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Chestnut Creek #1
The Last True Cowboy
The award-winning author who "writes real cowboys with heart and soul" (Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author) welcomes you to Unforgiven, New Mexico, a small western town filled with love and second chances!
This cowboy's got one last chance to prove himself.
Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they'll say "Carly and Austin" the way some say "big trucks and country boys." But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly's done with being a rodeo widow . . .
Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She's always been his future, his one and only. But now that she's moved on, he's beginning to see where he went wrong, and he'll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly's suddenly acting differently, and she's definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Praise for Laura Drake and The Last True Cowboy :
"Brilliant writing, just brilliant!" -- Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author
"Laura Drake writes real cowboys with heart and soul." -- Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author
"Drake ( Sweet on You ) takes readers on a beautifully imperfect journey with two people who can no longer have their ideal future, but learn that the real one might be even better." -- Publishers Weekly
"This is a romance with grit, heart and just the right amount of sizzle." -- BookPage
This cowboy's got one last chance to prove himself.
Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they'll say "Carly and Austin" the way some say "big trucks and country boys." But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly's done with being a rodeo widow . . .
Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She's always been his future, his one and only. But now that she's moved on, he's beginning to see where he went wrong, and he'll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly's suddenly acting differently, and she's definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Praise for Laura Drake and The Last True Cowboy :
"Brilliant writing, just brilliant!" -- Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author
"Laura Drake writes real cowboys with heart and soul." -- Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author
"Drake ( Sweet on You ) takes readers on a beautifully imperfect journey with two people who can no longer have their ideal future, but learn that the real one might be even better." -- Publishers Weekly
"This is a romance with grit, heart and just the right amount of sizzle." -- BookPage
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
About the author
Laura Drake
40 books280 followersLaura Drake is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways or a serious cowboy crush. She writes Women’s Fiction, Romance and Thrillers.
Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.
Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.
The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.
Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.
In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.
Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.
Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.
Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.
The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.
Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.
In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.
Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.
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November 21, 2018
RATING 4.5 STARS
The Last True Cowboy is book one in the brand new series, Chestnut Creek, by Laura Drake. Laura is a new author to me. I’ve been wanting to read one of her books for so long and this new series was the perfect opportunity. I’m so glad I did.
Carly Beauchamp has lived in Unforgiven, New Mexico her entire life. She lost her parents as a child and was raised by her grandparents. She now runs the diner her grandparents owned but have now retired from. Carly is twenty nine years old and has been in love with Austin Davis since she was in Kindergarten. They have been each other’s other half almost all of their lives. Carly has never dreamed of anything more than marrying Austin and starting the rough stock business they planned to start together. But Austin is still competing in the rodeo. He gets home when he can but he’s not ready to give up the life yet. Carly has begun to wonder if he ever will be ready to settle down. She has heard the promise, “one more year” every year for the last ten years. She’s tired of being Austin’s second choice. She wants to be a man’s first choice. So she finally gives up and calls it quits.
Austin Davis is born to do two things, love Carly Beauchamp, and ride in the rodeo. Carly has really been after him to retire and come home to settle down. But he just isn’t ready. They go through this every year. He’s sure that Carly will get over it and they will be fine. Only this time is different. She isn’t getting over it. She is serious. He doesn’t know who he is without Carly. She’s his other half.
This really is a book about growing up, about self discovery, about second chances. Carly and Austin grew up together, were each other’s firsts for everything. But at twenty nine, they were suddenly faced with the adult versions of themselves. They didn’t really know each other, they didn’t really even know themselves. They had to figure out who they were before they could figure out who they could be together.
Carly buys herself a motorcycle, maybe to make a statement, maybe to find something she was looking for. Unforgiven is a tiny town. Everyone knows everything about each other. And the whole town watches and these two stumble and fumble their way through. But they also support one another, just as they support Carly and Austin.
I loved this book. I loved watching Carly and Austin find their way. Mistakes were made, big mistakes. But the underlying truth was that they loved each other and that love would find a way to bring these new, adult versions of themselves back together.
If you enjoy a sweet, sexy cowboy romance that is beautifully written, then you will enjoy this. It really did pull me in emotionally. I just loved these two. I’m so glad I read this book. I definitely look forward to more in this series. The next book will be about Carly’s new friend, Nevada, in Home at Chestnut Creek. I am most definitely going to be excited to see what this author has planned next!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
The Last True Cowboy is book one in the brand new series, Chestnut Creek, by Laura Drake. Laura is a new author to me. I’ve been wanting to read one of her books for so long and this new series was the perfect opportunity. I’m so glad I did.
Carly Beauchamp has lived in Unforgiven, New Mexico her entire life. She lost her parents as a child and was raised by her grandparents. She now runs the diner her grandparents owned but have now retired from. Carly is twenty nine years old and has been in love with Austin Davis since she was in Kindergarten. They have been each other’s other half almost all of their lives. Carly has never dreamed of anything more than marrying Austin and starting the rough stock business they planned to start together. But Austin is still competing in the rodeo. He gets home when he can but he’s not ready to give up the life yet. Carly has begun to wonder if he ever will be ready to settle down. She has heard the promise, “one more year” every year for the last ten years. She’s tired of being Austin’s second choice. She wants to be a man’s first choice. So she finally gives up and calls it quits.
Austin Davis is born to do two things, love Carly Beauchamp, and ride in the rodeo. Carly has really been after him to retire and come home to settle down. But he just isn’t ready. They go through this every year. He’s sure that Carly will get over it and they will be fine. Only this time is different. She isn’t getting over it. She is serious. He doesn’t know who he is without Carly. She’s his other half.
This really is a book about growing up, about self discovery, about second chances. Carly and Austin grew up together, were each other’s firsts for everything. But at twenty nine, they were suddenly faced with the adult versions of themselves. They didn’t really know each other, they didn’t really even know themselves. They had to figure out who they were before they could figure out who they could be together.
Carly buys herself a motorcycle, maybe to make a statement, maybe to find something she was looking for. Unforgiven is a tiny town. Everyone knows everything about each other. And the whole town watches and these two stumble and fumble their way through. But they also support one another, just as they support Carly and Austin.
I loved this book. I loved watching Carly and Austin find their way. Mistakes were made, big mistakes. But the underlying truth was that they loved each other and that love would find a way to bring these new, adult versions of themselves back together.
If you enjoy a sweet, sexy cowboy romance that is beautifully written, then you will enjoy this. It really did pull me in emotionally. I just loved these two. I’m so glad I read this book. I definitely look forward to more in this series. The next book will be about Carly’s new friend, Nevada, in Home at Chestnut Creek. I am most definitely going to be excited to see what this author has planned next!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
February 15, 2019
I loved this book! It is so well written and the characters are really fleshed out. It was a realistic take on a second chance. I didn’t mind at all that Carly made the mistake with a ONS when she and Austin were broken up. Considering her life up to that point it was easy to see how she could be taken advantage of while drinking. I loved that Austin stayed celibate while they were broken up- he did kiss a bartender and grab her bare breasts, but he didn’t really enjoy it and was unable to do more. Many books have the heroine accepting the hero’s baby with another woman- most of those books have very little angst about it and the heroine falls in love with the baby at first glance and just accepts that the hero is tied to OW for life. That is not realistic to me. This book has Austin reacting to Carly’s pregnancy in a very real way. I loved the way everything was resolved and I would love to read more about Carly and Austin!! This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last!
December 4, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
RTC
Safety: not safe for most safety gangs
RTC
Safety: not safe for most safety gangs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2018
Love isn't always simple, its messy and imperfect and Laura Drake captured it all with Carly's and Austin's story.
Its always been Carly, Austin and the rodeo, every since they were young, its been the two of them and Austin's love of the rodeo. But Carly is tired of waiting, year after year for Austin to finally commit to marrying her, putting the rodeo first. Austin promises her year after year that this is it but each year he goes back to the rodeo circuit so Carly decides to breaks it off. Austin thinks Carly will get over it but she isn't acting like herself and something is definitely going on that has all his alarm bells going off. Can he win back the woman he loves or is he too late?
I enjoyed Carly and Austin's story. Its a story of self discovery, heart ache, and a messy romance. I did find both Carly's and Austin's actions a bit young and quite selfish but then the character growth was what made this such a great read.
Add in the small town antics and The Last True Cowboy was a fantastic start to what is sure to be an amazing series.
I received this ARC copy of The Last True Cowboy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. The Last True Cowboy is set for publication Dec. 4, 2018.
Its always been Carly, Austin and the rodeo, every since they were young, its been the two of them and Austin's love of the rodeo. But Carly is tired of waiting, year after year for Austin to finally commit to marrying her, putting the rodeo first. Austin promises her year after year that this is it but each year he goes back to the rodeo circuit so Carly decides to breaks it off. Austin thinks Carly will get over it but she isn't acting like herself and something is definitely going on that has all his alarm bells going off. Can he win back the woman he loves or is he too late?
I enjoyed Carly and Austin's story. Its a story of self discovery, heart ache, and a messy romance. I did find both Carly's and Austin's actions a bit young and quite selfish but then the character growth was what made this such a great read.
Add in the small town antics and The Last True Cowboy was a fantastic start to what is sure to be an amazing series.
I received this ARC copy of The Last True Cowboy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. The Last True Cowboy is set for publication Dec. 4, 2018.
July 19, 2019
Before getting into my review, I have to mention that the majority of my conflicting thoughts surrounding this novel is regarding the trope it includes. I have never been a fan of this particular trope or tropes that are similar. I don't know why and maybe over time that will change but as of now, I have not found a novel that I loved which included this trope. I don't want to spoil anything but if you read this novel, I think you will be able to determine the trope rather quickly.
Aside from that involvement in the story, I really liked the writing and how each of the characters were written. Carly's grandparents seemed lovable and as always, I loved the charm of the small-town setting. The story also featured the rodeo and I have to say, this is probably my first foray into a story involving that setting. I liked it! I'd be interested in reading some more stories set in the rodeo (....and the cowboys which would be no doubt included).
I will be reading more novels by this author because I really liked her style of writing and the characters that were created. If it wasn't for the trope that was integrated within this storyline, I'm sure I would have loved this story even more.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
Aside from that involvement in the story, I really liked the writing and how each of the characters were written. Carly's grandparents seemed lovable and as always, I loved the charm of the small-town setting. The story also featured the rodeo and I have to say, this is probably my first foray into a story involving that setting. I liked it! I'd be interested in reading some more stories set in the rodeo (....and the cowboys which would be no doubt included).
I will be reading more novels by this author because I really liked her style of writing and the characters that were created. If it wasn't for the trope that was integrated within this storyline, I'm sure I would have loved this story even more.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
December 1, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Forever in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Last True Cowboy is the first book in her newest series and this is my first try out with Laura Drake and I enjoyed this book. But it did have some issues that I had problems with, not to detract too much of my enjoyment of the story but what keeps this story from a higher rating. I did like the way that this story was written in many ways though and Forever did a great job with the cover art for this one because its delicious.
Carly Beauchamp and Austin Davis have been together for many years since they were children really. Its always been Austin and Carly. They had made plans for marriage and kids and a home together one day. But Austin's dreams of being on the rodeo circuit has been most challenging and after years of telling Carly "one more year" then we can get married has put Carly's wall up. She loves Austin but she has been waiting years for their relationship to be the priority but its always his career that is more important than her. And she is tired and frustrated. So she breaks it off with him, and even though no one believes that the relationship is over, Carly doesn't know how it could ever work because Austin isn't ever willing to put her first in the relationship. So on a whim she drives down to the nearest big city and goes to a bar for a distraction from the pain she is feeling. And before she knows it she is drinking with a stranger and wakes up after having sex with him that she doesn't remember. She goes home and hopes that there are no consequences including diseases. But some weeks pass and she finds out that she is pregnant with a stranger as the father and she has no clue what her future will be like now or how angry Austin will be or if they could ever have a future together.
The Last True Cowboy is a story about making mistakes and learning from them. The first half of the book I really struggled with the story. I am not sure if it was the plot line, or the mistakes that Austin or Carly make or if it was the actual engagement of the story but I had a hard time getting into this one until we hit the 50% mark and then things really get going and I was so into it. I am glad that I stuck with this one because the second half was fantastic and I would have missed out on a wonderful love story here. I did find seeing Austin and Carly reconnect so great and seeing them work through their mistakes and problems together and be a family together. Seeing them learning the ability to forgive was very rewarding because we see how much they learn as partners the power to let go of mistakes and focus on the future together.
Overall I found The Last True Cowboy to be a heartwarming and flavorful western romance that you will get some great kicks out of!!
The Last True Cowboy is the first book in her newest series and this is my first try out with Laura Drake and I enjoyed this book. But it did have some issues that I had problems with, not to detract too much of my enjoyment of the story but what keeps this story from a higher rating. I did like the way that this story was written in many ways though and Forever did a great job with the cover art for this one because its delicious.
Carly Beauchamp and Austin Davis have been together for many years since they were children really. Its always been Austin and Carly. They had made plans for marriage and kids and a home together one day. But Austin's dreams of being on the rodeo circuit has been most challenging and after years of telling Carly "one more year" then we can get married has put Carly's wall up. She loves Austin but she has been waiting years for their relationship to be the priority but its always his career that is more important than her. And she is tired and frustrated. So she breaks it off with him, and even though no one believes that the relationship is over, Carly doesn't know how it could ever work because Austin isn't ever willing to put her first in the relationship. So on a whim she drives down to the nearest big city and goes to a bar for a distraction from the pain she is feeling. And before she knows it she is drinking with a stranger and wakes up after having sex with him that she doesn't remember. She goes home and hopes that there are no consequences including diseases. But some weeks pass and she finds out that she is pregnant with a stranger as the father and she has no clue what her future will be like now or how angry Austin will be or if they could ever have a future together.
The Last True Cowboy is a story about making mistakes and learning from them. The first half of the book I really struggled with the story. I am not sure if it was the plot line, or the mistakes that Austin or Carly make or if it was the actual engagement of the story but I had a hard time getting into this one until we hit the 50% mark and then things really get going and I was so into it. I am glad that I stuck with this one because the second half was fantastic and I would have missed out on a wonderful love story here. I did find seeing Austin and Carly reconnect so great and seeing them work through their mistakes and problems together and be a family together. Seeing them learning the ability to forgive was very rewarding because we see how much they learn as partners the power to let go of mistakes and focus on the future together.
Overall I found The Last True Cowboy to be a heartwarming and flavorful western romance that you will get some great kicks out of!!
December 9, 2018
Emotional, soul-searching romance…
Carly and Austin’s story, for me, was a surprise. Not that the writing wasn’t really good or the story wasn’t full up on cowboys. It was spot on for both. I went into it hoping for a light-hearted cowboy romance while instead I, thankfully, got an emotional, angsty, true to oneself, story of love….
Carly and Austin were at a crossroads. Carly knew she couldn’t take any more of the waiting game that Austin seemed to have played with her heart. ‘Next year’ was something she heard regularly and she’d had enough of it. Did she love him? Absolutely. Did he love her? There was no doubt. That didn’t mean, though, that there was going to be a happy ending and these two were going to go through every emotion on the spectrum before they figured out what they knew all along…
Oh how I loved this book! It had a small town feel with big-hearted, quirky characters that provided a fun, unexpectedly sweet backdrop to the drama that Carly and Austin found themselves in. Reactions were surprising and never more so than the two leading characters. Emotions are messy and unpredictable and that was never more clear as they struggled to be true to their own hearts while being careful of each other’s.
The ending was quiet but that was in keeping with the understated emotional punch this story left me with. A wonderful start to a new series I can’t wait for more of! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Carly and Austin’s story, for me, was a surprise. Not that the writing wasn’t really good or the story wasn’t full up on cowboys. It was spot on for both. I went into it hoping for a light-hearted cowboy romance while instead I, thankfully, got an emotional, angsty, true to oneself, story of love….
Carly and Austin were at a crossroads. Carly knew she couldn’t take any more of the waiting game that Austin seemed to have played with her heart. ‘Next year’ was something she heard regularly and she’d had enough of it. Did she love him? Absolutely. Did he love her? There was no doubt. That didn’t mean, though, that there was going to be a happy ending and these two were going to go through every emotion on the spectrum before they figured out what they knew all along…
Oh how I loved this book! It had a small town feel with big-hearted, quirky characters that provided a fun, unexpectedly sweet backdrop to the drama that Carly and Austin found themselves in. Reactions were surprising and never more so than the two leading characters. Emotions are messy and unpredictable and that was never more clear as they struggled to be true to their own hearts while being careful of each other’s.
The ending was quiet but that was in keeping with the understated emotional punch this story left me with. A wonderful start to a new series I can’t wait for more of! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Want to Read
December 9, 2018A unicorn book where the H has been celibate, while the h hasn't? Am I really dreaming? Call me a hypocrite and yes, my double standard is showing, but I'm going to give this a go.
November 28, 2018
When I read the synopsis of The Last True Cowboy, I thought I was going to get a sweet cowboy second chance romance. Things did not turn out quite how I expected. Yes, it was a second chance romance in a small town with cowboy/rodeo goodness, but it ended up being a bit less sweet and lighthearted than I anticipated. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did surprise me the way the story unfolded.
Carly and Austin are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teens. Normally, this is my absolute kryptonite, but as much as I liked them, I didn't love them. I understand that growing up and maturing was a huge part of both of their character arcs, but they acted so immaturely and selfishly for so long that I ended up not feeling as invested in them. They did not behave like 29 year olds to me. Mistakes are definitely made on both sides, but the major plot twist/surprise started off so shady that I really thought there was foul play involved. I understand that Carly was hurting and wanted to prove that she was her own person and cut loose, but her reaction the next morning had warning bells going off in my mind. Yes, those situations occur, and it's probably just me, but perhaps if the author hadn't written it the way that she did, I wouldn't have felt so uneasy. As the story progresses, it's made clear that it really was a lapse in judgement/common sense by Carly, and that might make this plot twist a big turn off for some readers.
