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The Coltons of Shadow Creek #3
Pregnant by the Colton Cowboy
A cowboy puts his life on the line for the woman expecting his child in The Coltons of Shadow Creek!
Determined to steer clear of the horrors his villainous mother brought on his family, rancher Thorne Colton keeps to himself. That means resisting Maggie Lowell. The last time he succumbed, passion took control. But when an explosion nearly claims her life, Thorne discovers their night together yielded more than sizzling memories.
Pregnant and under Thorne's protection in Shadow Creek, Maggie isn't sure where the bigger threat lies. Out in the open, she's a killer's target. On his ranch, she's in close quarters with the man who's driven to keep her and their child safe but broke her heart once and might do it again...
Determined to steer clear of the horrors his villainous mother brought on his family, rancher Thorne Colton keeps to himself. That means resisting Maggie Lowell. The last time he succumbed, passion took control. But when an explosion nearly claims her life, Thorne discovers their night together yielded more than sizzling memories.
Pregnant and under Thorne's protection in Shadow Creek, Maggie isn't sure where the bigger threat lies. Out in the open, she's a killer's target. On his ranch, she's in close quarters with the man who's driven to keep her and their child safe but broke her heart once and might do it again...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 6, 2017
50 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Lara Lacombe
74 books171 followersLara Lacombe is a recovering research scientist turned college professor who now spends her days writing and wrangling a toddler. She lives in Texas with her family and two entitled cats, and loves chocolate and her Crock Pot. She uses Facebook to procrastinate--stop by Lara Lacombe Books if you'd like to chat!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 12, 2018
Another good entry into this Coltons series. Thorne is the son of Livia Colton, a criminal mastermind who has recently escaped prison. He has spent the last ten years keeping mostly to himself, away from the gossip caused by his mother. He'd rather spend his time with the horses.
I loved Thorne. He is a quiet, gentle man. Raised mostly by his father, Mac, he had a fantastic example of a parent to counteract the misery caused by his mother. Thanks to Mac's example, he also has close relationships with all of his half-brothers and -sisters. He has also had quite the crush on his father's bookkeeper, Maggie. He hasn't done anything about it for two reasons. First, his father would likely frown on him getting involved with someone who works for them. Second, he doesn't want the gossip around him to affect her life.
I loved Maggie, too. She is smart, loving, and kind. Maggie has had a crush on Thorne for several years, but she has hidden it well. She has a few insecurities that keep her from believing that he would be interested in her anyway.
I loved the development of their relationship. After all the time of them harboring their secret crushes, fate steps in and creates a chance for them. When Maggie's car dies at the ranch during a storm, Thorne invites her to his apartment to wait for the tow truck. One thing leads to another, and they spend an amazing night together. But instead of it being the start of something wonderful, Maggie discovers that Thorne is suddenly avoiding her. I liked the fact that she allowed herself a short time to be sad about it, then determined to move on. That might have continued, except that Thorne was nearby when her car exploded. It was obvious at that point that Thorne cared deeply for her. I loved how he stayed with her to the hospital. That meant that he was there when Maggie got the unexpected news that she was pregnant.
Though Maggie is quite ready to brave the trials of being a single mother, she is also very willing to have Thorne be a part of the child's life. His determination to be everything that Livia wasn't just makes her love him more. I loved the way that Thorne's protectiveness kicked in and he took Maggie home with him to take care of her. All that time together gave them a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better. I loved watching Maggie settle in to ranch life and gain deeper insights into what makes Thorne the man that he is. I loved seeing all the sweet things that Thorne did for Maggie to make her stay easier, and how they showed the depth of his feelings for her. I loved how he was able to tell Maggie about his childhood and how it influenced his actions after their night together. Their feelings for each other grew in spite of the danger around them. I loved how they got together at the end, and the epilogue was especially sweet.
