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Devil's Bluffs #2

Stranded with a Cowboy

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All this cowboy wanted was to escape the press. Now he’s stuck in a tropical storm with a woman determined to leave when the rain is gone… Don’t miss Stacey Kennedy’s next Devil's Bluffs novel!

She’s given up on love…

But a hot affair with a hot cowboy is ideal.

Since being named Texas’s Sexiest Bachelor, millionaire rancher Beau Ward has been hounded by reporters. The sexy single dad escapes to his remote cabin to protect his privacy—until Nora Keller appears amid a tropical storm. She says it’s to plan her best friend’s wedding to his brother…but she really wants a no-strings fling before she relocates to Paris. With the storm raging, the pair discover passion unlike any they’ve ever known. Will walking away afterward prove harder than they’d imagined?

From Harlequin Desire: Passionate and provocative stories featuring rich, powerful heroes and scandalous family sagas.

You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance , part of the Devil's Bluffs series:

Book 1: Most Eligible Cowboy
Book 2: Stranded with a Cowboy

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2023

11 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Stacey Kennedy

125 books2,378 followers
Stacey Kennedy is a USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romances full of heat, heart, and happily ever afters. With over 50 titles published, her books have hit Amazon, B&N, and Apple Books bestseller lists.

Stacey lives with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario—in a city that’s just as charming as any of the small towns she creates. Most days, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family or venturing into the forest with her horse, Priya. Stacey’s just as happy curled up indoors, where she writes surrounded by her lazy dogs. She believes that sexy books about hot cowboys or alpha heroes can fix any bad day. But wine and chocolate help too.

Stacey absolutely loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at stacey@staceykennedy.com.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,271 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2023
This is a Steamy Cowboy Romance, and this is the second book in the Devil's Bluffs series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I liked the characters, but it took me awhile to really get into this book. I felt all the steamy times took away for the storyline in away. I loved the ending of this book, and there were some really cute moments in it. Overall, I just found this book to be just an ok read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Desire) or author (Stacey Kennedy) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
May 27, 2023
Stacey Kennedy returns to Devil’s Bluff in Stranded With A Cowboy, the second book in this series. I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first in this series. I didn’t feel the connection between the hero and heroine in this book for quite a while and that’s probably due to their agreement of a “no strings, just fun” arrangement until the wedding between his brother and her best friend. Despite that, Stranded With A Cowboy was a good story that I enjoyed.

Single dad Beau Ward wants one thing, for the reporters hanging around Devil’s Bluff to leave him alone. When he stepped in to help his brother and his lady love out of a jam he never expected to become the story they all wanted. Needing to get out of town and hoping they’ll leave when he’s gone; he leaves his son with his brother and heads to his cabin. He never expects to get a call from his future sister in law asking him to go out in the beginning of a tropical storm to find Nora, her best friend who was on his way to see him. (This was my first problem with this couple, this felt like a forced meeting and as someone who has lived in North Texas for going on 35 years we don’t really get tropical storms here, yes we get the affects of a tropical storm (high wind, rain, hail, tornado) on rare occasions and this kind of took me out of the story.)

Nora Keller is on a mission to make her best friend’s wedding perfect and also to find out if the spark she felt during a Facetime call where she meets Beau is as strong as she thinks it is. Deciding on having a fling is out of the norm for Nora but after her last relationship fizzled she’s decided love isn’t in the cards and a fling is what she wants.

I liked both these characters but didn’t understand why Nora hadn’t shared her financial woes with her best friend and while I understand her wanting to shake up her life and applying for jobs in Paris, I question how she expected to live when she was supposedly completely broke. Beau felt a bit one dimensional unless he was in a scene with his son, Austin, and he came to life.

While I did enjoy this story, it just didn’t have the same feel or emotional level I’ve come to expect from this author. That said, I was happy with the outcome, the epilogue was epic.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review
Profile Image for Laura.
2,556 reviews113 followers
June 2, 2023
***ARC Provided by the Author***

4.5 Stars

There was something about this one that I really enjoyed, and I think it was mostly about how much I really liked Beau. There was something about him that made me want to move to a small town in Texas, which is definitely not something I can usually say.

I also liked Beau and Nora together. I liked how into her he was, and how willing he was to show her that he saw her, and her worth, and that he was interested in being with her regardless of the things about her that weren't perfect.

I have seen authors ask if readers like books where heroes or heroines fall first, and I think it depends...but when I read books like this one, it makes me want to say I like the hero falls first books the most, just because getting to be part of Beau deciding Nora was the one for him made this book a fantastic read.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Profile Image for Jenn.
122 reviews26 followers
May 23, 2023
My rating: 5-stars.

First of all I have to say that Nora and Beau are HOT! Their chemistry is just off the charts HOT!

This book starts where Most Eligible Cowboy ended.

Hello insta-lust. I'm not usually a fan of insta-lust books but after the banter between Nora and Beau over Facetime I welcomed it with open arms.

Nora is a strong and independent woman. She's also highly amusing to me. Beau is a strong and independent man but has a past that he has to work on and through to heal and move forward with his life. He also has a young son named Austin who is the main focus in Beau's life. He's a sweet and well-mannered child. When Nora and Austin meet it's absolutely the most precious part of the book.

While this book is a short and quick read, it still manages to tell Nora and Beau's story beautifully. Ms. Kennedy has another well written and wonderfully told story to be proud of.

I voluntarily requested an arc via Netgalley and this is my honest review of Stranded with a Cowboy.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,522 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2023
I enjoyed the book and it made for easy reading while on a mountain vacation. I loved the chemistry between Beau & Nora from the first moment they met on screen. Their time together in the cabin was hot and I enjoyed their 'getting to know you' banter, but then reality would come into play and that's where the book lost my interest just a bit. Nora's insistency in her head that she was going to Paris regardless of what happened between her and Beau just rubbed me the wrong way. And then she runs off in the end and I just wanted to scream at her that she's living such a great man and his little boy. For what? A job that provides temporary happiness?

Of course, there's a cute kid in this one and cute kids always help elevate most stories in my book. The grand gesture at the end with Beau and Austin was adorable. Granted, I don't think they should have been the ones making that grand gesture since I didn't agree with Nora running away.

I didn't read the first book in the series, but this book can be read as a standalone with no issues.
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,020 reviews13 followers
June 5, 2023
Beau Ward is Texas's sexiest bachelor. He is a widower with a young son to raise and needs to get away from all the attention. His brother Colton is getting married soon and he meets Nora Keller on Facetime with his soon to be sister-in-law. His first look at her and there is a spark there. Nora is coming to Texas to help with the wedding and has recently been dumped by her boyfriend. She really doesn't believe in HEA. As they spend time together, they are both attracted to each other.
Nora needs a new start and his waiting to hear about a job in Paris and will move there after the wedding.
Book was easy to read in held my interest. Would recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Deb Schwartz.
531 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2023
The Rancher’s Plus One by Joanne Rock

This book delivers not one, but two captivating stories that will truly charm you. Who can resist the allure of Strong Cowboys and Sassy Heroines?

Let’s journey into the pages of The Rancher’s Plus One by Author Joanne Rock. This book is a beautifully woven tale that touches the heart deeply, centering around personal healing and the ardent quest to amend past wrongs, all for the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Levi and Kendra, each bearing their own emotional baggage, are unexpectedly thrown together to mend the tarnished reputation of the Kingsland family. The result is a whirlwind of emotions that intensify with each passing moment. Can these two individuals set aside their haunting histories and focus on the task at hand? Or will the irresistible pull of their desires take control, steering them into uncharted territory?

The brilliance of The Rancher’s Plus One lies in its premise. Joanne Rock, the gifted author, masterfully crafts a world filled with characters possessing unwavering strength, both in the main roles and in the supporting cast. The importance of family radiates throughout the narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance. And as the plot unfolds, a touch of mystery adds an extra layer of intrigue that will undoubtedly keep your mind engaged. One question persistently lingers: “Where’s Clayton?” The anticipation to uncover this mystery is undeniably captivating.

Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!

Stranded with a Cowboy by Stacey Kennedy

You’re in for a treat with Stranded with a Cowboy by Stacey Kennedy, the captivating second installment in the Devils Bluff Series.

Returning to Devils Bluff feels like reuniting with old friends. The story follows Beau Ward, a devoted father who’s dealing with unwanted attention from gossip mongers while raising his son. With his brother Colton’s interference, Beau finds himself at the center of matchmaking attempts. But all Beau wants is to extricate himself from this chaos and avoid another marriage after losing the love of his life.

