The Cowboy Next Door

This Old House #3

by Roxanne Snopek

When plucky single mother Leda Plett goes next door to retrieve her wandering pooch, she doesn’t expect to find a handsome stranger lounging about like he owns the place. She certainly doesn’t expect him to go all “white knight” about her deadbeat ex, or her knees to go all wobbly at his sexy smile.

Rodeo-star turned agent Eric Anders is used to managing people and clearly, the boots-and-sundress wearing mouthy mama needs someone to manage her. He wants to help; her spirited spark and quick wit have nothing to do with it.

But when Eric’s good intentions end up bringing only hurt and humiliation, he’s forced to face the fact that he doesn’t always know best. Leda is stronger and wiser than he knew, and his arrogance may have just cost him the one girl he now can’t live without.

This Old House series
Book 1: Finding Home
Book 2: A Sweet Montana Christmas
Book 3: The Cowboy Next Door

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Westerns, Contemporary, Adult, Novella

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2015

About the author

aka Roxanne Willems-Snopek.

USA TODAY bestselling author Roxanne Snopek writes contemporary romance both sexy and sweet, in small towns, big cities, on secluded islands and sun-drenched beaches, with families and communities that will warm your heart. Her fictional heroes (like her own real-life hero) are swoon-worthy, uber-responsible, secretly vulnerable and occasionally dough-headed, but animals love them, which makes everything okay.

Avid gardener, soup-maker and bread-eater, Roxanne writes from British Columbia, Canada, surrounded by dogs, cats, deer, squirrels and occasionally bear and bobcat. When she thinks of it, she does yoga and cleans the house. Well, not that last thing.

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Sometimes Dogs Know Best Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Two four-legged friends seem to know just how to bring a pair of humans together... forget he is a little older and she is struggling to be independent by making her way for herself and the little one. These pets seem to have figured out what is best for them...because by always not being where they are supposed to... these humans have to interact.

Leda is in the process of coming to terms with what took place when she thought she was in love. The man was not who he seemed; he left her high and dry and wanted her not to become a mother. She knew what her priorities were for her and even though he was a waste, her daughter is the silver lining from the cloud. She has landed in this community of Marietta and found people who have taken to her and appreciate all the love and strength she is using to reinvent herself.

She meets Eric, the older brother of the rancher next door because Jackson has left his home and has found Blue Girl at Eric's. This stomping over, looking for the wayward dog starts everything in motion as Eric is hit by the essence of Leda and there is no turning back.

Over the course of this tale, we learn about Leda and her difficult past, her unfortunate experience with the ex, and how she has deep feelings of not being enough for Eric. Eric has had success as a bull rider, as an agent when he stopped riding due to injury and yearning to have things made right when he sees wrong. Can these two get over these hurdles and come together...

I thoroughly enjoyed this... the subtle way the set up was done... the headstrong banter between the two of them and the deep storyline of how it is difficult for women to make their way and just be valued to be... and not be dictated to...

It was a sweet novella... only 78 pages but sometimes good things come in compact packages.

Finding Home (This Old House, #1)
A Sweet Montana Christmas (This Old House, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Cowboy Next Door (This Old House #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cinderella's Cowboy (This Old House, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Next Door is the third instalment in the This Old House series and my favourite so far, however the first two books were really sweet and I loved them as well.

Hot diggity dog! This tale is absolutely adorable and sooo fairy-tale-ish! Eric and Leda almost had me on the floor laughing with their hilarious banter. Eric cracks me up wanting to be Leda’s knight in shining armour but Leda is one kick-ass, feisty heroine who can stand up for herself and she sure lets him have it… and so begins their witty conversations. Leda’s interactions and her offbeat words she uses around other people is something very funny too.

Leda is one creative gal replacing bad language with made up G-rated swear words which is hysterically funny, had me dying of laughter.

I sincerely recommend this book to all lovers of gorgeous country settings, striking characters, and dogs that are so loveable you just want to squish them.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

It is a wondering old dog named Jackson that ultimately brings together our love interests.

