covering for her older sister whenever she gets into trouble. To get Janet out of her latest problem, a ten thousand dollar gambling debt, Laura had to go to her cousin Andy, who is a financial advisor for billionaire rancher Colton Nelson. Andy agreed to loan her the money, but in exchange, Laura must work off the debt on the ranch as Andy’s assistant. Additionally, the girls are forbidden to even contact each other since it is agreed that Laura is Janet’s enabler. While Laura is working on the ranch, Janet has to attend meetings at Gamblers Anonymous, avoid gambling and not miss work. Laura is just waiting for the day when the debt is repaid so she can leave Ambrose, Texas. A nerd with glasses, Laura knows she is not the girl to attract a man like Colton, but she cannot deny her attraction to him.
Colton Nelson started out as a ranch hand, but a winning lottery ticket and a few successful investments has made him a billionaire. He is tired of women bending over backwards to get his attention. But when a woman goes so far as to drug his drink, he knows it is time to take action. When he first meets Laura he wonders if it is a set up. After all, she enjoys many of the same things he does, making him wonder if she did her homework about him. But when they are set up by his family during a church service and lunch, he begins to think his family may be onto something. So he gets Laura to agree to a pretend boyfriend/girlfriend relationship to keep the women away from him and in return, Laura can invite her sister to the ranch’s annual weekend party.
Spending so much time together on and off the ranch allows Colton to see Laura for who she really is and things soon turn heated. But Laura does not feel like she belongs in his world of country clubs.
Additionally, having commitment issues, Colton is afraid to say those three little words and she will accept nothing less. Can they overcome their issues and give themselves a chance at a future together?
A heartwarming tale, BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, the first book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown is a deliciously wicked contemporary romance that will leave readers longing for a cowboy of their own. I enjoyed watching as the romance between Laura and Colton evolved from pretend to very real. Ms. Brown’s beautifully descriptive prose brings this story to life so well that by the end I felt as if I knew these characters personally. Ever since reading my first Carolyn Brown book, I have been addicted. Now just seeing her name on a book is enough to make it a must read for me. Packed with ranch life, interesting characters, family dynamics, humor, real life issues, tender romance and true love, BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY is a wonderful start to a new series. I eagerly await the next story in this series, THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS BABY, which is due to be released in October 2013. I also highly recommend BILLION DOLLAR BABY to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with plenty of heat and humor.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com(less)
Laura Baker and her sister, Janet, have a love/hate relationship, but still they are very close. However, Laura has made it a habit of covering for her older sister whenever she gets into trouble. To get Janet out of her latest problem, a ten thousand dollar gambling debt, Laura had to go to her cousin Andy, who is a financial advisor for billionaire rancher Colton Nelson. Andy agreed to loan her the money, but in exchange, Laura must work off the debt on the ranch as Andy’s assistant. Additionally, the girls are forbidden to even contact each other since it is agreed that Laura is Janet’s enabler. While Laura is working on the ranch, Janet has to attend meetings at Gamblers Anonymous, avoid gambling and not miss work. Laura is just waiting for the day when the debt is repaid so she can leave Ambrose, Texas. A nerd with glasses, Laura knows she is not the girl to attract a man like Colton, but she cannot deny her attraction to him.
Colton Nelson started out as a ranch hand, but a winning lottery ticket and a few successful investments has made him a billionaire. He is tired of women bending over backwards to get his attention. But when a woman goes so far as to drug his drink, he knows it is time to take action. When he first meets Laura he wonders if it is a set up. After all, she enjoys many of the same things he does, making him wonder if she did her homework about him. But when they are set up by his family during a church service and lunch, he begins to think his family may be onto something. So he gets Laura to agree to a pretend boyfriend/girlfriend relationship to keep the women away from him and in return, Laura can invite her sister to the ranch’s annual weekend party.
Spending so much time together on and off the ranch allows Colton to see Laura for who she really is and things soon turn heated. But Laura does not feel like she belongs in his world of country clubs.
Additionally, having commitment issues, Colton is afraid to say those three little words and she will accept nothing less. Can they overcome their issues and give themselves a chance at a future together?
