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Lone Star Leathernecks #2
As You Were, Cowboy
Mateo Lopez is on medical discharge from the United States Marine Corps after receiving a severe spinal cord injury. He doesn’t believe his life can get back to normal, but a sexy, feisty new horse trainer has other ideas.
Mateo Lopez, honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on medical leave, is struggling to rebuild his life. The spinal cord injury that left him feeling like a broken man resulted in his inability to ride the horses he loves and works with on Round Top Ranch.
The new horse trainer at the ranch, however, has decided that this isn’t acceptable. Claire Windsor, a spirited, London-born spitfire of a woman, has come to begin a new program to turn the horses into therapy animals. She turns Mateo’s world upside-down, and try as he might to avoid her, she keeps inserting herself into his life. As their plans for the ranch clash, so too do their hearts...making all things fair in love and war.
Mateo Lopez, honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on medical leave, is struggling to rebuild his life. The spinal cord injury that left him feeling like a broken man resulted in his inability to ride the horses he loves and works with on Round Top Ranch.
The new horse trainer at the ranch, however, has decided that this isn’t acceptable. Claire Windsor, a spirited, London-born spitfire of a woman, has come to begin a new program to turn the horses into therapy animals. She turns Mateo’s world upside-down, and try as he might to avoid her, she keeps inserting herself into his life. As their plans for the ranch clash, so too do their hearts...making all things fair in love and war.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2017
7 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Heather Long
274 books2,318 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 27, 2017
As You Were, Cowboy by Heather Long is the 2nd book in her Lone Star Leathernecks series.
U.S. Marine Mateo Lopez is on medical discharge after receiving a severe spinal cord injury. Moping around and in pain, he doesn't believe his life will get back to normal until a sexy and spirited new horse trainer arrives at the ranch where he trains the horses he loves.
Claire Windsor is sexy, energetic and London-born. She is hired at Round Top Ranch to begin a new program turning horses into therapy animals.
Try as he might to avoid her, the sparks between them ignite creating a captivating romance.
A heart warming, fun story!
U.S. Marine Mateo Lopez is on medical discharge after receiving a severe spinal cord injury. Moping around and in pain, he doesn't believe his life will get back to normal until a sexy and spirited new horse trainer arrives at the ranch where he trains the horses he loves.
Claire Windsor is sexy, energetic and London-born. She is hired at Round Top Ranch to begin a new program turning horses into therapy animals.
Try as he might to avoid her, the sparks between them ignite creating a captivating romance.
A heart warming, fun story!
December 11, 2017
Author Heather Long brings the subject of therapy horses to life in her latest release As You Were, Cowboy. A stubborn, medically discharged Marine with a spinal cord injury goes head to head with a horse trainer hired to work at the ranch where he works. This book was engaging and informative, but it was also heart-warming, sensitive, and highly enjoyable.
Proud, stubborn, and so tired of everyone trying to manage him Mateo Lopez is thrown for a loop with Claire Windsor storms into the horse barn and announces she’s been hired by his friend and the ranch owner as a trainer for therapy horses. To say these to get off on the wrong foot is putting it mildly, but I also think it was exactly what Mateo needed because from the minute they meet Claire doesn’t treat him differently despite her realizing he has some sort of injury and she refuses to put up with him attitude.
I loved watching these two work to figure each other out and the way Claire was able to soften Mateo and make him begin to live again. There was no doubt she wanted to help him, but she was able to do so without making him feel helpless or anything other than a man. While there was no doubt Claire was affected by Mateo, the fact that she stirred feelings and more in him was a huge step to him realizing he was hindering his own recovery.
A story of hope, healing, and love, As You Were, Cowboy is a fantastic start to a new series.
December 3, 2017
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Therapy animals having been helping veterans cope with PTSD and the stress of reentering into society for years now. USA Today bestselling author Heather Long’s use of therapy animals in As You Were, Cowboy is a bit on the unique side. Instead of a cat or a dog, it is a horse that gives the hero comfort and connection.