Leda is a woman who we met in A Sweet Montana Christmas and who is not afraid to say her mind, she also uses made up swear words in order to save her young daughters ears from her own fowl language. She makes the most of a bad situation and has a good outlook on life.

Eric is only staying with his brother Chad on the farm that they inherited from their grandfather. When Leda makes her grand entrance, I think he is smitten with her there and then, but it is the dog that keeps bringing them together.

Eric wants to help her, being a protector, however she also shows him that she can look after herself.

Loved the chemistry between the two and the words that came out of Leda's smart mouth :)

[Roxanne Snopek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved writing this book because of Leda Plett's snarkiness! She just waltzed right up to me and said "So write my Gollum-digget story already, will ya?" So yeah, in a 100-percent biased review, I give it 5-stars. Mileage may vary.

[Nicky Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little Saturday morning read.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxanne Snopek is one of my go to authors. When I need a dose of the sweet with light humour, it's fair guaranteed. And The Cowboy Next Door held this.

"Falling for a guy who was so far out of her league, it was practically a time-travel romance."

Now, I don't know why this keeps happening, but I struggle to warm to the female characters in this particular series. They're difficult and have a tendency to be short and offhand with those trying to help them. Those being the men trying to win their hearts. Leda and Eric were no different. Leda hasn't had an easy time of things; a single mother at 21 with no family around her, she is doing a pretty stellar job of raising her daughter with the support of her friends Mel and Austin. And when Eric moves in to his brother's home next door, the sparks immediately fly; eleven years older than Leda, he's used to helping people and finding out Leda's baby's father isn't living up to his responsibilities, decides to try and help. Or take charge. I'm still on the fence on that one, because as a stubborn independent woman, if some guy, irrespective of sexy, tried to wrangle his way into my affairs, I wouldn't be too impressed. Even if he did have the best of intentions.

But they do have a chemistry and whilst Leda frustrated me, as the book progressed both she and Eric did endear themselves. Whilst everything is condensed and occurs quickly due to its short length, it was an enjoyable read. If you have an hour and need a sweet romantic injection, then this does that.

3.5 stars.

Falling for the Cowboy is book 3 the This Old House series, although it can easily be read as a standalone.

Copy received from the publisher for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.

We first met Leda (and yes, every time I read her name I mentally added "and the Swan" to it), in A Sweet Montana Christmas. Young and heavily pregnant, she became the last of Melinda's patients. Now with a daughter, Leda is working to get her life together. Eric is trying to get his life together too, just in a different way.

This is more Leda's story than Eric's but part of that is because Eric is portrayed as a know-it-all man who feels he has to "mansplain" everything to Leda. Oddly enough, it made me think the opposite of him, someone who truly wanted to make things better. Leda, of course, doesn't see that at all and she comes across as a rather bitchy woman who rationalizes the Sweets' "charity" to herself but can't see that Eric genuinely wants to help and consequently she treats him quite shabbily.

While Eric gets the point, he's quite hurt. In the end, I can't see Eric really helping Leda because he's figured out she doesn't want it. Independence can be a double-edged sword.

There's a lot of this gender thing going on in this book which I felt actually took away from the story. We all get it, Leda can do it all herself. But she can't, not really, because she is taking "charity" from the Sweets. It's just Eric she doesn't want the help from.

Thankfully, she grows up some during the course of the book and takes some of that chip off her shoulder.

A jarring note were the Sweets themselves who do feature in this book. They felt off to me, not like I remember them from their own book and it kept jangling at my nerves every time they stepped on the page.

But a pair of dogs really makes it all better: they love each other and don't need no stinking humans to tell them to stay away from each other. They really liven up the story!

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect! Absolutely perfect! Snopek has captured the essence of real romance. This story has heart, soul, and shows life the way it really is. Snopek doesn’t mince words when telling this tale. She draws you into the complexities of life faced by her characters, while at the same time stealing your heart with the strength and originality found within.

