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Cowboys Of The Rio Grande #3
A Cowboy's Claim
A DIFFERENT KIND OF HERO
Everyone knows Victor Vicario—he's the scarred loner who's on his way to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. But no one knows about the guilt that drives him. And until he achieves his goal, there's no room in his life for attachments.
So when Vic is given temporary custody of his young nephew, he is torn. He can't turn his back on family, but how can he look after a kid when he's traveling the rodeo circuit? Then he runs into feisty barrel racer Tanya McGee and makes her an offer. She helps him with Alex, and he'll pay her rodeo expenses. The problem is their little "family" starts to feel all too real.
Everyone knows Victor Vicario—he's the scarred loner who's on his way to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. But no one knows about the guilt that drives him. And until he achieves his goal, there's no room in his life for attachments.
So when Vic is given temporary custody of his young nephew, he is torn. He can't turn his back on family, but how can he look after a kid when he's traveling the rodeo circuit? Then he runs into feisty barrel racer Tanya McGee and makes her an offer. She helps him with Alex, and he'll pay her rodeo expenses. The problem is their little "family" starts to feel all too real.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
8 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Marin Thomas
108 books672 followersWelcome to my corner of Goodreads!
I was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. I played D-I Basketball for the University of Arizona in Tucson then married my college sweetheart in a five-minute ceremony in Las Vegas. My husband and I are empty nesters living in Phoenix, Arizona.
I've written two women's fiction novels for Berkley Books and contemporary romances for Harlequin Books and Tule Publishing. To date I've published over 40 books. My women's fiction novel, The Promise of Forgiveness, won First Place in the 2017 Book Buyer's Best contest. My second novel, The Future She Left Behind was featured on Southern Living "Books we can't wait to read this fall" list and "was the Award Winner in the "Fiction: Chick Lit/Women's Lit" category of the 2017 Best Book Awards."
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I was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. I played D-I Basketball for the University of Arizona in Tucson then married my college sweetheart in a five-minute ceremony in Las Vegas. My husband and I are empty nesters living in Phoenix, Arizona.
I've written two women's fiction novels for Berkley Books and contemporary romances for Harlequin Books and Tule Publishing. To date I've published over 40 books. My women's fiction novel, The Promise of Forgiveness, won First Place in the 2017 Book Buyer's Best contest. My second novel, The Future She Left Behind was featured on Southern Living "Books we can't wait to read this fall" list and "was the Award Winner in the "Fiction: Chick Lit/Women's Lit" category of the 2017 Best Book Awards."
Come hang out with me...
FB https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marin-...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marinthomas...
Keep up to date on all my writing news, travels and my obsession with Route 66 sign up for my Newsletter at https://www.marinthomas.com/sign-up-f...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 28, 2016
Very good book. I have been waiting for my chance to read Vic's story and it did not disappoint. Vic is one of three friends who grew up in the barios of Albuquerque. All of them had rotten childhoods, but Vic wears the scars of his on the outside. These days he is a rodeo bronc rider, doing his best to make it to the Finals in Vegas. He has a goal to win, and until he does there is no room in his life for anything else. Then he gets a call that his four year old nephew needs him. He's never met the boy, but he can't ignore him. So he takes Alex on the road with him, not realizing the challenges he will face.
Tanya is a barrel racer putting in her last season of competition. Her previous season ended when she was in an accident that took her a year to recover from. She wants to end on a high note, but she is having issues with her horse and is almost out of resources to continue. A chance encounter with Vic has him offering to help her continue competing if she will help him take care of Alex.
There were times in this book, and throughout the series, that I thought Vic was really selfish. It was his actions that got his friend Cruz sent to prison (A Cowboy's Redemption). He also avoided his old friends and ignored their attempts to reconnect with him. In this book, his quest to make the Finals seemed to come before everything else, including proper care of Alex. Instead, he takes the boy on the road with him, spending long hours on the road, staying in different towns and cheap motels every night. But partway through the book, his motivation is finally revealed, and I felt much more sympathetic toward him. I also loved how devoted he was to helping Alex. The boy had had a very traumatic life so far, and Vic is determined to make it better. Because of his own past he has a greater understanding of his nephew and his problems. I loved his patience in helping Alex overcome his fears.
His relationship with Tanya was a complicated one. He doesn't do relationships because of his intense focus. But from the moment he met her, he hasn't been able to get her off his mind. A hookup with her right before he found out about Alex scared him with the way he connected with her. He knows he should avoid her because of the distraction, but she's also the only one he is willing to trust with Alex's welfare. As he offers her a deal, he hopes he can keep his mind on his goal. It doesn't take long before their partnership starts to show results in Alex's behavior. But Vic can't allow himself to think of a future with Tanya and Alex when he doesn't know how or when his quest is going to end.
Tanya finds it very easy to fall for both Alex and Vic. In spite of his fearsome appearance and reputation, she sees the good in Vic. She would like nothing better than a future with both of them, but she's been burned once before. She's not so sure she can trust him with her heart, but she can't stop herself from giving it to him anyway. I loved how she got him to open up to her about his past, his motivations, and his hopes for Alex. Her support of him and his goals was just what he needed.
