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Carrigans of the Circle C #1
Promise Me, Cowboy
Sage Carrigan never meant to be the other woman. Unfortunately, bronco rider Dawson O’Dell neglected to mention he was married the night he invited her to his bed after they’d both placed first in their rodeo events. When his wife walked in on them – Sage was deeply hurt and humiliated. After an accident in the ring the next day, Sage decides she’s quitting the rodeo–and cowboys—to become a chocolatier in her hometown ranching community, Marietta, Montana. She’s doing just fine, but then Dawson shows up —five years later, with a little girl in tow. He’s here for the Copper Mountain Rodeo hoping to win big. But he’s also got plans of settling down with his daughter and buying a house—the very same one that Sage has been dreaming about. He says he’s here for her and he’s making lots of promises. But can he keep them?
109 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2013
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
105 books795 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
June 13, 2022
I originally picked this up when I saw it was available with audible plus… it looked promising, and I found the ebook on scribd. I actually never made it over to the audiobook, so I can’t comment on the narration, but the book wasn’t great.
We know from the blurb and a quick flashback that Sage and Dawson met on the rodeo circuit and had a short friends-to-lovers relationship that ended when their romp was interrupted by his wife. The book opens five years later with Dawson returning to town.
My biggest gripe is that the majority of the plot was dedicated to introducing family members, towns people, future H & h’s and all their sideplots rather than focusing on Dawson and Sage. There is so much filler!! Dani, Callan, Chelsea, Jen, Eliza, Jasper, Mattie, Wes, Colton, Hawksley, Jamie, Scott… the secondary characters are endless. There’s also a plethora of subplots… cheating parents, serial marrying mom, left at the altar, absentee husband… on and on. The mc’s don’t even have an actual conversation until halfway through the novella… up to then she’s blowing him off.
Bottom Line- The second-chance scenario sounded good on paper, but this isn’t a romance. It’s an introduction prequel with a few scenes thrown in. Dawson and Sage spend very little time together, there’s no real development. He pursues-she denies… until he backs off then suddenly for no explained reason, she’s suddenly all in. They have one half-assed conversation where their feelings are just assumed, and we’re told they’re heading to HEA-ville. The end. 🤷♀️No feels, no development, no drama, and a rushed abrupt ending… that’s it.
Safety- He was separated from his wife (of months) when they met. The wife was supposed to be obtaining divorce papers when she showed up. Unbeknownst to him she was preggers. The separation isn’t really discussed. I don’t think he was ever with the ex-again, (all we’re told is he was working to be worthy of the h while being a single parent), and the h was in a serious relationship.
We know from the blurb and a quick flashback that Sage and Dawson met on the rodeo circuit and had a short friends-to-lovers relationship that ended when their romp was interrupted by his wife. The book opens five years later with Dawson returning to town.
My biggest gripe is that the majority of the plot was dedicated to introducing family members, towns people, future H & h’s and all their sideplots rather than focusing on Dawson and Sage. There is so much filler!! Dani, Callan, Chelsea, Jen, Eliza, Jasper, Mattie, Wes, Colton, Hawksley, Jamie, Scott… the secondary characters are endless. There’s also a plethora of subplots… cheating parents, serial marrying mom, left at the altar, absentee husband… on and on. The mc’s don’t even have an actual conversation until halfway through the novella… up to then she’s blowing him off.
Bottom Line- The second-chance scenario sounded good on paper, but this isn’t a romance. It’s an introduction prequel with a few scenes thrown in. Dawson and Sage spend very little time together, there’s no real development. He pursues-she denies… until he backs off then suddenly for no explained reason, she’s suddenly all in. They have one half-assed conversation where their feelings are just assumed, and we’re told they’re heading to HEA-ville. The end. 🤷♀️No feels, no development, no drama, and a rushed abrupt ending… that’s it.
Safety- He was separated from his wife (of months) when they met. The wife was supposed to be obtaining divorce papers when she showed up. Unbeknownst to him she was preggers. The separation isn’t really discussed. I don’t think he was ever with the ex-again, (all we’re told is he was working to be worthy of the h while being a single parent), and the h was in a serious relationship.
November 4, 2015
This kicks off the Carrigan series of novellas.
A young woman ends a career of barrel racing after an accident leaves her with an injured knee. She opens up a candy store and transitions into a successful business woman. Five years ago she ended an affair with a circuit cowboy when his wife barged in with a loaded gun after they just had sex. (She didn't realize he was married). The story picks up five years later when he comes back to set the score straight. Once his divorce is final, they have their HEA.
