Make Mine a Cowboy

Cowboy Dreamin' #1

by Sandy Sullivan

Mesa Arraguso writes about hot cowboys for a living. Being a romance writer has it perks and its drawbacks. She spends a lot of time alone in front of her computer, but she gets to fantasize about incredibly hot men wearing cowboy boots and Stetsons. While visiting San Antonio, Texas for a writer’s conference, she finds herself stranded on the back roads of Bandera only to be rescued by one of the most gorgeous men she’s ever encountered, be it fantasy or for real.

Joel Young is a cowboy. From the top of his Stetson to the tip of his dirty cowboy boots, he’s cowboy through and through. Along with rescuing women when they do silly things like running out of gas miles from town on a dirt road, he spends his days herding cattle, fixing fences and breaking horses.

Can one handsome cowboy and a city-girl from LA find common ground is the Hill Country long enough to see beyond a quick fling?

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Ebooks, M F Romance

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2013

About the author

Sandy Sullivan is a romance author, who, when not writing, spends her time with her husband Shaun on their farm in middle Tennessee. She loves to ride her horses, play with their dogs and relax on the porch, enjoying the rolling hills of her home south of Nashville. County music is a passion of hers and she loves to listen to it while she writes.

She is an avid reader of romance novels and enjoys reading Nora Roberts, Jude Deveraux and Susan Wiggs. Finding new authors and delving into something different helps feed the need for literature. A registered nurse by education, she loves to help people and spread the enjoyment of romance to those around her with her novels. She loves cowboys so you'll find many of her novels have sexy men in tight jeans and cowboy boots

Reviews

[~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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4/5 Sizzling Stars

5/5 Sizzling Hearts for Heat!!






So I was pleasantly surprised at how this series started. I mean 9 freaking HOT cowboys. I can't imagine how each book can get any hotter. This lady can write some love scenes! Scorching!
The story though was beautiful. I loved the feisty heroine Mesa. She didn't take crap from any of those sexy cowboys. I loved how loyal she was to Joel. Joel had some "Dom" in him also. I adored those tidbits ..wished there were more! Can't wait to get to the brother with the motorcycle...don't ask me to remember names yet! I love that each brother is going to be so different. Glad I found this series.

On too book 2


I'm a big fan of Sandy Sullivan now!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Cowboys in the Rain Stars



I love a good cowboy story. I live in Dallas so obviously I love THOSE Cowboys. But I like the little "c" cowboys too. Tight jeans, boots, trucks, and that drawl...love a guy with a good Texas drawl.

Mesa is a romance writer in Texas for a romance writer conference. She finds herself lost in a rainstorm and get rescued by a sexy cowboy. I have lived in Texas for over 30 years and I have never been rescued in the rain by a sexy cowboy. Mesa is in the state for a day and gets a sexy cowboy?!? Unfair I say!

Not only does she get rescued by one sexy cowboy, but there are more at home. No...calm down. It's not that type of book.

Joel is not looking for love. But looking for a cute curvey brunette? He is always looking for that. Joel and Mesa have a whirlwind romance that includes mudding, two-stepping, and a very nosy mom. Not to mention the ghosts. Yes, ghosts.

The story was fun and fast. The 3.5 stars? The characters were likeable, but the dialogue was stilted. The *blush* scenes were fun but not HOT. It looks like this could be a good series. It has potential but needs polish.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy I loved this book. The idea of a ranch with nine cowboy brothers.(be still my heart) anyway, I loved the story of Mesa and Joel. I really like the mother, Nina. Can't wait for the next edition

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

What happens when a cowboy rides up to save the day - one who is more handsome than any dream you could have? Romance writer Mesa Arraguso is soon to find out. After running out of gas on a back road in the middle of Texas, she is rescued by an real-life Texan, hotter than any character she's ever created. From head to toe, this is one authentic cowboy - ready to save the day, horse and all!

Joel Young is all cowboy, and loves every minute of it. He lives his life for his family ranch, and can’t even imagine doing it any other way. He and his brothers run the ranch with their parents which means herding cows and mending fences daily. He's doing just that when happens upon a car on a back road near the ranch. When he gets closer to check it out, he finds Mesa.

When a city girl and a cowboy meet, can two worlds come together so they can have a life of love and happiness? Well sparks do fly, but can they last? When hot turns to SIZZLE, that’s what you get with this page steamin, cowboy lovin confection! Sandy Sullivan has written a book her readers will want to jump right into! This story is written with not one, but many HOT cowboys, and enough heat that readers will need a cold shower to cool down. It is also a well crafted romance. Her characters have depth while still allowing the story line to stay easy to follow. Emotions run high, as readers will find themselves falling in love with Mesa and Joel on every page!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesa writer who took a drive in middle of a rain storm
and ran out of gas , Joel was a cowboy who was out checking the
fence's during the storm when discovered Mesa in the car .
He help Mesa out and took her back to his family place which was
a dude ranch .. well let's say I don't want to give spoliers away
it was very good read I hope she makes this into a series ..

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO in the wrong state. Mesa, fictional or not, I am so jealous. This story was HOT, AROUSING, and MOUTH WATERING.

Joel I am into spankings..... Pick ME... Sandy did not disappoint at all. Staying true to her nature of sex and the ranch men. WONDERFUL book

[The BookChick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: ❤❤❤½

GOOD: The characteristics of a 3 heart book include: interesting characters, a decent storyline, and unique story elements; there was something about the story that I didn’t completely connect with; the book is a solid read. I would recommend it to a friend.

This book was provided by the author for an honest review.

My Synopsis:
Make Mine A Cowboy is about a woman who finds an unexpected passion and love with a gorgeous, flirty, and playboy cowboy in the beautiful vista of Bandera, Texas.

Mesa Arraguso is a western erotic romance author who travels from Los Angeles, California to San Antonio, Texas to attend a writers conference being held in the area.

Mesa's first two books made the best sellers list but her third book flopped...badly. So, Mesa figured that she would kick start her writing muse by visiting the surrounding area for inspiration. Unfortunately, automation was not on her side when the rental car she was using ran out of gas. Adding insult to injury, a torrential downpour started soon after the car stalled. Stuck, alone, and in a place that she did not know, Mesa is at a loss for what to do next since her cellphone has zero reception bars. But, she does not have the luxury of time to make a decision. Her car is sitting in a gully that is quickly filling with water. Mesa knows that she has to get out of the car. Just as her mind settles on the fact that she is getting ready to get soaked in the elements, she hears a light tapping on her window. Startled, she is instantly on guard when she turns to face a cowboy who is on the outside of the car and trying to alert her about her predicament.

Mesa is wary because he is a stranger but she is also aroused because the cowboy is absolutely gorgeous. Allowing him to help her out of the car, Mesa settles behind him on his horse and he trudges back to his family's ranch. Her attraction growing for him each step of the way.

Little did Mesa know that her destination would change the course of the rest of future.

My Thoughts:
Overall, I really enjoyed Make Mine A Cowboy. It was a fun, sexy, and quick read that had a hot cowboy. Well actually...LOTS of hot cowboys. Mesa and Joel sizzled together and I appreciated the interaction between all the characters, especially matchmaking momma Nina.

Although I enjoyed, there were moments of implausibility that had me shaking my head just a bit.

Nina had nine sons and a husband...10 men in all so I'm sure that she was privy to some conversations that would spin any red-blooded woman's head. However, Joel was just a bit too candid with her on a couple of occasions where I thought to myself, never would have happened in real life. Nina is telling Joel that she wants him and his brothers to settle down and advising him that he could he could be looking at his soul mate in Mesa. His reply is:

"Soul mate? Mom, I'm only thinking of fuc@#ing her for a few days, not marrying her."

Nina's reply was a calm:

"You never know. She might get under your skin so fast you won't know what hit you. Love works in mysterious ways sometimes."

She didn't chastise or correct him...just continued the conversation without even telling him that he needed to respect Mesa as more than a fu@#. I just didn't buy that she would be so benign about his regard for Mesa.

A similar situation happened after Joel and Mesa had sex and Mesa was angry at Joel because of his casual regard for their loving. She demanded that he take her back to the lodge. Both angry, she stomped into the lodge when he dropped her off and he peeled out, loud muffler and all, spewing gravel all over the place. Not the picture of discretion on either side so the next day his mother called him on it. Again Joel, with his very candid response, tells his mother:

We have a lot in common and she's a wildcat between the sheets..."

As cool as Nina was, that just didn't seem like a conversation a grown man would be having with his mother. His brothers? Definitely! His father? Possibly. His mother? That should have been a full stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200 dollars moment.

BUT...Although I make mention of these moments, the story was sweet overall. Especially when Joel made Nina feel beautiful and desired. I loved the ending when he finally pushed past his own pride and went to claim his woman.

Ms. Sullivan crafted a solid foundation to continue the series by introducing the Young family. And by Joel telling Mesa about each of his brothers, the reader is set up to know about each of their personalities (quirks and flaws) when their books are written. I thought that was a brilliant insertion into the story.

Ratings Detail:
Rating for female protagonist: 3❤
Rating for male protagonist: 3❤
Rating for secondary characters: 3❤
Steam Level: 3.5❤
Plot Viability: 3❤
General Storyline: 3❤
Story Ending: 3.5❤
Ease of Reading: 3.5❤
Book editing: 3.5❤
Cliffhanger: No

Overall rating: 3.62❤

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I continue the series: Yes.
Would I read other books by this author: Yes

Character Line Up:

Joel Young


Mesa Arraguso


For more of my reviews visit The BookChick Blog

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review

2.5 STARS

Sometimes the start of a new series is tough because there are a lot of characters that get introduced, the setting has to be established, and we don’t have any knowledge of the personality traits of the characters. While I appreciate the work that went in to setting up this series at times I was a little overwhelmed with all of the characters. I also felt the hero was a little confused and the heroine somewhat naive. I loved the setting of this book, Bandera, Texas deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and I think over time I will come to appreciate this large and intrusive family but I had a hard time getting into this book.