A heartwarming tale, BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, the first book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown is a deliciously wicked contemporary romance that will leave readers longing for a cowboy of their own. I enjoyed watching as the romance between Laura and Colton evolved from pretend to very real. Ms. Brown’s beautifully descriptive prose brings this story to life so well that by the end I felt as if I knew these characters personally. Ever since reading my first Carolyn Brown book, I have been addicted. Now just seeing her name on a book is enough to make it a must read for me. Packed with ranch life, interesting characters, family dynamics, humor, real life issues, tender romance and true love, BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY is a wonderful start to a new series. I eagerly await the next story in this series, THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS BABY, which is due to be released in October 2013. I also highly recommend BILLION DOLLAR BABY to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with plenty of heat and humor.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com(less)
July 2, 2013
If you love a great cowboy romance then look no further. Carolyn Brown is the master of the feel good, hot cowboy story and Billion Dollar Cowboy doesn’t disappoint. I believe this book is the first book in a new series, Cowboys and Brides.
Colton Nelson is tired of not being able to go out without worrying about his personal being. Ever since he won the lottery women will stop at nothing to become his rich wife. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he is a nice guy and HOT! Understandably, Colton is convinced that he is only wanted for his money and is sure he’ll never be loved for the right reasons.
Laura Baker is once again bailing her sister out. Being raised by an aunt that took them in after their mama left at least gave them a roof over their heads, but she made it clear they were to earn their keep and out they went when they turned 18. Emily, the oldest sister, was always looking for the easy dollar. Laura always stepped in and paid off Emily’s gambling debts, but this time the debt was beyond her abilities. Thank goodness, her cousin Andy Joe swooped in for the rescue. But, his rescue came with conditions. He would pay off Emily’s debt, but Laura would have to come to Colton’s ranch and be his assistant, Emily would have to get help for her addiction and no contact between the two of them until the debt was worked off. Laura would agree to anything to save her sister and couldn’t deny that she loved being Andy Joe’s assistant.
This is where the story takes a turn – the family set Colton and Laura up to look like a couple at a local church social and neither party was very happy with the subterfuge. After all, Colton isn’t convinced that Laura wasn’t in on the trick and Laura isn’t for sale and doesn’t like being treated like she is. However, when they confronted the guilty group they were presented with a well thought out plan as to why they should go along with things. Colton would get the freedom to live his life again if the women in his world thought he was already taken and Andy Joe would consider the debt paid in full at the end of the summer and Laura could have contact with her sister.
“It’s stupid because love can’t be bought with money. Trust can’t be paid for with dollars.”
Pretending to be the fiancé of a hot, rich cowboy isn’t so bad, right? Having the freedom to move around without a body guard is damn appealing and Laura was fun to be with and very easy on the eyes. Why not go along with the family for awhile?
This story was just a nice, lighthearted read. No heavy drama, some really fun and quirky characters and a hot cowboy that knows how to use what he was blessed with.
I would like to thank NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
Colton Nelson is tired of not being able to go out without worrying about his personal being. Ever since he won the lottery women will stop at nothing to become his rich wife. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he is a nice guy and HOT! Understandably, Colton is convinced that he is only wanted for his money and is sure he’ll never be loved for the right reasons.
Laura Baker is once again bailing her sister out. Being raised by an aunt that took them in after their mama left at least gave them a roof over their heads, but she made it clear they were to earn their keep and out they went when they turned 18. Emily, the oldest sister, was always looking for the easy dollar. Laura always stepped in and paid off Emily’s gambling debts, but this time the debt was beyond her abilities. Thank goodness, her cousin Andy Joe swooped in for the rescue. But, his rescue came with conditions. He would pay off Emily’s debt, but Laura would have to come to Colton’s ranch and be his assistant, Emily would have to get help for her addiction and no contact between the two of them until the debt was worked off. Laura would agree to anything to save her sister and couldn’t deny that she loved being Andy Joe’s assistant.
This is where the story takes a turn – the family set Colton and Laura up to look like a couple at a local church social and neither party was very happy with the subterfuge. After all, Colton isn’t convinced that Laura wasn’t in on the trick and Laura isn’t for sale and doesn’t like being treated like she is. However, when they confronted the guilty group they were presented with a well thought out plan as to why they should go along with things. Colton would get the freedom to live his life again if the women in his world thought he was already taken and Andy Joe would consider the debt paid in full at the end of the summer and Laura could have contact with her sister.
“It’s stupid because love can’t be bought with money. Trust can’t be paid for with dollars.”
Pretending to be the fiancé of a hot, rich cowboy isn’t so bad, right? Having the freedom to move around without a body guard is damn appealing and Laura was fun to be with and very easy on the eyes. Why not go along with the family for awhile?