I loved getting to know characters from previous novels in this series on a deeper level, as well as meeting the new ones that Snopek introduces us toSnopek develops everyone so completely that you really feel like part of the community. . It’s such a fantastic mix for those following the series, yet at the same time, set up in such a way that a new reader could easily pick up this novel and read it as a standalone.
Leda is one of my all-time favourite romance heroines. Her trials and self-doubts combine with a winning, outgoing personality into an individual that both captured my heart and made me laugh repeatedly. The slang in the dialogue is absolutely priceless. It makes Leda stand out even more than she already does.

I absolutely love this author. I don’t think that I’ve read a single piece of her work that hasn’t held me captive. This story definitely holds up to that standard. This novella may be short and sweet, but it definitely packs a punch.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Ally.Always.Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley for honest review.

When I finished this earlier today, I wasn't sure how to rate this. And even though I've had time to think it over, I still don't know.

I just feel like there wasn't really a story here. A twenty one year old girl, Leda and her eight month old daughter live in an add on at her friend's house. One day, she goes looking for her friend's dog at the neighbor's house only to run into his older brother, Eric. Well, Eric (a thirty two year old former rodeo dude) takes it upon himself to try and help out this young woman who he assumes needs someone to solve all her problems. She says she doesn't need help but does he listen? Of course not. He knows best. She clearly doesn't know how to run her own life so he is just going to fix everything. Yeah, right. It's frustrating to me that he doesn't listen. He's practically steamrolling her choices the whole book. And then around 75%, they go out to dinner (their first date, if you can even consider it a date) and they work everything and admit their undying feelings even though they haven't known each other that long and she hasn't been able to make her own choices. Whatever.

I just feel like this had a lot of potential and it didn't get anywhere. It was short and in my opinion, a little annoying. (Because he wouldn't let her make her own decisions.. I know I keep coming back to that but that was really the whole book.)

[Lisa]

I'm stumped on why this book didn't work for me. I felt like I was dropped into a story and didn't connect with Leda (I admit I was completed stumped by her name and the name of her baby tripped me up every time - Hera?). One minute Leda sounded level headed then she'd throw out a "dad-gummed" phrase or some other phrase that sounded like she didn't have a brain. So bizarre. Eric was more developed and I understood where he was coming from and his intensions. Unfortunately I found I just didn't care where their story was going.

Oh well can't win them all.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC for review

Very sweet, G rated love story. I think the dogs got it on more than the H/h. There was so much more that could have been done with their story it just seemed a little rushed to me. It was overall a very quick, sweet read.

[Brittany Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute! My favorite thing was the fact that there was a baby named Abel, and my son is named Abel! And you never hear that. Could have been twice as long. But there was something…something in the vibe that I liked. The country, spring feel, the casualness that reminded me of my real life. The only thing I didn’t care for was how I read about the narration of the lead female character. They were right. She was very annoying. If the narrator had made her more soft spoken, it could have been so much better. Also didn’t care for the boots she wore at the end. Just didn’t seem to fit with the story. So I feel like there was potential if a few things were changed and it was much longer. I’ll definitely be listening to one of the other stories next.

[Antonietta tesfaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light hearted romance with some lovable wacky characters. For a novella in the premise of a romcom, this author brings a very important and overlooked subject in some romance novel. We expect The rich, handsome cowboy next-door to save the poor, young girl next-door. But in fact, she doesn’t need saving. She needs understanding and acceptance and to have autonomy over herself. Great message pull through a fun loving
Romance novel.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to my issues with SCRIBD, I've become more dependent on Audible and thus have been going for Audible plus options that I might have otherwise passed over.Its becoming a learning ,horizon expanding experience with this adorable little gem a prime example! Not my usual fare to be sure,but nothing wrong with a sweet tooth nor with an equitable overflow of both testosterone and estrogen battling for equal time via its cute,sexy banter ,uplifting course correction and HEA!