I thought the author did a great job showing the evolution of Carly and Austin. I appreciated that they both recognized that they needed to grow up, figure out what they wanted, and that it was possible that their adult selves wouldn't actually work romantically. The overall message of loving all the pieces of someone (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and that love should be an equal partnership (not a lead and a sidekick) was simple, but very powerful.
I enjoyed the colorful and quirky residents of Unforgiven, NM, Nana, Papaw, and of course feisty Nevada Sweet. Her T-shirts were the best and added some humor to the heavier moments. I did find the book overly detailed at times and the pacing felt a little too slow. I didn't understand half the sayings and terms, so I guess I'm more like city girl Nevada in this case. The epilogue brought everything full circle though and left me with a smile on my face.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Carly and Austin are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teens. Normally, this is my absolute kryptonite, but as much as I liked them, I didn't love them. I understand that growing up and maturing was a huge part of both of their character arcs, but they acted so immaturely and selfishly for so long that I ended up not feeling as invested in them. They did not behave like 29 year olds to me. Mistakes are definitely made on both sides, but the major plot twist/surprise started off so shady that I really thought there was foul play involved. I understand that Carly was hurting and wanted to prove that she was her own person and cut loose, but her reaction the next morning had warning bells going off in my mind. Yes, those situations occur, and it's probably just me, but perhaps if the author hadn't written it the way that she did, I wouldn't have felt so uneasy. As the story progresses, it's made clear that it really was a lapse in judgement/common sense by Carly, and that might make this plot twist a big turn off for some readers.
I thought the author did a great job showing the evolution of Carly and Austin. I appreciated that they both recognized that they needed to grow up, figure out what they wanted, and that it was possible that their adult selves wouldn't actually work romantically. The overall message of loving all the pieces of someone (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and that love should be an equal partnership (not a lead and a sidekick) was simple, but very powerful.
I enjoyed the colorful and quirky residents of Unforgiven, NM, Nana, Papaw, and of course feisty Nevada Sweet. Her T-shirts were the best and added some humor to the heavier moments. I did find the book overly detailed at times and the pacing felt a little too slow. I didn't understand half the sayings and terms, so I guess I'm more like city girl Nevada in this case. The epilogue brought everything full circle though and left me with a smile on my face.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
December 3, 2018
Cowboy fans get ready for a rough and tumble ride! Nothing less than amazing.
Coming out TOMORROW Dec 4, 2018
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December 30, 2018
A Comfy, Happily Suprised 3.5 Stars 🙂
A story that suprised me, two main characters that seem somewhat childish at the onset but the author has wonderfully constructed the character development of Carly and Austin.
As childhood sweethearts in a small town, everyone expects them to marry at some point, never taking Carly's weak attempts to break up seriously. Knowing that once Austin finally decides to keep his promise of retiring from the rodeo they'll marry. But from compliancy on the part of Austin, as he assumes Carly will always be there, and silence on the part of Carly over the years, cracks in their relationship fester and grow. What occurs next leads to pain but also growth for them both.
A story with a good amount of heart, where the author constructs a romance that is believable in its messiness and strength.
A story that suprised me, two main characters that seem somewhat childish at the onset but the author has wonderfully constructed the character development of Carly and Austin.
As childhood sweethearts in a small town, everyone expects them to marry at some point, never taking Carly's weak attempts to break up seriously. Knowing that once Austin finally decides to keep his promise of retiring from the rodeo they'll marry. But from compliancy on the part of Austin, as he assumes Carly will always be there, and silence on the part of Carly over the years, cracks in their relationship fester and grow. What occurs next leads to pain but also growth for them both.
A story with a good amount of heart, where the author constructs a romance that is believable in its messiness and strength.
June 17, 2019
3.5 stars
November 30, 2018
This was my first read by this author and although I've heard many good things about her books, this one just didn't work for me. The story between Austin and Carly who grew up together in a small town, with everyone just knowing they were meant to be together forever. Except Carly. Austin was on the rodeo circuit and constantly put Carly off by saying one more year. At 29 years old, I'd say I'd had enough. In fact the idea that Carly didn't cut out earlier was beyond me. The two main characters didn't do a whole lot to make me like them, the dialogue was a little redundant including Carly's internal dialogue. Austin's reaction toward Carly when he came home was petty considering.
The best part of the book was when she took off to help a friend on her food truck and met the abrasive Nevada Sweet. Now there's a book I'll read. With relish.
The book wasn't for me, but I'm sure will be well liked by others and I do look forward to Nevada's story.
arc from NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review
The best part of the book was when she took off to help a friend on her food truck and met the abrasive Nevada Sweet. Now there's a book I'll read. With relish.
The book wasn't for me, but I'm sure will be well liked by others and I do look forward to Nevada's story.
arc from NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review
November 13, 2018
3.5 stars
Carly and Austin have been tied at the hips since kindergarten and it’s only a matter of time before they say “I do”. But as the years pass, Austin is still saying one more year on the rodeo circuit, and Carly loses hope for the ring, the family, and Austin. She seriously calls it quits this time (while everyone else thought ‘here we go again’) and when no one takes her seriously, she decides to take matters into her own hands, with painful consequences.
Carly and Austin were almost 30 years old, but their immaturity had me thinking they were written to be more like 18-20. Both were selfish and their expectations were ridiculous, but...that was the beauty of the story. Their second chance romance evolved from the immaturity and conceit of youth and morphed into the expectations of adulthood and responsibility. It wasn’t easy and required heavy, long term decisions, but I liked how Carly and Austin’s journey forced them to relearn one another with new insight.
This is the first time I’ve read Laura Drake and I was pleasantly surprised! I liked her writing style and characterization. The story had quite the colorful cast, and though the story meandered a little, the end result was satisfying.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Carly and Austin have been tied at the hips since kindergarten and it’s only a matter of time before they say “I do”. But as the years pass, Austin is still saying one more year on the rodeo circuit, and Carly loses hope for the ring, the family, and Austin. She seriously calls it quits this time (while everyone else thought ‘here we go again’) and when no one takes her seriously, she decides to take matters into her own hands, with painful consequences.
