The White Knight Cowboy

by Stacy-Deanne

Is this widower cowboy prepared for the feelings stirred up by this much-younger feisty maid running from the law?

When 40-year-old cowboy Dusty returns to his ranch in small-town Clear Creek County, he is shocked to find 19-year-old, beautiful black servant Lovely Jo hiding in his stables. She explains how she ran off after finding the master of her household, dead. She swears she’s innocent, but needing money to save his ranch, Dusty tries to take her to the Sheriff to claim the bounty for her return.

Lovely Jo ain’t the smartest weed in the field but she’s an excellent judge of character and she knows that despite his grouchiness, drinking, and gambling, Dusty is a trustworthy man and there is no one else in town she’d rather run to.

Desperate with her life on the line, Lovely Jo promises Dusty the one thing she has in her possession if he’d help her escape town: her virtue. But she never intended to give him her heart.

Tropes: grumpy cowboy, woman in jeopardy, widowed hero, interracial, small-town, age-gap, untouched/pure heroine, protective hero

Genres: Historical

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2023

About the author

Stacy-Deanne (pronounced Dee-Anne) is an award-winning and bestselling novelist of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction novels.

Her work includes Everlasting, Melody, Bruised, and Captivated. Stacy is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award nominee.

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Reviews

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Dusty is down on his luck and on the verge of losing everything due do his gambling addiction. When he returns home from a fay out he finds Lovely Jo hiding in his stable. She has been a fairly good judge of character and pleads for his help. She's been accuse by her now former employer of killing her husband. Rather than stay and prove her innocence Lovely Jo has been on the run. She's got a bounty on her head and everyone is looking for her. Dusty could sure use that money and seriously considers turning her in. The thousand dollars wouldn't completely cover his debts, but it would clear up a chunk of it. Lovely Jo for her part offers him something that has a lot of value depending how you are looking at what is offered. She offers her virtue. Will Dusty end up taking her up on the offer? This book had me laughing in some instances and almost crying in others. Although this is part of a novella series this can be read as a stand alone. Usually I'm not a fan of these short stories like this, but the story never felt like it was lacking in any way. I just wish it were a little longer. If you are looking for a fast paced book that can be read in one sitting you've found something to suit just those needs. Happy reading!

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dusty is a rancher of sorts, as the money dries up due to gambling he has to sell most of his cattle and horses to pay his debts, but one day when he finds Lovely Jo in his stables his world is turned upside down.

Lovely Jo worked in the big house looking after the lady but one night everything changes, and she finds herself running for her life. After being accused of murdering the master of the house she is on the run because if they find her, she will be hung with no real trial. Dusty has always been nice and kind to her so hiding in his stables. She is relatively safe as she has always had a soft spot for the older man and he for her, can she melt Dusty’s heart and feel the way she does about him.

This was a lovely novella with a subject which was wrote with delicacy and empathy, I loved the brave courage of Lovely Jo and her sheer faith in Dusty that he would not give her up, but I also like the determination of Dusty in the end to believe her and fight for justice and what was right against the law. This is a lovely short story with a heart-warming undertone and a happily ever after.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging short romance story, which kept me happily turning the pages. Grumpy widowed cowboy Dusty, returns to his ranch in the small town of Clear Creek County. He is shocked to find the much younger, and beautiful black servant Lovely Jo in his stables hiding. Lovely Jo ran away having found the master of her household dead, but she’s adamant that she is innocent. She believes she’s a good judge of character and so when she needed help ran to Dusty. However, Dusty needs money in order to save his ranch, and there would be a bounty to collect if he returned her to the Sheriff. In fear for her life Lovely Jo promises him her virtue if he helps her escape town, however she never intended to fall in love with him. This is a interracial and age gap romance between wonderful characters, Dusty and Lovely Jo. The setting has a real small town feeling which was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, as was the time period the story is set in. An entertaining and heartwarming read.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance. It is sent in a time in the past and I enjoyed how the author gives us a background to the time and place the story is set.
This is a romance story and it's very unique. This story is about Lovely Jo and Dusty.