I loved the ending as everyone came together at the Finals in Vegas. I was just as nervous as Vic and Tanya as I waited to see how the competition would go. The scene under the bleachers between Vic and Cruz was heartfelt and incredibly moving. The emotion was intense, with just the right bit of lightness added to keep it from being too much. The icing on the cake was the follow on scene between Vic and Tanya. I loved her reaction to his question, which just showed that she had no trouble going after what she wanted. I see great things for him now that he has been able to let go of the past.
Tanya is a barrel racer putting in her last season of competition. Her previous season ended when she was in an accident that took her a year to recover from. She wants to end on a high note, but she is having issues with her horse and is almost out of resources to continue. A chance encounter with Vic has him offering to help her continue competing if she will help him take care of Alex.
There were times in this book, and throughout the series, that I thought Vic was really selfish. It was his actions that got his friend Cruz sent to prison (A Cowboy's Redemption). He also avoided his old friends and ignored their attempts to reconnect with him. In this book, his quest to make the Finals seemed to come before everything else, including proper care of Alex. Instead, he takes the boy on the road with him, spending long hours on the road, staying in different towns and cheap motels every night. But partway through the book, his motivation is finally revealed, and I felt much more sympathetic toward him. I also loved how devoted he was to helping Alex. The boy had had a very traumatic life so far, and Vic is determined to make it better. Because of his own past he has a greater understanding of his nephew and his problems. I loved his patience in helping Alex overcome his fears.
His relationship with Tanya was a complicated one. He doesn't do relationships because of his intense focus. But from the moment he met her, he hasn't been able to get her off his mind. A hookup with her right before he found out about Alex scared him with the way he connected with her. He knows he should avoid her because of the distraction, but she's also the only one he is willing to trust with Alex's welfare. As he offers her a deal, he hopes he can keep his mind on his goal. It doesn't take long before their partnership starts to show results in Alex's behavior. But Vic can't allow himself to think of a future with Tanya and Alex when he doesn't know how or when his quest is going to end.
Tanya finds it very easy to fall for both Alex and Vic. In spite of his fearsome appearance and reputation, she sees the good in Vic. She would like nothing better than a future with both of them, but she's been burned once before. She's not so sure she can trust him with her heart, but she can't stop herself from giving it to him anyway. I loved how she got him to open up to her about his past, his motivations, and his hopes for Alex. Her support of him and his goals was just what he needed.
I loved the ending as everyone came together at the Finals in Vegas. I was just as nervous as Vic and Tanya as I waited to see how the competition would go. The scene under the bleachers between Vic and Cruz was heartfelt and incredibly moving. The emotion was intense, with just the right bit of lightness added to keep it from being too much. The icing on the cake was the follow on scene between Vic and Tanya. I loved her reaction to his question, which just showed that she had no trouble going after what she wanted. I see great things for him now that he has been able to let go of the past.
July 25, 2020
Pretty good in terms of character development (for Harlequin). I liked Victor and Tanya (well, duh!) and the sexual tension between the two. Story was surprisingly interesting, in a watered down way, touching on adoption, broken homes, drug addicted single mum...and I can't remember the rest but enough to give it a solid 3 stars. If I re-read the book I would probably give it 2. I'm re-living the feels for when I first read it!
April 4, 2016
Driven by guilt, and the ghost of his past, Victor's life gets turned upside down, by a little boy, and the one woman who doesn't see his scars.
There's a raw taste of real life in this story, life hasn't been a fairy tale either Victor or Tanya. Tanya left her cheating husband, was in a serious accident, and after gruelling physical therapy, she's back at the rodeo again. Victor's beginning of life was rough by any means of measurement. He survived, many didn't. His guilty feelings of past events had driven him into the rodeo road, and he knows he has to win the championship, to be able to get redemption.
The loneliness of the road drew them together, but as soon as the euphoria of the night in between the sheets cools off, there are complications, a roadblock Victor never thought of, little Alex needs a guardian.
I enjoyed how real, true to life, things get into the story. Life isn't easy, there are things that happen that no one plans ahead, and circumstances beyond our control take place.
Victor is a true hero, even though he would never say, or see, it himself. Under the gruff behavior, is a man with a heart of gold. His caring of Alex, the way they bond, slowly getting to know each other, and learning about each other, is heartwarming.
Tanya and Victor might not start their relationship in the best possible way, and their circumstances might not be perfect, but the connection is real, the attraction is palpable, and they are making the best out of the situation they find themselves in. How they both are making the effort for Alex's sake, and form a family unit, is commendable, and rather adorable at times.
The story also gets more into the sport side of rodeo, giving a real picture of the competition, the danger of injury, long drives, hectic travelling, lonely nights in the motels or on the road, homeless lifestyle, that seems somehow addictive to those taking part in it.
Specific, actual rodeo life on the road, where loneliness draw two people together, but it is love that holds them tied to each other. Where family is a matter of heart, and forgiveness and redemption are a matter of asking for it.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
There's a raw taste of real life in this story, life hasn't been a fairy tale either Victor or Tanya. Tanya left her cheating husband, was in a serious accident, and after gruelling physical therapy, she's back at the rodeo again. Victor's beginning of life was rough by any means of measurement. He survived, many didn't. His guilty feelings of past events had driven him into the rodeo road, and he knows he has to win the championship, to be able to get redemption.
