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Star Valley #1
Rough Stock
Welcome to Star Valley, a beautiful yet brutal landscape nestled at the foot of the Grand Tetons, where the Barlows have lived off the land for more than one hundred years.
They've fallen on hard times, though, and their survival is in doubt. Bankruptcy looms as dark as the storm clouds that are gathering. All five Barlow sons have gathered at the Snake River Ranch in a last ditch effort to preserve their family's legacy. As it was a hundred years ago, the mountains will decide their fate.
The last place on Earth ex-barrel racer Rowan Archer wants to be is back in these foothills, where a Barlow broke her heart. But her family's fallen on hard times as well, and hard times breed hard choices.
She wants to run away, back to Cheyenne, back to safety, but she can't, and it wouldn't do any good anyway. No matter how far she gets, she's got a daily reminder of her painful past with soulful brown eyes, a gap-toothed grin, and questions about how her daddy got "lost."
Rowan is determined to protect her daughter from the heartache she suffered and she'll hold off the entire Barlow family with a rifle and a pack of vicious guard dogs if she has to.
No Barlow will set foot on her family's ranch, not cheating Court who abandoned her years ago, not even his soft-spoken older brother Seth who comes to plead his wild younger brother's case.
But Rowan's heart is as hard as the mountains that shelter them all and she vows that she'll never make the same mistake again.
They've fallen on hard times, though, and their survival is in doubt. Bankruptcy looms as dark as the storm clouds that are gathering. All five Barlow sons have gathered at the Snake River Ranch in a last ditch effort to preserve their family's legacy. As it was a hundred years ago, the mountains will decide their fate.
The last place on Earth ex-barrel racer Rowan Archer wants to be is back in these foothills, where a Barlow broke her heart. But her family's fallen on hard times as well, and hard times breed hard choices.
She wants to run away, back to Cheyenne, back to safety, but she can't, and it wouldn't do any good anyway. No matter how far she gets, she's got a daily reminder of her painful past with soulful brown eyes, a gap-toothed grin, and questions about how her daddy got "lost."
Rowan is determined to protect her daughter from the heartache she suffered and she'll hold off the entire Barlow family with a rifle and a pack of vicious guard dogs if she has to.
No Barlow will set foot on her family's ranch, not cheating Court who abandoned her years ago, not even his soft-spoken older brother Seth who comes to plead his wild younger brother's case.
But Rowan's heart is as hard as the mountains that shelter them all and she vows that she'll never make the same mistake again.
296 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
89 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Dahlia West
24 books945 followersAmateur Writer. Professional Procrastinator. Voted Least Likely to Succeed in high school. Twice. Dean's list-Purdue University. Honorary Southerner. Future stand-up comedian. Gen X.
www.dahliawest.com
DahliaMWest@gmail.com
Follow me on IG: dahlia_west_13
www.dahliawest.com
DahliaMWest@gmail.com
Follow me on IG: dahlia_west_13
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 8, 2016
Not a bad start to a series. It's quite similar to this author's recent series, Stark Ink, in that it focuses on a family recovering from a tragedy. They also have hardships beyond the tragedy and the unfolding romance doesn't help.
Seth is the middle son of the Barlow family. He's often called "Saint Seth" because he's always looking out for everyone else. Trying to make them happy, trying to help them or make up for their mistakes. He's a sweetheart, but to a fault.
Rowan Archer is a single mom whose father has just had a heart attack. Her family and the Barlows have been neighbors for years but the only Barlow she's ever really known well is Court ... the father of her child who broke her heart and from whom she's kept the little girl's existence a secret.
Sparks fly, love grows, hearts break, secrets are revealed, lives are upturned, and it all works out in a realistic way in the end.
Dahlia West writes a good story. I thought this one was a little drab in comparison to some of her earlier stories. She does seem to have done her research on ranching and she's very good at weaving those details into the story which gives it all more depth than if she'd skimmed over them.
I'll be reading the next one. There are a lot of Barlow boys, so it seems like there will be plenty of story to come.
Very reasonably priced and the books come out in a timely manner rather than on a calendar subject to the machinations of a typical publisher.
Seth is the middle son of the Barlow family. He's often called "Saint Seth" because he's always looking out for everyone else. Trying to make them happy, trying to help them or make up for their mistakes. He's a sweetheart, but to a fault.
Rowan Archer is a single mom whose father has just had a heart attack. Her family and the Barlows have been neighbors for years but the only Barlow she's ever really known well is Court ... the father of her child who broke her heart and from whom she's kept the little girl's existence a secret.
Sparks fly, love grows, hearts break, secrets are revealed, lives are upturned, and it all works out in a realistic way in the end.
Dahlia West writes a good story. I thought this one was a little drab in comparison to some of her earlier stories. She does seem to have done her research on ranching and she's very good at weaving those details into the story which gives it all more depth than if she'd skimmed over them.
I'll be reading the next one. There are a lot of Barlow boys, so it seems like there will be plenty of story to come.
Very reasonably priced and the books come out in a timely manner rather than on a calendar subject to the machinations of a typical publisher.
February 11, 2016
I usually don't read books involving cowboys, so I wasn't sure how I was going to like this new series by Dahlia West. I'm extremely happy that I gave it a chance. The Star Valley series introduces us to the 5 Barlow boys and Rough Stock specifically focuses on Seth the middle son. It's been a hard few years for the Barlow's and their cattle ranch and now with the passing of the patriarch, their struggling to hang on. It seems that Seth has always been calm brother, trying to diffuse whatever strife he can between the siblings and placing his wants second to what is best for the family and the ranch. That is until he sees Rowan.
Rowan is all too familiar with the Barlow's, in particular Seth's irresponsible younger brother Court. She's done all she can to avoid ever seeing him again. But she's back now because her family needs her and it's time to face the consequences. There's instant chemistry between the two of them, but how is this expected work when things are so complicated? Neither leads an easy life and when Seth steps in to help ease some of Rowen's burdens, she realizes how truly lonely she is, but can she count on Seth to stick it through?
I would absolutely recommend this new series and I'm excited to continue to read on about all the brothers.
Rowan is all too familiar with the Barlow's, in particular Seth's irresponsible younger brother Court. She's done all she can to avoid ever seeing him again. But she's back now because her family needs her and it's time to face the consequences. There's instant chemistry between the two of them, but how is this expected work when things are so complicated? Neither leads an easy life and when Seth steps in to help ease some of Rowen's burdens, she realizes how truly lonely she is, but can she count on Seth to stick it through?
I would absolutely recommend this new series and I'm excited to continue to read on about all the brothers.
April 1, 2017
After reading Preacher which was a 5 star read I was so very looking forward to this new series. I'm sure that this book will be loved by many but I was a little disappointed. I was glad that I read it with Kindle Unlimited. I reached the 40% mark before the story really grabbed me but then it lost me again. The first 40% contains a lot, I mean a lot, of descriptions of the farms, the characters, etc. Much time is spent describing the hard life of a cattle and sheep farmer. Then we get descriptions and background on the Barlow sons. The familial love came across but this is one very dysfunctional group. Seth came across as a real saint, long suffering and willing to sacrifice for the good of others. The elder brother was discussed at length. Court, the father of the child, came across as selfish and immature but changed overnight into a responsible absent parent. Too quick to be believable. The premise of the romance was good but the whole story was depressing to me or just sad. Two families fighting against all odds to save two failing farms, conflict and friction between brothers about the women they love, a heroine who's life's struggles will make you sad. There was really nothing to smile about in this book. No passionate sex, only feelings of anger, resentment on the h's side and sad feelings by the H who is willing to give up everything for the sake of family. Like I said, just not the book for me but I read every page in the book so I guess that says something positive.
I was surprised to see brother Sawyer is the next book up and I think he was the least covered of the five brothers. Since the eldest, Walker, was covered in detail I really thought he would be up next. In any case I'll have to wait and read a lot of reviews on book 2 before I jump in. I can't take anymore of the deep heartache and loss of seeing these kinds of struggles in the next book. There is a HEA for the main couple and definitely no cheating.
I was surprised to see brother Sawyer is the next book up and I think he was the least covered of the five brothers. Since the eldest, Walker, was covered in detail I really thought he would be up next. In any case I'll have to wait and read a lot of reviews on book 2 before I jump in. I can't take anymore of the deep heartache and loss of seeing these kinds of struggles in the next book. There is a HEA for the main couple and definitely no cheating.
February 9, 2016
Rough Stock Star Valley Book 1
Obligatory note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I finished Rough Stock days ago. And as an avid Dahlia West fan 99% of the time I rush off to write the review. This time I did not. Not because it was a terrible book, or because I couldn’t think of anything to say about it. But because this is so beyond what we have come to expect from West that I wasn’t really sure how to word what I wanted to say.
I’m still not, and I’ll probably want to change this review a few times once I post it but I think at this point I can do this book and its author justice.
So if you don’t want to read the longest review I’ve ever written let me just say this. I’m a speed reader, it can’t be helped. I didn’t think I was capable of really slowing down while reading a book; and maybe I didn’t with Rough Stock. Maybe I just enjoyed it so much that everything else faded away until I was on the last page. I felt like I had been sitting on the farm and the ranch, praying that the herd was still whole, that it wasn’t for nothing and starring at the Tetons, riding the range and basking in the afterglow in a dark quiet room as lovers do, I was engrossed. And I’m ready for book 2. Because I can only imagine how much better each book will be. How complete I’ll feel as each Barlow brother finds his women and I get to be a part of their story, even if it’s only through the pages on my kindle.
If you are a reader of West you know that she is capable of creating characters that you love, and hate or love to hate, you become invested. They stay with you even after you’ve been done with the book for weeks and months. You go back and read it over again, or just certain parts, because you became so involved in the story and the characters mean something to you; the vivid picture she paints for her readers just doesn’t let you go. And let me just say just like her Burnout Series set in SD I vow to someday haul my booty west toward Wyoming and view the beauty that is the Tetons. To experience, even as a simple tourist, the grandness and beauty and the harsh reality of Wyoming.
Seth Barlow and Rowan Archer’s story is complicated at best. There are so many outside issues that factor into their story. But it’s a strong story of sacrifice, as a parent, a child, a brother, a daughter and mother. Choices that they make have the ability effect everyone around them. And it won’t be the happily ever after that Rowan and Seth want and deserve without there being pain and growth, compromise and a few secrets coming out along the way. No matter how badly Seth wants to bask in the love he has for Rowan he knows, as does she, that it won’t be easy and they are both going to have to fight to keep what they’ve found for each other. Fight to hold onto the family ranches that have stood for generations and not just because it’s their livelihoods or all that they know but because it’s their history; their stories, their futures. Pieces of themselves are engrained into the land that their homes stand on, so much so that the Barlow’s family story is a bit of legend around town.
But It’s been a long few years, seasons. Rowan left Star Valley, running as far as she could to start fresh for herself; now her father is ill and she has to come home. She has to come back to the one place she has successfully avoided for years limiting herself to short visits and those never included runs into town. But now she has to make a choice. Help her father hold onto his legacy or turn tail and run! But Rowan isn’t the young starry eyed girl she was. She knows that a mile down the road from her is the man who changed the course of her world and made her take this journey alone. She’ll do whatever it takes to stay away from the Barlow’s’ because it won’t end well. And the cost is too high. She can’t put herself through the hurt caused last time.
Seth Barlow is holding out hope that his brother is right, the snow is done and they’ll have a good spring and summer. He’s also holding out that his brothers don’t kill each other. Because while they are all finally back on Snake River Ranch together, even if their father isn’t there anymore, it doesn’t mean that they are all on the same page. But Seth is the worrier. He worries over his brothers, carries burdens; giving so much of himself to his family to the land that he doesn’t leave much for just him. But one trip into the feed store and he decided they consequences be damned. He wants Rowan. He deserves happy, and so does she. He’s willing to battle for it even as Rowan holds her hand out to keep him and his family away, but a man can only battle for so long.
Seth has choices to make, so does Rowan. It’s not just about them; though that would certainly make everything easier. Other players in the game make demands on them both. And Seth doesn’t know if they’ll make it. Rowan knows that she’s done, if he walks away, puts her happiness last.
Love at the best of times is hard. But it’s never not worth it.
Obligatory note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I finished Rough Stock days ago. And as an avid Dahlia West fan 99% of the time I rush off to write the review. This time I did not. Not because it was a terrible book, or because I couldn’t think of anything to say about it. But because this is so beyond what we have come to expect from West that I wasn’t really sure how to word what I wanted to say.
I’m still not, and I’ll probably want to change this review a few times once I post it but I think at this point I can do this book and its author justice.
So if you don’t want to read the longest review I’ve ever written let me just say this. I’m a speed reader, it can’t be helped. I didn’t think I was capable of really slowing down while reading a book; and maybe I didn’t with Rough Stock. Maybe I just enjoyed it so much that everything else faded away until I was on the last page. I felt like I had been sitting on the farm and the ranch, praying that the herd was still whole, that it wasn’t for nothing and starring at the Tetons, riding the range and basking in the afterglow in a dark quiet room as lovers do, I was engrossed. And I’m ready for book 2. Because I can only imagine how much better each book will be. How complete I’ll feel as each Barlow brother finds his women and I get to be a part of their story, even if it’s only through the pages on my kindle.
If you are a reader of West you know that she is capable of creating characters that you love, and hate or love to hate, you become invested. They stay with you even after you’ve been done with the book for weeks and months. You go back and read it over again, or just certain parts, because you became so involved in the story and the characters mean something to you; the vivid picture she paints for her readers just doesn’t let you go. And let me just say just like her Burnout Series set in SD I vow to someday haul my booty west toward Wyoming and view the beauty that is the Tetons. To experience, even as a simple tourist, the grandness and beauty and the harsh reality of Wyoming.
Seth Barlow and Rowan Archer’s story is complicated at best. There are so many outside issues that factor into their story. But it’s a strong story of sacrifice, as a parent, a child, a brother, a daughter and mother. Choices that they make have the ability effect everyone around them. And it won’t be the happily ever after that Rowan and Seth want and deserve without there being pain and growth, compromise and a few secrets coming out along the way. No matter how badly Seth wants to bask in the love he has for Rowan he knows, as does she, that it won’t be easy and they are both going to have to fight to keep what they’ve found for each other. Fight to hold onto the family ranches that have stood for generations and not just because it’s their livelihoods or all that they know but because it’s their history; their stories, their futures. Pieces of themselves are engrained into the land that their homes stand on, so much so that the Barlow’s family story is a bit of legend around town.
But It’s been a long few years, seasons. Rowan left Star Valley, running as far as she could to start fresh for herself; now her father is ill and she has to come home. She has to come back to the one place she has successfully avoided for years limiting herself to short visits and those never included runs into town. But now she has to make a choice. Help her father hold onto his legacy or turn tail and run! But Rowan isn’t the young starry eyed girl she was. She knows that a mile down the road from her is the man who changed the course of her world and made her take this journey alone. She’ll do whatever it takes to stay away from the Barlow’s’ because it won’t end well. And the cost is too high. She can’t put herself through the hurt caused last time.
Seth Barlow is holding out hope that his brother is right, the snow is done and they’ll have a good spring and summer. He’s also holding out that his brothers don’t kill each other. Because while they are all finally back on Snake River Ranch together, even if their father isn’t there anymore, it doesn’t mean that they are all on the same page. But Seth is the worrier. He worries over his brothers, carries burdens; giving so much of himself to his family to the land that he doesn’t leave much for just him. But one trip into the feed store and he decided they consequences be damned. He wants Rowan. He deserves happy, and so does she. He’s willing to battle for it even as Rowan holds her hand out to keep him and his family away, but a man can only battle for so long.
Seth has choices to make, so does Rowan. It’s not just about them; though that would certainly make everything easier. Other players in the game make demands on them both. And Seth doesn’t know if they’ll make it. Rowan knows that she’s done, if he walks away, puts her happiness last.
Love at the best of times is hard. But it’s never not worth it.
March 2, 2016
3.5-3.75 stars & at times 5 stars.
April 28, 2016
It was well written but the whole book just made me sad. Both the hero and heroine were struggling financially. Their entire families were struggling financially. It was tough to read about page after page.
And I'm not a fan of "secret baby" plotlines. It was interesting to read about life on a cattle ranch and a sheep farm.
But this book made me sad.
And I'm not a fan of "secret baby" plotlines. It was interesting to read about life on a cattle ranch and a sheep farm.
But this book made me sad.
December 7, 2016
Very boring too wordy for my opinion
June 15, 2016
Solid romance
Genre: Contemp
Standalone/Cliffhanger:; Standalone
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes-BK #1
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: NO!
Multi-Luv'n: No
Contains Children: Yes - h has a daughter.
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Angst Level Rating: 3
Feel-Good Level Rating: 3
Steam Factor Rating: 3
Kink Level Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: Average
Overall Smex Rating: 3
Hero Description: Cowboy
Hero Likability Rating: 4 . He is way tooooo nice.
Heroine Description: I liked her- 4. She is a hard wrking woman who wants to keep her legacy alive.
Heroine Likability Rating: 4
2nd Char. Description: H's brothers . They have their own book later on in the series.
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: 4
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Too Long . At 220 ish page the H & h get together. Till then this being the first book laid the foundation of the story. Nevertheless it was not boring, neither was it a page turner. It worked passably.
Any H/h Separations: Few weeks breakup
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Just Right
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 3.5
Current OW/OM/Ex: No
-Grovel Rating: 3 .
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
Technical/Editing Quality: 4
Writing/Content Quality:4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Overall Rating: 3 . Cause it took a long time for the H and h to gettogether and i was lossing patience.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes. I will continue reading this series. I need to know the other brother's love stories.
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: This was a solid romance content /story wise. But it was not awe inspiring, angsty and heart wrenching.
I liked the characters in the book. The brothers were flawed yet good people. The H & h were both fighting for something. It was real and that is the reality of life. it was shown nicely. We work hard to make a living and along the way make decisions that effect us.
The H was a wonderful and a total nice guy. He is calm, collected , understanding. I loved him . His character made the book worthwhile to read.He is tooooo nice at times to the h.
The h was a little unlikable at first but as the pages flew by , i started liking her. I emphasized with her.
I would suggest reading it for the flawed, likable realistic story.
Genre: Contemp
Standalone/Cliffhanger:; Standalone
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes-BK #1
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: NO!
Multi-Luv'n: No
Contains Children: Yes - h has a daughter.
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Angst Level Rating: 3
Feel-Good Level Rating: 3
Steam Factor Rating: 3
Kink Level Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: Average
Overall Smex Rating: 3
Hero Description: Cowboy
Hero Likability Rating: 4 . He is way tooooo nice.
Heroine Description: I liked her- 4. She is a hard wrking woman who wants to keep her legacy alive.
Heroine Likability Rating: 4
2nd Char. Description: H's brothers . They have their own book later on in the series.
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: 4
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Too Long . At 220 ish page the H & h get together. Till then this being the first book laid the foundation of the story. Nevertheless it was not boring, neither was it a page turner. It worked passably.
Any H/h Separations: Few weeks breakup
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Just Right
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 3.5
Current OW/OM/Ex: No
-Grovel Rating: 3 .
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
Technical/Editing Quality: 4
Writing/Content Quality:4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Overall Rating: 3 . Cause it took a long time for the H and h to gettogether and i was lossing patience.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes. I will continue reading this series. I need to know the other brother's love stories.
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: This was a solid romance content /story wise. But it was not awe inspiring, angsty and heart wrenching.
I liked the characters in the book. The brothers were flawed yet good people. The H & h were both fighting for something. It was real and that is the reality of life. it was shown nicely. We work hard to make a living and along the way make decisions that effect us.
The H was a wonderful and a total nice guy. He is calm, collected , understanding. I loved him . His character made the book worthwhile to read.He is tooooo nice at times to the h.
The h was a little unlikable at first but as the pages flew by , i started liking her. I emphasized with her.
I would suggest reading it for the flawed, likable realistic story.
March 1, 2016
A good beginning to a new series by this author. A little girl, brothers, wolves, and a connection between two people keep this book interesting and make it an enjoyable read. There is some angst, fighting,hot love scenes, and a lot of love in this book. It's about family.Rough Stock is about two people who fall in love with one another, despite circumstances, and get their HEA.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Beta Reader
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Beta Reader
March 1, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure about this book because it is very different from Dahlia's other series but I have to say this book rocked.
I loved the emotional roller coaster she took us through. I laughed, cried and got pi$$ed but in the end I loved this book.
Please keep them coming Dahlia.
I wasn't sure about this book because it is very different from Dahlia's other series but I have to say this book rocked.
I loved the emotional roller coaster she took us through. I laughed, cried and got pi$$ed but in the end I loved this book.
Please keep them coming Dahlia.
dnf
July 12, 2017Gonna dnf this for now. No reason, just not in the mood right now.
September 10, 2016
Fantastic! My rating is 5 Stars!!
"Rough Stock" Star Valley #1 is by author Dahlia West. There are currently seven titles listed in this series however only the first three are available for purchase. The fourth is due out this Fall.
Star Valley is a series I am so happy to come across. Since I was unfamiliar with this author, I unashamedly admit it was the cover that sold me! There are a mixed bag of ratings and reviews for it, however it was a Five Star for me. This sexy, romantic, slightly angsty story brought out all my "feels." Every single one!
As you will read, reasons of morality and strong conscience issues made it difficult for this couple to reach their HEA. Literally, everyone is adding their "two cents." I admit that if I found myself in a similar situation, I'm not sure what I would have done. Sometimes the right thing is the wrong thing. This story was classic in that way. That said, I was beyond thrilled and not a little relieved by the end.
Welcome to Star Valley, Wyoming and the home of the hot, sexy five Barlow brothers. These ranchers have been falling on hard times thanks to mother nature but they are no less determined to save their land and the legacy that comes with it.
Seth Barlow is the middle brother. He is the quiet one. The one to always be relied on the most. And unfortunately the one who always puts his family's needs before his own. Over the years, Seth made many sacrifices keeping peace and harmony among his family. Each of his brothers has a strong, unique personality. I fell in love with Seth from chapter one. The author has a talent for letting us live inside her character's minds. There is plenty of internal monologue with just as much dialogue as a result giving us a steady, smooth flow. I didn't skip one single page because I was afraid to miss something important.
Our heroine, Rowan, reluctantly returns to town to take care of her father who recently had a heart attack. Not only does she care for all her father's needs, she is determined to keep their family farm surviving. If not just for financial reasons but so that her four year old daughter will have a legacy. Rowan never ever intended to move back to her family home. And she never wanted to see her ex-boyfriend again. He cheated on her and abandoned her when she most needed him. Rowan hated him then and she hates him even now while determined to keep him away from her. Even if he is one of the sexy Barlow brothers. And especially because her daughter has his same eyes.
When Seth Barlow sees Rowan in town for the first time since she left, he is instantly attracted and it seems he can't stay away from her. And he should since she is his brother's ex. Even so, Seth is always coming to her rescue even if she doesn't want or need him too. Even if he's not the Barlow she hates.
These two have a long journey ahead of them. The road to their happiness is brimming with obstacles; the biggest being Court, Seth's youngest brother and man Rowan wants nothing to do with.
This is not Court's story however he was a big part of it. He has a lot of mistakes to make up for and just as much growing up to do. I am looking forward to his book.
Everything about this book was amazing to me. It was a great beginning to this series. Dahlia West has become one of my favorite authors and I am excited to read the rest of the Star Valley series. Yes the Barlow brothers are yummy! (even Court)
"Rough Stock" Star Valley #1 is by author Dahlia West. There are currently seven titles listed in this series however only the first three are available for purchase. The fourth is due out this Fall.
Star Valley is a series I am so happy to come across. Since I was unfamiliar with this author, I unashamedly admit it was the cover that sold me! There are a mixed bag of ratings and reviews for it, however it was a Five Star for me. This sexy, romantic, slightly angsty story brought out all my "feels." Every single one!
As you will read, reasons of morality and strong conscience issues made it difficult for this couple to reach their HEA. Literally, everyone is adding their "two cents." I admit that if I found myself in a similar situation, I'm not sure what I would have done. Sometimes the right thing is the wrong thing. This story was classic in that way. That said, I was beyond thrilled and not a little relieved by the end.
Welcome to Star Valley, Wyoming and the home of the hot, sexy five Barlow brothers. These ranchers have been falling on hard times thanks to mother nature but they are no less determined to save their land and the legacy that comes with it.
Seth Barlow is the middle brother. He is the quiet one. The one to always be relied on the most. And unfortunately the one who always puts his family's needs before his own. Over the years, Seth made many sacrifices keeping peace and harmony among his family. Each of his brothers has a strong, unique personality. I fell in love with Seth from chapter one. The author has a talent for letting us live inside her character's minds. There is plenty of internal monologue with just as much dialogue as a result giving us a steady, smooth flow. I didn't skip one single page because I was afraid to miss something important.
Our heroine, Rowan, reluctantly returns to town to take care of her father who recently had a heart attack. Not only does she care for all her father's needs, she is determined to keep their family farm surviving. If not just for financial reasons but so that her four year old daughter will have a legacy. Rowan never ever intended to move back to her family home. And she never wanted to see her ex-boyfriend again. He cheated on her and abandoned her when she most needed him. Rowan hated him then and she hates him even now while determined to keep him away from her. Even if he is one of the sexy Barlow brothers. And especially because her daughter has his same eyes.
When Seth Barlow sees Rowan in town for the first time since she left, he is instantly attracted and it seems he can't stay away from her. And he should since she is his brother's ex. Even so, Seth is always coming to her rescue even if she doesn't want or need him too. Even if he's not the Barlow she hates.
These two have a long journey ahead of them. The road to their happiness is brimming with obstacles; the biggest being Court, Seth's youngest brother and man Rowan wants nothing to do with.
This is not Court's story however he was a big part of it. He has a lot of mistakes to make up for and just as much growing up to do. I am looking forward to his book.
Everything about this book was amazing to me. It was a great beginning to this series. Dahlia West has become one of my favorite authors and I am excited to read the rest of the Star Valley series. Yes the Barlow brothers are yummy! (even Court)
April 3, 2017
The story of this book is really complicated, and not in a good way. The way it is written gives half the story in the first couple of chapters. For those who knows how this kind of book works, as soon as you see two points of view you know it's about the couple, so you know what's going to happen from the start, just not how it's going to work. I think it would have been more interesting if it was just one point of view, you wouldn't see the relationship coming from a mile away. Also, I had some issues with the time, sometimes I had the impression that a lot of time had passed just to see that it was just a day or two, or I thought just a day had passed just to find out it had been a few days. It wasn't very clear.
July 9, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and it was my pleasure to do so.
I knew, going in, that this series was going to be different than Ms. West's other series, Burnout and Stark Ink. And because it was different, it took me a few chapters to get involved with the storyline. But it IS a good story. It captures your emotions and takes you inside each character, letting you feel their determination to save and preserve their heritage. To save it not just for the "here and now" but out of genuine respect for their ancestors who began it all, who forged a living from these lands by sheer determination and guts but also for the sake of the generations yet to come. To ensure that these lands, which have provided so much, for so many, for over one hundred years will not disappear but continue to prosper and that each generation will bequeath unto the next this proud and honorable legacy.
Book One introduces us to the Barlows and to the Archers. We get to meet and learn a bit about each member of both these families, as well as some of the folks who live and work in Star Valley, but it is Seth and Court Barlow and Rowan Archer and her daughter, Willow that start us out. Their story encompasses not only the past and the present, but is intertwined with possibilities for the future, not just for the four of them but for both families. And at the end of Book One, you are more than ready to dive into Book Two.
If this is the first book you will read of Ms.West's, then I believe you will thoroughly enjoy it and, like me, will be ready to get your hands on Book Two, "Wrangler" which will be available May 1st.
If also like me, you have read the Burnout and Stark Ink Series, then you will notice that the difference is a gentler, softer writing style but that it is definitely a "Dahlia West" story and therefore, a totally captivating and enjoyable read.
I knew, going in, that this series was going to be different than Ms. West's other series, Burnout and Stark Ink. And because it was different, it took me a few chapters to get involved with the storyline. But it IS a good story. It captures your emotions and takes you inside each character, letting you feel their determination to save and preserve their heritage. To save it not just for the "here and now" but out of genuine respect for their ancestors who began it all, who forged a living from these lands by sheer determination and guts but also for the sake of the generations yet to come. To ensure that these lands, which have provided so much, for so many, for over one hundred years will not disappear but continue to prosper and that each generation will bequeath unto the next this proud and honorable legacy.
Book One introduces us to the Barlows and to the Archers. We get to meet and learn a bit about each member of both these families, as well as some of the folks who live and work in Star Valley, but it is Seth and Court Barlow and Rowan Archer and her daughter, Willow that start us out. Their story encompasses not only the past and the present, but is intertwined with possibilities for the future, not just for the four of them but for both families. And at the end of Book One, you are more than ready to dive into Book Two.
If this is the first book you will read of Ms.West's, then I believe you will thoroughly enjoy it and, like me, will be ready to get your hands on Book Two, "Wrangler" which will be available May 1st.
If also like me, you have read the Burnout and Stark Ink Series, then you will notice that the difference is a gentler, softer writing style but that it is definitely a "Dahlia West" story and therefore, a totally captivating and enjoyable read.
February 10, 2016
Dahlia West is AMAZING!!! I absolutely love Dahlia's work. I was given a chance to be an ARC reader in return for my honest review so here it goes..... If you fell in love with Stark Ink and/or the Burnout Series than you are definitely going to love the first book in the Rough Stock series. You haven't read any of Dahlia's books!?!? What are you waiting for! Throw on your Cowboy boots and get your saddle ready and read Rough Stock. You won't want to miss out on the Barlow brother's. Seth Barlow is a loving, caring man and will do whatever it takes to protect he's family even if that means giving up what he wants. Rowan Archer is a women who has had her heartbroken and doesn't want to go back down that road again. Can she stand up for herself and fight or will she cave and go back to her old ways? But Rowan has a secert that will stir things up when she moves back home. The Barlow brother's are still grieving over their fathers death and are trying to save their ranch. Can Seth and Rowan save both of their Ranches or will the secerts divide them all. I can't wait for book 2 of Rough Stock to come out so I can get my hands on another Barlow brother and see where he's journey goes. Dahlia did a FANTASTIC job with the research for the cowboy's and the land. I felt like I was standing next to the characters. Not a fan of cowboy's, I suggest you still give the Barlow brother's a try, you could probably relate to one of them or know somebody who does. You dont want to miss out on Seth Barlow and Rowan Archer's story.