Mateo Lopez suffered a spinal injury that not only earned him an honorable discharge, but left him unable to ride the horses that he loves so much at the Round Top Ranch. When Claire Windsor is hired to start a new program to turn horses into therapy animals, he knows he’s been set up and is determined not to fall for the woman or accept her insistent help.
Claire is a feisty young woman from London, who is hired to be the new horse trainer at the ranch. Her determination to help Mateo and others like him leads to the two butting heads more than once. She inserts herself and the horses into his life and turns it upside down. She’s out to prove to him that his life is worth living. And maybe they can find love together along the way.
I loved the thought behind this book. Therapy animals are something that have become near and dear to me due to a friend who has decided to make them part of her life’s work. She brings the animals with her everywhere as part of their training and I enjoy seeing how they interact differently than an outright pet. I absolutely adore that it is the horses that bring together Mateo and Claire. Their mutual love for the animals adds to the feelings they have for each other, making them stronger.
Mateo is a broken man, a Marine that can no longer serve his country and a rider that can no longer sit in the saddle. And if there is one thing I love the hero of a story to have its brokenness. I enjoy watching them heal and find their way back to happiness. Claire is the perfect match to Mateo’s gruff broodiness. They are in a word perfect. Perfect together and perfect for each other.
If you like cowboys, military men, or both, then this is a book for you. The deep and emotionally heartfelt situation of this story is real. A read worth picking up. FIVE stars.
Therapy animals having been helping veterans cope with PTSD and the stress of reentering into society for years now. USA Today bestselling author Heather Long’s use of therapy animals in As You Were, Cowboy is a bit on the unique side. Instead of a cat or a dog, it is a horse that gives the hero comfort and connection.
Mateo Lopez suffered a spinal injury that not only earned him an honorable discharge, but left him unable to ride the horses that he loves so much at the Round Top Ranch. When Claire Windsor is hired to start a new program to turn horses into therapy animals, he knows he’s been set up and is determined not to fall for the woman or accept her insistent help.
Claire is a feisty young woman from London, who is hired to be the new horse trainer at the ranch. Her determination to help Mateo and others like him leads to the two butting heads more than once. She inserts herself and the horses into his life and turns it upside down. She’s out to prove to him that his life is worth living. And maybe they can find love together along the way.
I loved the thought behind this book. Therapy animals are something that have become near and dear to me due to a friend who has decided to make them part of her life’s work. She brings the animals with her everywhere as part of their training and I enjoy seeing how they interact differently than an outright pet. I absolutely adore that it is the horses that bring together Mateo and Claire. Their mutual love for the animals adds to the feelings they have for each other, making them stronger.
Mateo is a broken man, a Marine that can no longer serve his country and a rider that can no longer sit in the saddle. And if there is one thing I love the hero of a story to have its brokenness. I enjoy watching them heal and find their way back to happiness. Claire is the perfect match to Mateo’s gruff broodiness. They are in a word perfect. Perfect together and perfect for each other.
If you like cowboys, military men, or both, then this is a book for you. The deep and emotionally heartfelt situation of this story is real. A read worth picking up. FIVE stars.
July 28, 2020
The ending is a tad rushed, but not nearly as rushed as you may believe it is if you listened to it via audible as their version is truly incomplete.
I was thrilled to find a full version and finish the book because Claire and Matteo’s story was too sweet not to complete. This was a story of trust and overcoming fears and obstacles holding one back. I would have enjoyed seeing some of the horse therapy with the vets, but I was happy with the perfect ending for two super sweet characters!
I was thrilled to find a full version and finish the book because Claire and Matteo’s story was too sweet not to complete. This was a story of trust and overcoming fears and obstacles holding one back. I would have enjoyed seeing some of the horse therapy with the vets, but I was happy with the perfect ending for two super sweet characters!
July 13, 2020
As you were cowboy is written by Heather Long. Mateo is a horse trainer who lives and works on his best friends tanner father's ranch. Tanner's family brings Claire in to help train the horse to be therapy horse, or is that really why she there? I enjoyed this book about mateo and Claire and I can't wait to find out how their story ends.