[Guy's Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubbornness

Leda and Eric are both strong willed and headstrong. Determined to get their way. This story is sweet and clean as they both decide what they can’t live without. The narrator does a good job.

[Melissa Mireles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wtf? I was listening through audiobooks and I thought I had some how missed a whole section of the book. They barely knew each other and then suddenly he’s asking her to move in with him. The end. Literally! It has the very likable characters and I really wish there was more to the book but idk

[Claire Ingram · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A cute romance about the cowboy next door and a plucky single mum
Very hallmark with some female empowerment messages

[Judie Larabee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated a 3.2

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leda and Eric’s romance was fun because she’s a fiercely independent young single mother with a zany personality and he’s ten years older and is completely fascinated with her from their first combative meeting. Leda hails a heart of gold but she’s sworn off men and Eric’s interest in her is not something she wants. But the former rodeo cowboy turned sports agent won’t take no for an answer which made the story fun. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narration performance of Felicity Munroe.

[ysar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last thing Leda is looking for is a man in her life. Been there, done that, has the baby to prove it. Young and single, Leda's determined to take care of her daughter on her own, and so far, she's managing well. But when an old dog keeps wandering over to the neighbor's property, she has little choice but to get to know the handsome cowboy next door.

The Verdict: I have to say that this story surprised me. I think I went in expecting something more standard, but Leda is certainly not your typical country romance heroine, and while Eric might want to be her white knight, she's more than capable of handling things on her own. It was certainly a welcome departure from the typical stories I read.

At twenty-one, Leda has found herself trying to raise her infant daughter on her own. Thinking she was making a smart, pretty responsible decision, she fell head over heels for an older, stable man who wasn't nearly as committed as she thought he was. Now on her own, she's determined to give her daughter a wonderful life without any help or interference from the man who didn't bother to stick around.

Eric isn't looking for a relationship, either. But he's amused by and fascinated with Leda immediately upon meeting her. She's unlike anyone he's ever met, and he's certainly attracted to her, but she's got more baggage than he bargained for. A former bull rider, Eric's now an agent, used to getting the best options for his clients. And when he realizes Leda's not only lacking in moral support from her ex but also financial support, he wants to step up and help. That, of course, is when these two start becoming more involved than either of them intended.

While I never fully warmed to Leda, she was definitely one of the more interesting characters I've met in a story. She's spunky, capable, and — even though she's got some self-confidence issues as a result of her previous relationship — stronger than you'd expect. She's also managing rather well on her own, having worked out a good place to live, loyal friends, and a way to make her own way in the world. Eric is a good deal older than she is, though not enough that it's scandalous. And almost as soon as he realizes that she has no help from the ex, he wants to step in and fix it. However, Leda's not looking for someone to “magically” make things better, and it's not just because she's stubborn. She's actually doing just fine, even if things are a bit harder than they should be, and she'd rather forget her ex even exists than allow him into her daughter's life.

Their relationship starts out just as unconventional as the characters are, and without any contrived angst or unnecessary drama, they're a lot of fun. Leda's constantly throwing out ridiculous phrases in an effort to keep her language clean around her daughter, and I think I was just as amused as Eric was by her approach to things. Instead of the desperate, destitute, exhausted single mother one might expect, Leda finds joy in motherhood and making the best of what others would find an unfortunate situation.

The romance is instant attraction coupled with a subtle build of trust, and Leda's insecurities get in the way for a while, but the wait is both entertaining and well worth it. Their fun banter and often opposing headstrong ways makes for an interesting dynamic that makes their eventual romance seem more genuine that what I normally find in books. All in all, The Cowboy Next Door, is a great read, with characters that defy the tired old standard and deliver the kind of happily ever after you can imagine happening in real life.

This review was originally written for:

***FicCentral received this book from The Romance Reviews for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Cary Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Review originally posted to Author Unpublished.

If you’re looking for a funny, light-hearted, contemporary romance, look no further. The Cowboy Next Door by Roxanne Snopek is the hilarious tongue-in-cheek tale of true love found in all the wrong places. Leda, the book’s main female lead is a bubbly, potty-mouthed girl with a whole lot of spunk, and a lack of good judgment when it comes to men. Eric is the older ex-rodeo star cowboy living next door… and together they make one of the sweetest, puppy-love romances I’ve ever read.

To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled with the couple at first. Eric saw Leda as little more than a sexy cheerleader, barefoot and babe at her breast. He came across as a little ridiculous and dreamy considering his age and experience. It was easy to tell that in a previous life, he had probably been a little bit of a love ‘em and leave ‘em type and maybe a bit of a poetic romantic—though that was never outright stated. Despite the fact that he thought Leda was little more than a teen the first time he met her, he was ogling her assets—and it sent me on edge from the start.

Leda, on the other hand, is probably one of my favorite caricatures—and yes, I mean, caricature… not character. She had an over-the-top small-town southern charm (despite not being from the south) and let loose an array of colorful swear words that would make anyone giggle. She was bold, brassy, and full of spunk in the best ways—and she was a certifiable mamma-bear when it came down to it. A lot of bark came with the petite package that was Leda, and I loved every minute of her presence in the book. Together, Eric and Leda had a flirty banter-filled romance that was endearing and fun.

As for the technical side of things, the book was well written. As with all of Ms. Snopek’s work, the book wasn’t plagued with a ton of errors. The narrative was clean, easy-to-follow, and well placed. The romance was sizzling without being vulgar or overly flowery, and although the plot was restricted solely to the romance (which is fine.. sometimes you want a quick romance-filled read that isn’t tangled in political drama and thrilling sub-plots), the book was engaging.

The only point of contention for me was that the romance did move a little quickly near the end of the book. This isn’t a long book—I read through it in one short afternoon, so it’s hard to hold the quick pace of the narrative against it, but generally I do like my romances to simmer a little before it gets down to the stable romance part. Eric and Leda went one ONE date before they were declaring their ever-lasting love. It was still believable, after all, Leda and Eric were the type of couple that fell into ridiculously sappy love very quickly—this wasn’t out of character for them—but I would have liked things to progress a little more slowly personally.

Overall? I loved the book. It isn’t the end-all-be-all of the romance genre, but it’s a good book. If you’re looking for a heart-rending tension-filled romance, this isn’t going to be it… but if you’re looking for a quick, sunshine-filled heartwarming romance, this would be a great one for you to sink a few hours into. I’d be happy to recommend it.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE COWBOY NEXT DOOR ROXANNE SNOPEK
This Old House, Book 3
Love’s worth more than being right.

When single mother Leda Plett – who’s doing just fine on her own, thank you very much – goes next door to retrieve her wandering pooch, she doesn’t expect to find the neighbor’s handsome brother lounging about like he owns the place. She certainly doesn’t expect him to go after the deadbeat who abandoned her. She’s not looking for a know-it-all white knight with long, lean muscles and a sexy smile. He’s hot, but she’s already been burned.

Rodeo-star turned agent Eric Anders is used to managing people, especially irresponsible males, and he can’t stand it that some jerk has left Leda high and dry. Clearly, the boots-and-sundress wearing mouthy mama needs someone on her side. He could change her life, if only she would let him. And it has nothing to do with the fact that her sparkly exterior hides a spirit that is as sweet as it is strong – and irresistible.

In fact, Leda is more mature than her years. She feels the weight of her mistakes, and wants only to make sure her daughter doesn’t suffer for them. Eric’s hot gaze makes her weak in the knees but Leda’s track record with men is as bad as it is short. Can she trust the cowboy next door?