When Joel keeps Mesa from washing away during a flash flood their strange flirtation begins. Mesa being a romance writer is enamored and of course thinking Joel and his family will be great research. Joel’s trying to figure out a way to get some alone time with her without his mother planning a wedding.

From the beginning Joel’s mother is not so quietly pushing them together while they can’t seem to be on the same page at the same time. They go from stilted and awkward to hot and heavy in a blink of an eye. All the while, I have a hard time buying their passion. I just don’t feel the heat between these two but I think that’s largely because there is just so much else going on in this book. It was hard to concentrate on the romance between these two because in addition, we are finding out about Joel’s eight siblings, the problems surrounding the ranch, there is a paranormal feature going on, and Joel’s mom keeps harping on Mesa’s Indian ancestry to the point it’s almost adversarial. I honestly had a hard time focusing on any one thing.

My other issue with this book was Joel made the point of being a gentleman; opening doors, carrying bags, ladies first the whole works all the time stating that his mother would have his hide if he didn’t practice the good manners she taught them. Then he turns around at one point and basically tells the heroine she was “almost the best fuck” he’d ever had and tells his Mother, “Soul mate? Mom, I’m only thinking of fucking her for a few days, not marrying her.” And his mother doesn’t acknowledged this in the least which I find hard to believe being that she’s drilled in the gentlemanly manners to her sons. These scenes just kind of blew my respect for the hero and his mother and it made it hard to keep reading.
I really wish the author had written a prequel for this book introducing the family and the ranch so that this story could have focused on Mesa and Joel. I feel that they were lost in their own book and thus, it was really hard to like them or to care about their story all that much. Despite the issues with Make Mine A Cowboy, I’m satisfied with the ending and I’m intrigued enough by this family to read the next one.

[CrazyForRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesa è una scrittrice di erotici sui cowboy. Nonostante questo, non ha mai davvero avuto a che fare con loro, quindi quando si trova a San Antonio in Texas per una convention sul romance, non ha idea che finirà per imbattersi proprio nell’oggetto delle sue fantasie. Un serbatoio a secco, una stradina isolata e un acquazzone estivo metteranno sulla sua strada uno splendido cowboy, uno di quelli veri, sexy oltre ogni immaginazione, con tanto di stivali e cappello.

Joel è un uomo duro e selvaggio, come la terra in cui vive. Si alza ogni mattina all’alba e adora stare all’aria aperta, lavorare con gli animali lo fa sentire bene, non può immaginare di vivere da nessun’altra parte ed è convinto di non aver bisogno di niente oltre a qualche bella scopata di tanto in tanto con una bella donna. Per questo l’incontro con Mesa, la dolce scrittrice di rosa che viene dalla città lo coglie di sorpresa. Sa che lei non è proprio il tipo da avventure di solo sesso, ce l’ha scritto in fronte, se già a farglielo capire non bastasse il tipo di libri, conditi di tanto sesso, ma soprattutto di amore. Ma nonostante tutto, non riesce a frenare le sue pulsioni verso quella donna che ha salvato da una macchina in panne.
Sa che ripartirà presto, che tornerà a Los Angeles, alla sua vita immersa nei suoi libri, ma perché non prendere le cose come vengono e non godersela finché dura?
Chiunque senta un’attrazione simile a quella di Joel e Mesa e pensa di poter separare il sesso dai sentimenti non fa che mentire a sé stesso. Dalla prima volta in cui sono arrivati all’incontro “ravvicinato”, Mesa ha subito capito che Joel è uno che comanda. Che prende sempre quello che vuole. A letto è duro ed esigente e terribilmente sexy. Ne sono rimasta davvero sorpresa quando ho cominciato a capire di che pasta fosse fatto il bel cowboy. Anche se all’inizio non lo lascia trasparire, ci troviamo di fronte a una vera anima dominante. Un animale selvaggio che in camera da letto prende le redini in modo così maschio e sensuale che non si può proprio fare a meno di obbedire a ogni suo ordine. Continua su CrazyForRomance

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

check out this review and others at
WWW.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com
WWW.FAcebook.com/Twinsietalk
@Twinsietalk

I received this book ARC from the author for an honest review.