September 8, 2019
Mateo Lopez has been discharged from the Marines because of a spinal cord injury. He is sent to a horse ranch because of a new therapy that has started with horses. He really does not want to be there because he feels he won’t be able to ride them as he did before his injury. Clair Windsor has been hired for this new program and has left England because she believes that horses can help with healing. Between her not wanting to fail and Mateo’s hard headiness it will not come as a shock when they begin to clash. By clashing this also brings them closer together and the more they are together they now must start dealing with emotions without the horse, with people the two of them. A very good story of healing and I thought everything was done tactfully. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 29, 2020
As you were, Cowboy was a sweet hea romance. I liked Claire and Mateo together, but was expecting there to be some more push and pull between them after their first encounter. And I personally wanted more horse therapy time in the book. Overall though the book was good, but there were some missed opportunities to round it out.
February 4, 2018
I was eager to read this second novel in Ms. Long's Lone Star Leathernecks series, having absolutely loved the first novel in the series, but I'm sad to say that this one simply didn't measure up to the excellence of Semper Fi, Cowboy, and I could only give it a 3-star rating.
This story features Mateo Lopez, who is no longer a Marine due to an ordnance explosion which ended his military service and left him with a medical discharge, a severely damaged spine with shrapnel still embedded and inoperable unless he's willing to risk ending up in a wheelchair, which would end his job as a horse trainer. He's in constant, unending pain, but he's reluctant to take his meds because he doesn't want to end up addicted to them, so he waits until his pain is so unendurable that he's forced to take them. He's also in physical therapy, but it leaves him in more pain afterwards than he was experiencing when we walked in, and so he also often misses appointments. Although he can no longer ride the horses he loves and trains, he still works with them on Round Top Ranch.
He's shocked and angry when suddenly one day, a new horse trainer, Claire Windsor, arrives from London and announces that she's there to begin a new program training horses as therapy animals--a program she's already had a great deal of success with in England. Rather than going to the main house, she stops off at one of the barns on the ranch and first introduces herself to Mateo. To say he's surprised, annoyed, bitter, angry, snarky, rude, and far from welcoming is putting it mildly, but Claire handles his ire far better than she handles the heat of the Texas summer. Mateo feels that she's there to replace him, when, unbeknownst to him, in addition to setting up an equine therapy program for wounded veterans at the behest of Tanner and Jules (who we met in the first novel), her first wounded veteran is Mateo.
Tanner has assured Mateo that Claire isn't there to replace him, but Mateo is not quite sure he believes him, and so Claire and Mateo get off to a rocky start, although the two are clearly physically attracted to one another, and Mateo is slowly impressed by Claire's love and knowledge of horses and her skill at getting "his" horses to respond to her somewhat unusual training methods, but beyond that is where I felt this novel went a bit astray, when insta-lust turned into insta-love and the story headed in an improbable direction.
After knowing each other for less than a week, Mateo is meeting Claire for tea at her cabin every morning before they start work--something I cannot imagine any tough, native born Texan doing. When we later learn that since his spinal injury, Mateo has been impotent, the fact that these two are suddenly having rather energetic sex certainly stretched my willing suspension of disbelief, and while I was happy that Mateo was able to function in that regard, it was too much, too soon for this reader.
As the relationship between Mateo and Claire builds faster than gangbusters, I kept expecting to see Claire in action working with other wounded veterans, and getting her therapy program underway, but when this rather short novel abruptly comes to an HEA ending, the only wounded veteran in sight is Mateo, and while I was pleased that these two formed a strong relationship, I was left feeling that there were so many missed opportunities here. There should have been more vets added to this story, and perhaps a chance for even some drama and angst if any of them became interested in the lovely Englishwoman. Finally, the back surgery that Mateo needs but has been avoiding for years, choosing pain over the possibility of losing his ability to walk, is all handled in a fast-forward in the final chapter, when it could have brought more drama to the story, more time to watch Claire get her therapy program off the ground, and more time to strengthen her relationship with Mateo. As a reader, one who liked these two characters, I found myself rather disappointed with the ending
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
This story features Mateo Lopez, who is no longer a Marine due to an ordnance explosion which ended his military service and left him with a medical discharge, a severely damaged spine with shrapnel still embedded and inoperable unless he's willing to risk ending up in a wheelchair, which would end his job as a horse trainer. He's in constant, unending pain, but he's reluctant to take his meds because he doesn't want to end up addicted to them, so he waits until his pain is so unendurable that he's forced to take them. He's also in physical therapy, but it leaves him in more pain afterwards than he was experiencing when we walked in, and so he also often misses appointments. Although he can no longer ride the horses he loves and trains, he still works with them on Round Top Ranch.