Unfortunately, there isn't more to the story. It lacked depth, ended abruptly, and left me wanting more. I recognize this is just a novella, but it should have delivered more.
There were many threads started that would have added the much needed punch, but they never materialized. I suspect they will slowly be revealed in the rest of series, but I have no inclination to read the rest. The author failed to draw me in enough to care.
A young woman ends a career of barrel racing after an accident leaves her with an injured knee. She opens up a candy store and transitions into a successful business woman. Five years ago she ended an affair with a circuit cowboy when his wife barged in with a loaded gun after they just had sex. (She didn't realize he was married). The story picks up five years later when he comes back to set the score straight. Once his divorce is final, they have their HEA.
Unfortunately, there isn't more to the story. It lacked depth, ended abruptly, and left me wanting more. I recognize this is just a novella, but it should have delivered more.
There were many threads started that would have added the much needed punch, but they never materialized. I suspect they will slowly be revealed in the rest of series, but I have no inclination to read the rest. The author failed to draw me in enough to care.
July 13, 2016
Sage didn't expect her ex-lover Dawson to be coming back to Marietta, much more rebuild what was once broken between them. Try as she might, she couldn't help but fell for him all over again. And Dawson, contrite and remorseful, wanted to gain her trust once more, and open her heart the way it was before.
But Sage wouldn't be fooled again. How could she ever go back to the arms of the man who had neglected to tell her that he was already married and his wife was pregnant? Oh, by the way, that said pregnant woman also happened to point a gun at them after they were caught doing the deed! Tsk, men!
Well, I had always said that I hate cheating men, always misleading women and letting them fall for them under fall pretenses. But somehow, this story gives the reader some reason to forget and forgive Dawson and give him a second chance. Dawson's character had transformed for the better, his situation was further explained, and his plea for redemption sounded sincere. Hmm.
This is a second chance at love story that CJ Carmichael had expertly woven and written. And just like Sage's chocolates, there is a promise of something sweet, a little bitter and a honeyed aftertaste. I think I am going to like this Marietta series. I would love to meet the other Carrigan sisters.
But Sage wouldn't be fooled again. How could she ever go back to the arms of the man who had neglected to tell her that he was already married and his wife was pregnant? Oh, by the way, that said pregnant woman also happened to point a gun at them after they were caught doing the deed! Tsk, men!
Well, I had always said that I hate cheating men, always misleading women and letting them fall for them under fall pretenses. But somehow, this story gives the reader some reason to forget and forgive Dawson and give him a second chance. Dawson's character had transformed for the better, his situation was further explained, and his plea for redemption sounded sincere. Hmm.
This is a second chance at love story that CJ Carmichael had expertly woven and written. And just like Sage's chocolates, there is a promise of something sweet, a little bitter and a honeyed aftertaste. I think I am going to like this Marietta series. I would love to meet the other Carrigan sisters.
December 18, 2013
Five years ago after a nasty accident while barrel racing, Sage Carrigan had left the rodeo circuit. After going home and healing, she knew she disappointed her father by refusing to rejoin the circuit or work on his beloved ranch. Instead, she opened a sinfully, decadent sweet shop named Copper Mountain Chocolates. She loved her little shop, her family and the town but buried in her heart she has a secret. The day of the accident her competing career was not the only thing she lost. Her world was shattered when the man she loved and who said he had loved her had his own secret...a wife. Now, with the Copper Mountain Rodeo in town, Dawson has presumed to darken her door once again with a long overdue apology. It was too little, too late. So if it was and she was so hardhearted against him, why did she feel the stirrings of love in her heart?
His wife had sworn they were through. She was finally getting a divorce. Dawson O'Dell believed her words and started an easy friendship with Sage that matured into love over several months. His wife's abrupt arrival in his trailer while he was with Sage was as shocking to Dawson as it was to Sage. Shock held him in place while Sage ran weeping from the trailer and then subsequently disappeared. Five years was a long time to wait to deliver an apology, but life had gotten in the way. He still loved her and he would move mountains to gain her love again. Would she ever forgive him or love him again, or now that he has extra baggage, would she push him to the curb and forget him?
I found this story a quick, easy read. Well developed characters wove a tale of romance, forgiveness, and the rodeo scene. Between the descriptions of the rodeo and the scenery, I was given a deeper insight into this world of cowboys and cowgirls and their love of the rodeo.
I would recommend this book to all romance readers.
I was given an ARC from the author for an honest review.
5/5 stars Was her heart too broken to give forgiveness?
His wife had sworn they were through. She was finally getting a divorce. Dawson O'Dell believed her words and started an easy friendship with Sage that matured into love over several months. His wife's abrupt arrival in his trailer while he was with Sage was as shocking to Dawson as it was to Sage. Shock held him in place while Sage ran weeping from the trailer and then subsequently disappeared. Five years was a long time to wait to deliver an apology, but life had gotten in the way. He still loved her and he would move mountains to gain her love again. Would she ever forgive him or love him again, or now that he has extra baggage, would she push him to the curb and forget him?
I found this story a quick, easy read. Well developed characters wove a tale of romance, forgiveness, and the rodeo scene. Between the descriptions of the rodeo and the scenery, I was given a deeper insight into this world of cowboys and cowgirls and their love of the rodeo.
I would recommend this book to all romance readers.
I was given an ARC from the author for an honest review.
5/5 stars Was her heart too broken to give forgiveness?
December 21, 2021
3.5 Stars
March 29, 2021
Audiobook: This is a first time read by this author C. J. Carmichael. It was also a first time listen by narrator Emily Cauldwell.
Promise Me, Cowboy the first novella in this series was a nice listen and I thought the narration was done very well. This was a short story of second chance love and uncovered secrets. Although the story was short and sweet, the ending was quite abrupt and could have been developed a bit more.
Promise Me, Cowboy the first novella in this series was a nice listen and I thought the narration was done very well. This was a short story of second chance love and uncovered secrets. Although the story was short and sweet, the ending was quite abrupt and could have been developed a bit more.
September 29, 2013
Some woman have the unfortunate luck of falling for a man that has already been taken to the altar, finding out before things go too far is always a bonus but when it gets to the point where his pregnant wife is pointing a loaded gun at you after catching you buck naked in the arms of her husband, now that has no bonus at all expect maybe of course that you now no better and you will surely never be making the same mistake again.
In this read from author C.J. Carmichael we get to know Sage and how her life takes a fall for the worse when her biggest mistake did-I-forget-to-mention-I am-married Dawson comes walking back into her life.
She hates the man, she never wanted to be the other woman and she has never been able to shake off the feelings of guilt and despair, and all he is to her is a reminder of her moment of weakness.
But she has moved on and built a good life for herself and she does not need Dawson shaking things up, ignore him and carry on is the only option she has until she learns there is a little more behind the one wild ride she had with Dawson and the gun baring wife that caught them.
The character of Sage was one I could sympathise with, as we all make mistakes but we also learn from our mistakes, if it does not break us it makes us stronger and this is the case for Sage. She does not go and lie down, she gets back up and moves on , yet she does not let go of the guilt.
Through this the author showed that even though we learn from our mistake, get up and move on the guilt that stays with us and that clouds our judgement in such a manner that anger gets the better of us and we never really let go unless we find the healing with in ourselves, by digging for truth.
I am not saying that Sage's reaction to discovering Dawson is married was uncalled for, only that I think we need to remember there is always too sides to a story and maybe over reacting is never the best route to take, maybe try to let someone explain before making a decision.
The character of Dawson was yes a jerk for taking Sage to bed whilst married but as the read progressed the author showed him to be very different from the man that Sage makes him out to be, even though he cheated there was a story behind his actions and he only needed a chance to let it out.
The backdrop settings and dialogue was well incorporated and it all felt nice and homey. I am taking away a message of secrets are never a good thing and being straight about it all from the start go will always end better, and never ever judge a person by their past actions everyone deserves a second chance.
I recommend this read for all fans of small town romance reads , a thrilling, exciting and sensual read.
5 star review
" He promises her the world, but can she believe him?"
In this read from author C.J. Carmichael we get to know Sage and how her life takes a fall for the worse when her biggest mistake did-I-forget-to-mention-I am-married Dawson comes walking back into her life.
She hates the man, she never wanted to be the other woman and she has never been able to shake off the feelings of guilt and despair, and all he is to her is a reminder of her moment of weakness.
But she has moved on and built a good life for herself and she does not need Dawson shaking things up, ignore him and carry on is the only option she has until she learns there is a little more behind the one wild ride she had with Dawson and the gun baring wife that caught them.
The character of Sage was one I could sympathise with, as we all make mistakes but we also learn from our mistakes, if it does not break us it makes us stronger and this is the case for Sage. She does not go and lie down, she gets back up and moves on , yet she does not let go of the guilt.
Through this the author showed that even though we learn from our mistake, get up and move on the guilt that stays with us and that clouds our judgement in such a manner that anger gets the better of us and we never really let go unless we find the healing with in ourselves, by digging for truth.
I am not saying that Sage's reaction to discovering Dawson is married was uncalled for, only that I think we need to remember there is always too sides to a story and maybe over reacting is never the best route to take, maybe try to let someone explain before making a decision.
The character of Dawson was yes a jerk for taking Sage to bed whilst married but as the read progressed the author showed him to be very different from the man that Sage makes him out to be, even though he cheated there was a story behind his actions and he only needed a chance to let it out.
The backdrop settings and dialogue was well incorporated and it all felt nice and homey. I am taking away a message of secrets are never a good thing and being straight about it all from the start go will always end better, and never ever judge a person by their past actions everyone deserves a second chance.
I recommend this read for all fans of small town romance reads , a thrilling, exciting and sensual read.
5 star review
" He promises her the world, but can she believe him?"
September 25, 2013
PROMISE ME, COWBOY by author C.J.Carmichael is a Montana Rodeo series release by Tule Publishing for October 2013.
Sage Carrigan has almost recovered from her humiliation of five years before when in walks rodeo cowboy Dawson O’Dell back in her life and in her chocolate shop. She doesn’t want him. She has never forgiven him.
But Dawson has come to stay for the long haul. And he has a young daughter with him.
Would Sage ever forgive him? The chemistry between them still sizzled. Could it turn to something permanent?
PROMISE ME, COWBOY is a humorous story with steamy sensuality and heart-tugging pathos. C J Carmichael has written a fun, engrossing and fascinating story of heart-ache amid all the rodeo action and drama which will keep a reader involved in the story from the first page.
Recommended for all lovers of romance.
Sage Carrigan has almost recovered from her humiliation of five years before when in walks rodeo cowboy Dawson O’Dell back in her life and in her chocolate shop. She doesn’t want him. She has never forgiven him.
But Dawson has come to stay for the long haul. And he has a young daughter with him.
Would Sage ever forgive him? The chemistry between them still sizzled. Could it turn to something permanent?
PROMISE ME, COWBOY is a humorous story with steamy sensuality and heart-tugging pathos. C J Carmichael has written a fun, engrossing and fascinating story of heart-ache amid all the rodeo action and drama which will keep a reader involved in the story from the first page.
Recommended for all lovers of romance.
April 21, 2014
Nice clean romance, even though at times it dragged a little. Some themes were introduced in the storyline only to be dropped a little later without bringing anything to the story itself (e.g. I didn't understand the presence of Eliza and Aunt Mabel, and why the theme of Eliza's book was introduced at all when nothing came out of it in the end).
I couldn't connect with the characters and couldn't feel the chemistry between them. Although the sparks are there when they meet again, their pushing and pulling got a little irritating at times, especially since at the end Sage seems to change her mind overnight, in spite of the past five years spent hating Dawson.
I didn't particularly like Sage as a character, but I did like Dawson and his character growth.
All in all it is a nice story, the plot had potential, but I felt it lacked a little more depth and character development.
I couldn't connect with the characters and couldn't feel the chemistry between them. Although the sparks are there when they meet again, their pushing and pulling got a little irritating at times, especially since at the end Sage seems to change her mind overnight, in spite of the past five years spent hating Dawson.
I didn't particularly like Sage as a character, but I did like Dawson and his character growth.
All in all it is a nice story, the plot had potential, but I felt it lacked a little more depth and character development.
October 23, 2013
Promise Me, Cowboy takes us back to Marietta to indulge in the sweet but sexy romance between Sage Carrigan and Dawson O'Dell. Ms. Carmichael does an amazing job of pulling you into the story and infusing love, family, and the charm of Marietta in such a short format. I wasn't ready for it to end! I really enjoyed this story of forgiveness and love, and would have happily spent many more pages with this couple.
November 19, 2013
I liked CJ's other book "The Fourth Child: 9 Months Later" (Harlequin Superromance No. 917). Her books are more about how her characters deal with the fallout of issues and their relationships with friends and family. While I liked this book, I thought TFC was much better.
November 16, 2017
I love second chance stories but up until about 25% I thought this was a really bad story. THEN I realized it wasn’t the story but the narrator. I turned off the audio and enjoyed the rest of the book by just reading it.
This was about Dawson and Sage who fell in love five years before when they were both part of the rodeo. At the end of having sex and being threatened with a shotgun by Dawson’s wife Sage left and that was the end of that. Or so Sage thought. Dawson shows up in Marietta, Montana where Sage now owns a chocolate store, but she refuses to forgive him, but he keeps trying to explain what was happening with his wife.
Eventually, she did forgive him but it was sudden! Once she saw is divorce papers she was over being mad at him. I mean, sudden like in five minutes time.