September 14, 2018
I liked this book. Rowen is a nurse and single mother. After her father has a heart attack she return to Star Valley, WY. She isn't sure about the move since she has avoided her ex for years. She was young and thought Court Barlow loved her but she caught him with 2 women and he never returned any of her calls when she told him she was pregnant. Now she's back and can't avoid feckless Court or his sexy, responsible older brother Seth.
The five Barlow brothers have suffered the loss of their father and his best friend. They are barely hanging on and know if something doesn't turn the tide soon they'll loose the cattle ranch that has been in their family for generations.
Rowan is facing her own challenging in trying to keep her family's sheep ranch going.
I thought Seth and Rowan made a great couple. They worked well together to keep their ranches prosperous. I also like that when Seth made a mistake Rowan didn't instantly forgive him. He had to work for his second chance.
The five Barlow brothers have suffered the loss of their father and his best friend. They are barely hanging on and know if something doesn't turn the tide soon they'll loose the cattle ranch that has been in their family for generations.
Rowan is facing her own challenging in trying to keep her family's sheep ranch going.
I thought Seth and Rowan made a great couple. They worked well together to keep their ranches prosperous. I also like that when Seth made a mistake Rowan didn't instantly forgive him. He had to work for his second chance.
June 3, 2016
Good contemporary western romance. It's been a while since I've read a cowboy romance.
This is a new author for me and she really had me with the Great Pyrenees working dogs. I used to have a Pyrenees-Anatolian mix... what a love she was (loved riding in the car, head out the window). She would always get between us and the doorways to rooms... they will herd their people in if that's all they have to work with, lol.
Then there's the setting, which I have been to with my H on one of our western wanderings. It's totally breathtaking there, especially from across the river valley.
I would probably read this again.
This is a new author for me and she really had me with the Great Pyrenees working dogs. I used to have a Pyrenees-Anatolian mix... what a love she was (loved riding in the car, head out the window). She would always get between us and the doorways to rooms... they will herd their people in if that's all they have to work with, lol.
Then there's the setting, which I have been to with my H on one of our western wanderings. It's totally breathtaking there, especially from across the river valley.
I would probably read this again.
July 4, 2016
What happened to this writer
Having read the Burnout series and Preacher I was happy to see a new series by this author. Sorry to say I was extremely disappointed. I wanted to read a romance novel but got a rambling story about cows and sheep. Never connected with characters and finally just gave up. Not worth the time and effort.
Having read the Burnout series and Preacher I was happy to see a new series by this author. Sorry to say I was extremely disappointed. I wanted to read a romance novel but got a rambling story about cows and sheep. Never connected with characters and finally just gave up. Not worth the time and effort.
March 2, 2016
The author does not disappoint. You feel for the H and h indeed you are engaged and intrigued from the first chapters with the main characters and secondary characters. What a great start to a series.
March 24, 2016
Is this the same author that gave me Shooter? It didn't seem that it was so I looked again....yep same author.
I loved the Burnout and Stark Ink series but I couldn't get past chapter 5 in this book before I gave up. Maybe I'll try again someday but that won't be soon
I loved the Burnout and Stark Ink series but I couldn't get past chapter 5 in this book before I gave up. Maybe I'll try again someday but that won't be soon
June 13, 2020
Rough Reading Ride
Gave this one 2.5 stars because I got it for free and it involved Wyoming, cowboys and animals.
There was really only one good hot scene.
The writing, it was pretty rough. I think this must be one of the authors earlier books, I didn’t check the publication date.
But it felt very jumpy between characters. Not really from their POV and not really first person either. It was like this odd mix of observing the story 3rd and hopping between who was in the thinking lead with no clear definition of the jumps coming up.
It was an okay story. But FYI it was pretty surprisingly to have a baby with one brothers, wasn’t a serious relationship for the one brother, five years later she gets with another one who is serious about her.
Wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine.
Story did not hook me enough to go pay for book two. If it was in KU, I might would give it a whirl.
Gave this one 2.5 stars because I got it for free and it involved Wyoming, cowboys and animals.
There was really only one good hot scene.
The writing, it was pretty rough. I think this must be one of the authors earlier books, I didn’t check the publication date.
But it felt very jumpy between characters. Not really from their POV and not really first person either. It was like this odd mix of observing the story 3rd and hopping between who was in the thinking lead with no clear definition of the jumps coming up.
It was an okay story. But FYI it was pretty surprisingly to have a baby with one brothers, wasn’t a serious relationship for the one brother, five years later she gets with another one who is serious about her.
Wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine.
Story did not hook me enough to go pay for book two. If it was in KU, I might would give it a whirl.
January 26, 2018
I liked this one so much I immediately began reading the next one.
I loved the ranches, scenery and story of these two families. What's not to love about Seth? He sees Rowen for who she is, loves his family so much he would sacrifice everything for them.
All the secondary characters are strong enough to support more books with their stories. Court certainly was schooled by Rowen because she is a serious momma bear who had to grow up quickly. When all the truths were revealed I can't say I had any sympathy for Court and felt like he tried manipulating Seth with his threat of repeating what their dad did. I'm glad both Rowen and Seth had the good sense to wake him up and sort themselves out at the same time.
Onto book 2🙃
I loved the ranches, scenery and story of these two families. What's not to love about Seth? He sees Rowen for who she is, loves his family so much he would sacrifice everything for them.
All the secondary characters are strong enough to support more books with their stories. Court certainly was schooled by Rowen because she is a serious momma bear who had to grow up quickly. When all the truths were revealed I can't say I had any sympathy for Court and felt like he tried manipulating Seth with his threat of repeating what their dad did. I'm glad both Rowen and Seth had the good sense to wake him up and sort themselves out at the same time.
Onto book 2🙃
February 22, 2022
Sweet and kinda sexy
Good start to a series. A little push and pull. Reads a little old fashioned, did I miss-date? 1960's. She talks about everyone giving the side eye..etc, i kinda skipped over,blah,blah at that point. Seriously, not one person in the town was friendly and I expected more from the eldest brother, the way he was written, Walker would have stepped in. None of the secondary characters were well fleshed out and the H having semi-dominant flashes, didn't flow all that well. It reads more like an older Harlequin romance.
Good start to a series. A little push and pull. Reads a little old fashioned, did I miss-date? 1960's. She talks about everyone giving the side eye..etc, i kinda skipped over,blah,blah at that point. Seriously, not one person in the town was friendly and I expected more from the eldest brother, the way he was written, Walker would have stepped in. None of the secondary characters were well fleshed out and the H having semi-dominant flashes, didn't flow all that well. It reads more like an older Harlequin romance.
August 24, 2018
Catching!
This book grabbed me from word 1. A new twist on the cowboy theme and the typical struggle to survive! I couldn’t wait for my day to be over so I could go home and find out what happens next!!! On to book 2!!!!!!
This book grabbed me from word 1. A new twist on the cowboy theme and the typical struggle to survive! I couldn’t wait for my day to be over so I could go home and find out what happens next!!! On to book 2!!!!!!
October 31, 2016
Nice light western romance. It was a nice change to have a H that isn't rich. A twist on the secret baby trope.
August 13, 2017
Review
I liked the writing, I liked the storyline, and th characters we're lovable. The romance was sweet. Not a lot of action or intrigue.
I liked the writing, I liked the storyline, and th characters we're lovable. The romance was sweet. Not a lot of action or intrigue.
May 27, 2018
I enjoyed it
Rainy Sunday, it was a tad rushed. The build up was good. The ending was good. I just felt it was rushed.
Rainy Sunday, it was a tad rushed. The build up was good. The ending was good. I just felt it was rushed.
Read
August 27, 2019Rough Stock
Terrific plot and characters. I read this when it first came out in KU and bought and read again today.
Terrific plot and characters. I read this when it first came out in KU and bought and read again today.
January 28, 2021
Awesome Barlows!
The Barlow brothers are definitely some strong men. Seth is the caretaker and fixer. When he meets Rowan again, he sees someone he'd like to get reacquainted with. Then he sees he secret - his little niece....
The Barlow brothers are definitely some strong men. Seth is the caretaker and fixer. When he meets Rowan again, he sees someone he'd like to get reacquainted with. Then he sees he secret - his little niece....
September 18, 2017
Rough Stock by Dahlia West is the first book of her new series Star Valley. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Set in Wyoming, Rough Stock centres around the Barlows of Snake River, five brothers who are trying to survive after several rough years & the death of their father. The family have worked this land for over a century & they hold it with deep respect for the environment. Nearby, the Archer family are facing similar problems that bring the younger daughter, Rowan home from Cheyenne. Home is the last place Rowan wants to be; she had her heart broken by the youngest Barlow, Court, when he abandoned her, pregnant with her daughter Willow. With he father in hospital, & only her sister Emma & her husband to help, Rowan struggles with the farm work & tries to keep young Willow happy. The middle Barlow brother Seth, meets up with Rowan who begs him not to let Court come visit - he doesn't realise he's a father, even though she left him a message all those years ago. Seth vows to help Rowan all he can & the two are slowly drawn to each other. She doesn't want to pick up wih Court again, but will share their daughter so that Willow knows both her parents. But life on the land is hard and sacrifices must be made...
Dahlia West has a distinct style of writing & Rough Stock is an engrossing story. These characters are very different to her earlier series; the pace of life on the land is certainly slower than what city-dwellers are used to, & the writing reflects this less hurried life. Dahlia's narrative fits the mood and the emotional turmoil faced by the main characters. This has the making of another brilliant series & I'm certain I'll read rowan & Seth's story again before the second book, Wrangler, is released. If you are already a Dahlia Wst fan, you'll want to read this book. If you're not familiar with her work you should most definitely read Rough Stock; it's a good introduction to a fine writer.
Dahlia West has a distinct style of writing & Rough Stock is an engrossing story. These characters are very different to her earlier series; the pace of life on the land is certainly slower than what city-dwellers are used to, & the writing reflects this less hurried life. Dahlia's narrative fits the mood and the emotional turmoil faced by the main characters. This has the making of another brilliant series & I'm certain I'll read rowan & Seth's story again before the second book, Wrangler, is released. If you are already a Dahlia Wst fan, you'll want to read this book. If you're not familiar with her work you should most definitely read Rough Stock; it's a good introduction to a fine writer.
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