The suspense of the story was great. From the moment Maggie's car exploded to the final confrontation, the intensity continued to build. Because of Livia's escape from prison, and the type of person she is, she is the prime suspect in the attacks. My heart was in my throat during the snake scene, and I wasn't sure how Thorne was going to get Maggie out of that situation. There were several instances from the attacker's point of view and I began to suspect who it was. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved Thorne and Knox's teamwork to bring it to a successful end.
I loved Thorne. He is a quiet, gentle man. Raised mostly by his father, Mac, he had a fantastic example of a parent to counteract the misery caused by his mother. Thanks to Mac's example, he also has close relationships with all of his half-brothers and -sisters. He has also had quite the crush on his father's bookkeeper, Maggie. He hasn't done anything about it for two reasons. First, his father would likely frown on him getting involved with someone who works for them. Second, he doesn't want the gossip around him to affect her life.
I loved Maggie, too. She is smart, loving, and kind. Maggie has had a crush on Thorne for several years, but she has hidden it well. She has a few insecurities that keep her from believing that he would be interested in her anyway.
I loved the development of their relationship. After all the time of them harboring their secret crushes, fate steps in and creates a chance for them. When Maggie's car dies at the ranch during a storm, Thorne invites her to his apartment to wait for the tow truck. One thing leads to another, and they spend an amazing night together. But instead of it being the start of something wonderful, Maggie discovers that Thorne is suddenly avoiding her. I liked the fact that she allowed herself a short time to be sad about it, then determined to move on. That might have continued, except that Thorne was nearby when her car exploded. It was obvious at that point that Thorne cared deeply for her. I loved how he stayed with her to the hospital. That meant that he was there when Maggie got the unexpected news that she was pregnant.
Though Maggie is quite ready to brave the trials of being a single mother, she is also very willing to have Thorne be a part of the child's life. His determination to be everything that Livia wasn't just makes her love him more. I loved the way that Thorne's protectiveness kicked in and he took Maggie home with him to take care of her. All that time together gave them a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better. I loved watching Maggie settle in to ranch life and gain deeper insights into what makes Thorne the man that he is. I loved seeing all the sweet things that Thorne did for Maggie to make her stay easier, and how they showed the depth of his feelings for her. I loved how he was able to tell Maggie about his childhood and how it influenced his actions after their night together. Their feelings for each other grew in spite of the danger around them. I loved how they got together at the end, and the epilogue was especially sweet.
The suspense of the story was great. From the moment Maggie's car exploded to the final confrontation, the intensity continued to build. Because of Livia's escape from prison, and the type of person she is, she is the prime suspect in the attacks. My heart was in my throat during the snake scene, and I wasn't sure how Thorne was going to get Maggie out of that situation. There were several instances from the attacker's point of view and I began to suspect who it was. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved Thorne and Knox's teamwork to bring it to a successful end.
April 1, 2017
How many times do we pick up a book on impulse because the cover catches our eye and the back cover copy sounds intriguing? Then find ourselves disappointed because the book doesn't live up to the cover?
This is NOT the case with PREGNANT BY THE COLTON COWBOY. Lara Lacombe delivers on the cover's promise; what you see is exactly what you get -- a man who will protect those he loves at all costs, but a man whose complicated childhood has made him insecure to the point where he initially tries to protect the heroine from the one man he thinks will hurt her the most...himself.
I loved Thorne Colton most of all because he's a regular guy, a cowboy who's more at home with horses than he is with people. He's been hurt and hurt badly by the woman who gave birth to him, but that hasn't prevented him from loving his father and his siblings with everything in him. And when he realizes Maggie is carrying his child, he's determined his child will never suffer as he has suffered. Will never know anything except unconditional love. Don't we all sigh and smile when a big, strong, silent type falls and falls hard for impending fatherhood?