When Eric’s well-intentioned actions inadvertently reveal a shameful secret from Leda’s past, he realizes she never needed him at all. As he watches her rise above the humiliation, he knows he must find a way to make it up to her, or risk losing the one girl he now can’t live without.
how did Eric Anders and Leda Plett meet?
Leda know Eric's brother what is his brother name?
Leda has a baby. what is the baby name?
Melinda and Austin have a child is the child a boy or girl?
will Eric Anders and Leda Plett be more than friends?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
Eric knows he must find a way to make it up to her, or risk losing the one girl he now can’t live without.who is the girl?
THE COWBOY NEXT DOOR ROXANNE SNOPEK is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I highly recommend reading THE COWBOY NEXT DOOR ROXANNE SNOPEK.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
more books by ROXANNE SNOPEK
Montana Homecoming
(Montana Born Homecoming)
A Sweet Montana Christmas
(Montana Born Christmas, book 6)
A Very Marietta Christmas
Three River Ranch
1. Three River Ranch
2. His Reluctant Rancher
3. Fake Fiance, Real Revenge
3.5. Saving the Sheriff
4. Resisting the Rancher

This Old House series
Book 1: Finding Home
Book 2: A Sweet Montana Christmas
Book 3: The Cowboy Next Door

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very funny, short and sweet story. I found myself laughing in the cafeteria of the hospital I work at and realized I was laughing by myself in a public place with a few people giving me odd looks. That’s how much it sucked me in!

Leda is cute and sassy and decides to use other words instead of known profanities so her daughter won’t learn her bad habits. These words just had me laughing. She is well aware that she has very little in life except for her baby daughter Hera, a high school graduation and her friends Austin and Melinda Sweet who took her in and have built on to her house to accommodate her since she has nowhere to go. She works hard there being a bee keeper,babysitting for the Sweet's, and watching out for Melinda’s old dog Jackson who keeps going over to the next door neighbor’s house.

That’s how Leda meets Eric. She is looking for the dog and finds him with her neighbor’s girl dog. Leda walks around like she owns the place and tells Eric that there will be no shenanigans between these 2 dogs. The shenanigans continue despite Leda trying to watch Jackson(the dog). Eric doesn’t have a problem with the dog's hanging out and it gives him opportunity to keep seeing Leda.

Eric has money and is settling in with his brother Chad. Eric is working on settling on the land with his brother. He is all business most of the time. When he meets Leda, who is much younger than him, he can’t help but admire her spunk and determination to be better. Eric realizes way late that Leda wants to be independent and doesn’t want anyone taking care of her business. He keeps trying to do whatever it takes to get her! And he finds himself falling quickly for her.

It’s a short read. If you like laughter, independent women, helping others, getting over humiliation with some dignity and some sweet romance than this might be for you!

Favorite quote – “He kisses you like you’re the sweetest thing to ever cross his path and what do you do? You take off like a bat out of Hellman’s mayonnaise with no explanation, just “Thanks! Gotta go!””

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first, the cover is misleading. The book is set during the summer and our female lead spends her days in sun dresses and halter tops out in the sunshine. There is only 1 tiny scene where our male lead puts together a small fire while they set in the middle of a field near sunset. I get a bit of a twitch when the cover doesn't match the story, so I am giving everyone a straight up warning ahead of time.

Okay, that out of the way, I thought this was an adorable story. Leda is spunky, funny, strong-willed and full of bravado. She has her life mapped out and knows what she wants and goes after it. Her number one priority? Her little girl Hera. For Hera, Leda works hard to make a better life for the two of them. Including developing quite the colorful vocabulary of substitute curse words, because she doesn't want her daughter growing up with a trailer trash mouth like she did. During several of her rants I couldn't help but grin.

Eric has just moved in next door and is staying with his brother. Eric is an agent who truly only wants the best for the people he represents. He's confident that he knows what is best for people and does his best to arrange things how he wants them. When Eric meets Leda for the first time he is fascinated by her. The two of them clash against each other like a flint against steel... creating plenty of sparks.

There was some steam, but very little heat. This just wasn't that kind of story. The author kept the pace fast and the book flew by. There is a sweet doggy romance that I couldn't help but smile over. I didn't read the first two books in the series, and though there was some allusion to a previous book, it didn't detract from this story. My biggest complaint is the mismatched cover. This probably would have been 4 stars, but the cover just nags at me. Overall, 3 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the book.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an e-ARC of The Cowboy Next Door from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on The Cowboy Next Door. No true spoilers, promise.


What is it about guys that they have to FIX THINGS! Why? I do not get it. The men in my life do the same thing and it drives me insane. If I wanted “it” fixed I would have asked.

Okay, that’s out of my system. :)

In The Cowboy Next Door we have a charming, short but intense love story. Sometimes novellas have the best basic story, and sometimes I would really have liked to see them bloom into a full length novel. This was one of those times – although the story fit just fine as it was – I always want more of the good ones.

Can I just say from the very start – I adore Leda. She stands up for herself, her baby and takes no nonsense from any man. She doesn’t need saving – she’s saved herself and her baby already. Maybe she could use a partner – but this girl didn’t need a white knight on a purebred charger to rescue her. At least that’s my take on her. Sure she’s had some hard times, we all make mistakes in love but she’s building a life for her little one and doesn’t need a man to come in and just take over.

Eric is charming, self-assured and completely convinced that he knows what is best in any situation. I don’t want to call him arrogant, because that isn’t it… but he is damned sure of himself and needs to make things right – the way he sees as right.

This is a novella you simply have to read for yourself. It’s charming, funny, sexy and satisfying. Leda and Eric work so well together, and their conversations will be sure to bring a smile to your face. She’s just so.. sassy-charming all at once.

When you want a quick, totally engaging story – look for The Cowboy Next Door. You won’t be disappointed, in my opinion.

4 outta 5 rating.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed all the Montana Born books that I’ve read so far so, including ‘A Sweet Montana Christmas’ by this author, so when this was offered for review I jumped at the chance - and I wasn’t disappointed! This author writes heart warming stories where something has gone wrong in the lives of the characters that love will help heal and they have all reflected that she must have a great sense of humour, too!

In this book single Mum, Leda Plett, is independent, vocal and certainly isn’t looking for any knight in shining armour to come to her rescue. Actually, in the beginning she’s out looking for her dog, Jackson, and she walks in on her neighbour’s house to find not her neighbour but his brother there. He thinks she should be in school and is desperate to resist the immediate attraction he feels to her. Mind you , she’s mouthy and certainly makes her views known to him! I like how their dogs seem to be helping to conspire to bring the two of them together throughout the book!

When he finds out something about her past, Eric is very well intentioned. He actually wants to help her but keeps managing to act first and think later - so pays the consequences! She doesn’t want him deciding what’s best for her and lets him know in no uncertain terms.

The chemistry is rampant between the two, though both are wary. Will love find a way? Well of course, this is a great romance story after all! However, don’t expect things to go smoothly in this funny, entertaining story with well rounded characters in a great setting. Definitely a great read and the ending will have you smiling, if not laughing out loud at the sassy lass!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a sample of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from the Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am an avid romantic suspense reader; the books I read usually have serious and often dark plots. I also love western romances that are serious with some suspense in it. However, this book falls into neither category.

In spite of that, I loved this book. Usually after reading very serious books, I find it necessary to choose light and fluffy books that can be read quickly and for fun. The Cowboy Next Door fits into this category. It is a fun romance about Leda and Eric. Leda is 21 and single with no husband and no job. She is taken in by friends Melinda and Austin who have given her a place to live. Eric is Chad's brother who lives next door to Leda. Chad is training her for a very unusual type of career.

I enjoyed this book because Leda is a very strong woman who intends to live on her own and not be considered a victim even though the father of her child is a jerk. And, even though Eric does have some older views of women (he is much older than Leda), Leda's strength and independence eventually becomnes as important to him as it is to Leda.

This is the third book in a series, and it is obvious that Melinda and Austin's story was told in a former book. However, I did not feel lost in the story at all. The only thing I did feel is that I want to read the first two books. This is a new author for me, and I plan to read her other books also because sometimes readers just need something light, funny and romantic for those times when we need to get away from the problems of the world.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Next Door takes on the serious side of life with humor, a positive attitude and a little help from friends. I was happily impressed that Mel and Austin from Sweet Montana Christmas are continuing to help Leda. They had a lot of help getting the farm back into shape from others. Now they are doing the same with Leda. I love that this is a prominent part of these connected stories, as well as seeing her thrive in a loving and respectful climate.

Speaking of Leda, she may be Montana born and bred but she would fit right in my Southern small town with her sass, and grit. In fact, she has it down to an art form. Then when Roxanne Snopek added charm to this young mother’s repertoire, she becomes irresistible. I don’t think Eric really had any chance of not falling completely head over heels in love with both her and baby Hera.

Eric is a true gentleman, with the side characteristics of being pushy and bossy. This could have bothered me except for when called on it by Leda, he responds with grace. Many male’s fragile egos couldn’t have taken it. Seeing how he does makes him irresistible too.

This well-developed sweet story shows that there are no pat answers to the situations of life. Eric is struck on only on solution for Leda but Leda proves another is best for her. Not what I thought would happen, which made this a lesson in keeping your priorities straight, which Leda does.

It’s not a long novella, I read it in one evening and was sorry to see it end.

NetGalley provided a copy.

[Defying Tradition Allisia Wysong · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book we meet Leda a pregnant young women that is determined to do right by her baby. She is full of fire and spunk and grabs out hearts. In this book we get to know more about her and her past, find out how her child is growing too. She is living with Malinda and Austin and helping out with the farm. She loves it a feels at home, even begins to feel good about were her life is headed. That is until she goes next door and meets Eric Anders.
Eric is older than Leda and feels he is wiser too. He tries to take control out of her hands. He thinks he knows what she needs and how to give it to her. You know the type, prideful, controlling, doesn’t listen, lol. This is Eric, or at least part of his character. Eric tries to ignore the longing and desire he feels for Leda because of their age difference as does Leda. Sometime though we have to look at the person not the age or their faults.
The Cowboy Next Door shows that we all have flaws and we all have things we wish we could fix about ourselves. We have people in our lives that have told us lies about who they think we are. Leda was told she was ordinary and would never be anything important to anyone. So she believed it, she wanted more for her daughter though. Eric had a rough childhood and grew up wanting to ‘fix’ other people’s lives so they would live better. He meant well but went about it wrong with Leda. This book demonstrates that if we can learn to accept people for who they are and look for the good not the bad, Love can sine through a lot brighter.

[Book Gannet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! This was a pleasant, easy read from the familiar Marietta setting. Leda is a young single mother who is trying to make the most of what life has handed to her, while Eric is a man in limbo, transitioning from his old life to… well, he doesn’t quite know yet. When they meet in his brother’s kitchen neither of them is looking for romance – short term or long – but there is a definite attraction. Once Eric hears Leda’s story, he’s determined to help her out – whether she wants him to or not. And so begins the battle of wills.

I found Leda a bit too prickly for my tastes at first, I have to admit, while Eric was a tiny bit pompous. She’s determined to prove to everyone how strong and capable she is, leaving no room for advice or outside help, while Eric is so certain he’s always right. They’re quite sharp with each other, especially at the start. Leda doesn’t want anything to do with any man, especially one so bossy as Eric, while he’s convinced Leda is too young for him. Yet somehow, and I’m still not entirely sure how, they ended up growing closer.

With lighter moments provided by Leda’s creative attempts not to swear and the love-lorn adventures of the two dogs, this is a sweet book. I’m not entirely convinced by the relationship between these two, but it was a quick, easy read. Nice enough for an evening's escape.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)