This story was just a nice, lighthearted read. No heavy drama, some really fun and quirky characters and a hot cowboy that knows how to use what he was blessed with.
I would like to thank NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
June 12, 2013
When it comes to author Carolyn Brown’s books, I have a love/hate relationship. Make no mistake, I love her books - I just hate that the books end.
Each time I pick up one of Brown’s books I know I’m going to be treated to a tantalizing story, meet the zaniest and most likable characters, and lose myself in a rich country-flavored enjoyable read. BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, the first installment in Brown’s new Cowboys and Brides series, is a great example of these elements.
Colton Nelson was just an ordinary ranch hand when he won the Texas Lottery at age 28. Overnight he went from ranch hand to owning one of the biggest spreads in Texas. That’s when the trouble began. Women came out of the woodwork lusting after his millions. They tried every trick in the book including drugging his beer. Colton’s family decided he needed a pretend girlfriend to give him some peace of mind.
Laura Baker had always taken care of her older sister when she got into trouble. This time Laura had to save her from loan sharks so she turned to her cousin and last resort for help. Andy helped her with the money and now she was repaying the debt working as his assistant on Colton’s ranch.
When the Nelsons make her a sweet deal to pretend to be Colton’s girlfriend, Laura knows she’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity. But it’s not going to be as easy as she thinks, no matter how sexy Colton is. Laura and Colton get along fine, but both have issues that strain their relationship. With mixed emotions on both sides, it’s hard to tell where the make-believe ends and reality begins.
Brown makes her hero and heroine strong and independent, but adds flaws, insecurities and worries that readers can relate to. She weaves bits of humor throughout, along with steamy romance for a well-balanced story.
While the main focuses of the story is Colton and Laura, Brown pulls the secondary characters into play. Their interaction draws out more depth to the main characters. Brown’s eye for detail places the reader in the middle of the crowd whether it’s in a Dallas grand ballroom or the hay fields on the ranch.
When you come to the end BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, you feel you know these characters. They’re realistic and remain with you after you turn the last page. Brown is masterful in her storytelling and character development. She combines sizzling romance, enduring friendships, family loyalty, and plain old-fashion fun for a rip-roaring great start to a delightful new series.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Each time I pick up one of Brown’s books I know I’m going to be treated to a tantalizing story, meet the zaniest and most likable characters, and lose myself in a rich country-flavored enjoyable read. BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, the first installment in Brown’s new Cowboys and Brides series, is a great example of these elements.
Colton Nelson was just an ordinary ranch hand when he won the Texas Lottery at age 28. Overnight he went from ranch hand to owning one of the biggest spreads in Texas. That’s when the trouble began. Women came out of the woodwork lusting after his millions. They tried every trick in the book including drugging his beer. Colton’s family decided he needed a pretend girlfriend to give him some peace of mind.
Laura Baker had always taken care of her older sister when she got into trouble. This time Laura had to save her from loan sharks so she turned to her cousin and last resort for help. Andy helped her with the money and now she was repaying the debt working as his assistant on Colton’s ranch.
When the Nelsons make her a sweet deal to pretend to be Colton’s girlfriend, Laura knows she’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity. But it’s not going to be as easy as she thinks, no matter how sexy Colton is. Laura and Colton get along fine, but both have issues that strain their relationship. With mixed emotions on both sides, it’s hard to tell where the make-believe ends and reality begins.
Brown makes her hero and heroine strong and independent, but adds flaws, insecurities and worries that readers can relate to. She weaves bits of humor throughout, along with steamy romance for a well-balanced story.
While the main focuses of the story is Colton and Laura, Brown pulls the secondary characters into play. Their interaction draws out more depth to the main characters. Brown’s eye for detail places the reader in the middle of the crowd whether it’s in a Dallas grand ballroom or the hay fields on the ranch.
When you come to the end BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, you feel you know these characters. They’re realistic and remain with you after you turn the last page. Brown is masterful in her storytelling and character development. She combines sizzling romance, enduring friendships, family loyalty, and plain old-fashion fun for a rip-roaring great start to a delightful new series.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
March 15, 2014
Reviewed by Aubrey
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I absolutely loved this book. I’m sad that I have to wait for the next installment of this series. I loved all the characters from main to secondary. Colton is the ultimate broken and distrustful rich cowboy. All the women are after him because of his money and not because of his heart. Until Laura comes to the ranch to pay off her sister’s debt. Laura is the shy and geeky sister who is always bailing her sister out of trouble.
