Cupcakes and Cowboys

Sunset Plains #1

by Lindzee Armstrong

He's everything that broke her heart

Cassidy wants two things—to make her cupcake shop a success, and to forget the ex-fiance who traded her for the lights of Hollywood. She can’t stand actors, movies, or anything resembling the guy who ruined her life. So when Jase—best friend of her ex and A-list actor—shows up at the ranch to research an upcoming role, ignoring her past becomes impossible.

Jase is desperate to escape Hollywood, and ranch life gives him a temporary reprieve. But ranching is starting to feel less like preparing for a role and more like the life he’s always wanted. And he can’t help envisioning Cassidy as his co-star. Can Jase convince this stunning cupcake shop owner that he’s really a country boy at heart?

Devour this deliciously sweet romance today!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Westerns, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2016

About the author

LINDZEE ARMSTRONG is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five heartfelt romances. A RONE Award winner and two-time Whitney Award finalist, she writes stories filled with complex relationships, emotional depth, and playful humor. Fueled by Diet Dr. Pepper and fictional angst, she can win any Gilmore Girls trivia contest yet rarely remembers what she ate for breakfast. Lindzee believes every relationship has a story worth telling—and she's determined to write them all.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy gave up all of her dreams to support her fiancé in the pursuit of his dreams. But despite her sacrifices he still abandoned her at the alter with a mountain of debt and ran off to pursue a career in Hollywood. Now after a year she just manages to scrape by with her bakery but she is doing what she loves most.

When Jase turns up at her parent's ranch to research his next film role, it cuts a little too close. Over time she realizes he is nothing like her ex and makes the first hesitant steps towards healing her broken heart, but Jase's time in Oklahoma is all too short and before long he will need to return to Hollywood leaving her once again alone.

Cupcakes and Cowboys (despite the title which kind of makes me cringe) is a short and sweet contemporary romance. No bad language and no sex....honestly it seems quite christian, but somehow manages to pull it off without preaching at me which is always a plus. All in all a satisfying and life affirming novella.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet novella about cupcakes, cowboys, movie stars, ranchers, loss, heartache, healing, hope and love.

Cassidy has been hurt in the past and is trying to heal, move forward and follow her dreams. She's recently opened her own bakery and is struggling to make ends meet. Not very easy when you live in a small community, but she's putting everything she has into it and will succeed. Her one hang up? She doesn't do wedding cakes. After a bride comes and requests a wedding cake, Cassidy is bombarded by too many hurtful and sad memories. Thinking that her evening will be peaceful and calming, she heads home, only to run into the man whom is best friends with the man who brought her world crashing down. No, no, NO, NOOOOOO, NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! This is not happening! This can't be happening!

Jase doesn't know who this blonde beauty is who walked into the ranch house where he will be staying for the next several months to prepare for, what he hopes will be, his greatest acting role yet. The cold shoulder and unfriendly banter starts flying and leaves Jase baffled. This spoiled princess isn't going to ruin his day or his next few months of research as a rancher. She's just going to have to get over herself.

Misunderstandings abound until the characters start to peel back the layers and find out who the other really is. But when Jase's suspended reality ends, will he turn back into the conceited actor he's pretending he isn't? Will Cassidy find herself broken hearted again or will they be able to find a way to make their dreams come true?

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. She had a fun southern accent and did a great job between the different character voices. I had a couple laugh out loud moments while listening while I worked. Super fun and a great way to pass the time as I went about daily life chores!

Content: Clean. A few sweet kisses. Talk about Cassidy being pregnant out of wedlock and losing the baby, but that happens before the story starts and nothing graphic, just that it happened.

I snagged a digital copy from Amazon and received an audiobook from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Cassidy had put her life and her dreams on hold for her fiance, Drew, only to be left at the alter. Hurt and broken she struggles to get her life back on track. She is determined to live her dreams and put herself first for a change.

Jase is an actor who has done well for himself. But no matter how many movies he has been in or how much money he makes, he is having a hard time finding happiness in acting. He travels to Oklahoma to live on a ranch to prepare for his next movie. But while he's there, he'll question even more if acting is really what he is meant to do.

Cassidy and Jase got off to a rocky start but soon found themselves being drawn to each other. The more they got to know each other and spend time together, the more they wanted their futures to include each other. But their new found relationship is put to the test when they come face to face with Cassidy's past. Will they be able to face it together and get their happily ever after?

While I enjoyed this book, there was something missing for me. I would have like to see Jase stand up for himself a little more and put certain people in their places before disaster strikes. I would've also liked to see Cassidy have a little bit more faith in Jase, The ending also felt rushed to me. I would have love an epilogue of some kind... even if it was just a month or two down the road.

All in all Cupcakes and Cowboys was a cute, quick Saturday read. This is my first book by Lindzee Armstrong and I can tell you I will definitely be checking out more books by her. :)

And of course I can't forget my casting. This one was pretty much me because there wasn't much description of our hero and heroine. :)

[Suzie Quint · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, it's a great cover. Good covers always make me want to like the book.

Sadly, this book isn't working for me.

It starts with a bakery that doesn't open until ten am. Are you kidding me? Bakers start in the wee hours so they can be open early to catch the crowd on their way to work. And they don't just make cakes because you can't make a living on just cakes. ESPECIALLY if the town is as small as she says it is. And I don't care if you got left at the altar a year ago, you don't turn down a wedding cake. If you can't suck it up, buttercup, you deserve to have your business fail.

But suddenly, when she's faced with the movie star who has recently acted with her ex-fiance and whose grandfather was friends with her grandfather (in a coincidence too bizarre to be believable) she grows a backbone and instead of feeling sorry for herself, she's mad.

He's no better. A method actor who wants to immerse himself in the roll of ranch hand (for 4 months? Are you effing kidding me?) he still plans to eat his meals with the family. Immersion? Not so much. And he thinks he has her pegged in two seconds. Even after he's told another actor "done her wrong."

Holy crap.

Is it any wonder I'm DNFing at 16%

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cupcakes and Cowboys is a gentle love story, bringing healing and restoration to a broken heart. Cassidy was jilted on the eve of her wedding, leaving her alone, pregnant and with an abiding loathing for actors, her ex having been one. When Jase arrives at the ranch to absorb his future role as a cowboy, Cassidy gives him the cold shoulder, especially as he is supposed to be a very good friend of her ex Drew. It takes Jase a little while to figure out why she is so angry at his presence, and when he does, he goes all out to placate Cassidy and win her over. I love Jase's character, his gentleness, his ability to see through Cassidy's coldness, and the way in which he sets out to win her over. Drew's uncouth reappearance upsets the apple cart and Jase finds that he's back to square one with Cassidy. I could identify with Cassidy's stony heart and the difficulty she had letting go and allowing Jase to befriend her. A well written, albeit short story with interesting characters and a satisfactory ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is better than Cupcakes & Cowboys

I love Lindzee Armstrong's books. This book reminds me so much of the little town my sister lives in in upper eastern Oklahoma. You know I just don't think you can find a better combo than yummy cupcakes and delish cowboys.

I love the attention to detail that our author gives with both the bakery and the ranch. I could just taste the red valley cupcakes...tummy or see the broken fence lines trampled by the cattle. Great series based in a great state north of the Red River.

[iamnotabookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 3.5/5 colorful cupcakes.

I read this last month. Some of the characters of this story also appeared in Twisters and Textbooks. This is the first in the Sunset Plains romance novella.

The female main character in this story, Cassidy, is the sister of Tanner in the story I have mentioned above. This is Cassidy's story of how she got her heartbroken by an aspiring actor and was later put back together by his ex-fiance's best friend who is also an actor.

This is a short, sweet and endearing story with cupcakes and delicious pastries on the side. The romance of Cassidy and Jase was not easy. It was at first awkward and Jase brought painful reminders of Cassidy's ruined life. But like all stories with two people seeing everyday and forced to deal with each other, they fell in love. Faster than the usual rate of two people attracted to each other. Though, this story is short since it's just a novella, it did not lack for drama. The characters were both trying to move on from a very difficult experience and are on their way to finding themselves when their paths crossed. So, there was no surprise that in such a short time, they have become comfortable with each other. Just like the author, the Cassidy and Tanner got engaged right away. This may have been coined from the author's personal experience.

As I said, this story is short and sweet. I actually wish it was a bit longer. This was easy to read and the two main characters were so relatable that they could be one of my friends in some point in their lives. I can't personally relate to the heartbreak Cassidy went through but there were some experiences in the story that I can equate to my personal encounters. The story was smooth and fluid and it was so easy to get carried away by the flow.

If you are looking for an easy read that can be finished in about two hours, this is for you. Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the copy. I enjoyed this treat.


This is the choice I'd make regardless of whether you were in the equation. You're just the icing on the cupcake.
- Lindzee Armstrong, Cupcakes and Cowboys -

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything by this author, and I have to say that it was a good introduction to her writing style. That being said, I found that this story was too short and ended too abruptly for my tastes! I was able to easily connect with Cassidy and Jase, and I really felt invested in their romance. I really loved Jase's desire for a simpler life! There was a logical conflict and obstacles for both of them to overcome, but I did really enjoy their story overall. I will definitely continue with the series!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassidy wants two things, to make her business successful and to never see another actor as long as she lives. Her fiance leaves her pregnant and at the alter for a life in Hollywood. A miscarriage and many tears and almost a year later his co-star the oh so handsome Jase shows up at her families ranch to learn the ways of his next part...

Moral Note: Intimacy outside of marriage, no details. Clean language.

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very charming story. I wish Cassidy’s Ex had, at least, gotten punched in the face but I loved Cassidy & Jace and really enjoyed their story.

Content: Clean, kissing.

[Jen_C · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I liked most of it. Cassidy was a bit childish and annoying in the beginning though.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short sweet story of a young woman Cassidy, who had given up on her own dreams of culinary school and an internship. To follow her boyfriend Drew, on his dream of being an actor. You see he was an indie film star working his way into the big times. Her goal was to open a bakery in her hometown in Oklahoma. One Drew, put down.
When into their relationship there was a shotgun wedding to happen he never shows. And on that day, she also loses their baby. Her life had become the talk of her small town and she was heartbroken and devastated.
One year later almost to the day with about a week to go. She arrives home to find the man she just found out her ex is in a movie with. In fact, he is the headliner. The A-lister. And to hear tell from all of Drew’s interview’s they are pals. So, why was he in their home?
Let the fireworks begin. Cassidy is a spunky, feisty, heartbroken, emotionally, crushed, grieving young woman. Yet, no one seems to understand or feel her pain. They see it as just her pining over her ex when really, she is doing that but she was also a woman who lost a child too. She suffered many blows on one day and never bounced back.
Is Jase her answer or only more pain? This short is worth the read. I give this: 5 stars. Given to me by the author for an honest review. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

Cassidy open a bakery, something she always wanted. She decided she had to do it. She had customer come in wanting a wedding cake. She didn't want to do it, because she got jilted on her wedding day. Jase is an actor who's grandfather had been the army with Cassidy's grandfather. He doesn't know that a fellow actor he hates is her ex.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been almost a year since Cassidy was left at the altar and she's worked hard to overcome her emotional and financial loss. So when Jase, another actor who has worked with her ex-fiance, shows up on their ranch to research his upcoming role as a cowboy, Cassidy wants nothing to do with him.

Content: Clean
Source: Amazon freebie

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet contemporary novella, “Cupcakes and Cowboys” is the first book in the “Sunset Plains” series.

