DNF 20%

The premise was good, but I felt the story constantly repeated itself. The instant attraction really felt like it came out of no where especially given Leah's backstory. I struggled with any connection to the characters.

This is the first book I've read by June Faver. I am surprised by how much I liked it. Do Or Die Cowboy, had a lot of suspense. Every chapter was something new.

3.75⭐
June Faver is a new author to me and I requested Do or Die Cowboy as I liked the synopsis. Plus, I like a good cowboy romance and this one had the added element of suspense.
And whilst I found it enjoyable and engaging to read I did struggle with parts of it, including the pace at which the relationship between Ty and Leah develops. As well as the suspense which by its conclusion had become quite hit and miss.
But I did like the characters, particularly Ty who caught my interest from the start. With his acts of kindness and the instant friendship he created with Leah's daughter Gracie, and it was these characters that really drew me in and kept me reading. And it's why I would look out for more from this series in the future.

Do Or Die Cowboy by June Faver

I loved this first book in the new Dark Horse Cowboy series by June Faver. This small town series is based in Texas and has about as much heart as the Lone Star state itself. A heartfelt story about a single mother, Leah, who was raped then ostracized by her family and community in Oklahoma, flees to Texas with her daughter Gracie.

Ty Garrett, the rebellious middle boy of a prominent ranching family in town is finally leaving his legacy in pursuit of his musical dreams. On his way out of town, he rescues a stranded Leah and Gracie and takes them to her grandmothers struggling ranch. Ty and Leah’s instant attraction and the state of the ranch compel Ty to stay and help.

There was so much going on in this book; a feud with another local family, Ty’s Nashville Idol Dreams, Leah’s rapist coming after her, Ty’s overbearing father and brothers....and I loved every single word of it. The secondary characters were a treat and the small hometown feel of the book was sweet and inviting. I cannot wait for the next books in the series to come out.

This was a sweet romance with a cast of likable characters. The added tension and a touch of danger made it an enjoyable read. The ending is happy for all involved and I can see future books with some of the secondary characters. The author has captured rural small town Texas perfectly giving an authenticity to the story. I'm looking forward to more books from her.

Leah just has too many men out to do harm to her and her family. Fortunately, she meets Tyler, who is just too nice for words. He’s heading to Dallas to try to make it big as a country singer, but he sees Leah having car trouble at the side of the road. He stops to help her and falls in love, while helping her grandmother out, and fighting off the bad guys. It’s a case of insta-love coming along at just the right time to help save Leah from being a victim yet again.

It’s all rather predictable, but still a quick and easy read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Do or Die Cowboy is my first read by June Faver, and while I liked the overall premise of the story, I found there was an over abundance of description which at times deterred from the actual storyline. Leah and Tyler were likable enough characters, but they did seem to lack depth and the expected chemistry of a romance novel. I also found the dialogue fractured and stilted throughout the book.

While this wasn’t a ‘can’t put down’ story, it did show promise, so I’ll probably read the next in the series before I make any rash decisions about the series.

I loved this story and hope that there will be follow up stories on the rest of Ty's family! This is a family everyone will want to revisit! This was definitely about overcoming adversity and family. It's a wonderful story.

The main characters in this story are Tyler Garrett and Leah Benson.
Against his father’s wishes, Tyler is leaving behind his father, two brothers and the wealthy ranch life he grew up in, in order to fulfill his dream of becoming a singer.
On his way to Dallas, he meets Leah and her daughter Gracie.
Little did either know that their lives will be forever changed.
The author’s sensitivity in dealing with abuse, and rape needs to be commended.
Here we have two individuals searching for a different future but somehow destiny and fate changes their perspective on what is important.
It was a well written story, though at times I felt there was too many description which was a distraction for me.
Though not memorable, it is a good story for an afternoon of reading.
I received this copy from Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Tyler grew up as the middle son in a wealthy ranching family in Montana. While his brothers seem to have ranching in their blood, Tyler feels that singing is what is in his. Since his mom died, things have been tense in the family with Tyler feeling that he takes the brunt of his father's mood because he doesn't want to ranch. After another argument, Tyler packs up and takes off to Dallas to work on a singing career and try out for Country Idol. When he stood to eat in town, he sees a woman who catches his attention because of her beauty and also because she and the little girl she is with look scared to death.

Leah is mom to 8 year old Gracie. They are fleeing Gracie's abusive father. They are going to live with Leah's grandma, Fern. With only a few dollars to her name, Leah stops at a diner. As she is trying to figure out the best thing she can afford to order, Tyler buys them both dinner. She is touched by his generosity and embarrassed that she couldn't provide for her daughter. After they leave, their car breaks down outside of town. Luckily Tyler pulls up behind them. He pulls her car the few miles to get grandma's farm. He is struck by his run down it is and decides to stay a few days to help out.

The book is ok. Definitely not the worst I've ever read. The writing is simple and the relationship between the two main characters was too fast. The story needed more development. The characters of the antagonists, as well as the other characters lacked depth. I found myself thinking why or why don't they... And a peeve of mine- it's not a clip, it's a magazine.

This story has potential but falls short.

I really wanted to like this book but I struggled to get into it....the writing style was a bit basic and the dialogue between the lead characters was a bit stagnant. Not for me

I loved this book! I fell in love with the characters instantly. Ty was so caring. He madey heart melt. The author kept me captivated through the whole book. I would love to read more from this author!!! A+++

This book was ok, not fantastic but not I don't think that it deserves two stars. So we meet Tyler who is on his way to become a music star that has always been his dream, one that his mother always told him to pursue and always had faith in him, his father on the other hand thought he was wasting his time and throwing away his life, when Tyler left they were not on good terms. While en route he sees Leah and her daughter and the fear he saw in them broke his heart, he ends up helping her on the road to her grandmothers. These two had an insta-love like in a day they were in love but they had to overcome obstacles all around them and there were many.

A predictable story, but with some added tension and drama thrown in to keep it less unbelievable. The dialog was stilted at times, with commonly expected colloquialisms used that one seemingly thought would be expected in Cowboy/Country-Western story. Unfortunately the characters lacked dimension and added personalities which could have gone a long way to make up for any inadequacies in the story itself.

I truly dislike giving a less than favorable review for any author who gives of herself for her craft. Though this story was not to my liking, I’m sure there are other readers who would think differently than myself.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.