Colton’s grandma and best friend Andy come up with a plan to get the women off of his back. Their plan is pretend to date Laura. Laura eventually agrees but neither one expect to fall in love with each other. The story goes through their crazy emotions of letting guards down and opening up to someone. Will Laura agree to stay on at the ranch? You have to read to find out.
The secondary characters are just a likable as the main characters. Janet is even likable even if she’s the reason that Laura needs to be working on the ranch. Roxie the adopted daughter of Maudie is spunky and loving. Maudie is the quintessential grandma.
Once again Ms. Brown writes a cowboy story that makes you laugh, makes you think and above all makes you believe in love again. She started off her new series strong and I’m very anxious to read about the other cowboys and to see how their love stories pan out.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I absolutely loved this book. I’m sad that I have to wait for the next installment of this series. I loved all the characters from main to secondary. Colton is the ultimate broken and distrustful rich cowboy. All the women are after him because of his money and not because of his heart. Until Laura comes to the ranch to pay off her sister’s debt. Laura is the shy and geeky sister who is always bailing her sister out of trouble.
Colton’s grandma and best friend Andy come up with a plan to get the women off of his back. Their plan is pretend to date Laura. Laura eventually agrees but neither one expect to fall in love with each other. The story goes through their crazy emotions of letting guards down and opening up to someone. Will Laura agree to stay on at the ranch? You have to read to find out.
The secondary characters are just a likable as the main characters. Janet is even likable even if she’s the reason that Laura needs to be working on the ranch. Roxie the adopted daughter of Maudie is spunky and loving. Maudie is the quintessential grandma.
Once again Ms. Brown writes a cowboy story that makes you laugh, makes you think and above all makes you believe in love again. She started off her new series strong and I’m very anxious to read about the other cowboys and to see how their love stories pan out.
April 20, 2014
Colton Nelson was twenty-eight years old when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. Now he's desperate to keep the gold diggers away. It shouldn't be too hard to find a pretty girl and hire her to pretend to be his one-and-only.
Or Can He?
Laura Baker's got mixed feelings about this—she's on the ranch to work, not to be arm candy. On the other hand, being stuck for a while in the boondocks with a gorgeous cowboy isn't half-bad.
What neither Colton nor Laura expects are the intensely hard lessons they have to learn about the real cost of love...
What a book! Its hot and what wishes are made of. Not a dull moment. A great cast of characters, you
love the primary as well as the secondary's. 5 stars.
Or Can He?
Laura Baker's got mixed feelings about this—she's on the ranch to work, not to be arm candy. On the other hand, being stuck for a while in the boondocks with a gorgeous cowboy isn't half-bad.
What neither Colton nor Laura expects are the intensely hard lessons they have to learn about the real cost of love...
What a book! Its hot and what wishes are made of. Not a dull moment. A great cast of characters, you
love the primary as well as the secondary's. 5 stars.
August 23, 2013
It has been a long time since I have read a book within 24 hours. This is the book that did that for me. I could not put it down, however I did not want the story to end. Laura and Colton are well developed characters who I could actually picture out in Texes running a ranch and being very happy. I plan on reading this book again and feel I have found a new author to read. Thanks Carolyn Brown for creating such a moving and beautiful story. There were several times I just wanted to cry because of how the story was making me feel and I could not stop smiling either. Just a great story.
December 21, 2014
Life is too short. Verrrrry clunky and slow and the MCs had about as much chemistry as a Barbie and Ken doll being made to kiss.
Also there was a character who had a "Gypsy" grandmother and that somehow made her a con-artist. Even though Gypsies only exist in books, and it's a kind of a slur. And then they called her Gypsy Demon. Ick.
Also there was a character who had a "Gypsy" grandmother and that somehow made her a con-artist. Even though Gypsies only exist in books, and it's a kind of a slur. And then they called her Gypsy Demon. Ick.
June 11, 2017
DNF @ 11%
I just couldn't get into the story or the characters. The tone of the writing also put me off... It was a little preachy in my opinion. Therefore than wasting time on a book incessant enjoying I'm going to read books I do enjoy.
I just couldn't get into the story or the characters. The tone of the writing also put me off... It was a little preachy in my opinion. Therefore than wasting time on a book incessant enjoying I'm going to read books I do enjoy.