He's shocked and angry when suddenly one day, a new horse trainer, Claire Windsor, arrives from London and announces that she's there to begin a new program training horses as therapy animals--a program she's already had a great deal of success with in England. Rather than going to the main house, she stops off at one of the barns on the ranch and first introduces herself to Mateo. To say he's surprised, annoyed, bitter, angry, snarky, rude, and far from welcoming is putting it mildly, but Claire handles his ire far better than she handles the heat of the Texas summer. Mateo feels that she's there to replace him, when, unbeknownst to him, in addition to setting up an equine therapy program for wounded veterans at the behest of Tanner and Jules (who we met in the first novel), her first wounded veteran is Mateo.
Tanner has assured Mateo that Claire isn't there to replace him, but Mateo is not quite sure he believes him, and so Claire and Mateo get off to a rocky start, although the two are clearly physically attracted to one another, and Mateo is slowly impressed by Claire's love and knowledge of horses and her skill at getting "his" horses to respond to her somewhat unusual training methods, but beyond that is where I felt this novel went a bit astray, when insta-lust turned into insta-love and the story headed in an improbable direction.
After knowing each other for less than a week, Mateo is meeting Claire for tea at her cabin every morning before they start work--something I cannot imagine any tough, native born Texan doing. When we later learn that since his spinal injury, Mateo has been impotent, the fact that these two are suddenly having rather energetic sex certainly stretched my willing suspension of disbelief, and while I was happy that Mateo was able to function in that regard, it was too much, too soon for this reader.
As the relationship between Mateo and Claire builds faster than gangbusters, I kept expecting to see Claire in action working with other wounded veterans, and getting her therapy program underway, but when this rather short novel abruptly comes to an HEA ending, the only wounded veteran in sight is Mateo, and while I was pleased that these two formed a strong relationship, I was left feeling that there were so many missed opportunities here. There should have been more vets added to this story, and perhaps a chance for even some drama and angst if any of them became interested in the lovely Englishwoman. Finally, the back surgery that Mateo needs but has been avoiding for years, choosing pain over the possibility of losing his ability to walk, is all handled in a fast-forward in the final chapter, when it could have brought more drama to the story, more time to watch Claire get her therapy program off the ground, and more time to strengthen her relationship with Mateo. As a reader, one who liked these two characters, I found myself rather disappointed with the ending
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 5, 2017
The second book in the Lone Star Leathernecks series is often movingly emotional yet also very uplifting at times. The hero is a former soldier who does not regret doing his duty, but sadly he is now paying a big price most days with little expectation of the future ever becoming brighter. When a spirited woman enters his life, he at first feels betrayed and a little angry. But as the couple interacts on a daily basis, both lives take a turn which neither saw coming. I smiled when a situation went well, and then felt empathy for a character if an event did not go as desired. Heather Long has created an exceedingly realistic story filled with romance, hope, and profound emotions. AS YOU WERE, COWBOY is heartwarmingly dramatic time and again.
When Claire Windsor traveled from England to Texas, she had plans to her wishes become a reality. Love for horses led to her choosing a career training them, and a personal matter had her working to use the perceptive animals to help people with various problems. Yet when Claire arrives at Round Top Ranch, she is confronted by the current trainer for its horses, and his greeting is not at all hospitable.
After Mateo Lopez suffered a severe injury to his spine while serving as a Marine, he was discharged for medical reasons and had to return home. He keeps hoping that one day his mobility might improve enough to let him once again work more efficiently with the horses, so there is no reason for Claire to be hired. But since the ranch owners have the final word, Mateo must work with Claire and implement her new program to assist those in some type of pain.
AS YOU WERE, COWBOY is an insightful look at people who need assistance plus those willing to give it. Claire wants to share her knowledge of horses with others, letting them come to also know these creatures and perhaps change their lives for the better along the way. Training an animal to improve the quality of life for someone that has either physical and/or emotional problems is an admirable career, and the Brit is extremely dedicated to aiding anyone who could benefit. She is definitely surprised to learn a ranch employee could use her help, and she can immediately tell there are going to be some uphill battles fought before Mateo will work with her in a friendly manner. But as they start to share ideas, mutual respect begins to grow. A love of horses may have brought them together, but their candidly honest behavior has them growing closer. I was truly touched by many of the scenes where Mateo opens up to Claire about several private topics, and her responses had me liking her even more. Heather Long takes a realistic approach in how horses can give a person confidence, and I felt as though any arising situations could actually be true on so many occasions. Details about such therapy are given in a way which is informative yet does not overload. AS YOU WERE, COWBOY is a cleverly imaginative story that left me with a positive feeling.
I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion - 4.5 Stars
When Claire Windsor traveled from England to Texas, she had plans to her wishes become a reality. Love for horses led to her choosing a career training them, and a personal matter had her working to use the perceptive animals to help people with various problems. Yet when Claire arrives at Round Top Ranch, she is confronted by the current trainer for its horses, and his greeting is not at all hospitable.
After Mateo Lopez suffered a severe injury to his spine while serving as a Marine, he was discharged for medical reasons and had to return home. He keeps hoping that one day his mobility might improve enough to let him once again work more efficiently with the horses, so there is no reason for Claire to be hired. But since the ranch owners have the final word, Mateo must work with Claire and implement her new program to assist those in some type of pain.
AS YOU WERE, COWBOY is an insightful look at people who need assistance plus those willing to give it. Claire wants to share her knowledge of horses with others, letting them come to also know these creatures and perhaps change their lives for the better along the way. Training an animal to improve the quality of life for someone that has either physical and/or emotional problems is an admirable career, and the Brit is extremely dedicated to aiding anyone who could benefit. She is definitely surprised to learn a ranch employee could use her help, and she can immediately tell there are going to be some uphill battles fought before Mateo will work with her in a friendly manner. But as they start to share ideas, mutual respect begins to grow. A love of horses may have brought them together, but their candidly honest behavior has them growing closer. I was truly touched by many of the scenes where Mateo opens up to Claire about several private topics, and her responses had me liking her even more. Heather Long takes a realistic approach in how horses can give a person confidence, and I felt as though any arising situations could actually be true on so many occasions. Details about such therapy are given in a way which is informative yet does not overload. AS YOU WERE, COWBOY is a cleverly imaginative story that left me with a positive feeling.
I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion - 4.5 Stars
December 11, 2017
As You Were, Cowboy is the second book in the terrific Lone Star Leathernecks series by bestselling author Heather Long. A riveting, humorous, emotionally captivating romance that will steal your heart! With an interesting storyline, complex characters you can't help but love, steamy sexual encounters, humorous banter, angst, and some surprise twists, this emotional roller-coaster of a story will pull you in right from the start, and hold tight long after the last word is read. This was a heartwarming story that I truly enjoyed. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Although I wasn't able to read the first book in the series prior to reading this one, it was not necessary to do so since this book can be read as a stand alone. I'm sure that you would be able to gain a better understanding of the ranch, the other characters, as well as the main couple of that story by reading book #1, which is why I intend to read it soon. The main couple from book #1 is included in this story, but thankfully the author doesn't disclose more than necessary about them, which doesn't give away spoilers to their story. I would suggest reading this series from the beginning.
I strongly recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Although I wasn't able to read the first book in the series prior to reading this one, it was not necessary to do so since this book can be read as a stand alone. I'm sure that you would be able to gain a better understanding of the ranch, the other characters, as well as the main couple of that story by reading book #1, which is why I intend to read it soon. The main couple from book #1 is included in this story, but thankfully the author doesn't disclose more than necessary about them, which doesn't give away spoilers to their story. I would suggest reading this series from the beginning.
