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Dexter: Honorable Cowboy *The Codys: First Family of Rodeo* Miniseries For This Cowboy, Family Comes First Josie Charles was back in town, and Dexter Cody desired her as much as ever. She was his twin brother’s girl, but it was hard to act honorable when all he wanted was to stake his claim on the woman and her boy. Sooner or later, his brother was going to step up and do the right thing. And when that time came, would Dexter be able to step aside and lose Josie all over again? No way was Josie losing her heart to the sexy-as-all-get-out rancher. The last thing the single mother needed was another Cody messing with her life. But her high school pal had sure grown into one fine-looking cowboy. Caring. Hardworking. Responsible. Exactly the kind of man she’d want to be a father to her son. Which one is the right brother? Looks as if there’s going to be a showdown... |
 Harlequin American Romance ISBN-10: 0373753187 ISBN-13: 978-0373753185 July 2010 Buy It! |
DEXTER: HONORABLE COWBOY (4.5) by Marin Thomas: Dexter Cody was always cleaning up his twin brother’s messes. Now he’s dealing with the biggest mess of all and enjoying every moment. Josie Charles, the girl Dex loved in high school and his brother’s girlfriend, has returned home with his brother’s son. Unfortunately, she neglected to mention it to anyone, including the boy’s father. With his brother off trying to come to terms with being a father, Dex steps in and falls for Josie all over again. This time she’s tumbling just as fast. Will Dex stand up for himself and fight for what he wants, or will he step aside for his brother’s ready-made family? Thomas’ characters are wonderful and colorful, and readers will enjoy Dexter’s struggle to do the honorable thing.
~ Pat Cooper RT Book Reviews
 Harlequin American ISBN-10: 037375292X ISBN-13: 9780373752928 December 2009 Buy It! |
A Cowboy Christmas *2 Stories in 1* Logan Taylor gets the shock of his life when Cassidy Ortiz announces she’s pregnant... with his child! The widowed rancher wasn’t looking for another relationship, but this is Logan’s chance to be a father at last. Is he ready to risk his heart and share the most wondrous gift of all—just in time for the holidays? Darla Baker’s determined to get her high school sweetheart out of her system once and for all. But the sexy rancher and single father isn’t letting the girl who got away...get away again. Now he’s just waiting to hear the three little words that will give them a Christmas they’ll never forget. |
 It's a busy Christmas season in Junket, TX. A Cowboy Christmas has two special Christmas stories concerning best friends and neighbors. Each has loved and lost but a magical time of the year is upon them. The characters are done well. Fletcher and Logan aren't just ranchers. You get to know the person behind the job. Darla and Cassidy have lives that don't include these men. This is expressed and their ability to stand on their own two feet is firmly noted. What is also noted is their love for their men and the compromises they are willing to make. Neither story is extremely long but in those few pages there is a big punch. They are both fast paced with problems and real life intertwined among romance and loving. Though you are fairly sure that each will end with a happily ever after, how their going to get there isn't going to be a super easy path. The struggles only endear the characters more to the reader and when Christmas gets here, a joyous time is had. A Christmas Baby" and Marry Me, Cowboy are great Christmas stories about unexpected gifts and love that comes from expected places. They're perfect for that break from the holiday rushing and will give you renewed faith that things can and will work out. ~ www.nightowlromance.com |
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Samantha's Cowboy *The Cartwright Siblings* Miniseries Some Cowboys Are Made, Not Born There should be millions in Samantha Cartwright's trust fund…but it's empty. Luckily for Wade Dawson, her financial advisor, Samantha doesn’t know that yet. So Wade's buying time to solve the mystery of the missing money by playing cowboy on her ranch. But he's way in over his head! Wade is so different from the men Samantha is used to. He wears a tie to work instead of dusty jeans and a Stetson. And while she's intrigued by him, she's frustrated by the delay. After all, starting her new horse ranch will finally prove to her overprotective father that she's capable of running her own life. But Samantha's memory lapses from an old injury once brought harm to a child she loved, and she cannot risk being a danger to Wade or his young son. Even if the businessman does look irresistible in a cowboy hat... |
 Harlequin American #1271 ISBN-10: 037375275X ISBN-13: 978-0373752751 August 2009 Buy It! |
First off, though Dominick Cartwright isn’t onstage much, I loved him. Here’s a man who is confident in his power and authority and it’s easy to see why he’s such a mover and shaker in the oil business and in the state of OK. But…he loves his daughter and still worries about her and how she’ll get on in the world. He’s concerned about her – and has slightly smothered her to some extent – but can recognize that a man truly loves her and is willing for her sake to push the romance and step back for her to reach for her dream – both the horse ranch and a relationship. In a world of idiot, moron romance fathers, he’s a winner.
I also love the image of the matching geeky nerd father and son. Bravo that Wade recognizes his son’s intelligence and fosters it but at the same time, still worries about making sure Luke can relate to other children and has some kind of social network. And thank goodness that when there is an issue with Luke and Sam, and from all the mentions of a child in Sam’s past I knew this was coming, Wade still believes in Sam, doesn’t blame her since she did everything right and reassures her that it was mainly Luke’s fault for not following her clear directions and warnings. There are no breakdowns in their relationship over this is what I’m trying to say and I truly appreciate it.
Sam is a heroine who fits both choices in our recent poll on heroines: perfect or flawed. She’s a woman who is beautiful enough to make men who pass her in the street turn and look until they accidentally walk into a wall but she’s also flawed with her memory lapses due to her head injury. And unlike so many “flaws” in romanceland this one is major and permanent. There’s no quick fix for Sam but she’s got coping mechanisms already in place that help her deal with her life as it always will be. Bully for her that she’s got the gumption to reach for her dream of a rescue horse ranch, that she’s tried to research it and make sure she’s covered all her bases, that this isn’t just a rich girl whim but a deep seated desire and that she’s overcoming her remaining fear of horses.
I like that you’ve created a heroine with problems that won’t be solved with any quick fix. And a hero who is a cowboy wannabe underneath his geeky exterior. I like that each of them stretches their limitations and finds something wonderful in the other.
~Jayne www.dearauthor.com
Thomas' touching tale shows two characters slowly coming together in what could be a big romance.
~ RT Book Reviews
This is book three in the Cartwright family saga, and Marin Thomas has done just as good a job on this one as she did on the other two. (A little birdie tells me there just might be a forth book sometime next year) I’m looking forward to it.
Marin did an excellent job of getting the tension right up there between Wade and Samantha. Yet as hot as they were for each other, it seemed as if every time they thought they were getting somewhere something would happen to interrupt. I got a good laugh at some of Wade’s attempts at physical activity. I was frustrated right along with Samantha when she wanted him to kiss her and he didn’t.
What I loved most about this book is that Marin has a knack for getting people out of trouble. In each of the Cartwright books someone needed rescuing, and it was done with dignity and tact. Her books are believable, and very read-able. She tackles problems like brain injuries, homeless children, and a widow left with a huge debt, in such a way that no one is left feeling inferior. She makes you believe the world isn’t such a bad place after all.
~ Donna B www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
 Harlequin American #1253 ISBN-10: 0373752571 ISBN-13: 978-0373752577 April, 2009 Buy It! |
A Cowboy's Promise *The Cartwright Siblings* Miniseries Keeping her Idaho horse farm going has been a struggle for Amy Olsen. Then ex-rodeo rider Matt Cartwright shows up to collect on a debt. But once he meets the widow and her two young daughters, Matt's the one who wants to make good. And when he finds himself falling for Amy, making good is one promise he intends to keep! Dear Ms. Thomas: This is the second novel of yours I’ve read and I’m just as, if not more, impressed. Realistic setting, believable characters, conflict that is centered on the hero and heroine and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, two young children I adored. I think I need to go take my temperature after writing that last bit. Amy Olson’s back is to the wall when Matt Cartwright drives into her life. Appearing out of the blue one morning, with a stock trailer behind his fancy fig, she can’t imagine why he’s at her ranch. Unless he’s another person her dead husband owed money to. But if so, why has he brought three mares with him? |
Matt Cartwright quickly adds up the clues which equal a woman in need. But though he sympathizes with the shocking news that her husband is dead, he’s not about to let her out of the debt Ben owes him. $30,000 or stud services for his three mares from the stallion still in her barn. But when Amy tells him that the stallion caused Ben’s death, Matt knows that the breeding isn’t going to be as quick, or easy, as he’d hoped.
With no way to pay the debt, Amy grudgingly allows Matt to stay and work with the horse, trying to determine if SOS is a killer or just got spooked. In the meantime, she’s not above a little push and shove to get Matt to help look after her girls while she takes classes.
Against all hope, Amy watches as Matt works with SOS, bringing the stallion around and getting him to the point where perhaps she can sell the horse and pay off most of her debts. He’s a hardworking man, unlike the gambler she married or the dreamer her mother fell for. And he’s willing to lie about liking her cooking.
To his surprise, Matt discovers he’s good with kids. Well, he more or less has to learn when he’s roped into being a baby-sitter while Amy attends classes. And it’s these scenes which delighted me. Nothing feels hokey or forced. Matt still has moments when Lily and Rose ’spin his end around.’ Times when he’s not quite sure how to deal with these two pint sized females but the trip watching him do it is funny and touching. And no kiddie lisping! Oh, thank you for that.
So, mark this day down as one for the ages. Jayne adores two toddlers in a romance novel. Maybe I’m being sucked into Harlequin’s baby centered world at long last? Hmmmm. Nah, I think it’s just Rose and Lily who charmed me in this charming story.
~ Jayne www.dearauthor.com
Marin comes up with some really great twists in this book to liven things up and keep you on your reading toes. It’s not a comedy, but I still had a good laugh when Matt punches. . . well, I’ll leave that for you to find out.
Marin’s way with words is surpassed only by her imagination. She can think of amazing things to make happen in a story, and her use of the language makes them all very believable, and fit right in to the story.
~ Donna B http://www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com/
Matt is a dream. Handsome, sweet, thoughtful... he's got a bit of pride that puts a few glitches in his plans now and then, but overall he's one hundred percent hero material. Amy, despite all her intentions otherwise, can't help but be charmed by the man. This reader couldn't help it either.
In fact, this book had some of the best created and three-dimensional characters I've read in quite some time. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between all the cast of this book, including the quirky secondary folk who trotted through now and then. Ms. Thomas is one of my favorite authors to read because she has unusual but believable characters in her stories and this book was no exception.
~ Poppy http://www.longandshortreviews.com/
A Cowboy guarding his heart and a single mother who has seen hard times comes together in Marin Thomas' sweetly romantic story. Thomas' characters are real, Amy's daughters are charming and the story is neatly plotted.
~ 4 Stars RT BookReviews
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The Cowboy and the Angel *The Cartwright Siblings* Miniseries Tis the Season…For Miracles? Renée Sweeney will do whatever it takes to keep a roof over the heads of Detroit's street kids. Even if it means stepping in front of a ten-ton wrecking ball aimed at their temporary home. And especially if it means clashing with gorgeous corporate cowboy Duke Dalton. To Duke, the blue-eyed blonde seems more like an angel than a social worker. Until he discovers a group of runaways camping out in his warehouse! The Tulsa businessman came to set up shop in a new town, not provide free housing for the masses. But Renée and the kids are making him rethink his bottom line…and what the spirit if the Christmas season really means. Now his cowboy Santa is looking to give Renée--and her young charges--a gift straight from his heart! |
 Harlequin American #1236 ISBN-10: 0373752407 ISBN-13: 978-0373752409 November 2008 Buy It! |
This story packs a punch in more ways than one. Though it's certainly a romance it's also a story that makes a person stop and think about their priorities. Renée is passionate about her career as a social worker, partly because of her past, but partly because her heart is so huge. Duke quickly discovers that in order to create a future with Renée, he needs to understand and take part in that piece of her life, something he does with gusto. Duke is the kind of man we all dream of falling for.
The strength of this story is definitely in the emotion--between Duke and Renée and between both of them and the kids. A strong secondary cast makes up this book, and I was overjoyed to discover there is a sequel coming soon. I only wish it were about how the six kids she rescued were doing in life. I was so thoroughly caught up in them that the ending of this story made me cry...happy tears. If you're looking for a book to really show you the meaning of the holiday season, then I highly recommend The Cowboy and the Angel. It's earned a spot on my keeper shelf.
--- Poppy www.longandshortreviews.com
The romance between the COWBOY AND THE ANGEL is cleverly done to serve as a backdrop in many ways to saving the children as Marin Thomas makes each of her teens and preadolescents seem fully developed with genuine flaws and fears. Thus besides a strong contemporary romance, the audience sees a powerful look at how complex and difficult social work can be. This is a great tale and perhaps Ms. Thomas can provide a futuristic anthology focusing on these children as adults (instead of where are they now – where will they be).
--- Harriet Klausner
Social worker Renee and developer Duke face off over the future of a Detroit building that's illegally housing six runaways. When Renee lets Duke in on the secret, he helps her to get all the kids homes for the holidays. Duke wins her heart with his treatment of the children, but can he convince her to forget her past and give his love a chance? Packed with details about the Detroit area and the challenges of social work, The Cowboy and the Angel (4 1/2 ), by Marin Thomas, is a heartwarming story. The standout supporting characters will have readers clamoring for spin-off stories, but Thomas deserves special props for writing six children and teenagers whose attitudes and actions are believable!
--- Whitney Kate Sullivan, www.romantictimes.com
Social worker Renee wants to give a special group of homeless kids living in an abandoned warehouse a real Christmas. But her plans to save them go awry when real estate developer Duke Dalton swaggers in, ready to knock down the warehouse. The cowboy is mightily impressed by the petite blonde, and comes to love the children under her care and her cause. But does Renee's heart have enough room for him, as well as all the needy children of Detroit?
This was a lovely story--a well-researched tale that looks into the plight of homeless children and orphans. Thomas has penned a heartbreaking eye-opener, and one that will leave you aching.
--- Vicki So www.eharlequin.com
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