**Review: A Texas Kind of Cowboy by Delores Fossen**

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5 stars)

Delores Fossen’s *A Texas Kind of Cowboy* is a pleasant and straightforward romance set against the picturesque backdrop of rural Texas. While it doesn't break new ground in the romance genre, it offers a satisfying read for those who enjoy heartwarming, small-town love stories.

The story follows our rugged cowboy hero and his journey to finding love amidst the challenges of ranch life. Fossen's depiction of the Texas setting is vivid and charming, capturing the essence of wide-open spaces and close-knit communities. The landscape almost becomes a character in itself, adding a rich, atmospheric layer to the narrative.

The characters are likable, if a bit archetypal. The cowboy is stoic and strong, embodying the quintessential qualities of a romance hero. The leading lady is endearing and relatable, navigating her way through personal struggles and heartache. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with warmth and tenderness, making their romance believable and enjoyable.

However, the plot is somewhat predictable, following familiar tropes without much deviation. While this predictability isn’t necessarily a drawback for all readers, those looking for a more innovative or surprising storyline might find it lacking. The conflicts and resolutions are handled competently but don't offer any particularly memorable twists or turns.

Character development is adequate but not deep. The protagonists' backstories are touched upon, providing enough context to understand their motivations and growth, yet leaving some areas unexplored. Secondary characters add a nice touch to the small-town feel but remain largely in the background.

Despite its conventional plot, *A Texas Kind of Cowboy* succeeds in delivering a heartwarming romance that’s perfect for a relaxing read. Fossen's writing is engaging and smooth, making it easy to get lost in the story. The book serves well as a comfort read for fans of cowboy romances and small-town settings.

In summary, *A Texas Kind of Cowboy* by Delores Fossen earns a neutral three stars. It’s a charming, albeit predictable, romance that offers a pleasant escape to the Texas countryside. While it may not stand out for originality, its warmth and engaging characters make it a solid read for fans of the genre.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Lorelei and Dax. Lorelei owns store that sells glass figurines. Dax is a rodeo star. They have known each other a long time. Lorelei adopted a baby, whose mother died in childbirth. She is trying to find information about the mother and father. She goes to see Dax to see if he knows anything. He does, he thinks he may be the father. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

Lorelei finds out that her adoptive daughter may have been fathered by Dax who is a well-known bull rider who is a bit of a bad boy. While they figure out paternity turns out the child 's biological mother was married and now her spouse is after that child. As a custody battle goes on Lorelei and Dax will do everything they can to keep the child from going to biologicals manipulative spouse who will fight dirty in any way that he can.

. Overall this was a pretty interesting book I've really enjoyed it. I thought it was interesting getting to know these characters and seeing at what length the biological mothers husband would go to to get that child you really get to see things escalate when it comes to him fighting dirty and bringing out things from Lorelei and Dax's past. Then there's a relationship that starts to form in between the Lorelei and Dax which I really enjoyed also there is a steamy scene or two. Overall pretty good book really enjoyed it.

Dax and Lorelei had a rocky road to get through, but I definitely enjoyed reading their struggles. This was probably my favorite in the series!

Good book. Lorelei adopted the infant daughter of a woman with no known relatives who died in their town. Right after the adoption was final, she found a photograph that might be of the biological father. She has a sinking sensation that she knows who it is and goes to confront him.

Dax is a bull rider with a reputation for his romantic exploits. He's never made any question of his disinterest in relationships of any kind. He's understandably shocked when Lorelei tells him that he may be little Stellie's father.

I thought the impetus behind Lorelei's research into Stellie's birth mother was interesting. Every quarter, the town draws the name of someone buried in their cemetery to research and report on so that person isn't forgotten. Lorelei never anticipated the can of worms waiting when she started her project. Dana Smith turned out to be someone very different from the down-on-her-luck jewelry maker she portrayed herself as. Uncovering her identity opened Lorelei up to her worst nightmare - the possibility of someone taking her daughter away.

I liked Lorelei. She's a strong woman who isn't afraid to go after what she wants. She owns a successful business and has close relationships with her family and friends. The only thing she doesn't have is a man in her life. She has trust issues stemming back to an incident with her college boyfriend. She loves being a mother to Stellie and wants what is best for her.

I liked Dax, too. He has a reputation but has started moving past his reckless younger self. He is a successful bull rider who also raises bulls for rodeo work. After years of injuries, Dax realizes that it's time to retire before he does himself permanent damage. Dax has some secrets from his past that have convinced him that a family is not in his future.

Matters quickly become complicated when Dax remembers Stellie's mother, who used a different name. When they take that information to the sheriff, he discovers that Valerie Ford had parents and a husband. This is a blow to Lorelei, who could lose custody of Stellie to her grandparents or Valerie's husband if he turns out to be the father. I ached for Lorelei, who was devastated by the news. Though Dax is in no hurry to become a father, he hates to see Lorelei's distress and immediately does a paternity test. I loved how he showed up at her house that night to keep her company and provide moral support. That was especially important when Valerie's parents and husband showed up the next day. The parents were okay, but the husband, Aaron, was obnoxious and had all the hallmarks of an abuser.

I loved Dax's protectiveness toward Lorelei. Despite what he thinks of himself, he has a deep core of goodness, and watching out for Lorelei and Stellie is a no-brainer. What neither counts on is the strength of the attraction between them. Both try to fight it, but it isn't easy, especially with as much time as they spend together. I loved seeing them get to know each other, share the good and the bad in their lives, and grow closer. Neither wants to admit their feelings, though those around them can see them clearly.

There is a lot of stress as Dax and Lorelei join forces against Aaron. His methods stir up ghosts of the past, including using Lorelei's college boyfriend as his lawyer. I loved how Julian was so smug and condescending until he discovered that Lorelei wasn't the naïve college girl she used to be. There were several great scenes where either she or Dax got the better of him, which was fantastic. There were times when things looked dark for Lorelei, but an unexpected revelation brought the case to a very satisfying conclusion.

Meanwhile, the heat between Dax and Lorelei continues to burn. Just when it looks like their lives are settling down, Dax receives devastating news that brings back his old fears. I hurt for him and its effect on his belief in himself. I loved Lorelei's support and attempt to make him see the truth. I loved the ending and seeing Dax talk about his "epiphany." The rodeo at the end was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the pre- and post-bull ride scenes between Dax and Lorelei. The conclusion was terrific. I hope to see more of them in future books.

A TEXAS KIND OF COWBOY – Delores Fossen
Last Ride, Texas series
HQN
ISBN: 978-1335623997
March 7, 2023
Contemporary Romance

Last Ride, Texas – Present Day

The last thing bull rider Dax Buchanan expects is to learn that he may have fathered an infant that was adopted by single mom Lorelei Parkman. But here is Lorelei on his doorstep with a photo of the tattoo on his backside that was supposedly taken by the baby’s now deceased mother. Yeah, that is his tattoo, but is the baby his? A quick paternity result shows the little girl is his but then a hornet’s nest is ripped open after it turns out that the woman who called herself Dana is really Valerie—and she has parents and a husband, all of whom want to lay claim to the baby. But Lorelei can’t bear to give up the baby she has loved since its birth.

Meanwhile, Dax is coming to terms with the fact that he’s a father. He faintly remembers meeting Dana/Valerie at a bull riding event, and they had a one-night stand. The woman later moved to Last Ride in the late stages of her pregnancy but never contacted Dax. Unfortunately, she died shortly after giving birth. He knows that Lorelei loves the baby and is a good mother, but what about the grandparents? What about the husband who insists that not only is the baby his, but he wants full custody of her? Dax and Lorelei join forces to retain custody of the baby and are soon fighting an attraction for each other. Will they end up being more than just good friends?

Dax becomes an unexpected father in A TEXAS KIND OF COWBOY, while Lorelei struggles with the idea of losing the beloved baby she adopted. It’s hard to imagine that a tiny child is at the center of so much drama. Dax admits that he did a lot of one-night stands but this is the first time he has ever been accused of being a baby daddy. Why didn’t Dana/Valerie contact him when she moved to Last Ride? For that matter, why was she using an assumed name? Could it be related to why she left her husband? The grandparents want the baby as a reminder of their only child. But are there other reasons why these people want the baby? Is the law on Lorelei’s side as the adoption is final, or will she have to give up the baby? Even though one paternity test says Dax is the father, the husband is insisting that a new one be done.

Lorelei is a few years older than Dax and has watched from afar as he has broken the hearts of women who want him to put a ring on their finger. Since he will be on the rodeo circuit due to being a top bull rider, can he be a full-time daddy? The growing friendship between Lorelei and Dax shows that they might be able to reach a mutual agreement, but first, they must deal with the outside forces. As they grow closer, will love soon enter their relationship?

An emotionally satisfying tale that is heartwarming, readers will fall in love with Lorelei, Dax, and the baby they both care for. Don’t miss A TEXAS KIND OF COWBOY.

Patti Fischer

A Texas Kind of Cowboy by Delores Fossen is book #6 in the Last Ride, Texas series. I wish I could give this book more than five stars! I just have to say that this book most definitely will be in my Top Ten Reads of 2023. It has it all: sexy times, lots of action, plenty of suspense (even though it's a romance novel and not a mystery novel.), a well-written storyline, enjoyable dialogue and great characters. Ms. Fossen has come up with some nasty sleazebags and some awesome good characters. I love Lorelei and Jax as a couple. Baby Stellie is super cute. I highly recommend this book! Bravo Delores Fossen!

A Texas Kind of Cowboy by Delores Fossen is a sultry, romantic read that will draw you into the world of its intriguing characters. The chemistry between them is palpable, despite the lingering attraction and the ghosts of the past that threaten to disrupt their passionate reunion. With its well-crafted story and captivating characters, this book is sure to leave you enthralled.