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Riverrun Ranch #1
Swipe Right for a Cowboy: Riverrun Ranch, Book 1
They’re wrong for each other, but nothing has ever felt so right
Uptown girl Emmaline Claiborne needs a man, and not just any man. She needs the kind of man who can make her lying, cheating, no-good ex-boyfriend insane with jealousy. The same ex-boyfriend who is now engaged to her sister, and whose extravagant wedding she must suffer through in just three weeks’ time.
She selects the perfect candidate through an online dating app, but instead of the smooth, sophisticated software magnate she expects, a rugged cowboy shows up instead. He’s the complete opposite of everything Emma is looking for. In fact, he’s exactly the kind of man she swore to her Texas ranching family she would never fall for.
Which makes Cort Channing kinda perfect. Only before the weekend is over, Emma finds herself wishing she could keep her fake boyfriend, spurs, chaps, and all. Can this committed city girl take the biggest chance of her life, and swipe right for a cowboy?
Uptown girl Emmaline Claiborne needs a man, and not just any man. She needs the kind of man who can make her lying, cheating, no-good ex-boyfriend insane with jealousy. The same ex-boyfriend who is now engaged to her sister, and whose extravagant wedding she must suffer through in just three weeks’ time.
She selects the perfect candidate through an online dating app, but instead of the smooth, sophisticated software magnate she expects, a rugged cowboy shows up instead. He’s the complete opposite of everything Emma is looking for. In fact, he’s exactly the kind of man she swore to her Texas ranching family she would never fall for.
Which makes Cort Channing kinda perfect. Only before the weekend is over, Emma finds herself wishing she could keep her fake boyfriend, spurs, chaps, and all. Can this committed city girl take the biggest chance of her life, and swipe right for a cowboy?
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Published March 20, 2024
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About the author
Karen Foley
71 books126 followersKaren is the multi-award winning author of 28 novels, and is both a RWA RITA ® and a RWA Vivian Award nominee. She believes life is better with love, chocolate, and a view of the ocean. Karen splits her time between writing romance and folding laundry, and escapes to Ireland as often as possible. She lives in coastal New England, in a sweet little waterfront cottage that she shares with her high school sweetheart and one very skittish cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 19, 2020
Three and a half stars.
Emma Claiborne needs a date, stat. Her half-sister is marrying Emma's ex-boyfriend Damon in three weeks and she cannot return to Texas alone, with everyone pitying her. She's set up a date through Tinder but instead of the smooth, sophisticated, wealthy man she was expecting she gets Cort Channing, a long tall glass of Bull-Rider.
Cort Channing took one look at Emma's dating profile and felt an instant attraction, so much that if his friend hadn't been forced to skip out on Emma's date for other reasons Cort might have taken matters into his own hands. When Emma suggests he acts as her fake boyfriend for a long weekend in Texas he's all in, heck when a man lives his professional life in periods of eight seconds a weekend is a lifetime.
But of course protective older brothers, jealous younger sisters, ex-boyfriends, and a whole congregation of nosey neighbours means Emma and Cort's secret is bound to be revealed. Can you fall in love at first sight, and can it last when family secrets emerge?
This was an enjoyable fake relationship romance. There wasn't much bull-riding and the action mainly centred on the wedding weekend. What stopped it being a four star read for me was some of the more florid writing. I certainly can see potential for romances involving Emma's older brothers in future books.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.
Edited for typos and bumped for release.
Emma Claiborne needs a date, stat. Her half-sister is marrying Emma's ex-boyfriend Damon in three weeks and she cannot return to Texas alone, with everyone pitying her. She's set up a date through Tinder but instead of the smooth, sophisticated, wealthy man she was expecting she gets Cort Channing, a long tall glass of Bull-Rider.
Cort Channing took one look at Emma's dating profile and felt an instant attraction, so much that if his friend hadn't been forced to skip out on Emma's date for other reasons Cort might have taken matters into his own hands. When Emma suggests he acts as her fake boyfriend for a long weekend in Texas he's all in, heck when a man lives his professional life in periods of eight seconds a weekend is a lifetime.
But of course protective older brothers, jealous younger sisters, ex-boyfriends, and a whole congregation of nosey neighbours means Emma and Cort's secret is bound to be revealed. Can you fall in love at first sight, and can it last when family secrets emerge?
This was an enjoyable fake relationship romance. There wasn't much bull-riding and the action mainly centred on the wedding weekend. What stopped it being a four star read for me was some of the more florid writing. I certainly can see potential for romances involving Emma's older brothers in future books.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.
Edited for typos and bumped for release.
October 24, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook and although I enjoyed the story I wasn’t crazy about the narrator. I just didn’t care for the way she voiced Cort. This was a sweet low angst romance. I love a good cowboy story and recommend this if you do as well.
Want to read
June 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/15/2020)! 🎁
November 3, 2020
Sweet contemporany romance, between a cowboy and an uptown girl. I liked the characters. Although, Emmaline is a New York girl she has family living in a ranch, and she loves to visit them. So it wasn’t strange to see the love develop between the characters. The plot is dual POV, but you mostly follow Emmaline, which is a shame. I would love to know more from Cort’s perspective. He is a man of few words and felt a little remote to me as a reader.
My main complaint about this book is that the author creates an immense familiar drama – Emmaline sister steels her boyfriend and invites her to her weeding. This is no small thing, and the plot develops from this premise. The characters get to know each other because of this. They get to spend a weekend toghether in Em family ranch because of the weeding. So it felt strange and underwhelming to see that the author solves all the differences between the sisters in a few pages. It kinda devalued all the book for me.
This was free on Kindle. It was a 4-star reading before the ending.