The loneliness of the road drew them together, but as soon as the euphoria of the night in between the sheets cools off, there are complications, a roadblock Victor never thought of, little Alex needs a guardian.
I enjoyed how real, true to life, things get into the story. Life isn't easy, there are things that happen that no one plans ahead, and circumstances beyond our control take place.
Victor is a true hero, even though he would never say, or see, it himself. Under the gruff behavior, is a man with a heart of gold. His caring of Alex, the way they bond, slowly getting to know each other, and learning about each other, is heartwarming.
Tanya and Victor might not start their relationship in the best possible way, and their circumstances might not be perfect, but the connection is real, the attraction is palpable, and they are making the best out of the situation they find themselves in. How they both are making the effort for Alex's sake, and form a family unit, is commendable, and rather adorable at times.
The story also gets more into the sport side of rodeo, giving a real picture of the competition, the danger of injury, long drives, hectic travelling, lonely nights in the motels or on the road, homeless lifestyle, that seems somehow addictive to those taking part in it.
Specific, actual rodeo life on the road, where loneliness draw two people together, but it is love that holds them tied to each other. Where family is a matter of heart, and forgiveness and redemption are a matter of asking for it.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
February 3, 2016
A Cowboy's Claim By Marin Thomas
NetGalley,Arc
"Yikes, Yahoo, Yum" ~~ Sookie Stackhouse
Everybody by now should no i'm avid reader for years, and I am Massive sucker for a cowboy!!
I love this genre, it would have to be on of my fav things to read about other then PNR.
Vic Vicario is a Sexy Bull Rider, *Helllloo RODEO*
Vic has come from a rough childhood, and his family are a train wreck, from a junkie of a mother, to a prostitute sister.
Something awful happened to him when he was 16 and has never really gotten over it.
His motto is The Rodeo comes before pleasure!!
Tanya McGee, was once married to a man-whore cheating douche Beau Billings, And
has been burned, she just wants to do one more circuit of barrel racing. One last goodbye from the sport. Before she heads home and continues training Appaloosas.
Her horse named Slingshot is a cheeky and a hard headed.
A Stormy night in Houston started it all for these two!!
Tanya is intrigued by Vic, and Vic cant shake the auburn hair girl out of his thoughts!
Then there is this Sweet little innocent boy named Alex, my gosh my heart breaks for him.
hes only 4 and he has been threw so much in his little life so far.
Vic's mum who has been taking some kind of care of him.. until she goes missing.
His sister,is in Jail. So that only leaves Vic to care for his little Nephew who will not Talk, Show Emotions.. Until he meets Tanya and and learns to accept Vic isn't going to leave him. he starts to come out of his little shell, with with help of Tanya and Vic.
A book about Love, Acceptance and Letting go of your past.
This is one to read, I adore the cover and just had to read.
I am so very pleased i got the chance to.
I really enjoyed my first Marin Thomas book, and it will not be my last, it didn't even occur to me that this was part of a series. well you couldn't even tell!!
4 Stars
Reviewed By Ang
PNR Book Lover Reviews
https://www.facebook.com/PNRBookLover...
NetGalley,Arc
"Yikes, Yahoo, Yum" ~~ Sookie Stackhouse
Everybody by now should no i'm avid reader for years, and I am Massive sucker for a cowboy!!
I love this genre, it would have to be on of my fav things to read about other then PNR.
Vic Vicario is a Sexy Bull Rider, *Helllloo RODEO*
Vic has come from a rough childhood, and his family are a train wreck, from a junkie of a mother, to a prostitute sister.
Something awful happened to him when he was 16 and has never really gotten over it.
His motto is The Rodeo comes before pleasure!!
Tanya McGee, was once married to a man-whore cheating douche Beau Billings, And
has been burned, she just wants to do one more circuit of barrel racing. One last goodbye from the sport. Before she heads home and continues training Appaloosas.
Her horse named Slingshot is a cheeky and a hard headed.
A Stormy night in Houston started it all for these two!!
Tanya is intrigued by Vic, and Vic cant shake the auburn hair girl out of his thoughts!
Then there is this Sweet little innocent boy named Alex, my gosh my heart breaks for him.
hes only 4 and he has been threw so much in his little life so far.
Vic's mum who has been taking some kind of care of him.. until she goes missing.
His sister,is in Jail. So that only leaves Vic to care for his little Nephew who will not Talk, Show Emotions.. Until he meets Tanya and and learns to accept Vic isn't going to leave him. he starts to come out of his little shell, with with help of Tanya and Vic.
A book about Love, Acceptance and Letting go of your past.
This is one to read, I adore the cover and just had to read.
I am so very pleased i got the chance to.
I really enjoyed my first Marin Thomas book, and it will not be my last, it didn't even occur to me that this was part of a series. well you couldn't even tell!!
4 Stars
Reviewed By Ang
PNR Book Lover Reviews
https://www.facebook.com/PNRBookLover...
