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Masters Of Maria #5
The Coyote's Cowboy
Those sexy shapeshifters are once again on the prowl in Maria, New Mexico, in this tender romance that explores the soft side of being accepted—and loved.
Sheena Esposito has never rocked the boat in her father’s repressive Coyote pack, but when she learns of his intentions to further antagonize a rival alpha, she can’t stay quiet. She must warn the good guys that trouble is headed their way.
When her search lands her outside Maria, New Mexico, a surly ranch hand pegs her as an annoying stray dog. Desperate to keep his new job, cowboy Austin Stuart plans to get rid of the distraction. Yet, according to his little brother, the dog is really a human, and she’s on the run. Could this get more ridiculous? But he soon finds out shapeshifters are very real…and all signs point to Austin being Sheena’s mate.
After a lifetime spent recovering from one embarrassing social gaffe after another, Austin is open to trading his solitude for a chance at having a partner who’s kind about his rough edges—and no one’s sweeter than Sheena. Unfortunately, Sheena is still under her abusive father’s thumb, and she knows he’s waiting for her back in Sacramento.
It’s up to Austin to convince her that the bravest thing she can do is stay in Maria—not only for him, but so she can incite lasting change in Coyote culture as well.
Sensuality Sensual
Sheena Esposito has never rocked the boat in her father’s repressive Coyote pack, but when she learns of his intentions to further antagonize a rival alpha, she can’t stay quiet. She must warn the good guys that trouble is headed their way.
When her search lands her outside Maria, New Mexico, a surly ranch hand pegs her as an annoying stray dog. Desperate to keep his new job, cowboy Austin Stuart plans to get rid of the distraction. Yet, according to his little brother, the dog is really a human, and she’s on the run. Could this get more ridiculous? But he soon finds out shapeshifters are very real…and all signs point to Austin being Sheena’s mate.
After a lifetime spent recovering from one embarrassing social gaffe after another, Austin is open to trading his solitude for a chance at having a partner who’s kind about his rough edges—and no one’s sweeter than Sheena. Unfortunately, Sheena is still under her abusive father’s thumb, and she knows he’s waiting for her back in Sacramento.
It’s up to Austin to convince her that the bravest thing she can do is stay in Maria—not only for him, but so she can incite lasting change in Coyote culture as well.
Sensuality Sensual
Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2018
13 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Holley Trent
152 books301 followersHolley Trent is a romance author who spins campy yarns set in North Carolina. She has a wicked sense of humor and regularly puts her story characters into unexpected situations.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 22, 2018
I have just returned from an exciting visit to the Town of Maria where I met two strong and captivating characters. Sheen and Austin held me hostage with their sweet romance as they traversed some rocky slopes, emotional turmoil and dealt with an overbearing and dare I say…evil, alpha / father all while taking pleasure in some red hot passion when their sizzling attraction could not be denied. I felt like I really got to know Sheena, Austin and the people of Maria as Holley Trent brought her wonderful characters to vivid life which made my visit such an exciting event because I felt like I was a part of the action as Sheena fought for her freedom and for her right to choose. Although this trip was a bit short, my visit to Maria was fast paced but full of anticipation and excitement and I can’t wait for my next which will take place in July.
April 25, 2018
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I own this book!
The cover is okay, but doesn’t really let you know it is paranormal to me!
This is the 5th book in this series which is a spin-off series of another spin-off! You know what I mean if you love Holley’s work! This is for adults only due to the steamy content. While not mandatory, I highly recommend reading the book in order because it is much more cohesive and awesome that way!
Sheena is back! If you read Blue’s story, then you know who his ex-fiancée is. Trouble is brewing, and she is trying to get a warning out to Blue. She has a misadventure of sorts where she stumbles into Austin and his younger brother. Both Sheena and Austin have issues and baggage galore to figure out before they can find their happiness. Of course, they both have help along the way too from some of my favorites in Maria.
This book was awesome, and I couldn’t put it down. If you love this series, you don’t want to miss this new story!
I highly recommend to all paranormal fans who love mixed and complicated worlds where you might stumble onto shifters, witches, fae, goddesses, gods, and so much more in the adventure that ends with love!
Merged review:
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I own this book!
The cover is okay, but doesn’t really let you know it is paranormal to me!
This is the 5th book in this series which is a spin-off series of another spin-off! You know what I mean if you love Holley’s work! This is for adults only due to the steamy content. While not mandatory, I highly recommend reading the book in order because it is much more cohesive and awesome that way!
Sheena is back! If you read Blue’s story, then you know who his ex-fiancée is. Trouble is brewing, and she is trying to get a warning out to Blue. She has a misadventure of sorts where she stumbles into Austin and his younger brother. Both Sheena and Austin have issues and baggage galore to figure out before they can find their happiness. Of course, they both have help along the way too from some of my favorites in Maria.
This book was awesome, and I couldn’t put it down. If you love this series, you don’t want to miss this new story!
I highly recommend to all paranormal fans who love mixed and complicated worlds where you might stumble onto shifters, witches, fae, goddesses, gods, and so much more in the adventure that ends with love!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I own this book!
The cover is okay, but doesn’t really let you know it is paranormal to me!
This is the 5th book in this series which is a spin-off series of another spin-off! You know what I mean if you love Holley’s work! This is for adults only due to the steamy content. While not mandatory, I highly recommend reading the book in order because it is much more cohesive and awesome that way!
Sheena is back! If you read Blue’s story, then you know who his ex-fiancée is. Trouble is brewing, and she is trying to get a warning out to Blue. She has a misadventure of sorts where she stumbles into Austin and his younger brother. Both Sheena and Austin have issues and baggage galore to figure out before they can find their happiness. Of course, they both have help along the way too from some of my favorites in Maria.
This book was awesome, and I couldn’t put it down. If you love this series, you don’t want to miss this new story!
I highly recommend to all paranormal fans who love mixed and complicated worlds where you might stumble onto shifters, witches, fae, goddesses, gods, and so much more in the adventure that ends with love!
Merged review:
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I own this book!
The cover is okay, but doesn’t really let you know it is paranormal to me!
This is the 5th book in this series which is a spin-off series of another spin-off! You know what I mean if you love Holley’s work! This is for adults only due to the steamy content. While not mandatory, I highly recommend reading the book in order because it is much more cohesive and awesome that way!
Sheena is back! If you read Blue’s story, then you know who his ex-fiancée is. Trouble is brewing, and she is trying to get a warning out to Blue. She has a misadventure of sorts where she stumbles into Austin and his younger brother. Both Sheena and Austin have issues and baggage galore to figure out before they can find their happiness. Of course, they both have help along the way too from some of my favorites in Maria.
This book was awesome, and I couldn’t put it down. If you love this series, you don’t want to miss this new story!
I highly recommend to all paranormal fans who love mixed and complicated worlds where you might stumble onto shifters, witches, fae, goddesses, gods, and so much more in the adventure that ends with love!
April 21, 2018
Back in Maria again, and this time with a follow-up love story for the jilted bride from "The Coyote's Chance", Sheena Esposito. I'll admit I wondered about her, and what kind of mate she would end up with; I was gladdened by this book, and by both of the main characters. We got to know a bit more about the Coyotes here in that there are three distinct groups at play, though I wish we'd have gotten more detail on the fallout from Sheena's step-father's perfidy. Perhaps that will come, and we'll get more of the Coyotes later.
I enjoy the overlap in Holley Trent's series, so that you are given the opportunity to glimpse characters now and then as circumstances permit from one place to another. I do miss the Carolina cambions, for instance, but it was nice to have a brief taste of the Cougars through the hero, Austin, a ranch hand for the Foye ranch. Austin touches my heart, because he has clearly struggled his entire life to be accepted for how he is, and seems to have resolved himself to being alone, because he doesn't feel understood by anyone, even his loving family. When Sheena literally stumbles into his life (great in-joke, by the way) and he discovers a secret that she clumsily leaks, he uses that, and a lost item, to spend more time with her; time that evolves into friendship, attraction, and love.
Austin really is a hero, though he'd probably not see himself that way; and they mesh in a great way, because he is the kind of person who is so kind and solid he will never betray her trust, and she has a long way to go to rebuild a lifetime of deliberately deconstructed self-esteem.
I never feel that these books are long enough, but there is a lovely happy ending, and enough threads loose to continue the series. As an aside, a shout-out to Crimson, the imprint that was discontinued in the midst of this series, and whose staff had this book together enough for Holley to run with. That is professionalism, and I'm really glad they did it. I look forward to more magic in Maria yet to come.
I enjoy the overlap in Holley Trent's series, so that you are given the opportunity to glimpse characters now and then as circumstances permit from one place to another. I do miss the Carolina cambions, for instance, but it was nice to have a brief taste of the Cougars through the hero, Austin, a ranch hand for the Foye ranch. Austin touches my heart, because he has clearly struggled his entire life to be accepted for how he is, and seems to have resolved himself to being alone, because he doesn't feel understood by anyone, even his loving family. When Sheena literally stumbles into his life (great in-joke, by the way) and he discovers a secret that she clumsily leaks, he uses that, and a lost item, to spend more time with her; time that evolves into friendship, attraction, and love.
Austin really is a hero, though he'd probably not see himself that way; and they mesh in a great way, because he is the kind of person who is so kind and solid he will never betray her trust, and she has a long way to go to rebuild a lifetime of deliberately deconstructed self-esteem.
I never feel that these books are long enough, but there is a lovely happy ending, and enough threads loose to continue the series. As an aside, a shout-out to Crimson, the imprint that was discontinued in the midst of this series, and whose staff had this book together enough for Holley to run with. That is professionalism, and I'm really glad they did it. I look forward to more magic in Maria yet to come.
April 18, 2018
Sheena and Austin
I always enjoy finding a new Holley Trent release, knowing I'll be getting something special, regardless of series. And I like the way her series intersect. In this book, a standalone #5 in the Masters of Maria series, one of the cougars from another series makes an appearance. Also, the author is not afraid of making her protagonists less than perfect, because what they are is more than enough to face the challenges of the storyline.
Sheena Esposito made a brief appearance in the previous book as the reluctant fiance in an arranged marriage to the book's protagonist. The marriage was stopped and Sheena continued to live under the thumb of her father, the Sacramento pack's alpha. But when she overhears her father making plans to cause trouble for her former fiance and his pack, she slips away to Maria, NM to warn them. Knowing there will be problems coming in unannounced, she parks her rental car and shifts, planning to enter pack territory from its border.
Cowboy Austin Stuart is convinced by his younger brother, Todd, to give a stray dog he's found a bath, then Austin shuts her in a closet. When his brother tells him the dog became a naked woman and slipped out a window, he's incredulous. But it's when he sees a woman sneaking around, trespassing on a neighbor's property, that he begins to wonder if what his brother saw was real. On top of that, the neighbor appears to know the woman, though he doesn't seem happy to see her. And he doesn't want the sheriff called. It's all very confusing to Austin, a man with severe ADHD, but he's determined to get to the bottom of what's going on, and to why he's so drawn to the woman who says she just wants to say her piece and go back home to Sacramento.
I always enjoy finding a new Holley Trent release, knowing I'll be getting something special, regardless of series. And I like the way her series intersect. In this book, a standalone #5 in the Masters of Maria series, one of the cougars from another series makes an appearance. Also, the author is not afraid of making her protagonists less than perfect, because what they are is more than enough to face the challenges of the storyline.
Sheena Esposito made a brief appearance in the previous book as the reluctant fiance in an arranged marriage to the book's protagonist. The marriage was stopped and Sheena continued to live under the thumb of her father, the Sacramento pack's alpha. But when she overhears her father making plans to cause trouble for her former fiance and his pack, she slips away to Maria, NM to warn them. Knowing there will be problems coming in unannounced, she parks her rental car and shifts, planning to enter pack territory from its border.
Cowboy Austin Stuart is convinced by his younger brother, Todd, to give a stray dog he's found a bath, then Austin shuts her in a closet. When his brother tells him the dog became a naked woman and slipped out a window, he's incredulous. But it's when he sees a woman sneaking around, trespassing on a neighbor's property, that he begins to wonder if what his brother saw was real. On top of that, the neighbor appears to know the woman, though he doesn't seem happy to see her. And he doesn't want the sheriff called. It's all very confusing to Austin, a man with severe ADHD, but he's determined to get to the bottom of what's going on, and to why he's so drawn to the woman who says she just wants to say her piece and go back home to Sacramento.
September 18, 2018
Cowboys and Coyotes
This story was both funny and sweet. More of a heartwarming tale than one filled with action and steam though there is some of each. Austin is a ranch hand outside of Maria and enjoys his solitary life where he can avoid making social blunders. While his little brother is visiting him, he comes back with what they believe is an injured dog. When the dog escapes and his brother claims it turned into a woman he is reluctant to believe until he sees the footprints. Sheena escapes while her domineering father is out of town and heads to Maria to warn her ex-fiance that both of their fathers are out to cause trouble for him and his coyotes. Along the way Austin discovers the town is full of shifters and Sheena discovers there is more to life than the way she's been living. In each other they find not only love, but acceptance and the possibility of a great future if they can find the strength inside themselves to fight for what they want.
This story was both funny and sweet. More of a heartwarming tale than one filled with action and steam though there is some of each. Austin is a ranch hand outside of Maria and enjoys his solitary life where he can avoid making social blunders. While his little brother is visiting him, he comes back with what they believe is an injured dog. When the dog escapes and his brother claims it turned into a woman he is reluctant to believe until he sees the footprints. Sheena escapes while her domineering father is out of town and heads to Maria to warn her ex-fiance that both of their fathers are out to cause trouble for him and his coyotes. Along the way Austin discovers the town is full of shifters and Sheena discovers there is more to life than the way she's been living. In each other they find not only love, but acceptance and the possibility of a great future if they can find the strength inside themselves to fight for what they want.
April 21, 2018
In Holley Trent's The Coyote's Cowboy multicultural paranormal shifter story. Sheena, a turned coyote from another pack, is mistaken for an injured dog by Austin's little brother as she tries to get to the alpha of another pack before her stepfather finds out she flew the coup. This paranormal shifter story is very different from other paranormal stories that I have read in the past. Austin is drawn to Sheena before learning of her dual nature, and they start spending time in each others company, but Sheena desire to 'rescue' her mother leaves Austin devastated when she leaves without a word.
Will Austin ever see Sheena again or will Sheena remain under the control of her stepfather?
The author has provided a free copy of her work in exchange for an honest review.
Will Austin ever see Sheena again or will Sheena remain under the control of her stepfather?
The author has provided a free copy of her work in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
January 31, 2021DNF at 41%
I normally love Holley Trent but this series has been pretty underwhelming for me. Since this book isn’t holding my attention and the heroine is annoying me (seriously, what is with all the talking to herself out loud, especially when other people are around?!), I’m throwing in the towel early. There’s also an overuse of “cringed” and “grimaced” which is getting on my nerves. Maybe the next one will work better.
Character notes: Austin is a 25 year old ranch hand with ADHD. Sheena is a 23 year old Black coyote shifter. This is set in Maria, NM.
CW: hero has ADHD and has some shame around it (this seems to be due to his parents), heroine gets a minor injury while a coyote, pregnant secondary character, abusive/toxic father
I normally love Holley Trent but this series has been pretty underwhelming for me. Since this book isn’t holding my attention and the heroine is annoying me (seriously, what is with all the talking to herself out loud, especially when other people are around?!), I’m throwing in the towel early. There’s also an overuse of “cringed” and “grimaced” which is getting on my nerves. Maybe the next one will work better.
Character notes: Austin is a 25 year old ranch hand with ADHD. Sheena is a 23 year old Black coyote shifter. This is set in Maria, NM.
CW: hero has ADHD and has some shame around it (this seems to be due to his parents), heroine gets a minor injury while a coyote, pregnant secondary character, abusive/toxic father
April 23, 2018
Minds Running A muck
Hah! Loved these two minds that share the need to run a muck in their lives but together the capture each others and hold on tight. What and awesome story. Adventure and mayhem . Loved these personalities. ADHD is real for both adults and children it can make decisions and actions hard and if you don't know the signs people think your difficult. Just need understanding and love to over come. I am sad to here that some of Holley's books are being released at a later date and all the trouble she is having but I'll look foward to seeing them.
Hah! Loved these two minds that share the need to run a muck in their lives but together the capture each others and hold on tight. What and awesome story. Adventure and mayhem . Loved these personalities. ADHD is real for both adults and children it can make decisions and actions hard and if you don't know the signs people think your difficult. Just need understanding and love to over come. I am sad to here that some of Holley's books are being released at a later date and all the trouble she is having but I'll look foward to seeing them.
July 18, 2018
3.5/5.0
“The Coyote’s Cowboy” has some remarkable aspects.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“The Coyote’s Cowboy” has some remarkable aspects.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 22, 2018
if ever there was a story that I could read more then once and get something new out of each read it is this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
May 21, 2018
This was such a pleasure to read because this isn't usually the way ADHD is treated in fiction. It was exactly what I needed in my current headspace. Recommend.
Okay for Aayesha
Okay for Aayesha
April 3, 2018
Another grade masters of Maria Book.
This story concerns Blue, Willa, Sheena, Austin and Todd. Willa and Blue have appeared in previous issues of the series they are not the main characters in this particular story that's more Sheena and Austin with an honorable mention to his brother.
This is not your typical Maria story and I like that it was definitely a stand-alone backstory which I thoroughly enjoyed. The backstory involved Blue's father and Sheena's adopted father Bruno who are not good Alphas and will do anything to increase their power and money regardless of who it hurts.
Having Sheena meet Austin in a less than ideal situation was kind of cute both tend to overthink because of how they were raised and their brains are wired.
I will admit that the story seem to jump here and there I should say take off on tangents when the main characters had a thought but this was all intricately woven into the basis of their characters so if you can bear with the the back and forth I still think you'll enjoy this book.
This story concerns Blue, Willa, Sheena, Austin and Todd. Willa and Blue have appeared in previous issues of the series they are not the main characters in this particular story that's more Sheena and Austin with an honorable mention to his brother.
This is not your typical Maria story and I like that it was definitely a stand-alone backstory which I thoroughly enjoyed. The backstory involved Blue's father and Sheena's adopted father Bruno who are not good Alphas and will do anything to increase their power and money regardless of who it hurts.
Having Sheena meet Austin in a less than ideal situation was kind of cute both tend to overthink because of how they were raised and their brains are wired.
I will admit that the story seem to jump here and there I should say take off on tangents when the main characters had a thought but this was all intricately woven into the basis of their characters so if you can bear with the the back and forth I still think you'll enjoy this book.
March 25, 2018
This is Austin and Sheena's story . This is a sweet romance .Todd finds a skinny stray dog with something tangled around it's neck and a problem with it's paw . Austin , Todd's brother , tries to get the dog out of his young brother's arms before he gets hurt and has to resort to tickling him until Todd tells him something is wrong with it's leg but as he sets it on the ground the dog growls at the child and Austin get in between them and tries to shoo the dog away but seeing that it really is hurt . Sheena is trying to warn Blue about their father's plans and ends up caught and giving away about shifters . This is a very sweet romance between these two ! I like the way Holley Trent was able to build and write a story involving some of the issues of today that do affect some . This is a well written sweet romance with very little heat to it but still well worth reading .
April 26, 2018
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. It is a sweet romance with very little heat, but the story makes up for the lack of sex.
This is the story of Sheena and Austin. I was unaware this was the 5th book in this series, so does well enough as a stand alone. It does include some other characters like Blue & Willa (having a baby), Sheena's dad and her mom.
Great story line with excellent character build-up. I totally fell into the story and empathized with Sheena's issues, due to her father drilling things into her head.
I am looking forward to reading the first 4 books in this series AND any yet to come!
I really liked this book. It is a sweet romance with very little heat, but the story makes up for the lack of sex.
This is the story of Sheena and Austin. I was unaware this was the 5th book in this series, so does well enough as a stand alone. It does include some other characters like Blue & Willa (having a baby), Sheena's dad and her mom.
Great story line with excellent character build-up. I totally fell into the story and empathized with Sheena's issues, due to her father drilling things into her head.
I am looking forward to reading the first 4 books in this series AND any yet to come!
April 19, 2018
This was an entertaining sweet story with some humor thrown in. Sheena was a great character and a shifter. Austin was not your average guy but was very caring and interesting. The story had lots of entertaining moments with characters that were likeable and engaging. Austin's brother, Todd, was also likeable and entertaining. This was a really sweet story and a fun fast read. Loved it! I am voluntarily reviewing an arc I received.
March 30, 2018
One cowboy, one woman lost in a world not made her own. The tow must find their places and be able to handle any consequences that arise. But will they get out alive? Chances are they have good odds of surviving if they can get past the connection to the alpha in control.
An entertaining book. One I just might read again if I get a chance to read the others. I voluntarily
An entertaining book. One I just might read again if I get a chance to read the others. I voluntarily
April 16, 2018
I'm absolutely loving this series especially enjoyed all the backstory. Found this to be a very sweet and entertaining read the romance had very little heat to it but that didn't take away from the story. Overall good read looking forward to reading more books in this series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Read
July 10, 2018This m/f shifter romance novella packs an intense punch. Witnessing these two neuroatypical MCs who both feel alienated from other people connecting and being sweet to each other as they try to extricate themselves from folks who were trying to control them gave me so many feelings. This is an intense whirlwind ride of a paranormal romance that I could not put down.
Read my full review on my blog.
Content Warnings
Read my full review on my blog.
Content Warnings
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews