Shacking Up

Cowboy Up #1

by Abby Knox

Sam may have a ranch to run, but he's not one to shirk his civic duties when he receives a jury summons in the mail. Fate, however, seems to be summoning him to the jury pool for entirely different reasons when a fellow juror half his age buddies up to him and refuses to leave him alone.

Nobody has ever stuck up for Wren before, who's been on her own since she was a teen. When the grouchy rancher, Sam, acts on his protective instincts on her behalf, Wren is sure beyond a reasonable doubt that he's meant to be hers for life.

Intended for adults ages 18 and up due to graphic sexual content.

Also contains:
One grouchy rancher
One vegan pixie siren
Age gap
Forced proximity
Jenga
HEA
NO cheating
NO cliffhangers

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Novella

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2020

Reviews

[Hannah B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

You couldn’t have waterboarded this story out of me

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord knows I live for short, sweet, sexy, reads and this book is that and more.
You’ve got:
🤎 A sexy silver fox cowboy (just yes!)
🤎 A sweet, sassy, lavender haired and tatted unique heroine (love her!)
🤎 InstaUndeniableLifeAlteringLove
🤎 Off the charts chemistry
🤎 A well deserved and ever so sweet happily ever after.
This books got all that and more. TBR and enjoy.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly perfect

Good lord, I loved this so much. I felt light and warm and so totally, completely happy.

But then those last couple of pages wrecked me and left me with this sad, anxious feeling in my heart.

Her mom's boyfriend made her run away when she caught him staring at her sleeping. Her mom didn't believe her and her sister stopped talking to her when she ran away. Why would the author bring all these awful characters back for the last few pages and show how they broke our heroine's heart? I don't understand why she would leave me with these feelings.

Everything before those few pages was a 5 stars read. Unbelievably beautiful and perfect. And made me want to be summoned to jury duty, even.

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the gist of this story. Characters were great. I love the short and sweet. Love the older man younger woman story line. But there was something missing. Maybe a little drama from the mom at the end would have given it that something.
I read an advanced copy of this book

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was fun to read😂 The hot older but kind of stuck up cowboy and the younger kind of eccentric woman. A match made in heaven. Two total opposite characters fell in love with each other and get their HEA. No daddy play, just two people that found their way to each other. It was sweet and romantic with steamy parts as well. I freaking loved how old school Sam was... so refreshing and cute 🥰🥰🥰

[Christina (Christina's Book Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aug 3-4

Sam may have a ranch to run, but he's not one to shirk his civic duties when he receives a jury summons in the mail. Fate, however, seems to be summoning him to the jury pool for entirely different reasons when a fellow juror half his age buddies up to him and refuses to leave him alone.

Nobody has ever stuck up for Wren before, who's been on her own since she was a teen. When the grouchy rancher, Sam, acts on his protective instincts on her behalf, Wren is sure beyond a reasonable doubt that he's meant to be hers for life.

Review : This book was really cute and sweet so this is about wren and sam who meet when they are doing jury duty . Sam is an old cowboy and Wren she is a girl who hasn't had a lot of people care about her . Sam and wren start to connect more and end up having sex . sam falls for wren and after there jury duty is over they plan to get married and move in together I loved it .

Quotes:
Some people read cowboy books. The lady in the row in front of us crochets baby blankets. Me? I listen to guys jerk it while I cross stitch cuss words and pictures of vaginas. I didn’t bring the current cross stitch project with me today, though. I can’t very well be stitching “Fuck Off” at the county courthouse,

Meet me in the room in five minutes.” “But I’m enjoying the movie,” I say, even though her whispers awaken the need in my body. “Sam.” “What? I am!” “I’ll be naked.” “See you in five minutes.”

We’ve got all the time in the world, sweet girl.”

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Older man/younger woman, rancher vs. vegan and and he is a possessive cowboy? I mean how can the story be any better? LOL. This has all the hallmarks I want in a story with maybe a little less angst that I need (I don't want much more but may be one of the characters needed a bit more interaction at the end of the story line, hard to explain without spoilers). This story is sweet and hot and full of humor and aggressive cowboy loving. I really enjoyed the meet cute and the sass that Wren has. I love it when they fight each other even when they know the steamy outcome. Sam is the fictional reincarnation of Sam Elliot (at least that is the first man that came to my mind) I might have even read some of his dialogue in that voice, LOL. Overall this was a very enjoyable short read that really hit my cowboy and Sassy craving. 4.5 stars.

[Fiona Fog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age no’s no barrier in love.

A fun read, slightly different from her other books but it delivers in romance, heat and swooning moments.

If your after a quick read then dive into this story. Older male lead and much younger heroine.

[eevee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wren and Sam have jury duty. Wren has colored hair, dreadlocks, tattoos, and a big mouth. Sam is conservative and traditional but Wren makes it her mission to ensnare him anyway. After some protesting, Sam comes around to Wren’s way of thinking.

I felt that there was some unfinished business with this novella. First, I don’t sense much compatibility between Sam and Wren other than physical attraction. While they have sex, Sam tells Wren that he feels uncomfortable with dirty talk. Wren was also watching porn in court (to add on to that wow! — isn’t she so punk-rock?! thing) and it implied she liked BDSM or at least some kind of power dynamic. So clearly Wren’s sexual tastes are more unconventional with her wanting a dominating man in bed, but Sam does not want to do that and he explicitly says so. But then that’s never mentioned again and they just fall in love. They’re going to divorce in 2 years but whatever.

The other thing that confused me was the last scene. Wren’s mom shows up (with her boyfriend, who was creepy with Wren). Wren is distraught. And then the book ends. Doesn’t that count as a cliffhanger? What happens with the mom and her boyfriend? Is that just it? Isn’t it in poor taste to invite your daughter’s molester to her wedding? Is the mom pardoned even though she did that, and why? This guy could strike again with another little girl. And it’s mentioned in literally the last couple of paragraphs. I feel like there should have been something done with that or just take it out completely.

Overall, I wasn’t too impressed. This does have a breeding kink which was fun, but nothing else was erotic or romantic. The characters are served to you on a platter. Sam is a nice good ole fashioned cowboy and Wren is a sassy vegan millennial. The only interesting thing was that they overlooked each other’s stereotypes while remaining stereotypes. Somehow. Wouldn’t keep on my shelf or reread.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a fun, quick read and this novella was exactly that. I loved Sam from the beginning. He’s an “old” rancher and lived for his ranch and reading books. Wren is a firecracker young girl who seemed very lost. They honestly were perfect for each other. It’s very insta love and I rolled my eyes a few times but it was still very enjoyable! I feel like I needed more of their story though.

[Sarah Anne]

DNF'd @ 50%

I did not like the Hero. I felt he was super judgemental about the Heroine. Also, did not feel any chemistry between the MCs.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!!!! The heroine Wren absolutely makes this book. Less than ten pages in and I was hooked. In the beginning she makes a hysterical faux pas during jury duty that is so relatable and just shrugs it off by saying:

It doesn’t embarrass me at all if people know what I listen to. Some people read cowboy books. The lady in the row in front of us crochets baby blankets. Me? I listen to guys jerk it while I cross stitch cuss words and pictures of vaginas.

Seriously! Who wouldn’t want to be this chicks friend! I love how self assured and witty she was. My only complaint is no epilogue. I so needed like 5 epilogues to check in with Sam and Wren. Definitely was some sequel bait in this one so hoping this couple appears in the next one for sure.

[Abby Knox]

Sam may have a ranch to run, but he's not one to shirk his civic duties when he receives a jury summons in the mail. Fate, however, seems to be summoning him to the jury pool for entirely different reasons when a fellow juror half his age buddies up to him and refuses to leave him alone.

Nobody has ever stuck up for Wren before, who's been on her own since she was a teen. When the grouchy rancher, Sam, acts on his protective instincts on her behalf, Wren is sure beyond a reasonable doubt that he's meant to be hers for life.

Intended for adults ages 18 and up due to graphic sexual content.

Also contains:
One grouchy rancher
One vegan pixie siren
Age gap
Forced proximity
Jenga
HEA
NO cheating
NO cliffhangers

[Gsmitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Knox has done it again! Sam and Wren are a wonderful opposites attract story you'll breeze through, then go back and read again because you enjoyed it so much! I know I did!
Two strangers connect at jury duty, sitting in on a heavy trial. From opposite walks of life, they find they connect on a deeper level, but, could their pasts be too much, and stand in the way of their happiness?
Sam is gruff, a wonderful interpretation of Sam Elliott, and quite attractive in his demeanor, seeing things in black and white, and knowing how it ought to be. Wren, like her namesake, flits around, never quite settling, never feeling safe and at home, until she meets Sam. Their chemistry is instant, even as it gets fought, and, their journey put a smile on my face! From chocolate avocado pudding to movie nights to romance novels, this story has a bit of everything!
So, what are you waiting for? You'll love this little snippet of small town heaven, all taking place at a heavy trial!

[Me_myself_and_romance_ Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quiet a few books of Abby’s and again she has a hit on her hands, it was so good I couldn’t put it down. This book is about two people being called in for jury duty that are completely opposites.

One being a cattle farm owner and the other a cashier. This is an age gap romance book and as they say opposites attract. When Sam has given up on ever finding love and thinks he will spend the rest of his life on his own he meets the sassy, sweet and tattooed covered Wren. There is an instant attractions between the two which is felt while your reading. While Sam tries to push Wren away, it actually brings them closer together. Both of their feelings continue to grow and the more they talk the more they realize they belong together. If you’re looking for a sweet insta love, saucy love story this is the book for you.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first; I love the cover of this book!
This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters loveable and the storyline enjoyable. Sam is a rancher that is sent on jury duty. Whilst there he meets a tattooed pixie of a girl. He tries his hardest to resist Wren but how long can he last?
The chemistry between Sam and Wren is clear to see and I loved them together.
I loved Wren I loved how she was described/looked and I loved her personality.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew jury duty could be the place to fall in love?
I loved how polar opposite both Sam and Wren were in this one.
Sam is the old cowboy who prefers a good book to any kind of conversation. He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy.
Wren is a unique individual with tattoos, who wears shorts to jury duty. She's a vegan woman who goes along to the beat of her own drum.

These two couldn't be more different right? Yet, they work. Sam goes from the grumpy old man that doesn't want any kind of connection to being Wren's protector when the other jurors say anything mean or what he deems wrong to her.
I won't lie, I kind of wish there would have been drama with the mom or sister. Just to kind of spice things up a bit for a story that seems just too sweet.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract!

Who would think that a "meet cute" could happen during jury duty? Sam and Wren are two complete opposites who get called in for jury duty during a murder trial.

Sam is an older, serious farmer with old fashioned manners and ideals. Wren is a young woman in her twenties with a free spirit attitude and a ton of tattoos. They notice each other right from the start, but each has issues in their pasts that make them wary. I adored reading about them getting to know each other. I found it sweetly romantic.

This is a safe read with no cheating. It does have some explicit content. It's a quick read with wonderful, relatable characters, humor and heart. I definitely recommend it.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally adorable!! Sam is a rancher called in for jury duty. From his description, I got some major Sam Elliott vibes. If he wasn't the inspiration for Sam, I don't want to know, leave me to my fantasy. Wren is so quirky and sweet, sassy and adorable. I loved her and her sense of self. She sits next to Sam who isn't thrilled that a sweet, sexy but way too young woman is right by him. Such a fun way for a couple to meet and what happened when she dropped her phone made me laugh! These two look like they couldn't possibly fall in love. That made it even better when they did. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face when I reached the end of Shacked Up, a total delight!

[Skye Yanovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a quick read but it also has a lot of heart. I'm a sucker for age gap romances and when you add in a silver fox cowboy? Yeah, I was sold on it. It was a bit of a slow burn because Sam was a bit of a hard head but Ally won him over with her heart & sweetness. And yeah, it was SUPER steamy when it got steamy so that was great.

My only wish is that I had more......made an epilogue because I just loved them so much and wanted more. But that's a good thing when you are left wanting more a story so please don't take that as negative at all.

[D Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book. Sam and Wren were so sweet. I laughed out loud in the beginning with her phone mishap because I'm terrified of that happening to me one day! Abby gave us a sweet love story between the characters. Sam is an older, straight laced rancher while Wren is this young and flighty almost hipster. They're complete opposites but they fall for each other in the midst of serving as jurors for a murder case. It was a fast read. No drama. I was a little disappointed with no epilogues. I would have liked to have one or two to see them happy in the future. Still a good read!!

[Maria M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, not a huge fan of how big the age gap was implied to be, the hero had a full head of silver hair and a silvery moustache, put me off and not my jam at all, kinda made me enjoy the story less than if the hero was slightly younger. Just my preference. The chemistry wasn’t off the charts, just a slight simmer. Not enough for me.

But the cuteness and the love between the two mcs was adorable. The jury duty storyline and it’s detail was a little interesting but didn’t really add anything to the overall romance other than it being a tool to bring the mcs together.

[A-reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t feel the connection between these two characters. Sam is interested in Wren but keeps talking himself out of anything. You never are told how old he is, just that he could definitely be her fathers age. Wren is sort of just lost, she dresses goth like, has a bunch of tattoos but isn’t a badass. She was just sort of meh. Felt “I love you s” were said to early. To Sam sleeping with Wren was love, he was too old fashioned.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - another new to me author, very short & sweet and just perfect! 🤗 I was going through a book hangover prior to starting this and it was just what I needed to get me over the hump. 🐫 From the very start I loved Sam and Wren. 💜 And to be so short I felt the entire story was fully fleshed out, there was even a little spice thrown in. 🥵 I'm definitely going to binge through some more of Knox's books. ☺️

[Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to be honest I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two mc's. I know they say opposites attract but I don't think that applies here. I did like the unusual circumstances in which they met but I just couldn't get into it. I really couldn't connect to either of the characters but especially the H.

[Karin Gesell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you match a grumpy ‘ole cowboy with a young sassy little bird, who end up sequestered together for a trial? You get opposites who are just meant to be, and are that perfect match. Loved seeing his protective side of her, and her fun side pulling him out more. Loved their chemistry!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Wren’s story was perfect! Grumpy, older man gets swept away by a fiery, younger woman and they live happily ever after! I love me a grumpy cowboy who can’t help but melt for the woman he lives who just happens to be a total badass. Another great read from Abby Knox!

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!

Sam just wants to get his civil duty done and go home, but Wren is a girl he never saw coming. This is a wonderful story and I love how relatable the characters are. Definitely a must read!!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, extremely fast paced insta-love story where the heroine is younger than the hero. Wren and Sam meet during jury selection and fall in love while serving on the jury together for a murder trial. This happens within a couple of days.

There’s not much else to the story. I liked the characters well enough, but the ending was a little cheesy. Overall it was okay.