Cowboy Up

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4 I love a good ‘coming home’ story, and Harper Sloan has brought three of them in this series. Cllay has been in the picture for ages – and he’s always trying to do the best thing for everyone, and keep everything running smoothly. He’s the sort of always there brother, often stepping in to sort, solve or just be aware of what’s going on. But when his need to protect those who may be in trouble bring him face to face with Caroline: things truly start to change for Clay. One night, in fact the best night between Clay and Caroline brought passion, heat, a connection and a serious jump out of their ‘comfort zone” when a night of drinking and dancing ended in bed. No strings, just a diversion from her isolation after a horrible relationship left her cautious and closed off. But, now months later and everything gone pear-shaped in her life – her business burned to the ground, homeless and seriously in need of some care – there he is. At the baby shower for earlier characters, there’s Clay – big as life and twice as solid. And he sees Caroline for the first time in ages – her sparkle not quite there. He’d heard of her troubles, and he thinks that perhaps that one night could be something more – if they both will take a chance. And what a ride this becomes: Clay and Caroline both have issues that they would prefer to move on from, but some are lasting and lingering. The one night, the best night of their lives, couldn’t possibly be enough – but it just might be the keys to their letting someone in and starting toward a new future. Clay, surprisingly enough is very considerate and coaxing with Caroline, letting her share her secrets and fears while doing his best to not allow his past bad breakup effect the now. He’s a touch on the pragmatic side, although it’s clear that he’s attracted to and enjoys Caroline as a woman and a person. Surprisingly low angst in terms of their relationship – Clay is the ultimate protector here when Caroline’s ex just won’t let go – and he’s consistent and steady with her – making the story truly about their relationship as it grows and develops into a connection that is clearly headed to happy ever after. Narration for this story is performed by Elizabeth Louise and Jason Carpenter – a pairing that has worked, and does work, so perfectly for this story. Throughout the book, their voices play clearly off one another: becoming the characters complete with small hesitations, emotion and interplay between them that allows each character’s moment to shine and present their perspective. Clear and distinct tones, tempos and delivery for each of the characters, primary and secondary, allow conversations, moments and emotional impact to resonate with listeners, and their determination to make this relationship work out is easy to see and understand. A lovely performance that has me wanting to revisit all of the stories in this series once again. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Caroline and Clayton spent one anonymous night together. A few months later neither one of them has forgotten the other so when they unexpectedly meet again they each take the opportunity to see where this thing they have between them will lead. This was a deeply romantic book with just a tad of angst and then some small amount of extreme drama toward the end. Once Clayton had a second chance at Caroline he was all in. She had never felt the love of any man, much less a good man and her heart is instantly ensnared by her dark cowboy. There were times when I actually got a bit bored with all the sweet, romantic dialogue between these two. The angst was so low there was nothing really driving their story. For those who love such a story, this one is going to be the perfect read for you. The epilogue was great giving us a look fifteen years into the future. This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Dual POV Some ow drama but the hero hasn’t had anything to do with her for several years; some om drama although, again, the heroine had nothing to do with him for several years Possible triggers – domestic abuse

I have loved this entire series and I really think the author saved the best for last! This is a fantastic story of a man that had to take on responsibility early in life and never thought he'd find his own personal happy. Being the oldest of the Davis siblings, Clayton has always been the rock his brother and sister depended on. Now he's living his solitary life never expecting to find anything more. That is until Caroline Michaels comes into his life. Caroline has her own troubles but together they may just have a chance for some happy of their own. I definitely recommend this one.