Lovely Jo works as a maid for a well respected family in the town. When the man of the house turns up dead Lovely Jo is the number one suspect. Now she needs to run for her life and the person she runs to is Dusty.

Dusty is a widower who is up to eyes in debt. He is struggling to survive on his ranch after losing his wife.
When Lovely Jo arrives pleading for his help he is tempted to turn her in for the bounty on her head.
But things aren't that simple. Their are feelings between Lovely Jo and Dusty that have never been allowed to be explored until now.
Could this be a sad story? Will they finally find love and happiness just to have it cruelly ripped away from them? Is Lovely Jo guilty of murder?

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County Series) by Stacy-Deanne is a BWWM (interracial) western romance with a grumpy protective cowboy, drama, chemistry, spice, age gap, and finding love unexpectedly- in a bit of a wild west setting/small town.
A widowed cowboy encounters a lovely young woman taking refuge in his barn. She’s on the run, but swears she is innocent of any crime. She will do anything to escape the law, offering her most prized possession. But will Dusty decide to help her, or turn her in for the reward?
Another very short story from Stacy-Deanne, which made this novella a very quick and easy read. I would have liked this story to have been longer as I think I would have enjoyed even more detail, depth, and development and allowed me to really sink my teeth into the story. I like my stories with a little more ‘meat’.
Happy reading!

Thank you, Stacy-Deanne!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
The White Knight Cowboy is a BWWM/interracial romance. It is an historical western set in Clear Creek County a small town. It is full of tension, and drama and romance not to mention cowboys. All the things for a good story. This is a short story, which made for a very quick read. I wish it had been a little longer. At times the story is intense.
Lovely Jo is a sweet but naïve young black woman who flees when she finds her master dead. However, she is a sassy little thing and offers the one thing she has to keep herself safe from the law.
Dusty is a cantankerous man since becoming a widower he turned to drinking and gambling. He unexpectedly stubbles across something that he never expected but it is one thing that could save his ranch.
Will he expose what could be the best thing to happen to him or will he keep it a secret? To find out you will need to read this book for yourself.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars

This was a good BWWM Western Age Gap Romance and easy to read.

Lovely Jo is a young and loyal servant to a highly rich family in Clear Creek. When she is accused of murder, she goes on the run in order to save her own life, as no one believes she is not the person who is guilty of this crime. Dusty is a lone widower and trying to keep his ranch afloat while also having an issue with gambling. When Lovely Jo is found by Dusty at his ranch due to hiding from the law, will Dusty protect Lovely Jo due to their attraction and sparks that they have for each other or does a money bounty mean more to him? Will we find out if Lovely Jo is truly innocent or guilty of a crime?

This is a short, easy read and I was just hoping for a bit more of the story to come full circle between the characters and while the romance was great I was hoping more of some story about also the crime that was committed as well.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by this author know and I love her writing style. Her stories are easy to read and although generally on the shorter side they are never missing anything, her character development is good and I always enjoy what I read. This story was no exception. Lovely Jo was on the run after being accused of a crime she didn’t commit, she found herself being sheltered by Dusty who believed that she didn’t do anything wrong. I loved both of these characters, Lovely Jo was a really nice person who know sadly because of the colour of her skin she was being blamed for something she didn’t do and would more than likely not be believed if she was captured. Dusty, I’m going to be honest, was definitely book boyfriend material. There was so much chemistry between him and Lovely Jo but he was so respectful of her. I thought they made a lovely couple and I loved reading about them.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author again!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne. I have truly enjoyed this series and this book was no different. Its the age gap, grumpy older cowboy and young servant story. Dusty is the grumpy cowboy who is in desperate need of money for his ranch. When Dusty finds 19 year old Lovely Jo hiding in his barn he is interested in getting the reward money not in the girl herself. Lovely Jo has found her owner dead and runs so that she is not falsely accused of his murder. Running away has caused that to happen though and a bounty is on her head. Running to Dusty is the only way Lovely Jo thinks she can find help. He's grumpy but has a good heart. Dusty needs the hefty bounty but doesn't think he's going to catch feelings for Lovely Jo. Will he take the money and turn her on or will he keep her for himself and protect her? Read this awesome historical romance to find out

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books. They are well written and the author uses details to make them come to life. This book is no different. This is a shorter cowboy romance story that packs a punch. There is alot going on in a short amount of time but the author did such a great job of keeping it flowing. I enjoyed the steamy cowboy and other characters in the story. They are relatable, strong and unique characters that brought so much to the story. I enjoyed watching their chemistry and growth throughout the story. I read this book in one sitting as it is that good and one you don’t want to miss. A fast paced romance story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

[Breanne Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nineteen-Year-Old black maid, Lovely Jo, is running for her life when her mistress accuses her of killing her master. Innocent and afraid, Lovely Jo runs to the only person she feels as though she can trust, a 40-Year-Old white cowboy by the name of Dusty. Dusty has always been attracted towards Lovely Jo and Lovely Jo has always felt the same. Do Dusty and Lovely Jo end up falling in love? Is Lovely Jo’s name ever cleared? Find out in The White Knight Cowboy.
This short story is full of loveable characters and relatable emotions. It is a quick read and a sultry romance. I do feel as though it was missing something, which is why I did not give it 5-stars, I just cannot put my finger on to what it is missing.
Overall, I enjoyed The White Knight Cowboy. If you are looking for a quick romance, give this short story a try.

[Michaela Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Jo is running for her life, terrified that she will be charged with a crime she didn't commit, murder. And not just any murder, but the murder of the master of her former household. She knows that if she is caught, she will definitely die because she will never be given a fair trial.
Lovely Jo finds herself face to face with a rough old cowboy named Dusty, and she knows that he can choose to save her life or choose to end it. So Lovely Jo offers Dusty her absolutely most valuable possession, her body, and her virtue. She knows that Dusty is a good and trustworthy man and that he will keep her safe and save her life.
This is an amazing read looking into the hearts of a terrified young woman and an older scruffy man. I highly suggest taking the time to read this, as the story really is very well written!!!

[Knight Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accused of a murder she did not commit. Lovely Jo run for her life to the only man that she thinks might help her escape the area. Dusty Bowles always treated her kindly, when he came to the Bernstein's to gamble with Mr. Bernstein. It was tough for negroes in the old west accused of a crime as they were considered guilty until proven innocent. The reward offered for Lovely Jo would have certainly helped Dusty with his mountain of debt, but his conscience got the better of him before he could turn her in. A western romance where a white man protects his negro woman that he believed was innocent of the crime of which she was accused.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focused the simmering attraction between Lovely Jo and Dusty while dealing with the richest man, Mr. Bernstein, in Clear Creak County. What you see is how Lovely sees Dusty and vice versa but also the development of the inner dialogue of Dusty and how it change in mere hours of recognizing Lovely Jo's clear love for him.

I love that although this deals with a past of America, most don't want to talk about (slavery, blacks as invisible "things'), it shows that not all whites were evil and some not only respected but saw blacks as an intricate and important part of a society. I will go as far to say that black were (are) seen as human and a whole person, if only in Clear Creek County.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Jo is a young black servant for a rich white family in Clear Creek. She runs to Dusty's ranch when accused of murder because she knows nobody, including the law, will believe her.
Dusty is a lone widower with a gambling problem. In order to keep his ranch he needs to make a lot of money quickly. Dusty finds Lovely Jo who just so happens to have a hefty bounty on her head.
Dusty must decide to either protect Lovely Jo or claim the bounty for turning her in.

This is a short, easy read, but I found it a bit too short. I wanted more of the backstory to understand the characters and their motivation. The romance was good and the story was sweet. I appreciate that Dusty was a true gentleman towards Lovely Jo.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne

The White Knight Cowboy is a wonderfully written BWWM/ Historical Western/Interracial Romance that I devoured in one sitting. This story is set in Clear Creek County and finds Lovely Jo on the run and hiding out after she discovers her master dead. She’s a sassy young black woman who is willing to offer the one thing she has to keep her safe from the law.Dusty is a widower who has his own problems and is about to loose his ranch until he stumbles upon something that just might be the one thing to save him. I highly recommend reading this short story to find out what happens next . I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Shai Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Lovely Jo, a fugitive on the run for a murder everyone is accusing her of and Dusty Bowles, a man who might be her only salvation in a town that wants to see her tried for something she swears she didn’t commit. The two seem unlikely seeing as how she’s nothing but a servant and he’s a poor widow who has a few issues. But things change when the person you’ve been pining for is finally within reach. Dusty can’t help but want her to be his and Lovely Jo wants nothing more than him but its hard to start a love story when there’s a warrant out for the woman Dusty is enamored with. Can they figure out who actually did it before he has to take her away from Clear Creek County and watch her leave him or worse someone finds her and claims the bounty on her head?

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The White Knight Cowboy
By: Stacy - Deanne

This novella is amazing. I am developing quite a love for historical fiction, especially those stories that deal with the harder parts of history with a kind eye and empathy. This story definitely fits that description.
The main characters in this story are Jo and Dusty. Jo is a young black maid who is running away scared for her life. Her mistress has accused her of a murder she did not commit. She runs to the only person she feels can help her - a 40 year old white cowboy. Dusty and Jo have always felt a mutual attraction but they have never acted on it. I truly enjoyed watching how they interacted and how Jo trusted Dusty. I definitely recommend this story!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much shorter book than I expected when I started reading it but there was certainly a lot going on. Its not really the sort of book I would usually go for but with having read this author before I wanted to give it a try. The book was better than the description led me to believe. I actually connected with the characters more than I expected and I became invested in the story.
What I enjoyed the most about the book was the overall development. The author knew what she wanted out of the story and directed it so well. It was well written from start to finish and a really interesting read. I am looking forward to seeing what else this series has to offer.

[Adalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truthfulness and Authenticity

I have always loved reading books from ALL genres. But I was not a huge fan of historical fictions. Due to many of them are ACTUALLY truthful. And it puts me into some not so joyful feelings.
However, this book goes to show that although it has truthfulness and authenticity to it. It’s also worth reading. I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to seeing what’s next.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me, and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.

[Smutty~ Vibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The White Knight Cowboy: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County) is a great Historical read. I absolutely love this author she is amazing historical writer. I was not disappointed in this read there is a little bit of age gap between Dusty and Lovely Jo, but it wasn't a big deal for me this read sucks you in right for the beginning. Fast Paced read with Romance and Darama and everything to keep you entertained. The only thing I would change about this read is to make it longer I could have kept reading about Dusty and Lovely Jo. I highly recommend this Author and look forward to reading more book by her. Thank you for a wonderful read.

[Nakyshia Leger · Rating 4 out of 5]

No time is wasted getting down to business in this story! This is for you if you are looking for a sensual short story. Lovely Jo, a slave, is falsely accused of a crime and runs to Dusty begging for help. Dusty, a grumpy cowboy, has difficulty saying no to Lovely Jo, to whom he has been attracted for some time. Until he hears about the reward for turning her in.. Does his need for money outweigh the connection he feels for her? Will he help her and take her offering of the ultimate gift? The dance of Dusty and Lovely Jo’s personalities as they navigate their time together is captivating. This historical romance gets your attention quickly and keeps it until the last page.

[Stephanie Driskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Jo is hiding in the stables that belong to Dusty. She explains to Dusty that she is hiding from the law as she is accused of killing her boss but is innocent. Lovely Jo offers him her body as a way to pay for Dusty to keep her in hiding and her secret that she is still in Clear Creek County. There is a reward offered for her capture and Dusty sure could use the money to rebuild his ranch and get him out of debt and yet he cannot seem to be able to turn her over to the sheriff. Lovely Jo knows that despite Dusty being a grouchy mean man, she can trust him with her life and that the love she feels for Dusty will be returned in favor. In the end, Lovely Jo is found to be innocent and Dusty and Lovely can begin the relationship that Lovely Jo knew was always waiting for them to have. Great characters and such a quick easy read. Dusty even though he is a rough and tough cowboy refuses to take Lovely’s virtue until all the hurdles have been cleared and a relationship can begin. The scenery jumps off the page and I feel as if I am in the wagon with the two people in the Old West. The dialogue between the two is real and the tension jumps off the page and hits you in the feels!

[Moriah Venable · Rating 3 out of 5]

After returning home, forty year old Dusty finds a younger looking woman hiding in his stable.

Jo is running from the law after being accused of killing her boss, though she is innocent.

With the money for turning her in, Dusty could fix his ranch but turning her in doesn’t seem right.

Dusty comes off grouchy and mean but is really a good guy deep down.

Dusty and Jo’s first meeting didn't start things on the right foot and there is an age gap between the two but I thought the story was well written.

I generally don’t read western type novels but I was in the mood to read something out of my normal.

I would like to read the next novel in the series.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet read. I feel like there could have been more, more in regards to the relationship between Dusty and Lovely Jo. It seems like the book jumps into the middle of a story and we are missing the build of all the relationships in the book. I appreciate Dusty’s character wanting to do what is right. He is a man after all, but holds himself back until Lovely Jo is ready to move forward. He appears to be different than most white men at that time and I like reading about the men who would cherish, love and protect a black woman in a very diverse world.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author writes very interesting stories with usually a twist. I found this one to the same. This time period is one that doesn't usually support the BWWM. Dusty and Lovely Jo are a rare combination that come together. I found the story one that really kept me intrigued and I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen. The characters were wonderful. The story is well written, as usual. The author always does a wonderful job of trying to make it as historically accurate as possible. You can almost feel that you are right there. A quick romance to devour.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick 4 star read. When Dusty returns back to his ranch he finds a surprise. Lovely Jo fled her previous home looking for a place to hide. Finding out she is on the run he has to decide if he will protect her or turn her in for the reward. She has something to offer Dusty, will he take it? Will he allow her to stay? Overall this was a good read. If you like age gap, western romances, you will like this one. The author does a great job of pulling you into the story. I liked the characters and look forward to reading more from this series and author. 1-click and get started today.

[Devon Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHHHH…. This story was too short!!! I was so sad there wasn’t more! It sucked me in and quick!

You meet a young Lovely Jo and find out she’s the maid for one of the richest families in town. But is it all a facade? She has ran away to hide to keep from being hung for a crime she is claiming she didn’t commit.

In rolls Dusty…. Her knight in shining armor! She is hiding out at his place when they realize there’s more to their feelings towards one another. But will the Sheriff stop their potential romance from going further?

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short romance set back in 1895. A young black woman flees her job after her boss is killed and find refuge with a 40 year old white man who she thinks is a safe person. She offers her virginity to him in exchange for safety. He maintains his gentleman state at first, but gives into temptation. I liked the overall idea of this story, but struggled with the sex. The book starts off with a history of where and when the story is taking place which helped me to understand the time period. I think if you like romance with open door sexy, you would like this - it just isn't my cup of tea.

[Shannen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read a book by this author before, so this was a nice start. Dusty is a grumpy cowboy who is also a widower, and he’s not looking for much else in his life anymore. Lovely Jo comes barreling into his life with a suspicious story, but he feels like he can trust her. They have instant chemistry but neither one is prepared for it to go anywhere at all. Will they find something more than just living in their day-to-day monotony, or will it all be a disappointing bust? I feel like this was a rather good short story especially if you enjoy romantic westerns!