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy wants two things-to make her cupcake shop a success, and to forget the ex-fiance who traded her for the lights of Hollywood. She can't stand actors, movies, or anything resembling the guy who ruined her life. So when Jase-best friend of her ex and A-list actor-shows up at the ranch to research an upcoming role, ignoring her past becomes impossible. Jase is desperate to escape Hollywood, and ranch life gives him a temporary reprieve. But ranching is starting to feel less like preparing for a role and more like the life he's always wanted. And he can't help envisioning Cassidy as his co-star. Can Jase convince this stunning cupcake shop owner that he's really a country boy at heart?


I have read a number of romance novellas of late and, to be truthful, the blurb made me doubt just how good this might be. I had just read another story of this author so I thought I would give it a go.

There were some very good points to this story, none moreso than Cassidy herself. It has been a tough 12 months since her fiance left her at the altar. However, she has forged ahead and opened her bakery. And then comes Jase (such a dreadful name...) What I truly loved about Cassidy was that she didn't suffer from "insta-love" - she kept her boundaries and made Jase "prove" himself to her. She stood by what she believed and didn't just fall head over heels for the cute guy.

The other thing I liked about this story was the setting. I haven't read too many books set in Oklahoma so it gave me a new place to look into. The descriptions of the town - although few - were good enough to make me want to know more about the place.

The only downsides for me were these: Cassidy's constant thoughts about her ex. I got it - he was a jerk, but to keep bringing him up got a little bit annoying. Also, the way Jase decided within a very short period that he would leave Hollywood behind and move to Oklahoma...just seemed a little "sudden".

Overall, a very cool story, with a great female lead and a location that made it more interesting for me.


Paul
ARH

[Carie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, quick romantic fix. I liked the characters and the premise. My only problem was that the romance was rather insta – I wish the book had been longer and we’d gotten a bit more depth and time given to the growth of the relationship. I loved these two, but it all seemed really fast and I would have liked more details about their getting to know each other, as well as what happened next. I thought there was A LOT more that could have been done with this story, if the book had been longer. Lots of missed opportunities with Cassidy fitting into Jase’s life, getting to know his mother, dealing with his fame, what their future would look like (was Jase really NOT going to act anymore and, if so, what would he do instead?), etc. The ending was rather abrupt and there was no epilogue :( I wish the story had been longer and we’d had more details. Maybe (hopefully!) we’ll get more of these two in future books?

Despite everything, I REALLY enjoyed the read anyway – it was quick and sweet and sigh-worthy. And, this is a clean read! No rough language and the sexual content was limited to a few kisses.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omigosh! This one is an emotional story. Cassidy is a bakeshop owner whose parents own a ranch. She was jilted at the altar a year ago by a conceited actor who pretended he loved her. It was a tragedy when she also miscarried the same night. She picked up the pieces and moved on, building her dream with her bakery. When her parents allow an actor named Jase to come shadow the ranch workers for a role, Cassidy is thrown for a loop. She apparently still has a lot of hurt from her previous failed relationship. It takes getting to know Jase before she even gives him the time of day, much less her heart. It's a beautiful story of a healing heart, as the couple's love grows. Will she be able to trust Jase or is she just fooling herself again? I really enjoyed the story, and highly recommend it.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a setting... the descriptions in this book are vivid and the scenery came alive in my mind. The characters are well written and came to life on the page. A times sweet, or sad, or laugh out loud funny this book had my attention from the first page to the last.

The romance in this book felt realistic, I loved that it took some time to build and some of the interactions between Jase and Cassidy were funny, but mostly it was really sweet, and that's not even counting the cupcakes.

I loved the narration, the character voices are first class and the delivery carried the mood of the scene straight to my ears.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Holly Bargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, a bit fuzzy on the details.

Except for a handful of editorial glitches (e.g., reins, not reigns, when referring to the lines leading from bridle to hand), editing on this novella was quite good. It would be better if both author and editor knew something about ranching, cattle, and horses (e.g., no one learns walk, trot, and canter all in one short lesson). Regardless, it's a nice story that doesn't end with the heroine giving up everything to be with her one true love for that HEA. Instead, he makes the larger sacrifice. And it's lovely to read of a hero who's a nice guy. Kudos for that.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍Between 4 and 5 stars, I really enjoyed this short contemporary romance about Cassidy, a country girl who is having a tough time getting over her treatment at the hands of a selfish actor. When Jase, a Oscar-nominated actor, shows up in town, he gets the cold shoulder until she starts discovering that not all actors are cut from the same cloth. Well-written and clean, though the story is short, it's complete with a great ending. :-)

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cupcakes and Cowboys - A well written, quickly read romance filled with humor and reality. The characters and dialog are realistic. The two main characters were also in Twisters and Textbooks. Another good story about second chance to experience love.

Twisters and Textbooks - A well written, quick read about being stubborn and experiencing grief and realizing what matters. While this isn't my favorite book by this author and I have many I read and love, this story is interesting about love given a second chance.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How sweet it is!

When Cassie was left by a cowboy to pursue his dreams of acting, Cassie pursued her dreams. She always wanted to open a bakery and she did. When an actor arrives at the farm to help him with his next role, Cassie is not happy. Supposedly Jase is Drew’s best friend. How was she supposed to know you cannot always believe what you read? Jase is different and he proves to her that he is but that nettling just does not go away. Love reading about how Jase works to prove he is different. Awesome read if you like cowboys and some sweet added.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful stranger's romance. Cassidy's heart was broken when she was left at the altar. Her ex was more interested in Hollywood than in her. Then the unthinkable happens: an A-list actor is rooming on the ranch to immerse himself in ranching for a film role. While a few scenes were hard to process through. Nonetheless, the ending is delightful.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Casidy open's her bakery she never expected it to be easy. She has waited a long time to be independent and blames her ex for sidelining her. He wanted to be an actor and will use any means to be one even leaving her the night before their wedding. When another actor comes on the scene, she's not happy that her family embrace him. Jace is very different from Drew and not the friend to Drew that Drew claimed. Can her healing heart let another actor in or is he just playing a role?

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cupcakes and Cowboys is part of the Sunset Plains Romances. Cassidy was burned by her ex when he, heading for Hollywood, left her at the altar, with his debt and pregnant. Through determination, she struggled but made things work over the next year. When actor Jase shows up at the ranch, she wants nothing to do with him. But over time, the layers of hurt are worn down and something begins..I really enjoyed this story.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cupcakes and Cowboys was a great read by Lindzee Armstrong. This is book one of the Sunset Plains series. Cassidy has been working hard to make sure her cupcake shop is a success. Some misfortunate things have happened to her and she is trying to forget her past. She meets Jase who reminds her of everything she is trying to forget. I absolutely loved reading Cassidy and Jase's story and wished there was more of it. I can't wait to read more by Lindzee Armstrong.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidy runs a bakery shop and is trying to forget her former fiancé who left her at the altar. When Jase an actor friend of his shows she isn’t interested in a relationship. He is staying at her family ranch to prepare for his next acting role. As it turns out he’s not a friend of her former fiancé and he helps her at the shop when a storm takes out her refrigerator and freezer. The plot includes issues of trust and deciding what life choice is best.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidy wants to have a successful cupcake shop to forget about her ex-fiance who left her to become an actor in Hollywood. Cassidy meets Jase the best friend of her ex who shows up at the ranch to do some research for an upcoming role. Jase is trying to escape Hollywood and the ranch is the best way for escape. There was a misunderstanding as to why Cassidy was at the ranch. Can Cassidy and Jase get along? I really enjoyed this incredible contemporary romance western fiction novel.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and clean read. The author did a good job with details related to ranching and baking and it had a happy ending. My only complaint is that it was all tidied and concluded a little too quickly. Maybe this couple will make an appearance in the next story in the series and that will provide some genuineness that I sometimes feel is lacking in novellas.