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Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart
**Previously published by the now defunct Less Than Three Press**
Sam, a sheriff's deputy in a small Arizona town, is off-duty when he finds himself in the middle of a hold-up at a local diner. He makes it out alive only because of Montgomery, who shoots the robber that attempted to kill Sam—but in the fallout, the second robber gets away.
In the aftermath of that ugly night, Sam is determined to get to know Montgomery better, while Montgomery is determined to find the man who escaped. He's also dead set on avoiding the sheriff, having secrets of his own he doesn't want out.
But loneliness is hard, and Montgomery can't resist the companionship Sam is offering—the companionship he's always wanted, but could never find. If they're going to explore it, however, first they'll have to stop the growing threat of the robber who got away…
Sam, a sheriff's deputy in a small Arizona town, is off-duty when he finds himself in the middle of a hold-up at a local diner. He makes it out alive only because of Montgomery, who shoots the robber that attempted to kill Sam—but in the fallout, the second robber gets away.
In the aftermath of that ugly night, Sam is determined to get to know Montgomery better, while Montgomery is determined to find the man who escaped. He's also dead set on avoiding the sheriff, having secrets of his own he doesn't want out.
But loneliness is hard, and Montgomery can't resist the companionship Sam is offering—the companionship he's always wanted, but could never find. If they're going to explore it, however, first they'll have to stop the growing threat of the robber who got away…
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
1 person is currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 5, 2016
3.5 stars
The book page for Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart over at LT3P Website clearly stated "relationship between Sam (biromantic heterosexual) and Montgomery (aromantic asexual), and includes scenes between Sam and a female partner."
Just in case you don't know what aromantic asexual is, well it's a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others, in addition to having no/little sexual attraction. So I went in knowing for sure that there won't be romance (in a traditional way) between Sam and Montgomery.
Instead, I focused on their friendship ... as well as what seemed to be the grand theme of this novella: loneliness. I found it pretty compelling. I loved the friendship part and how Sam and Montgomery connected. I always have this enthusiasm to read about "all the lonely people". I genuinely thought Crosswell was able to paint Sam and Montgomery's loneliness pretty well. The part where Montgomery called his ex-wife, who used to be his best friend until they separated because he wasn't interested in that sexual/romantic aspect of their relationship ... that scene just hit me in all the right places.
I wasn't sure with Montgomery's stance with the robbing/killing part of the story. Plus what he did in the end was rather stupid, IMHO. While Sam ... somehow he didn't come out of this novella as pretty competent deputy (oh, and he also felt a bit needy). But I could still say that I really liked it because of how the loneliness theme resonated with me. That kind of connection with a book (over characters or plot) is always what matters to me as a reader.
The book page for Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart over at LT3P Website clearly stated "relationship between Sam (biromantic heterosexual) and Montgomery (aromantic asexual), and includes scenes between Sam and a female partner."
Just in case you don't know what aromantic asexual is, well it's a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others, in addition to having no/little sexual attraction. So I went in knowing for sure that there won't be romance (in a traditional way) between Sam and Montgomery.
Instead, I focused on their friendship ... as well as what seemed to be the grand theme of this novella: loneliness. I found it pretty compelling. I loved the friendship part and how Sam and Montgomery connected. I always have this enthusiasm to read about "all the lonely people". I genuinely thought Crosswell was able to paint Sam and Montgomery's loneliness pretty well. The part where Montgomery called his ex-wife, who used to be his best friend until they separated because he wasn't interested in that sexual/romantic aspect of their relationship ... that scene just hit me in all the right places.
I wasn't sure with Montgomery's stance with the robbing/killing part of the story. Plus what he did in the end was rather stupid, IMHO. While Sam ... somehow he didn't come out of this novella as pretty competent deputy (oh, and he also felt a bit needy). But I could still say that I really liked it because of how the loneliness theme resonated with me. That kind of connection with a book (over characters or plot) is always what matters to me as a reader.
July 12, 2020
Aroace MC (Montgomery), in m/m queerplatonic reationship with biromantic heterosexual MC (Sam)
Read
June 6, 2018Almost DNF this because the writing wasn't grabbing me, and I had some issues with it. Since this is a (modern) cowboy story, let's do this in classic style:
The Good:
- Lots of discussion of companionship and friend as positive elements
- No real hierarchy of relationship types; felt like these were personal decisions
- Friendship HEA yo
The Bad:
- Montgomery is every bit the classic aromantic loner
- Montgomery's asexuality is cast as the reason his marriage failed. It's strongly implied he's a bad romantic partner because of his general disinterest in sex
The "Ugly": (the other things, really)
- This felt so very gendered, and there isn't any major women characters to balance it out, either.
- Just ... honestly all the background plot didn't grab me at all. Came for the friendship, stayed for it.
Overall, this was... decent to me? I wish it didn't play along some of the most common tropes, but I appreciate the way it values friendships and gives room for cuddling and preparing each other food between Manly Men (TM) (I mean. gruff cowboy and cop, really).
The Good:
- Lots of discussion of companionship and friend as positive elements
- No real hierarchy of relationship types; felt like these were personal decisions
- Friendship HEA yo
The Bad:
- Montgomery is every bit the classic aromantic loner
- Montgomery's asexuality is cast as the reason his marriage failed. It's strongly implied he's a bad romantic partner because of his general disinterest in sex
The "Ugly": (the other things, really)
- This felt so very gendered, and there isn't any major women characters to balance it out, either.
- Just ... honestly all the background plot didn't grab me at all. Came for the friendship, stayed for it.
Overall, this was... decent to me? I wish it didn't play along some of the most common tropes, but I appreciate the way it values friendships and gives room for cuddling and preparing each other food between Manly Men (TM) (I mean. gruff cowboy and cop, really).
August 8, 2017
Ugh.
I wanted to like this book and just didn't. Two stars might actually be too generous.
First, the superficial problems. The text on the (digital) page wasn't properly justified. This is becoming my number one pet peeve in poorly produced ebooks.
Second, this was recommended as a romance and it wasn't really one at all. I heard the book talked about on a podcast and I was really interested in reading an ace romance. Especially one where it wasn't about being ace, but about this exciting detective mystery that was supposedly happening.
The mystery wasn't exciting or engaging. The book managed to make a shoot-out boring.
A hallmark of romance novels is big, expansive feelings. But neither of the characters seemed any internal thoughts or feelings or emotions at all about anything. The book was very empty of feelings. Instead, it wasted paragraphs describing the string lights and taxidermy hanging in various bars and restaurants. About 40% into the book, Sam finally admitted to having a feeling. It took Montgomery almost 70% of the book to have a feeling. That feeling was 'I guess I like Sam.' But it wasn't even the kind of like born of shared interests and values. It was the sort of like born out of tolerance for the familiar, a like that comes with frequently sharing a space with someone and them not bothering you too much.
I've read two other romance novels where I consider at least one character of the main pairing to be on the demi/ace spectrum (this is where I say sorry if I've gotten those terms wrong, I'm officially an old). I was expecting this book to hit some of the same beats as those. Both of those books do involve the characters winding up in more romance-novel traditional sexual relationships, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine a book that plays out similarly without it.
In Hard Candy by Amy Jo Cousins, Vinnie is not that into sex. That's what ended his last relationship (which is seen in Love Me Like a Rock by Cousins). But when Vinnie meets Bryan he's immediately entranced. And it's as much about gender expression (again, no idea if that's the right terms) and Bryan's confidence in himself and willingness to be his own person that has Vinnie enthralled as any desire to sleep with him.
In Knit Tight by Annabeth Albert, Evren is similarly not that into sex. And while the book is told entirely in Brady's first person POV, it's interspersed with excerpts from Evren's knitting blog (hence the title). In the blog you can see the moments where Evren slowly falls in love with Brady, early on where Brady is the bright spot in a dark day, to when Evren releases his first knitwear pattern for kids because he's recently met some that are important (Brady is raising his younger siblings because their parents died in a car crash... this whole series is a Hallmark channel holiday movie), to when he finally admits the socks he's knitting are for a boyfriend, to when the boyfriend sweater curse is no longer relevant he finally knits Brady a husband sweater (seriously Hallmark-esque story).
Big emotions don't need to be loud or melodramatic. They can be slow and domestic, an iceberg hidden beneath the water. But they need to be there in a romance novel.
Also, this book supposedly wasn't about the characters being ace (or at least per the rec it wasn't), but that was the number one defining element to their lives. It made them friendless, lonely and empty people. In writing this, it's occurred to me that I don't particularly like lone cowboy books regardless of how the romance turns out. (I didn't like Blueberry Boys by Vanessa North or Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan as much as I wanted to either.)
I'm not sure I have a conclusion, other than that this book wasn't any of the things I was told it was, and I found it a slog to get through.
I wanted to like this book and just didn't. Two stars might actually be too generous.
First, the superficial problems. The text on the (digital) page wasn't properly justified. This is becoming my number one pet peeve in poorly produced ebooks.
Second, this was recommended as a romance and it wasn't really one at all. I heard the book talked about on a podcast and I was really interested in reading an ace romance. Especially one where it wasn't about being ace, but about this exciting detective mystery that was supposedly happening.
The mystery wasn't exciting or engaging. The book managed to make a shoot-out boring.
A hallmark of romance novels is big, expansive feelings. But neither of the characters seemed any internal thoughts or feelings or emotions at all about anything. The book was very empty of feelings. Instead, it wasted paragraphs describing the string lights and taxidermy hanging in various bars and restaurants. About 40% into the book, Sam finally admitted to having a feeling. It took Montgomery almost 70% of the book to have a feeling. That feeling was 'I guess I like Sam.' But it wasn't even the kind of like born of shared interests and values. It was the sort of like born out of tolerance for the familiar, a like that comes with frequently sharing a space with someone and them not bothering you too much.
I've read two other romance novels where I consider at least one character of the main pairing to be on the demi/ace spectrum (this is where I say sorry if I've gotten those terms wrong, I'm officially an old). I was expecting this book to hit some of the same beats as those. Both of those books do involve the characters winding up in more romance-novel traditional sexual relationships, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine a book that plays out similarly without it.
In Hard Candy by Amy Jo Cousins, Vinnie is not that into sex. That's what ended his last relationship (which is seen in Love Me Like a Rock by Cousins). But when Vinnie meets Bryan he's immediately entranced. And it's as much about gender expression (again, no idea if that's the right terms) and Bryan's confidence in himself and willingness to be his own person that has Vinnie enthralled as any desire to sleep with him.
In Knit Tight by Annabeth Albert, Evren is similarly not that into sex. And while the book is told entirely in Brady's first person POV, it's interspersed with excerpts from Evren's knitting blog (hence the title). In the blog you can see the moments where Evren slowly falls in love with Brady, early on where Brady is the bright spot in a dark day, to when Evren releases his first knitwear pattern for kids because he's recently met some that are important (Brady is raising his younger siblings because their parents died in a car crash... this whole series is a Hallmark channel holiday movie), to when he finally admits the socks he's knitting are for a boyfriend, to when the boyfriend sweater curse is no longer relevant he finally knits Brady a husband sweater (seriously Hallmark-esque story).
Big emotions don't need to be loud or melodramatic. They can be slow and domestic, an iceberg hidden beneath the water. But they need to be there in a romance novel.
Also, this book supposedly wasn't about the characters being ace (or at least per the rec it wasn't), but that was the number one defining element to their lives. It made them friendless, lonely and empty people. In writing this, it's occurred to me that I don't particularly like lone cowboy books regardless of how the romance turns out. (I didn't like Blueberry Boys by Vanessa North or Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan as much as I wanted to either.)
I'm not sure I have a conclusion, other than that this book wasn't any of the things I was told it was, and I found it a slog to get through.
August 29, 2016
I was so excited to get this ARC, because it's the first aromantic book for me. Sadly it left me disappointed.
Montgomery is aromantic, so of course this book doesn't contain a romance between the two main characters. Instead it focusses on friendship, which was a nice change. But it didn't make me feel things (which is sad because friendship is so important).
Okay, I kinda lied. I did have feelings. Negative feelings, mainly annoyance. Sam has a thing with a female character, who he likes because - guess what - she is not like other woman. Which is bad enough on its own, but the reason why is apparently because they have some sort of friends with benefits thing going on. No other woman has ever done something like this before. Sex without love, scandalous. (I'm sorry but this is really bothering me.)
