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Meadow Valley #0.5

Cowboy to the Rescue

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A western romance about a cowboy who isn't afraid to break the rules.

All designer Ivy Serrano wants is a fresh start. But instead, her Meadow Valley homecoming includes an electrical fire, a trashed custom dress, and a very handsome fireman who knows how to push all her buttons. Lieutenant Carter Bowen may set off sparks of his own, but the last thing Ivy needs now is town gossip . . . or to risk loving another firefighter.

New to small-town living, Carter is determined to prove himself, both at the station and at the fledgling dude ranch where he volunteers. That means no mistakes, no distractions, and definitely no Ivy. Yet there's something about the sassy shop owner that he just can't resist. As things heat up between them, Carter's more certain than ever that she's the one. But can he convince her they have a future worth fighting for?

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2019

85 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Pine

37 books816 followers
A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the author of the If Only series (Entangled Embrace), the Only You series (Berkley/Intermix), the Kingston Ale House series (Entangled Select), and the Crossroads Ranch series (Forever Romance). When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,547 reviews1,682 followers
December 5, 2019
Cowboy to the Rescue by A.J. Pine is a prequel novella in the contemporary romance Meadow Valley series. As with most romance series each book will change main characters so the can be read as a standalone or in any order. The books of the series however do give updates on the previous characters for those that follow from the beginning.

Coming from a firefighting family the very last thing Ivy Serrano ever would want would be to fall for a firefighter herself knowing all too well the danger they face everyday. However, when a small electrical fire breaks out in Ivy’s new shop in walks Lieutenant Carter Bowen and as determined as Ivy is to ignore the handsome Lieutenant sparks begin to fly between Ivy and Carter.

Coming in at just over a hundred pages Cowboy to the Rescue does have a very fast pace to the relationship with some insta-love. However, for those that don’t mind a quick pace this is a lovely little novella that opens up and introduces the Meadow Valley series which seems like it will be a nice place to find love. This first set of characters were likable and from what we see I think the rest of the series also shows promise.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,937 reviews603 followers
September 3, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was a really good shorter read. I have really wanted to read more of A.J. Pine's work so I just couldn't resist the opportunity to read this novella. This was a wonderful introduction to the upcoming Meadow Valley series. I had a great time getting to know some of the characters in the larger community and look forward to getting to know each of them a bit better once the series really gets going. I was able to read this novella in a single evening and had a great time with it.

Ivy is opening her own store in Meadow Valley. She grew up in the town knows everyone and is looking forward to opening her store and featuring some of her own designs. She didn't plan on an electrical fire but she was prepared to deal with it. Carter is new to Meadow Valley and its fire department. They meet when he shows up at her store after the fire and he insists on going by the book and checking things out.

These two have such great chemistry from the start. Ivy is determined not to get in a relationship with a firefighter while Carter will not let anyone get in the way of his career. As long as they ignore his profession, everything is perfect. I really liked them together and thought that they had a lot of common ground. It was a lot of fun watching them fall for each other over the course of the story.

I would definitely recommend this novella to fans of contemporary romance. It was a really well-done romance filled with wonderful characters. I am looking forward to future installments in this series!

I received a review copy of this book from Forever Yours (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley.

Initial Thoughts
This was a good shorter read. I liked the characters and the chemistry between them. I will definitely be checking out more books in the series.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews115 followers
Want to read
August 28, 2019
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,822 reviews438 followers
August 28, 2020
It is the day of the grand opening of her new shop and the smoke detector goes off. Ivy Serrano does not want to panic, but she can't lose her business. Not now. Not after finally getting what she wants to make her mark. She finds the source of the fire, a faulty wire, and quickly puts it out. However, the smoke detectors are still blaring. That is not the only sound she hears. Sirens are getting closer and closer. When the firemen get there, she tells them she has it under control. However, they must follow protocol and check things out for themselves.

The fire lieutenant Carter Rowan doesn't have time to listen the woman at the fire, whom he soon learns is named Ivy. He orders his men to look closely at the source in order to confirm that the danger is over. The sparks of the fire might indeed be gone, but what is he to do about the sparks that immediately flare between him and Ivy?