I also loved Maggie Lowell because she comes across as a real person, with all the regular insecurities we all have about ourselves, yet not afraid to take a chance when the man she has crushed on for months finally seems to notice her (he has noticed her for months and was attracted to her from the start, but she never knew it). But when Thorne pushes Maggie away afterward, determined to protect her from himself (although she doesn't know that's the reason), her reaction is the one most of us would have -- she won't let his rejection crush her.
But when Maggie finds herself miraculously pregnant, she digs deep to find the courage to face single motherhood with grit and determination. Yet at the same time she understands and accepts Thorne's desire to be a part of his child's life, something that only makes her love him more.
The relationship between Thorne and Maggie is full of ups and downs, but realistic, not contrived, and will make you smile with the memory of when you fell in love and what a rocky road it can be. And the chemistry between them? It starts in Chapter One and only builds from there.
I stayed up far later than I had intended because once I started reading I just had to finish the book, which is always a telling point for me. There never seemed to be a good stopping point. Good in one way, of course, but...
I read this Coltons of Shadow Creek book out of sequence, but I never felt lost or as if something wasn't adequately explained to allow the book to stand on its own. I hated Thorne's mother, Livia, but adored his father, Mac, and was so glad Thorne had Mac to help him overcome those things Livia had done to him growing up. There was only one question I felt wasn't adequately addressed, but the issue was minor and didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Once again Lara Lacombe has penned a story that will stay with me far beyond the initial reading.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
This is NOT the case with PREGNANT BY THE COLTON COWBOY. Lara Lacombe delivers on the cover's promise; what you see is exactly what you get -- a man who will protect those he loves at all costs, but a man whose complicated childhood has made him insecure to the point where he initially tries to protect the heroine from the one man he thinks will hurt her the most...himself.
I loved Thorne Colton most of all because he's a regular guy, a cowboy who's more at home with horses than he is with people. He's been hurt and hurt badly by the woman who gave birth to him, but that hasn't prevented him from loving his father and his siblings with everything in him. And when he realizes Maggie is carrying his child, he's determined his child will never suffer as he has suffered. Will never know anything except unconditional love. Don't we all sigh and smile when a big, strong, silent type falls and falls hard for impending fatherhood?
I also loved Maggie Lowell because she comes across as a real person, with all the regular insecurities we all have about ourselves, yet not afraid to take a chance when the man she has crushed on for months finally seems to notice her (he has noticed her for months and was attracted to her from the start, but she never knew it). But when Thorne pushes Maggie away afterward, determined to protect her from himself (although she doesn't know that's the reason), her reaction is the one most of us would have -- she won't let his rejection crush her.
But when Maggie finds herself miraculously pregnant, she digs deep to find the courage to face single motherhood with grit and determination. Yet at the same time she understands and accepts Thorne's desire to be a part of his child's life, something that only makes her love him more.
The relationship between Thorne and Maggie is full of ups and downs, but realistic, not contrived, and will make you smile with the memory of when you fell in love and what a rocky road it can be. And the chemistry between them? It starts in Chapter One and only builds from there.
I stayed up far later than I had intended because once I started reading I just had to finish the book, which is always a telling point for me. There never seemed to be a good stopping point. Good in one way, of course, but...
I read this Coltons of Shadow Creek book out of sequence, but I never felt lost or as if something wasn't adequately explained to allow the book to stand on its own. I hated Thorne's mother, Livia, but adored his father, Mac, and was so glad Thorne had Mac to help him overcome those things Livia had done to him growing up. There was only one question I felt wasn't adequately addressed, but the issue was minor and didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Once again Lara Lacombe has penned a story that will stay with me far beyond the initial reading.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Thorne's mother was one of the worst mother's ever. she actually went to jail for her crimes. He knew people in the town talked about him, because of who he had for a mother. He kept to himself. He loved his dad Max. The two had a close relationship. They both worked hard on the ranch.
Thorn had a crush on Maggie for quite some time. He didn't act on how he felt until Maggie needed help. He couldn't turn his back on a beautiful lady. Maggie had also had a crush on Thorn but never let him know. It was cute the first time he really talked to her she got a bit tongue tied. It was raining really hard, and Maggie's car wouldn't start. Thorn invited her up to his apartment. Sparks flew pretty much instantly between the two.
