Shoulda Been a Cowboy

Quick, Fun. Secret Crushes' 2nd Chance

Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Copper Ridge, # 0.5)
by Maisey Yates
March 1, 2015

Publisher: HQN
111 pages, approximately
Romance: Contemporary

** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. **

-- SYNOPSIS --
In this sexy, sweet prequel novella to her new series, USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates welcomes readers to the charming small town of Copper Ridge, Oregon, where it's never too late for second chances...
There's not much about his teenage years that Jake Caldwell can be proud of. Except maybe for keeping his hands off cute, kind-hearted Cassie Ventimiglia. She was the only one who saw him as more than a tattooed rebel who couldn't wait to leave the ranching life behind. Now he's back in Copper Ridge to sell his father's property-and staying right above Cassie's coffee shop. And out of nowhere, the girl he's never forgotten is offering a whole lot more than fresh-baked muffins...
Jake's dark, smoldering appeal hasn't changed one bit. But Cassie has. Following everyone else's rules didn't quite work out. Time to ask for what she's always wanted...and what Jake's more than happy to give. A wild, hot romance that could make a one-time bad boy realize he's back for good.

-- MY THOUGHTS --
Novella: 100 -120 pages. A fun, quick "second chance secret-crushes" read. She was the "good girl" that used to tutor him in high school. Then he vanished, for fifteen years. Now, after his dad's passing, Jake's back to settle the estate. He wants to clear out the farm and sell off the properties as quickly as possible so he can get back home to Seattle. There's only one problem. Cassie. Her entire life is wrapped up in one of the buildings he plans to sell off. Her new business that she's worked so hard to start up for herself and her apartment above the shop are all she has to show for herself after her divorce left her with nothing. Fifteen years of unresolved feelings for one another are once again being tested.
The lead characters are well-written and enjoyable, but there really is not a lot in the way of secondary characters. The dialogue and interaction is believable. The plot lacks the depth and dynamics a full-length novel would, but maintains a strong story line. The ease of flow is outstanding. The minor conflicts were resolved locally with little fanfare. Predictability was on par with a feel-good story of this length. The conclusion was solid enough, although nothing was stated about Jake's house and employment back in Seattle nor the farm house and other property in town. Did he sell them all? Is he leasing/renting them? There's a nice epilogue with a glimpse of the next book's characters. Overall, it's a pleasant, quick read.

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Heat Level: 4.25
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Score: 3.9
Stars: 4
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