Ivy is shocked at her reaction to Carter. Of course he is handsome, stunning even, but he is a fireman and she has every reason never to want to think she could like a fireman, not even for one second. She has a very good reason to be wary of any feelings that soon begin to grow between her and Carter. After all, it is a small town, and the two see each other aside from the fire at her shop.

Carter has some issues on the job, as it is a new one for him considering he recently moved to Meadow Valley. But did he end up in this town simply to find the perfect woman in the form of Ivy? Also, can Carter help Ivy overcome her reluctance to consider a relationship with him?

Cowboy to the Rescue is a novella that makes a very nice start to a new series. The characters are likable and the conflict real. I loved how these two came together and how they resolved their differences, thus ending this book on a very sweet note.
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,705 reviews22 followers
September 7, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....

I was happy to see that Pine had a new series out. Her new Meadow Valley series starts out with the quick, fun novella.

Right away you get a feel for both Ivy and Carter. Right away you understand why Ivy might not be too happy to get involved with a firefighter after losing her brother. It's totally understandable. It's also understandable that the heart wants who the heart wants. Sometimes it makes your choices so much harder.

Whereas Carter wants a new start and doesn't want to invest too much in a relationship. Both have their reasons for not going after what they each want. Of course, being friends doesn't really help when there is an attraction between two people.

These two start spending time together and feels build. Well, duh!

I really enjoyed this novella. It's a quick read that gives you a glimpse of what's to come in the series while giving you a fun romance. Of course, because it's a novella the plot is light and them falling in love seems to happen quickly. These facts don't take away from the story but do kinda leave you wanting more.

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ARC received for an honest review
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,622 reviews369 followers
April 29, 2022
Cowboy to the Rescue was a great introduction to the Meadow Valley series with a delightful romance between a designer and the new firefighter in town.

Ivy Serrano is looking for a fresh start but her return to Meadow Valley is anything but smooth. After an electrical fire in her new store on opening day ruins her newest design, Ivy is rethinking her decision to come home. That is until the town's newest firefighter responds to the alarm and pushes all of Ivy's buttons. Carter Bowen is also looking to start over and a small town like Meadow Valley is the perfect place to do it. Between his job at the fire house and the volunteer work he does at a dude ranch, Carter doesn't have time for love. Ivy and Carter are both adamant they don't want a relationship but it doesn't take long for things to heat up between them.

Ivy comes from a family of firefighters and after losing her brother, she vows to never get involved with one after seeing what the loss did to her sister-in-law. But when Ivy meets Carter, her vow goes out the window. The chemistry between Ivy and Carter was fantastic and I loved how at ease they were with each other. The relationship between them builds quickly due to this being a novella but thankfully it never felt rushed despite the fast paced nature of the story. Carter definitely has to work to make it past Ivy's walls but that ultimately makes the payoff in their romance even better.

Overall Cowboy to the Rescue was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to picking up the first full-length book in the series, My One and Only Cowboy, soon.
Profile Image for WTF Are You Reading?.
1,309 reviews93 followers
August 28, 2019
Ivy Serrano and Lieutenant Carter Bowen could have the romance of a lifetime.  And they both know it.
They have in fact, known it since the day that the dashing fire fighter tried to fight the fire that our "not so damsal in distress" had already conquered.
Her fire.
To be exact.
In her shop.
Started by the faulty wiring in her mini fridge.
A fire that she then put out with her fire extinguisher.

Only to have Carter show up with rugged good looks, flashing blue-grey eyes, a no-nonsense demeanor, and softly accented purr.  Igniting a blaze of a different sort. And unknowingly opening doors that Ivy has been trying very hard to keep closed.

Carter too is haunted by his past.  A transplant to both the Meadow Valley Fire Department, and the newly opened dude ranch on which he volunteers.  A man seeking home, roots, and a place to belong.

A.J. Pine brings readers the perfect blend of small town romance meets second chance ever after.  In Cowboy To The Rescue.  The first offering of the Meadow Valley series.  And the first time that readers meet and fall in love with a couple that are doing all they can NOT to fall in love with each other.

Mostly due to the fact that Ivy has not yet healed from the death of her brother.  Veteran fireman, Charlie.  In a tragic building collapse.
A fate that Ivy fears will befall Carter.
A chance that she and her still devastated heart may not be ready to take.

This however is a case of "heart over head and body to follow."
And follow it does.
The sex here is steamy yet sweet.  Providing the perfect bridge between friendship and relationship in a very intimate way.

