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Dark Horse Cowboys #3
When to Call a Cowboy
Rekindling old flames can be dangerous...
Beau Garrett may look rough around the edges, but under that exterior beats a heart of gold―a heart that was broken when his high school sweetheart disappeared days before graduation. Years have passed, but Beau's never forgotten the fiery-haired girl who left him high and dry.
Dixie Moore has her reasons for being angry with Beau. When a family emergency calls Dixie back to her hometown, she brings with her an explosive secret that could divide them for good―if the culprit behind a recent crime spree doesn't get her first. It's up to Beau to unmask this dangerous criminal...and keep Dixie out of the crosshairs.
Beau Garrett may look rough around the edges, but under that exterior beats a heart of gold―a heart that was broken when his high school sweetheart disappeared days before graduation. Years have passed, but Beau's never forgotten the fiery-haired girl who left him high and dry.
Dixie Moore has her reasons for being angry with Beau. When a family emergency calls Dixie back to her hometown, she brings with her an explosive secret that could divide them for good―if the culprit behind a recent crime spree doesn't get her first. It's up to Beau to unmask this dangerous criminal...and keep Dixie out of the crosshairs.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 2, 2019
I checked and this book is actually written by someone from Texas, so maybe this is accurate, but would the sheriff's department of a small town outside Amarillo really need to go to the local Mexican restaurant to find someone who could speak a few words of Spanish to two young human trafficking victims? I mean… I did two years of Spanish in high school almost 30 years ago, and I reckon I could have dredged up a few words to reassure them. Not having at least one Spanish-speaking officer or an on-call translator in a border state like Texas seems absolutely unbelievable. And going to the Mexican restaurant to find a translator - seriously? Could that get any more stereotypical? It’s problematic as heck and the author really needs a sensitivity reader to check the unconscious racism here.
The romance at the core of this book is a second-chance, with Dixie Moore returning to the small town she left as a teenager and meeting her high school sweetheart, Beau, once again. Except she's got a daughter in tow she never told Beau about because her conniving mother claimed Beau's father told them to get out of town.
I thought younger Dixie must have been absolutely spineless not to insist on speaking to Beau herself, which didn't jibe at all with either her older self or how anyone described her teenage self. It was a contrived plot which got more outlandish as we got to know Beau's ridiculously loving father Big Jim, and Beau himself. Dixie's mother gaslighted her appallingly and it made me absolutely furious when Dixie immediately forgave her and welcomed her back into her daughter's life.
Beau was a good romantic hero, kind, caring, hard-working and protective, but Dixie frustrated me so much I wanted to shake her. She flip-flipped from stubborn to spineless in a blink, and we never got to see the truth of her feelings about her father's death and her mother's betrayal apart from the author telling us she had one crying jag and one phone call with her mother where she cut ties, only to backflip when her mother turned up two days later.
The book had a decent premise, but there's a deus ex machina in the (racist) people smuggling subplot, some very token gay representation nobody but Dixie handles well, and a hot mess of a heroine. Two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
The romance at the core of this book is a second-chance, with Dixie Moore returning to the small town she left as a teenager and meeting her high school sweetheart, Beau, once again. Except she's got a daughter in tow she never told Beau about because her conniving mother claimed Beau's father told them to get out of town.
I thought younger Dixie must have been absolutely spineless not to insist on speaking to Beau herself, which didn't jibe at all with either her older self or how anyone described her teenage self. It was a contrived plot which got more outlandish as we got to know Beau's ridiculously loving father Big Jim, and Beau himself. Dixie's mother gaslighted her appallingly and it made me absolutely furious when Dixie immediately forgave her and welcomed her back into her daughter's life.
Beau was a good romantic hero, kind, caring, hard-working and protective, but Dixie frustrated me so much I wanted to shake her. She flip-flipped from stubborn to spineless in a blink, and we never got to see the truth of her feelings about her father's death and her mother's betrayal apart from the author telling us she had one crying jag and one phone call with her mother where she cut ties, only to backflip when her mother turned up two days later.
The book had a decent premise, but there's a deus ex machina in the (racist) people smuggling subplot, some very token gay representation nobody but Dixie handles well, and a hot mess of a heroine. Two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
April 9, 2019
When to Call a Cowboy (Dark Horse Cowboys #3) by June Faver
4 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Human Trafficking, Murder, Attempted Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Beau has an amazing family and community. When there is a murder in their small town, the last thing he thought would happen is that he finds Dixie, his first and only love, and how much that impacts his feelings.
Dixie hates her small town. She moved away and never wanted to look back. But, when he father is murdered, she knows that she has to go back and put his affairs in order. She has never forgiven Beau for his betrayal.
Beau is confused and hurt by Dixie's apparent hatred. He never understood why she left. Dixie doesn't understand why Beau and his family turned their backs on her and her mom.
But, as the mystery unfolds as to who killed Dixie's dad, more truths come out and it creates an atmosphere where love overcomes all. Dixie and Beau have a great chemistry and while they are trying to figure out who is the bad guy in their town, they are also working on their own relationship.
I was disappointed in Dixie's relationship with her mom. It seemed too easy and nice for all that had gone one.