My main complaint about this book is that the author creates an immense familiar drama – Emmaline sister steels her boyfriend and invites her to her weeding. This is no small thing, and the plot develops from this premise. The characters get to know each other because of this. They get to spend a weekend toghether in Em family ranch because of the weeding. So it felt strange and underwhelming to see that the author solves all the differences between the sisters in a few pages. It kinda devalued all the book for me.
This was free on Kindle. It was a 4-star reading before the ending.
March 19, 2020
I loved this book it was such a tangled web but you just knew that everything would work out
Emmaline (Emma) Claiborne is about to face one of the biggest test in her life she has to front up to her sisters wedding A wedding that is to her own cheating ex boyfriend and she has to appear happy There is no way she is showing up to that all alone so she turns to Tinder to fins a wedding weekend date and she picks the perfect man a sophisticated software magnate what she actually gets is his best friend Cort Channing a bull rider and the kind of man she told her family she would never date. He soon agrees to the weekend date after all he lives his life in eight second intervals in a weekend he can win over the woman he is deeply attracted to The only problem they will have to contend with jealous sisters and a protective older brother Can they keep their fake relationship a secret and will it actually become more real than fake he sure wants it to.
Emmaline (Emma) Claiborne is about to face one of the biggest test in her life she has to front up to her sisters wedding A wedding that is to her own cheating ex boyfriend and she has to appear happy There is no way she is showing up to that all alone so she turns to Tinder to fins a wedding weekend date and she picks the perfect man a sophisticated software magnate what she actually gets is his best friend Cort Channing a bull rider and the kind of man she told her family she would never date. He soon agrees to the weekend date after all he lives his life in eight second intervals in a weekend he can win over the woman he is deeply attracted to The only problem they will have to contend with jealous sisters and a protective older brother Can they keep their fake relationship a secret and will it actually become more real than fake he sure wants it to.
December 17, 2020
FREE today (June 14, 2020) on Amazon.
February 4, 2026
Ok - so, sorta embarrassed that I read “listened” to this book. I thought is sounded light…it was. Thought I’d need a break…I did. But I’ve never read a “romance” novel before and didn’t know it was one, until I purchased it.
That said, good character development, easy storyline and kept you wanting to know. There were some seriously cringeworthy moments - not the steamy ones - but just some over-dramatic language repeated and repeated - but a good story about the importance of family, knowing who you really are, and what a good person is really all about.
If you want a romance novel with some steamy moments - just a few - then this is a good one for you.
If you’re like me, and literally can laugh through some of the sappy language - then this is a good one for you.
If you just need to escape…then this is a good one for you.
It’s like a Rate R Hallmark movie.
That said, good character development, easy storyline and kept you wanting to know. There were some seriously cringeworthy moments - not the steamy ones - but just some over-dramatic language repeated and repeated - but a good story about the importance of family, knowing who you really are, and what a good person is really all about.
If you want a romance novel with some steamy moments - just a few - then this is a good one for you.
If you’re like me, and literally can laugh through some of the sappy language - then this is a good one for you.
If you just need to escape…then this is a good one for you.
It’s like a Rate R Hallmark movie.
September 3, 2025
loved this book, so a fun listen.
March 30, 2022
3.25 stars
March 19, 2020
Swipe Right for a Cowboy by Karen Foley
They’re wrong for each other, but nothing has ever felt so right
Uptown girl Emmaline Claiborne needs a man, and not just any man. She needs the kind of man who can make her lying, cheating, no-good ex-boyfriend insane with jealousy. The same ex-boyfriend who is now engaged to her sister, and whose extravagant wedding she must suffer through in just three weeks’ time.
She selects the perfect candidate through an online dating app, but instead of the smooth, sophisticated software magnate she expects, a rugged cowboy shows up instead. He’s the complete opposite of everything Emma is looking for. In fact, he’s exactly the kind of man she swore to her Texas ranching family she would never fall for.
Which makes Cort Channing kinda perfect. Only before the weekend is over, Emma finds herself wishing she could keep her fake boyfriend, spurs, chaps, and all. Can this committed city girl take the biggest chance of her life, and swipe right for a cowboy?
This is Emmaline Claiborne and Cort Channing's story.
She did look at him then. “Really?” Reaching over, the cowboy extended his hand. “Cort Channing.” His hand was big and warm. His palms were rough with callouses, but his grip wasn’t crushing.
She liked that. A little too much, apparently, since she couldn’t quite bring herself to release him.
A smile lifted one side of his mouth as he looked at where she clung to him.
“Well, I’m partly here to see Rhys, but mostly I’m in town for the rodeo.” Of course. It all made sense now: his clothes, his easy swagger, and even the hard ridges on the palms of his hands.
She’d seen the Raw Unleashed bull rider event advertised throughout the city, on billboards and the sides of buses, but hadn’t paid much attention.
“Well, Cort Channing, thank you for coming by to tell me I was wasting my time waiting for Rhys.”
Swipe Right for a Cowboy by Karen Foley is a 3 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Karen's Books with Tule:
Heat
Firefighters of Montana
A Hummingbird Christmas
Glacier Creek
A Hot Montana Summer
Glacier Creek
The Firefighter’s Slow Burn
Glacier Creek
A Soldier’s Homecoming
Glacier Creek
Swipe Right for a Cowboy
Riverrun Ranch
They’re wrong for each other, but nothing has ever felt so right
Uptown girl Emmaline Claiborne needs a man, and not just any man. She needs the kind of man who can make her lying, cheating, no-good ex-boyfriend insane with jealousy. The same ex-boyfriend who is now engaged to her sister, and whose extravagant wedding she must suffer through in just three weeks’ time.
She selects the perfect candidate through an online dating app, but instead of the smooth, sophisticated software magnate she expects, a rugged cowboy shows up instead. He’s the complete opposite of everything Emma is looking for. In fact, he’s exactly the kind of man she swore to her Texas ranching family she would never fall for.
Which makes Cort Channing kinda perfect. Only before the weekend is over, Emma finds herself wishing she could keep her fake boyfriend, spurs, chaps, and all. Can this committed city girl take the biggest chance of her life, and swipe right for a cowboy?
This is Emmaline Claiborne and Cort Channing's story.
She did look at him then. “Really?” Reaching over, the cowboy extended his hand. “Cort Channing.” His hand was big and warm. His palms were rough with callouses, but his grip wasn’t crushing.
She liked that. A little too much, apparently, since she couldn’t quite bring herself to release him.
A smile lifted one side of his mouth as he looked at where she clung to him.
“Well, I’m partly here to see Rhys, but mostly I’m in town for the rodeo.” Of course. It all made sense now: his clothes, his easy swagger, and even the hard ridges on the palms of his hands.
She’d seen the Raw Unleashed bull rider event advertised throughout the city, on billboards and the sides of buses, but hadn’t paid much attention.
“Well, Cort Channing, thank you for coming by to tell me I was wasting my time waiting for Rhys.”
Swipe Right for a Cowboy by Karen Foley is a 3 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Karen's Books with Tule:
Heat
Firefighters of Montana
A Hummingbird Christmas
Glacier Creek
A Hot Montana Summer
Glacier Creek
The Firefighter’s Slow Burn
Glacier Creek
A Soldier’s Homecoming
Glacier Creek
Swipe Right for a Cowboy
Riverrun Ranch
March 23, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Are you ready to return to Last Stand, Texas for the beginning of a new series? Then welcome to the Riverrun Ranch series and the first story, Swipe Right for a Cowboy. Emma left the ranch far behind when her parents divorced, and has established herself and her career in the big city. The trouble is she needs to return to the ranch for her half-sister’s wedding. The half-sister who is marrying Emma’s ex who cheated on Emma with his soon-to-be wife. Awkward doesn’t really sound strong enough, does it? She’s not going to that wedding as a single, nope, not gonna happen. She’s not about to suffer the pity looks, the gossip, the encounter with two people who caused her one heck of a heartache without a man at her side. So what’s a tech-savvy woman to do? Why check out the dating apps, of course. Only, that didn’t work out quite as she intended.
Cort and Emma’s romance is full of angst, jealousy, baggage from the past, and a strong attraction that neither can ignore – even if this is supposed to be only for the weekend, and totally faked emotions on both sides. Watching this couple work their way through the minefield of this wedding weekend was laugh out loud funny at times, and hold back the tears at other times. They are a realistic, believable couple who both have history and issues in their lives but finding that perfect someone just right for them doesn’t happen every day, so they are finding their forever in the middle of chaos. I had fun with Swipe Right for a Cowboy and will definitely be following the rest of the series. If you enjoy a good love story with believable characters, a bit of craziness in the situation they face, and a small town that doesn’t know the meaning of “mind your own business” – then you’re going to love this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Are you ready to return to Last Stand, Texas for the beginning of a new series? Then welcome to the Riverrun Ranch series and the first story, Swipe Right for a Cowboy. Emma left the ranch far behind when her parents divorced, and has established herself and her career in the big city. The trouble is she needs to return to the ranch for her half-sister’s wedding. The half-sister who is marrying Emma’s ex who cheated on Emma with his soon-to-be wife. Awkward doesn’t really sound strong enough, does it? She’s not going to that wedding as a single, nope, not gonna happen. She’s not about to suffer the pity looks, the gossip, the encounter with two people who caused her one heck of a heartache without a man at her side. So what’s a tech-savvy woman to do? Why check out the dating apps, of course. Only, that didn’t work out quite as she intended.
Cort and Emma’s romance is full of angst, jealousy, baggage from the past, and a strong attraction that neither can ignore – even if this is supposed to be only for the weekend, and totally faked emotions on both sides. Watching this couple work their way through the minefield of this wedding weekend was laugh out loud funny at times, and hold back the tears at other times. They are a realistic, believable couple who both have history and issues in their lives but finding that perfect someone just right for them doesn’t happen every day, so they are finding their forever in the middle of chaos. I had fun with Swipe Right for a Cowboy and will definitely be following the rest of the series. If you enjoy a good love story with believable characters, a bit of craziness in the situation they face, and a small town that doesn’t know the meaning of “mind your own business” – then you’re going to love this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
March 9, 2020
Sometimes you have to take a chance …
Emmaline aka Emma has been raised in New York City by her mother with summers with her father and brothers in Last Stand, Texas. Her mother is a born and bred New Yorker who has always told Emma that she belongs in New York and that Texas is not the place for her. Okay, her mom is a bit of a snob. Emma has to go back to her father’s ranch for her younger half-sister’s wedding soon and has decided that the only way she will attend is with a faux boyfriend. So Emma has been swiping on a dating app. She is waiting for her date who should be perfect for her based on his profile when she meets the very handsome bull rider, Cort Channing.
Cort has shown up at the bar to let Emma know that her date will not be showing up. But he also thinks she would be perfect for him. Cort is a bull rider on his way up the rodeo ladder. He is from Texas and is out to prove he is his own man. He falls for Emma when he first meets her but doesn’t push her. So he leaves her tickets to the three nights he is riding at a Madison Garden event and hopes beyond hope that she will come to the rodeo.
Cort and Emma have a meeting obviously and he decides to agree to be her faux boyfriend for the trip back to her father’s ranch just outside Last Stand, Texas. One of Emma reasons for not wanting to go to the wedding without a partner is that the man her half-sister is marrying is her former fiancé.
Cort and Emma are perfect for each other but both need to realize this. The characters are well written and the storyline is believable. The main issue is Emma realizing she is happier away from New York City and able to be her true self.
I did like this story and I do like Ms. Foley’s style of writing. I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Emmaline aka Emma has been raised in New York City by her mother with summers with her father and brothers in Last Stand, Texas. Her mother is a born and bred New Yorker who has always told Emma that she belongs in New York and that Texas is not the place for her. Okay, her mom is a bit of a snob. Emma has to go back to her father’s ranch for her younger half-sister’s wedding soon and has decided that the only way she will attend is with a faux boyfriend. So Emma has been swiping on a dating app. She is waiting for her date who should be perfect for her based on his profile when she meets the very handsome bull rider, Cort Channing.
Cort has shown up at the bar to let Emma know that her date will not be showing up. But he also thinks she would be perfect for him. Cort is a bull rider on his way up the rodeo ladder. He is from Texas and is out to prove he is his own man. He falls for Emma when he first meets her but doesn’t push her. So he leaves her tickets to the three nights he is riding at a Madison Garden event and hopes beyond hope that she will come to the rodeo.
Cort and Emma have a meeting obviously and he decides to agree to be her faux boyfriend for the trip back to her father’s ranch just outside Last Stand, Texas. One of Emma reasons for not wanting to go to the wedding without a partner is that the man her half-sister is marrying is her former fiancé.
Cort and Emma are perfect for each other but both need to realize this. The characters are well written and the storyline is believable. The main issue is Emma realizing she is happier away from New York City and able to be her true self.
I did like this story and I do like Ms. Foley’s style of writing. I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
March 16, 2020
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This was an enjoyable read with a clever twist of storyline. We meet Emmaline aka Emma who has signed up on a dating app to meet a guy to pose as her fake boyfriend. Her half sister Callie is marrying her ex boyfriend Damon and she doesn’t want to go to the wedding alone for her family to pity. Emma’s parents divorced when she was 3 and her mom took her back to New York from her dads ranch in Texas. It turned out that her dad got another woman pregnant and her mom left him. He never married the half sister’s mom and she resented not being a real Claiborne. We learn that Callie was always competing with Emma because of this. Emma has 2 brothers that also live on the Texas ranch.
When Emma goes to the bar to meet her date, she thinks she has been stood up. Finally a gorgeous cowboy shows up and tells her the guy she was supposed to meet wasn’t able to be there. His name is Colt and he gives her passes to a rodeo in NYC and invites her to come. She decides to go as she felt a spark rom him and wanted to pursue him going to the family wedding in Texas with her. She realizes he is a bull rider and meets him after his ride. She proposes her plan and h decides to accompany he as he is also interested in her.
They arrive at the ranch to an inquisition by her brothers and father and some jealous antics by the half sister. We learn that Colts grandfather has an interesting past and his dad made a bad nam for himself. Neither Colt or Emma want to draw attention to their relationship as they don’t wan it known it is fake. In addition, Colt doesn’t want Emma or her family to know about his past.
The book has some angst and romance and good family interactions. I gave it 5 stars for a great read.
When Emma goes to the bar to meet her date, she thinks she has been stood up. Finally a gorgeous cowboy shows up and tells her the guy she was supposed to meet wasn’t able to be there. His name is Colt and he gives her passes to a rodeo in NYC and invites her to come. She decides to go as she felt a spark rom him and wanted to pursue him going to the family wedding in Texas with her. She realizes he is a bull rider and meets him after his ride. She proposes her plan and h decides to accompany he as he is also interested in her.
They arrive at the ranch to an inquisition by her brothers and father and some jealous antics by the half sister. We learn that Colts grandfather has an interesting past and his dad made a bad nam for himself. Neither Colt or Emma want to draw attention to their relationship as they don’t wan it known it is fake. In addition, Colt doesn’t want Emma or her family to know about his past.
The book has some angst and romance and good family interactions. I gave it 5 stars for a great read.
March 22, 2020
Emmaline and Cort’s relationship in Swipe Right for a Cowboy by Karen Foley, book one in her Riverrun Ranch series is a wonderful reminder that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Emmaline is desperately in need of a man; a man willing to be her plus-one for her sister’s wedding, in three weeks. The sister who stole and is now marrying Emma’s lying, cheating, no-good ex-boyfriend. Using an online dating app, she selects the perfect candidate, but instead of the refined software magnate she expects, a rugged cowboy shows up instead. He’s the complete opposite of everything Emma is looking for. In fact, he’s exactly the kind of man this New York City gal swore to her Texas ranching family she would never fall for. Cort actually ends up being the perfect man for the job; since one look at Emma and he was smitten. By the end of the weekend, Emma is wishing she could keep her fake cowboy boyfriend and take a chance on him; maybe swipe right for him.
Ms. Foley wrote a wonderful and sweet story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and charming characters giving Emma and Cort a chance at love. I highly recommend Swipe Right for a Cowboy to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Foley wrote a wonderful and sweet story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and charming characters giving Emma and Cort a chance at love. I highly recommend Swipe Right for a Cowboy to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 24, 2020
I’ve been lucky enough to get quite a few ARCs from new-to-me authors lately. To be fair, it’s a crap shoot. I never know what to expect. But I love reading new authors, hearing a new voice on favorite tropes, finding an author with a bit of a library that appeals to me. That was the case this time. I really enjoyed this story and the writing style.
The fake significant other is one of my favorite romance tropes. I think it’s the innocence of the relationship in the beginning, even when there is undeniable chemistry between the characters. And Cort and Emma had far more than a spark, they had a fire. I enjoy the back and forth game and guessing when the lure will just be too much for the couple to resist.