November 15, 2013
Two-haiku review:
She works for cousin
And billionaire rancher boss
Pretend engagement
Should have cut half length
Tons of irrelevant stuff
High school dialogue
She works for cousin
And billionaire rancher boss
Pretend engagement
Should have cut half length
Tons of irrelevant stuff
High school dialogue
September 18, 2017
This is the beginning of the Cowboys & Brides series. In Billion Dollar Cowboy Laura has bailed her sister Janet out one time too many. This time Janet needed $10,000. Laura had to go to her cousin Andy for the money because she just did not have it. But the money came with conditions. She will have to work at the ranch as Andy's assistant. She is also to have absolutely no contact with her sister, Janet. At the end of six months if the loan is paid off she is free to leave.
She finds that the ranch is owned by Colton. He was an ordinary rancher until he won a million dollars on a lottery ticket. With some smart investing he multiplied that money and is now a billionaire. He is also a magnet for every woman near and far. He knows they are only interested in him for his money and he is tired of it. The family at the ranch decide that if Laura pretends to be Colton's girlfriend that will keep the others away. She is none too crazy about the idea but she is indebted to Andy. She decides to go along with it.
What starts out as a fake relationship soon becomes anything but. Neither is looking for anything nor wants to acknowledge what is happening. Colton has commitment issues. Laura has abandonment issues. They follow a rocky road to their happy ever after. This is a road well worth travelling with this couple. I loved every minute of their story and was sad for it to end.
She finds that the ranch is owned by Colton. He was an ordinary rancher until he won a million dollars on a lottery ticket. With some smart investing he multiplied that money and is now a billionaire. He is also a magnet for every woman near and far. He knows they are only interested in him for his money and he is tired of it. The family at the ranch decide that if Laura pretends to be Colton's girlfriend that will keep the others away. She is none too crazy about the idea but she is indebted to Andy. She decides to go along with it.
What starts out as a fake relationship soon becomes anything but. Neither is looking for anything nor wants to acknowledge what is happening. Colton has commitment issues. Laura has abandonment issues. They follow a rocky road to their happy ever after. This is a road well worth travelling with this couple. I loved every minute of their story and was sad for it to end.
September 14, 2019
Everybody thinks having a lot of money is the answer to life's problems. That's definitely not the case for ranch hand turned ranch owner Colton Nelson. Since Colton won the lottery he's become the most eligible bachelor in north Texas and scheming women have been oozing out of the woodwork. They even poisoned his drink in a public bar!
Nerdy financial assistant Laura Baker started her new job in Ambrose a week ago to help repay the debt she owes her cousin Andy Joe, Colton's financial advisor. After a command appearance at dinner with Colton's family, Laura knows she doesn't want to get involved in the Nelson's problems, deciding she's got more than enough of her own.
Upset about Colton's poisoning, Andy Joe and Colt's grandmother, Maudie scheme with the rest of the household to keep anything like that from happening again. The perfect solution was just at the dinner table and rather than chance refusal, it's decided they'll put a plan in motion to make the town believe Laura is Colton's new girlfriend starting with church tomorrow!
Usually, this reader enjoys the author's specialty of less than sane characters performing bizarre actions in ridiculous plots, but this time I couldn't keep a connection with any of it and the bits of hilarity didn't keep me from seeing or thinking about the potholes in the overly contrived plot.
Rating 3stars
Nerdy financial assistant Laura Baker started her new job in Ambrose a week ago to help repay the debt she owes her cousin Andy Joe, Colton's financial advisor. After a command appearance at dinner with Colton's family, Laura knows she doesn't want to get involved in the Nelson's problems, deciding she's got more than enough of her own.
Upset about Colton's poisoning, Andy Joe and Colt's grandmother, Maudie scheme with the rest of the household to keep anything like that from happening again. The perfect solution was just at the dinner table and rather than chance refusal, it's decided they'll put a plan in motion to make the town believe Laura is Colton's new girlfriend starting with church tomorrow!
Usually, this reader enjoys the author's specialty of less than sane characters performing bizarre actions in ridiculous plots, but this time I couldn't keep a connection with any of it and the bits of hilarity didn't keep me from seeing or thinking about the potholes in the overly contrived plot.