The police in this story is really incapable of... like, anything. Luckily Montgomery, who is not a cop, solves the case.
This story is a western, so of course there are horses. But the way the horses were described made me really uncomfortable. One horse has a masculine face. I felt like the animal was sexualized. Really, a masculine face? Maybe riders talk this way about their horses? So I asked someone who has ridden for her whole life and she felt the same bewilderment as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Montgomery is aromantic, so of course this book doesn't contain a romance between the two main characters. Instead it focusses on friendship, which was a nice change. But it didn't make me feel things (which is sad because friendship is so important).
Okay, I kinda lied. I did have feelings. Negative feelings, mainly annoyance. Sam has a thing with a female character, who he likes because - guess what - she is not like other woman. Which is bad enough on its own, but the reason why is apparently because they have some sort of friends with benefits thing going on. No other woman has ever done something like this before. Sex without love, scandalous. (I'm sorry but this is really bothering me.)
The police in this story is really incapable of... like, anything. Luckily Montgomery, who is not a cop, solves the case.
This story is a western, so of course there are horses. But the way the horses were described made me really uncomfortable. One horse has a masculine face. I felt like the animal was sexualized. Really, a masculine face? Maybe riders talk this way about their horses? So I asked someone who has ridden for her whole life and she felt the same bewilderment as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
April 14, 2024
Sam is a small town sheriff's deputy who is not as comfortable with the violence of the job as he should be, so when he's off duty he tries to leave that world and his gun behind him. Until he finds himself unarmed, looking down the muzzle of a store robber's handgun, about to die, and is saved by Montgomery. Montgomery is the quintessential loner cowboy, taciturn, quick with a gun if the need arises. He's also asexual, and after divorcing his wife whom he loved, when she didn't want to live without sexual touch, he thinks he's resigned to a life without affection or non-sexual touch as well.
Sam doesn't define his sexuality, but he has only slept with women. Still, affection from a man appeals to him. And as he and Montgomery become friends, and the cowboy eventually lays out clearly why he's been alone, a relationship that doesn't involve sex isn't off Sam's table.
The story feels older than it is, for no reason I can put my finger on, but I enjoyed it. Montgomery is a bit of an archetype, but that gives contrast to his asexuality, and I liked the slow build of the relationship.
Montgomery didn't feel aromantic to me. The fact that he didn't even like kissing didn't mean he wasn't jealous, or didn't want Sam's heart to himself. We're so used to tying physical affection to romance that it feels like we put these boundaries on asexual and if it's too all-encompassing, that implies aromantic. (Although this is a revised version, so it is possible the original downplayed the love between the two of them, which is on page here.)
I think Montgomery should have felt more guilt over a failed strategy and the painful result than he did, and the plot was a bit thin, but this is definitely a book to read for character, not plot. I liked that a sexually-but-not-emotionally-open relationship was on the table. I liked that Montgomery didn't try to excuse or explain who he was. (There was one tiny hint of abuse in his past, but I was glad the author didn't really go there in an ace character's backstory.) I may comfort-reread this at some point.
Sam doesn't define his sexuality, but he has only slept with women. Still, affection from a man appeals to him. And as he and Montgomery become friends, and the cowboy eventually lays out clearly why he's been alone, a relationship that doesn't involve sex isn't off Sam's table.
The story feels older than it is, for no reason I can put my finger on, but I enjoyed it. Montgomery is a bit of an archetype, but that gives contrast to his asexuality, and I liked the slow build of the relationship.
Montgomery didn't feel aromantic to me. The fact that he didn't even like kissing didn't mean he wasn't jealous, or didn't want Sam's heart to himself. We're so used to tying physical affection to romance that it feels like we put these boundaries on asexual and if it's too all-encompassing, that implies aromantic. (Although this is a revised version, so it is possible the original downplayed the love between the two of them, which is on page here.)