June 9, 2016
***4.5 Stars***
This was a great read, a love story not only between a man and a woman but between them individually and a small child. I began this late yesterday evening and couldn't put it down. I have to say it was such a pleasure to read what I consider a sweet book. No tremendous angst and no separation of the H and h in their relationship.
Victor Vicario was a visibly scarred man and kept unto himself. His childhood had been disastrous and people always stared at the horrific scar etched across his face. The scar was bad enough that many were scared of him. He didn't have a girlfriend, no room for a relationship because he focused all his time and energy into winning all his events leading up to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. Oh, there had been women on the road but it didn't read like he was a man-whore. He lacks a love for rodeo but does it out of guilt and for the redemption he seeks.
One night on his way to another state, another rodeo he pulls off the road to help a stranded driver pulling a horse trailer. It is there he finally introduces himself to the lovely Tanya McGee, a barrel racer on her final year of competition. He turns down the coffee she bought him after he changed her tire but runs into her again a short while later at another rodeo.
They begin chatting and they're both definitely interested in each other but Vic tries to play it cool. They have dinner and dance ending up back at his hotel at her request. When she awakes the next morning he has gone without awaking her. She is left without a vehicle since she rode with him and when she finds fifty dollars left for her on the nightstand for a taxi she is infuriated. She feels like a paid-for-sex woman and is heartbroken and angry. She thought he was different. She'd been wrong before.
The next time she runs into Victor at a rodeo he has a young boy with him. His sister's child that his mother was raising.
This was a great read, a love story not only between a man and a woman but between them individually and a small child. I began this late yesterday evening and couldn't put it down. I have to say it was such a pleasure to read what I consider a sweet book. No tremendous angst and no separation of the H and h in their relationship.
Victor Vicario was a visibly scarred man and kept unto himself. His childhood had been disastrous and people always stared at the horrific scar etched across his face. The scar was bad enough that many were scared of him. He didn't have a girlfriend, no room for a relationship because he focused all his time and energy into winning all his events leading up to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. Oh, there had been women on the road but it didn't read like he was a man-whore. He lacks a love for rodeo but does it out of guilt and for the redemption he seeks.
One night on his way to another state, another rodeo he pulls off the road to help a stranded driver pulling a horse trailer. It is there he finally introduces himself to the lovely Tanya McGee, a barrel racer on her final year of competition. He turns down the coffee she bought him after he changed her tire but runs into her again a short while later at another rodeo.
They begin chatting and they're both definitely interested in each other but Vic tries to play it cool. They have dinner and dance ending up back at his hotel at her request. When she awakes the next morning he has gone without awaking her. She is left without a vehicle since she rode with him and when she finds fifty dollars left for her on the nightstand for a taxi she is infuriated. She feels like a paid-for-sex woman and is heartbroken and angry. She thought he was different. She'd been wrong before.
The next time she runs into Victor at a rodeo he has a young boy with him. His sister's child that his mother was raising.
May 4, 2016
Shelly's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
This is book 3 in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande, but I read it as a stand-alone and found it a great book to read. The feisty barrel racer, the quiet, loner bronc rider and the young Alex who doesn’t say much but brings this crazy group together.
Victor comes from a broken past and a drive to win the NFR Finals in Vegas. Little does everyone know what drives him to want to win the buckle. He is competing all over, but when he is given custody of his young nephew, he can’t seem to turn his back on the little guy, when he knows what he is going through and wants better for him.
Tanya is looking to end her rodeo career on a high note, not the way she had to end it when she was in an accident, but money is running out and her stubborn horse doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, so when Victor makes her an offer she can’t refuse, she becomes a little family she didn’t think would happen.
While traveling they both come to learn things about themselves and what is driving them to keep on competing and end on their own terms.
Being read as a stand alone, I enjoyed the twist and turns the book brought and how families come together in all forms, not just by blood.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
This is book 3 in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande, but I read it as a stand-alone and found it a great book to read. The feisty barrel racer, the quiet, loner bronc rider and the young Alex who doesn’t say much but brings this crazy group together.
Victor comes from a broken past and a drive to win the NFR Finals in Vegas. Little does everyone know what drives him to want to win the buckle. He is competing all over, but when he is given custody of his young nephew, he can’t seem to turn his back on the little guy, when he knows what he is going through and wants better for him.
Tanya is looking to end her rodeo career on a high note, not the way she had to end it when she was in an accident, but money is running out and her stubborn horse doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, so when Victor makes her an offer she can’t refuse, she becomes a little family she didn’t think would happen.
While traveling they both come to learn things about themselves and what is driving them to keep on competing and end on their own terms.
Being read as a stand alone, I enjoyed the twist and turns the book brought and how families come together in all forms, not just by blood.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
January 26, 2016
Victor comes from a broken past and a drive to win the NFR Finals in Vegas. Little does everyone know what drives him to want to win the buckle. He is competing all over, but when he is given custody of his young nephew, he can’t seem to turn his back on the little guy, when he knows what he is going through and wants better for him.
Tanya is looking to end her rodeo career on a high note, not the way she had to end it when she was in an accident, but money is running out and her stubborn horse doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, so when Victor makes her an offer she can’t refuse, she becomes a little family she didn’t think would happen.
While traveling they both come to learn things about themselves and what is driving them to keep on competing and end on their own terms.
This is book 3 in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande, but I read it as a stand-alone and found it a great book to read. The feisty barrel racer, the quiet, loner bronc rider and the young Alex who doesn’t say much but brings this crazy group together. Being read as a stand alone, I enjoyed the twist and turns the book brought and how families come together in all forms, not just by blood.
Tanya is looking to end her rodeo career on a high note, not the way she had to end it when she was in an accident, but money is running out and her stubborn horse doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, so when Victor makes her an offer she can’t refuse, she becomes a little family she didn’t think would happen.
While traveling they both come to learn things about themselves and what is driving them to keep on competing and end on their own terms.
This is book 3 in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande, but I read it as a stand-alone and found it a great book to read. The feisty barrel racer, the quiet, loner bronc rider and the young Alex who doesn’t say much but brings this crazy group together. Being read as a stand alone, I enjoyed the twist and turns the book brought and how families come together in all forms, not just by blood.
Read
April 28, 2016Riding for Love
Vic has a mission. Win a world championship. And he doesn't want or need anything to divert his focus. But when he and fellow rodeo girl, Tanya hook up he just can't get her out of his mind. And that's never happened before. But they are doomed before they can ever see where it can go. He has to take temporary custody of the 5 yr old nephew he has never seen. And with him on the road gunning for a championships gonna need all the help he can get.
Tanya has one last chance at rodeo. If she doesn't keep in the money she goes home for good. And after Vic takes off after their one night together she is down on her luck in more ways than one. Then she sees him and he offers a way for her to continue. Help with his nephew Alex, and he will cover her expenses. It seems like the perfect solution. Only the more time they're together the more they want. And with everything on the line, can Vic commit to anything with her or Alex or will rodeo always be first in his life?
Really loved this series!!
Vic has a mission. Win a world championship. And he doesn't want or need anything to divert his focus. But when he and fellow rodeo girl, Tanya hook up he just can't get her out of his mind. And that's never happened before. But they are doomed before they can ever see where it can go. He has to take temporary custody of the 5 yr old nephew he has never seen. And with him on the road gunning for a championships gonna need all the help he can get.
Tanya has one last chance at rodeo. If she doesn't keep in the money she goes home for good. And after Vic takes off after their one night together she is down on her luck in more ways than one. Then she sees him and he offers a way for her to continue. Help with his nephew Alex, and he will cover her expenses. It seems like the perfect solution. Only the more time they're together the more they want. And with everything on the line, can Vic commit to anything with her or Alex or will rodeo always be first in his life?
Really loved this series!!
April 1, 2016
3 STARS
This is the third of the Cowboys Of The Rio Grande series but the first one that I have read. It was cute rodeo romance. I thought it stood alone well I thought. Might be better to have read all 3 books in order.
Victor Vicario goal he has been trying to get the rodeo finals champion win. He has made it to the finals three times but no win there. He has no plan till he makes the goal. He has been given temporary custody of his four year old nephew.
Tanya McGee is a barrel racer who has a wild horse. After her divorce she is trying to come back from injury. They have a one night stand,
They decide to travel together and help each other and take care of 'Alex. While they try to help him and compete in as many rodeos as they can. Alex does not speak.
I was given a ebook to read by NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of A Cowboy's Claim
This is the third of the Cowboys Of The Rio Grande series but the first one that I have read. It was cute rodeo romance. I thought it stood alone well I thought. Might be better to have read all 3 books in order.
Victor Vicario goal he has been trying to get the rodeo finals champion win. He has made it to the finals three times but no win there. He has no plan till he makes the goal. He has been given temporary custody of his four year old nephew.
Tanya McGee is a barrel racer who has a wild horse. After her divorce she is trying to come back from injury. They have a one night stand,
They decide to travel together and help each other and take care of 'Alex. While they try to help him and compete in as many rodeos as they can. Alex does not speak.
I was given a ebook to read by NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of A Cowboy's Claim
September 8, 2023
HOARDER CHALLENGE #14-READ IN BDAY MONTH
---MAY---
2.5 stars
Marin Thomas is a good writer in this genre of books. (Harlequinn/Silhouette)
I've previously read her.
Vic & Tanya are likable. The chemistry builds up over the arc of the story.
Alex is a cute kid & I'm a sucker for a cute kid in these stories.
It's an easy read but the story moves slowly & was repetitive. There was some humor.
Abuse of children is a topic in the story but I felt it was in context and didn't overwhelm the story arc.
Overall, it was an okay book to grab when I was feeling listless & procrastinating cleaning.
---MAY---
2.5 stars
Marin Thomas is a good writer in this genre of books. (Harlequinn/Silhouette)
I've previously read her.
Vic & Tanya are likable. The chemistry builds up over the arc of the story.
Alex is a cute kid & I'm a sucker for a cute kid in these stories.
It's an easy read but the story moves slowly & was repetitive. There was some humor.
Abuse of children is a topic in the story but I felt it was in context and didn't overwhelm the story arc.
Overall, it was an okay book to grab when I was feeling listless & procrastinating cleaning.
