A Cowboy Never Quits (Turn Around Ranch, #1)

by Cindi Madsen

[Sam@WLABB]

Single mom, Jessica was at the end of her rope. Her teen daughter, Chloe, had been pushing the limits for a while, and after she was summoned by the police to bail her daughter out, Jessica decided it was time for drastic measures. A possible solution to her problems came in the form of the Turn Around Ranch, a place which employed traditional therapy with animal therapy and hard work. The problem was, they were full-up. But, in a last ditch attempt, Jessica offered to serve as the ranch's cook in exchange for Chloe's place in the program. Jessica thought she would only gain her daughter back via her time at the ranch, but she found so much more.

You know why I love Cindi Madsen books? Because, they are the perfect combination of humor, heat, and heartwarming feels. I must admit, I have not read many cowboy romances, but I jumped at the opportunity to review this one, because Madsen's name was attached to it.

As a single mom, I felt a kinship with Jessica. I could relate with her struggles to do it all and having to do it all by herself. She had almost no support system in her life, but she had made it 15 years on her own. I know it wasn't easy for her to ask for any sort of help, but her pride didn't surpass the love she had for her child. A mama bear will do whatever it takes to help their child, and for Jessica, it meant learning to cook and dealing with a grumpy cowboy.

Some of the funniest parts of this book involved Jessica's attempts at cooking. There were many failures, but I found myself rooting for her. I was so proud of each kitchen success she had, but what I really loved, was the way the people at the ranch rallied around her. Their patience and belief in her was really wonderful, and it just cemented the fact that the Turn Around Ranch was a very special place. Imagine, being on your own as a teen mother, and then finally having this group of people, who give you this unconditional love and support. I am getting all misty just thinking about it.

If I had to pick my favorite thing about this book, it would be the found-family aspect of it. There were characters, who were actually related, but many were brought to the ranch, just like Jessica and Chloe, under certain circumstances. There, they were able to tackle their demons, look towards their future, and find the love and acceptance they had been looking for. Full cast moment provided some of the biggest heart explosions for me, and I know I wore a big smile on my face as I shed a lot of happy tears.

I would be remiss, if I didn't at least mention the romance. It was good one. I have a special place in my heart for grumpy heroes, and Wade definitely fit the bill. He was the rule follower, the "no-exceptions" Dawson brother, but he quickly started making exceptions for Jessica. It wasn't because she was a beautiful woman, who he was attracted to, though he was, it was because of the way she fit on the ranch. She had verve, drive, and a huge heart, and she "fit" with him. They had this great chemistry, fantastic banter, and I simply loved them together.

I had such a lovely time on the Turn Around Ranch, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to visit again.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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