I think Montgomery should have felt more guilt over a failed strategy and the painful result than he did, and the plot was a bit thin, but this is definitely a book to read for character, not plot. I liked that a sexually-but-not-emotionally-open relationship was on the table. I liked that Montgomery didn't try to excuse or explain who he was. (There was one tiny hint of abuse in his past, but I was glad the author didn't really go there in an ace character's backstory.) I may comfort-reread this at some point.
February 3, 2025
A very different romance. Sam and Montgomery meet under very unique and stressful circumstances. During a robbery, off duty deputy Sam Roswell is saved by Montgomery Clarke. Sam is adverse to carrying a firearm when off duty so when threatened during the robbery Montgomery takes out one of the robbers. The men get to know each other slowly and share the effects of marriages gone bad. Montgomery becomes very protective of Sam and Sam has romantic feelings for Montgomery. It takes time for them to admit to their feelings as they fall into a platonic relationship.
October 16, 2021
It was a bit jarring everytime I remembered this is set in modern times, but cute.
August 9, 2024
3.5 - queerplatonic wonderfulness.
April 1, 2024
******REVISED EDITION BY NINESTAR 2024******
Sam Roswell has moved to Prescott and is a deputy for the Yavapai County Sheriffs Department. He’s making a new start for himself. He finds himself lonely and would really like to make a new friend. He misses the connection that he had with his wife, especially the evening companionship. Even though she was a good woman something was amiss and a now a year later they are divorced.
Montgomery Clarke is a true cowboy and justice for him is the cowboy way. He’s done some traveling and worked some ranches. After four years he’s settled in Skull Valley and is a part-time ranch hand for the Barbee Ranch. He has a small place but that doesn’t mean this is where he’ll stay forever. He likes working on the ranch, he doesn’t have a social life and doesn’t care, and he’s very much a loner. He was once married to AnnaLee, but he couldn’t give her what she deserved, but he still considers her his best friend.
While at the Dog Bowl Diner having dinner alone, Sam looks around and has thoughts of having a new friend. His thoughts are interrupted when he finds himself in the midst of a robbery. Sam has to make a judgement call, when one of the robbers hold a teenage boy at gun point. Sam always had a rule for himself when he’s not on duty, he doesn’t carry his gun. He’s not even in uniform, all he has is his badge. One of the robbers want’s to take the money and leave but the other only sees “cop”. Before Sam can even make a move a shot rings out and the robber is down. All Sam sees is the tall stranger with a gun in his hand. In all the commotion the other robber get’s away. The stranger Montgomery Clarke just saved Sam’s life.
Two weeks go by and Sam sees Montgomery at the Bird Cage Saloon drinking alone. He thought about Montgomery every day since the robbery. He even got Montgomery’s information after he disappeared without a goodbye. They start to talk about the incident that took place at the diner, right up until the saloon closing. Sam thanks Montgomery for saving his life and watches as Montgomery walks away.
A week later Sam makes his way to Skull Valley to seek out Montgomery. He want’s Montgomery’s help to find the other robber. But more than that he want’s a friendship with Montgomery. Before Sam leaves, Montgomery invites him to the Barbee Ranch. There’s a connection that they make as they start to open up and share their personal lives. No matter the trouble and danger they’re in, their friendship grows.
Sam offers a companionship that Montgomery really needs. With his needs, the rustic cowboy has fears, of what others think, judgement from others and Sam leaving him.
Then Montgomery decides to cut ties with Sam. Is it all too late or can they salvage a friendship and something more?
This is my third time reading “Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart. I first read it in 2016, and it was and still is one of my favorite stories worth reading over again. At the time this was originally written it was considered by some, not be romantic, because it was without physical sex between two men. My thought is that many didn’t understand the meaning of asexual. Now that this story has been revised, I think both stories are romantic in their own way.
Marie S. Crosswell is amazing at expressing what is important to Sam and Montgomery and what they both need for their special relationship. The author brought out the worry and sadness in Montgomery as he struggles to express his fears and what he truly needs. The fear of being alone and never finding someone to understand him is heartbreaking. He want’s to share of Sam’s life and never be judged by society for what they have. As for the crime aspect of the story, I thought it wasn’t needed at one time. Now that I’ve read the story again, it is important to the story as it shows Montgomery as Sam’s life saver.
There’s a few other characters that make this story interesting: Chief Jethro Beauty, of the Yavapai tribe and Tribal Police Force, whose always willing to give Sam advice. Lauren Baker, Sam’s friend. Shannon who’s helped by Montgomery.
I highly recommend “Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart” by Marie S. Crosswell. Sam Roswell and Montgomery Clarke are two unforgettable and emotionally powerful characters.
******REVIEW FOR THE 2016 VERSION******
I think this was a very interesting story about two men who are facing the realization of what they really need in life. I found it to be very emotional when Montgomery and his ex-wife face the fact that they lost a great friendship because of their marriage. The only slight issue I had with the story was some of the verbiage. I also thought this would work with or without the criminal aspect.
Marie Crosswell created two very memorable characters, Sam and Montgomery are solid, strong and emotionally powerful characters.
Sam Roswell has moved to Prescott and is a deputy for the Yavapai County Sheriffs Department. He’s making a new start for himself. He finds himself lonely and would really like to make a new friend. He misses the connection that he had with his wife, especially the evening companionship. Even though she was a good woman something was amiss and a now a year later they are divorced.
Montgomery Clarke is a true cowboy and justice for him is the cowboy way. He’s done some traveling and worked some ranches. After four years he’s settled in Skull Valley and is a part-time ranch hand for the Barbee Ranch. He has a small place but that doesn’t mean this is where he’ll stay forever. He likes working on the ranch, he doesn’t have a social life and doesn’t care, and he’s very much a loner. He was once married to AnnaLee, but he couldn’t give her what she deserved, but he still considers her his best friend.
While at the Dog Bowl Diner having dinner alone, Sam looks around and has thoughts of having a new friend. His thoughts are interrupted when he finds himself in the midst of a robbery. Sam has to make a judgement call, when one of the robbers hold a teenage boy at gun point. Sam always had a rule for himself when he’s not on duty, he doesn’t carry his gun. He’s not even in uniform, all he has is his badge. One of the robbers want’s to take the money and leave but the other only sees “cop”. Before Sam can even make a move a shot rings out and the robber is down. All Sam sees is the tall stranger with a gun in his hand. In all the commotion the other robber get’s away. The stranger Montgomery Clarke just saved Sam’s life.
Two weeks go by and Sam sees Montgomery at the Bird Cage Saloon drinking alone. He thought about Montgomery every day since the robbery. He even got Montgomery’s information after he disappeared without a goodbye. They start to talk about the incident that took place at the diner, right up until the saloon closing. Sam thanks Montgomery for saving his life and watches as Montgomery walks away.
A week later Sam makes his way to Skull Valley to seek out Montgomery. He want’s Montgomery’s help to find the other robber. But more than that he want’s a friendship with Montgomery. Before Sam leaves, Montgomery invites him to the Barbee Ranch. There’s a connection that they make as they start to open up and share their personal lives. No matter the trouble and danger they’re in, their friendship grows.
Sam offers a companionship that Montgomery really needs. With his needs, the rustic cowboy has fears, of what others think, judgement from others and Sam leaving him.
Then Montgomery decides to cut ties with Sam. Is it all too late or can they salvage a friendship and something more?
This is my third time reading “Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart. I first read it in 2016, and it was and still is one of my favorite stories worth reading over again. At the time this was originally written it was considered by some, not be romantic, because it was without physical sex between two men. My thought is that many didn’t understand the meaning of asexual. Now that this story has been revised, I think both stories are romantic in their own way.
Marie S. Crosswell is amazing at expressing what is important to Sam and Montgomery and what they both need for their special relationship. The author brought out the worry and sadness in Montgomery as he struggles to express his fears and what he truly needs. The fear of being alone and never finding someone to understand him is heartbreaking. He want’s to share of Sam’s life and never be judged by society for what they have. As for the crime aspect of the story, I thought it wasn’t needed at one time. Now that I’ve read the story again, it is important to the story as it shows Montgomery as Sam’s life saver.
There’s a few other characters that make this story interesting: Chief Jethro Beauty, of the Yavapai tribe and Tribal Police Force, whose always willing to give Sam advice. Lauren Baker, Sam’s friend. Shannon who’s helped by Montgomery.
I highly recommend “Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart” by Marie S. Crosswell. Sam Roswell and Montgomery Clarke are two unforgettable and emotionally powerful characters.
******REVIEW FOR THE 2016 VERSION******
I think this was a very interesting story about two men who are facing the realization of what they really need in life. I found it to be very emotional when Montgomery and his ex-wife face the fact that they lost a great friendship because of their marriage. The only slight issue I had with the story was some of the verbiage. I also thought this would work with or without the criminal aspect.
Marie Crosswell created two very memorable characters, Sam and Montgomery are solid, strong and emotionally powerful characters.
September 21, 2021
An unexpected treat! As someone whos arospec it's a nice little read
March 5, 2017
3.5
Above average. I liked the development of the relationship between Sam (biromantic heterosexual) and Montgomery (aromantic asexual). The story is also a quiet meditation on loneliness and friendship. Just don't expect a romance.
Above average. I liked the development of the relationship between Sam (biromantic heterosexual) and Montgomery (aromantic asexual). The story is also a quiet meditation on loneliness and friendship. Just don't expect a romance.
September 3, 2016
Read the full review on Forget the Classics, I read romance
Firstly I need to thank Netgalley and Less Than Three Press Publishing for sending me an ARC copy of this book for review. When I saw Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful cover, and when the blurb mentioned that one of the heroes was an asexual aromantic I had to read this book!
How do you review a romance book that doesn’t have a romance? Neither Sam nor Montgomery identify as gay or consider themselves to be sexually attracted to their own gender. From the beginning, it is clear that the relationship building between them isn’t a romantic one. In fact, the whole tone of Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart could put some readers off, as it isn’t one brimming with emotion. Montgomery, in particular, is a difficult character to read, even when you are in his head, and I struggled to connect with the writing style of this book. I kept being thrown out of the story due to a turn of phrase Marie Crosswell had used. Yet I kept reading because I was invested in these characters.
“They fall silent again for a long few minute, drinking their coffee, never looking at each other at the same time. The house is quiet, not even the sound of the wind against the wood or the windowpanes.”
I wanted to know what would happen between Montgomery and Sam...
Read the full review on Forget the Classics, I read romance
Firstly I need to thank Netgalley and Less Than Three Press Publishing for sending me an ARC copy of this book for review. When I saw Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful cover, and when the blurb mentioned that one of the heroes was an asexual aromantic I had to read this book!
How do you review a romance book that doesn’t have a romance? Neither Sam nor Montgomery identify as gay or consider themselves to be sexually attracted to their own gender. From the beginning, it is clear that the relationship building between them isn’t a romantic one. In fact, the whole tone of Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart could put some readers off, as it isn’t one brimming with emotion. Montgomery, in particular, is a difficult character to read, even when you are in his head, and I struggled to connect with the writing style of this book. I kept being thrown out of the story due to a turn of phrase Marie Crosswell had used. Yet I kept reading because I was invested in these characters.
“They fall silent again for a long few minute, drinking their coffee, never looking at each other at the same time. The house is quiet, not even the sound of the wind against the wood or the windowpanes.”
I wanted to know what would happen between Montgomery and Sam...
Read the full review on Forget the Classics, I read romance
August 16, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
I’m going to begin this review by telling you outright…this is NOT a romance. While the blurb used the word companionship, I assumed that meant a romantic relationship (simply by the book being available to review for this blog), but the old saying about assume comes into play here.
Both men have been married before, and they’re lonely. Mention is made of Montgomery’s lack of interest in sex as being one of the reasons his marriage ended. He felt his wife deserved more. Once again, my assumption was he wasn’t interested in having sex with his wife because he wanted to have sex with MEN. Not so. Montgomery is asexual. He doesn’t like sex at all, with anyone. What he wants with Sam is a deep, abiding friendship.
Sam is also looking for a, for lack of a better term, best friend. He’s new in town, divorced, and nearly paralyzed by his loneliness. He enjoys Montgomery’s company very much, and he begins thinking this could be the friendship he craves.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
I’m going to begin this review by telling you outright…this is NOT a romance. While the blurb used the word companionship, I assumed that meant a romantic relationship (simply by the book being available to review for this blog), but the old saying about assume comes into play here.
Both men have been married before, and they’re lonely. Mention is made of Montgomery’s lack of interest in sex as being one of the reasons his marriage ended. He felt his wife deserved more. Once again, my assumption was he wasn’t interested in having sex with his wife because he wanted to have sex with MEN. Not so. Montgomery is asexual. He doesn’t like sex at all, with anyone. What he wants with Sam is a deep, abiding friendship.
Sam is also looking for a, for lack of a better term, best friend. He’s new in town, divorced, and nearly paralyzed by his loneliness. He enjoys Montgomery’s company very much, and he begins thinking this could be the friendship he craves.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
August 12, 2016
I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Protagonist/s: 4/5
Love Interest/s: 4/5
World Building: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall score 17/20 which is 5 stars.
I really loved this book. Everything about this book made me excited to read it and I love the fact the characters did show a different spectrum to sexuality then I come across in fiction.
This book has good characterisation, pretty writing, some really sweet relationships and a good plot. I only wish it had focused a little more on the crime in the plot. There are entire sections dedicated to it but it could have been a little longer and dealt with that more. That's my only complaint though.
If you're looking for an easy read, something that's adorable but will make you ache in all the right ways then read this.
Protagonist/s: 4/5
Love Interest/s: 4/5
World Building: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall score 17/20 which is 5 stars.
I really loved this book. Everything about this book made me excited to read it and I love the fact the characters did show a different spectrum to sexuality then I come across in fiction.
This book has good characterisation, pretty writing, some really sweet relationships and a good plot. I only wish it had focused a little more on the crime in the plot. There are entire sections dedicated to it but it could have been a little longer and dealt with that more. That's my only complaint though.
If you're looking for an easy read, something that's adorable but will make you ache in all the right ways then read this.
October 10, 2016
"I liked both Montgomery and Sam. I really got caught up in their stories, their personalities, what they both wanted for themselves, their fears and how they both hurt in different ways from their failed marriages. I also found Jethro Beauty, a Yavapai Indian, to be a very wise man, and Ms. Crosswell did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I was so wrapped up in them, in fact, that I didn’t find myself getting too worried about the criminal aspect of the storyline. I came to the conclusion the story still worked with or without the crime. The one issue I had with Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart was the verbiage; otherwise, I thought there were some truly emotional moments in this story, in the way these two men were looking for what they needed—companionship and friendship."
Read Maryann's full review at The Novel Approach
Read Maryann's full review at The Novel Approach
November 26, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Lone Star on a Cowboy Heart
I started with mixed feelings as I ve never read before a book categorized from beginning as asexual and was prepared to be disappointed. Well, I wasn’t. The rhythm seemed a bit stunted but after a few pages it was obvious it fit the book and the old western feeling of it. This book is complicated from romantic and sexual points of view though apparently very simple and straightforward. It portrays the fluidity of human sexuality, the ways it’s different from person to person and sometimes different during a lifetime and with different partners involved. It’s not a book that everybody would enjoy, but it is different and interesting and I, for sure enjoyed it. A good debut story and I’ll be adding this author to my “to watch” list.
I started with mixed feelings as I ve never read before a book categorized from beginning as asexual and was prepared to be disappointed. Well, I wasn’t. The rhythm seemed a bit stunted but after a few pages it was obvious it fit the book and the old western feeling of it. This book is complicated from romantic and sexual points of view though apparently very simple and straightforward. It portrays the fluidity of human sexuality, the ways it’s different from person to person and sometimes different during a lifetime and with different partners involved. It’s not a book that everybody would enjoy, but it is different and interesting and I, for sure enjoyed it. A good debut story and I’ll be adding this author to my “to watch” list.
Did not finish
June 13, 2017This book was not as I expected. I enjoy books with asexual and/or aromantic characters so that was not my issue. I simply had a difficult time connecting with the characters.
Because of this I do not feel comfortable leaving a star rating for this book.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Because of this I do not feel comfortable leaving a star rating for this book.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2025
I loved element of this and pretty much hated everything else. Full review hopefully coming.
July 29, 2016
Different, but I liked it enough. No sexy times.
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