Sometimes a story comes along that just overflows with all the emotional feels I could ever ask for from a book. This time that book is Only A Cowboy Will Do, the third title in the Meadow Valley Ranch series (which is a connection to the Crossroads Ranch series). There are reasons why I’ll almost always mention that I prefer reading a series from start to finish in order, Colt and Jenna are a good example of that reasoning, for me at least. We’ve had bits and pieces of their lives in other stories, now this older woman / younger man couple come together in a flash of emotion, almost insta-love, in a story filled with laughter, family, and a secret that may stop what’s happening between Colt and Jenna before it ever becomes official… if they let it. If this is your first time in Meadow Valley, don’t worry you’ll not miss anything important but the background from reading the other stories adds so much to this particular romance couple for me.

Jenna is off on a gifted vacation from her three nephews that she’s raised by herself. The first vacation in a very, very long time, and Jenna has made herself a list of things to tick off during that vacation – including one vacation fling just for the fun of it. Little did she expect that this fling would lead her to the man she could love for a lifetime. There’s just one thing that could shatter that dream, the secret that she hasn’t found the courage to tell Colt just yet.

I’ve loved the Crossroads Ranch/Meadow Valley Ranch world for a while now, I enjoy the way that even though we’ve moved on to another series we never truly lose track or connections with old friends… like Jenna and Colt. I had such a good time with Only A Cowboy Will Do. The situation is realistic, the characters believable (often I felt like I knew some through other people in my life), and the situation they find themselves in while might be heartbreaking for some, in reality, it also opens up possibilities. I try not to do spoilers in reviews, yet the situation that Colt and Jenna faced is a reality for so many people, and watching them fall in love, that reveal, and seeing how love can reform into a family was an emotional journey.

If you love a really good love story where the happy ending is hard-fought for but worth it… then you’d enjoy not just Only A Cowboy Will Do but this entire series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Only a Cowboy Will Do by A.J. Pine is a wonderful story about finding your happily ever after unexpectedly. Jenna just turned forty but does not look it. She has spent many years taking care of and raising her three nephews. But her nephews are grown and have lives of their own. Now she decides it is time for her to have fun and focus on herself for once. Colt gives Jenna a ride to a ranch he works for. She was gifted a two-week vacation from her nephews. They both have instant attraction for each other and begin flirting, laughing, and generally having a great time. Jenna wants a vacation fling and Colt might just be a fit for that. Is the fact that Colt is ten years younger going to be a problem for her? Colt on the other hand is ready to settle down and start a family. Will these two come to an agreement on their relationship? This is a very well written story, and I enjoyed the humor presented throughout the book, especially with the crazy chicken Lucy. I recommend this book for an enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

So the storyline was cute. If you can relate in any kind of loss or infertility then this will also be a little emotional as well. Overall it was a cute story, two broken people searching for their place to belong in this world. However I did feel that Colt had this constant guard up throughout the whole book and that the author almost seemed too hard to play it down. In some parts I just found it annoying. If I am to be honest I guess that was the case for Jenna as well but she seemed more free spirit and open then he did, she more or less wore her heart on her sleeve, which made her more relatable. There is sexual content throughout so it may not be suitable for all readers.

First off, I love the series from Carter to Colt. Your probably like ??Carter. He was the first book before this Sam story with is the official first book. I been of a amazing journey reading this series. With these brothers and this town has grown on me.
NOW, on to what I thought about the book. Love the story for Colt and Jenna. So heartfelt and I do have to admit it might have for triggers for some people so beware of that. If you can handle that. I was a unbelievable story. One of my favorites, not counting the Cutie on the cover. Last time she brought up bugs bunny, this one she brought up references to some amazing music. NKOTB and Billy Ray, lets not get started on GARTH BROOKS. I have 2 favorite tropes and A.j. pine always writes my favorite. Second chances at romance. I loved the back story to character and what brought them together and special surprise we learn about Daleny and Sam. 👨‍👩‍👧
Rating 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

3.5 out of 5 stars!

As her family has settled down, the heroine ends up getting a birthday present to relax at another ranch. Driving her to the destination is the younger hero, who wasn't looking for any long-term relationship. But as the couple makes the journey with her livestock pet, their relationship changes and deepens.

This is a nice A. J. Pine story. I enjoyed the family bonds that the couple have, the closeness each felt for each individual. Being loved, through the hardships and joys each experienced in their lives, made the couple stronger individually and together. It's nice to have cameo appearances from previous books and the couple definitely deserved their happiness. It's an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books from the author.


**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.**

This year is a milestone birthday for Jenna Owens, and she wants a little taste of a happy ending for herself. She wouldn’t trade raising her nephews from teens to adults for anything, but she’s looking forward to two weeks just for herself on a peaceful California ranch. She did not expect a freak storm to leave her stranded at a stranger’s house with a charming and unfairly attractive cowboy who was only meant to give her a ride and now has her rethinking her rule against dating younger men. A vacation fling is beginning to sound like a fine idea.

Since his fiancé ripped his heart out six years ago, Colt Morgan has avoided serious relationships. But he does want a big family, so he has to get back in the dating saddle at some point and helping Jenna with her trip to-do list, which includes a vacation fling, begins to sound like a good place to start. As Colt truly comes to know Jenna, he realizes what’s developing between them is very real and begins to wonder if she could feel the same. Just when things are lining up, Jenna’s past throws a wrench in everything Colt has ever planned for his future and leaves them both reeling and unsure where to go from here.

Colt may just be the perfect man. I loved the small but sweetly caring things Colt and Jenna did for each other and the banter between them was charming and entertaining. Colt was so sweet with Jenna that I didn’t even mind too much that the steamy scenes were glossed over or fade to black. These two communicated fairly well and at least didn’t spend too much time avoiding each other when they hit snags, so I appreciated that. The strong and capable meets cinnamon roll hero is quite possibly my new favorite thanks to Colt. This book managed to be simultaneously cute and light while also addressing some serious issues and handling them quite tactfully. Also, any grand romantic gesture that includes a Frankie Valli song can’t go wrong.

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

I really enjoyed Jenna and Colt’s story, the first I’ve read in the Meadow Valley series. It was so refreshing to read an age gap book where the woman is older, even if it’s only 10 years. Plus, our heroine is 40 and honestly, there’s not a lot of good romance featuring single, never been married, women in their 40’s. And Colt wasn’t scared away in the least!
Their chemistry popped from their first meeting, which I thought was hilarious. In fact, many of their encounters had a lot of humor, and I love those funny little connections between characters. In fact, Jenna seemed to have instant connections to most of the characters in the book. Colt was open and charming. Despite his less than stellar childhood, he seemed happy and content for the most part. They really clicked.
I loved the ending, but I won’t say why because I don’t want to spoil it. It was wonderfully written, as was the book as a whole. I have only read a few of Ms. Pine’s books, but I’ve enjoyed them all!

**4-4.5 stars**
Reading a book by A.J. Pine is always such a joy for me! Only a Cowboy Will Do is another great read in her Meadow Valley series.

Jenna’s book was one I was highly anticipating, and it was such a fun, sweet, heartwarming story. Colt and Jenna had great chemistry and I loved the banter between them and the fun they had together as their feelings grew into so much more. These two characters have both been through a lot in life and they both deserved so much happiness. I was rooting for them from the beginning.

This whole series has been wonderful to read, and I cannot wait to see what A.J. Pine has in store for us next!

I loved this delightful cowboy romance!

Aunt Jenna has raised her nephews to see them finally settled with families of their own, so they gift her with two weeks at a friend's ranch, where she vows to check items off her "to-do" list as she ponders just what to do with the rest of her life. Still a very young forty, she's nonetheless surprised to find that she's undeniably attracted to the thirty-year-old ranch host who not only drives her to his Meadow Valley ranch but also agrees to help her check items off her list -- all of them!

This was a very sweet romance with a major secret that comes crashing to the forefront at exactly the wrong time. Jenna and Colt's journey to their HEA was warm and heartfelt, and I loved how they each realized the perfect solution on their own. The world needs more couples like Colt and Jenna, even in fiction.

This was a joyous return to Meadow Valley and the HEA includes a follow-up with a previous couple in the series. Not too steamy, there's still plenty of romance to heat up your summertime loving. If you've been following this series or the Crossroads Ranch series, you definitely don't want to miss this crossover book. I highly recommend it for every reader who loves the cowboys. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This book has everything any romance would love. A hard-working handsome cowboy with tons of charm and a smile that sets any woman’s heart racing. A beautiful, warm hearted and charismatic woman who is trying to find her place in life after a job well done. There is lots of flirty banter, a penchant towards getting muddy, quirky pets and stolen moments spent in each other’s arms. Both Jenna and Colt have had some particularly hard knocks in life that have left scars on their hearts and shaped their plans for the future. An unexpected love brings new hope and new pain to their lives, and they have to make a choice. Choose love and forge an amended plan for the future or walk away from each other.

Neither Jenna or Colt expects her two week vacation on the ranch he co-owns would change their lives forever. Her list of seven things to do for herself while on vacation includes having a vacation fling. The spark of attraction is there between from the moment they meet. But he is a decade younger than her, and she tells herself he is not for her so she warns him off. During a night spent sharing a room after a fierce storm causes a delay on their trip to the ranch, their attraction won’t be denied. Jenna bravely mentions her list and her wish for a fling and Colt finds himself quickly agreeing to part of it. He also agrees to help her mark off the items on her list. Both are very adept at flirting, and the stolen passionate kisses soon lead to a passionate night spent in each other’s arms. Jenna and Colt quickly become aware that it isn’t just attraction or lust between them. They both want so much more, but fear it too soon to mention love especially when her home and family are hours away. How could they make a relationship work? Will Colt even want one with her after he learns about a decision Jenna made years ago that will affect his plans for the future?

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Jenna has spent most of her adult life raising her orphaned nephews. For her fortieth birthday they give her a vacation at a ranch. There she meets Colt who is ten years younger then her but as soon as they meet it's instant attraction. They decide to have a fling while she is at the ranch but soon things get serious but Jenna has a secret that will keep them apart. Well written with likable characters.

I felt like I was missing a little something, as if two previous series merged into a spin off series. There was some familiarity of characters, but not all. I've read a handful of books by this author and always enjoy them. I'm going to put this in such a simplified way, as to not give anything away. But this book is basically a combination of everything happens for a reason, and just because your plans change (for positive or negative) doesn't mean you can't make something amazing from it. Life's circumstances make us who we are, but hopefully we can see the positive, see the sun thru the clouds to make something beautiful. I loved these characters, both Colton and Jenna, together as a couple and as individuals. This was a really sweet (not clean, although very tame) story of making an amazing life, even though life derailed you for a bit .

I'm a fairly recent fan of A.J. Pine's novels, and enjoyed reading the two previous books in the Meadow Valley series, but this most recent novel is definitely my favorite so far, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

As the novel opens, Jenna Owens is at her surprise 40th birthday party. Those who have been following this series, know that at a young age, she was the only one left to raise her 3 nephews, and she's done a wonderful job, raising them into good, kind and responsible adults. Having no children of her own, there are many things Jenna didn't get to experience because she was so busy raising her nephews. Her birthday gift from her nephews is an all expenses paid two-week vacation at the Meadow Valley Guest Ranch, her first vacation, ever, and Jenna makes a list of 7 Happy-for-Now things she wants to check off during this vacation, one of which is to have a no-strings attached fling, and when Colt Morgan, who is one of the owners of the ranch, arrives to pick her up for the 6-hour drive to the ranch, the attraction between these two characters is immediate. However, Colt is 10 years younger than Jenna, and she quickly informs him that she doesn't date younger men, and Colt, whose failed previous relationship ended in heartbreak, and has prevented him from seeking another relationship in the 5 years since, that is, until he sets eyes on Jenna.

In the previous novels, we learned that Colt grew up in foster care, while he and his younger sister were separated. Everyone around him seems to be pairing up, marrying, living together and/or starting a family. All Colt wants is a family and children of his own, but he's been cautious since the woman he planned to marry ended their relationship by telling him she didn't want children, yet she soon married someone else and is now pregnant with their third child. Jenna too, has had a previous relationship go bad. When she was in that relationship, as soon as she told the man she was seeing that she was unable to have children, he beat her. To say she's leery of getting involved in another relationship is putting it mildly, especially a relationship with a man 10 years her junior, but despite their protestations, and their eventual agreement to a no-strings fling, their chemistry is off the charts.

Eventually, their 2-week fling turns into more than either of these two characters anticipated. Colt and Jenna are so well-drawn, so funny, and so charming, that it was impossible not to fall in love with both of them. Heck, I even fell in love with Jenna's crazy psychic chicken, a recurring character in this series. Every time Colt mentions wanting a family of his own, Jenna realizes that she has to tell him that is something she can never give him, but she freezes, hoping to avoid ever letting him know why, but it's a secret he's eventually going to uncover, and when he does, it's gut-wrenching, for them and for this reader as well.

I cannot recall two characters in any novel whom I've enjoyed getting to know more than these two. Their growing relationship drew me in from the start, and I stayed up all night reading it from start to finish because I simply could not put it down. What started out as a light, fun read, turned into far more--it's a novel about family relationships, kindness, caring, emotional maturity, and, of course, love, and the sacrifices people are willing to make for that love to blossom. It was, quite simply, a great, heartwarming and emotion-filled read, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

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

On Jenna's 40th birthday, she is surprised with a trip out to a ranch to get away and relax from her loving family. Though she is hesitant to head out and go, she decides to give herself some Jenna time, and go after all.
When Colt is asked by his buddy to take his aunt to his ranch, he's expecting an old lady. He's not expecitng Jenna, not looking a day over 25 in her short shorts.
From here, these two start to develop feelings the more that they spend time together. They both have things that they have to reevaluate if they want this to work long term for them. Can they do it?

I've been waiting for this story for quite a while now, and Pine delivered on giving Jenna an amazing love story!

I am an A. J. PIne fan but this story is just not my favorite. I will look forward to the next book she gifts her readers with and say a quiet pass on this one.

I have been hoping for a book for Jenna since I first read the Crossroads Ranch series. I was so excited when I found out Out a Cowboy Will Do is her and Colt's story.

This is hands down one of the best books I have read this year. Jenna and Colt were so sweet together from their first flirtations to figuring out they want more. There were so many great moments that had me smiling, swooning, and laughing.

Jenna was a relatable heroine with a big heart. I adored her friendship with Delaney just as much as her relationship with Colt. It was interesting getting to know her better after seeing her as a secondary character in the Crossroads Ranch series.

Colt was a genuinely good guy who really wanted to find love and build a family. It was really sweet getting his POV and seeing how he was falling for Jenna.

I loved this book so much I literally couldn't put it down and read the whole thing in less than a day. I can't wait for more from A.J. Pine!

4/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I really loved this book! I really enjoyed the main characters. The chemestiry between the two was great, I loved the way they interacted with eachother. I also enjoyed reading about them alone which is always a plus because it makes me more interested in them, which makes me more interested in the stroy. Both main characters had sad back stories which honeslty made them more real and relatable. Overall just a fantastic reading experience! It was cute, easy to read, and made me laugh. I would for sure recommend.

I was so excited to read this book once I saw that Jenna was going to get her very own HEA. I didn't realize at the time though that it wouldn't be part of the Crossroads Ranch series (where her nephews are the MC's), but rather the Meadow Valley series. It's been 7 months since I read the last book in the MV series, so it wasn't as fresh in my mind as the CR series. Because of that, I had a hard time remembering the secondary characters in this one, but it didn't detract from the overall book's greatness.

Again, so happy to see Jenna get her book, especially since she's a 40 year old heroine. You don't find that in romance books too often, and given I'm just one year away from that number, so kudos to Ms. Pine for daring to write an older female, younger male, romance book. Colt wasn't too much younger than her though, just 10 years and while that doesn't always work with someone closer to their 20s, it worked for Colt since he was very mature and responsible for his age.

Colt had a really hard life, growing up in foster care and without any real family. But Ben's dad gave him a chance when he was an unruly teen and now he's a partner in the Meadow Valley ranch and helping run things. He agrees to pick up someone who he thinks is an old woman and transport her back to the ranch while he's in town visiting his sister. Only that 'old woman' ends up being the very beautiful Jenna.

If you've read the Crossroads Ranch series, then you know that Jenna is the aunt who cared for her 3 teenaged nephews after their mother (her sister) died and eventually their abusive dad as well. She raised them as if they were her own and they all grew up to be remarkable young men once they healed from their past. But she's been content to be that auntly presence in their life, until now. She wants something more and she truly deserves it after giving up so much of her younger adult years to raise them.

I loved the banter between Jenna and Colt. They were simply adorable together. And Colt, boy was he swoonworthy with his charm and great manners. He was a true gentleman and cowboy who had the biggest heart, despite all he went through growing up in foster care. For someone who lacked the love he deserved as a kid, he sure did have a lot to give others in his life. Jenna surprised me with her boldness at times, but I still thoroughly enjoyed her character and was rooting for her the whole time, especially learning of all she had given up to protect herself years ago.

There were some loose ends that I felt were left out of the story. What ever happened to the skinny dipping on the list that Jenna kept making such a big deal about? Did they go back to visit the older couple that welcomed them into their home after they promised to return (with Willow)? I mean that's all relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, but my mind didn't forget them. Oh well.

So is Eli's book next??? I sure hope so since he was a mystery that obviously suffered a lot in the last couple of years and needed some happy in his life. Or maybe Willow?

Jenna and Colt’s story is an emotional, heartwarming and moving tale in Only a Cowboy Will Do by A.J. Pine, book three in her Meadow Valley series. Jenna Owens put her life on hold when her sister died in order to raise her teen nephews. Now forty years old, Jenna wants only one thing, her own fairy-tale ending with a happy ever after with someone to love her. While looking over her gifts and packing for trip to a quaint California ranch, Jenna finds a journal, reminding her of the days she used to write. Inspired, she creates a bucket list of things she would like to accomplish while away, including some flirtation, kissing, and maybe even a fling; forcing herself out of her comfort zone. Colt Morgan hasn’t been interested in a long-term relationship since his last one burned after his fiancée left when she learned he wanted a big family. Talking and flirting as these two travel to the Meadow Valley they find themselves wanting to know more about each other. What they didn’t expect was getting caught in a storm, spending a night at a stranger’s ranch, and discovering a strong magnetic pull, creating fireworks from the chemistry between them. Colt is all too happy to help Jenna with checking off the items on her list; especially the kisses and the fling. The more Colt and Jenna get to know each other, the Colt wonders if they have a chance at a real future. When Jenna’s past interferes with all of Colt’s plans, these two face an uncertain future. They just need to learn that there’s more than one path to travel down in order to make both of their dreams come true.

Ms. Pine wrote a wonderful, emotional, and enjoyable story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, magnetic attraction, amusing banter, and charming secondary characters giving Jenna and Colt a chance for forever love. I highly recommend Only a Cowboy Will Do to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Jenna gets her birthday wish.

Jenna Owens is excited to receive a two-week vacation for her birthday where she can maybe check some things off of her Happily-For-Now list, but she tried to ignore her attraction for Colt Morgan because she was ten years older than he was. Colt was happy with a vacation fling, but meeting Jenna made him wish for more with her.

I loved Only a Cowboy Will Do because there is an older heroine (we need more) that wants to take time for herself to check off things on her list after raising her nephews after the death of their parents and a ten years younger cowboy that wants to have a large family to make up for being raised in foster care but could it happen living so far apart?

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