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The Raffertys of Last Stand #3
Once a Cowboy
He’s a cowboy through and through…
Rylan Rafferty was a cowboy long before interest in his leatherworking artistry and saddle making for the rich and famous catapulted him to national fame. He values his privacy, so when a popular Texas magazine wants to feature him, his first inclination is to run. His military father who died in combat when Rylan was a teen was the artist, not him. But then he meets the photographer, and Rylan suddenly no longer wants to bury himself in his work.
Kaitlyn Miller values three things above all else—the memory of her father, her photography, and the mentor who first handed her a camera. Her beautiful but flawed mother may have chipped away at her self-esteem as a child, but Kaitlyn has confidence in her work. So she’s thrilled to be back home in Texas for her first big break—a photo shoot of a local Last Stand artist.
When plain Kaitlyn collides with gorgeous Rylan, unexpected sparks fly. But can he convince her that her generous heart and artist’s eye make her more than beautiful to him?
Rylan Rafferty was a cowboy long before interest in his leatherworking artistry and saddle making for the rich and famous catapulted him to national fame. He values his privacy, so when a popular Texas magazine wants to feature him, his first inclination is to run. His military father who died in combat when Rylan was a teen was the artist, not him. But then he meets the photographer, and Rylan suddenly no longer wants to bury himself in his work.
Kaitlyn Miller values three things above all else—the memory of her father, her photography, and the mentor who first handed her a camera. Her beautiful but flawed mother may have chipped away at her self-esteem as a child, but Kaitlyn has confidence in her work. So she’s thrilled to be back home in Texas for her first big break—a photo shoot of a local Last Stand artist.
When plain Kaitlyn collides with gorgeous Rylan, unexpected sparks fly. But can he convince her that her generous heart and artist’s eye make her more than beautiful to him?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
70 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Justine Davis
253 books216 followersAuthor biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 2, 2022
This is an awesome, contemporary romance
In which both the couple deserve a second chance.
It is a story which I hated putting down at all
Hoping all for them both that into place would fall.
Kaitlyn Miller has had so many upsets in her life
From losing her Dad to her Mum giving her strife.
She's a photographer, visiting Last Stand for a while
Hoping to help get a celebrity to actually smile.
Rylan Rafferty is a cowboy and leatherwork artist
Whose fame is spreading, his work can't be missed.
However, he likes his privacy and doesn't seek fame
Burying himself in his work is always his aim.
When these two meet, the sparks start to fly
But both have been hurt in the past, should they give love a try?
As their backgrounds and history are gradually shared
They become a couple about whom you really cared.
With families, friendships and romance, too
This is a book I highly recommend to you.
Set in Texas, mostly out on a ranch
It's a brilliant read, I hope you give it a chance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
In which both the couple deserve a second chance.
It is a story which I hated putting down at all
Hoping all for them both that into place would fall.
Kaitlyn Miller has had so many upsets in her life
From losing her Dad to her Mum giving her strife.
She's a photographer, visiting Last Stand for a while
Hoping to help get a celebrity to actually smile.
Rylan Rafferty is a cowboy and leatherwork artist
Whose fame is spreading, his work can't be missed.
However, he likes his privacy and doesn't seek fame
Burying himself in his work is always his aim.
When these two meet, the sparks start to fly
But both have been hurt in the past, should they give love a try?
As their backgrounds and history are gradually shared
They become a couple about whom you really cared.
With families, friendships and romance, too
This is a book I highly recommend to you.
Set in Texas, mostly out on a ranch
It's a brilliant read, I hope you give it a chance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
January 18, 2022
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
“Once a Cowboy”, by Justine Davis (Tule Publishing), another story in The Raffertys of Last Stand universe, features strong, different characters, both with their own vulnerabilities and insecurities, instantly attracted to each other.
In a story about attraction, falling in love, talent and the artistic process, the hero, Rylan, is the quintessential handsome – beautiful – male, but it’s the understated attitude about it that makes him genuinely charming and attractive. The author painted a male character we can easily picture, with his walking like a panther and strikingly “stormy-gray” eyes.
I liked Rylan’s dilemmas and insecurities, mixed with certainty, about his craft/art and how he’s so devoted to it.
I also liked how the creative process was always present in the story and such an important aspect of the main characters' personalities and lives.
The relation of Rylan’s self-image and talent to his father was also interesting. All the Raffertys are still deeply affected by the loss of their beloved father and husband.
Kaitlyn is an artist, too, and I also liked the way her art (and talent) was depicted. She’s a generous, giving woman, but the inferiority complex and sense of lack of worth are a bit too much. The eagerness to please and the need to apologize are annoying.
But it’s great to see the “plain Jane” win the gorgeous man and seeing him so smitten with her.
All the Raffertys are interesting and lovable and I enjoyed that they appeared in the book (and also some characters from other Davis’ series). The family bonds are strong and deep and each sibling and their mother strive for each other’s happiness. This is really a wonderful dimension of the story.
I just hope that Maggie, the mother, will have her HEA in her own story, too.
“Once a Cowboy”, by Justine Davis (Tule Publishing), another story in The Raffertys of Last Stand universe, features strong, different characters, both with their own vulnerabilities and insecurities, instantly attracted to each other.
In a story about attraction, falling in love, talent and the artistic process, the hero, Rylan, is the quintessential handsome – beautiful – male, but it’s the understated attitude about it that makes him genuinely charming and attractive. The author painted a male character we can easily picture, with his walking like a panther and strikingly “stormy-gray” eyes.
I liked Rylan’s dilemmas and insecurities, mixed with certainty, about his craft/art and how he’s so devoted to it.
I also liked how the creative process was always present in the story and such an important aspect of the main characters' personalities and lives.
The relation of Rylan’s self-image and talent to his father was also interesting. All the Raffertys are still deeply affected by the loss of their beloved father and husband.
Kaitlyn is an artist, too, and I also liked the way her art (and talent) was depicted. She’s a generous, giving woman, but the inferiority complex and sense of lack of worth are a bit too much. The eagerness to please and the need to apologize are annoying.
But it’s great to see the “plain Jane” win the gorgeous man and seeing him so smitten with her.
All the Raffertys are interesting and lovable and I enjoyed that they appeared in the book (and also some characters from other Davis’ series). The family bonds are strong and deep and each sibling and their mother strive for each other’s happiness. This is really a wonderful dimension of the story.
I just hope that Maggie, the mother, will have her HEA in her own story, too.
November 8, 2025
Rylan (Ry) Rafferty and Kaitlyn Miller (pro photographer).
February 21, 2022
Justine Davis does it again with Once a Cowboy! These Rafferty men are such great heroes. This story about two wounded people who find each other is so touching. I loved how supportive Ry was of Kaitlyn. And that she helped him overcome issues he didn't even know he had. Ry is a classic Justine Davis hero. Tough but wounded with a heart of mush where the heroine is concerned. Wonderful, romantic and touching book!
January 21, 2025
This was such a great inspiring story. Shy, timid Kaitlyn and temperamental, craftsman Ryland finding their way to a happy ending. Ry is learning to accept he is an artist like his father. He sees beauty and strength in Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn has been beaten down over the years and told repeatedly she is plain and not worth anyone's time. This was such a beautiful story of finding your inner strength.
January 25, 2022
Once a Cowboy by Justine Davis
The Raffertys of Last Stand, Book 3
He’s a cowboy through and through…
Rylan Rafferty was a cowboy long before interest in his leatherworking artistry and saddle making for the rich and famous catapulted him to national fame. He values his privacy, so when a popular Texas magazine wants to feature him, his first inclination is to run. His military father who died in combat when Rylan was a teen was the artist, not him. But then he meets the photographer, and Rylan suddenly no longer wants to bury himself in his work.
Kaitlyn Miller values three things above all else—the memory of her father, her photography, and the mentor who first handed her a camera. Her beautiful but flawed mother may have chipped away at her self-esteem as a child, but Kaitlyn has confidence in her work. So she’s thrilled to be back home in Texas for her first big break—a photo shoot of a local Last Stand artist.
When plain Kaitlyn collides with gorgeous Rylan, unexpected sparks fly. But can he convince her that her generous heart and artist’s eye make her more than beautiful to him?
This is Kaitlyn Miller and Rylan Rafferty's story.
Kaitlyn Miller was glad she’d gotten here early. She liked to check out job locations beforehand, and the town of Last Stand, Texas, was proving well worth the time. She could see she’d be breaking out her camera equipment long before the actual assignment that had sent her here began. The job didn’t start until Wednesday—probably because Jillian, her self-appointed boss, needed the time to sober up from a no doubt hellacious New Year’s weekend—so she had a couple of days to soak up the atmosphere.
Jillian Jacobs would laugh at the very idea of a town this small having atmosphere at all; she’d lived years in New York City, and that was her idea of atmosphere. Kaitlyn agreed with what her father used to say about big cities, that you didn’t really live longer there, it just seemed that way.
Kaitlyn had spent her childhood—the idyllic time before the storm—in a town even smaller than this. And she’d never gotten over missing it. She knew intellectually that it was the time of innocence and peace she was really missing, but her heart wasn’t having any of that logic. She simply always felt the pressure ease when she got out of downtown Austin and into the places that felt more like home to her, more like the Texas she knew and loved.
Rylan Rafferty opened his eyes with a start, just as he was about to slide off his workbench stool and hit the floor. He jerked upright, one arm knocking his small sketch pad to the floor, the other hitting the toolbox on his workbench. The sharp, quick pain snapped him fully awake. He had no idea what time it was and wasn’t sure he knew where his phone was to check. He’d done away with the clock that had been on the far wall long ago; his work didn’t run on a schedule, and it was just another distraction.
As was his hair, which he now shoved back, stifling a yawn. It was time for a haircut. He tended to ignore it until it got to be annoying, getting in his way, and that tickle on his forehead was the first sign. Last night that errant strand had distracted him just as the solution to a design he’d been working on had flitted into his mind, and he’d lost it. He’d been up until the wee hours trying to recapture it. Unsuccessfully.
He picked up the sketch pad from the floor. It was bent a little at the corners, but that was more from carrying it around in his pocket than anything. Then he found his phone buried under a pile of discarded pages from the pad. Nine a.m. Late, for ranchers. He was lucky his family cut him slack. It was—he looked again—Monday, so he hadn’t lost a day. That had happened a time or two and reorienting himself was an effort.
Once a Cowboy by Justine Davis is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Justine Davis.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The Raffertys of Last Stand, Book 3
He’s a cowboy through and through…
Rylan Rafferty was a cowboy long before interest in his leatherworking artistry and saddle making for the rich and famous catapulted him to national fame. He values his privacy, so when a popular Texas magazine wants to feature him, his first inclination is to run. His military father who died in combat when Rylan was a teen was the artist, not him. But then he meets the photographer, and Rylan suddenly no longer wants to bury himself in his work.
Kaitlyn Miller values three things above all else—the memory of her father, her photography, and the mentor who first handed her a camera. Her beautiful but flawed mother may have chipped away at her self-esteem as a child, but Kaitlyn has confidence in her work. So she’s thrilled to be back home in Texas for her first big break—a photo shoot of a local Last Stand artist.
When plain Kaitlyn collides with gorgeous Rylan, unexpected sparks fly. But can he convince her that her generous heart and artist’s eye make her more than beautiful to him?
This is Kaitlyn Miller and Rylan Rafferty's story.
Kaitlyn Miller was glad she’d gotten here early. She liked to check out job locations beforehand, and the town of Last Stand, Texas, was proving well worth the time. She could see she’d be breaking out her camera equipment long before the actual assignment that had sent her here began. The job didn’t start until Wednesday—probably because Jillian, her self-appointed boss, needed the time to sober up from a no doubt hellacious New Year’s weekend—so she had a couple of days to soak up the atmosphere.
Jillian Jacobs would laugh at the very idea of a town this small having atmosphere at all; she’d lived years in New York City, and that was her idea of atmosphere. Kaitlyn agreed with what her father used to say about big cities, that you didn’t really live longer there, it just seemed that way.
Kaitlyn had spent her childhood—the idyllic time before the storm—in a town even smaller than this. And she’d never gotten over missing it. She knew intellectually that it was the time of innocence and peace she was really missing, but her heart wasn’t having any of that logic. She simply always felt the pressure ease when she got out of downtown Austin and into the places that felt more like home to her, more like the Texas she knew and loved.
Rylan Rafferty opened his eyes with a start, just as he was about to slide off his workbench stool and hit the floor. He jerked upright, one arm knocking his small sketch pad to the floor, the other hitting the toolbox on his workbench. The sharp, quick pain snapped him fully awake. He had no idea what time it was and wasn’t sure he knew where his phone was to check. He’d done away with the clock that had been on the far wall long ago; his work didn’t run on a schedule, and it was just another distraction.
As was his hair, which he now shoved back, stifling a yawn. It was time for a haircut. He tended to ignore it until it got to be annoying, getting in his way, and that tickle on his forehead was the first sign. Last night that errant strand had distracted him just as the solution to a design he’d been working on had flitted into his mind, and he’d lost it. He’d been up until the wee hours trying to recapture it. Unsuccessfully.
He picked up the sketch pad from the floor. It was bent a little at the corners, but that was more from carrying it around in his pocket than anything. Then he found his phone buried under a pile of discarded pages from the pad. Nine a.m. Late, for ranchers. He was lucky his family cut him slack. It was—he looked again—Monday, so he hadn’t lost a day. That had happened a time or two and reorienting himself was an effort.
Once a Cowboy by Justine Davis is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Justine Davis.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 27, 2022
I received this arc of Once a Cowboy from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in The Raffertys of Last Stand series by Justine Davis. This is another great series where each book features a different Rafferty sibling. In addition, there are characters from other Last Stand series about the members of the Highwater family. This story focuses on Rylan Rafferty. He is a craftsman that creates beautiful items. He is somewhat of a recluse. He doesn’t like his studio visited. He is part of a large family that he is close to and his mother tries to get him to join in more often than he likes.
Rylan agrees to do an interview for a magazine as a favor to the governor of Texas. He immediately regrets his consent but is unable to back out. The reporter and her photographer will come to the ranch and interview him and take pictures of his work area and the items he has made. The reporter is pushy and demanding and treats the photographer, Kaitlyn as if she’s beneath her.
Rylan and Kaitlyn hit it off, both being creative types with painful loss in their pasts. He opens up to her and she does the same. He learns about her tragic and difficult past after her father died and her mother’s alcoholism. Ty notices her poor self image from being beaten down by her mother and people she works with. Kaitlyn sees herself as plain and unattractive and doesn’t believe Ry could be genuinely interested in her. Kaitlyn meets the family and Mrs. Rafferty likes her very much. The rest of the family includes her in dinners and conversations around the kitchen table. The reporter leaves Kaitlyn at the ranch to try and get juicy gossip in town about Ry to make the article more dazzling and herself recognized.
I loved seeing Rylan come out of his shell and fall for Kaitlyn. It was also wonderful that he helped her overcome her low opinion of herself and allow herself to become involved with him and his family. There was some angst as the two had misunderstandings and the reader was left wondering what would happen to the couple. It is a wonderful book. The characters are both so genuine and likable. The inclusion of the other family members and the various residents of Last Stand provide a comfortable background. I give this 5 stars and look forward to Cody’s story.
Rylan agrees to do an interview for a magazine as a favor to the governor of Texas. He immediately regrets his consent but is unable to back out. The reporter and her photographer will come to the ranch and interview him and take pictures of his work area and the items he has made. The reporter is pushy and demanding and treats the photographer, Kaitlyn as if she’s beneath her.
Rylan and Kaitlyn hit it off, both being creative types with painful loss in their pasts. He opens up to her and she does the same. He learns about her tragic and difficult past after her father died and her mother’s alcoholism. Ty notices her poor self image from being beaten down by her mother and people she works with. Kaitlyn sees herself as plain and unattractive and doesn’t believe Ry could be genuinely interested in her. Kaitlyn meets the family and Mrs. Rafferty likes her very much. The rest of the family includes her in dinners and conversations around the kitchen table. The reporter leaves Kaitlyn at the ranch to try and get juicy gossip in town about Ry to make the article more dazzling and herself recognized.
I loved seeing Rylan come out of his shell and fall for Kaitlyn. It was also wonderful that he helped her overcome her low opinion of herself and allow herself to become involved with him and his family. There was some angst as the two had misunderstandings and the reader was left wondering what would happen to the couple. It is a wonderful book. The characters are both so genuine and likable. The inclusion of the other family members and the various residents of Last Stand provide a comfortable background. I give this 5 stars and look forward to Cody’s story.
January 29, 2022
Rylan and Kaitlyn’s love story in Once A Cowboy by Justine Davis, book three in The Raffertys of Last Stand series, features strong, different characters, both with their own vulnerabilities and insecurities, instantly attracted to each other; reminds us that experiences and losses we have as a child, often affect the adult version, one grows to become. Rylan and Kaitlyn were perfect for each other, despite both having issues needed to figure out; both having baggage from their childhoods. Leather craftsman Rylan Rafferty grew up in a solid, loving, ranching family yet doubts about how good of an artist he was or . His father was the real artist of the family and Rylan had a hard time believing he could never live up to his father’s talents. Thanks to her beautiful, alcoholic, abusive mother’s scorn, photographer Kaitlyn Miller sees herself as utterly plain, and unless her camera is in her hand, worthy of fading into the background, not pretty enough for a man as handsome as Rylan; having no one believe in her except her mentor, surrogate father, Nick. Rylan sees below the surface with his artist’s eye for the truth, but convincing Kaitlyn of the quiet beauty he sees in her will be as difficult as accepting his own talent is as real as his father’s had been. As these two work together, for a magazine article about Rylan, they are pulled together, sharing an off-the-charts chemistry. Helping each other overcome their fears, baggage, and hurts allows their attraction to grow and bloom into an amazing love; but not without a few hurdles to cross first.
Ms. Davis wrote a wonderful and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, clever banter, a loving family, and authenic characters giving Rylan and Kaitlyn a chance to live a life full of love. I highly recommend Once A Cowboy to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Davis wrote a wonderful and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, clever banter, a loving family, and authenic characters giving Rylan and Kaitlyn a chance to live a life full of love. I highly recommend Once A Cowboy to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 12, 2022
We are back with the Rafferty family. A family we have come to love. This time the story belongs to Rylan. A Texan cowboy through and through, he’s become famous with his leather work. Rylan that doesn’t consider himself an artist though he truly is one.
As a favor to the governor, a former client, he reluctantly agrees to an interview for a magazine. What he never expected was to meet and be enchanted by the very talented photographer, Kaitlyn Miller.
Kaitlyn has little self esteem because of her mother. She believes she’s plain and no match to handsome Rylan. At least she has her mentor, the man that gave her a chance. Little does she know that Rylan sees her beauty and is determined to show her.
But will misunderstandings destroy what they were building?
Kaitlyn’s heartbreaking story, and the loss still felt by Rylan since his father’s death when he was a child, will touch your hearts. A reminder that the experiences and losses we have as a child, will affect the adult one becomes.
This was another wonderful story in this already much loved series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
As a favor to the governor, a former client, he reluctantly agrees to an interview for a magazine. What he never expected was to meet and be enchanted by the very talented photographer, Kaitlyn Miller.
