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Code of the West #12
A Cowboy's Gift
He’s ready to settle down this Christmas…
Montana rodeo bronc rider Gus Holt has made a career out of eight-second commitments. He’s intuitive, instinctive, and impulsive. And then he moves on. He’s never done forever, and a dozen years ago, he even backed out of his own wedding! But Gus isn’t nineteen anymore, and when Mary McLean, the bride he left behind, turns up pregnant, on her own, and as lovely as ever, Gus knows he wants a second chance. He won’t squander it this time.
Trust Gus Holt? Not likely. Mary’s been there, done that—and has the failed wedding to prove it. Now she’s the surrogate mother to her sister’s child—as close as she’ll get to a family of her own. This time Mary’s determined to resist Gus’s advances.
But Gus isn’t giving up. He believes they have a future, that they can have forever. After all, Christmas is a time of hope and new beginnings. But can he convince Mary to give their love another shot?
Montana rodeo bronc rider Gus Holt has made a career out of eight-second commitments. He’s intuitive, instinctive, and impulsive. And then he moves on. He’s never done forever, and a dozen years ago, he even backed out of his own wedding! But Gus isn’t nineteen anymore, and when Mary McLean, the bride he left behind, turns up pregnant, on her own, and as lovely as ever, Gus knows he wants a second chance. He won’t squander it this time.
Trust Gus Holt? Not likely. Mary’s been there, done that—and has the failed wedding to prove it. Now she’s the surrogate mother to her sister’s child—as close as she’ll get to a family of her own. This time Mary’s determined to resist Gus’s advances.
But Gus isn’t giving up. He believes they have a future, that they can have forever. After all, Christmas is a time of hope and new beginnings. But can he convince Mary to give their love another shot?
ebook
First published November 1, 2000
About the author
Anne McAllister
341 books124 followersAnne McAllister has written nearly 70 romance novels for Tule Publishing and Harlequin Books.
She has won two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America — for COWBOY PRIDE and THE STARDUST COWBOY — and has had nine other books which were RITA finalists.
Her books have also been finalists for the National Readers’ Choice Award. She was named Midwest Fiction Writers “Writer of the Year” and also received Romantic Times’ Career Achievement Award as “Series Author of the Year.”
But while the awards and sales are wonderful, Anne thinks the best part of writing is telling the story. With every new book she writes, she meets new characters – or gets to know old ones even better – and discovers what makes them and their relationships tick.
It’s the relationships that interest her most and the question about “where do you get your ideas?” has always astonished her as she has more ideas than she knows what to do with!
She has won two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America — for COWBOY PRIDE and THE STARDUST COWBOY — and has had nine other books which were RITA finalists.
Her books have also been finalists for the National Readers’ Choice Award. She was named Midwest Fiction Writers “Writer of the Year” and also received Romantic Times’ Career Achievement Award as “Series Author of the Year.”
But while the awards and sales are wonderful, Anne thinks the best part of writing is telling the story. With every new book she writes, she meets new characters – or gets to know old ones even better – and discovers what makes them and their relationships tick.
It’s the relationships that interest her most and the question about “where do you get your ideas?” has always astonished her as she has more ideas than she knows what to do with!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 28, 2020
An impossible situation
Gus jilted Mary a week before their wedding twelve years ago. He did it by phone and said he would rather die than be married. He was 20yo, Mary was 19.
She was devastated. She went along all those years with a broken heart and a string of relationships that took her nowhere near what she had with Gus.
All of a sudden, when she had finally gave up ever seeing him again, he is back into her life and this time to stay.
Is it possible to forgive? How to ever trust Gus again?
Mrs. McAllister makes it work for those two and the story is emotional and sweet.
I forgot to say that Mary is pregnant, of her sister and brother-in-law’s baby. Gus is so adorable fussing over her and understanding her needs.
Beckie and Suzanna, two adorable girls from the previous books, now teenagers, once again work as relentless matchmakers.
I love this series and this is another great book.
Gus jilted Mary a week before their wedding twelve years ago. He did it by phone and said he would rather die than be married. He was 20yo, Mary was 19.
She was devastated. She went along all those years with a broken heart and a string of relationships that took her nowhere near what she had with Gus.
All of a sudden, when she had finally gave up ever seeing him again, he is back into her life and this time to stay.
Is it possible to forgive? How to ever trust Gus again?
Mrs. McAllister makes it work for those two and the story is emotional and sweet.
I forgot to say that Mary is pregnant, of her sister and brother-in-law’s baby. Gus is so adorable fussing over her and understanding her needs.
Beckie and Suzanna, two adorable girls from the previous books, now teenagers, once again work as relentless matchmakers.
I love this series and this is another great book.
November 6, 2024
disappointed
Gus ran out on Mary because he was too young. But, he hurt her badly and left her to pick up all the pieces. When he saw her again after 12 years, he expected to pick up where they left off. Didn’t understand why she would be reluctant. Then, he kept trying, and the story turned amusing, and you could tell he was really working hard to get her back. He promised he would wait for her and be there permanently. Then, he jumped the gun, didn’t get the answer he wanted, and took off again. Mary had to be the one to go after him. He broke his promise again and left her at a very vulnerable time AGAIN. I don’t really believe he has changed much.
Gus ran out on Mary because he was too young. But, he hurt her badly and left her to pick up all the pieces. When he saw her again after 12 years, he expected to pick up where they left off. Didn’t understand why she would be reluctant. Then, he kept trying, and the story turned amusing, and you could tell he was really working hard to get her back. He promised he would wait for her and be there permanently. Then, he jumped the gun, didn’t get the answer he wanted, and took off again. Mary had to be the one to go after him. He broke his promise again and left her at a very vulnerable time AGAIN. I don’t really believe he has changed much.
November 18, 2024
What a beautiful second chance love story! Flawlessly written, this story about second chances will melt your heart and make you believe in love all over again. Ms. McAllister certainly knows her craft, as she guides us through the aches and pains of trying to learn how to love again, especially when a first attempt was so painful! I absolutely loved this book! A perfect addition to any library, but especially for those who love a great love story!
November 8, 2024
A Cowboy's Gift
This story has many intense emotions that make up Gus and Mary's life, both past and present. Past decisions are examined and compared to present wishes and desires. Will he be able convince her of his feelings and that he has changed? Only if he gives her the ultimate gift of trust that he has always denied everyone in his life will be stand a chance.
This story has many intense emotions that make up Gus and Mary's life, both past and present. Past decisions are examined and compared to present wishes and desires. Will he be able convince her of his feelings and that he has changed? Only if he gives her the ultimate gift of trust that he has always denied everyone in his life will be stand a chance.
November 4, 2024
I liked the story. It keeps you interested and want to figure out what will happen next. I love to read and find the Goodreads always contain great stories and not a lot of sex. I hop there are more stories to read.
October 31, 2024
Wonderful romantic story very hard to put down! One of the best clean cowboy books I’ve read and I do love cowboy stories!
November 1, 2024
A Cowboy’s Gift
What a sweet story by Anne McAllister. A beautiful love story of two people growing from twelve years old to thirty and still having a connection of lasting love.
What a sweet story by Anne McAllister. A beautiful love story of two people growing from twelve years old to thirty and still having a connection of lasting love.
November 13, 2024
okay read
Another okay read that is more sweet than sexy. Nice enough couple who were engaged as youngsters and reconnect. Okay.
Another okay read that is more sweet than sexy. Nice enough couple who were engaged as youngsters and reconnect. Okay.
November 16, 2024
Second or Third Chance
It definitely takes Mary and Gus a few years and chances to get it figured out. They are great characters in a sweet story.
It definitely takes Mary and Gus a few years and chances to get it figured out. They are great characters in a sweet story.
November 22, 2024
Very humorous in parts. Good story about changes in your life.
December 15, 2024
Enjoyed the book.
December 24, 2024
Very sweet book
January 17, 2025
good
A good story but a bit slow moving, repetitive. Great characters with happiness and tears. True meaning to don’t give up
A good story but a bit slow moving, repetitive. Great characters with happiness and tears. True meaning to don’t give up
July 8, 2025
Sweet
Sweet second chance romance. After breaking her heart when they were just 19 Gus does everything he can to convince her he's a changed man.
Sweet second chance romance. After breaking her heart when they were just 19 Gus does everything he can to convince her he's a changed man.
November 21, 2022
I received this arc of A Cowboy’s Gift in exchange for my honest review. This is the fourth book in Anne McAllister’s series, The Cowboy’s Code. This is a second chance romance, one of my favorite genres. It is set in Montana and features Gus Holt, who we met in the prior book. Gus is at a crossroads, he has been in the rodeo for many years and he realizes he’s getting tired of it and wants to settle down like his brother has done. He has been working with his friends at their training school at their ranch. One day he goes to pick up his friend’s daughter from school and is shocked to learn her teacher is his ex fiancée, Mary McLean.
Mary is not happy to see Gus as he canceled their wedding over a phone call many years earlier. He got cold feet and a short time before the actual day he called it off. She was left with the painful task of telling all the guests that the wedding was canceled. They had not seen each other in over a decade. Gus is shocked to see that Mary is pregnant. He is able to find out that she is single and acting as the surrogate for her sister. Gus realizes he would like to find forever with Mary and decides to make a plan. He devises ways to see her, using his friends daughters to help him.
Both Mary and Gus realize they never got over the other. Mary is still hurt and angry for the way Gus treated her and handled the end of their relationship. It is apparent to Gus that he is going to have to work hard to recover what they once had. I liked seeing the changes in Gus as he begins to take responsibility for his actions and work hard to get what he wants. Both Mary and Gus are very likable and genuine people. It is fun that it takes place at the holidays. I really enjoyed this book a lot. This is a great series too, full of interesting characters and storylines. I highly recommend this sweet romance and give it five stars.
Mary is not happy to see Gus as he canceled their wedding over a phone call many years earlier. He got cold feet and a short time before the actual day he called it off. She was left with the painful task of telling all the guests that the wedding was canceled. They had not seen each other in over a decade. Gus is shocked to see that Mary is pregnant. He is able to find out that she is single and acting as the surrogate for her sister. Gus realizes he would like to find forever with Mary and decides to make a plan. He devises ways to see her, using his friends daughters to help him.
Both Mary and Gus realize they never got over the other. Mary is still hurt and angry for the way Gus treated her and handled the end of their relationship. It is apparent to Gus that he is going to have to work hard to recover what they once had. I liked seeing the changes in Gus as he begins to take responsibility for his actions and work hard to get what he wants. Both Mary and Gus are very likable and genuine people. It is fun that it takes place at the holidays. I really enjoyed this book a lot. This is a great series too, full of interesting characters and storylines. I highly recommend this sweet romance and give it five stars.
November 18, 2022
A Cowboy's Gift (The Cowboy's Code, book 4) by Anne McAllister is a story full of surprises. This starts early in the book when Gus Holt first sees his ex-fiancé, Mary McLean after many years. The one thing that did not surprise me was Mary’s cool reaction to Gus. After how he had left her to handle all the un-arrangements I thought she was kinder than many would have been. I admired her for that but did wonder why she was at all still attracted to him. From there the story is full of surprises.
An interesting story with a hero that had not always behaved like one. Gus said himself, “Deep stuff for a guy who pretty much wrote the book on being shallow.” Well, what can you say, except Gus knows himself and is completely honest, even to himself. Still you can’t help but like this rowdy cowboy.
So far this has been the most unique book in the re-release series that I have read. Also it is a stand-alone so you can start reading this one now, no matter if you have not read the previous three.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An interesting story with a hero that had not always behaved like one. Gus said himself, “Deep stuff for a guy who pretty much wrote the book on being shallow.” Well, what can you say, except Gus knows himself and is completely honest, even to himself. Still you can’t help but like this rowdy cowboy.
So far this has been the most unique book in the re-release series that I have read. Also it is a stand-alone so you can start reading this one now, no matter if you have not read the previous three.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2011
Loved the book,the story is good and the way Becky and Susannah help Gus in courting Mary is fun to read,the way he grumbles and these two always get him down and make him understand to point blank
Mary is such a sweet character,when her heart was broken i really cried for her,Gus is one jerk who messed up with words and told some hurtful things but can't even blame him after all they were only 18 and 19 so its understandable Gus getting cold feet but the way he handled it was wrong
Gus sometimes wanted to smack him in the head but he is a good fellow does'nt wants to hurt Mary but he ended up hurting her which he realises and regrets,Mary-Gus both had to work on trust and finally they talk and Gus explains why he got cold feet and what he felt when he was 19 and Mary explains how she was heart broken felt betrayed but somewhere she also ignored the signals,both talk and understand their previous relationship much better and finally after hurdles they have their HEA
Good read
Recommend it
Mary is such a sweet character,when her heart was broken i really cried for her,Gus is one jerk who messed up with words and told some hurtful things but can't even blame him after all they were only 18 and 19 so its understandable Gus getting cold feet but the way he handled it was wrong
Gus sometimes wanted to smack him in the head but he is a good fellow does'nt wants to hurt Mary but he ended up hurting her which he realises and regrets,Mary-Gus both had to work on trust and finally they talk and Gus explains why he got cold feet and what he felt when he was 19 and Mary explains how she was heart broken felt betrayed but somewhere she also ignored the signals,both talk and understand their previous relationship much better and finally after hurdles they have their HEA
Good read
Recommend it
December 10, 2022
A Cowboy’s Gift brings readers to rural Montana in winter. Retired bronc rider Gus Holt has reched a point in his life where at 31 years of age he feels adrift and as though he’s missing something in his life. Mary, the girl he loved in his teens, whom he jilted at the age of 19 and just a week before their wedding has been featuring in his thoughts more and more of late as he realises he’s never stopped loving her. Mary, meanwhile, has never forgotten Gus, though she still fumes at the way he broke things off. She’s six months pregnant as a surrogate for her sister Ruthie when she meets Gus again and from that point things get interesting. I loved Mary and Gus. Both are strong nd determined characters. I loved the way that Gus went abut wooing Mary, not very patiently following the advice of teenage matchmakers Becky and Susannah. This story is an easy one to read. It’s filled with good people, a strong sense of community, family and the traditions that make up the fabric of small towns everywhere in the lead-up to Christmas.
December 6, 2022
Mary was left broken hearted when Gus called off the wedding twelve years ago. At the time she was destroyed, but they had just been kids right out of high school. Now she is a teacher and happy with her life. Gus has lost his way in the rodeo world. It doesn't excite him the way it use to. He gets the shock of his life when he picks up his boss/buddy's daughter from school and finds his Mary is her teacher. He has never forgotten about Mary or how he hurt her. He just new he was not it the right place to make a marriage work at the young age of nineteen. Seeing her brings back all the feels for him. The more times he sees her the more he feels like this is the right time for them. Can he convince Mary that he is ready for their happily ever after? Can Mary risk her heart with a man who has already broken it once before? I enjoyed watching Gus try to woo Mary in to falling in love with him again. Good read.
October 31, 2022
This latest addition to the series was a sweet and touching story.
Gus Holt and Mary McLean were sweethearts in HS. Gus was nineteen when he proposed and truly a tad immature. When he realizes that marrying means staying in one place and having responsibilities, he got cold feet a week before the wedding. Leaving a young Mary heartbroken.
Twelve years later, after accomplishing much in the rodeo, he realizes he wants a home and returns to his hometown. Gus never expected to find a pregnant Mary. Who is the father?
As these two start getting reacquainted , it’s obvious Gus has a lot of work ahead of him. He needs to work hard to earn Mary’s trust. Will Mary risk her heart again?
This is a story about second chances , hope, family and new beginnings.
A good addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Pu. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Gus Holt and Mary McLean were sweethearts in HS. Gus was nineteen when he proposed and truly a tad immature. When he realizes that marrying means staying in one place and having responsibilities, he got cold feet a week before the wedding. Leaving a young Mary heartbroken.
Twelve years later, after accomplishing much in the rodeo, he realizes he wants a home and returns to his hometown. Gus never expected to find a pregnant Mary. Who is the father?
As these two start getting reacquainted , it’s obvious Gus has a lot of work ahead of him. He needs to work hard to earn Mary’s trust. Will Mary risk her heart again?
This is a story about second chances , hope, family and new beginnings.
A good addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Pu. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 10, 2020
leído en febrero 2014
Normalita, entretenida para pasar el rato!!
Normalita, entretenida para pasar el rato!!
Argumento:
Gus Holt había estado huyendo del matrimonio desde que se había librado del suyo, más de diez años atrás. Sin embargo, cuando su antigua prometida, Mary McLean, regresó a Montana, embarazada, sola y más hermosa que nunca, Gus, de repente, anheló cambiar su cama de soltero por una cama de matrimonio...
Mary se había imaginado que ser una madre de alquiler para el hijo de su hermana sería lo más parecido a tener un hijo propio. Al volver a encontrarse con Gus, se sorprendió de su repentino entusiasmo por formar una familia. A pesar de todo, él estaba decidido a volver a conquistarla. Mary sería suya antes de Navidad...
November 18, 2022
This is a sweet romantic second chance story mainly about forgiveness and growing up
Twelve years earlier when he was nineteen Gus Holt walked away from his childhood sweetheart the week before their wedding when he realised just what marriage meant breaking Mary's heart. Now years later he has achieved everything he wants to on the rodeo circuit and has decided that he now wants a home and family What he didn't expect when he returned to his hometown was to find a pregnant Mary all alone. The attraction and connection is still there between them but will she ever trust him again and give him a chance to prove he is all grown up and who is the father of the child she is carrying. You will have to read to seethe answer to that mystery.
Twelve years earlier when he was nineteen Gus Holt walked away from his childhood sweetheart the week before their wedding when he realised just what marriage meant breaking Mary's heart. Now years later he has achieved everything he wants to on the rodeo circuit and has decided that he now wants a home and family What he didn't expect when he returned to his hometown was to find a pregnant Mary all alone. The attraction and connection is still there between them but will she ever trust him again and give him a chance to prove he is all grown up and who is the father of the child she is carrying. You will have to read to seethe answer to that mystery.
November 17, 2022
A second chance romance with a slow and steady ascent to true love. A decision in the past left Mary heartbroken to her core. The fact that Gus called everything off crushed her. They were teens with differing ideas about marriage. Twelve years later, Gus sees Mary and his love floods back. Mary is distrustful of him. It is up to Gus to convince Mary that he has changed and for her to welcome him back.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2022
This is a second chance for Gus and Mary and it really tugged my heart strings. I loved the characters and the plot and not just their romance, but Mary’s selfless act of being a surrogate mother to her sisters baby was so touching, and Gus’s torment over who the father of her baby was, it was kinda like Carma getting back at him for the way he broke up with her just days before they were to marry.
October 12, 2024
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A heartwarming second chance romance. A Cowboy's Gift by Anne McAllister. Book four in The Cowboys code series. I enjoyed everything about this story the characters, storyline, dialogue and characters from past stories.
A heartwarming second chance romance. A Cowboy's Gift by Anne McAllister. Book four in The Cowboys code series. I enjoyed everything about this story the characters, storyline, dialogue and characters from past stories.
November 17, 2022
This was a heartwarming second chance romance. I loved it from the moment I started reading it. Gus and Mary were great together. The story line was funny, sweet and so much more. This book was a really great addition to this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2022
I liked this book. There was some funny bits, and some tender bits. It's a nice installment in the series. Overall, a good book. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 25, 2023
Loved this book. Gus and Mary were a couple a long time ago and now they've reunited. Loved that Mary was pregnant and Gus wondered why she didn't have a man in her life and it turned out she was carrying a surrogate baby. That was awesome!
November 6, 2022
This is a must read second chance romance with a Christmas theme. It was a “Darling” book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews