Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Kidnapped Cowboy by Lindsey Brookes

Kidnapped Cowboy

Kidnapped Cowboy
Lindsey Brookes

Genre: Western Romance

Date of Publication: February 14, 2013

Number of pages: 304

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     B&N 

After countless attempts to speak with the owner of the retreat for troubled teens she runs on the outskirts of Lone Tree, Montana, Caitlin Myers resorts to kidnapping Brandon ‘The Ogre of Lone Tree’ Barnes in a desperate attempt to change his mind about turning Stoney Brook into a vacation resort for the wealthy.

Retired rodeo star, Dalton Barnes, gets the surprise of his life when he’s abducted by a soft-spoken female with a ‘gun’ and taken to the retreat his family owns. He soon learns she’s kidnapped the wrong cowboy by mistake. She wanted his brother. Things go from bad to worse when a late spring snowstorm strands them together at the cabin. But it’s during their snow-in that Dalton learns why Caitlin has gone to such lengths to save Stoney Brook. Having had issues with his older brother himself and a not so happy past, Dalton promises to do what he can to help her.

When confronted Brandon tells Dalton he’ll hold off on his plans for the retreat, but only if Dalton agrees to stick around and help run it. Keeping his promise to Caitlin, Dalton agrees and what starts out as a common goal to turn the troubled teens’ lives around that summer ends up turning theirs around as well. Can a man who has always avoided putting down roots and a woman with a deep-seated fear of abandonment hang on to the happiness they’ve found together? Or will the past return to threaten their newfound love?

Love, laughter and a heartwarming read…

Excerpt: 

Dalton shook his head. “It would never really be ‘mine’ that way. I wanna buy you out. Most of my money is tied up right now in investments, but I have some money owed to me I can collect on. Should give me enough to give you a down payment towards buying you out and leave enough to buy Caitlin a nice ring with.”

“Works for me.” He held out his hand. “Welcome home, Dalton.”

Dalton took his brother’s hand, gripping it firmly. “Glad to be back.” He had just taken his first step toward putting down roots. A pretty big one for a man who never imagined settling anywhere for any real length of time. And he sure as hell never imagined it would be in the town he’d been in such an all-fire hurry to get away from all those years ago.

“This is a pretty big step for you,” his brother said. “Glad you’re finally taking it.”

He was going to take an even bigger step when he asked Caitlin to marry him. But before he could do that, he needed to go collect on those loans he’d made while riding the circuit. If everything went the way he hoped, he’d be back before the retreat’s summer session ended. He wanted the kids to be there when he asked Caitlin to marry him.

Dalton had to clear the emotion from his throat before speaking again. “I’ll never forget what you gave up to give me this opportunity.”

“You’re the one giving up his freedom, not me,” his brother said with a grin.

“I’m referring to the money you could have made by turning this place into a resort like you’d planned to do.”

“Hell, it’s not like I don’t have enough irons in the fire as it is.”

“Too many to keep an eye on Caitlin for me while I’m gone?”

Brandon hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “I’m not real good in the caring for females department.”

“I’m not asking you to move out here. Just call her once in a while and make sure there’s nothing she needs.”

“I can do that,” his brother said reluctantly. “But you’d best get your ass back here as soon as you can. I’ve had my fill of dealing with feminine temperaments and something tells me Caitlin’s not gonna be very happy about your leaving.”

Review: 

The Kidnapped Cowboy by Lindsey Brookes is a story of redemption and reconciliation.  Not just for the troubled teens at Stoney Brook, but also for the Barnes Brothers.

The story opens with Caitlin Myers, psychologist and head of the Stoney Brook camp for troubled teens kidnapping the wrong Barnes.  She had intended to "borrow" Brandon Barnes so that she could explain to him why the camp that his father opened so many years ago needed to stay open and not be turned into a playground for the wealthy.  Caitlin had been trying for weeks to get ahold of Brandon, yet he never returned her calls or requests via mail.  So she decided to take drastic measures and hold him until he will listen to reason.  Only, the Barnes she ends up with is the younger brother, Dalton. Dalton had borrowed his brother's truck to go into town that night and do some drinking and blow off some steam.  He was back in town after leaving the rodeo circuit and was training horses on the family ranch.

As Caitlin and Dalton bond over the catastrophes that seem to follow in Caitlin's wake, Dalton becomes determined to help her in her quest to keep the camp open.  Even going so far as to strike a bargain with his brother to do the work the camp needs to get ready to open again and then stay through the summer. As he works with Caitlin, Dalton understands why keeping the camp open is so important to her and the kids.

This book had such a great balance of emotion.  Going from the comedy of errors and misunderstandings in the beginning to the reconciliation of the brothers and the bonds of family that grow between the teens.  This book had me laughing and sighing in equal measure.  If you like books that you can walk away from them feeling upbeat and lighthearted, check this one out.  If Ms. Brookes writes a sequel and does Brandon's story, I would read it, no hesitation.  I am giving it 4 solid stars on Goodreads, for an overall enjoyable read.

Giveaway: 

Lindsey will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 

So follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

June 24:
Musings From An Addicted Reader

June 25:
Musings and Ramblings

June 26:
Harlie's Books
We Love Kink

June 27:
For The Love of Reading
4 the LUV of SANITY

June 28:
As the Pages Turn

Author Bio:

Romance author Lindsey Brookes grew up reading romance novels. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a four time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist and winner of Harlequin's Great American Romance Novel contest. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Possum Hollow Series | Facebook | Twitter