The Trouble with Cowboys

Lainey has endured more loss than any 25yr old should. After losing her grandma, the only one who ever cared and loved her, Lainey vowed to keep Tilley’s diner open. In doing that, she had to give up her dreams of becoming an artist and attending art school in Italy. Lainey then loses her mom to cancer. With bills piling up, she’s at wits end. Then, in walks Ty...her childhood crush. After leaving abruptly eight years ago, Ty returns home. His father has had a stroke and needs help running the ranch. Ty never wanted to leave and always believed he would live his life working the ranch next to his dad, until his mom dies. Hateful words and secrets were revealed causing Ty to leave. But he always knew he’d return. Although he didn’t think his former friends would treat him so harshly. Stopping at Tilley’s before going to see his dad, he reconnects with an all grown up Lainey. I loved the smoldering chemistry between Lainey and Ty. So hot they couldn’t their hands off each other. Lainey’s honesty, faith, and ability to speak her mind was absolutely refreshing. Lainey was one of the few who took the time to really look at and see the “real” Ty. She was able to slowly knock down the walls he built and get him to realize he was worthy of love. I loved Ty’s support of Lainey’s dream, his loyalty, and his sense of family. Their witty banter had me laughing out loud! I can’t wait to read Dean and Cade’s stories! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

This beauty starts off at breakneck speed with Tyler returning home after an 8 year absence. Walking into Tilly's diner he's met with stares, glares and silence. Even from his best friend. Tilly's granddaughter is behind the counter and avoids serving him, she gives him a to go cup of coffee. Nothing like a subtle hint! Loved Lainey! Tyler left town without a word to anyone. He and Lainey have history. He's come back because his father has had a stroke, his best friend is his Dr and his other best friend now runs the ranch that was supposed to be Tylers. He's been gone for 8 years and much has changed. He also doesn't know that Lainey brings his father supper every night and the two developed a friendship after Tyler left. The story paces through Tyler walking on egg shells around the house, fighting with his friends and Lainey and him trying to reestablish a connection with her as well as get the ranch back in running order. His attitude comes off a little like, "I'm home now and in charge.." Maybe, but where were you for the last 8 years. Something he's not anxious to disclose, or the reason he left in the first place. Tyler wore me out, he truly did. There were a couple of scenes I wanted to slap him silly for things he said to Lainey. One of those kindle flinging moments, every book has at least one of those! There were also times I felt like Lainey was mothering Tyler, which left me scratching my head. I didn't love this book, but I liked it. I love Victoria's stories, this one was just a little punchy for me. But still a great read! You'll enjoy throat punching Tyler. arc from Net Galley and Entangled for an honest review

Whether I'm looking for a book to read with a sweet romance or one with a little more heat I know I can always count on Victoria James to deliver. This is one of her sweet reads and it definitely hit the spot. It's a wonderful slow build romance that pulled at all my heartstrings. Tyler Donnelly left Wind River after a huge fight with his father, never expecting to return. Now eight years later with his father's health failing and the ranch in disrepair Tyler has finally returned home. Things have certainly changed while he's been gone and he'll have his hands full getting the ranch back to it's former glory. Too bad the townspeople aren't happy to see him. Luckily Lainey Sullivan doesn't seem to hate him and she's willing to help him find his way. This isn't a book you want to miss, I highly recommend it.