April 22, 2016
Read my review on Romancing-the-Book.com by clicking on the link below:
http://romancing-the-book.com/2016/04...
http://romancing-the-book.com/2016/04...
April 24, 2016
4 stars
This pushed all the right buttons. It's a great redemption story for the hero, and the heroine, after suffering several disappointments, also finds a greater meaning for her life.
This pushed all the right buttons. It's a great redemption story for the hero, and the heroine, after suffering several disappointments, also finds a greater meaning for her life.
October 9, 2019
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by NetGalley
This was a quick paced read that drew me in from the start. The prologue set the stage for what was to come and gave some history to Victor as well as his unexpected meeting with Tanya when she was stranded on the side of the road. It was a longer than normal prologue which was different from how other authors use it.
Vic had a hard life growing up and we learn about it throughout the book as he's on the quest for winning the buckle as the national champion saddle-bronc cowboy, but not for himself. He and Tanya are two loners both trying to prove something to themselves and the rodeo world and as their paths continue to cross they become a little more than friends, or are they? They both have baggage and neither is really looking for anything, not even friendship, in order to stay focused on their goals. When his four year old nephew is found wandering alone outside the apartment he lives in with his grandmother, who is nowhere to be found, Vic's contacted as next of kin. Vic takes temporary custody of his non-verbal nephew whom he's meeting for the first time and doesn't miss a beat. The two of them continue to crisscross the west on Vic's path to win the buckle but he realizes how hard it will be with a four year old in tow. Enter Tanya whose path he randomly crosses once again and a deal is made. Watching Alex slowly warm to both Vic and Tanya is heartwarming as well as the sacrifices Vic is making on his nephew's behalf.
The characters had a depth to them and the story flowed smoothly even though I didn't know all the background since this is the first book in the series that I read. There was family, friends, ranches, horses, traveling, competitions, buckle bunnies, secrets, anger, frustration, sadness, tears, happiness, breakthroughs, forgiveness, laughter and love. The loose ends were tied up nicely and there was closure with a happily ever after in the offing.
Thomas is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books. Since I started with her third and last book in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande series, I need to read the first two books, A Cowboy's Redemption and The Surgeon's Christmas Baby , respectively. I will be adding many of her books to my always growing TBR pile!
Book provided by NetGalley
This was a quick paced read that drew me in from the start. The prologue set the stage for what was to come and gave some history to Victor as well as his unexpected meeting with Tanya when she was stranded on the side of the road. It was a longer than normal prologue which was different from how other authors use it.
Vic had a hard life growing up and we learn about it throughout the book as he's on the quest for winning the buckle as the national champion saddle-bronc cowboy, but not for himself. He and Tanya are two loners both trying to prove something to themselves and the rodeo world and as their paths continue to cross they become a little more than friends, or are they? They both have baggage and neither is really looking for anything, not even friendship, in order to stay focused on their goals. When his four year old nephew is found wandering alone outside the apartment he lives in with his grandmother, who is nowhere to be found, Vic's contacted as next of kin. Vic takes temporary custody of his non-verbal nephew whom he's meeting for the first time and doesn't miss a beat. The two of them continue to crisscross the west on Vic's path to win the buckle but he realizes how hard it will be with a four year old in tow. Enter Tanya whose path he randomly crosses once again and a deal is made. Watching Alex slowly warm to both Vic and Tanya is heartwarming as well as the sacrifices Vic is making on his nephew's behalf.
The characters had a depth to them and the story flowed smoothly even though I didn't know all the background since this is the first book in the series that I read. There was family, friends, ranches, horses, traveling, competitions, buckle bunnies, secrets, anger, frustration, sadness, tears, happiness, breakthroughs, forgiveness, laughter and love. The loose ends were tied up nicely and there was closure with a happily ever after in the offing.
Thomas is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books. Since I started with her third and last book in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande series, I need to read the first two books, A Cowboy's Redemption and The Surgeon's Christmas Baby , respectively. I will be adding many of her books to my always growing TBR pile!
January 26, 2026
Marin Thomas hit all the right notes for my first introduction to her work, specifically with the fantastic pacing and the "closed-door" heat that didn't sacrifice any passion. The narrative stayed forward-moving and avoided the trap of too much internal dialogue, which I loved.
While the characters and premise were great, it sits at four stars because I was missing that one soul-stirring scene to trigger the waterworks. I was ready for a moment that would break my heart before mending it, but the story never quite hit that emotional peak.
That said, I’m officially a fan and can't wait to dive into more of her books!
While the characters and premise were great, it sits at four stars because I was missing that one soul-stirring scene to trigger the waterworks. I was ready for a moment that would break my heart before mending it, but the story never quite hit that emotional peak.
That said, I’m officially a fan and can't wait to dive into more of her books!
February 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the little boy, his story broke my heart. I'm so happy with how the story ended. I like this series. Can't wait to read more from this author
February 9, 2020
Sweet story, but needed better editing
July 11, 2025
OMG this needs to be made into a movie!!! It made me cry made me laugh and made me dream! These characters are in my heart!
April 4, 2016
4.5 stars
A Cowboy's Claim by Marin Thomas is a captivating novel of redemption, forgiveness and letting go of past mistakes. This third installment in the delightful Cowboys of the Rio Grande series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
A fateful decision years earlier forever changed not only Victor "Vic" Vicario's life, but his best friend Cruz Rivera's as well. Although he never planned on a rodeo career, Vic is convinced he will find forgiveness and redemption once he wins the saddle bronc championship at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. While he has been a contestant at the NFR several times in the past, he has not yet won the gold buckle, but after a strong beginning to the new season, Vic knows he stands a good chance of winning this year. The last thing he needs are complications taking his attention away from his goal but when he learns his four year old nephew Alex needs a temporary guardian, he agrees to care for him until other arrangements can be made. Needing help caring for the young boy, Vic makes barrel racer Tanya McGee an offer she cannot refuse: in exchange for watching Alex during competition, he will pay her expenses so she can remain on the circuit. The mutually beneficial arrangement soon becomes complicated when their simmering attraction becomes impossible to resist and Tanya begins yearning for more than friendship with Vic.
Vic is a loner by choice and while his lack of friendship has never bothered him in the past, once he becomes friendly with Tanya, loneliness begins to creep in. Just before he learns about Alex's predicament, their unexpected friendship leads to a passionate night together. Not wanting her to learn about his sordid past, Vic leaves without explanation and for a short time afterwards, their paths do not cross as they compete at different rodeos. Understandably hurt and angry, Tanya is not exactly welcoming when they meet again, but Vic is quick to apologize for the way he left things and they are soon back on friendly terms. Tanya agrees to help him with Alex in the short term but will she agree to stay with them once her circumstances change?
Following a divorce and a long recovery from a devastating injury, Tanya has returned to the circuit for one final season. Despite her over protective parents' concerns, she is determined to continue competing as long as she can. With a temperamental horse, Tanya has been struggling to win enough events to pay for travel expenses and entry season for the remainder of the season. When her money runs out, she accepts Vic's offer despite her strong reservations about becoming overly involved with him and Alex.
As the months pass, Vic grows increasingly attached to both Alex and Tanya, but he cannot give up his quest for the gold buckle that will provide him the absolution and forgiveness he so desperately needs. Although he has forged a successful career as a saddle bronc rider, no one realizes guilt has been driving him to win. Unwilling (and unable) to reveal his dysfunctional past, Tanya cannot understand why winning is more important to him than giving Alex a stable (and permanent) home. Can he forgive himself for that long ago mistake that altered so many lives? Will Vic make peace with his past in order to find happiness?
A Cowboy's Claim by Marin Thomas is a sweet and endearing romance with an engaging cast of characters and a compelling storyline. Vic has realistic issues to overcome and his healing journey is poignant. Seeing him finally move past the demons that have haunted him for so long is incredibly uplifting and emotionally satisfying. This last installment in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande series is a heartwarming finale that old and new fans are sure to love.
A Cowboy's Claim by Marin Thomas is a captivating novel of redemption, forgiveness and letting go of past mistakes. This third installment in the delightful Cowboys of the Rio Grande series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
A fateful decision years earlier forever changed not only Victor "Vic" Vicario's life, but his best friend Cruz Rivera's as well. Although he never planned on a rodeo career, Vic is convinced he will find forgiveness and redemption once he wins the saddle bronc championship at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. While he has been a contestant at the NFR several times in the past, he has not yet won the gold buckle, but after a strong beginning to the new season, Vic knows he stands a good chance of winning this year. The last thing he needs are complications taking his attention away from his goal but when he learns his four year old nephew Alex needs a temporary guardian, he agrees to care for him until other arrangements can be made. Needing help caring for the young boy, Vic makes barrel racer Tanya McGee an offer she cannot refuse: in exchange for watching Alex during competition, he will pay her expenses so she can remain on the circuit. The mutually beneficial arrangement soon becomes complicated when their simmering attraction becomes impossible to resist and Tanya begins yearning for more than friendship with Vic.
Vic is a loner by choice and while his lack of friendship has never bothered him in the past, once he becomes friendly with Tanya, loneliness begins to creep in. Just before he learns about Alex's predicament, their unexpected friendship leads to a passionate night together. Not wanting her to learn about his sordid past, Vic leaves without explanation and for a short time afterwards, their paths do not cross as they compete at different rodeos. Understandably hurt and angry, Tanya is not exactly welcoming when they meet again, but Vic is quick to apologize for the way he left things and they are soon back on friendly terms. Tanya agrees to help him with Alex in the short term but will she agree to stay with them once her circumstances change?
Following a divorce and a long recovery from a devastating injury, Tanya has returned to the circuit for one final season. Despite her over protective parents' concerns, she is determined to continue competing as long as she can. With a temperamental horse, Tanya has been struggling to win enough events to pay for travel expenses and entry season for the remainder of the season. When her money runs out, she accepts Vic's offer despite her strong reservations about becoming overly involved with him and Alex.
As the months pass, Vic grows increasingly attached to both Alex and Tanya, but he cannot give up his quest for the gold buckle that will provide him the absolution and forgiveness he so desperately needs. Although he has forged a successful career as a saddle bronc rider, no one realizes guilt has been driving him to win. Unwilling (and unable) to reveal his dysfunctional past, Tanya cannot understand why winning is more important to him than giving Alex a stable (and permanent) home. Can he forgive himself for that long ago mistake that altered so many lives? Will Vic make peace with his past in order to find happiness?
A Cowboy's Claim by Marin Thomas is a sweet and endearing romance with an engaging cast of characters and a compelling storyline. Vic has realistic issues to overcome and his healing journey is poignant. Seeing him finally move past the demons that have haunted him for so long is incredibly uplifting and emotionally satisfying. This last installment in the Cowboys of the Rio Grande series is a heartwarming finale that old and new fans are sure to love.
February 24, 2016
Victor is a man on a mission. He set his goal years ago to win the National Finals and nothing will stop him. At least that's what he thought until he gained custody of Alex, a nephew he'd never met. Victor has a terrible scar on his face and is known for being a loner. But for some reason the scar, the nephew, and quiet demeanor don't seem to scare Tanya, a fellow rodeo rider. When Tanya needs money to stay in the rodeo game, Victor works out a deal where she'll watch Alex while he rides. It's mutually beneficial, but Tanya wants more than just friendship.
This was a sweet, romantic story. The introduction of the nephew really picked up the plot for me. The characters seemed real and while the background on the main characters were a bit rough, it added authenticity to the story. There are a couple of bedroom scenes, but that isn't what the main focus of the story. The plot seems to wrap around the relationships that come out of hardship and the concept of family. Overall, it was romantic and I enjoyed it.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a sweet, romantic story. The introduction of the nephew really picked up the plot for me. The characters seemed real and while the background on the main characters were a bit rough, it added authenticity to the story. There are a couple of bedroom scenes, but that isn't what the main focus of the story. The plot seems to wrap around the relationships that come out of hardship and the concept of family. Overall, it was romantic and I enjoyed it.
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2016
Victor has been a bronc rider with a past and has been doing well for himself. That was until he finds out that his nephew was found on his own and needs to temporarily be cared for until his grandmother is found or a foster home is available. His lifestyle isn't right for a kid but with the help of Tanya a barrel racer they'll work out taking care of the kid.
I have a soft spot of rodeo cowboys books and was sure to request this book through netgalley for a honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't much of a fan of Victor at first I felt that he was selfish more worried about his career then his family member and after getting into this book I understood why. I thought his backstory was an interesting one.As for Tanya I liked her character as well. The story was written well, I just couldn't put the book down. I loved that this book was unique in its own ways and that even if I read similar with sort of the same theme this book had its way of standing out making this book very enjoyable. Overall a great book I really liked it.
I have a soft spot of rodeo cowboys books and was sure to request this book through netgalley for a honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't much of a fan of Victor at first I felt that he was selfish more worried about his career then his family member and after getting into this book I understood why. I thought his backstory was an interesting one.As for Tanya I liked her character as well. The story was written well, I just couldn't put the book down. I loved that this book was unique in its own ways and that even if I read similar with sort of the same theme this book had its way of standing out making this book very enjoyable. Overall a great book I really liked it.
April 24, 2016
I am a sucker for a cowboy. Although Victor is charming and great with his nephew, Alex, I was not feeling the spicy chemistry between him and Tanya. For example the first time that they slept together, I had no reacts and just kept reading. Despite me not feeling the sizzle, I did think this was a sweet read. Alex is a cute boy. He warmed my heart and I could not help but fall in love with him. He just goes to show that you can say a lot even without words. The rodeo scenes were good too. For anyone who is not familiar with the rodeo or barrel racing will get a taste of what that experience is like with the scenes from this book.
July 9, 2016
I Recommend This Book
A great read by Marin Thomas. Vic is scarred for life, physically and emotionally. It takes one woman, and a child to put his life in prospective. Vic has been a Broncos rider in rodeos for a while and he is aimed to winning the buckle. But, things take a change he when he meets with Tanya, and takes temporary custody of his nephew, Alex. He realized that he wants to settle down with his make shift family. So many decisions, will he make the right choice on choosing rodeos,or a family. Just have to read the book.
April 5, 2016
The last thing any single rodeo cowboy like Vic needs is to be saddled with a kid when he leads a rough and tumble life that includes putting himself in danger and constant travel. As soon as he asks barrell racer Tanya to help him with his nephew, sparks fly. Readers will love this redemptive tale about starting over and finding love in the most unexptected of ways.
June 26, 2016
Vics story was so touching,you really wanted him to succeed for Cruz .When they finally spoke it was so heartwarming to read.Alex was such a sad and wonderful character part of the time i wanted to slap Vic for putting rodeo first.At the end it was so wonderful to see Vic ,Tanya and Alex together.
Read
June 30, 2016Miniseries: Cowboys of the Rio Grande
May 18, 2016
Loved Vic's story and a great finale to the series
January 25, 2017
A Cowboy's Claim
Vic and his sister's had a bad childhood. Their mother used drugs and was mean to Vic and his sister's.
Vic and his sister's had a bad childhood. Their mother used drugs and was mean to Vic and his sister's.
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