Raise your hands if you have read a Sandy Sullivan novel? Shew!! Then you all know how hawt they are right!!!??? GREAT because this book defo doesn't disappoint at all. I also loved the BDSM aspects of Joel and Mesa sexual relationship. I find BDSM super hawt to read!!! *blushes*

This story is about independent minded, strong willed, romance writer, Mesa who runs out of gas in the middle of a thunderstorm WHEN a flash flood is about the hit.......not good right? Did I mention she freaks in storms??? Bad sitch for Mesa until *tap tap tap* on her car window is a hot, sexy cowboy (Joel) who offers her help. The chemistry is uber thick. Both Mesa and Joel can feel the sexual tension. They try to fight it because the family has a strict "no screwing guest" rule on the dude ranch they run. Mesa writes erotic cowboy novels so she decides to stay for a few days at the ranch. Well friends what do you think happens? OF COURSE they can't stop the attraction and damn is the sex hot. Then typical male Joel tells Mesa she is "almost the best he has ever had"....oh yes ladies he was a total douche at that point. Well Mesa was not thrilled...hell would you be???? They fight and then have some make up sex and then her time to leave has arrives. Their week is over. Both are totally head over heels in love with the other BUT are tooo afraid to admit it. So what happens you ask???? Hrmmmm guess you better just buy the book to find out. I will say i was yelling a little bit at BOTH of them for being soooooo dang stubborn!!!!!

My favorite parts of the book are when Mesa and Joel have a "food fight" of sorts while they have an argument about a misunderstanding. I also love love love Joel's matchmaking mother Nina. She is a driving force behind this family of 9 boys.

I love the set up at the end of the book for Jess. He totally needs some love because he is a broken, unhappy cowboy. When you read about his ex-wife you will wanna hug him for his heart ache but also kick him in the balls for being an ass!! I cant wait to see him get his butt kicked by love AND see what a true loving relationship with a woman will do for him.

[Melinda ~ Twinsie Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you put a writer from LA and cowboy from Texas and his matchmaker mother together? A hot Cowboy book that’s what!
Mesa takes a drive to try to get her muse kick started only to get stranded in a down pour/flash flood with no gas. While having a minor freak out the sexy cowboy, Joel, comes to her rescue. This turns her day around. Now she has first hand research for her Cowboy books. Who better to observe than real cowboys who run a dude ranch?
From the first horseback ride with Joel Mesa could feel the sparks between the two of them. There were some great moments between these two and some not so great moments. They had a great time dancing at the bar only to have one of Joel’s 8 brothers ruin the mood by insulting Mesa and causing a fight between the two brothers. Being an identical triplet Joel agreed to a switcheroo with one of his brothers to see if Mesa could tell the difference. Really what was he thinking? Then when they did have some fun between the sheets he goes and states she was “ALMOST” the best he ever had. Yes he said that then wondered why she got mad and the next morning Joel found his breakfast being dumped in his lap. You go Mesa!
I loved Joel’s matchmaking mother, Nina, such a strong woman to have raised 9 boys. Her wishes for a daughter were never answered and now just hopes to have beautiful daughter-in-laws and lots of granddaughters.
This is going to be a great series. I am going to enjoy reading about the brothers.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Mine a Cowboy by Sandy Sullivan is every country boy loving city girl’s fantasy brought to life.

Mesa Arraguso, an erotic western romance writer from Las Angeles, runs out of gas on a back road in Bandera, Texas with no cell service in the pouring rain. Only to be rescued by a real life drop dead gorgeous cowboy, Joel Young, his family owns Thunder Ridge a working dude ranch where he takes her to escape the storm.

There is an instant attraction and sexual tension between Mesa and Joel that intensifies when Mesa leaves the writing conference she was in the area for to go stay at the ranch for inspiration and to learn more about the cowboys she writes about.

Knowing that her time on the ranch is limited both Mesa and Joel struggle with the feelings they are developing in such a short time for each other.

Without giving anything away I have to say the sex scenes are hot and steamy and Sandy does a terrific job at creating a realistic setting that makes you feel like you’re staying right there in the lodge at the ranch. The depth of the characters and emotions they go through are relatable and realistic, they pull you into the story and take you for an exciting ride that you don’t want to end.

I give Make Mine a Cowboy five stars and cannot wait to read the next installment in this new series.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. The sizzling chemistry between Mesa and Joel sucked me right in, but it was the painting of his family, the ranch and the small town where he lived that kept me reading. The richness of the supporting characters made this book feel alive. Of course the love story of Mesa and Joel is hot and sometimes bumpy, which I liked. Nina as the mom is wonderful, truly dedicated to her nine sons and husband. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series as I now need to know what's going to happen for the other brothers. Well done, Ms. Sullivan.

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, where do I even begin. I first found out about Sandy Sullivan when attending a facebook party. Then, I fell in love w/her book covers. I mean come one half naked cowboys. What's not to love? I attended a book convention earlier this year & purchased all her books. Yes all of them. Had the biggest fan girl moment ever. However, I'm getting a bit side tracked.

