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Burlap and Barbed Wire #1

A Cowboy for Alyssa

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Alyssa Jefferson is ready to start her veterinary internship at the Rockin' K ranch, in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, where she will be assisting with the births of over three hundred pregnant cows. It’s a dream come true, and she’s so excited the joy is oozing from her. As icing on the cake, it appears the brothers that own the ranch are sexy as can be. A few months with some eye candy, is just what the doctor ordered.

Beau Kipling sees the sweet young thing coming for her riding lesson, and feels a kick to his gut. What is this hot young woman doing dating a man old enough to be her father? He’s so ticked off, he can’t stop himself from being an ass to her. He’s never, in his whole life, felt the instant attraction he feels for this female, and she’s some old guys arm candy.

When the truth is revealed, that Alyssa is his intern for the spring, and not the sheriff’s new girlfriend, Beau knows he’s blown it. And he can’t even explain why he was so mean. No woman wants to hear a guy thought she was a gold digger. Now they must work together all spring. Can he convince her to give him a second chance?

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2018

554 people are currently reading
398 people want to read

About the author

Shirley Penick

50 books443 followers
I started writing late in life. I've always been a reader, devouring Nancy Drew books in grade school right on through to today. But writing is new to me and I am having a blast.

I have four series, all small town contemporary romance.

My Lake Chelan series is centered around a remote town in eastern Washington and all the challenges and shenanigans that go on there. Many of the characters in that series are volunteer firefighters. My father was a volunteer firefighter and walking into a station still smells like home to me. So I am having a lot of fun incorporating my memories into new stories.

My Burlap and Barbed Wire series at this point is Colorado Cowboys all from one family of cattle ranchers living in the Rocky Mountains at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Writing a family of siblings finding love has been a lot of fun.

My Saddles and Secrets series code named Wyoming Wranglers is focused on a rescue ranch for geriatric horses. Someone is causing problems and the local sheriff dept. is trying to find the culprit.

My Helluva Engineer series is a nod to my alma mater. The mineral engineers journey across the mountains to help find the gold mine that has recently started contaminating the Rockin' K ranch. Why it's started having poisonous runoff after two hundred years of dormancy, is the real question.

All my books are stand alone so you don't have to read them all or even in order, although it might be more fun to do so.

Join with me as I tell my stories, weaving real tidbits from my life in with imaginary ones. You'll have to guess which is which. It will be a hoot!

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5 stars
701 (51%)
4 stars
389 (28%)
3 stars
203 (14%)
2 stars
46 (3%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,546 reviews9 followers
January 17, 2019
I am new to Shirley's writing ... this book ... these characters u will easily fall into them ... I think I enjoy Grandpa most?? I am curious where these series will head? oh cool a series ... oh yeah!! love the cover. Beau Kipling keeps putting his foot in his mouth so to speak ... over and over ... guess there is always moments like that in our lives ... at least mine there is ... i could sympathize there. great writing style. well written. ( ;
Profile Image for Victoria Kennedy.
Author 8 books39 followers
January 16, 2024
4.5 STARS
This book was kindly sent to me by Give Me Books PR in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Saddle up and get ready to pack your bags for Colorado to find your own ranch of gorgeous cowboys.

Alyssa is excited to be joining the Kipling family on their Colorado ranch for her veterinary internship. Her first interaction with a Kipling, however, doesn’t go to plan when Beau doesn’t realise who she is, mistaking her for someone else and giving her a less than warm welcome. Alyssa is less than impressed, hoping she’ll be able to avoid him where possible, only to learn that he is the ranch’s vet and her new boss. When the air is eventually cleared, the two begin to work together perfectly, and the sparks between them slowly start to ignite. But Beau’s hung up on their seven year age gap and the fact that, once her semester is over, she’s heading back home across the country and he’ll probably never see her again. No matter how conflicted his head and heart are, he just can’t seem to stay away.

Entering my yeehaw era because apparently I just bloody love a good cowboy romance! I had no idea what to expect going into this book as I’ve not read anything by Shirley before, be I just could not get enough! I literally read most of the book in the night, not going to be until 3am. Because who needs a full eight-hours sleep when they have to be up early. Not me, that’s for sure!

Beau and Alyssa’s relationship was super cute and fun. They had instant chemistry and the best banter. And the dash of spice was really the cherry on top! In fact, the banter and relationship between all the characters is so good and really pulls you into their lives. Does Rockin’ K Ranch exist IRL, because I want be part of this family!

Shirley’s writing style was really enjoyable and so easily sucks you into Beau and Alyssa’s relationship and the lives of the whole Kipling family. And not only that, but she so easily transports you to Colorado and life on the ranch - I’ve never been on a ranch or to Colorado, but I felt like I was there as I devoured this book!

After being introduced to all six siblings, I can’t wait to follow the rest of their stories over the course of the series. They’re all really fun and interesting characters, even though we didn’t necessarily get to see a lot of them in this first book. And I definitely want to explore more of Shirley’s books, since they’re all kind of interconnected - give me ALL the cowboys and ALL the ranch and small-town drama!

Get ready to book a one-way ticket to Colorado to find a cowboy to call your own! If you’re new to the world of western and cowboy romances, this is definitely the place to start.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews116 followers
Want to read
July 29, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/29/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Christine .
1,161 reviews61 followers
February 25, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I am a new reader to this author. First, I'd like to say I truly enjoyed her writing. Since this was my first book from Shirley Penick, I didn't know what to expect. The flow with her writing was smooth and the pace steady. I was not bored at all. Nor was I able to put this book down until I got my HEA. There are several secondary characters that gave more depth to the story as well as piquing my curiosity toward the next books in the series, which I will be reading soon!

Alyssa will be interning with Beau, who is a veterinarian. She is intelligent and beautiful and totally has Beau's attention. Everything about her intrigues him. Unfortunately, when Alyssa arrives at the ranch for her interview, Beau mistakes her for someone else. As a result there is some groveling. Their relationship builds slowly which I appreciated. That aspect made this story more believable.

There is also some humor, a bit of suspense and angst, but not too much. Another aspect I truly enjoyed was the scene setting and descriptions of all the veterinary care. It was believable. One more element I loved was the introduction to all the other family members and friends. Everyone was personable and had great character elements.

I recommend this book, especially to those of you that love cowboy romance with a believable couple and the sweetest happily-ever-after. Beau came through with the grand gesture! I loved it!

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Profile Image for Marianne.
137 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2020
Awesome-what a great book! This was my first cowboy romance and author Shirley Penick hit it so far out of the ballpark that I cannot imagine how the following books in the series will best it. However-I really don't care that much because I'm still going to read them to find out! I loved the working relationship & romantic chemistry between Alyssa & Beau and their interactions with each other and his family. The fact that I have also lived in their home states added a deeper connection to the story for me. Great writing-especially with the love scenes. I needed to read a new author who didn't use the same predictable words & descriptions in her love scenes-what a breath of fresh air!
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,790 reviews29 followers
March 19, 2021
Who is Alyssa Jefferson? Where is she from? What does she do for a living? What happened when Alyssa arrived at her destination had me laughing at first and then growling. I literally growled as I read. Why? The first morning she was there, something happened that surprised her. I was surprised as well. How Beau describes locking things away on his babysitting night with Tony was a hoot! Alyssa turns out to be bossier than I thought she would be. Well now, spelling words around Tony seems to not work anymore. I was chuckling and crying at the ending. Enjoy the read!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,008 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2021
Alyssa Jefferson arrives for her veterinary internship on the Kipling family ranch only to be greeted with a scowl and attitude from Beau Kipling. Alyssa is confused as to Beau's attitude towards her and when he continues she doesn't hesitate to put him in his place. They must learn to work together because Beau is the family vet for the ranch. Such a sweet story with characters you're sure to love!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.8k reviews160 followers
January 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book that offered a good blend of heart and heat. When Beau firmly plants his foot in his mouth and firmly places himself in a corner with Alyssa, you know you are going to be in for an angsty and emotional ride. I liked both these characters, thought they made a great couple and thought their chemistry was powerful and easy to feel. I thought this was a really good read and I look forward to more books in this series. By my own accord I'm posting a truthful review.
135 reviews
March 15, 2019
A very good story.

Beau and Alyssa are the lead characters. Colorado is the setting. This book is a little bit different than most cowboy romances but I will leave that for you to determine. You will really like it, however. Enjoy.
124 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2021
Marvelously Sweet

If you enjoy sweet and entertaining stories don't miss this one. I do think the sex part could have been more illusionary but then that's just me. I think one's own imagination is better.
2,960 reviews43 followers
June 16, 2022
I enjoyed the narration of Douglas G. Thornton

Alyssa is excited to begin her veterinary internship, but due to a miss understanding she gets off to a very rocky with her boss Beau . Who is a sexy cowboy.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,305 reviews
October 22, 2021
Cowboy for Alyssa

Cute, sweet story. Easy read. Author seems to know a lot about raise cattle in Colorado. Would read more by this author and this family.
86 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2021
Perfect romance!

Page turner at its best. Loads of fun. You can feel the joy and love jumping off of each page.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.8k reviews250 followers
February 1, 2019
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author. Alyssa is excited to begin her dream veterinary internship, but gets off to a rocky start with Beau, the sexy, rude cowboy, and her new boss. This is a well written entertaining story which had humor and romance. I look forward to reading the next book and highly recommend this authors’ work for all.
Profile Image for Delbora.
1,456 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with all of the characters. The family Allyssa was becoming a part of and the family watching from afar.
9 reviews
January 1, 2022
Awesom read for today Dec 31 2021

I enjoy this story very much because it moved qiuckly and was light hearted . Thank you for making today better!
Profile Image for Book.lover_94.
133 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2022
This was such a Hallmark/Netflix type of book 😅 I love it
Profile Image for Ramona.
853 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2019
An enjoyable romantic, witty book. The descriptions of Colorado made you feel as you were there. Alyssa always had a mind of her own from the ripe old age of 8 when she played matchmaker for her Dad and Third-grade teacher, that hadn't changed when she was in her last year of school and beginning her internship on The Rockin' K ranch.
Beau, the second oldest and the family Vet didn't her Alyssa explain who she was he was stopped stupid when she got out of her car. The got angry when he thought she was the Sheriffs much younger girlfriend. However, Alyssa quickly put the handsome Cowboy in his place and the rest they say is history.
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books15 followers
May 6, 2021
Not a bad romance, even if there was little angst, zippo on the suspense, a nano of action, and just enough spice to hold my attention, even if it was late in coming. I can't say I'm excited to read the next books in the series, but I'm keeping an open mind.
831 reviews5 followers
July 2, 2021
Enjoyed!

I loved reading about the ranch and all the work. Their live story flowed throughout and fit perfect. The characters were well developed and their interaction was great.
3,150 reviews
January 26, 2019
An easy and enjoyable cowboy romance

A lovely cowboy romance read. I loved that I got to see Alyssa grow up to be a lovely woman who knows what she wants. Her chemistry with Beau was hot and their loving was hotter. This was an easy and enjoyable story that didn’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
733 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2022
Alyssa is starting out on her first day of her internship as a Vet but nothing turns out as she had planned it.
Beau was expecting someone to be coming for beginning horseback riding lessons and he mistook Alyssa for her. To say they got off on the wrong foot is an understatement
You will have to read the book to find out all the funny things that happen but Alyssa doesn't have much use for Beau by the end of it and then for her to find out he's the Vet she's going to be shadowing, doesn't make her any happier.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of amusing parts to it
351 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2019
This was the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be my last! This book totally made me feel like I was a part of the story!
5 reviews
August 3, 2021
Great read! Thanks for sharing your stories with everyone!
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,249 reviews21 followers
March 14, 2021
What happens when you put your boot in your mouth with a woman you just met? Well for Beau he's about to find out when he does just that and mistakes Alyssa for someone else. Now he has to make things right because she's there to do a job and learn from him. Alyssa is smart, beautiful, and knows her way around animals. Her dream to be the best vet ever. When she meets Beau she knows one thing she wants to push him in cow poop. But these two work together as they have always. They are able to save some animals while trying to figure out why someone is hurting them. They also have a spark between them that they know they can't ignore. Find out if Beau can convince her to stay or if he will keep his mouth shut and let her go grow up and be herself.
Profile Image for Cheryl T.
224 reviews
August 18, 2021
This was such a super sweet read!!

Alyssa and Beau were adorable. They had some off the charts chemistry and were so cute together.
196 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2021
Sweet story

Enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone if they enjoy cowboy love stories.the vet s
In on things made it sweet
2,679 reviews25 followers
January 20, 2019
3 1/2*
Alyssa is finishing her vet degree by volunteering at a ranch.
Beau thinks Alyssa is Drakes girlfriend so isn’t very welcoming. Once the confusion is cleared they realise that they have chemistry but he’s to old & she’s a determined student.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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