I strongly recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 29, 2017
Mateo is his own worst enemy. After sustaining a series spinal injury, he isn't cooperating with his PT or his doctors orders. So when he realises that his boss and friend has hired a new equine therapist to help out on a new project to aid injured veterans, he flips his lid and is not a very welcoming first impression!
Claire Windsor has flown from England to undertake the new project at the ranch. Her welcome wagon wasn't exactly friendly but she is made of stern stuff and doesn't cave to the onslaught from Mateo and stands her ground.
They eventually come to a compromise and surprisingly actually work very well together. But as they spend more time together Mateo realises that he sees Claire as more than a colleague. but will she want this broken shell of a man?
This was an amazingly well researched story and I hugely enjoyed it. As a Scot I struggled a wee bit with Claire's accent as it comes over as very upper crust in m head! But as she has been around horses all her life I'm going on the assumption that she does come from money so the accent would fit but it just jars in my brain for some reason. Slow build up between them was enticing and really amped up the chemistry!
Claire Windsor has flown from England to undertake the new project at the ranch. Her welcome wagon wasn't exactly friendly but she is made of stern stuff and doesn't cave to the onslaught from Mateo and stands her ground.
They eventually come to a compromise and surprisingly actually work very well together. But as they spend more time together Mateo realises that he sees Claire as more than a colleague. but will she want this broken shell of a man?
This was an amazingly well researched story and I hugely enjoyed it. As a Scot I struggled a wee bit with Claire's accent as it comes over as very upper crust in m head! But as she has been around horses all her life I'm going on the assumption that she does come from money so the accent would fit but it just jars in my brain for some reason. Slow build up between them was enticing and really amped up the chemistry!
December 11, 2017
Clare is excited to start training therapy horses at Round Top Ranch. However the reception she receives at the barn is not what she anticipated.
Mateo had finished up what he could and was heading to his place to take his pain meds. Before he reached his truck he ran into the new arrival. As he realizes her purpose he is not pleased.
Tanner sort of soothes things over with Mateo, but essentially tells him to work with her. They need her expertise with training the horses to be therapy horses.
Now while there is some animosity between the two, there is also a truce.
I absolutely loved the prim and proper Claire. She's smart and feisty and more than capable of holding her own against Mateo.
Mateo has much to overcome and he fights almost every step of the way.
The relationship is a slow build-up that I found very satisfying.
The book held some nostalgia for me, and I loved the British insight to being in Texas.
I laughed, yelled and cried too.
This mix of cowboy and former military is a definite win!
I can't wait to see what the next book will hold for us.
Mateo had finished up what he could and was heading to his place to take his pain meds. Before he reached his truck he ran into the new arrival. As he realizes her purpose he is not pleased.
Tanner sort of soothes things over with Mateo, but essentially tells him to work with her. They need her expertise with training the horses to be therapy horses.
Now while there is some animosity between the two, there is also a truce.
I absolutely loved the prim and proper Claire. She's smart and feisty and more than capable of holding her own against Mateo.
Mateo has much to overcome and he fights almost every step of the way.
The relationship is a slow build-up that I found very satisfying.
The book held some nostalgia for me, and I loved the British insight to being in Texas.
I laughed, yelled and cried too.
This mix of cowboy and former military is a definite win!
I can't wait to see what the next book will hold for us.
October 27, 2017
Mateo Lopez is working as a horse trainer after receiving a medical discharge from the US Marine Corps for a spinal cord injury. Some days he is barely able to make it through the day without horrible pain that make it hard to even move. Claire Windsor comes to the ranch from England as a new trainer to begin training horses for therapy use. Mateo is not sold on the idea but he works with her as the two become friends and more. I absolutely LOVED this story! I've read many contemporary romance books but this is one of the sweetest, most heartwarming story in a long time! Beautifully written and lovingly told, this book stands out as a giant in its genre.
As You Were, Cowboy by Heather Long will be available December 11, 2017 by Pocket Star, an imprint of Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
As You Were, Cowboy by Heather Long will be available December 11, 2017 by Pocket Star, an imprint of Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
December 10, 2017
I saw this book and it called to me. I like to read some military books and this was it. Mateo has pain in his spine from a blast to his back. He hurts in a way he can't work with his horses. Claire walks in and Mateo is yelling at her to go away. Tanner, the Boss, comes to settle Mateo. She is a trainer of therapy horses. I was surprised of that. Major Spoiler! He slowed down and agreed to work with her. Mateo has to travel to the town to keep him working with therapy. Tanner had a thought about bringing veterans to the ranch to help veterans with their problem. Claire is to help the horses to be quiet so the horses will keep the veterans slow too. Mateo talks with his surgeon about trying to get better but still can be paraplegic. Claire does this as her father had been retired and then had suicide. She knows how Mateo feels. Everyone should read this book. It is a short read. Please give this book a chance! Don't let it slip away!
December 14, 2017
This book has a slow build, but it doesn't take long before you are rooting for the couple. After their first angry meeting things go pretty well for Claire and Mateo. They really take time to get to know each other, the program that Claire is building a big part of it. It gave them a safe topic to talk about. Claire seemed to really win Mateo over when she helped him and his what happened when his pain go the better of him. It helped later when Mateo got very real and talked about his condition with Claire and what he was facing. Claire's reaction was perfect, a way to let Mateo know that she loved him. It really made the ending so great, fitting for them both!
October 15, 2017
As You Were, Cowboy is truly wonderful love story about two people whose souls are connected by their respect and affection for horses. I adored Claire and Matteo, their chemistry all that, but it was the detail around therapy horse training that got my attention. I am not a horse person per se, but I am fascinated by animal therapies - they are truly a thing of beauty. It’s one thing to see a dog or cat in this role, but for horse is it a very delicate process and Heather Long does a brilliant job of bringing it all home.
Add this book to your TBR and don’t forget to save a place in your heart!!
Happy reading!
Add this book to your TBR and don’t forget to save a place in your heart!!
Happy reading!
December 6, 2017
As You Were, Cowboy tells the tale of Mateo Lopez a medically discharged Marine living with chronic pain and the author makes you feel it. You have to wonder how she is going to give this guy his HEA because how can you be happy when you are in various stages of agony every minute of the day. You’ll have to read to find out but I will give you a hint. You have to find happiness when and where you can.
I felt so much for Mateo and watched with anticipation as he got closer to Claire. This book will tear your heart out and then leave you with a smile.
I felt so much for Mateo and watched with anticipation as he got closer to Claire. This book will tear your heart out and then leave you with a smile.
June 3, 2018
Another Hit
Loved this one too. Long writes great characters with real problems. This one dealing with equine therapy plus spinal cord injury and veteran needs was a very insightful book. My only complaint is the same as for the companion book "Semper Fi" . Make them longer! Develop the characters more please. Just saying.
Loved this one too. Long writes great characters with real problems. This one dealing with equine therapy plus spinal cord injury and veteran needs was a very insightful book. My only complaint is the same as for the companion book "Semper Fi" . Make them longer! Develop the characters more please. Just saying.
November 18, 2017
As You Were, Cowboy is book 2 in the Lone Star Leathernecks series and it was great!!!
This emotional, engaging story hooked me early. Mateo and Claire were well developed characters and the interaction was compelling. I look forward to more and will recommend this to readers
This emotional, engaging story hooked me early. Mateo and Claire were well developed characters and the interaction was compelling. I look forward to more and will recommend this to readers
January 2, 2018
Excellent story
Very well written. The story keeps you reading as you hope everything works out. The subject matter of therapy horses is an excellent idea. Sure wish it was available for all of the veterans.
Very well written. The story keeps you reading as you hope everything works out. The subject matter of therapy horses is an excellent idea. Sure wish it was available for all of the veterans.
November 5, 2017
this story was full of genuine intense emotion and at times incredibly heart wrenching.
I loved it, it was so well thought out and just so real.
Definitely a must read
I loved it, it was so well thought out and just so real.
Definitely a must read
November 15, 2017
I’m loving this new cowboy series by Heather. Full review coming soon.
March 26, 2024
As You Were, Cowboy by Heather Long is a good fit for readers who enjoy stories about resilience, healing, and the power of love in overcoming adversity.
October 9, 2024
These two didn’t hit it off to begin with, but, as they got to know each other, the understanding that grew, right along with their attraction, was a wonderful thing <3
March 22, 2018
These books have been absolutely the greatest!!! I so enjoyed reading about Matteo and his determination, absolutely a wonderful and enjoyable reading experience
December 28, 2019
Predictable and sweet. I got what I expected from the story but after reading Si-Fi Cowboy, I wanted to see if Mateo got his HEA. Which he did once he got over his stubbornness and fear.
Pain is a warning to our systems to stop what we're doing, to retreat from it.
Lumbar region loc 1957 -9 with kindle should say thoracic. I think that happened a few times which drove me a bit batty since my non-blogger life is in the medical field.
Pain is a warning to our systems to stop what we're doing, to retreat from it.
Lumbar region loc 1957 -9 with kindle should say thoracic. I think that happened a few times which drove me a bit batty since my non-blogger life is in the medical field.
December 5, 2017
First, I loved this book – it will touch your heart and smack you in the gut, all at the same time. Yes, it is a book 2 of a series however it is a standalone. The author did an amazing job of connecting the dots, where needed, so you do not have to read the first book but I would ask: WHY wouldn’t you read it? Seriously, it is an amazing series. I couldn’t wait for AYWC and I was not disappointed.
I’m not going to recap the story – you can read the blurb and buy the book – but I wanted to try to convey how much I believe the author put into this story. It is about Mateo Lopez and Claire Windsor who, IMHO, make the best couple ever. He is suitably alpha and stubborn; she is strong, smart and doesn’t put up with any guff from him. Perfect! Where the story will grab you, again in my opinion, is how Ms. Long writes Mateo’s struggles. He is a returning veteran, with a medical discharge, and lingering effects from a spinal cord injury. He feels…less. Less of a Marine, less of an employee, less of a man because of his injury. What was so amazing to me was when I read Mateo, his struggles to live each day were so real to me. Ms. Long made you forget you were reading a story and I could actually feel the depths of his pain. I am having a hard time putting that into words but suffice to say it is such a beautiful story. And Claire is the perfect foil to Mateo’s downward spiral and I just loved her character as well.
You will not be disappointed with As You Were, Cowboy or with the Lone Star Leathernecks series. Seriously, I cannot recommend this story enough. You will actually feel the story; it has stayed with me long after I finished reading the book.
I’m not going to recap the story – you can read the blurb and buy the book – but I wanted to try to convey how much I believe the author put into this story. It is about Mateo Lopez and Claire Windsor who, IMHO, make the best couple ever. He is suitably alpha and stubborn; she is strong, smart and doesn’t put up with any guff from him. Perfect! Where the story will grab you, again in my opinion, is how Ms. Long writes Mateo’s struggles. He is a returning veteran, with a medical discharge, and lingering effects from a spinal cord injury. He feels…less. Less of a Marine, less of an employee, less of a man because of his injury. What was so amazing to me was when I read Mateo, his struggles to live each day were so real to me. Ms. Long made you forget you were reading a story and I could actually feel the depths of his pain. I am having a hard time putting that into words but suffice to say it is such a beautiful story. And Claire is the perfect foil to Mateo’s downward spiral and I just loved her character as well.
You will not be disappointed with As You Were, Cowboy or with the Lone Star Leathernecks series. Seriously, I cannot recommend this story enough. You will actually feel the story; it has stayed with me long after I finished reading the book.
January 6, 2019
Mateo Lopez, honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on medical leave, is struggling to rebuild his life. The spinal cord injury that left him feeling like a broken man resulted in his inability to ride the horses he loves and works with on Round Top Ranch. The new horse trainer at the ranch, however, has decided that this isn’t acceptable. Claire Windsor, a spirited, London-born spitfire of a woman, has come to begin a new program to turn the horses into therapy animals. She turns Mateo’s world upside-down, and try as he might to avoid her, she keeps inserting herself into his life. As their plans for the ranch clash, so too do their hearts...making all things fair in love and war.
The book was good. I liked both main characters as they went through the story. Both characters were well written. I enjoyed the plot. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
The book was good. I liked both main characters as they went through the story. Both characters were well written. I enjoyed the plot. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
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