Wishing for a Cowboy

Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James, book three in her Wishing River series, is a sweet contemporary romance. Janie Adams has been the only parent her nephew, Will, has known since he was a baby; her sister being unable or unwilling to be a mom. Now fifteen years later and willing to do anything for Will, she has found the man who might be his father. Traveling across the country to find him, they arrive in the small town of Wishing River; finding the handsome cowboy she was told had abandoned his son and uncaring, sending her sister away. Upon meeting Aiden Rivers, his shocked response tells Janie that her sister just might have lied; that was definitely her MO. Seeing this boy, Aiden can’t dispute that he is his son; it was like looking in the mirror. He had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him, let alone that she had a sister. Aiden has missed out on fifteen years of fatherhood which he intends to make up. He is fearful about being a dad, having no role model since his was abusive, crushing his life goals. Being the ever helpful, hard-working, people pleaser, Janie sticks around to help Aiden ease into parenting. She shared the tricks she learned to lure a sulky teen out of his bedroom and how to keep up with the latest teen-speak. Together, this city girl and country boy team up to make the transition to fatherhood easier for Aiden, as well as sparking a connection between them. When the past, aka Janie’s sister, catches up to them, Aiden and Janie must decide what and who is best for Will; not how it might affect their budding romance. Although, Will just might have a thing or two to say about what he wants. Ms. James wrote an enjoyable, sweet romance that should not be missed. She provided a story with off the hard-working people, magnetism, chemistry, a caring community, and charming secondary characters helping Janie, Aiden and Will find their happily ever after. I enjoyed and highly recommend Wishing for a Cowboy to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This is a wonderful feel good story. There were times when I just wanted to pull both Aiden and Janie in for a hug. The story was beautifully written and the plot flowed nicely. It was written in my favorite dual POV format. That really helps me to connect and better understand the characters the way the author intended. While this is a part of a series and prior couples make multiple appearances, you don't have to read the prior stories to enjoy this. Janie became guardian to her 4 year old nephew when she was just 18. She raised Will while working two jobs and going to going to school to become a veterinarian. She put Will in the car and drives from Chicago to Wishing River. She has held everything together but lately, she needs help. The bills have just gotten away from her. She decides to ask Will's birth father for some money to help them out. Aiden is struck dumb when Janie shows up in his bar with the news of him being a father to a 15 year old son. He was never told of the boy's existence. Hurt and anger run through him while coming to grips with fatherhood. Aiden didn't have the best of fathers himself. In fact, he was both mentally and physically abused. What does he know about being a father? Can he overcome his painful past to be the right kind of father to his son? He is also developing feeling for the boy's aunt. I just adored this sweet romance. There were no sexy scenes besides one when things started to get out of control but Aiden quickly called a halt to it. If you love a haunted cowboy and a strong female, then I would highly recommend this to anyone. I would think that anyone over the age of 16 or 18 would enjoy this. I would suggest that a parent may want to have a say in the decision.

4.5 Stars This is book 3 in the Wishing River series and it features Janie and Aiden. Janie was in extreme financial dire straits. She goes to Aiden for money with a surprise in tow. Aiden is living a quiet but busy life. Janie disrupts his quiet life in more ways than one. This is a fantastic story line with awesome characters! The growth of the main characters was vast and felt very real for their circumstances. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait for the next book in this fabulous series.