readwithchey's review against another edition
DNF @ 45%
It started out SO promising, like I was so into the family dynamics and the angst happening in the first few chapter, but damn it this is too cliché for me. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not, so I knew it was time to put this one down.
It started out SO promising, like I was so into the family dynamics and the angst happening in the first few chapter, but damn it this is too cliché for me. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not, so I knew it was time to put this one down.
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Ridge Lockhard left the home he grew up with the high expectations to find his own way in life and to prove that he was better than what his father thought of him. He built up his reputation, his wealth and fame and kept his distance most especially from his father, the one man he could never meet up with for expectations and only failures. But when his best friend gets engaged, he comes for the wedding even knowing what it will mean...having to face up to his past. But there is one spunky gorgeous woman that makes him feel more happy and free and makes him want to open himself up again, a woman that has always wanted him and now they have a chance but Ridge will need to face up to his own inner demons if he wants a chance at forever with her...
Million Dollar Cowboy was a book that really really surprised me. Lori Wilde is a author I never know what to expect and this book swept me away compltely. I just wanted to immerse myself all day in this story and just didn't want to put it down at all!! And yeah this was one sexy cowboy romance that I couldn't help but smile all the way through. It starts off pretty sad actually, where we see our hero, as a little boy being abandoned by his mother on the doorstep of his fathers house, and no one at his fathers home is welcoming, and he is only seven years old, it just about broke my heart, so yeah it does pull the reader in, because you just want this little boy to find his own happy ending. Well this boy grows up into Ridge Lockhart. Who left home as soon as he could and made a name for himself including more wealth that his father ever accumulated. He returns home for a wedding, to face his father, and also rekindles some flames with a sexy and sassy country Texan vet student who used to follow him around like a puppy dog and he in turn would tug at her pigtails. Yeah these two have some history, she is also his best friends baby sister.
But there is some powerful chemistry between these two. What I do love and admire about this author, is the way she builds up tension between a couple in the most real and vivid way. And she doesn't disappoint in Million Dollar Cowboy and i think what I really enjoyed about this book was seeing these two reconnect. But not only that, was seeing these two trying to make every moment count in the little time they have together. We see some personal growth in our hero especially. He of course, has some serious inner demons he needs to face. But then we have some "magical" tune to the story which I did NOT see coming but loved it anyway. There is a legend in Kaia's family, that when you kiss your future "mate" you will hear humming. And our heroine hears the humming anytime she is near Ridge which just complicates matters. Kaia is a heroine I just admired from the very beginning. She is confident and knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it. I loved her passion for life. She doesn't let anything get her down and enjoys every little moment of joy in her life. The romance is sexy and endearing and captivating and I just didn't want their story to end!! Definitely read this if you love contemporary romance or some fun cowboy fun.
I really love this cover, and I like how well it portrays the setting of western hot texas.
Million Dollar Cowboy is a emotional packed small town western romance that has a hint of magic, plenty of sexy chemistry and a couple that are perfectly matched....SENSATIONAL!!
[foogallery id="27335"]
Summary
Ridge Lockhard left the home he grew up with the high expectations to find his own way in life and to prove that he was better than what his father thought of him. He built up his reputation, his wealth and fame and kept his distance most especially from his father, the one man he could never meet up with for expectations and only failures. But when his best friend gets engaged, he comes for the wedding even knowing what it will mean...having to face up to his past. But there is one spunky gorgeous woman that makes him feel more happy and free and makes him want to open himself up again, a woman that has always wanted him and now they have a chance but Ridge will need to face up to his own inner demons if he wants a chance at forever with her...
