Overall, a low three stars, I only requested it for the Rebecca Zanetti book.

THE HAWK’S SHADOW * Diana Palmer
Two and a half stars.

Gil is a new sheriff's investigator. When construction workers find a long-buried body near a burst water pipe he calls in someone from the state crime lab. At first their relationship is abrasive but soon they find they have more in common than most, but is it too much too soon?

Nemara finds it difficult to make friends, her family connections mean people always want her to get them to do favours for them, and her prickly demeanour puts people off.

This was okay, although I'm past being irritated by a man and a woman having exactly the same likes and dislikes and yet he is seen as a desirable mate whereas everyone thinks she's an oddball. Unfortunately, we didn't stop there. Nemara is a virgin (or course she is eyeroll) and has spooky powers which allow her to 'know' what happened to their corpse, but of course she can't tell anyone because it isn't proper policework!

Basically, anyone with any iota of common-sense could tell who had 'killed' their victim right from the start.

RESCUE: RANCHER STYLE * Rebecca Zanetti
Three stars.

Tara is a widow and a high school English teacher. Greg was her high school sweetheart and first love, until he dumped her and joined the Marines. Now he's back in town to care for his older brother's children and ranch after his brother's death. When his brother's second wife tries to get custody of the children (for their half of the ranch) she slings a lot of dirt, which seems to be sticking, until Greg's niece Hannah announces to the judge that Tara (a character witness) and Greg are engaged to be married. Now the senile old judge has married the two of them off and they have to live together for two months until the judge determines that Greg is a fit person to bring up three teenagers.

This has suspense, second chance romance, and what seems to be a wider arc - I must look out for this Cattle Club and see if there is another series.

Unfortunately, and this is the reason for the three star review, Greg insists his way is best with Tara and the children. He gives them all orders, won't listen to advice and basically insists its his way or the highway. And he doesn't learn the error of his ways. I'm over men who think they rule the world and its verging on controlling, do this, don't do that, stay here, etc.

A COWBOY KIND OF ROMANCE * Delores Fossen
Two stars.

A couple who broke up when he chose rodeo over her are reunited by interfering family and friends years later. He's had to retire after a nasty injury and she's just finished a stint in the military police. Their families and the entire small town are scheming to get them back together in the most juvenile ways possible - using their prom picture (without permission), doctoring it, and then plastering it on huge billboards around town to promote it as a romantic town for one example. To make it worse, his brother and her sister are getting married and forcing the two of them to do most of the heavy lifting.

This just felt juvenile from start to finish: the inability to stop accidentally kissing, I've read tweenager books with less accidental kissing; the ghastly families who are forcing them together; the lack of an actual plot.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

He's My Cowboy is an anthology of three cowboy novellas.

In the first story, The Hawk's Shadow by Diana Palmer, a long dead body is found and Gil and Nemara must work together to find the killer. There's a cute scene with Bert the snake. This is an old-school 80's-style romance which in modern times is hard to read. My main issue was with Gil, I found him to be a self-centered, egotistical jerk. As such, it's hard to fathom what Nemara sees in him and why she'd want him. A light skim of this story is doable, though not necessary to enjoy the other two novellas. 3 out of 5 stars.

In Rescue: Rancher Style by Rebecca Zanetti, Greg and Tara (Greg's old high school flame) must work together to wrangle Greg's three teenage wards as well as a multitude of other threats. As with all Zanetti's stories, the action is high, the writing is tight, and the heat and the heart are there. It was a super fun, action-packed read and I loved every minute. 5 out of 5 stars.

In A Cowboy Kind of Romance by Delores Fossen, Brenna returns home. At her supposed homecoming party, Theo, her old cowboy/rodeo star ex, delivers a trifecta of unfortunate news. Brenna's family is manipulative, the entire town is conspiring, but Theo's heart of gold and mighty powers of persuasion could save the day. This is a heartwarming fun tale. 5 out of 5 stars.

He’s My Cowboy x3🤠

The Hawk’s Shadow - Diana Palmer
A short story which I really enjoyed❣️Skeletal remains are found and the small town of Benton Deputy calls the State Lab for a forensic anthropologist. The lady who turns up is not what they expected at all and soon the Deputy and forensic anthropologist are getting along better. But things quickly resolve surrounding the case but a “relationship” between them is another matter😳 A happy ending for our couple😁

Rescue: Rancher Style - Rebecca Zanetti
OMG, I absolutely loved this story by Rebecca😍 Greg returns to his hometown to raise his brother’s three teenagers. Unfortunately, everything appears to be in chaos including the teenagers mother now wanting to sue for custody. Tara, is an English teacher and Greg asks her to be a character witness for the kids. Tara and Greg also used to be engaged before he left town for the military😳 Suffice to say, the judge’s decision at the hearing puts them on a path neither saw coming❣️ Loved it❤️

A cowboy kind of romance - Delores Fossen
Brenna is returning home after leaving the military. Signs show her the way to Theo’s ranch…the last person she expected to see on her first day back. Theo broke Brenna’s heart when he suddenly left after graduation to try the rodeo lifestyle💔 A really enjoyable story and my first by this author.

I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

I was interested in the book because of Rebecca Zanetti. Her story is by far the best of the collection. The characters were interesting and OI could feel the chemistry between the leads.

The other two stories seemed unfinished. I know it is more of a challenge to write a novella. However, both stories could have used some editing. Very choppy reads. Ms Palmer's story just needed to be longer. Way too much going one to squeeze into a novella.

Just an ok read on the whole book. Great story by Zanetti!

The Hawk's Shadow - Diana Palmer
Much cuter romance than I expected !
At first, it was mysterious murder and haughty heroine but finally, over the pages, the characters reveal themselves (I loved the story of the snakes =D) just like the plot (I didn't expect it !) and we end up succumbing =)
I'd love reading more about the heroine's family !
In short, a sweet romance =)

Rescue: Rancher Style - Rebecca Zanetti
My favorite here ! This is not the first short-story in this new universe by Rebecca Zanetti and each time, it is a favorite !
A second chance romance between a cowboy who has custody of several children and a cute teacher =)
I loved seeing them fall in love again AND I loved the drama towards the end !
Overall, I can't wait for more books in this series !

A cowboy kind of romance - Delores Fossen
The one that convinced me the least : I expected a lot from this second-chance romance, but with the exception of the main characters, I hated all the other characters, which spoiled my reading a bit (I didn't like the way they pester the main characters to get back together and the way they all hid stuff from Brenna like she was going to react badly when not at all ...). I also missed a little police plot to spice it up =)
Anyway, not my cup of tea =S

In short, a perfect anthology for fans of cowboy romance of all kinds =)

Three novellas by three great authors. I really liked all three stories that have romance in small towns.
The first, The Hawk's Shadow by Diana Palmer, has a murder that happened years before unearthed when a pipe burst needing the earth to be dug up. The deputy calls the state for a forensic anthropologist. She arrives and doesn't make a good impression. She's quirky and doesn't have good social skills. But as they get to know each other, they find they have more in common than they thought.
The second is Rescue: Rancher Style by Rebecca Zanetti. It's set in Redemption. It's a fake marriage, second chance for Greg and Tara. He needs her to help him gain legal custody of his niece and two nephews. She agrees to testify but is quickly roped into a fake marriage by his niece and the judge. But it ends up being anything other than a fake marriage as she helps them all come together. It also has some danger in the story also.
The third is A Cowboy Kind of Romance by Delores Fossen. It's a second chance romance that is helped along with all of Brenna and Theo's relatives and the town of Loveland. Brenna and Theo were high school sweethearts but she was left broken hearted when Theo left without notice to become a bull rider in the rodeo. He has ended up at home after a career ending injury. She joined the Army and is returning home to be in the police force. Both know they are being set up and try to discourage it. As they work together on their sibling's wedding, old feeling take over.
I received an early copy from Netgalley to read and review. I'm leaving my honest review.

I requested this book for the short story by Palmer but all the stories were quick, fun reads. Love Palmer, tho.

This anthology was written by three wonderful authors. I enjoyed each one of their stories.

The Hawk’s Shadow by Diana Palmer

Neymar’s is such an interesting character. She’s a bit misunderstood when first meeting her but she’s has a quirky personality and is very smart. Gil is lonely. I adored this couple. I don’t understand their fascination and love for their pets but that’s my phobia.

Rescue: Rancher Style by Rebecca Zanetti

I loved this book. I loved revisiting the town and the residents. There was a lot of action for a novella. It was angsty and swoony.

A Cowboy Kind Of Romance by Delores Fossen

This second chance romance was so sweet. I loved Brenna and Theo. It was a very romantic story.

A book filled with fun novellas by some incredibly talented entertaining authors. Lighthearted fare to be sure but so nice to sit back and plain enjoy reading stories that make you feel good. Common theme is of course a handsome, rugged cowboy. Each author brings their own flair and talent to this stage.

Any and everything by Diana Palmer has that ability. She is a gifted writer with a flair for romance, tough guys, smart sassy women and tales that contain just the right amount of mystery. All the right ingredients for a quick summer read. And HE’S MY COWBOY Diana Palmer includes two other novellas by writers I am equally fond of.

But let us start with the The Hawks Shadow. Gil, an investigator in small-town Benton Denver, needs a forensic investigator. A human skeleton is unearthed, buried over twelve years. Not many physical clues to base investigation on so his office calls for an expert. In walks Nemara and neither Gil nor Benton will ever be the same. Diana Palmer does not waste words. If she mentions something in her story, pay attention, it will become relevant. So while The Hawks Shadow is a lovely romantic tale the crime investigation is front and center.

Next up is Rescue: Rancher Style by Rebecca Zanetti. Greg and Tara’s story. High school sweethearts that let life get in their path. Argument, leading to discouragement, a sense of betrayal and then poof, end of a deep love. Several years later Greg is back home taking care of his brother’s teen age kids and ranch. Military life finally is behind him. But taking care of these kids would be quite a challenge for this by the book guy. Greg was used to men following his orders unquestionably. Now it seems no one understands that is what he expects and demands. Greg and his orders provide much of the entertainment in this tale. True love never really dies even when it gets pushed into the background. And in Rescue: Rancher Style these two just might get that second chance if life does not keep getting in the way.

Next up A Cowboys Kind of Romance by Delores Fossen. Seems all you need to find true love is look for the signs. Could be a heart shaped rock, stone, or about anything if you can get your imagination fired up. And in A Cowboys Kind of Romance Brenna’s return from two years abroad in the military has her sister Mandy, pregnant and soon to be married, determined to reignite the old heat between her sister and Theo. Theo and Brenna had been king and queen of their prom. You get the picture. Mandy is working tirelessly to up the romantic appeal of their hometown Loveland Texas. And what could be better than to have her sister return from duty and reunite with her old high school heartthrob. Love just may be in the air, but it has a lot of company. Brenna family is in a bit of turmoil and candidly she has no idea how to deal with it. And who does she turn to for advice and support, Theo.

Short stories that are interesting quick read. Diana Palmer stories are always interesting. Her book was written in ranch country and and involved the sheriff’s department. Rebecca Zanetti’s story was interesting. A ranching story with romance involved and teenage children. Delores Fossen’s story was also a ranching story and romance. Our library doesn’t buy paperback books but this is one that I would pickup for myself to read. I would recommend it to others.