This is a very quick and enjoyable read.  Although somewhat predictable in places.  There is a slight issue with the transition from platonic to other.
It seems rather rushed.  But not to an extent that will detract too much from the overall quality of the story.

This is a wonderful story and this reviewer can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
September 14, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

COWBOY TO THE RESCUE gives us a peek into the beginning of the Meadow Valley series with the first book being released in December of 2019. I love prequels, they give me just enough to decide if I want to continue on with the full series, and often introduce me to the secondary characters who may be playing a part in the series at some point. It’s a novella-length story and this one will have you waiting for the rest of the series to begin.

Ivy and Carter first meet after Ivy’s put out a small electrical fire, on her own, no professional help needed – thank you very much. But as the new guy at the station and in town Carter goes by the book in checking out the now former fire scene. Sparks of a totally different kind sizzle between Ivy and this handsome firefighter – but she’s going to do her best to ignore them. She’s not looking for a man who walks into danger when everyone else runs the other way. She lost her brother, a firefighter, to a fire and she will not risk her heart again. Trouble is, the brain will do its best to protect us, but that emotional heart is wanting what might be the best thing for Ivy, which is to love a good man who loves her back unconditionally.

I enjoyed the introduction to this small town with its quirky residents, dude ranch (where Carter volunteers) and people who will most likely play a large part in the upcoming series. I was hooked by COWBOY TO THE RESCUE and a love story that touched my heart – now I want to know more, and there’s not that long to wait.

If you enjoy a good romance, some emotional conflict, small-town romances, definitely cowboys and a love story that will engage your emotions then you’ll want to get an early start on the Meadow Valley series with the prequel, COWBOY TO THE RESCUE. I had a blast with Ivy and Carter, and I believe you will, too.

*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.*
Profile Image for bookedrightmeow.
706 reviews55 followers
September 10, 2019
It’s no secret that I love a good cowboy romance. But a hero who’s not only a cowboy but also a firefighter? A.J. Pine’s novella, Cowboy to the Rescue, delivers the goods!

Clothing designer Ivy Serrano is opening her own shop in the small town of Meadow Valley. But luck is not on her side when a fire breaks out on opening day. As fate would have it, new-in-town Lieutenant Carter Bowen is one of the first on the scene.

Sparks fly between Ivy and Carter right away, but Ivy has a strict No Dating Firefighters rule. Meanwhile, Carter’s working hard to prove himself in his new job. And when he’s not at the fire station, he’s on horseback at one of the local ranches.

Despite their efforts to steer clear of each other, Ivy and Carter can’t deny their connection. But they both have tragedies from the past that they’re each working through. Can they overcome the past and move forward together?

Since this is a novella, the relationship moves pretty quickly. This is a fast-paced story that nicely balances humor, heart, and a little bit of steam. It’s an introduction to the upcoming Meadow Valley series and I’m definitely looking forward to even more cowboys from A.J. Pine.

Many thanks to the publisher for my free advance copy via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,316 reviews265 followers
June 5, 2021
Ivy Serrano is all set to open her new store in her hometown of Meadow Valley, California when an electrical fire breaks out. The new lieutenant, Carter Bowen, is on the scene with his team. Although she can’t take her eyes off the man, she has no intentions of falling in love with a firefighter. She’s had enough tragedy in her lifetime because of a firefighter and she’s not going through that again.

Carter Bowen has his work cut out for him. He’s determined to prove he deserves to be lieutenant of Meadow Valley’s fire department. The last thing he needs is romance, but he can’t help being attracted to the beautiful Ivy.

This is a short romance. A prequel to the Meadow Valley series, but there is so much storyline packed into these pages. It’s an emotional and romantic roller coaster with wonderful characters. They are well developed and the book is well written filled with drama and romance. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and get caught up with the characters of Meadow Valley. They each seem to have the potential for their own stories.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,194 reviews51 followers
Read
September 9, 2019
Ivy is a designer opening up a shop when she comes to find a electrical fire gets sparked causing the local firefighters to check things out. Carter is a the new guy an a Lieutenant firefighter and was on the job see things out for himself. Carter isnt' interested in distractions being that hes the new guy trying to prove himself and Ivy is a bit heartbroken with the loss of her brother who was a firefighter. So things are a bit complicated.

This was a cute little contemporary book. I enjoyed seeing the romance from the moment they met there was a clear connection now what to do with that you'll have to read on in the book to see. Clearly there is a romance that will brew but there are personal conflicts that make things a bit complicated for the two. Also just want to point out if your short on time and want to read a little romance then you'll want to pick up this book because even if its short it still packs in a lot and will keep you wanting more.
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,298 reviews45 followers
September 23, 2019
A small town romance between shop owner Ivy and firefighter Carter. There's lots of fun banter between the H/h as they get to know each other. The writing is fine and the story is easy to read and there are a few side characters (eg townsfolk). I do prefer to read a book with more angst, sizzle, tension and drama, but if you prefer to smile over a couple falling slowly for each other in a home town setting, then this story is for you. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 🙂
Profile Image for Jessica (TheBookNerd5).
571 reviews
April 28, 2020
This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased, honest opinion.

Ivy Serrano comes from a firefighter household. Her father was a Captain and her brother, Charlie, was a lieutenant. As we all know, there is a lot of risk and danger that comes with that career. Unfortunately, Ivy lost her brother Charlie in a fire involved accident. The grief that Ivy continues to hold on to, even two years later, is such a heavy load for one to carry. Ivy has told herself that she will not date anyone who has a life risking career. Enter Lieutenant Carter Bowen.

Carter is new to Meadow Valley and is on a probational period fighting to become a leader for the local fire department. Carter and Ivy meet and you can just feel their connection. It's like their souls were meant to find one another. Carter has also lost a loved one in a fire involved incident so these two have this shared bond through their tragedies.

Carter also happens to be part cowboy!! He leads trail rides at a local ranch. Talk about the ultimate swoon worthy character, a cowboy AND a firefighter?!? Carter and Ivy try to fight their connection to one another because Ivy does not want to go through that trauma again and Carter doesn't want to have to hide his passion from his life partner. This book was so enjoyable seeing the two of them work out their differences.

This was my first book by this author but I'm already looking up her other books, especially this series. I fell for her writing almost immediately.
Profile Image for Christine (Queen of Books).
1,364 reviews154 followers
September 3, 2019
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for a free e-arc for review.

This was a really cute story! Ivy is working through some fire-related grief when she develops an unstoppable crush on...you guessed it, a firefighter. What made this novella for me was a) the friendship between Ivy and Casey (yay, for main characters with friends) and b) the writing! I'll refrain from quoting, because I recognize I read an arc, but suffice it to say, I like A. J. Pine's voice, and will try more from her in the future!

The steam between the two love interests was pretty non-existent to me - there was just a little bit of foreplay. If you avoid detailed sex scenes, this just might be a romance novella for you!
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,069 reviews93 followers
September 8, 2019
3.5 stars

This was fine. Yes, fine. It was a quick intro and set up for the new Meadow Valley series, which I am excited about.

I really enjoyed Pine's previous series, Crossroads Ranch, so I have pretty high hopes for this one. This first book/novella was not as strong as her previous books. The main couple meets and falls for each other pretty quickly. I'm not opposed to instalove but it didn't blow up my skirt all that much either.

I enjoyed meeting some of the inhabitants of the town, mainly the Callahan boys/owners of the Meadow Valley guest ranch and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Jess.
3,161 reviews25 followers
September 11, 2019
Darn

I couldn’t get into this one. It’s seems I’m now 50/50 on whether or not I like books by this author.
Profile Image for Michelle.
523 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2019
This was my first A.J. Pine book. It probably wasn't best to start with a novella though. I felt like everything was too rushed, especially what happened in the end. I just didn't feel it was what the ending needed. One of those "too much, too fast endings".
I will give the next book in the series a try as I did like the small town and some of the other side characters.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,758 reviews21 followers
October 24, 2019
I felt an immediate connection to these delightful characters who find each other annoying upon their first meeting but that annoyance quickly leads to breathless kisses despite their best efforts to keep from getting involved. Based on my enjoyment of this introduction novella I can predict future books in this author’s new series are going to be one click purchases for me. Ivy is still deeply grieving the loss of her brother and Carter is mourning the loss of his father’s approval and though Ivy has no interest in dating a firefighter when she and Carter confide in each other their friendship quickly become a romantic relationship. I’m really partial to reading a series with small town atmosphere and the combination of an accomplished firefighter and transplanted Texas cowboy is a first and it really works for me. I have to confess that I’ve been married to a firefighter for almost 40 years so I might be just a little biased in how hot Carter looks in his turnout gear. I can’t wait to read future books in this series by this highly talented and accomplished author whose books are treasured favorites of mine. I highly recommend this engaging romance to fans of all ages. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,148 reviews23 followers
July 4, 2020
Received in exchange for a honest review.

Love love love Carter and Ivy. I love how Carter is everything Ivy needs and makes her feel safe and yet independent as well. He doesn’t think she can’t handle herself but instead wants to be by her side. They don’t start out with the best of meets. And Carter’s life isn’t easy at the firestation for many reasons but he soldiers on and believes in love and himself and dreams.

When Ivy meets Carter it is because of a fire at her store. He didn’t know who she was and didn’t care either. She put him in his place but he seemed to take it in stride. She got this kind, sweet man smiling and wanting to know her more. IVy was hesitant because he was a firefighter but agreed. As he is getting to know Ivy he is trying to prove himself at the station and things get dicey there as well as with IVy. Her stubbornness almost costs them a beautiful relationship good thing Carter is just as stubborn.

These two are made for each other. Both hardworking, stubborn and kind. Both would do anything for those they love but also are loyal and just sweet. They stand up for family and want to also show they can make it on their own. Poor Carter had a lot to prove especially with all he left behind to come to this small town. Every obstacle he took with stride and dealt with and in the end he showed himself to be a wonderful man who earned all he got.

For Ivy, she had to learn to get over her fears and see Carter for him and not just a fireman. That was hard for her but as he showed her his cowboy side and his kind side and how he was with family she began to view him with different eyes. The attraction was there for sure and when they were together it was sweet and fun. Her brother had a lot of growing to do and I am glad in the end he realized this and did what was right. The story was sweet and entertaining. Not angst that is frustrating just a story of love and acceptance. Of letting go and growing up. Of giving love a chance and family. A wonderful book all around.
Profile Image for Tea, And My Book.
149 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2019
The book has committed the ultimate sin in the book lover's world. This book has teased me and left me yearning for more and it does not feel good either. I want more of this couple and most importantly, I want me a firefighter cowboy to boot. One my favorite authors, A.J Pine, has done it again and I cannot wait until the next book in the Meadow Valley series is released. I'm so excited, can you tell??? Okay, okay..calm down girlie, you have to tell the good people what you think of the book. Okay inside voice, here I go.!!!


Ivy has suffered a major loss and has come back to her hometown to open her own fashion business. Carter is newbie to town looking to place roots and he is also the firefighter lieutenant . Both Ivy and Carter are facing hardships in this small town and they are two lost souls looking for love and connection. Ivy and Carter have great chemistry, but there is a problem. Ivy's brother was a firefighter and he sadly died while saving civilians and being that Carter is a firefighter, Ivy is really scared to invest in a relationship with anyone that serves in job that is dangerous such as a police office or firefighter. I know that it sounds shallow, but once you read the book, you will have a better understanding of her choice.


This book really left me wanting more because I loved Ivy and Carter together. Ivy was feisty and went for what she wanted while Carter had the biggest heart and I could not stop imagining him in his full firefighter uniform. Pure Hotness.!!! This story was about letting go of the past and letting love flow. The only negative thing that I have to say about this book is that it did not have the powerful emotional connection that I was expecting from a book about loss and learning to love and let go. I genuinely enjoyed this book and the writing in this book was phenomenal.! I am so looking forward to the Meadow Valley Series.
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,227 reviews29 followers
May 28, 2020
This is one of those authors that I swear I’ve read before, yet can find no record of doing so. Her name is so familiar, probably from seeing it over an over in numerous places. But it made me think I had to have read something of hers by now. Anyway, the reason I read this particular one is because *it was included in my eARC of Sara Richardson’s First Kiss with a Cowboy. I almost skipped it seeing as I have a million other books to read, but decided to give it a go since it was short and included with a book that I loved.

Well, this little novella did its job. I’m most definitely interested in reading more by this author and about this town. I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Carter. They were both quite hesitant to get into any sort of relationship; both for different reasons, but both legitimate concerns. Yet, they couldn’t resist the pull they had toward one another.

Ivy did get me a bit upset at one point; I can’t go into the details without giving spoilers. Although, if you’re an avid and long-time romance reader you pretty much know where this story will go and what the main conflict will be. That’s not to say it’s not worth reading…of course it is! It’s Ivy’s reaction at the time that upset me after all the discussion the issue already had up to that point.

Regardless, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story and will have to look into actually reading some of this author’s other stories. For real this time, not just in my imagination.

**I received this story as a bonus story attached to another ARC courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,667 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2019
I received a complimentary copy from the Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and liked it so much that I purchased a copy.

What a wonderful start to the series. Two of my favorites cowboys and firefighters! What isn't there to love. We were introduced to some great secondary characters along with Lieutenant Carter Bowen, a new transplant in Meadow Valley, and Ivy Serrano, a born and bred resident. Carter leaves Houston for Meadow Valley as his father is extremely unhappy that Carter chose to become a firefighter instead of working along side of him and his brothers in the auto garage that he built up. Carter was happy to become a mechanic until an accident that he was in claimed the life of his best friend. Ivy on the other hand lost her firefighter brother to a fire. She refuses to date a firefighter. The grand opening of her store sees a fire in the back room. The fire crew from right down the street to the rescue.

The road to Carter and Ivy's HEA is one that shows two people and how they overcome loss along with the pain and grief associated with it. Fortunately the story was written in a dual POV format. Getting into the thoughts of these two really helped me to understand Ivy's position (never having lost a family member to a fire). Ivy's best friend Casey also helped to bring out some thoughts for Ivy to reflect on.

I look forward to more of Meadow Valley and it's residents. I am voting on Casey to get her book (hopefully with her ex!!! HINT!)

There were some scenes that were sexual in nature but nothing that was over the top erotica and pages and pages of it. It may offend some though that want nothing but sweet and clean. That being said, I would highly recommend this book to anyone OVER the age of 18.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
984 reviews108 followers
November 7, 2019
Title: Cowboy To the Rescue

Series: Meadow Valley Novella

Author: A.J.Pine

Genre: romance

pages:119

Forever Yours

September 3rd ,2019

Rating: 4.5

All designer Ivy Serrano wants is a fresh start. But instead, her Meadow Valley homecoming includes an electrical fire, a trashed custom dress, and a very handsome fireman who knows how to push all her buttons. Lieutenant Carter Bowen may set off sparks of his own, but the last thing Ivy needs now is town gossip . . . or to risk loving another firefighter.



New to small-town living, Carter is determined to prove himself, both at the station and at the fledgling dude ranch where he volunteers. That means no mistakes, no distractions, and definitely no Ivy. Yet there's something about the sassy shop owner that he just can't resist. As things heat up between them, Carter's more certain than ever that she's the one. But can he convince her they have a future worth fighting for.



My thoughts

Would I recommend it ? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Would I continue with the series? Yes

For a novella it's a great way to introduce a new series , and set up the story , in this one you meet Ivy and Carter who has instant connection but both knows that they can't fell for one another because of his job and his just starting over but the heart wants what the heart wants no matter how hard you fight.Another thing I loved about this story was how nicely balance it is with humor, heart, and a little bit of steam. With that said I want to thank NetGalley as well as Forever for letting me read and review it.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,660 reviews145 followers
August 29, 2019
Ivy owns a dress shop in the small town of Meadow Valley. On her opening day her mini fridge sets off a small fire and introduces her to the new fire lieutenant Carter Bowen. Although there is an instant attraction Ivy has lost her firefighter brother to a fire and has vowed never to get involved with a firefighter.

Carter is only on probation, he is determined to make this new chance work, a huge change from his former life in Houston and his family business. He shouldn't allow the prickly owner of the dress shop to distract him from his goals. Carter isn't just a firefighter, he's also a cowboy, running a dude ranch with some friends in his spare time.

This suffers from the curse of the novella, not enough time for more than a single plotline, and as a consequence it felt overly simplistic with no character development. Having said that, it was enjoyable and introduced us to Meadow Valley and some intriguing characters. I guess brothers Wyatt and Shane will be getting their own books soon.

I received a free copy of this novella from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amber Hughes.
824 reviews129 followers
September 3, 2019
If you’re looking for a quick, sweet read, check out this prequel novella to A.J. Pine’s Meadow Valley Series!

Lieutenant firefighter Carter Bowen has only been in Meadow Valley for a short time when he meets Ivy Serrano at her new clothing boutique store after responding to a small electrical fire on the premises. The attraction is immediate but Ivy can’t let it go farther than that. After losing her firefighter brother 2 years ago, she won’t allow herself to get close to someone in that profession. The fear of losing them is just too much. While Carter understands her fears, he can’t be with someone who can’t support what he does for a living. He’s already been burned in that department.

But as time goes by, neither of them can deny their feelings towards each other. Ivy will have to decide if she’s willing to take a leap of faith on something really special between them.

I really enjoyed this story and these characters! It’s always a pleasure to read a book by A.J. Pine!

And I’m so looking forward to Book 1 in the Meadow Valley series, “My One and Only Cowboy”!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Vicki.
545 reviews13 followers
September 3, 2019
Carter Bowen is the new Lieutenant in Meadow Valley, having just moved to California from Texas for the job. Ivy Serrano has just opened her new boutique after returning home from spending time with her family after her brothers tragic death in a fire fighting accident.

While there is an instant attraction between the two, Ivy is still too raw from the loss of her brother, and is unwilling to open herself up to the risk involved with dating someone in such a risky line of work, while Carter is adamant that he can't be with someone that doesn't support his career.

Despite all of their resistance, the chemistry between the pair is undeniable, and they soon find themselves falling into a routine, and spending more time with one another.

Cowboy to the Rescue is a slow burn - Carter and Ivy are a sweet, sexy, funny pair, and a great introduction to the new series by A.J. Pine. While this is a novella length story, it is full of the emotion and human connection I've come to adore in Pine's stories.

I am thrilled to have this introduction to a new town and series - pick this one up today.
Profile Image for Marie (daffodilbookshelf).
286 reviews
November 14, 2019
Ivy has returned to her hometown to set up her clothing boutique featuring her own designs. When a small fire puts her in the path of the fire department's new lieutenant, both Ivy and Carter do their best to deny their mutual attraction. Ivy adamantly won't date firefighters and Carter doesn't want any distractions from proving himself to the department. But will love find a way?

I love a small-town romance! The main characters had true-to-life issues and their story played out with a couple of good secondary characters. I really enjoyed seeing Ivy and Carter work through everything. My favorite part of the book was the dialogue between these two! Whether it was witty banter or a serious conversation, Ivy and Carter came across as very realistic characters. Ivy had some good scenes with her best friend Casey and I hope she has her story told at some point. This was a quick, fun romance with very likable characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
6,497 reviews27 followers
August 29, 2019
This is a gorgeous book my first by this author but it won't be my last I will now be reading the back list

Ivy Serrano may have had a fire an the fire department may of come to her rescue but she didn't them by the time they arrived she had put out her fire with her fire extinguisher and she didn't need any blue eyed handsome fire fighter with a distracting accent help no siree. Lieutenant Carter Bowen is new to town he has come for w new start he has every intention of blending into the new department and at the dude ranch where he volunteers He doesn't have time for a fiery custom clothes designer. They both have a dark past she is getting over the loss of her fire fighter brother who died in a building collapse While Carter is just running from his past Can these two ignore the spark that has flared between them or will they be forced to both face their fears and form a bond that could last a lifetime. Will they get a HEA You will need to read to see
Profile Image for Karen Hackett.
1,014 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2020
Cowboy to the Rescue by A.J. Pine is a bonus story included in R.C. Ryan’s Born To Be A Cowboy. Designer Ivy Serrano just wants a fresh start, but instead, her Meadow Valley homecoming includes an electrical fire, a trashed custom dress, and a very handsome fireman who knows how to push all her buttons. Lieutenant Carter Bowen is new to small-town living, but is determined to prove himself, both at the station and at the fledgling dude ranch where he volunteers. That means no mistakes, no distractions, and definitely no Ivy. Yet there's something about the sassy shop owner that he just can't resist, and things heat up between them.
A.J. Pine creates chemistry between Ivy and Carter right off the start. As their relationship deepens, she adds wonderful characters to the mix. Cowboy to The Rescue is the first of the Meadow Valley series and a fun romance with light emotional conflicts and good-looking cowboys.
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