I finally got to sit down & read Make Mine a Cowboy. Let's just say I fell in love from the first sentence. My favorite encounter of Mesa meeting Joel is as follows: "she jumped and screamed as a face appeared near her door. Blue eyes w/long lashes stared back beneath a black cowboy hat. Black hair ruffled slightly w/the wind." I personally would've had a heart attack. Everyone woman who loves a cowboy would go weak in the knees if one actually showed up to help! Mesa was stranded on the side of the road in pouring rain. lol Mesa then decides she thinks Joel is crazy. This line is my all time favorite "Trust me. If I were a serial killer, I wouldn't be out in this shit trying to find women to abduct." I laughed so hard I began crying. :)

Another line that had be entranced was "God, you taste like Heaven and Hell wrapped up in a single package. What am I going to do w/you, darlin'?" My thought was she must taste like big red chewing gum. Hot as fire when u first start chewing & then slowly mellowing out until its sweet.

*SPOILER ALERT*
I giggled a whole lot w/this line. After Mesa & Joel go muddin & having fun w/the rest of the family & guests. I just knew what was coming. "What the hell is so funny? he asked indignation rushing through him while he watched Mesa double over in a fit of giggles. You...mud...on... your... He smiled when he looked down & saw mud caked on his cock. Well, it wasn't a good muddin' trip if there wasn't mud everywhere. Shower, now woman."

After Mesa left & returned to L.A. I began to cry. Then she got a single red rose. On the petals were "I can't eat. I can't sleep. I miss you. I'm miserable w/o you. The last one said... I love you."

"Mesa, baby. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, I'll marry you."

After the marriage took place & they were laying in front of their fireplace talking. Mesa leaned over and said I have a thing for cowboys. Joel looked at her & said I never would've guessed. "She punched him in the side. Ow! Oh, I did not hurt you. " I do my hubby the same way & so I giggled a lot. :)

[Sarah Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know, I know...you're supposed to love the H/h above all in a book...but this time that just wasn't the case. I fell in love with Mama...Nia is an amazing woman, who's had a large brood of boys and is a hell of a woman for it. She's smart, sassy, and doesn't bat an eye over the turmoil. She's wonderful! Her love of her heritage and her family shone in every moment she was on screen. (Now if only we could have seen her husband more...or maybe if we could get a prequel with those two, what a fabulous story...)

But I digress...

Mesa (LOVE the name) and Joel (smoking hot cowboy, say how-dy) meet when Mesa's car runs out of gas in the back roads of Texas. The instant chemistry between the two is undeniable, and it seems to take way too long for these two to hit the sheets. They're trying to be "good" and follow the rules, but man I just want them to hit it...

Then again, I'm glad they didn't. It gave them a chance to get to know each other first. In a matter of 24 hours they've learned enough about each other to make insta-lust turn into something more by the time they hit the sheets.

When they do it's not surprisingly hotter than Hades in that cabin...but Joel, oh Joel. WHY would you say a stupid thing like that? WHAT was the purpose? I can't believe you are so dense to not have a clue how stupid that is...and that...well, that bothered me a lot, especially with how fast Mesa forgave him. That's what lost the star for me....the forgiveness was lust-fueled and not after a genuine explanation and apology...and the "apology" irked me to the bottom of my toes. I like a forceful alpha male, but that scene was too much for me....

BUT (and I love this "but")...the end? THE END?!?! OMG I melted into a puddle of goo with the action he took. It was epic and romantic and just the perfect, perfect, perfect way to make things right. I was giddy when I put this book down and itching for book 2 and more of the brothers...

(Side note: Paranormal element? Threw me off my game only b/c I felt like it didn't go anywhere. I hope the element continues through the books to give me more meat to chew on. I love a good ghost in my books...it was just a surprise here.)

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me a good cowboy romance and this one did not disappoint! This was a mutli pov (my favorite) and I loved it!

Joel is one of 9 boys (and I hope we get to read each of their stories) and he is one of a set of identical triplets.... ***swoon*** all the best cowboys come in threes hehehe.

I could have done without the added ghost story...that really did not add any to the story in my opinion but it didn't really hurt it. I would much rather of had more back story of the brothers instead. Maybe more will come up in later stories with the ghosts to enhance the story, but for this one, they seemed out of place to me.

Joel at times seemed like 2 different people (and no I didn't confuse him with on of his brothers hehe) He seemed sweet, loving but stubborn but when it came to the bedroom he was almost like a dom, which didn't fit with his behavior. He was aggressive and demanding (which isn't a bad thing) but just seemed out of character.

Loved Mesa and that she was an author. Thought that was awesome. Loved that she stood up for what she believed and didn't let anyone walk all over her. The dialogue between the characters flowed well and the descriptions to detail was well done. All in all, this was a great read and I am looking forward to reading more of this series. As a beta reader and content editor, I would loved to have gotten my hands on this to make a few suggestions.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes!

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to a new series. It sure has some hot cowboys and some erotic cowboy lovin’! Many fans of the genre will enjoy Mesa and Joel’s story.

Mesa is a western romance writer that’s never really gotten to experience the ‘real west’. She runs into a bit of bad luck during a book convention. She finds herself stranded in strange territory only to be rescued by a hunk of a cowboy named Joel...

Joel is a good looking single cowboy that’s not looking for anything or anyone permanent in his life (as far as relationships). Why would he? No strings attached relationships work perfectly fine for him. No fuss, no muss. From the moment he finds Mesa stranded in the middle of a storm. Then pressed against him as he brings her to safety. He finds himself taken by her like never before. But how does she feel about him?

There are 8 other brothers besides Joel in this story and I’m thinking there just might be a story for each of them in this series (sweet!) I’m very happy about this because I find myself VERY curious about quite a few of them. All-in-all, Make Mine a Cowboy is a sweet romance with a nice erotic kick and a great HEA. I look forward to seeing where the author will go next! 3.5 rounded to a 4.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that it was awesome the way this story was played out, the romance writer who ends up meeting someone who can help her write her stories better than she was already doing that. But taking that also into consideration, I think that the author was pushing for more in the future of the series, than what was going on in this story.

There are 9 brothers, so I will assume just based upon what is happening with books these days is that each of the brothers will get their own story. With being 9 brothers, there was a lot of information that was thrown into this story that took away from it in my opinion. There were some minor parts of the story that also seemed to take away from it also.

While I did enjoy the storyline, and how certain characters seemed to have lifelike personalities, I was left feeling somewhat lacking when it came to the end of the story. I think I just felt like there could be more to the story. However, I did enjoy this story and if there are more to come in the series I will be sure to check them out and see what else happens in the family.

Review provided by Crystal's Many Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway.

Experience Makes All The Difference

5 out of 5 Stars

What did you like?
I loved the hero's mother's matchmaking. I love stories with larger, feisty heroines. It was really the details that made this story for me. The hero's manners were impeccable but he didn't loose the stubborn pigheadedness and lack of romantic words that one expects to find in a cowboy. The fans coming to see her at the ranch was a nice touch.

What did you not like?
The parts that I didn't like had nothing to do with the authors writing and everything to do with disliking the characters' actions. Both Josh, Jason and Joel needed to be smacked a few times for the idiocy they pulled on the heroine. Josh totally got the smack down he deserved. Jason and Joel both got off easy with being told off by the heroine. I would have said they both deserved a kick in the junk.

Would you recommend this book?
Absolutely, I can't wait to read about the other brothers and watch as they get their comeuppance when they fall in love. I love HEA and this definitely delivered.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Sullivan has a really sweet start to her Cowboy Dreaming series with Make Mine a Cowboy. This story has the tale of Joel and Mesa. Mesa is a romance writer on her way to a conference. She gets side tracked and runs out of gas. There is a flood coming and Joel who was checking the fences for his ranch finds her and helps her. The attraction is there from the start for them both.
I liked Joel, he is a sweet, well mannered man. Not overly alpha he has a real hometown feel to him. Good Old boy feel. I loved him right from the start.
Mesa comes off a little scattered at first, but then again I think most writers do. She is independent, smart and falls for Joel right away.
We also get to meet Joel’s family in this book. I really want to know more about his very sexy brothers. Joel is one of a set of triplets. Wait till you meet his twins. They are all men you really need to get to know more.
For some sweet romance with a little bit of spice this is the story to pick up.

Five Shooting Stars

[Kimberly Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesa Arraguso is a western romance writer, and her head is all jumbled so she takes a car ride to clear her head but ends up lost and out of gas while it is raining hard enough to cause flash floods, she gets scared and starts to panic. Until a cowboy on horseback comes to rescue her.
Joel Young is a cowboy through and through. He comes from a large family, eight brothers and he is a triplet. He wants Mesa as soon as meets her, but when he gets her to the ranch and she decides to stay at the dude ranch, she is off limits to him. He won't mess with the "no sleeping with the guest" rule. But it is hard for him to resist such temptation. And when he finally gives in, its explosive.

Make Mine a Cowboy was a great book to read, I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more of Sandy Sullivan's books.

[Obsession Is A Book - Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**First of all I would like to thank Sandy for providing me with a copy of her book for an honest review.**

This is a great, fun HOT book.

This is the story of Mesa and Joel. Two relationship inept people looking for a bit of fun for a few days.

For me this was one of those light reads, that gets you all hot and bothered with the steamy sex scenes.

I both loved and hated Mesa and Joel and seriously wanted to smack them both upside the head with my Kindle at times! How can 2 fictional people be so madding yet you can’t help love them?

The story and characters developed well and I loved the fact that Joel comes from such a large and diverse family.

Sandy has laid the foundation well for the series to continue.

I think there were some areas that could have been expanded on which would have added more depth to the book but all in all this was a good read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesa is a writer
She writes about them but she never been with one.
She runs out of gas but what does that get her a sexy
Cowboy tapping on her window. As the water rushes
so does her heart. Really can this man be any sexier
Yep he sure can because he is also a cowboy
Joel is one of 9 cowboys who run a big ranch
And chase lots of women thy the cowboy way so he
thinks until he meets him a fiesty woman on his country
road who ran out of gas and as almost swept away
This book takes you threw a journey where two people
find true love even though they start out just wanting
To expierence a hot night together. He's afraid to admit
his love she afraid to give up her home for love

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sandy Sullivan's Cowboys and a family dude ranch with 9 brothers at the helm, is my type of series!

This first story of an erotic author stranded while looking for inspiration in an authentic setting, is bound to have it's funny, embarrassing and tearful moments.

But what better way to find out how real Cowboys live, than right in amongst them!

Joel and Mesa are loveable and quirky and will definitely have you cheering them on as they find their way in unfamiliar territory.

[Gemma Arlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it book. Lets face it who doesn't love a cowboy who can ride horses, bucking bulls and feisty woman.
This was a fun, exciting read and from the work go had me very intrigued to continue on reading right to the finish.
First time I have read a Sandy Sullivan book and I am impressed.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND Xoxo

[Audrey Carlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of the Indulgence Anthology. The book was fabulous. It had the right about of sweet and heat for a great afternoon read. Definitely a perfect edition to the 15 author box set. And the cowboy...holy hotness. Swoon worthy! Heat level was probably around a 6 out of 10. I look forward to reading more about these brothers!

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short summary: This story has a lot of potential, but, it needs a good editor and simple spelling mistakes should not be scattered throughout the story.

[Floriana Amoruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://labibliotecadellibraio.blogsp...
Ma posso cominciare una recensione con il dirvi già che ho ancora le caldane?
Primo romanzo che leggo di questa autrice, già recensita sul blog da Dolci, nel suo angolo dedicato alla letteratura Male to Male (Più forte di tutto, L'amore sopra ogni cosa).
Questa serie Cowboy Dreamin' è invece un M/F.
Ho sempre provato una certa simpatia per i romanzi che hanno come sfondo i cowboy, il Texas, un po' perché mi ricordano diverse autrici, che a loro volta hanno catalizzato le mie letture, un po' perché ultimamente sono pochi i romanzi con questo tema.
Ma veniamo a noi e al romanzo in questione, Un cowboy tutto mio, è il primo libro di una lunga serie, facile quindi da immaginare, che a parte i protagonisti, Mesa e Joel, quest'ultimo oltre lui, ha ben otto fratelli, quindi è presumibile che ci siano storie a seguire...


Ah, cazzo!
Uno splendido fusto è abbastanza per solleticare i miei sensi, ma nove?
Con due assolutamente identici a lui?
Sono fottuta!

Mesa Arraguso è una scrittrice, giunta a San Antonio, per una conferenza, poco interessata, decide di avventurarsi lungo le strade texane, ma si perde e sotto un acquazzone viene salvata da un cowboy, Joel Young, che la porta nella sua azienda...


Due occhi blu contornati da lunghe ciglia la fissavano da sotto un cappello da cowboy nero, e notò anche i capelli neri leggermente arruffati dal vento

Sin dall'inizio il tono della autrice fa capire a cosa andremo incontro, un romanzo molto audace, molto erotico, molto tutto...

...avrebbe potuto facilmente basare l'aspetto di uno dei suoi personaggi su di lui.
I capelli scuri che si arricciavano leggermente alle orecchie e attorno al collo, gli occhi blu che brillavano, e le labbra sottili e sensuali, che lei avrebbe voluto baciare con tutte le sue forze. L'insieme di quei tratti risvegliò il suo corpo e le fece percepire acutamente la presenza del bell'uomo che le si stava avvicinando.

Mesa è una donna con una vita sentimentale potremmo dire pari a zero, un fidanzato mollato un po' di tempo prima, una vita amorosa e sessuale monotona, invece, Joel è uno stallone a cinque stelle, ma a differenza dei suoi fratelli/gemelli, pur essendo molto esperto, per Mesa mostra un'interesse diverso.
Con lei è tutta un'altra storia, sin dal loro primo incontro, sente una forte attrazione, che va oltre il semplice sesso, anche Mesa la pensa allo stesso modo, ma entrambi non vogliono impegnarsi, hanno troppa paura dei sentimenti che crescono così velocemente l'uno verso l'altro.
In questo primo romanzo, come spesso accade, si ha una vista d'insieme, infatti, vengono presentati i vari personaggi, la vita all'interno del ranch, ma quello che più mi è piaciuto è stato il personaggio della mamma di Joel, Nina Young, fantastica donna.
Essendo un western-romance ha anche un bel tocco erotico, ma non volgare, non scadente, tutte le situazioni vengono descritte benissimo, senza mai trascendere, stuzzicano la fantasia, e si lasciano leggere in modo semplice e veloce. Una bella storia, una serie che mi incuriosisce molto, al momento a parte questo, la Quixote Translation ha tradotto anche il secondo, Nel cuore di un cowboy, di chi avrà parlato l'autrice?

La serie Cowboy Dreamin' è composta da otto libri,

#1 Make mine a cowboy - Un cowboy tutto mio
#2 Healing a cowboy's heart - Nel cuore di un cowboy
#3 For the love of cowboy
#4 Tempted by the cowboy
#5 Forever kind of cowboy
#6 Kiss me, cowboy
#7 A cowboy and a country song
#8 A cowboy of my own

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alla fine di ogni libro provo sempre delle sensazioni. Gioia, soddisfazione, amarezza, delusione, rabbia; una qualunque di esse o una miscela di tutte, ma chiaramente presente, tangibile nella mia mente e, spesso, nel mio cuore. Questa volta, invece, quello che mi è rimasto addosso è solo perplessità. Non me ne voglia nessuno e, credetemi, io sono quanto di più lontano da recinti e pregiudizi, ma continuo a chiedermi cosa c’entrano i cowboys, una famiglia di nove fratelli maschi, tutti super sexy, una mamma che dopo sette parti (uno era trigemellare, grazie e Dio!) sembra ancora una top model, il sesso sadomaso e i fantasmi. Magari potrebbero essere maglie di una stessa collana, se ciascuno di questi aspetti venisse approfondito o sviluppato nel corso della narrazione, ne andrebbe bene anche solo uno. Invece sono tutti elementi accennati, quasi appoggiati lì, tra le pagine, un po’ a caso senza uno scopo né un significato preciso.

Si può dipingere un quadro in cui tempere dai colori vivaci coprono un chiaroscuro a carboncino, su uno sfondo ad acquerelli con qualche tratto da impressionista? Forse sì, ma le tecniche dovrebbero essere accostate da mano sapiente, che renda l’opera degna di essere guardata. In questo caso, francamente, credo che il quadro non possa essere esposto.

È un vero peccato perché l’idea di partenza è davvero buona: cowboy, corredati di Stetson e stivali, cavalli da domare, praterie sconfinate e una generosa dose di testosterone. Quale donna non rimarrebbe intrigata da un banchetto così invitante? Purtroppo però l’impressione è che l’autrice abbia mescolato a caso un maschio alfa ben educato, con tendenze da dominatore, che ascolta sempre i consigli della mamma, impegnato nel duro lavoro di portare avanti un ranch tra fango e mandrie di bovini; una giovane donna che non ha mai conosciuto i piaceri del sesso, perché l’uomo con cui l’ha fatto negli ultimi anni lo faceva “solo alla missionaria”, ma nonostante tutto scrive romanzi erotici di successo; un finale da favola (direi fin troppo), passando per dirty talking, scene di sesso esplicito, una famiglia numerosa e invadente e presenze soprannaturali. Fortunatamente il tono del racconto e i dialoghi sono intrisi d’ironia, che mi ha fatto spesso sorridere e arrivare alla fine del libro. Mesa e Joel sono simpatici, ma non abbastanza coerenti o incisivi per essere i protagonisti di un romanzo interessante.

Insomma dopo aver letto la trama e aver visto la cover, il romanzo non si è dimostrato all’altezza delle aspettative. La speranza è che nelle prossime ipotetiche otto storie, una per ogni fratello Young, l’autrice possa fare un lavoro migliore.

[Bookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining read. I was so hooked I could hardly drop it for a second. I loved that the main leads were given the chance to get to slightly know each other before hopping into their lustful encounters, and I liked their friendly bantering. However, I found a good deal of their interactions awkward and hard to believe they were real.

The relationship Joel had with his brothers and family in general was very interesting. I didn’t expect to see as many fights or almost-fights as I did; but I suppose the squabbles were a realistic portrayal of living in a large, predominantly male environment.

Throughout the book, Joel used every chance he got to remind the readers and the female lead that he was a Southern gentleman, and had been taught to be one by his mother. Yet, he did not think twice when he told his mother he wanted a casual fling with Mesa in the most crude way possible. I don’t know, that didn’t seem so Southern gentlemanly of him.

While Nina, Joel’s mother, was awesome to read about, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would have been better for her to have meddled less in Joel and Mesa’s relationship. She was a catalyst for some of the huge leaps they took, and it would have been nice to see either of the MCs, Joel particularly, take up initiative on their own. Also, I wished Mesa was more confident in herself; though on further reflection, her insecurities made her a tad more relatable.

A good story in all. Would recommend this as a weekend read if you’re into spicy books and romance.