Rating 3stars
August 4, 2019
Love conquers all
Laura is indebted to her cousin Andy. Andy has given Laura's sister money to pay her gambling debts in exchange for the sisters to stay away from each other until the debt is paid off by Laura working as his assistant at Colton's ranch. Laura is an enabler and realises she needs to say no to her sister if there is going to be any hope of her becoming responsible for herself. Colton is a hard working rancher who has become a billionaire. Unfortunately, women are after his money. After a drugging incident, Andy and Colton's family come up with a crazy scheme to protect Colton by having Laura pretend to be his girlfriend. Andy will forgive her debt if she plays along for six months. She and Colton agree. They begin to fall for each other but her insecurities and his commitment issues get in the way. Great cast of characters. Nice storyline. Great parties and subplots.
Laura is indebted to her cousin Andy. Andy has given Laura's sister money to pay her gambling debts in exchange for the sisters to stay away from each other until the debt is paid off by Laura working as his assistant at Colton's ranch. Laura is an enabler and realises she needs to say no to her sister if there is going to be any hope of her becoming responsible for herself. Colton is a hard working rancher who has become a billionaire. Unfortunately, women are after his money. After a drugging incident, Andy and Colton's family come up with a crazy scheme to protect Colton by having Laura pretend to be his girlfriend. Andy will forgive her debt if she plays along for six months. She and Colton agree. They begin to fall for each other but her insecurities and his commitment issues get in the way. Great cast of characters. Nice storyline. Great parties and subplots.
February 12, 2018
Hot, charming, and hilarious...
Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown is a heartfelt tale. The teenage girl featured in this story made me laugh out loud a lot. She helped bring together the new couple. One is her older brother and the other is her brother's employee. Both suffered loss and grief. They are stubborn as hell and sparkle any room. Their personalities made me fall in love with them. Their flaws made them feel real. I loved how Carolyn Brown captured the true cowboy ways and family life in this novel. It was funny, sweet, and engaging from the start. Overall, I recommend this story to those looking for a romance featuring cowboys and happily ever afters.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown is a heartfelt tale. The teenage girl featured in this story made me laugh out loud a lot. She helped bring together the new couple. One is her older brother and the other is her brother's employee. Both suffered loss and grief. They are stubborn as hell and sparkle any room. Their personalities made me fall in love with them. Their flaws made them feel real. I loved how Carolyn Brown captured the true cowboy ways and family life in this novel. It was funny, sweet, and engaging from the start. Overall, I recommend this story to those looking for a romance featuring cowboys and happily ever afters.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
December 1, 2018
Colton Nelson
Laura Baker
Colton went from ranch hand to Ranch owner from winning the lottery and his best friend and financial advisor made him a billionaire. Laura is an unemployed greenhouse worker that is brought to the ranch by her cousin the financial adviser to be his assistant so she can pay him back the money she borrowed to payoff her sister Janet’s gambling loan shark. While on the ranch the family comes up with a plan to save Colton from women who are after him.
This is a good book, fast read and can be read as a stand alone. You meet who the characters will be in future books, but it fits in with the story.
Laura Baker
Colton went from ranch hand to Ranch owner from winning the lottery and his best friend and financial advisor made him a billionaire. Laura is an unemployed greenhouse worker that is brought to the ranch by her cousin the financial adviser to be his assistant so she can pay him back the money she borrowed to payoff her sister Janet’s gambling loan shark. While on the ranch the family comes up with a plan to save Colton from women who are after him.
This is a good book, fast read and can be read as a stand alone. You meet who the characters will be in future books, but it fits in with the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
This book was forth the wait I had fro. the library. I had already read books 2-4 and they were entertaining but this first book was great. Again Carolyn Brown delivered a story of love and a bunch of great secondary characters that help the main characters fall in love and get married to start a neq life together. Sappy I know but there it is, the messy bits, the fights, the tears and laughs and yes the confession of love at the end always works.
December 20, 2020
I just finished" BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY". Another great and fun read, whenever I am reading a CAROLYN BROWN book, I can't put the book down until it is finished.
Her books make me laugh, and cry, and once I finish, I can't wait to start another book.
Please keep writing your style of books, they are always clean cut, and filled with love and emotion. I will keep reading as long as you keep writing.
Thank you, CAROLYN BROWN.
LINDA BERGSTROM
Her books make me laugh, and cry, and once I finish, I can't wait to start another book.
Please keep writing your style of books, they are always clean cut, and filled with love and emotion. I will keep reading as long as you keep writing.
Thank you, CAROLYN BROWN.
LINDA BERGSTROM
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