Plot and Story Line
Million Dollar Cowboy was a book that really really surprised me. Lori Wilde is a author I never know what to expect and this book swept me away compltely. I just wanted to immerse myself all day in this story and just didn't want to put it down at all!! And yeah this was one sexy cowboy romance that I couldn't help but smile all the way through. It starts off pretty sad actually, where we see our hero, as a little boy being abandoned by his mother on the doorstep of his fathers house, and no one at his fathers home is welcoming, and he is only seven years old, it just about broke my heart, so yeah it does pull the reader in, because you just want this little boy to find his own happy ending. Well this boy grows up into Ridge Lockhart. Who left home as soon as he could and made a name for himself including more wealth that his father ever accumulated. He returns home for a wedding, to face his father, and also rekindles some flames with a sexy and sassy country Texan vet student who used to follow him around like a puppy dog and he in turn would tug at her pigtails. Yeah these two have some history, she is also his best friends baby sister.
'You think I am stubborn?"
"Lockhart, a pack mule in the Grand Canyon threatened with a three hundred pound tourist wanting a ride to the top in August heat isn't as stubborn as you."
But there is some powerful chemistry between these two. What I do love and admire about this author, is the way she builds up tension between a couple in the most real and vivid way. And she doesn't disappoint in Million Dollar Cowboy and i think what I really enjoyed about this book was seeing these two reconnect. But not only that, was seeing these two trying to make every moment count in the little time they have together. We see some personal growth in our hero especially. He of course, has some serious inner demons he needs to face. But then we have some "magical" tune to the story which I did NOT see coming but loved it anyway. There is a legend in Kaia's family, that when you kiss your future "mate" you will hear humming. And our heroine hears the humming anytime she is near Ridge which just complicates matters. Kaia is a heroine I just admired from the very beginning. She is confident and knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it. I loved her passion for life. She doesn't let anything get her down and enjoys every little moment of joy in her life. The romance is sexy and endearing and captivating and I just didn't want their story to end!! Definitely read this if you love contemporary romance or some fun cowboy fun.
Belong.
He wanted to belong to her. Wanted her to belong to him. Not in a grasping, controlling, possessive way, but in the perfect way two puzzle pieces fit together. Meant to be.
Meant for each other and no one else.
The Cover
I really love this cover, and I like how well it portrays the setting of western hot texas.
Overall View
Million Dollar Cowboy is a emotional packed small town western romance that has a hint of magic, plenty of sexy chemistry and a couple that are perfectly matched....SENSATIONAL!!
Books N Tunes Pick
H.O.L.Y. by Florida Georgia Line
Click On Link To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="27335"]
saschadarlington's review against another edition
5.0
Somehow I have never read a Lori Wilde novel before. I almost didn’t read this one because it’s #5 in a series and I have a definite phobia about jumping into the middle of series, especially when people try to convince you that each novel is a standalone.
I am very glad that I tossed aside that notion because Million Dollar Cowboy was pretty outstanding.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2017/04/04/22560/
I am very glad that I tossed aside that notion because Million Dollar Cowboy was pretty outstanding.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2017/04/04/22560/
lilyelement's review against another edition
4.0
Million Dollar Cowboy is book 5 in the Cupid, Texas series. I love reading cowboy books as a break from Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy so this was a perfect fit for me. Even better that this is a best friend's little sister trope. It's not all about the romance though there is a ton of drama between Ridge Lockhart and some of his family and it made this book oh so entertaining.
We start off meeting Ridge Lockhart, the illegitimate eldest son of a wealthy Texan rancher. He's back in Cupid, Texas for his best friend's wedding and is dreading seeing his family. We quickly find out the relationship between him and his father is troubled, to say the least. It doesn't get any better that his father stole his girlfriend and is now married to her. The only positive is being around his friends and their family. This is where his best friend's little sister, Kaia Alzate enters the picture. She's a down to earth gal that wants Ridge to stop and smell the roses instead of working non-stop. They really balance each other out and Kaia helps Ridge deal with all the drama that unfolds. The only issue is if Ridge can stop working long enough to stay in an actual relationship.
Million Dollar Cowboy is a yummy cowboy read I couldn't put down. It had a bit of everything I could ask for in a romance, cowboys, best friend's little sister trope and enjoyable characters. The drama mixed in made me feel bad for Ridge and everything he's had to deal with in the past. He's grown a strong shell around him and I'm glad he was paired with Kaia who has been there for him from the start. All in all, this was a lovely read and I highly suggest it if you're a fan of cowboy romances or best friend's little sister tropes.
We start off meeting Ridge Lockhart, the illegitimate eldest son of a wealthy Texan rancher. He's back in Cupid, Texas for his best friend's wedding and is dreading seeing his family. We quickly find out the relationship between him and his father is troubled, to say the least. It doesn't get any better that his father stole his girlfriend and is now married to her. The only positive is being around his friends and their family. This is where his best friend's little sister, Kaia Alzate enters the picture. She's a down to earth gal that wants Ridge to stop and smell the roses instead of working non-stop. They really balance each other out and Kaia helps Ridge deal with all the drama that unfolds. The only issue is if Ridge can stop working long enough to stay in an actual relationship.
Million Dollar Cowboy is a yummy cowboy read I couldn't put down. It had a bit of everything I could ask for in a romance, cowboys, best friend's little sister trope and enjoyable characters. The drama mixed in made me feel bad for Ridge and everything he's had to deal with in the past. He's grown a strong shell around him and I'm glad he was paired with Kaia who has been there for him from the start. All in all, this was a lovely read and I highly suggest it if you're a fan of cowboy romances or best friend's little sister tropes.
roseyposey's review against another edition
2.0
I was really excited for this book. I was in the perfect mood for a modern cowboy romance. But it feel flat. It was both to fast and to slow. Almost all of the romance takes place in less then a week so the romance is super fast. Then nothing happens to keep me invested in the story. I felt like I was being told they were meant to be but I never found a reason why other then their both hot. Also why is everyone pressuring for Ridge to forgive his father. I understand forgiveness is important, but that doesn't mean he has to let go of childhood trauma for it. I would have liked to actually see him heal from it and not be pressured into it.
rabitoye's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Brat Terminator 😭 days later that nickname was burned in my brain. After devouring one fourth of Ridge & Kaia’s story I needed to go back and finish, today. I could not wait another day to know how this one came together. I loved how I could feel the warmth and love Granny Blue shared with Kaia, it reminded me of my own grandmother and her Native American heritage as she would share it with me.
Ridge Lockhart & Kaia Alzate have more history than they could even talk about, plus some that went undisclosed. As they come back together for the first time in years, in Cupid, TX for a wedding, can they come back to each other?
Ridge Lockhart & Kaia Alzate have more history than they could even talk about, plus some that went undisclosed. As they come back together for the first time in years, in Cupid, TX for a wedding, can they come back to each other?
shell74's review against another edition
4.0
A brother’s-best-friend trope, Million Dollar Cowboy was a story layered with friendship, mutual attraction, family resentments, and even a whisper of Native American legend. Set in small town Cupid, Texas, Lori Wilde created a romance that felt every bit as grand as it did down-home.
There are a couple of authors I think of when I want to read an authentic small town romance set in Texas but Lori Wilde always tops that list. I think it’s because she obviously knows the region so well, being a native of Texas herself, but it’s also due to how her stories pack such an emotional punch. She’s not afraid to put her characters through their paces. And boy did she make sure Ridge and Kaia earned their HEA in this book. Whew! But it was so worth all their emotional turmoil.
See full review at HarlequinJunkie blog:
Read More
There are a couple of authors I think of when I want to read an authentic small town romance set in Texas but Lori Wilde always tops that list. I think it’s because she obviously knows the region so well, being a native of Texas herself, but it’s also due to how her stories pack such an emotional punch. She’s not afraid to put her characters through their paces. And boy did she make sure Ridge and Kaia earned their HEA in this book. Whew! But it was so worth all their emotional turmoil.
See full review at HarlequinJunkie blog:
Read More
elylibrarysec's review against another edition
5.0
Ridge Lockhart is coming home. He’s a man who seems to stand on the edge of humanity but it’s decided that this is something that’s going to change. Kaia Alzate is so happy to see an old friend. Can an old family superstition come true? I loved the banter between our two main characters – had to smile when they really got going.
It’s a story that had me thinking of family traditions and just being together as a family. You don’t have to have lots of money either. Love doesn’t come with a price tag. You can also see that even tough men can’t stop certain things from happening. Kaia seems to have a way with animals. It takes a special person to have an affinity for those great and small. But how will she do with the toughest animal of them all? Be prepared to get emotionally involved with this story. It seems I always do with the characters this author creates. The story builds momentum as it moves along – as each scene rolls by so does the anticipation.
I love reading this author’s work. She has a way of getting me invested in the world she has created. I’ve read other books in this series and still fell the same – I want to go check out Cupid, Texas and take as many of these books as I can. Living in the East makes Texas like a foreign country. You don’t know how you’re going to act until you get there. But with all the crazy weather we seem to be having lately, I’ll check the forecasts first before traveling. It’s a story that makes you slow down and enjoy both the Lockhart and Alzate family. I’m also anticipating the next book this author has written. My problem becomes having to wait. But that just means that I’ll have to read something else of hers until then.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
It’s a story that had me thinking of family traditions and just being together as a family. You don’t have to have lots of money either. Love doesn’t come with a price tag. You can also see that even tough men can’t stop certain things from happening. Kaia seems to have a way with animals. It takes a special person to have an affinity for those great and small. But how will she do with the toughest animal of them all? Be prepared to get emotionally involved with this story. It seems I always do with the characters this author creates. The story builds momentum as it moves along – as each scene rolls by so does the anticipation.
I love reading this author’s work. She has a way of getting me invested in the world she has created. I’ve read other books in this series and still fell the same – I want to go check out Cupid, Texas and take as many of these books as I can. Living in the East makes Texas like a foreign country. You don’t know how you’re going to act until you get there. But with all the crazy weather we seem to be having lately, I’ll check the forecasts first before traveling. It’s a story that makes you slow down and enjoy both the Lockhart and Alzate family. I’m also anticipating the next book this author has written. My problem becomes having to wait. But that just means that I’ll have to read something else of hers until then.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
lauraanne9's review against another edition
3.0
***ARC Provided via Edelweiss and Tasty Book Tours***
I enjoy books by Lori Wilde, so when I saw this one, I was interested. And it didn't disappoint. Ridge and Kaia were interesting, and their initial meeting was funny, the idea that he was attracted to her and didn't know who she was made it interesting and gave the feeling that while it was a friends to lovers, it was also a story about how much someone can change in 10 years.
The story arc was reasonable, the pacing strong and the characters were mostly believable. There were a couple of things that I am not sure would happen in real life, that seemed to possibly be more realistic in the setting of a romance novel that has to end with the expected HEA.
the 10 years, however, made it tough for me to believe he would make the decisions that he does at the end. And spoilers make it impossible for me to discuss them fully. It wasn't enough to, obviously, ruin the whole thing for me, but it did make the ending a little less satisfying that it would have been otherwise.
That said, I do recommend this book. It is enjoyable, I liked the characters and getting to know them.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog “Booked All Night” http://bookedallnightblog.com/ and here: https://www.facebook.com/BookedAllNight/***
I enjoy books by Lori Wilde, so when I saw this one, I was interested. And it didn't disappoint. Ridge and Kaia were interesting, and their initial meeting was funny, the idea that he was attracted to her and didn't know who she was made it interesting and gave the feeling that while it was a friends to lovers, it was also a story about how much someone can change in 10 years.
The story arc was reasonable, the pacing strong and the characters were mostly believable. There were a couple of things that I am not sure would happen in real life, that seemed to possibly be more realistic in the setting of a romance novel that has to end with the expected HEA.
the 10 years, however, made it tough for me to believe he would make the decisions that he does at the end. And spoilers make it impossible for me to discuss them fully. It wasn't enough to, obviously, ruin the whole thing for me, but it did make the ending a little less satisfying that it would have been otherwise.
That said, I do recommend this book. It is enjoyable, I liked the characters and getting to know them.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog “Booked All Night” http://bookedallnightblog.com/ and here: https://www.facebook.com/BookedAllNight/***
ellesea's review against another edition
5.0
Ridge Lockheart is back at the Silver Feather Ranch in Cupid, Texas for the first time in ten years and if it wasn't for his childhood buddy's wedding, he doubts he'd ever come back at all. During his absence, he's built up a company that's made him even richer than his father. A hollow achievement to outdo the man who brought him up. On arrival, he spots a woman who's appearance awakens feelings that he thought were long buried. His plan was to hang around long enough to perform his duty as best man for Archer Alzate, but now he's torn between his work commitments as CEO of Lock Ridge Drilling and his desire to act on the long-buried attraction.
Kaia Alzate's life isn't quite how she planned, but she's making as much effort as she can to reach her goal of becoming a vet. A fractured pelvis caused by a near-fatal car accident has slowed down her plans, with money tight, she's working to make ends meet, but still happy she's caring for animals. When her older brother's childhood friend arrives to be best man at his wedding, Kaia's drawn to Ridge Lockheart as she always was, only she's no longer the pesky little sister. However, he's only in Cupid for three days, can she chance to risk her heart for just a little bit of him?
I loved all the feels within this novel.
Heartbreaking. Ridge is a complex man. He may be an accomplished businessman, but underneath his alpha façade, he's walking around with the weight of the world on his shoulders...a burden, lifted if only he'd communicate his feelings rather than run away from them.
Hope. The complicated relationship Ridge has with his father Duke. Kaia's steadfast ambition to become a vet.
Romance. When two people that have known and loved each other for years, finally manage to get on the same page of life.
Million Dollar Cowboy has a wonderful mix of entertaining secondary characters who enhance the adorable, protagonists story, set against the arid Texan desert. Their inclusion adds humour and just a touch of interference in the way that family members do. Although, part of a series, this novel can be read as a standalone and if you are not familiar with Lori Wilde work, this is a wonderful place to start and experience the richness of her writing. If like me, you're acquainted with the author's other novels, you'll love Ridge and Kaia's story.
***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Books via Edelweiss+***
Kaia Alzate's life isn't quite how she planned, but she's making as much effort as she can to reach her goal of becoming a vet. A fractured pelvis caused by a near-fatal car accident has slowed down her plans, with money tight, she's working to make ends meet, but still happy she's caring for animals. When her older brother's childhood friend arrives to be best man at his wedding, Kaia's drawn to Ridge Lockheart as she always was, only she's no longer the pesky little sister. However, he's only in Cupid for three days, can she chance to risk her heart for just a little bit of him?
I loved all the feels within this novel.
Heartbreaking. Ridge is a complex man. He may be an accomplished businessman, but underneath his alpha façade, he's walking around with the weight of the world on his shoulders...a burden, lifted if only he'd communicate his feelings rather than run away from them.
Hope. The complicated relationship Ridge has with his father Duke. Kaia's steadfast ambition to become a vet.
Romance. When two people that have known and loved each other for years, finally manage to get on the same page of life.
Million Dollar Cowboy has a wonderful mix of entertaining secondary characters who enhance the adorable, protagonists story, set against the arid Texan desert. Their inclusion adds humour and just a touch of interference in the way that family members do. Although, part of a series, this novel can be read as a standalone and if you are not familiar with Lori Wilde work, this is a wonderful place to start and experience the richness of her writing. If like me, you're acquainted with the author's other novels, you'll love Ridge and Kaia's story.
***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Books via Edelweiss+***
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