Carly and Austin were almost 30 years old, but their immaturity had me thinking they were written to be more like 18-20. Both were selfish and their expectations were ridiculous, but...that was the beauty of the story. Their second chance romance evolved from the immaturity and conceit of youth and morphed into the expectations of adulthood and responsibility. It wasn’t easy and required heavy, long term decisions, but I liked how Carly and Austin’s journey forced them to relearn one another with new insight.
This is the first time I’ve read Laura Drake and I was pleasantly surprised! I liked her writing style and characterization. The story had quite the colorful cast, and though the story meandered a little, the end result was satisfying.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2021
This was just not for me on any level. Unlikeable characters, bad romance. Bottom line: not great.
November 25, 2020
2.5 stars
November 28, 2018
ARC REVIEW
Chestnut Creek #1, This is a new author for me and I am so glad I picked this one up. It amazed me how real this book seemed to me, how emotionally this book pulled me in and the citizens of Unforgiven are right Carly and Austin are better than T.V. I also loved that this book took place in New Mexico, as much as I love my home state of Texas it's nice to see NM get some attention.
Carly and Austin have been together since Kindergarten and shared the same dreams through it all until Carly didn't any more. At twenty-nine Carly figured she'd be married already with babies already but Austin first love is the rodeo and his "one more year" got to be one year too many. Unfortunately for Carly no one believes that she's serious that she had it with Austin, so in a fit of rebelliousness she buys a motorcycle, and then she goes of to Albuquerque to let off some steam. Austin has a hard time reconciling the fact that Carly means business and after he realizes it he's left at a loss and this time there is no more "one more year" he leaves the rodeo and now he left floundering, wondering if he can achieve his dream without Carly.
Overall, this is probably one of the best second chance books I've read in awhile. The old adage, If you love something let it go, fits in nicely with this story. I love that Carly and Austin had to grow up apart from each other to find out who they really were as adults and not just love sick kidds. This is a sweet and sexy story that plays with your heartstrings. First person that switches between Carly and Austin mostly Carly at the beginning but as the book goes on you see more and more of Austin's POV. Carly's past of self discovery is quite amusing and I love Nevada, I'm glad she's getting her own book.
Chestnut Creek #1, This is a new author for me and I am so glad I picked this one up. It amazed me how real this book seemed to me, how emotionally this book pulled me in and the citizens of Unforgiven are right Carly and Austin are better than T.V. I also loved that this book took place in New Mexico, as much as I love my home state of Texas it's nice to see NM get some attention.
Carly and Austin have been together since Kindergarten and shared the same dreams through it all until Carly didn't any more. At twenty-nine Carly figured she'd be married already with babies already but Austin first love is the rodeo and his "one more year" got to be one year too many. Unfortunately for Carly no one believes that she's serious that she had it with Austin, so in a fit of rebelliousness she buys a motorcycle, and then she goes of to Albuquerque to let off some steam. Austin has a hard time reconciling the fact that Carly means business and after he realizes it he's left at a loss and this time there is no more "one more year" he leaves the rodeo and now he left floundering, wondering if he can achieve his dream without Carly.
Overall, this is probably one of the best second chance books I've read in awhile. The old adage, If you love something let it go, fits in nicely with this story. I love that Carly and Austin had to grow up apart from each other to find out who they really were as adults and not just love sick kidds. This is a sweet and sexy story that plays with your heartstrings. First person that switches between Carly and Austin mostly Carly at the beginning but as the book goes on you see more and more of Austin's POV. Carly's past of self discovery is quite amusing and I love Nevada, I'm glad she's getting her own book.
October 29, 2018
Carly and Austin have been best friends since first grade, sweethearts since high school, and their future seems clearly mapped out. But Carly has been waiting a long time for Austin to give up the rodeo circuit so they can get married, and this time, when Austin says “one more year”, Carly is done! The story that follows wrapped itself around my heart as this couple comes to terms with who they are, who they want to be, and if they’ll face their future together or apart. The setting of Unforgiven, New Mexico comes to life with its dusty streets, its homespun delights, and the challenges of living in a small town where everyone knows everybody’s business! Carly and Austin are true originals, feisty and tender and scared and stubborn; their relationship rocky and complicated, but oh so sexy and sweet! And how I loved all of the other characters, who added so many layers to the story with their own relationships with Carly and Austin! With crisp dialogue, poignant and heartfelt scenes, and one of my favorite couples to grace a book, this story of second chances and discovering what it really means to love someone, will leave your heart a bit fuller than it was when you started!
August 13, 2018
GAH!!! I'm clearing off a massive space on my bookshelf for Laura Drake!
What a ride with Carly Beauchamp and Austin Davis! The Last True Cowboy was my first Laura Drake novel and I can't express enough how it will NOT be my last!
Carly and Austin, as they say, go together like peas and carrots. You can't say one name without saying the other. I began this novel swooning over each character and reading the words from a 1st person point of view really pulled me in.
Carly is the town of Unforgiven's "good girl", the Homecoming Queen, the Rodeo Princess. At 29, she returned home to run her family's diner as Austin continued on the rodeo circuit for that "last" championship buckle. After 10 years of "lasts" from Austin, Carly Is. Done. She has finally realized that she comes second to Austin's first true love, the rodeo. OUCH! She breaks up with him...again, and not a soul in town believes she won't take Austin back. But she can't. She can't do this anymore. She has simple dreams and it's apparent to her now she has to forge on in life without Austin being one of them. This fork in the road led Carly to make a hasty and poor choice, changing everything she thought she knew about herself. Following her journey through her eyes had me holding my book ever so tightly...I'm pretty sure my fingernails are forever engraved on the cover! I wanted to cheer for her, slap her, high five her, laugh with her, and yes, I did end up literally crying with her.
Oh Austin, delicious and stubborn Austin. That's a cowboy for you right?! As he tries to understand what Carly was talking about and how he messed things up so badly he takes his own journey to growing up. Not that he ever thought he wasn't. He was still riding the circuit for Carly, for their future, the one he wasn't ready for but knew would be there after he won this "last" buckle. Crap on a cracker, what has he done? You won't regret walking with Austin as he tries to get past the hurt, the anger, and the boy he once was to win back EVERYTHING that has meaning to him.
With a slew of heartwarming and hilarious characters, a truck named El Fartito, a hero and heroine we long for, I can't recommend Laura Drake's The Last True Cowboy more! ENJOY!
What a ride with Carly Beauchamp and Austin Davis! The Last True Cowboy was my first Laura Drake novel and I can't express enough how it will NOT be my last!
Carly and Austin, as they say, go together like peas and carrots. You can't say one name without saying the other. I began this novel swooning over each character and reading the words from a 1st person point of view really pulled me in.
Carly is the town of Unforgiven's "good girl", the Homecoming Queen, the Rodeo Princess. At 29, she returned home to run her family's diner as Austin continued on the rodeo circuit for that "last" championship buckle. After 10 years of "lasts" from Austin, Carly Is. Done. She has finally realized that she comes second to Austin's first true love, the rodeo. OUCH! She breaks up with him...again, and not a soul in town believes she won't take Austin back. But she can't. She can't do this anymore. She has simple dreams and it's apparent to her now she has to forge on in life without Austin being one of them. This fork in the road led Carly to make a hasty and poor choice, changing everything she thought she knew about herself. Following her journey through her eyes had me holding my book ever so tightly...I'm pretty sure my fingernails are forever engraved on the cover! I wanted to cheer for her, slap her, high five her, laugh with her, and yes, I did end up literally crying with her.
Oh Austin, delicious and stubborn Austin. That's a cowboy for you right?! As he tries to understand what Carly was talking about and how he messed things up so badly he takes his own journey to growing up. Not that he ever thought he wasn't. He was still riding the circuit for Carly, for their future, the one he wasn't ready for but knew would be there after he won this "last" buckle. Crap on a cracker, what has he done? You won't regret walking with Austin as he tries to get past the hurt, the anger, and the boy he once was to win back EVERYTHING that has meaning to him.
With a slew of heartwarming and hilarious characters, a truck named El Fartito, a hero and heroine we long for, I can't recommend Laura Drake's The Last True Cowboy more! ENJOY!
June 13, 2019
Carly and Austin's story is one that as a reader, one really wants to like.
And one would...
If not for the fact that said story reads more like that of two love-struck teens. That that of two people one the cusp of their "dirty thirties".
Carly tries so hard to make Austin the bad guy in this situation. If for no other reason than when it comes to his career. She is not first. A fact that it seems is a first for the otherwise overly indulged heroine.
Though she is given a good work ethic and the childhood tragedy of having lost her parents to even things out.
As for her one night out in the big city.
The most that can be said for that is...
" Oh please!"
The woman isn't even given a few nights or at least one good time before TRAGEDY strikes.
And then she of course, is left alone and scorned by the town that once loved her. Because God forbid she attempt to have a life where she and Austin are not joined at the hip.
*Teenaged angst 101 anybody. *
Thankfully, this read does have more than a few saving graces.
Austin stands out in my mind as a very likable, albeit uncommunicative hero. Who proves very true to an extremely wayward leading lady.
Carly's very unconventional Nana and Pawpaw bring smiles and warmth whereever they go.
And the comedic timing and snark that is woven throughout the dialogue in this read is not to be missed.
Ending on one hard won, but very worthwhile "happily..."
There will be allowances made for growth potential. Given the fact that this is the first title of the series.
That being said however. It is this reviewer's hope that subsequent books err toward the side of adult.
My sincerest thanks to Grand Central Publishing ans Forever Books for providing the review copy upon which the above review is based.
And one would...
If not for the fact that said story reads more like that of two love-struck teens. That that of two people one the cusp of their "dirty thirties".
Carly tries so hard to make Austin the bad guy in this situation. If for no other reason than when it comes to his career. She is not first. A fact that it seems is a first for the otherwise overly indulged heroine.
Though she is given a good work ethic and the childhood tragedy of having lost her parents to even things out.
As for her one night out in the big city.
The most that can be said for that is...
" Oh please!"
The woman isn't even given a few nights or at least one good time before TRAGEDY strikes.
And then she of course, is left alone and scorned by the town that once loved her. Because God forbid she attempt to have a life where she and Austin are not joined at the hip.
*Teenaged angst 101 anybody. *
Thankfully, this read does have more than a few saving graces.
Austin stands out in my mind as a very likable, albeit uncommunicative hero. Who proves very true to an extremely wayward leading lady.
Carly's very unconventional Nana and Pawpaw bring smiles and warmth whereever they go.
And the comedic timing and snark that is woven throughout the dialogue in this read is not to be missed.
Ending on one hard won, but very worthwhile "happily..."
There will be allowances made for growth potential. Given the fact that this is the first title of the series.
That being said however. It is this reviewer's hope that subsequent books err toward the side of adult.
My sincerest thanks to Grand Central Publishing ans Forever Books for providing the review copy upon which the above review is based.
February 12, 2019
Let me preface my review by saying, I do enjoy Laura Drake’s writing style. The descriptions in this book were perfection and I loved reading about the characters in a small New Mexico town. But this plot just wasn’t for me. At all. I was expecting a fun second chance romance and what I got was an intense and sometimes hard to read second chance romance.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I am just going to say that both main characters were extremely immature, and the book had one large plot point that just doesn’t work for me. Showing the pitfalls and messy side of love is interesting, and kept me reading, but it also gave me a stomach ache from all the poor choices. I wasn’t prepared for the plot twist and this level of angst in a supposedly sweet, small town romance novel. I understand why people enjoyed this book, as I mentioned, Laura Drake is a gifted writer, this just wasn’t the story for me. I will absolutely pick up another one of her books in the future.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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I don’t want to spoil anything, but I am just going to say that both main characters were extremely immature, and the book had one large plot point that just doesn’t work for me. Showing the pitfalls and messy side of love is interesting, and kept me reading, but it also gave me a stomach ache from all the poor choices. I wasn’t prepared for the plot twist and this level of angst in a supposedly sweet, small town romance novel. I understand why people enjoyed this book, as I mentioned, Laura Drake is a gifted writer, this just wasn’t the story for me. I will absolutely pick up another one of her books in the future.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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November 12, 2018
This is the first time I have read a book by Laura Drake and honestly I am not sure if I will try any others. I had to force myself to keep reading this one and even though it has an HEA I still didn't care for it that much.
I found it to be a heartbreaking story of high school romance gone wrong with the lead characters both being incredibly immature and selfish at the ages of 29.
Not my taste in books plus the title of the story really has nothing to do with it except for the main character being a cowboy.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found it to be a heartbreaking story of high school romance gone wrong with the lead characters both being incredibly immature and selfish at the ages of 29.
Not my taste in books plus the title of the story really has nothing to do with it except for the main character being a cowboy.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2020
Ugh, I really wanted to like this, but it became obvious early on that this was more YA/NA with incredibly immature lead characters that I just couldn't bring myself to like. They both made terrible choices and one of those choices led to something that will take the focus for most of the book. We get a lot of internal dialogue from Carly's POV and she was honestly way too frustrating. Austin wasn't a terrible person. He was selfish in the beginning, but he figured things out when it mattered and really tried to win Carly back. She was just too stubborn.
I did like how Carly's grandparents supported her (her grandmother was a hoot). The town was kind of judgmental since it was such a small town, but they did have some redeeming qualities.
Carly/Austin spend more time apart than together. It's a second chance romance, yes, but it's severely lacking on the romance. The very end was sweet and I liked seeing how it all worked out for Carly & Austin.
I did like how Carly's grandparents supported her (her grandmother was a hoot). The town was kind of judgmental since it was such a small town, but they did have some redeeming qualities.
Carly/Austin spend more time apart than together. It's a second chance romance, yes, but it's severely lacking on the romance. The very end was sweet and I liked seeing how it all worked out for Carly & Austin.
November 30, 2018
Austin Davis has two loves in his life, his longtime girlfriend Carly Beauchamp, and his rodeo career. From the moment they met in kindergarten Carly and Austin knew they'd always be in one another's lives, they connected instantly, and from that point on they were two peas in a pod. Then one day their friendship blossomed into love, the two of them were insuperable, that is until Austin joined the rodeo circuit.
His second love soon became his first love, and it kept him away for months at a time, Carly often feeling like she no longer mattered to him. They had dreams of marriage, children, and a happy future together, and all of a sudden Carly felt like she was the only one who cared about those dreams. But she did what she thought was right at the time, and waited for him, held out hope that his career would lose it's appeal and he'd return home to marry her. But after almost ten years spent waiting for her cowboy and being told "one more year," Carly has decided it is time to put herself first for once and put her dreams ahead of his. Leaving him was the hardest thing she has ever had to do, but it was necessary for her own happiness. But it also lead her to make a careless mistake, one that could change everything...and cement a permanent end to their relationship.
The Last True Cowboy takes you to the town of Unforgiven and welcomes you into the lives of it's very lively and quirky residents, and shines a bright light on the couple that is the current talk of the town. Austin and Carly are no strangers to town gossip, they were once the couple everyone envied and boasted about, their achievements making them town royalty of sorts. But now they are drawing attention and spawning rumors because of their mistakes and the unraveling of their relationship. But as with all small towns, they come with a good support system, and in this particular situation one that is determined to help these two find their way back to on another. Following these two on their journey was good for my heart, many times they had me rooting them on, and holding out hope that love would prevail. I really enjoyed this first offering in the Chestnut Creek series, it came with wonderful characters that felt like family, and a heartwarming story with loads of feels to squeeze the heart in all the right places! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
His second love soon became his first love, and it kept him away for months at a time, Carly often feeling like she no longer mattered to him. They had dreams of marriage, children, and a happy future together, and all of a sudden Carly felt like she was the only one who cared about those dreams. But she did what she thought was right at the time, and waited for him, held out hope that his career would lose it's appeal and he'd return home to marry her. But after almost ten years spent waiting for her cowboy and being told "one more year," Carly has decided it is time to put herself first for once and put her dreams ahead of his. Leaving him was the hardest thing she has ever had to do, but it was necessary for her own happiness. But it also lead her to make a careless mistake, one that could change everything...and cement a permanent end to their relationship.
The Last True Cowboy takes you to the town of Unforgiven and welcomes you into the lives of it's very lively and quirky residents, and shines a bright light on the couple that is the current talk of the town. Austin and Carly are no strangers to town gossip, they were once the couple everyone envied and boasted about, their achievements making them town royalty of sorts. But now they are drawing attention and spawning rumors because of their mistakes and the unraveling of their relationship. But as with all small towns, they come with a good support system, and in this particular situation one that is determined to help these two find their way back to on another. Following these two on their journey was good for my heart, many times they had me rooting them on, and holding out hope that love would prevail. I really enjoyed this first offering in the Chestnut Creek series, it came with wonderful characters that felt like family, and a heartwarming story with loads of feels to squeeze the heart in all the right places! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
October 29, 2018
So Carly and Austin have been together for a long time, so long that the whole town sees them as one unit. They are not married but everyone knows that they will be together. Carly is tired of waiting, all of her friends are married and onto their 2nd or 3rd children while she is still living with her grandparents waiting for Austin to come home and start their lives together. When Austin comes back and tells her yet again to wait another year she is done. She has had it and they are over.
Austin assumes that Carly will forgive him, once he is ready to come back so it comes as a huge shock when Carly tells him that everything has changed. Austin feels betrayed and even Carly feels like she did something wrong even though technically she didn’t, but she did do something that had lasting effects on her life. Austin has to decide if he loves Carly enough to accept and love the changes in her.
All of Carly's friends and family were very supportive. I love her grandparents, they were amazingly understanding and loving. I also liked Austin's family. His brother was helpful and also needed help to get his own wife and children back.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Austin assumes that Carly will forgive him, once he is ready to come back so it comes as a huge shock when Carly tells him that everything has changed. Austin feels betrayed and even Carly feels like she did something wrong even though technically she didn’t, but she did do something that had lasting effects on her life. Austin has to decide if he loves Carly enough to accept and love the changes in her.
All of Carly's friends and family were very supportive. I love her grandparents, they were amazingly understanding and loving. I also liked Austin's family. His brother was helpful and also needed help to get his own wife and children back.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 9, 2018
What a fabulous start to a great new series!
The Last True Cowboy has a bit of everything, friends-to-lovers, second chance, and at times enemies-to lovers. It is full of heartbreaking angst and heartwarming sweetness. While at times it did move a bit slow for me, I couldn't put in down.
Carly and Austin are meant to be together. Everyone know this, but Austin constantly putting Carly second to his career has Carly calling it quits on their relationship. Prompting Carly to make a mistake of epic proportions. But a lifetime of friendship and love is hard to ignore. I loved watching their relationship evolve. While at times I was incredibly frustrated with them both, I still couldn't help but hope they found their happy.
I didn't just love Austin and Carly the secondary characters in this one grabbed hold of my heart as well. Nana and Papaw were both amazingly sweet and incredible voices of truth no matter the situation. But Nevada was my absolute favorite. Her wit, spunk and fiestiness had me laughing and hoping she would find some happy of her own. I so hope we get to read her book soon! Hint Hint
The Last True Cowboy has a bit of everything, friends-to-lovers, second chance, and at times enemies-to lovers. It is full of heartbreaking angst and heartwarming sweetness. While at times it did move a bit slow for me, I couldn't put in down.
Carly and Austin are meant to be together. Everyone know this, but Austin constantly putting Carly second to his career has Carly calling it quits on their relationship. Prompting Carly to make a mistake of epic proportions. But a lifetime of friendship and love is hard to ignore. I loved watching their relationship evolve. While at times I was incredibly frustrated with them both, I still couldn't help but hope they found their happy.
I didn't just love Austin and Carly the secondary characters in this one grabbed hold of my heart as well. Nana and Papaw were both amazingly sweet and incredible voices of truth no matter the situation. But Nevada was my absolute favorite. Her wit, spunk and fiestiness had me laughing and hoping she would find some happy of her own. I so hope we get to read her book soon! Hint Hint
November 4, 2019
Having received the second story in this series,
Home at Chestnut Creek,
I went and read this first book in the Chestnut Creek series. So, in this book, we are introduced to the town of Unforgiven, New Mexico. Carly Beauchamp has been in love with Austin Davis since they were small children. However, Austin is a big-time rodeo cowboy and worked on making it big on the circuit.
Carly is really hoping that Austin will leave the rodeo, settle down and realize how much she cares for him. He is drawn to her as well, but there is always one more bull to ride. Although they are both adults, there is a bit of adjusting they both need to do in order to find a way to each other and to have the happiness they so deserve. For this to happen, there is a very important factor concerning Carly that Austin must come to terms with.
This was an enjoyable beginning to a new series by Laura Drake, an author who is new to me. I loved Carly and Austin's story and was glad to soon read the next book.
Carly is really hoping that Austin will leave the rodeo, settle down and realize how much she cares for him. He is drawn to her as well, but there is always one more bull to ride. Although they are both adults, there is a bit of adjusting they both need to do in order to find a way to each other and to have the happiness they so deserve. For this to happen, there is a very important factor concerning Carly that Austin must come to terms with.
This was an enjoyable beginning to a new series by Laura Drake, an author who is new to me. I loved Carly and Austin's story and was glad to soon read the next book.
December 28, 2018
The Last True Cowboy by Laura Drake is A Chestnut Creek Novel. Laura Drake has done it again! Told a story that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions! You will be turning the pages long after your lights should be out. When I first started this book, I wasn't sure I liked Carly Beauchamp and Austin Davis very much! They had alot of growing up to do. Unfortunately for them the decisions they make are going to be long lasting. One decision can change the course of your life and Carly and Austin are going to find this out. They are both going to have deal with it, and learn and grow. Question is while they are learning the lessons the need to learn and growing up will they find their way back to each other or be on very different path that will take them away from each other? Laura Drake never fails to take her readers on a ride with twists and turns that has you rooting for a happy ending. Bravo Ms. Drake! Bravo!
October 18, 2019
The Last True Cowboy is a story of childhood sweethearts who grow apart, make mistakes and find their way back together again. This is not a frilly, sappy love story but an emotionally intense drama that will have the reader totally enthralled until the very last page. The characters are wonderfully portrayed and engaging. Carly is the town sweetheart, good girl who has been in love with Austin forever but his rodeo career is always taking first place in his life. Austin has been telling Carly that he will come off the rode next year for the past several years but she has decided that isn't good enough and breaks up with him. No one believes it will last but after a single mistake on Carly's part, everything changes. Now they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles of the present and live for the future. A great story.
September 22, 2019
The Last True Cowboy by Laura Drake is the First book in the Chestnut Creek Series. This is the story of Austin Davis and Carly Beauchamp.
Austin and Carly have always had feeling for each other and have always been a thing. Austin has dreams of the Redo and each years goes off to the Redo Circuit. Each year Austin says this will be it but each year he leaves. Carly decided it was time to move on and broke things off with him although not everyone is convinced. Austin starts to realize that he has messed up big time and wants to work to get her back but it seems Carly has a secret. Carly has made a grave mistake that she knows will hurt Austin when it is found out.
Enjoyed their story.
Austin and Carly have always had feeling for each other and have always been a thing. Austin has dreams of the Redo and each years goes off to the Redo Circuit. Each year Austin says this will be it but each year he leaves. Carly decided it was time to move on and broke things off with him although not everyone is convinced. Austin starts to realize that he has messed up big time and wants to work to get her back but it seems Carly has a secret. Carly has made a grave mistake that she knows will hurt Austin when it is found out.
Enjoyed their story.
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