Cowboy Tough

Stacy Finz

Feb 2020 · Dry Creek Ranch Book 2 · Lyrical

About this ebook

Five hundred acres of gorgeous California land is a life-changer for cousins Cash, Jace, and Sawyer—and a surprising chance for each of them to find a game-changing love . . .
 
Sheriff Jace Dalton’s plate is piled high even before he discovers a stranded motorist just a few miles from his home. With two lively young boys to raise, a challenging reelection to win, and a hefty tax bill due on the ranch, all he wants at the end of the day is a shower and a cold beer. But the woman in the packed SUV clearly needs his help—and though she’s a stranger, Jace finds himself wanting to turn her haunted look into a smile . . .
 
Fleeing her abusive boyfriend, Charlotte Holcomb thought she’d escaped before she lost everything, but more heartache was to come. Now, sidetracked by a brewing storm, Charlotte has to trust the handsome sheriff. Just one night, she tells herself, before she’s on her way again. But when gentle Jace and his kids offer the kind of sanctuary she never imagined possible, it’s hard to say goodbye. Soon the two wary strangers are becoming friends, and longing to open their hearts to more—if they can move beyond the pain of their pasts . . .
 
PRAISE FOR COWBOY UP
 
“Stacy Finz delivers a fantastic tale of cowboys, cattle rustling and the power of love and family in the California gold country.” –Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author

 
 

Ratings and reviews

Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz Dry Creek Ranch #2 Jace and Charlotte probably would never have met if her miscarriage had not sidelined her on the road in Jace’s territory. And even though he played good Samaritan they would not have had seen one another again if this that and the other thing had not serendipitously happened to keep them together longer than that ride to the hospital. The reasons he offered her shelter and she chose to accept the shelter make for a good story. Add in the backstory of both, the sons of Jace and both eventually falling for one another and you have a fairy tale HEA come true. Now...what will happen in book 3? Will Sawyer find his sister or will he find a woman of his own or will all of that happen and more? What I liked: * Charlotte/Charlie: beaten but not entirely broken, smart and courageous once she made her move, knows what she wants and reaches out for it, creativity aplenty, a good partner for Jace * Jace: a good father, tied to the land, excellent sheriff, a bit clueless regarding his election campaign, looking toward the future and a good partner for Charlotte * Cash & Sawyer: Great cousins and support characters in the story * Aubrey: a good friend and assistant to Charlotte * The way the story was told * The relationship between Jace, Cash & Sawher * The reality and grim reminder of farms going under and the cost to those who lose their livelihood * The closeness between Jace & Charlotte and how it grew slowly * Travis and Grady – Jace’s children * The series What I did not like: * The abusive boyfriend – he, hopefully, will get what he deserves * The Beals losing their ranch (maybe?) * That politicians can win elections even though they don’t have a clue what to do if/when they win * That I have to wait to read the next book in the series. Did I enjoy this book? Yes Do I want to read the next book in this series? Definitely Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington – Lyrical Shine for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars

I would seriously give this more stars if I could. I adored this series. Now I did read them out of order as they could be stand-alone reads. There is an underlying theme of unpaid taxes on the ranch and Sawyer's missing sister, Angie but they really can be stand-alone. Each one is fantastic. I am really hoping that Sawyer's sister, Angie get a story also. Charlie Rogers is on the found on the side of the road by the County Sheriff, Jace Dalton. At first Jace thinks she is homeless as her small SUV is loaded down with boxes, clothes and other miscellaneous items. Jace tells Charlie that she can't stay there and where the nearest places are for her to go. She barely moves and clutches her middle. Jace opens the passenger door and notices blood. Charlie is pregnant and is about to miscarrying her baby. Jace rushes her to the nearest hospital for help. The doctor informs Jace that Charlie had been assaulted hence the loss of the baby that was in the second trimester. Jace takes Charlie home as it is late evening and she had been given painkillers. What happens is just a griping tale of how much these two go through to get to their HEA. I just adored both of the main characters. Even though I have never been in either of their situations, they were so relatable. The plot is one that flowed beautifully. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I had to see what the author had in store for these two. There were some great scenes that made chuckle, laugh, sigh and almost cry. I felt like I was right there in the midst of the scenes. I could really picture the action in my mind. The story was written in a multiple POV format. Not only was there the POV of the two main characters but we also see Sawyer's. His story is the third book of this series. There were some sexy scenes. The author gave some light detail but nothing of a graphic detail. I would HIGHLY recommend this story and the entire series to anyone over the age of 18.

I thoroughly enjoyed book one in this series, and this one was just as good. The premise of the series is of three cousins that inherit a ranch from their grandfather. A ranch they love and are trying to keep afloat, while working their various jobs. This time the story belongs to Sheriff Jace Dalton. Single dad whose ex abandoned the kids to be a free spirit. On a stormy night, Jace comes across a car on the side of the road with a pregnant woman in pain. Unbeknown to him, that encounter was going to change both their lives. But with Charlie/Charlotte on the run from her ex, and keeping secrets the relationship was a very bumpy one. While the plot was engaging and the characters, both main and secondary were complex and interesting, there was more to the story. A reminder that domestic abuse exists in all social classes. That sometimes the abused individual feels trapped and sure no one is going to believe her. Especially when the abuser is a prominent individual. Sadly, the victims frequently lose their self-esteem, trust in others and in themselves. Kudos to the author for bringing this issue to light. I am looking forward to the next story in the series, which I suspect will be Sawyer’s. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Kensington Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

About the author

Stacy Finz is a New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns as a newspaper reporter, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. She lives in Northern California with her husband. Visit her website www.stacyfinz.com. And sign up for her newsletter to learn about upcoming releases and events at www.stacyfinz.com/newsletter/.