Overall, this is a sweet second chance story with a bit of mystery in it.
4 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Human Trafficking, Murder, Attempted Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Beau has an amazing family and community. When there is a murder in their small town, the last thing he thought would happen is that he finds Dixie, his first and only love, and how much that impacts his feelings.
Dixie hates her small town. She moved away and never wanted to look back. But, when he father is murdered, she knows that she has to go back and put his affairs in order. She has never forgiven Beau for his betrayal.
Beau is confused and hurt by Dixie's apparent hatred. He never understood why she left. Dixie doesn't understand why Beau and his family turned their backs on her and her mom.
But, as the mystery unfolds as to who killed Dixie's dad, more truths come out and it creates an atmosphere where love overcomes all. Dixie and Beau have a great chemistry and while they are trying to figure out who is the bad guy in their town, they are also working on their own relationship.
I was disappointed in Dixie's relationship with her mom. It seemed too easy and nice for all that had gone one.
Overall, this is a sweet second chance story with a bit of mystery in it.
April 18, 2022
This was definitely a weird one in the series. Honestly, there are so many odd things going on that the author looks uneducated and like she didn't bother doing any research whatsoever. Does she have something against small town Texas and is therefore making everyone in the entire town look inept, outside of the Garrett clan of course. Once I'm done with this series, I think I'm done with this author. I tried and with this being Book 3 and none of them making that great of an impression, I think I just have to choke this up to being an author I'm not a fan of.
OK, so I'll start with the good things about the book. I liked Beau. He was sweet and loyal. Little Ava was adorable. Big Jim showed his soft side (thanks to Ava being in his life). And that's about it...
So back to the bad. Dixie is an idiot and for the first 100 pages, I really hated her. I mean she was only 17 (maybe) when she became pregnant with Beau's kid. But that's still plenty old enough to ask questions or pick up a phone and call Beau. She let her mom tell her that the Garrett's didn't want anything to do with her and her baby. She let her mom tell her that her own dad wanted nothing to do with her, her baby or her mom. The same dad who had loved her with all his heart and never did anything but treat her like she was his 'tomboy' princess and the light of his life. She truly believed her dad had a change of heart overnight? Same with Beau, the same guy who loved her with all of his heart - he all of a sudden wanted nothing to do with her? Her mom was incredibly manipulative and Dixie was incredibly gullible to fall for it. Because of this, Beau didn't know about his own daughter until she was 5!!!
Perhaps the worst part of this book came in towards the end with regards to the human traffickers. The author makes the police force (and civilians aiding them) seem like a bunch of Barney Fife's. When there are two minors from Mexico found hiding who speak no English, what does Big Jim do? He heads to the local Mexican restaurant to ask the waitress to help translate for them. You mean to tell me there's no one else in the entire town who can speak any bit of Spanish or that there are no Hispanics in this particular town in Texas? Yeah, not buying that lady. And then she just questions the girls without any direction from the police or an advocate on hand to monitor things? And the most baffling part? When those minors need to get back to their parents in Mexico, social services wants to ship them out on a bus alone, BUT the parents have to pay for that to happen. I mean, maybe the author hasn't bothered watching the news in the last 5 years or so, but I'm sure we've all seen the news of migrants being put on planes and flown back to their homeland soon after they arrive. So they can be sent back home on the government's dime, but the state of Texas is too broke to spend $200 on plane tickets or even $60 on 2 bus tickets for two minors who were kidnapped by human traffickers? And to compound that, the social worker lets a civilian take the girls to their parents over the border without a court order or any sort of legal paperwork. Instead, the local sheriff vouches for them when they get stopped by border patrol for suspicious activity. It all seemed way too far-fetched, absurd, not to mention illegal or at least not by the book. I mean come on! Even the readers see that for the BS it is.
The ending was cute, I just wish the author had done a little more research and not ruined a lot of the book by making the cast of characters look like actors from Dumb & Dumber.
OK, so I'll start with the good things about the book. I liked Beau. He was sweet and loyal. Little Ava was adorable. Big Jim showed his soft side (thanks to Ava being in his life). And that's about it...
So back to the bad. Dixie is an idiot and for the first 100 pages, I really hated her. I mean she was only 17 (maybe) when she became pregnant with Beau's kid. But that's still plenty old enough to ask questions or pick up a phone and call Beau. She let her mom tell her that the Garrett's didn't want anything to do with her and her baby. She let her mom tell her that her own dad wanted nothing to do with her, her baby or her mom. The same dad who had loved her with all his heart and never did anything but treat her like she was his 'tomboy' princess and the light of his life. She truly believed her dad had a change of heart overnight? Same with Beau, the same guy who loved her with all of his heart - he all of a sudden wanted nothing to do with her? Her mom was incredibly manipulative and Dixie was incredibly gullible to fall for it. Because of this, Beau didn't know about his own daughter until she was 5!!!
Perhaps the worst part of this book came in towards the end with regards to the human traffickers. The author makes the police force (and civilians aiding them) seem like a bunch of Barney Fife's. When there are two minors from Mexico found hiding who speak no English, what does Big Jim do? He heads to the local Mexican restaurant to ask the waitress to help translate for them. You mean to tell me there's no one else in the entire town who can speak any bit of Spanish or that there are no Hispanics in this particular town in Texas? Yeah, not buying that lady. And then she just questions the girls without any direction from the police or an advocate on hand to monitor things? And the most baffling part? When those minors need to get back to their parents in Mexico, social services wants to ship them out on a bus alone, BUT the parents have to pay for that to happen. I mean, maybe the author hasn't bothered watching the news in the last 5 years or so, but I'm sure we've all seen the news of migrants being put on planes and flown back to their homeland soon after they arrive. So they can be sent back home on the government's dime, but the state of Texas is too broke to spend $200 on plane tickets or even $60 on 2 bus tickets for two minors who were kidnapped by human traffickers? And to compound that, the social worker lets a civilian take the girls to their parents over the border without a court order or any sort of legal paperwork. Instead, the local sheriff vouches for them when they get stopped by border patrol for suspicious activity. It all seemed way too far-fetched, absurd, not to mention illegal or at least not by the book. I mean come on! Even the readers see that for the BS it is.
The ending was cute, I just wish the author had done a little more research and not ruined a lot of the book by making the cast of characters look like actors from Dumb & Dumber.
April 17, 2019
This is the second book in the series that I have read and unfortunately it's also the second book in the series that I didn't care for. I think this is probably the end of the road for me with this series/author.
On the plus side, unlike the other book I actually finished this one. But I had similar issues. I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters. I wish the author spent more time on their history together or even how they both suffered when they were apart. I felt Beau was all too quick to jump back in with Dixie to really deal with this feelings on how she abandoned him. For Dixie, I felt she forgave her mother far too quickly.
My other major issue with this book is apparently the law enforcement for the town doesn't do anything and let's their citizens take the law into their own hands? I mean come on...a waitress questions girls without any preparation instead of using an interpreter service. A woman sets up a meeting with someone the police are looking for and even though there is an officer on site, they don't intervene until after Beau steps in? And the transporting of the girls to Mexico without a court order and proper paperwork signed giving the adults temporary guardianship of the girls. There were just far too many holes in the plot for me to believe the story.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
On the plus side, unlike the other book I actually finished this one. But I had similar issues. I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters. I wish the author spent more time on their history together or even how they both suffered when they were apart. I felt Beau was all too quick to jump back in with Dixie to really deal with this feelings on how she abandoned him. For Dixie, I felt she forgave her mother far too quickly.
My other major issue with this book is apparently the law enforcement for the town doesn't do anything and let's their citizens take the law into their own hands? I mean come on...a waitress questions girls without any preparation instead of using an interpreter service. A woman sets up a meeting with someone the police are looking for and even though there is an officer on site, they don't intervene until after Beau steps in? And the transporting of the girls to Mexico without a court order and proper paperwork signed giving the adults temporary guardianship of the girls. There were just far too many holes in the plot for me to believe the story.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
May 17, 2019
ARC REVIEW
Dark Horse Cowboys #3, Beau Garrett's story the last of the Garrett boys gets reunited with his first and only love Dixie Moore. I think those of us who have read this can all agree Dixie was a fucking idiot as a teenager. Instead of going to her Father herself and getting his side she automatically believes her mother and thinks the worst of her father, Beau, and his family. Now almost five years later she's back to take care of thing after her father's murder, his will stipulates she remain in Langston and run the feed store and ranch for a year then she can do with it what she will. But when her best friend gets shot at the feed store just like her father she knows her father's murder wasn't just because of a robbery.
Beau can't fathom why Dixie is so cold to him and his family when she was the one who left without a word breaking his heart and she acts like he did something wrong. When he discovers what happened five years ago he knows he'll never let her go again. They never stopped loving each other and once Dixie realizes the truth she is remorseful. But the business with one murder and one attempted murder at the feed store and then finding out that someone has been using it as a weigh station for human trafficking has the whole Garrett clan on their toes.
Overall, while this is technically Romantic suspense, it's more heavy on the romance then the suspense and I wish it was the opposite. I guess it's just what I was in the mood for at the time. But this was a good read, I did enjoy the story for the most part but Dixie was an idiot but it didn't take her long to realize something was wrong with her mother's version of events from five years ago. I enjoyed the whole series, Loved the second one. Dixie's secret wasn't hard to figure out, neither was the whodunnit but the story to get to that point was a good one and the romance was nice. I look forward to more June Faver books.
Dark Horse Cowboys #3, Beau Garrett's story the last of the Garrett boys gets reunited with his first and only love Dixie Moore. I think those of us who have read this can all agree Dixie was a fucking idiot as a teenager. Instead of going to her Father herself and getting his side she automatically believes her mother and thinks the worst of her father, Beau, and his family. Now almost five years later she's back to take care of thing after her father's murder, his will stipulates she remain in Langston and run the feed store and ranch for a year then she can do with it what she will. But when her best friend gets shot at the feed store just like her father she knows her father's murder wasn't just because of a robbery.
Beau can't fathom why Dixie is so cold to him and his family when she was the one who left without a word breaking his heart and she acts like he did something wrong. When he discovers what happened five years ago he knows he'll never let her go again. They never stopped loving each other and once Dixie realizes the truth she is remorseful. But the business with one murder and one attempted murder at the feed store and then finding out that someone has been using it as a weigh station for human trafficking has the whole Garrett clan on their toes.
Overall, while this is technically Romantic suspense, it's more heavy on the romance then the suspense and I wish it was the opposite. I guess it's just what I was in the mood for at the time. But this was a good read, I did enjoy the story for the most part but Dixie was an idiot but it didn't take her long to realize something was wrong with her mother's version of events from five years ago. I enjoyed the whole series, Loved the second one. Dixie's secret wasn't hard to figure out, neither was the whodunnit but the story to get to that point was a good one and the romance was nice. I look forward to more June Faver books.
April 5, 2019
Dixie Moore is back in Langston, Texas after disappearing six years ago shortly before her high school graduation. She is only back to handle funeral arrangements for her father who had been gunned down outside the feed store he owned. She was hoping she wouldn't run into Beau Garrett who she had dated in high school. No such luck! What a jerk! How could he be so cruel and abandon her just when she needed him most?
Beau Garrett was not all that surprised to see Dixie in town. After all her father had just been murdered and she was his only child. Vernon Moore had been just as shocked as Beau when his wife and daughter just up and left. He didn't have any answers for Beau as to why. Beau knew this was his chance to get some answers and he is very determined to face Dixie and get them. One thing for sure - she had quite a surprise for him as part of her answers.
When to Call a Cowboy by June Faver is the third book in her Dark Horse Cowboy series. Each book in this series has been quite entertaining. This one is no exception. I really enjoyed all the action and the mystery surrounding Dixie's father's murder. I also thought the sex scenes were hot yet sensual. The plot was intriguing and kept me turning the pages. Dixie and Beau are both strong likeable characters and it was fun getting to know them. June Faver has become a "must read" author to me. This book is one of the reasons why she is.
Beau Garrett was not all that surprised to see Dixie in town. After all her father had just been murdered and she was his only child. Vernon Moore had been just as shocked as Beau when his wife and daughter just up and left. He didn't have any answers for Beau as to why. Beau knew this was his chance to get some answers and he is very determined to face Dixie and get them. One thing for sure - she had quite a surprise for him as part of her answers.
When to Call a Cowboy by June Faver is the third book in her Dark Horse Cowboy series. Each book in this series has been quite entertaining. This one is no exception. I really enjoyed all the action and the mystery surrounding Dixie's father's murder. I also thought the sex scenes were hot yet sensual. The plot was intriguing and kept me turning the pages. Dixie and Beau are both strong likeable characters and it was fun getting to know them. June Faver has become a "must read" author to me. This book is one of the reasons why she is.
March 28, 2019
When Dixie has to come back to this backwards town she thought she would never have to see it again after how they treated her, especially Beau Garrett the love of her life. Dixie just wants to get in and out right after the will is read she can go back to Dallas, but she brought her friend Scott along to make it easier.
Beau can’t believe who he is seeing can Dixie possibly be back after all these years? Dixie is avoiding him and he doesn’t know why after all she is the one who left with her mother never looking back or even contacting him or her father Vern.
Dixie and Beau are finding out in this story that things aren’t always as they seem and how to forgive. So many secrets are revealed but this story does wrap them up nicely and I really enjoyed it.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Beau can’t believe who he is seeing can Dixie possibly be back after all these years? Dixie is avoiding him and he doesn’t know why after all she is the one who left with her mother never looking back or even contacting him or her father Vern.
Dixie and Beau are finding out in this story that things aren’t always as they seem and how to forgive. So many secrets are revealed but this story does wrap them up nicely and I really enjoyed it.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
March 31, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw that the book had been labeled in the “Suspense” genre, I was a little skeptical. It was not as suspenseful as I thought it would be and for that I was thankful. I enjoyed parts of this book but I felt that it had lots of loose ends and skipped around a lot.
When I saw that the book had been labeled in the “Suspense” genre, I was a little skeptical. It was not as suspenseful as I thought it would be and for that I was thankful. I enjoyed parts of this book but I felt that it had lots of loose ends and skipped around a lot.
July 20, 2019
When I voluntarily requested an advance reader copy of this novel I had no idea that it was the third book in a series, and the only one in the series I've read, although I have read one other book by this author. The blurb sounded good--a second chance, secret baby, contemporary romantic suspense murder mystery, but in my opinion, the blurb was better than the book for a number of reasons, and I can only give it a 2.5 star rating.
Dixie and her childhood sweetheart, Beau Garrett, were in their senior year of high school, planning to go to college, and get married after they graduated, until one day, Dixie and her mother simply disappeared without a word, a note, a phone message--nada. Beau was utterly devastated, as was Dixie's father, Vern. No one knew where they went or why, and it's not until Vern, who owned and operated the local feed store and his own ranch, was found murdered that Dixie has to return home because as Vern's only child, she needs to plan his funeral, and, oh yes, she's the sole beneficiary in his will, even though she hated him, Beau, and the Garrett family. Unbeknownst to anyone, Dixie was pregnant with Beau's child when she disappeared. The will stipulated that in order to inherit, Dixie must take ownership of and run the feed store, return to and live in Langston, and reside at and maintain the family ranch for one year. To say that she's almost apoplectic with rage and bitterness is putting it mildly. She's a stone cold bitch to everyone in town, never sheds a tear for her murdered father, and when Beau is absolutely stunned to learn he has a 5-year-old daughter, Ava, and tells Dixie he's still in love with her and is over the moon about his surprise fatherhood, does she believe him? Nope.
As far as incredibly stupid heroines go, Dixie's a top contender for the gold medal. When her mother told her that her father didn't approve of her pregnancy and hated her for getting pregnant, and that when Dixie's mom, Mamie, also told her that when she had approached Beau and his family with news of Dixie's teenage pregnancy, they turned their backs on her and couldn't have cared less about her or Beau's child. How could she simply accept what she was told without asking why the father who adored her and the boy who thought she hung the moon and planned to marry her could suddenly turn their love for her into hate? Couldn't she make a phone call or send a letter? Why didn't she ask her father what he'd done to make her mother hate and want to desert him, after years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Dixie goes from hot to cold, belief and non-belief through the entire novel, and when, even on her wedding day, she's still got doubts about her soon-to-be husband, who sees her as his soul mate, made me wonder what there was about her that had Beau so utterly enraptured, beyond her looks and their sex life.
Once Dixie returns to town to fulfill her obligations under the will, she's accompanied by one-half of a gay couple, Scott, her best friend, who, while visiting the feed store is also shot in the chest. Next Scott's partner shows up, and he's filled with hatred for Beau and the Garrett family too. Everyone in Dixie's life is as bitchy as she is, and it was almost impossible to like any of them. Dixie is unwilling to let the sheriff and law enforcement do their job and find out who murdered her father in what they suspect might have been a robbery, and although she has a young child who depends on her, Dixie gives no thought to endangering her own life, especially after Scott is also shot in the chest at the feed store. Dixie is incredibly foolhardy and starts her own investigation. Beau can't talk her out of it, no one can. When 2 young girls and a 20-something woman, all of whom speak only Spanish are found in the feed store shed, suddenly we learn that human trafficking might have been the motive behind both Vern's murder, and Scott's attempted murder. Will Dixie now let law enforcement investigate? Not a chance.
While I liked Beau Garrett and the entire Garrett family a great deal, for their kindness, hard work, and affection for each other and how they all instantly fell in love with little Ava and welcomed her into their family, I simply couldn't figure out what Beau saw in the woman who abandoned him and broke his heart years ago, nor could I accept his undying love for her. As far as I could see, she certainly hadn't given him the benefit of a doubt when her mother badmouthed him and spent years turning Dixie against him, her father and the Garrett family. When Dixie finally discovers that her mother was a liar and had her own agenda for leaving Langston, Dixie's easy acceptance and forgiveness of her mother's self-serving, self-indulgent, and snooty attitude, and the pain she caused her only daughter, Vern, Beau and the Garrett family, was, quite frankly, beyond my ability to fathom.
All in all, I found the murder mystery part of this novel far more interesting than the on-again, off-again romance between Dixie and Beau. Little Ava was, in my opinion, the best thing about this novel. It's not a terrible read, but there wasn't a whole lot of depth or backstory to these characters and to this story, and even after the expected HEA ending, I still thought strong, stalwart Beau deserved a better woman than Dixie.
As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Dixie and her childhood sweetheart, Beau Garrett, were in their senior year of high school, planning to go to college, and get married after they graduated, until one day, Dixie and her mother simply disappeared without a word, a note, a phone message--nada. Beau was utterly devastated, as was Dixie's father, Vern. No one knew where they went or why, and it's not until Vern, who owned and operated the local feed store and his own ranch, was found murdered that Dixie has to return home because as Vern's only child, she needs to plan his funeral, and, oh yes, she's the sole beneficiary in his will, even though she hated him, Beau, and the Garrett family. Unbeknownst to anyone, Dixie was pregnant with Beau's child when she disappeared. The will stipulated that in order to inherit, Dixie must take ownership of and run the feed store, return to and live in Langston, and reside at and maintain the family ranch for one year. To say that she's almost apoplectic with rage and bitterness is putting it mildly. She's a stone cold bitch to everyone in town, never sheds a tear for her murdered father, and when Beau is absolutely stunned to learn he has a 5-year-old daughter, Ava, and tells Dixie he's still in love with her and is over the moon about his surprise fatherhood, does she believe him? Nope.
As far as incredibly stupid heroines go, Dixie's a top contender for the gold medal. When her mother told her that her father didn't approve of her pregnancy and hated her for getting pregnant, and that when Dixie's mom, Mamie, also told her that when she had approached Beau and his family with news of Dixie's teenage pregnancy, they turned their backs on her and couldn't have cared less about her or Beau's child. How could she simply accept what she was told without asking why the father who adored her and the boy who thought she hung the moon and planned to marry her could suddenly turn their love for her into hate? Couldn't she make a phone call or send a letter? Why didn't she ask her father what he'd done to make her mother hate and want to desert him, after years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Dixie goes from hot to cold, belief and non-belief through the entire novel, and when, even on her wedding day, she's still got doubts about her soon-to-be husband, who sees her as his soul mate, made me wonder what there was about her that had Beau so utterly enraptured, beyond her looks and their sex life.
Once Dixie returns to town to fulfill her obligations under the will, she's accompanied by one-half of a gay couple, Scott, her best friend, who, while visiting the feed store is also shot in the chest. Next Scott's partner shows up, and he's filled with hatred for Beau and the Garrett family too. Everyone in Dixie's life is as bitchy as she is, and it was almost impossible to like any of them. Dixie is unwilling to let the sheriff and law enforcement do their job and find out who murdered her father in what they suspect might have been a robbery, and although she has a young child who depends on her, Dixie gives no thought to endangering her own life, especially after Scott is also shot in the chest at the feed store. Dixie is incredibly foolhardy and starts her own investigation. Beau can't talk her out of it, no one can. When 2 young girls and a 20-something woman, all of whom speak only Spanish are found in the feed store shed, suddenly we learn that human trafficking might have been the motive behind both Vern's murder, and Scott's attempted murder. Will Dixie now let law enforcement investigate? Not a chance.
While I liked Beau Garrett and the entire Garrett family a great deal, for their kindness, hard work, and affection for each other and how they all instantly fell in love with little Ava and welcomed her into their family, I simply couldn't figure out what Beau saw in the woman who abandoned him and broke his heart years ago, nor could I accept his undying love for her. As far as I could see, she certainly hadn't given him the benefit of a doubt when her mother badmouthed him and spent years turning Dixie against him, her father and the Garrett family. When Dixie finally discovers that her mother was a liar and had her own agenda for leaving Langston, Dixie's easy acceptance and forgiveness of her mother's self-serving, self-indulgent, and snooty attitude, and the pain she caused her only daughter, Vern, Beau and the Garrett family, was, quite frankly, beyond my ability to fathom.
All in all, I found the murder mystery part of this novel far more interesting than the on-again, off-again romance between Dixie and Beau. Little Ava was, in my opinion, the best thing about this novel. It's not a terrible read, but there wasn't a whole lot of depth or backstory to these characters and to this story, and even after the expected HEA ending, I still thought strong, stalwart Beau deserved a better woman than Dixie.
As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 1, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY is a story that while I enjoyed parts of it, I was divided about other parts. And I really can’t explain why because that would mean spoilers – and I don’t willingly do spoilers. Although I will say I was firmly on Beau’s side on this one – Dixie, well, I never warmed up to her and will have to be content that the hero loves her to pieces in spite of her actions.
Beau and Dixie’s story is full of danger, deceit, misunderstandings, and murder. There is suspense but it’s not what drives this story – that would be Dixie and Beau’s past and how they work to resolve that hot mess. There were characters that I loathed, simply for their selfish decisions that affected so many other lives without thought or care. Once again the Garrett family pulled me in with their closeness and antics. WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY is a good story, I simply couldn’t connect with the heroine. If you enjoy Modern Western Romance with a touch of Suspense then you’d enjoy this one. I’d recommend the entire series – and I’m looking forward to the Christmas release later this year.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY is a story that while I enjoyed parts of it, I was divided about other parts. And I really can’t explain why because that would mean spoilers – and I don’t willingly do spoilers. Although I will say I was firmly on Beau’s side on this one – Dixie, well, I never warmed up to her and will have to be content that the hero loves her to pieces in spite of her actions.
Beau and Dixie’s story is full of danger, deceit, misunderstandings, and murder. There is suspense but it’s not what drives this story – that would be Dixie and Beau’s past and how they work to resolve that hot mess. There were characters that I loathed, simply for their selfish decisions that affected so many other lives without thought or care. Once again the Garrett family pulled me in with their closeness and antics. WHEN TO CALL A COWBOY is a good story, I simply couldn’t connect with the heroine. If you enjoy Modern Western Romance with a touch of Suspense then you’d enjoy this one. I’d recommend the entire series – and I’m looking forward to the Christmas release later this year.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
April 30, 2019
Dixie Moore receives notification that her, father who lives in Langston, has been murdered. She has not seen her father in many years since her mother said that he had asked them to leave. When she visits his lawyer to settle the estate, she finds out that her father left her his entire estate, as long as she resides in town for one year. If she does not, his friend Big Jim Garrett inherits. She does not want to return to her town as her young lover, Beau Garrett, still lives in town. She was told, by her mother, that Beau refused to marry her when she became pregnant during their senior year. Dixie returns immediately to Dallas, but a good friend encourages her to accept her father’s will for the sake of her five-year old daughter Ava. Of course, Beau will see Ava and recognizer her as his daughter. How could Dixie have left him without a word about their baby? He loved her then and loves her still. Events will unfold with Dixie learning what really happened all those years ago. Now, no matter what danger she faces, she is determined to find out who murdered her father. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
June 30, 2019
Beau and Dixie story.
I love the Beau character, can barely tolerate Dixie character.
Would have gave the book a 4 star but Dixie's character brings it down to a 1 , but with Beau and the supporting Garrett Characters takes it to a 3 star.
Dixie is very angry and aggressive towards all the people from Langston. She never even contacted the people herself, relied on her Mother to supposedly inform her father, Beau and Garrett family of her pregnancy, and totally believed her mother when she said they didn't want her called her names and totally abandoned them. If you are going to be angry at people at least get the information first hand rather than using someone else to do your dirty work. Dixie is a very unlikable character when we first meet her. I think she forgave her mother far to quickly and easily and same goes with Beau her jumped straight back into her life and into bed with her, without understanding why she had a deep hatred against him, his family and her father.
The book is worth reading to see the other characters of the series.
I love the Beau character, can barely tolerate Dixie character.
Would have gave the book a 4 star but Dixie's character brings it down to a 1 , but with Beau and the supporting Garrett Characters takes it to a 3 star.
Dixie is very angry and aggressive towards all the people from Langston. She never even contacted the people herself, relied on her Mother to supposedly inform her father, Beau and Garrett family of her pregnancy, and totally believed her mother when she said they didn't want her called her names and totally abandoned them. If you are going to be angry at people at least get the information first hand rather than using someone else to do your dirty work. Dixie is a very unlikable character when we first meet her. I think she forgave her mother far to quickly and easily and same goes with Beau her jumped straight back into her life and into bed with her, without understanding why she had a deep hatred against him, his family and her father.
The book is worth reading to see the other characters of the series.
April 26, 2019
This was another cowboy second chance romance and all in all it was okay. Dixie left with her mother when she was senior. That was a years ago and now she has to come home to manage her fathers estate. The problem? She is so angry with her father and ex that she can’t get out of their fast enough.
Beau lost the love of his life when Dixie left without a word. She’s back and he loves her just as much now as he did then. The problem? Something went wrong and really neither side has the whole story.
When her fathers death is murder and the bad guys are in plain sight, Beau needs to keep Her safe but will he be able to wrangle his hard headed spitfire?
It was good but I felt it could have used more of the two instead of jumping to the grandpa so much. All in all it was okay and I did enjoy it.
Beau lost the love of his life when Dixie left without a word. She’s back and he loves her just as much now as he did then. The problem? Something went wrong and really neither side has the whole story.
When her fathers death is murder and the bad guys are in plain sight, Beau needs to keep Her safe but will he be able to wrangle his hard headed spitfire?
It was good but I felt it could have used more of the two instead of jumping to the grandpa so much. All in all it was okay and I did enjoy it.
April 20, 2019
When Dixie has to come back to this backwards town she thought she would never have to see it again after how they treated her, especially Beau Garrett the love of her life. Dixie just wants to get in and out right after the will is read she can go back to Dallas, but she brought her friend Scott along to make it easier.
Beau can’t believe who he is seeing can Dixie possibly be back after all these years? Dixie is avoiding him and he doesn’t know why after all she is the one who left with her mother never looking back or even contacting him or her father Vern.
Dixie and Beau are finding out in this story that things aren’t always as they seem and how to forgive. So many secrets are revealed but this story does wrap them up nicely and I really enjoyed it.
Beau can’t believe who he is seeing can Dixie possibly be back after all these years? Dixie is avoiding him and he doesn’t know why after all she is the one who left with her mother never looking back or even contacting him or her father Vern.
Dixie and Beau are finding out in this story that things aren’t always as they seem and how to forgive. So many secrets are revealed but this story does wrap them up nicely and I really enjoyed it.
February 9, 2020
This book for me started out like I was going to enjoy it. The two led characters had not seen each other since high school and Dixie comes back years later because of her father. Beau still has feelings for her even though it has been years but you the reader are dragged through not only their past with their parents but also the crime that is going on in the small town. It is that part that just seemed off for some reason for me and I could not get into it. Even though I finished the book I just felt something lacking and the story not right. Maybe it is me I normally don’t like to give negative but I just did not care for this book sorry. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 2 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 4, 2019
Beau had a heart of gold and he still hasn’t been able to get over his high school sweetheart leaving town without a word. When misfortune for Dixie issues he is right beside her willing to help in anyway possible. He is desperate to clear up any misinformation that has resulted since he has seen her and help her take those tentative steps into a more prosperous future. Dixie is still unsure of everything that has happened but is willing to open her heart up once again. Danger lurks nearby and pushes both characters closer together. Great continuation of the series and blends the other books seamlessly into the storyline.
April 5, 2019
2 1/2 star review.....
I have struggled at times with the Dark Horse Cowboys series, yet committed to continue it up till now. So, while I liked the characters well enough and the storyline wasn’t bad, I did feel there were holes in the plot and that “something’s missing” niggle remained with me throughout the book. And while this story was labelled suspense, it definitely was not. But overall that really didn’t bother me; ultimately it was the loose ends and my lack of enthusiasm to even finish that resulted in my disappointment. The best thing about When to Call a Cowboy was the cover.
I have struggled at times with the Dark Horse Cowboys series, yet committed to continue it up till now. So, while I liked the characters well enough and the storyline wasn’t bad, I did feel there were holes in the plot and that “something’s missing” niggle remained with me throughout the book. And while this story was labelled suspense, it definitely was not. But overall that really didn’t bother me; ultimately it was the loose ends and my lack of enthusiasm to even finish that resulted in my disappointment. The best thing about When to Call a Cowboy was the cover.
April 28, 2019
Dixie Moore hated her small town and the people in it she never understood why Beau Garrett and his family turned on her family the way thy did. She has had to return to settle her fathers affairs after he is gunned down in front of his feed store Beau never understood why Dixie went so cold on him and why she left ton so suddenly. As they come in one another company again they find the attraction between them is still intense and as they ty to solve her fathers murder things come to light that explain what happened years before because all isn't that it seems in their small town
May 1, 2019
I like a people story such as this one that you can sink your teeth into. I also have not read this author before now so she was a good discovery. This also could be said to be a second chance one even though turmoil does come with that. Beau and Dixie carry you through this one as you escape into their world. Also ate up the mystery that seeps in and penetrates this one. I also discovered this author can keep me captivated with a story that keeps me hanging on and at the edge sometimes. Great read from beginning to end.
January 25, 2021
This was a good read, but I had too many issues with it. Dixie and Beau seem to have just started where they left off six years ago. They were in bed instantly with him staying over. Beau neglected his job on the ranch with no reasoning to his family. The sheriff was incompetent and Fletcher seemed to be in charge. The murder, assault and human trafficking was not handled as if would have been in the real world. The book should have had so degree of responsibility to it. I don't know if the subjects were researched well.
April 30, 2019
This is great addition to the series. I have read all 3 of the books and I loved all of them. This is Beau and Dixie's story. They were both endearing characters. I loved catching up with the characters from the previous books. This book pulled me in from the first page. It had a seamless, suspenseful storyline that kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I can't wait to read the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
May 6, 2019
Another winner from June Faver
June has written another delicious read in her Dark Horse Cowboys series. I was immediately drawn in by angry heroine Dixie and baffled hero Beau, who doesn't know Dixie 's secret. They are both likeable and interesting and I found myself rooting for both. The subplot deals with a timely subject and I was smiling big when these two earned their happy ever after!
June has written another delicious read in her Dark Horse Cowboys series. I was immediately drawn in by angry heroine Dixie and baffled hero Beau, who doesn't know Dixie 's secret. They are both likeable and interesting and I found myself rooting for both. The subplot deals with a timely subject and I was smiling big when these two earned their happy ever after!
July 15, 2024
This is the third book in the Dark Horse Cowboy series and I am not sure true love can flow this smooth after hearts are broken and feelings hurt but it is a cute story of first love. Beau Garrett fell in love with Dixie Moore in high school with both promising to marry after high school but suddenly Dixie and her mother disappeared without a word, even to Dixie’s Dad. The journey home for Dixie is a hard one when her Dad is murdered and everything is left to her. Good story
May 1, 2019
An exciting cowboy romp. The story starts out with a knockout drag down fight. It ends with a beautiful wedding. The author paints a great picture of the joy of family and how it can bring joy into your life. The characters are wonderfully delightful. Little Ava is a peach! It is a wonderfully fun read that you will thoroughly enjoy.
May 5, 2019
Second Chance Romance which normally I enjoy, but have to admit there was just something about the heroine that rubbed me the wrong way! I have read other books of June Faver's and have enjoyed them immensely. I will read others by this author, but just have to say this book was not my cup of tea!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my open and honest review.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my open and honest review.
June 3, 2019
Best of the three
This is book 3 in this series and for me it was the better one. I liked how the couple were able to work through all the troubles from their past and move forward. Although I was left with the wonder of how their relationship would withstand the troubles of the mother-in-law and Big Jim is way to quick to jump in and fix everything.
This is book 3 in this series and for me it was the better one. I liked how the couple were able to work through all the troubles from their past and move forward. Although I was left with the wonder of how their relationship would withstand the troubles of the mother-in-law and Big Jim is way to quick to jump in and fix everything.
June 5, 2019
This book was full of action and fiery attraction between Beau and Dixie. I loved that Dixie was a hot head and Beau found a way to tame her anger, This book was fast paced and wonderful. This is the third book in the Dark Horse Cowboy series, but the first one that I have read, and know I need to read the first two, I highly recommend this book
May 1, 2019
June Faver brings this tragic to heartwarming tale of Beau Garrett and Dixie Moore - When she returns after the death of her father, Dixie and Beau learn the truth about a lot of things. There is even some suspense in this book.
January 7, 2022
I feel that the build-up was slow, then there were like three good chapters, and finally, at the end, everything was rushed. The cover states "guaranteed melt your heart romance", but I'm going to be needing my money back.
May 5, 2023
Not sure why there is a lot of hate in the reviews. I picked this up knowing nothing about the author & thinking it would be spicy & trashy, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was a good read.
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