Enter Nora Keller, a straight-shooting and surprising character. From the start, her no-nonsense attitude catches your attention. Nora arrives in Texas to assist with her friend’s wedding, seeking a fresh start and a job opportunity in Paris. The concept of happily ever after isn’t something she readily believes in. However, as she spends time with Beau, sparks fly and walls begin to crumble. Perhaps this cowboy could be more than she ever expected.

The chemistry between Nora and Beau sizzles, and the question lingers: Will they let go of their reservations and explore this undeniable attraction? Could it be a fleeting spark, or will it ignite into something deeper and more meaningful?

With Ms.Kennedy’s skillful storytelling, Stranded with a Cowboy delivers a heartfelt narrative about moving forward, finding the extraordinary in life, and fighting to hold onto it. The Ward family’s dynamics add layers of complexity, each member requiring their unique form of healing.

As you immerse yourself in this charming story, you’ll find yourself rooting for these characters, hoping they’ll uncover a connection that transcends their pasts. So saddle up and get ready for a ride through romance, healing, and the unexpected. Stranded with a Cowboy proves that sometimes, the most remarkable journeys lead to the most unexpected destinations.

Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!

My rating for these stories is 41/2 Stilettos by Deb!
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,094 reviews157 followers
March 10, 2025
In Stacey Kennedy’s Stranded with a Cowboy, the second installment in the Devil’s Bluffs Contemporary Romance series, this tender-hearted love story is all about second chances and redemption to make things right. For Levi Kingsley, his liquor business and ranch business is in a public turmoil ever since his father had passed away. He had made a mess between him, his brother, and two half-brothers, who were all heirs. But during this publicity crisis, he needed someone fast, even if it made his heart hurt. For Kendra Davies, she didn’t expect to see the man who broke her heart and ruined her father’s life from three years ago. But when he asked for her help, she knew this would help elevate her PR career to new heights. After she arranged a goodwill publicity tour across the country, she agreed to be his plus one, though it brought her closer than ever. But then with her mother’s reappearance in his life and her father’s drinking problems, it had hit a nasty monkeywrench to her plans. When she had gotten closer to Levi, he had put the brakes into their relationship since he didn’t know what he felt to her. To make it right, he had to make amends to her and to sweep her off her feet.

This moving contemporary romance will have your heart sigh and weep with joy. This pulls at your heart strings and cry happy tears. I cared for Levi, who had to deal with a lot in his personal and private life. I also cared for Kendra, who had the same type of issues to contend with as well. I loved the location of Silent Spring, Montana, for an idyllic small town in Montana. The dual themes is redemption and second chances for this enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance novel.

I rated this enthralling western contemporary romance five stars. If you love heartfelt love stories with plenty of heat and goosebumps to keep you in suspense, Stranded with a Cowboy is the one to read this spring. This book is recommended for fans who love romance, Hallmark movies, Jill Shalvis, Robyn Carr, and Sheila Jackson, to name a few.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,121 reviews26 followers
October 27, 2023
Stranded With a Cowboy by Stacey Kennedy is a follow up to her previous book, Most Eligible Cowboy. Here we see Colter's brother Beau taking the spotlight off his brother but then finding out that the cost of his notoriety is much more than he'd bargained for. He retreats to his secluded cabin, only to be followed by the best friend of his brother's fiancée, Nora, who insists on his help with planning the upcoming wedding.

Beau is still figuring things out after the death of his wife a few years earlier, and Nora is fresh from a brutal breakup so she's sworn off relationships for good. Perfect timing for a little friends-with-benefits, no-strings arrangement, or so they thought. As the wedding nears, their commitment to non-commitment starts to weaken. Throw in Beau's adorable young son, and Nora is a confused mess, wondering how such a city girl could ever be happy in a small country town, much less settled down with a cowboy who never got over his first love.

I really loved the way Nora and Beau worked together, and how quickly Nora bonded with Austin. I thought her reluctance to commit was relatable and her Paris aspirations turned out to be exactly what she didn't know she needed. This is a delightful story with a wonderful HEA and extended epilogue.

I highly recommend this set to anyone who loves contemporary cowboy romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,756 reviews46 followers
March 11, 2023
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Stranded with a Cowboy by Stacey Kennedy is a small-town romance. It's the second book from the Devil's Bluffs series.

This one is about Colter's younger brother, Beau Ward, and Adeline's best friend, Nora Keller. Beau had put himself in the spotlight in order to save his brother's love life and it backfired. He wanted the vultures to go away and have his peace again. He went away for a while to regroup and there came Nora with a proposal. It was supposed to be steamy fun until the wedding, with no strings attached. The problem was that whoever visited Devil's Bluffs fell in love and that's what happened to them. Could those two give a chance to love after everything they had been through?

It's such a fun and quite a sexy story. A fast-paced romance filled with heated scenes and sweet family moments. The plot is entertaining and a bit emotional. The characters were great and likable. Nora and Beau had amazing chemistry from the beginning and their romance
was so natural. My favorite moments (apart from the steamy ones) were them attending the family gatherings.

I loved the story and I highly recommend it. I will rate it with 5 stars.

Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,384 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2023
Stranded With A Cowboy is the 2nd book in the “Devil’s Bluffs Series.” This is the 2nd book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Stacey Kennedy and I am so enjoying these sexy cowboys. Beau is a sexy millionaire rancher, widower and a single father who has been named Texas’s Sexiest Bachelor and now he is being hounded by the press. Beau heads to his remote cabin to seek some privacy. Beau’s brother Colton is getting married and Nora is headed to Texas to help with wedding preparations. When Beau first sees Nora he is very much attracted to her and there seems to be something in the midst between the two. As Nora has been hurt in the past she is not really looking for anything in the romance department. As the two continue with the planning of the wedding they get more than that they bargained for when and the two find themselves stranded in a raging storm. Beau and Nora are enjoying spending time together as their hearts, minds, body and souls meet between the sheets for sizzling hot passion together during the raging storm.

Can these two get together and end Beau’s single status, became a family and have an HEA?

I received an ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,425 reviews54 followers
May 25, 2023
I'm developing a big love for all thing country and these are the stories that keep that love alive.

Beau is at it ends with all the reporters who are trying to get his sad life story. Enters Nora who knows how to make them disappear. When they first see each other, both feel a strong attraction. When Beau takes a few days away from the stress, Nora decides to visit him, under the pretense they need to agree on their duties around his brother and her best friend's wedding. But the attraction will not be ignored and soon they are burning the sheets and act like their relationship doesn't have an end date. But both had been burned in the past and when life throws them a hurdle, they both take the opportunity to protect themselves from heartache. But their love is too strong and soon they realize that they can't live without it.

I was swept away from the beginning and read it in one sitting. So if you're looking for a sweet, funny and steamy read, look no more, Beau and Nora are here!

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for A.
774 reviews
March 15, 2023
Stranded With a Cowboy is the second book in the Devil’s Bluff series. Stacey Kennedy wrote a sexy page turner with all of the feels. It was great, and I couldn’t put it down. Nora is Adeline’s (from the first book) best friend. Nora comes to Devil’s Bluff to help plan Adeline’s wedding to Colter during a tropical storm. She gets stuck in a cabin with Colton’s brother Beau while they ride out the storm out. Instant chemistry draws them together. Both Nora and Beau have had a tough time with love in their past. Can they overcome those feelings and find their happily ever after? It is a rough road, but they make it through and form a family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Sarah - Vanilla Twist Reads.
324 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2023
If you love a single Dad romance, I promise Stranded with a Cowboy will not disappoint. Both Beau and Nora are not looking for permanent but happy to have some fun while they help plan the wedding of Beau's brother to Nora's best friend.
The hay definitely gets set a lite between these two, but how long can they keep their heart out of it. Will it be a distant memory in the end, or will hearts get broken. Go find out. 💕
Profile Image for Phyllis Lopez.
1,095 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2023
A Beautiful Story of Second Chances at Love.

Beau Ward and Nora Keller seem to get caught up in the craziness of not only his brother Colter's wedding plans. Beau is being dogged by reporters, bacause of him being an internet sensation. Can Nora help him and can these two find love after Beau's wife died and Nora's ex skipped out on her? A m7st read.
569 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2023
WOWZA this is such an amazing story. I laughed, cried, fanned myself. This story has everything. I loved the romance and the steam in this book. Beau and Nora are an amazing couple. The ending and the epilogue really got me. Stacey Kennedy NEVER disappoints. PS..I want to visit.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,225 reviews117 followers
May 15, 2023
Here's the thing, my friends. Devil's Bluffs has a special power over all those who visit. Love is in the air, and it certainly wasn't immune to Nora and Beau's wild, passionate romance. Even after all they had been through, could they give love a chance?

Let me tell you, this story is an absolute thrill ride. The plot is packed with twists and turns, and the romance scenes are hotter than the flames of hell. But it's not just steamy fun – there are moments of raw emotion that will leave you clutching your heart.

The characters are absolutely to die for. Nora and Beau are a match made in heaven, with chemistry that sizzles off the pages. And don't even get me started on the family gatherings. Those sweet moments of family togetherness will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

So if you're looking for a wild ride filled with passion, love, and family, then look no further. This story will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Full review at bookcaseandcoffee.com
291 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2023
aww

Absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Loved the characters and their story. Highly recommend this series!!
1,018 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2023
Stranded with a Cowboy was a fantastic romance read! This story was sizzling with lot's of heat! Loved visiting Devil's Bluff again! Loved Beau and Nora together and that sweet boy Austin! Awesome ending! Looking forward to reading more by Stacey Kennedy!
Profile Image for Becky.
3,369 reviews140 followers
December 12, 2023
Eh, this one was just OK. I know it's a Desire book, but surely we could have worked a bit more plot and character development in there between all the steamy scenes? (For example, the guys who work with Beau and Colton are close enough friends to be invited to their weddings and even to a bachelor/bachelorette party in NYC, but they have zero individual characteristics--they're just a faceless, homogenous group. More than once they--and their dates--are referred to as "the cowboys and their partners.") The black moment seemed a bit silly and OTT, as does the fact that Nora

My copy--a PDF from HQN, not Netgalley--had a lot of really strange errors that should have been caught in editing but haven't yet. Fingers crossed that the manuscript had a thorough read through before final publication! (It was especially jarring because the first book in the document, The Rancher's Plus-One , was just fine editing-wise.)

Rating: 3 stars / C+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carmen Alicea.
837 reviews14 followers
August 15, 2023
The scorching romance, "Stranded with a Cowboy," by Stacey Kennedy, takes readers on a thrilling journey of desire, escape, and the intoxicating power of love. Against the rugged backdrop of a Texas ranch, Nora Keller, a woman disillusioned with love, seeks a temporary escape and a chance to indulge in a passionate affair.

Beau Ward, Texas's Sexiest Bachelor, is the wealthy rancher the media have relentlessly pursued. Seeking solace and privacy, Beau retreats to his remote cabin, only to have his plans disrupted when Nora arrives amidst a fierce storm. She claims to be there to help plan a wedding, but her true intentions are clear—she desires a no-strings-attached fling.

The magnetic attraction between Nora and Beau ignites the pages of this steamy tale. As the storm rages outside, they succumb to a whirlwind of passion and discover a level of intimacy and connection they never thought possible. Their chemistry is electric, and the boundaries of their supposed casual affair blur as their hearts become entangled in unexpected ways.

"Stranded with a Cowboy" is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling romance novel.
5,981 reviews25 followers
May 23, 2023
Two-fer.

Stranded with a Cowboy was a fast paced read that I enjoyed.
Beau Ward is a widower and a father, who was named Sexiest Bachelor and has him dodging reporters. He's instantly attarcted to Nora, the maid of honor in his brother's wedding, whom he conveniently gets stranded with. They get hot and heavy, but she's leaving on a jet plane...
4.5

In the Rancher's Plus-One, Levi has messed up not once, but twice with Kendra.
Three years ago, he had a hot one night stand with Kendra, then totally burned that bridge when he bought the company she worked to build with her father without one word to her a few days letter. Idiot. He's again again an idiot when he goes to her for help when his company is going down in #KancelKingsley flames. She's the PR fixer who is the only one who can fix his mess.

Kendra is strong, yet keeps giving Levi chances, even though he keeps burning her. Again.
And she doesn't even make him work for it, three times over.
4
Profile Image for Andrea (Hammock and Read).
1,168 reviews27 followers
October 19, 2024
Nora and Beau meet via FaceTime and it’s chemistry from the start. Nora comes out to Texas as her BFF is getting married to Beau’s brother. One topical storm and one bed - they get to know each other! 🔥 This is a fun, cute, steamy cowboy small town Texas romance!!

They work through some tough baggage and one hell of a “please come back” HEA! ✈️

Thanks to @staceykennedybooks @harlequinbooks for this eARC 💖💖
Profile Image for Shari Solovich Parker.
206 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2023
Stranded with a Cowboy is Stacey Kennedy’s second book in her Devils Bluff series. This is Beau and Nora’s love story. This book has a wonderful story and very well developed characters. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one but it is nice to have some of these characters back story. I loved this series!
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