Cowboys + suspense = swoon

Loved this read, can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

The epilogue was really long but it was perfect. Skye and Declan I feel bad instant chemistry together.

Really enjoyed every sweet moment of this action packed, heartwarming and emotional adventure filled with engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists, awesome supporting cast and undeniable passion. Great reading from beginning to end and so hard to put down.

This romance was so fun! Romance with a splash of murder and suspense is always a good idea. It was exactly what I wanted. The epilogue seemed a little long and felt a little out of place. But it ended up working in the end.

Skye Jordan witnessed something one night at the place she grew up at Sunrise Fellowship, she is now on the run she ends up at a ranch looking for work and she also is attracted to Declan and him to her. Yet she is keeping a distance between them for she does not want the danger that is following her to hurt him.
Yet the two of them become stronger together and she eventually tells him what happened and he is behind her wanting to be with her and help her. They come up with a plan to go back and take down the leader and show the others what is really going on. But if it all gets settled does that mean she will stay and he will never see her again? See what happens in this exciting story with strong characters.

Skye’s life growing up at Sunrise Fellowship is a quiet one, where the people work to build a better community together. When she watches the leader murder a young girl she knows the community is not the same anymore and so she runs. She knows she has to help save those she left behind but with not much knowledge on how the outside world works she struggles to decide on the next step. Starving and out of money she ends up on a farm that may have more answers than she could ever hope, if she is willing to trust Declan with her truth. This is a sweet story!

Really good story! This is the second in the series but could be enjoyed on it's own. I really liked the romance and suspense in this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the page. Recommended!

This fun spinoff series has become more and more interesting with each addition to the McGrath family and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to read it and share my opinion. Jennifer Ryan is one of the few authors that I enjoy reading that focuses her stories around the lives of ranchers in the west without making it hokey or too “old west”. This series touches on so many huge issues on both a micro and macro level with her characters and her stories and I enjoy reading each of her stories wondering what she will touch on next. This story takes us into the murky world of a commune that has morphed into essentially a cult and the escape of a woman that has decided enough is enough. Skye Kennedy has made her home at the fellowship most of her life and she loves her community, but she knows that something has gone wrong with the leadership. When she witness a murder she gathers the evidence she can of his misdeeds and makes a run for it, but a single woman on the run from a powerful leader of many men sometimes needs the help of just as powerful a family. She happens to hit luck and stumble into the McGrath farm and offers her help on the far, in exchange for room and board, knowing that the only way she will survive through the night is with someone opening their hand for her. Declan is amazed by the beautiful and spirited woman that has stumbled into his life, and his feelings for her just continue to become more and more entangled as he learns more about her. Soon his heart is caught and he can’t let her go, even though she is in mortal danger and determined to put herself in more to save her family and put things right with the fellowship. Can these two very different people find a way to be together across worlds and with so many people depending on them or will they be destined to be two ships passing in the night despite their love? Skye was an interesting character; in the beginning we assume she is only slightly smarter than the others in her commune, but definitely naïve to the world, but as we see her on the run and learn more about her, the determination, cleverness and dedicated she displays show she is much more than first impressions. Watching her find her way in the world with Declan, allowing herself to open her heart, and then allowing their friendship to deepen, was a fun enterprise and the way she offered herself whole to him despite her misgivings was perfect. She is witty, sassy, sweet, and strong in ways that even she didn’t realize right away and knowing that Declan was the catalyst to her seeing that was amazing. Declan certainly has his issues, but after watching his brothers fall in love, he wants a partner in life and its obvious he’s willing to put in the time and offer his heart to the perfect woman, who just happens to be Skye. His strength is just what she needed to bring her out of her shell, his unwillingness to let her go it alone make him her perfect match, and despite a few moments of despair and fear, Declan was the perfect guy. The passion between Skye and Declan was like and irresistible flaw to a moth, pulling them together even as they fought it and there was no way they were going to be able to stay apart. I loved every moment of this book and cannot wait for the nest story for sure.

Love of a Cowboy is the second book in the McGrath series and in this series we see some nitty and gritty in the emotion and what these characters are faced with. I was completely drawn into this story that we have here. I didn't want it to end and I was really pulled in with the "religious cult" that we have going on here and how that develops into the story. Now I read this book a couple of months ago and forgot to write the review so it won't be as lengthy as I normally give out but would love to share my impressions that I remember.

Our heroine, Skye, can be a bit naive at times, but I think most of that is due to the community she grew up with. There is a lot of faith focus, helping and serving each other but beneath that is a villain in the community who uses their compassion and generosity to build control and power and manipulation over everyone but Skye is not so easily controlled. And when she witnesses something horrific, she is forced to go on the run and finds grace in the arms of a sexy cowboy. Declan is foremost a protector and when he sees Skye in trouble and obviously in need of help, he jumps right in. There is a level of trust that builds immediately between them and even though the circumstances aren't ideal for their relationship, Declan is willing to go to bat for her.

Love of a Cowboy is a powerful romance that just curled my toes and kept me on edge. This is not a romance you can relax with LOL ....it will leave you on tenterhooks with suspense. You never know what Ryan will give you in her stories, but I just wanted to get more and more in this book, especially in seeing how this small town would be saved and how Declan and Skye would overcome the obstacles ahead of them. It's definitely not your normal story that this author will deliver on however, I found that I wanted to go on this adventure along with these characters and Jennifer Ryan makes it well worth the effort.

Overall I found Love of a Cowboy to be a stunning read and while it had some flaws around it with moments of the slow pacing, I fell in deep with the story and if you are looking for a good mix of suspense and western loving, look no further than this one here.

What wonderful romance! Prior to reading this book, I borrowed the first in the series from the library and, oh my, am I so happy that I did!

The McGrath family is so sweet. I love a romance novel with a strong sibling core. Then to see the story develop as focus shifts between them all.

This book is about Declan and how he stumbles upon a damsel in distress, though she is significantly strong than that. A powerful character in Skye that grows as she fights for is right and against what is wrong, no matter the cost. Declan helps her but certainly does not do it for her.

I can't wait to read Trinity's story in the next book of the series!

I love a tightly-plotted, romantic suspense novel and that is exactly what Jennifer Ryan offers up in her newest McGrath novel: Love of a Cowboy. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly reading from the first page until the very end.

At the center of the story are Declan McGrath, a hard-working, good-hearted rancher and Skye Kennedy, a smart and determined young woman who has been sheltered from the world at large. Considering Skye's upbringing, her lack of knowledge about the world outside Sunrise Fellowship, and the fact that Declan rescues her at the beginning of their story, one might expect a power imbalance between Skye and Declan but I never felt that. Ryan handles the dynamics of their relationship with a deft hand, displaying Skye's strength of will and leveling their romantic playing field nicely. Their feelings develop quickly and I enjoyed them together, believing in their happy ending. However, I wanted more exploration of them as a couple. I liked them as individuals and was happy for their HEA but didn't feel as invested in their relationship as I have with previous McGrath couples.

The suspense, on the other hand, is spot on. Ryan has created a villain who is chilling in his authenticity and a situation that could easily be occurring in many pockets of the country today. The tension kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering which direction the author would take as that part of the story twisted here and there throughout the book, right up until the explosive conclusion.

Love of a Cowboy can be enjoyed as a standalone though I do recommend getting to know the entire McGrath family through their individual stories. Next up is Declan's sister, Trinity. I'm eager to discover what Ryan has planned for her. That book, True Love Cowboy, is scheduled for release on August 24, 2021.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

I’m such a huge fan of cowboy romances, so when I was given the chance to finally read this author, I was beyond excited! I was not disappointed! It was so well written! This book seriously had it all!! Skye is our heroine who’s from a commune for simple life. She’s a hard worker and smart! But when she witnesses a murder, she’s on the run for her safety! Declan comes across Skye & instantly feels an attraction and wants to protect her. He’s such a sexy cowboy who wants a family! Declan is a supporter, protector, and will do what he can! I love that about him! These two have amazing chemistry & work well together! They also go through so much with all the action and suspense! *I don’t want to post spoilers for you guys!*
But really this was a wonderfully fast paced, sowing read!! I look forward to reading others from this author!

This was my first Jennifer Ryan book and certainly won't be my last. What a fun ride!! The heroine is witness to a crime than flees for her life. She ends up at Declan's, the hero, ranch. Of course they fall hard and fast for each other (the best part) and her past comes back to haunt her. There was a lot more action in this book than I anticipated. I loved the hero and heroine. This book was well written and held my attention. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book.

This will appear soon at the Romance Reviews Today site: http://romrevtoday.com/

LOVE OF A COWBOY – Jennifer Ryan
A McGrath Novel, Book 2
Avon Books
ISBN: 978-0-06-285198-7
April 2021
Romantic Suspense

Montana – Present Day

Skye Kennedy was raised in a self-supporting commune, but things have changed since their leader passed away two years ago. His son, Gabriel, has secretly expanded the commune’s businesses to include things that are not legal. Skye has been keeping their farming and garden parts alive with her skillful management and abhors what Gabriel is doing. One night, she witnesses him killing another woman of the commune and decides now is the time to run. She tries to help the other young women in the commune, but Skye knows too much and realizes that Gabriel will order her killed if she’s caught. She escapes and winds up in Montana, where she ends up with her car broken down and needing a job.

Declan McGrath is busy running the family ranch, so he needs to hire some ranch hands. One day, a woman who can barely stand shows up on his doorstep desperate for work. The job is hard even for a man, but Skye convinces him that she can do the work. He hires her, and even agrees to let her stay in his spare bedroom since it appears that she has no place to live. Soon, Skye impressively shows him how much of a hard worker she is, and the two settle in nicely even as he grows attracted to her. Yet, Declan suspects she is hiding—or running—from something. Turns out that he is right because she is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit, and she has evidence that Gabriel was assisting some dangerous anti-government terrorists about to commit a violent act. Can Declan help Skye prove her innocence and protect her?

Things soon turn dangerous for Skye and Declan in Jennifer Ryan’s LOVE OF A COWBOY. Bad people are after her and they will do whatever it takes to silence her. Skye isn’t sure who to trust, but Declan is a decent man who soon wins her trust. How will he react when she tells him her story? Will he believe her—or turn her in? Skye has proven to be resilient, and it helps her on the ranch because no job is too small for her. She can work in the fields and in the house. Declan’s family—his brothers and sister—soon see what he can’t: that he’s falling for Skye. But they will need to “free her” of the trouble that is hanging over her head. She can’t go to the police because Gabriel is shrewd, and he also has the local police in his pocket.

In LOVE OF A COWBOY, the plot has as many curves as a winding road. Just when Skye thinks she is headed to clearing her name and getting everyone arrested for their crimes, things change, and she and Declan are back in danger. Meanwhile, their friendship turns sexual, and daily they grow fonder of each other. But once everything is over, Skye will probably return to the commune because her family and friends are there. They need her. But does she need Declan more? Do they have any chance for a future together?

LOVE OF A COWBOY is an entertaining and suspenseful tale right from the first chapter and all the way to the end. Readers will love Skye’s spunk and determination, while Declan’s dedication to the woman he’s fallen for will be endearing. Don’t miss the adventure, drama, and romance in LOVE OF A COWBOY.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This is book #2 in the McGrath series, and it read fine as a stand-alone. While I haven’t read a lot of cowboy romances, this seemed atypical of the genre. Skye actually grew up in a commune type setting (Sunrise Fellowship) in Wyoming. It’s a community where everyone contributes and they are able to meet the needs of all of members. Unfortunately the current head of the community is making some poor decisions and partnering with some bad people. Skye witnessed something disturbing and runs.

She ends up on Declan McGrath’s ranch in Montana. He takes her in, gives her a job and a room, and there is immediate attraction that takes them by surprise. Skye will need Declan’s support as he deals with the aftermath of what he knows and what she saw.

This romance has lots of drama, bad guys, the FBI, and a long distance romance aspect. While I wish I’d gotten to know the characters a little bit better, the action definitely kept me reading to see what would happen next.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit this book started out a little scary for me and I put it down. When I went back to it, it was easier to read and then I really enjoyed the story and how hard it is for Declan and Skye to find their final HEA!

Love of a Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan
Contemporary romance with some suspense. 2nd good in the McGraths series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Skye escapes from her home after witnessing a murder. She ends up on Declan’s ranch where he gives her a job and immediately falls for her. The danger is not over for Skye though. An anti-government extremist group has tracked her down. They want their money, guns and war supplies that Skye managed to hide before leaving.

Declan is unhappy and unsatisfied with his life. His brother Tate calls him a perfectionist. Skye changes his attitude, his focus and his single status.
I admired the heroine for her intellectual strength and commitment to her community, knowing right and wrong, and doing what it takes to get to her goals. More than once I thought the hero should make a move instead of leaving it up to her. Why should she give up everything? On the other hand, his ranch is generational. I was conflicted. Their clear love for each other helped resolved my uncertainty.
The author handled the issues well and successfully achieving the emotional happy ever after.

“Declan made her sigh with pure contentment. Just watching him walk down the sidewalk, his gaze locked on her, that sexy smile, telling her he was happy to see her, all of it just made her happy.”

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Love of a Cowboy is the second book in the McGrath series by Jennifer Ryan, A steamy cowboy romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages and leave you wanting more! I was drawn in the whole time and did not put this book down until it was done. The happy ending was worth all the drama. If you have not read the first book in the McGrath series, you should pick it up soon.

Love of a Cowboy in the second book in Jennifer Ryan's McGrath series, and I'll admit to not being over the moon about the first book in the series, Waiting on a Cowboy, which I read and reviewed, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I liked this second book a much better read than the last one, and it gets 4-stars from this reader.

First the setting, a Wyoming commune called the Sunrise Fellowship, whose members live and farm there, a peaceful group that believes in kindness, cooperation, community, and separation from modern technology. It was started by a kind, gentle man, but upon his death, his son, Gabriel, took the reins, and to call him a greedy, self-absorbed monster is putting it mildly. He couldn't care less about carrying on his father's legacy--he's only interested in money, power, and has slowly been eroding the very values of the community, and perverting them as well, and one member of community, Skye Kennedy, has been suspicious of him for some time, and for good reason.

As the novel opens, Skye, who is scheduled to marry Gabriel the next day, along with other young girls from the commune, who will be married off to men Gabriel has chosen for them, sees his evil for herself. She doesn't love, trust, or want him, and when she hears voices coming from his bedroom, she soon witnesses him with 14-year-old, Lucy, and is shocked to overhear that he's not only impregnated the young girl, who fancies herself in love with him, but he is so outraged that beats and kicks her in the stomach, causing her to miscarry, and, as his violence continues, to die from blood loss. Skye is shocked and stunned, but instead she quickly gathers up the rest of the young brides-to-be, and flees into town to inform the group's lawyer and the police to report what's been going on at Sunrise. What she'll soon learn is that the police, and a group of violent separatists are in cahoots with with Gabriel, and Skye alone manages to get away before the other girls are rounded up and returned to Sunrise.

Fast forward one week, and Skye, hungry, tired, bedraggled, and cold is found by Declan McGrath, a Montana rancher, after she's gathered some fallen apples from the ground at his ranch. Having been born and raised at Sunrise, Skye has had no experience with the outside world, but she begs Declan to let her have the apples, and to work for him in return to staying on his ranch. She won't divulge why, but Declan finds himself drawn to the young woman, and on faith alone, hires her, and so begins a slow-growing respect, admiration, and attraction to the hard-working young woman, and Declan's curiosity about her past, as he tries to learn what drove her to such a desperate choice, and why she so fears being discovered, even though she's unaware of the fact that after she fled Sunrise, Gabriel has covered his tracks, and has claimed to the police and the members of Sunrise, that Skye, in a fit of jealous rage after learning that Lucy was pregnant with his child, that she was the one who murdered Lucy and her unborn baby.

What follows is a far more suspenseful and complicated romance novel than I expected. Skye and Declan's slow growing admiration, attraction, relationship and respect for one another, coupled with their mutual desire to protect one another was handled with great delicacy and restraint, and these two well-developed characters, their doubts, their fears, and their willingness to risk their very lives in their quest to gain justice for poor Lucy, and to return the commune to it's former good works is truly admirable. But if Skye somehow manages to get justice and clear her name, Declan wonders what will happen to their budding relationship, if and when Skye returns to the commune and her family. It's a question I won't answer in this review, but it's definitely worth reading this well-written novel to find out.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is an action packed read and I enjoyed it very much. The story line is intense at times and heart wrenching at others. Strong, determined characters work together to take down evil and save the innocent. Loved how devoted Declan and Skye were from the very start. Great book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book;n all opinions expressed are my own.

Skye is more than she appears!

Skye Kennedy was on the run from Sunrise Fellowship with the information that would put the leader in prison plus murdering her friend. Skye had finally run out of gas and money near the McGrath when she had to ask for help because she was hungry. Declan McGrath was tired of being alone, but meeting Skye helped him to realize that he wasn’t an island and there was something out there. Skye tried to push him away, so she didn’t involve him in the people that were searching for her and figuring who can she trust with the information that she took.

First off, don’t start reading Love of a Cowboy late at night planning to read just a couple of chapters before going to bed it wasn’t just a couple of chapters but almost a third of the book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.