Kaitlyn has little self esteem because of her mother. She believes she’s plain and no match to handsome Rylan. At least she has her mentor, the man that gave her a chance. Little does she know that Rylan sees her beauty and is determined to show her.
But will misunderstandings destroy what they were building?
Kaitlyn’s heartbreaking story, and the loss still felt by Rylan since his father’s death when he was a child, will touch your hearts. A reminder that the experiences and losses we have as a child, will affect the adult one becomes.
This was another wonderful story in this already much loved series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 26, 2022
I have come to love the Raffertys of Last Stand Texas so I was excited to read Once a Cowboy by Justine Davis. A wonderful couple in a wonderful story with all the emotional feels. A cowboy story where being a cowboy does not define the character but is simply part of who he is. Rylan Rafferty and Kaitlyn Miller are artists in their own rights. Very different fields but artist none the less.
There is loss as a child, doubts fed by others, one supportive family, and two of the nicest characters you ever hope to meet and fall in love. It does not skip over childhood trauma but shows resiliency. I could not help but want to give Rylan and Kaitlyn a hug more than once as I read this story. These are down-to-earth characters who have succeed in spite of past events in their lives. These are the kind of characters I enjoy getting to know and rooting for them to find a forever love.
I love the characters, the sense of place in Last Stand and the Raffertys in particular. Read the entire series, you will love it.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is loss as a child, doubts fed by others, one supportive family, and two of the nicest characters you ever hope to meet and fall in love. It does not skip over childhood trauma but shows resiliency. I could not help but want to give Rylan and Kaitlyn a hug more than once as I read this story. These are down-to-earth characters who have succeed in spite of past events in their lives. These are the kind of characters I enjoy getting to know and rooting for them to find a forever love.
I love the characters, the sense of place in Last Stand and the Raffertys in particular. Read the entire series, you will love it.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2022
Their love was meant to be.
Having read the previous books in the Raffertys of Last Stand series, I couldn’t wait to learn more about Rylan, the artist of the family. This book was everything I thought it would be, and then some.
Rylan and Kaitlyn were perfect for each other, but they both had some issues they needed to work out. They were both broken people. Rylan was in self-doubt about how good of an artist he was. His father was the real artist of the family and Rylan had a hard time seeing himself being as good. Kaitlyn’s alcoholic mother mentally abused her to the point she didn’t think she was pretty enough or worthy enough for a man like Rylan. As they work together, for a magazine article, they become close and learn how good they are for each other. They help each other get past what is holding them back and in the end fall in love, but not without a few hurdles to cross first.
This book was brilliantly written. I was pulled in from the start and it held my attention to the very last words.
Having read the previous books in the Raffertys of Last Stand series, I couldn’t wait to learn more about Rylan, the artist of the family. This book was everything I thought it would be, and then some.
Rylan and Kaitlyn were perfect for each other, but they both had some issues they needed to work out. They were both broken people. Rylan was in self-doubt about how good of an artist he was. His father was the real artist of the family and Rylan had a hard time seeing himself being as good. Kaitlyn’s alcoholic mother mentally abused her to the point she didn’t think she was pretty enough or worthy enough for a man like Rylan. As they work together, for a magazine article, they become close and learn how good they are for each other. They help each other get past what is holding them back and in the end fall in love, but not without a few hurdles to cross first.
This book was brilliantly written. I was pulled in from the start and it held my attention to the very last words.
February 2, 2022
Kaitlyn had a rough start if life. She lost her dad, her only loving parent, when she was young. Her mother is a selfish and abusive woman. She finds peace in her photography. Rylan is not only a Rafferty but also a famous, although very private, leather worker. They meet when Kaitlyn is in town to be the photographer on the article being written about Rylan and his craft. He is beautiful inside and out, but Rylan was raised to accept that for what it is.....window dressing. Kaitlyn hides behind her plainness. They have a strong connection and deep understanding of each other from the beginning. Kaitlyn doubts that the connection is real based on her own insecurities. Together they help each other heal and become the best complete versions of themselves. Great read.
December 24, 2021
This is an awesome read, one every time I had to put it down I just could not wait to get back to it. I also really enjoyed the first two books of this series.
Rylan and Kaitlyn are both characters you get to really care about , and the essence of the storyline will hold you enthralled as the author gives you a close look into the depth of their feelings and how their family lives helped form them. It’s just the best kind of read.
I’m doing this review in exchange for my free copy of this book from the publisher.
January 25, 2022
This is a glorious read that totally drew me in and kept me engaged until the last page I loved how unassuming Rylan was how in his mind his father was the artist not him we also see the impact ion the family of losing said father in combat. Kaitlyn has no self confidence basically having it knocked out of her by her mother but pout her behind a camera and she becomes another woman She my be plain in her eyes but all Rylan sees is a strong woman that he wants Can he convince her of her worth and can they have a future You will have to read to see
December 29, 2021
I really liked this love story. The main characters were great, as were the supporting cast. This book gave a good look at how actions speak louder than the negative rhetoric of poor self esteem. Overall, a great romance. * I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 24, 2022
Once a Cowboy is the third book in The Raffertys of Last Stand series by Justine Davis Enjoying this series. Rylan and Kaitlyn are very interesting characters. Together as a couple they brought out the very best of themselves. The other characters in the Rafferty family were delightful, including the dogs and horses. Always a great read from Justine Davis. Well thought out plots and easy to read.
January 26, 2022
I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. This is the third book in the series and it is about Kaitlyn & Rylan. From the beginning of the book I was drawn into the story. I was laughing , smiling and sometimes I was even left hanging and I just had to read the next chapter. This is a must read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2022
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book for a honest opinion.
Once a Cowboy by Justine Davis, the third book in The Raffertys of Last Stand series.
I've enjoyed previous books by author but this one wasn't my favorite but still very good. I really enjoyed the characters and setting of the book and visiting past characters.
Once a Cowboy by Justine Davis, the third book in The Raffertys of Last Stand series.
I've enjoyed previous books by author but this one wasn't my favorite but still very good. I really enjoyed the characters and setting of the book and visiting past characters.
January 25, 2022
A story that will burrow into your heart and warm it with lovely passages. The story of Rylan and Kaitlyn is one of discovery and revelations to both of them. A true love story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 4, 2022
3.5☆
I enjoyed revisiting Last Stand.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: The Raffertys of Last Stand
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
I enjoyed revisiting Last Stand.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: The Raffertys of Last Stand
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
November 24, 2022
Absolutely brilliant
I can hardly find words to describe this amazing, brilliantly written story. Wow doesn't even cover it. Thank you Justine Davis . Will definitely be recommending this to everyone. Such a heartfelt stunning and a must read. Absolutely loved loved loved it.
I can hardly find words to describe this amazing, brilliantly written story. Wow doesn't even cover it. Thank you Justine Davis . Will definitely be recommending this to everyone. Such a heartfelt stunning and a must read. Absolutely loved loved loved it.
January 13, 2025
Likeable characters and a decent story. Kaitlyn’s extreme insecurity causes her to constantly jump to very negative and false conclusions. It’s a bit exhausting at times. I’m glad it ended well but some of the misery was definitely self inflicted.
December 24, 2021
Awesome read!
February 16, 2024
It was ok
October 2, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️ I really really liked this book!!
January 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this book with the drama, angst & fun all running at high speed throughout. I enjoyed the chemistry between Kaitlyn & Rylan, it was strong & steady right from the start. The emotions were high throughout this book because both are still grieving loss & both can see the brilliance of the others craft that was born out of the loss they each endured. I also enjoyed seeing Ry’s family again & catching up with the relationships they’ve created. Definitely recommend. Thank you to Tule publishing for letting me read this book for an honest review.
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