After that night Thorn pulled back. He didn't want the people in the town talking about Maggie. He was there by her side when she ended up in the hospital.
The action, and suspense was excellent throughout the book. They all thought Maggie was the target of the attracts. You'll have to read to see if she was the real target, and why. Great book!
Thorn had a crush on Maggie for quite some time. He didn't act on how he felt until Maggie needed help. He couldn't turn his back on a beautiful lady. Maggie had also had a crush on Thorn but never let him know. It was cute the first time he really talked to her she got a bit tongue tied. It was raining really hard, and Maggie's car wouldn't start. Thorn invited her up to his apartment. Sparks flew pretty much instantly between the two.
After that night Thorn pulled back. He didn't want the people in the town talking about Maggie. He was there by her side when she ended up in the hospital.
The action, and suspense was excellent throughout the book. They all thought Maggie was the target of the attracts. You'll have to read to see if she was the real target, and why. Great book!
May 15, 2017
Pregnant by the Colton Cowboy
Lara Lacombe
With the mother card Thorne was dealt, he has protected himself all his life from women. His love for his dad and siblings is strong and true, but letting a woman in is very hard. He doesn't want that heartache again.
When he finds he is going to be a dad, he has to decide what his heart really wants and can he survive it.
Can a heartbroken Cowboy finally find peace and a happy ever after? Will Maggie be able to heal Thorne and create an ever after family based on love and trust?
A wonderful read that keeps you pulling for Thorne to get his HEA. I highly recommend it.
Lara Lacombe
With the mother card Thorne was dealt, he has protected himself all his life from women. His love for his dad and siblings is strong and true, but letting a woman in is very hard. He doesn't want that heartache again.
When he finds he is going to be a dad, he has to decide what his heart really wants and can he survive it.
Can a heartbroken Cowboy finally find peace and a happy ever after? Will Maggie be able to heal Thorne and create an ever after family based on love and trust?
A wonderful read that keeps you pulling for Thorne to get his HEA. I highly recommend it.
February 2, 2018
A quirky romance. They've loved each other from the moment they met, but they didn't act on their attraction. Then one night they did... three months later, after a car explodes, they learn of the consequences of their night. But can either believe that the other is worthy of them and can accept them as they are? As they try to come to an understanding, someone is out to hurt the ranch. Can they survive the "accidents" and keep everyone safe?
September 29, 2017
Thorne Colton brings Maggie, the woman carrying his baby, to his ranch to protect her. Incidents involving an exploding car, and snakes threaten her safety. Their relationship grows and deepens as they spend time together. She is a killer's target but Thorne is driven to keep her safe.
January 10, 2018
It was an interesting continuation of the Colton series. The killer is obvious from the beginning. This is an emotional drama.
October 1, 2023
Really good book. Maggie and Thorne are amazing characters. You get romance, excitement, mystery, mayhem and action all in one book. I loved it.
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September 29, 2017Received 4 Stars @ harlequin.com (as of 9/29/17). To view reviews, go HERE> https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
Miniseries: The Coltons of Shadow Creek
Miniseries: The Coltons of Shadow Creek
April 24, 2017
The Coltons of Shadow Creek continuity series is about a group of siblings and how the actions of their mother could perhaps bring danger into their lives. In the third book, a man has been deeply affected by circumstances surrounding his birth, and he does not see his life ever improving. But when a chance encounter with a woman has lasting consequences, their lives are forever changed. I found this story to be packed with lots of genuine emotions and unforeseen jeopardy, where a person could be joyously happy one moment and then facing death in the next instant. Lara Lacombe has several harrowing difficulties cropping up in the lives of her main couple, and I never knew how everything would ultimately work out for the likable characters until all was resolved. PREGNANT BY THE COLTON COWBOY has numerous mysteries, tender passion, and heartfelt emotions.
Since his father was much more involved in how Thorne Colton was raised, he became a man with strong convictions and a calm nature. Dating is not a regular pursuit, but that does not keep him from fantasizing about Maggie Lowell, the woman who does his father’s bookkeeping. She also secretly longs to grab his attention, and an unplanned incident lets them fulfill what each had only dreamed about doing. To keep Maggie from being shunned like him, Thorne thinks they should never be in a relationship because of how his mother’s criminal activities have tainted his own life.
When Maggie’s car blows up and she is hurt, it leads to the revelation that she is pregnant. Thorne is stunned to learn he is going to be a dad, but nothing will keep him from watching over the mother of his child and keeping them safe from any further peril. As the days go by with Maggie living at the ranch with him, he wonders if his future could possibly turn out differently than he has always expected.
Although Thorne is a cowboy who works hard and has dedicated much of his life to raising horses, he still has a soft side when it comes to those for whom he cares. I really enjoyed seeing his reactions to learning about his impending fatherhood, and his decisions afterward showed his true personality. A talk with his father is very touching, and any conversations in the story are definitely lifelike. Thorne has a hard time communicating what he actually feels, but his deeds did convey how he felt when the words were not spoken. Maggie is a delight, as she is strong and does not give up easily, even when things seem rather hopeless. I especially liked the scenes where she and Thorne talked about important details, as their inner thoughts and strengths were demonstrated to me.
How the ongoing troubles dealing with mother of Thorne are handled is cleverly portrayed by the author, as Lara Lacombe gave clues but nothing concrete until near the end. I like being given hints as to what is going on, but must keep an open mind as all is not known. PREGNANT BY THE COLTON COWBOY keeps you guessing with realistic and compelling developments. Many of Thorne’s siblings do make an appearance, and I liked knowing what was taking place in the lives of the characters already met as well as those whose stories are yet to come.
I voluntarily reviewed the book and all comments are my honest opinion
Since his father was much more involved in how Thorne Colton was raised, he became a man with strong convictions and a calm nature. Dating is not a regular pursuit, but that does not keep him from fantasizing about Maggie Lowell, the woman who does his father’s bookkeeping. She also secretly longs to grab his attention, and an unplanned incident lets them fulfill what each had only dreamed about doing. To keep Maggie from being shunned like him, Thorne thinks they should never be in a relationship because of how his mother’s criminal activities have tainted his own life.
When Maggie’s car blows up and she is hurt, it leads to the revelation that she is pregnant. Thorne is stunned to learn he is going to be a dad, but nothing will keep him from watching over the mother of his child and keeping them safe from any further peril. As the days go by with Maggie living at the ranch with him, he wonders if his future could possibly turn out differently than he has always expected.
Although Thorne is a cowboy who works hard and has dedicated much of his life to raising horses, he still has a soft side when it comes to those for whom he cares. I really enjoyed seeing his reactions to learning about his impending fatherhood, and his decisions afterward showed his true personality. A talk with his father is very touching, and any conversations in the story are definitely lifelike. Thorne has a hard time communicating what he actually feels, but his deeds did convey how he felt when the words were not spoken. Maggie is a delight, as she is strong and does not give up easily, even when things seem rather hopeless. I especially liked the scenes where she and Thorne talked about important details, as their inner thoughts and strengths were demonstrated to me.
How the ongoing troubles dealing with mother of Thorne are handled is cleverly portrayed by the author, as Lara Lacombe gave clues but nothing concrete until near the end. I like being given hints as to what is going on, but must keep an open mind as all is not known. PREGNANT BY THE COLTON COWBOY keeps you guessing with realistic and compelling developments. Many of Thorne’s siblings do make an appearance, and I liked knowing what was taking place in the lives of the characters already met as well as those whose stories are yet to come.
I voluntarily reviewed the book and all comments are my honest opinion
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews