True Love Cowboy wasn't quite what I expected. The title led me to believe that Jon would be a "cowboy." In fact, he was an entrepreneur who returned home from California. His goal was to take over his father's ranch and raise his young daughter where he'd grown up. So, he was definitely returning to his roots. That said, his character was easy to care about. He had a huge heart and cared deeply about his daughter and father.

Trinity is a young woman dealing with severe PTSD after previously being abducted and assaulted. Despite that, she and a close friend are running a successful business in food service which is growing faster than they can keep up with. She's part of a close knit family and is the only sister with three brothers. Things in her life are okay but not great. Then she meets Jon and things change. I'm not typically a fan of "insta-love" plot lines, but it worked in this book. I think it's because both of these characters had been through some stuff already and truly needed one another.

One of my favorite characters in the book was definitely Jon's daughter, Emmy. She was a sweet character and much of the plot centered around her and events with her mother, Steph. Trinity not only falls in love with Jon, she falls in love with Emmy too. It's a good thing since Emmy's mother doesn't really know how to be one.

All in all, True Love Cowboy was a well-written story with a little bit of everything...romance, heartbreak, danger and ultimately happiness.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I've been eagerly anticipating Trinity's story. The past few years have not been easy for her and she's still dealing with the PTSD effects of the trauma she experienced. Jon is exactly the type of man I hoped would enter her life and the fact that he has an adorable four-year-old daughter is a sweet bonus. But, these three will have some major hurdles to overcome before they reach their happy ending.

Ryan is so good at creating suspenseful stories that engage my emotions and keep me on the edge of my seat and this one is a doozy. My heart was in my throat at so many points during the book. There were times I cried, times I was so furious I wanted to scream, gut-wrenching scenes that had me ready to do bodily harm to a certain secondary character, and sweet, poignant scenes that captured my heart. The book is very realistic and difficult to read in certain parts. The villain gets what's coming to them in the end but the pain they cause along the way might be a trigger to some readers.

As always, I enjoyed the McGrath family coming together to support one another. I always have fun watching the siblings and their partners interact. It was lovely to finally meet their parents, see the relationships of each of the earlier couples progressing, and cheer their happy endings. I enjoyed the solid relationship Jon and Trinity built with one another. I especially appreciated the respect they had for each other, the deep caring, and how they both put Jon's daughter, Emmy first. And I loved how Trinity finally regained her confidence and turned the tables on Jon in a sweet twist at the end. If ever a family had earned a happy ending, it was Trinity, Jon, and Emmy.

This is a book that could be read on its own but for a better understanding of what Trinity endured, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. Or, at the very least, reading Waiting On a Cowboy, the book where Trinity's trauma occurs. If you want to read the stories of all of the McGrath siblings in order, the books are: Tough Talking Cowboy (Drake McGrath and Adria Holloway), Waiting on a Cowboy (Tate McGrath and Liz Scott), Love of a Cowboy (Declan McGrath and Skye Kennedy), and True Love Cowboy (Trinity McGrath and Jon Crawford).

Content Warning: Readers should be aware this book contains child abuse, PTSD, and violence.

4.5 stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review

The first 47?% of this book was kind of interesting but a bit repetitive. I liked the theme and it may have had a good ending. I really don't know because I quit reading it. As far as I am concerned, Jennifer Ryan ruined what could have been an decent book by subjecting the reader to detailed sex which was unnecessary and did nothing to make me want to finish the book. NOT my idea of a good book..

MY FAVORITE AUTHOR and one my favorite series. I couldn't have loved this book, or the McGrath family, more.

I have actually already this one three times. (When I posted about this book earlier in the summer—which you can read HERE —it had only been twice...) The reason I reread it again was the same reason I always reread Jennifer Ryan's books. I ADORE THEM. The steadiness and the sexiness, the suspense and the feels, the strong sense of love and family and self. The McGraths is an immensely rewarding and edge-of-your-seat series, and True Love Cowboy, the final installment, is the icing on the cake. Which, incidentally, is my favorite part of the cake, so...

I normally really like this author's books. But I had such a hard time with this one. It's not badly written by any means, it's just....slow. The characters themselves are likable, the story itself isn't bad. I just didn't feel like these characters had any true chemistry with each other. It almost made it feel like it was all a business transaction. Not like they absolutely loved each other and needed to be together to be happy. Not only that but he really...isn't a real cowboy? I mean, yes his father owns a ranch and he came back to run the ranch. But he doesn't do anything that truly makes him a rancher or a cowboy. He's a businessman. I don't know, there was a just a lot that I just didn't really care for. Some people might truly love this story, it might appeal to them in ways that it just doesn't to me. But it definitely wasn't to my liking.

True Love Cowboy is the next book in the McGrath book series by Jennifer Ryan. If you enjoy contemporary cowboy romances then you will want to read True Love Cowboy. Jon Crawford is a straight-up good guy with a darling little girl and one ghastly ex. The hardest part of the book which is filled with angst, drama and family loyalty is when Jon’s ex is around.

Trinity has her share of problems with a business and PSTD from the last book’s events. She still behaves gracious if confused by who Jon is and what he actually wants. I must say at times Jon seems confused as to what he wants or maybe how to accomplish what he wants. It makes for an interesting read. The ending is memorable.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really wanted to love this novel, the third book in Jennifer Ryan's McGrath series, primarily because in the previous novel, Trinity, the heroine in True Love Cowboy, was left with PTSD, flashbacks and panic attacks--a good reason to read the books in this series in the order they were written. However, although I liked this novel somewhat, especially the hero's (Jon) 4-year-old daughter, Emmy, it was just an okay read for me, for several reasons, which is why I can only give it a 3-star rating.

First, the misleading title. Jon is a California businessman, and he's independently wealthy, buying up small businesses, improving and making them profitable, and then selling them off. He's sold most of them and decided to move to Montana with his daughter and baby mama, Stephanie, to start a new life as a rancher at the ranch his father just turned over to him, but that hardly makes him a cowboy. The only cowboying he does in this novel is accepting several horses, a goat, and agreeing to let 50 head of cattle owned by the heroine's brother graze on his ranchland.

Jon's daughter, Emmy, is the star of this novel--she's sweet, honest, engaging and adorable, but her mother, Stephanie, who is a totally self-absorbed, selfish, drunken, druggie slob, as well as an unfit and abusive mother, who shares custody of Emmy, is a train wreck. She and Jon never married and share custody of Emmy, but when Jon decides to move back to Montana, his main purpose is to bring up his daughter in a healthier environment, and Stephanie agrees to move with him and start over. Jon refurbishes and pays for her apartment, as well as some of her other bills, but leopards don't change their spots and Steph is still an unfit and uncaring mother. Why she wants custody of Emmy is a mystery to me.

No sooner does Jon get to his father's ranch when he encounters Trinity, who is in the process of trying to drag Jon's ill and unconscious father out to her SUV and get him to a hospital, although he outweighs her by 50 pounds--good trick. She ends up saving the man's life, and the attraction between Trinity and Jon is immediate, and while most of their plans to spend time together and really get to know each other are dashed by Stephanie's failing as a fit mother, which means that Emmy is often along on their date nights. Stephanie also believes that she can regain Jon's affection, and resents Trinity's involvement with her former hook-up (Emmy was an accident) and her daughter.

While this book and its synopsis had promise, it just failed to deliver on that promise. The romance wasn't much of one since Jon seems to fall in love with Trinity because she's sweet, kind and thoughtful, and the antithesis of his baby mama. There are multiple misunderstandings in their relationship which might have been averted had these two characters simply talked to one another instead of texting short messages back and forth. Additionally, Trinity's brothers, who were featured in the two previous novels are now married or about to be, one of the wives is Trinity's business partner, and anyone trying to read this novel as a standalone will certainly be confused by this large cast of characters.

As for Stephanie's abuse and neglect of Emmy--I truly wished I could reach inside my Kindle and slap Stephanie with her own book. Her jealousy of Jon's relationship with Trinity while Stephanie feels free to bring drunken and high strangers she picks up in bars into her home, and let Emmy see these naked and abusive men is unconscionable. I found it hard to believe that despite Emmy's acting our at school, arriving there late and unprepared because of her mother's bad habits and hangovers, Stephanie's slovenly home, overt drug use and alcoholism, were not reason enough for Jon to gain full custody of his daughter, a daughter who repeatedly stated she didn't want to live with her mother, none of which issue weren't taken seriously by Family Services.

Yes, of course, there is an abrupt HEA ending in this novel, but even that didn't ring true for this reader--and that's especially true considering the horror and physical and emotional damage done to Emmy and Trinity at the hand of a totally out-of-control and violent Stephanie and her hook-up of the night.

True Love Cowboy isn't all bad. It's fairly well-written, but it left me wanting a deeper understanding of what on earth drew Jon to Stephanie in the first place, and why, since he was the main wage-earner, he didn't get full custody of Emmy to begin with. He's the one who gets Stephanie a good paying job, refurbishes her apartment, pays her rent, and steps in every time Stephanie shows how unfit of a mother she is. The days when mothers always win custody battles are over, and the author should have known that. I also found Jon's relationship with Trinity to be completely devoid of any spark or sexual tension. All in all, not a terrible book, but not one I'd recommend.

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

WOW! I loved everything about this book…the characters, the story, the raw emotions and a little four-year-old girl named Emmy! Trinity McGrath continues to deal with issues from when she was kidnapped, but keeps busy with her family and her business, Almost Homemade. Jon Crawford has returned home to be with his father and his daughter, Emmy, and to try to help Emmy’s mother, Steph. He knows that Steph only sees him as a money source, but he needs her to step up and be the mother that Emmy needs. When he meets Trinity and they begin to fall in love, how will this affect Emmy and Steph? When once again Trinity, along with her business, is targeted is she strong enough to survive the physical and emotional damage? Trinity was an amazing and strong character and I so enjoyed that the author provided us with updates on previous McGrath family members. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I really enjoyed reading True Love Cowboy! It's not your Insta-Love here either, but a romance that had a slow build with a lot of obstacles, a few, or one especially, wily ol' matchmakers, and a very precocious little darling who made it super special. When no one is looking for love, is when it usually bites them in or on the posterior lol. The X's of the world should all just disappear, or at least this one in here, the soul sucking diva.
True love comes shining through in the end, and what a ride!
I got an ARC thru NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving my own thoughts and opinions on this great Cowboy journey.

I really enjoyed reading about Trinity, I did read the first two in the series and all three books were wonderful reads but I enjoyed this one the most. 4.5 stars

More than just a romance. Child custody issues, PTSD, family, business problems, and more will keep you turning the pages. Many heart-breaking and heart-warming moments. I am glad to finally discover this family series. Sorry I haven't read the previous ones, but that can be easily remedied.

That is so scary. Good thing she was there.

I wonder what has made her so afraid.

He is flirting now?!

His ex-girlfriend sounds exhausting.

Holy crap, really?

She would make a good mom.

EWWW. CPS would take Emmy from her in a flash. Take pictures!

That. Witch!

Who is this jerk?

Hydro-what?

Lock her up and throw away the key.

Even with a major concussion, this woman rocks.

Suck it, Nathan.

Trinity is so going to start making goat cheese.

Cute epilogue.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It will be appearing on the RRT site: http://romrevtoday.com/

TRUE LOVE COWBOY – Jennifer Ryan
A McGrath Novel, Book 3
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-302080-1
August 24, 2021
Romantic Suspense

Montana – Present Day

Trinity McGrath is dropping some pre-cooked meals for a customer at his ranch when she discovers the elderly man is gravely ill. She manages to drag him to her car, but just as she’s trying to put him into her car, a strange man drives up. Still suffering from PTSD after being kidnapped and terrorized months ago, Trinity is scared that the man is dangerous. However, it turns out that he is the elderly man’s son, Jon Crawford. He helps her load his father into her car and accompanies her to the hospital. Once his father is stabilized, Jon turns to Trinity and thanks her. Trinity is a generous person and offers to help Jon and his father in any way. After spending some time together, a mutual attraction soon develops.

Jon grew up in Montana but left and built a successful business career in California. He’s now looking to slow down a little and concentrate on building a new life—perhaps as a rancher—with his four-year-old daughter, Emmy. His daughter’s mother, Steph, is a complication that remains in his life, even if their romantic relationship is over, but he has to have her around if he wants to see his daughter. So, he has rented an apartment where Steph and Emmy will live, with Jon nearby on the ranch. While things start out as a friendship between Trinity and Jon, he is hoping it will turn into a romance. His ex and their daughter have settled into their new life in town, but things aren’t going the way Jon expected. Steph is spoiled and a bad mother. As he navigates the mess with Steph, Trinity is by his side and she’s soon a better role model for Emmy than Steph.

Meanwhile, Trinity is continuing to work at the store she co-owns with her sister-in-law called Almost Home. It is successful and they have been getting feelers from people interested in buying them out. But that is not an option. Getting to know Jon and Emmy, Trinity begins to feel at peace after the horrible attack months ago that severely injured her and left her with PTSD. Yes, they must deal with Steph’s antics, but it only draws Jon and Trinity closer. Jon feels like he is being pulled in different directions. His desire in wanting to remain in Montana. His daughter and dealing with her mother. And finally…he wonders if he can make a future with Trinity.

While things are not always coming up roses in TRUE LOVE COWBOY, Jon is Trinity’s knight in shining armor. It’s clear while reading this tale that they belong together, even if the forces around them throw more than a few boulders in their path. Will Trinity end up with her TRUE LOVE COWBOY and everyone live happily-ever-after? Find out the answer by grabbing a copy today.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

I recieved from netgalley.
I love it I am so happy I got to read it. I can not wait to read more from this author.

Trinity would do anything for Emmy!

Jon Crawford would do anything for his daughter Emmy and moving back to Montana and taking over the family ranch was a start. Jon shared custody with his ex-girlfriend of their daughter because he knew that Emmy still needed her mother, but meeting Trinity McGrath and falling in love makes him realize that there was still room in his heart for love because how she treated Emmy as if she was her own.

I liked the romance between Jon and Trinity, but my favorite character is Emmy because she kept going after many children would have hid from the world to protect themselves. But everyone helped each other out as family and that is why the McGrath series is a series you need to read!

True Love Cowboy is light on the cowboy part but a wonderful romance!

P.S. You will hate Emmy’s mother!

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

I am relatively new to Jennifer Ryan, but True Love Cowboy was exactly what I needed. Insta love doesn't always work for me, but I think Trinity needed Jon and he and Emmy needed her so much that their connection felt right from the very beginning. Jon and his daughter Emmy are starting over at his family's ranch. They want to refocus on what's important and the ranch is the perfect place to do it. However, Jon's ex moves to town with them and does not provide the help he wants and needs. Jon and Trinity's instant connection and her easy relationship with Emmy cause jealousy and more from his ex and the drama just kept me reading way past my bed time. This is a little softer than the previous book by Ryan, but intensely suspenseful in a more real and personal way. I would put this more in the romantic suspense category - if I recommended Loving Cara or Jay Crownover to you, this might be a book you need.

Cowboys live by their word, their wits, and their loyalty. Truer words have never been spoken.

When Jon Crawford returns to Montana, he’s determined to leave big city life behind him and raise his daughter in the town he grew up in. What he doesn’t have time for is falling in love. But, when he meets Trinity, all bets are off. The attraction between the two of them burns hotter than ever and even though the timing is wrong, it’s impossible to deny…

True Love Cowboy pulled me instantly. I liked the connection between Trinity and Jon. They seemed like two truly genuine characters that I couldn’t wait to learn more about. Sometimes I think the best romances are those when neither person is looking for love and love finds them anyways. The road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for these two. Jon had a lot of drama in his life that just wouldn’t leave him alone. It made me absolutely crazy sometimes, and I couldn’t help wanting to yell at the characters and shake them in frustration.

Overall, I thought this book was an enjoyable read. I really liked the characters and their story. There was no shortage of romance or drama. If I had to make one complaint, it would be a small one about the epilogue. There is nothing I love more than a glimpse into the future of my favorite characters, and I would have loved it if we could have gotten more than just a few sentences. Other than that I had a lot of fun getting lost in this story. I have been wanting to check out this author for quite some time and am so happy I finally picked up one of her books. This might have been my first book by this author, but it most certainly won’t be my last…

I appreciate Ryan more and more as an author who can deliver a good story that I drink in. Trinity still suffers from her ordeal of being kidnapped, burn she has so much love to give. Jon is looking for his match, but he has a lot of baggage. I loved the chemistry between Jon and Trinity. The heat leapt off the pages. Stephanie is a real piece of work in the book and I was surprised at what happens later in the book. I enjoyed reading this book and about a father who was willing to do anything to ensure his daughter was safe and happy.

For me, picking up a romance by Jennifer Ryan means I better not need to do anything for several hours because I won't be putting the book down until it's finished! This book is no exception. This is the third book in the McGrath series and I do recommend reading the books in order, just so you understand a bit more about Trinity and the PTSD she is facing. Just a word of warning, some of the behavior (really most of her behavior) of Jon's ex is troubling and could be difficult for some people to read. Otherwise, I really enjoyed Trinity and Jon's growing relationship as they both deserved to find happiness after what they'd been through before and after meeting.

This was a great story about the true meaning of family, and a love between a father and a daughter. Jon Crawford wants to raise his daughter in Montana where he grew up. He brings her mother, Steph, with him and sets her up in her own apartment. Jon wants his daughter to have a relationship with her mother. Then, he meets Trinity McGrath as she's helping Jon's father in an emergency. They fall in love, and want to be together. But, Steph does not like the situation at all, and takes it out on her daughter. Can Jon save his daughter and his relationship with Trinity?
This story was a roller coaster ride with suspense, thrills, and a sweet romance. The writer handled a very intense situation concerning the daughter very well. I loved how the family embraced and trusted each other. And, the ending was very satisfying. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.