Both Emma and Cort are very lovable characters. Emma is rich, but that wasn’t even something I realized right away. She’s so down to earth and even a bit boho. Cort has had a hard life and worked hard for all he has. Although he was mostly raised by a bitter old man, he didn’t let that make him bitter. These two are meant for each other, they just need to figure that out for themselves.
Having her parents live so far apart after their divorce really did a number on Emma. Both parents love her dearly, but she’s a bit blind to that since she feels she doesn’t fit in either place. Colt is able to see that insecure and lonely little girl inside of Emma and it brings out his protective instincts. As someone who has always wanted a loving family, Colt can’t help but want Emma to see that her family loves her so much more than she sees herself.
Every time Cort and Emma give into the pull they have there are fireworks. Be it a simple quick kiss or ending up in the bedroom together, they have such a steamy vibe. I was rooting for this couple through the whole entire story.
There are quite a few other interesting characters introduced in this story, and a brother of Emma’s we have yet to meet. I’m looking forward to reading their stories as this series progresses.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
The fake significant other is one of my favorite romance tropes. I think it’s the innocence of the relationship in the beginning, even when there is undeniable chemistry between the characters. And Cort and Emma had far more than a spark, they had a fire. I enjoy the back and forth game and guessing when the lure will just be too much for the couple to resist.
Both Emma and Cort are very lovable characters. Emma is rich, but that wasn’t even something I realized right away. She’s so down to earth and even a bit boho. Cort has had a hard life and worked hard for all he has. Although he was mostly raised by a bitter old man, he didn’t let that make him bitter. These two are meant for each other, they just need to figure that out for themselves.
Having her parents live so far apart after their divorce really did a number on Emma. Both parents love her dearly, but she’s a bit blind to that since she feels she doesn’t fit in either place. Colt is able to see that insecure and lonely little girl inside of Emma and it brings out his protective instincts. As someone who has always wanted a loving family, Colt can’t help but want Emma to see that her family loves her so much more than she sees herself.
Every time Cort and Emma give into the pull they have there are fireworks. Be it a simple quick kiss or ending up in the bedroom together, they have such a steamy vibe. I was rooting for this couple through the whole entire story.
There are quite a few other interesting characters introduced in this story, and a brother of Emma’s we have yet to meet. I’m looking forward to reading their stories as this series progresses.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
May 1, 2024
3.5 stars is fair. Emmaline and Cort were a cute couple. They were both very nice people with a lot of family pain. I really enjoyed the story. World building, description of the small Texas town was reminiscent. Although I enjoyed most of the characters, the premise of the story and resolution devalued it for me. The betrayal by the sister, not Damon, starts my issue. I mean Callie is family. The way I read the story, the affair started in Texas, not New York. Damon was insistent that Emma invite Callie to New York. So the “Never meant for this to happen” doesn’t fly. I guess it’s acceptable to say I love my sister, but I have be happy no matter the cost.
They all took for granted, as well as, advantage of “love.” Callie’s intentions were clear because she felt she did not belong to the family because of the mistake her parents made. They all disapproved of what Callie and Damon did, but still supported them. Constantly making excuses for her. The entire town came to the wedding to support them, but at same time telling Emma they did not approve of what they did to her. I guess everyone was up for a party. The truth is, she was terribly spoiled and choosing to humiliate her sister at every turn. Both of them
I guess the story went sour for me when there were no consequences for Callie. She went so far as to humiliate Emma at her own rehearsal dinner because Cort and Emma were getting too much attention. Cort saved her flower girl from drowning and she only cared that he was taking attention away from her.
I felt the author rushed to resolve this drama too quickly in just a couple of pages to have an HEA, which was inevitable. It could just be me, but you shouldn’t reward bad behavior from a 25 year old.
They all took for granted, as well as, advantage of “love.” Callie’s intentions were clear because she felt she did not belong to the family because of the mistake her parents made. They all disapproved of what Callie and Damon did, but still supported them. Constantly making excuses for her. The entire town came to the wedding to support them, but at same time telling Emma they did not approve of what they did to her. I guess everyone was up for a party. The truth is, she was terribly spoiled and choosing to humiliate her sister at every turn. Both of them
I guess the story went sour for me when there were no consequences for Callie. She went so far as to humiliate Emma at her own rehearsal dinner because Cort and Emma were getting too much attention. Cort saved her flower girl from drowning and she only cared that he was taking attention away from her.
I felt the author rushed to resolve this drama too quickly in just a couple of pages to have an HEA, which was inevitable. It could just be me, but you shouldn’t reward bad behavior from a 25 year old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2020
Received this book from Tule Publishing
Emmaline Claiborne is living in New York City and is waiting at a bar to wait for her date that she has arranged on a dating site. She is hoping that it turns out okay so she can talk him into going with her to Texas for her sister’s wedding which is coming up.
Watching the door, she sees a good-looking man walk in and she knows for sure that he is a true cowboy from his hat to his boots. What she is wondering is why said cowboy is in a New York City bar and not in Texas on a horse. If she was back in Texas where she grew up, he would be a perfect date, but he was not the man she chose on the dating site.
Cort Channing walks across the bar towards Emmaline and only wishes he had different news to deliver to her. He also wished she lived in Texas for he finds her extremely good looking. When he sits down next to her Emmaline is surprised to find out that he knows her name. what comes next is equally surprising. The man she swiped on the site is not showing up and Cort did not want her to be waiting by herself. After explaining why her date will not show up, she suddenly comes up with a plan, an idea and asks Cort to escort her to her sister’s wedding in Texas. Oh, did I mention that her sister is marrying Emmaline’s ex who broke up with her to marry her sister instead of her.
This is her and Cort’s story and how she and her family will all come together along with Cort who wants to be with her. A good story with good characters. I received this book from Tule publishing. Gave it 4 stars. Follow us www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Emmaline Claiborne is living in New York City and is waiting at a bar to wait for her date that she has arranged on a dating site. She is hoping that it turns out okay so she can talk him into going with her to Texas for her sister’s wedding which is coming up.
Watching the door, she sees a good-looking man walk in and she knows for sure that he is a true cowboy from his hat to his boots. What she is wondering is why said cowboy is in a New York City bar and not in Texas on a horse. If she was back in Texas where she grew up, he would be a perfect date, but he was not the man she chose on the dating site.
Cort Channing walks across the bar towards Emmaline and only wishes he had different news to deliver to her. He also wished she lived in Texas for he finds her extremely good looking. When he sits down next to her Emmaline is surprised to find out that he knows her name. what comes next is equally surprising. The man she swiped on the site is not showing up and Cort did not want her to be waiting by herself. After explaining why her date will not show up, she suddenly comes up with a plan, an idea and asks Cort to escort her to her sister’s wedding in Texas. Oh, did I mention that her sister is marrying Emmaline’s ex who broke up with her to marry her sister instead of her.
This is her and Cort’s story and how she and her family will all come together along with Cort who wants to be with her. A good story with good characters. I received this book from Tule publishing. Gave it 4 stars. Follow us www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 20, 2025
Emmaline Claiborne has a wedding to attend, and not just any wedding, but the wedding of her little sister and Emma's ex-boyfriend. She is desperate to find a date that will make her ex look like an afterthought. At first, she thinks she needs a polished business mogul to show him up, but then she meets Cort Channing, a ruggedly handsome bull rider with charm for days. He's exactly the kind of man Emma swore she'd never be involved with, but he's perfect for the weekend. The only problem? As she gets to know Cort, Emma realizes she wants to keep him for good.
When City Meets Country. Sweet contemporary romance between an uptown girl and a cowboy. Take one insecure girl, a smitten cowboy, set them at a tense wedding weekend with an adoring daddy, protective older brothers, jealous younger sisters, one ex-boyfriend, and a whole town of overly interested bystanders. This had all the makings of a good romance. It had plenty of family drama, great chemistry, a charming cowboy, and a likable heroine. But it stayed on the superficial side. Emmaline had real feelings of insecurity and of not belonging that were never properly addressed. Her sister acted out of jealousy their entire lives, and then crossed a line and betrayed her. That wasn't enough; she went after her sister to "expose" her during the wedding weekend after Cort had become a hero and saved her flower girl. Their relationship issues were too easily resolved when I'm not sure they could ever be in real life. Emma's brother crossed a line, turning on Cort, and was never held accountable. Life was minimized to get to the HEA.
June 23, 2020
An emotional roller coaster for sure, this book will have you riding the ups and downs, as Emmaline and Cort find their way to a future neither of them saw coming. A city girl by choice, Emmaline discovers just how much of a country girl she truly is, when she is faced with attending her younger sisters' upcoming nuptials, to her cheating ex no less. Unable to face the pair alone, and desperate after so many unsuccessful dates, she embarks on a quest to find a suitable replacement on an online dating site. But when her chosen date doesn't show, and in his place walks a cowboy, life is about to get interesting. After seeing her picture that his best friend, Rhys, shows him, Cort knows there is no way on this earth he can leave her waiting, knowing she'll be stood up. It doesn't take long for him to know she's special, and he wants to help her, any way he can. The only question being, will she let him?
With plenty of "family drama", unexpected turns, and high emotions, there is never a dull moment.
Be prepared for lots of laughs and as many tears, with this exceptionally well written tale. A first for me from this talented author, I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
With plenty of "family drama", unexpected turns, and high emotions, there is never a dull moment.
Be prepared for lots of laughs and as many tears, with this exceptionally well written tale. A first for me from this talented author, I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
February 25, 2020
This was a great beginning for the author’s new series base in Texas in a town filled with cowboys and unexpected surprises.
Emmaline Clairborne has been hurt by her ex-fiance and her sister when they hooked up while they were still together and now that their wedding is taking place, Emmaline is determined to show everyone that she is above the betrayal and doing just fine.
But finding a date has not been easy, even with a dating apps.
When her latest meet up is a no show, his friend meets her to tell her he’s not showing up. Emmaline feels an attraction, but she is a NYC gal and Cort Channing is a cowboy albeit a very handsome and tempting one . She always said she would never date a cowboy.
Even though her father is a wealthy rancher in Texas and her Mom a NYC socialite, Emmaline feels she doesn’t belong in either world.
That is until she makes a deal with Cort to be her fake boyfriend at the wedding in Texas. Where she discovers she really belongs there.
It was a sweet, touching story filled with humor as well as heartbreaking moments.
A great start for this series .
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Emmaline Clairborne has been hurt by her ex-fiance and her sister when they hooked up while they were still together and now that their wedding is taking place, Emmaline is determined to show everyone that she is above the betrayal and doing just fine.
But finding a date has not been easy, even with a dating apps.
When her latest meet up is a no show, his friend meets her to tell her he’s not showing up. Emmaline feels an attraction, but she is a NYC gal and Cort Channing is a cowboy albeit a very handsome and tempting one . She always said she would never date a cowboy.
Even though her father is a wealthy rancher in Texas and her Mom a NYC socialite, Emmaline feels she doesn’t belong in either world.
That is until she makes a deal with Cort to be her fake boyfriend at the wedding in Texas. Where she discovers she really belongs there.
It was a sweet, touching story filled with humor as well as heartbreaking moments.
A great start for this series .
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 19, 2020
Swipe Right for a Cowboy by Karen Foley is a fun, flirty, fake romance read. Just perfect for an afternoon that you would like to forget all that is going on in the world around you.
NYC Emmaline Claiborne and rising bull rider, Cort Channing couldn’t be more different or more perfect for each other. Last Stand, Texas has never seen the likes of these two together, so the talk begins. There is a switch up with the dating app, an ex-boyfriend who needs to stay ex and a supporting cast who are humorously nosy. Not as much rodeo as it is wedding excess but still a lot of bull around. There is also the instant lust which did feel rushed. A slow burn would have made this a 5 star read, since I really liked the main characters.
Yet, the entire premise of ex-boyfriend weds sister so the need to make them all jealous is a Reese Witherspoon role. I would love to see her take the part if this is turned into a chick-lit movie. Now just who should play the part of Cort?
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
NYC Emmaline Claiborne and rising bull rider, Cort Channing couldn’t be more different or more perfect for each other. Last Stand, Texas has never seen the likes of these two together, so the talk begins. There is a switch up with the dating app, an ex-boyfriend who needs to stay ex and a supporting cast who are humorously nosy. Not as much rodeo as it is wedding excess but still a lot of bull around. There is also the instant lust which did feel rushed. A slow burn would have made this a 5 star read, since I really liked the main characters.
Yet, the entire premise of ex-boyfriend weds sister so the need to make them all jealous is a Reese Witherspoon role. I would love to see her take the part if this is turned into a chick-lit movie. Now just who should play the part of Cort?
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2020
What a great start to the series. I wish I would’ve read this book when I was first offered it from the publisher but I had too many at the time. The story was so well written & kept me rooting for Cort & Emma as emotions ran high in this book. The drama of the family relationships & the past was ever present but so was the sweetness of the courtship that was occurring. Cort & Emma are sweet, funny & sexy. A wonderful story comes out of an online dating app that starts out as a no show & turns into a chance for a lifetime of happiness. Emma is looking for a date to her sisters wedding to her ex-boyfriend & Cort shows up to let Emma know she’s been stood up. Attraction is strong between them but Emma doesn’t date cowboys. Cort leaves her passes to his rodeo event that weekend & is surprised when she actually shows up. The connection between them causes Emma to do the unthinkable & invites Cort to the wedding as her fake boyfriend. Fake turns into feelings but a secret from Cort’s past puts a future in danger of not happening. I’m so glad I bought this book. Definitely recommend.
May 16, 2021
Emmaline hasn't spent much time ate the ranch since her mother has brought her up as a city girl. Now she has to return for her half-sister's wedding. Her half-sister who is marrying Emmaline's ex (and he wasn't her ex when he and Emmaline's sister got together!). Determined not to look pathetic at the wedding, she turns to a dating app to find someone to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Cort doesn't like that his friend has stood up his date without an explanation, and he takes it upon himself to go and explain to the woman. Partly out of cowboy politeness, and partly because her profile intrigues him. In fact, he's so intrigued that he agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the wedding. Except, it doesn't take long for the lines to get blurred.
I actually read book 2 before this one (as I picked book 2 up when it was free), but it didn't really matter.
This was a really good read. I loved Cort and his tough, dependable and sexy personality. The friction between Emmaline and her sister did draw me in, and the whole family dynamic was interesting. The book was well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Cort doesn't like that his friend has stood up his date without an explanation, and he takes it upon himself to go and explain to the woman. Partly out of cowboy politeness, and partly because her profile intrigues him. In fact, he's so intrigued that he agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the wedding. Except, it doesn't take long for the lines to get blurred.
I actually read book 2 before this one (as I picked book 2 up when it was free), but it didn't really matter.
This was a really good read. I loved Cort and his tough, dependable and sexy personality. The friction between Emmaline and her sister did draw me in, and the whole family dynamic was interesting. The book was well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 27, 2022
Ok
A short fake dating insta-lust contemporary romance where the hero & heroine navigate the rocky landscapes their parents left behind in order to find themselves a bit and their HEA. The heroine, ~27-year-old aspiring artist Emmaline Claiborne is a child of divorce and has never felt entirely part of her father’s Texas ranch family. A feeling deepened by the impression that the rest of her family has embraced her younger sister marrying her ex-boyfriend. Desperate to bring a date to the wedding she asks the hero, 27-year-old rodeo bull rider Cort Channing. Cort is taken with Emmaline at first sight, so he readily agrees to being her fake wedding date. However, he’s been blamed his whole life for his con-man father’s misdeeds and while committed to wooing Emma, wonders if he will ever have paid enough for his father’s sins.
A decent contemporary romance, but I felt the character depth was little on the low side. I had some small believability issues that took me out of the story. Not bad, but I’m not running out to read more.
*****Spoiler Alert*****
This Book Includes
Violence. Rodeo bull riding including injuries.
Sex. MF sex.
A short fake dating insta-lust contemporary romance where the hero & heroine navigate the rocky landscapes their parents left behind in order to find themselves a bit and their HEA. The heroine, ~27-year-old aspiring artist Emmaline Claiborne is a child of divorce and has never felt entirely part of her father’s Texas ranch family. A feeling deepened by the impression that the rest of her family has embraced her younger sister marrying her ex-boyfriend. Desperate to bring a date to the wedding she asks the hero, 27-year-old rodeo bull rider Cort Channing. Cort is taken with Emmaline at first sight, so he readily agrees to being her fake wedding date. However, he’s been blamed his whole life for his con-man father’s misdeeds and while committed to wooing Emma, wonders if he will ever have paid enough for his father’s sins.
A decent contemporary romance, but I felt the character depth was little on the low side. I had some small believability issues that took me out of the story. Not bad, but I’m not running out to read more.
*****Spoiler Alert*****
This Book Includes
Violence. Rodeo bull riding including injuries.
Sex. MF sex.
March 19, 2020
This is the beginning of a new series based in Texas. What is a gal to do when her sister runs off with her fiance' and then they invite her to THEIR wedding? Why she looks for a date on a dating website of course. Yep, that is just what Emma does and boy does it bring about some wild times. We meet Emma in a bar in NY city where she is set to meet her date and she is squirrely as all get out while she waits. In comes one of the hottest cowboys she has ever seen. Cort comes in to let her down and ends up getting a date to a wedding in Texas out of the deal. Life would not be so simple and of course this NY gal has two sides to her as well. Being a product of divorced parents, she spent time in NY and TX and her heart loves both. This book was well written and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more in this series and seeing Emma's brothers fall hard and fast in future books because heavens they were sure funny to listen to in this one.
March 19, 2020
What is worse than your ex getting married? His bride to be being your half-sister he cheated on you with. Emma finds herself in need of a date for said wedding. She can't go alone and have all her relatives feeling sorry for her. No she has to prove that she has moved on and is happy. She uses a dating app to find the perfect pretend boyfriend. Except he stands her up and in his place is his bull rider friend Cort. Now he is not her usual type but he is hot. After their brief exchange, and her not asking him to the wedding, he gives her two tickets to see him compete. She ends up watching the hot cowboy ride the bull and she is quite taken with him. He agrees to be her pretend boyfriend and to be very convincing so her family thinks she has moved on and that they are in love. What happens when pretending starts to feel real? Worse yet, what if you want it to be real? Great read.
June 21, 2020
Emmaline sits at a bar to meet a guy she met online but in walks a cowboy to tell her that he date wouldn't be showing up. They share a drink with each other and he invites her to the rodeo that weekend. Emma's plan was to invite her date to her sister's wedding to her ex. Instead, she has to decide what to do. She asks the cowboy if he'll join her because he's the last thing her family would expect of her.
Cort has reservations about pretending to be her date for the wedding, but he's attracted to her and agrees. When they arrive the chemistry between them is more than either of them can handle. He's got some secrets that come out and her family are furious for the deception.
I enjoyed the chemistry between them and the real emotions they shared. It seemed real rather than forced. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Cort has reservations about pretending to be her date for the wedding, but he's attracted to her and agrees. When they arrive the chemistry between them is more than either of them can handle. He's got some secrets that come out and her family are furious for the deception.
I enjoyed the chemistry between them and the real emotions they shared. It seemed real rather than forced. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
July 27, 2020
Emmaline Claiborne - born in Last Stand, Texas; grew up in NY. The last man she would consider dating would be a cowboy.
Cort Channing is a cowboy - a bull rider starting to make a name for himself on the semi-pro circuit. When he turns up at the bar where Emmaline is waiting to meet her online date, and tells her her date isn't able to keep their appointment, she's impressed. By his manners, his looks, and something more. Enough to ask him to be her fake boyfriend to her sister's wedding - to Emma's ex!
Cort is a great hero - gentlemanly, even through the lust he feels for Emma. He's one of those very memorable heroes who stay with you long after you close the book.
Emma is sweet, but lacks self confidence after the knocks life has thrown her way. Her family is interesting, and I'm keen to know if I'm right about Holt and Gus' futures in later books.
Recommended.
Cort Channing is a cowboy - a bull rider starting to make a name for himself on the semi-pro circuit. When he turns up at the bar where Emmaline is waiting to meet her online date, and tells her her date isn't able to keep their appointment, she's impressed. By his manners, his looks, and something more. Enough to ask him to be her fake boyfriend to her sister's wedding - to Emma's ex!
Cort is a great hero - gentlemanly, even through the lust he feels for Emma. He's one of those very memorable heroes who stay with you long after you close the book.
Emma is sweet, but lacks self confidence after the knocks life has thrown her way. Her family is interesting, and I'm keen to know if I'm right about Holt and Gus' futures in later books.
Recommended.
August 16, 2020
Karen Foley’s first installment in her new series Riverrun Ranch, “Swipe Right for a Cowboy” is set in the one of my favorite setting, Land Stand, Texas. With her trademark realistic and relatable characters, a smart dialog perfectly laced with humor, and with the backdrop of the picturesque Texas Hill Country, the story sweeps you through powerful family dynamics of strife, anxieties, loyalties, misconceptions, and all consuming love.
Cort and Emmaline are certainly a couple who’ll remain with you long after they had found their own HEA, despite the numerous round locks they encountered, and the story has ended. I’ve become a big fan of this author’s writing and look forward to the next installment in the Riverrun Ranch series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Cort and Emmaline are certainly a couple who’ll remain with you long after they had found their own HEA, despite the numerous round locks they encountered, and the story has ended. I’ve become a big fan of this author’s writing and look forward to the next installment in the Riverrun Ranch series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
June 22, 2020
Karen Foley has a wonderful way to making the reader really care about her characters. The characters themselves are well developed and multi-faceted. I absolutely adored Cort--his tenderheartedness, integrity, and stoicism in the face of having been unfairly treated growing up made him a true hero. I loved watching his relationship with Emmaline unfold, but I loved the relationships among all of Emmaline's family members just as much. The author does a great job of exploring complicated family dynamics, especially the issue of how we thing we're perceived in our family vs. the way our family members actually perceive us.
The only minor complaint I have is that Emma's mom seemed to do a turnabout concerning her staying in Texas much too easily.
This book makes me want to read the others in the series.
The only minor complaint I have is that Emma's mom seemed to do a turnabout concerning her staying in Texas much too easily.
This book makes me want to read the others in the series.
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