There was no sex or swearing in this story.
As to the narration: It was terrible. The men sounded like women and all Emily Cauldwell did was read the book. No emotions, no nothing. I would not listen to her again.
April 9, 2023
Read with an open mind
I am one of those readers who also veer away from themes that condone--rather, whose main characters established their relationship by cheating on their partners. While I appreciate the author for putting it out in the open, it still made me think about whether to read this. Thankfully, I did. I think it was pretty much understandable, especially where they are coming from. And I admire the fact that our heroine felt absolutely ashamed for what she did, and it made the tension between our main characters more palpable. It also made me draw the conclusion that in this day and age, it is inevitable to fall in love with someone while in a "committed" relationship. Still, we can draw inspiration from Dawson here that becoming a better person and tying up loose ends is the way to go as far as showing love to someone is concerned.
This is my first book from this author, and I have no problems with her writing and the series' storyline. She will be on my radar after reading this one.
I am one of those readers who also veer away from themes that condone--rather, whose main characters established their relationship by cheating on their partners. While I appreciate the author for putting it out in the open, it still made me think about whether to read this. Thankfully, I did. I think it was pretty much understandable, especially where they are coming from. And I admire the fact that our heroine felt absolutely ashamed for what she did, and it made the tension between our main characters more palpable. It also made me draw the conclusion that in this day and age, it is inevitable to fall in love with someone while in a "committed" relationship. Still, we can draw inspiration from Dawson here that becoming a better person and tying up loose ends is the way to go as far as showing love to someone is concerned.
This is my first book from this author, and I have no problems with her writing and the series' storyline. She will be on my radar after reading this one.
November 24, 2021
3-3.5 stars. There’s definitely more that could’ve been explored if this had been longer. For Dawson to go through all that trouble these last few years with a single goal in mind and then to have his efforts come to a grinding halt so easily because Sage was standing her ground seemed a little anticlimactic. Despite his blunder from years ago, I liked him with Sage. I wouldn’t have minded more scenes of them together in the present or in flashbacks so it could highlight how well they truly fit together, yet it was obvious neither were happy without the other.
June 20, 2022
I liked the small town Montana setting, the history and chemistry between Sage and Dawson who is a single Dad to a five year old daughter and the continuing drama between Sage and her sisters. I especially enjoy small town romance and if you’re looking for a family driven storyline that’s sweet and PG rated you will enjoy C.J. Carmichael’s books. I listened to the audiobook version and I enjoyed the narration performance of Emily Cauldwell.
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February 10, 2023Listen via Audible plus,okay read.
October 27, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
Chocolate is always a good starting point for a romance, but running a chocolate shop is hard work.
Sage Carrigan has been running her own chocolate shop in Marietta, Montana for five long and pretty exhausting years. But they have also been rewarding years, because being a chocolatier is what she really wants to do.
The barrel-riding accident that tore her ACL may have ended her rodeo career, but it gave her the out she needed to start the career she really wanted, instead of staying with the rodeo because it was the one thing she did that seemed to earn some praise from her taciturn father.
She hasn’t gotten anything from him before or since except questions about when she’s going to give up her store and come back to the ranch, or why she let one little injury turn her into a coward.
Sage is all too aware that four girls were not what her father wanted. It’s too bad that he let them all know just how much of a disappointment they all were.
And into the middle of Sage’s life walks the other man who disappointed her, Dawson O’Dell. Dawson is a rodeo cowboy, and he’s in town for the Copper Mountain Rodeo. But that’s not all he’s there for. He’s finally come back for Sage.
Because the last time he saw her, his wife was standing over both of them with a shotgun. Dawson forgot to tell Sage he was married. And that’s the one lie that she simply can’t get over.
Not even if Dawson has come to Marietta to stay. Not even if Sage is forced to admit to herself that she still wants him. Because the stupid cowboy still isn’t divorced. Not yet.
Escape Rating B: So far (I still have one to go) every single one of the stories in the Copper Mountain Rodeo series has been one sweet ride after another. They use the town and the annual rodeo setting just perfectly to capture the essence of being parts of one event, without repeating each other. Very well done.
Promise Me, Cowboy is a “still waters run deep” kind of story. There’s not just the second-chance at romance story between Sage and Dawson, but the backstory about how the first chance was screwed up so badly and how much effort Dawson has put into redeeming himself.
Also a lot about the secrets that children keep to protect their parents, and parents keep to protect their children. I’ll admit I thought the big secret was worse than it was.
This story packs a delayed wallop. Sage takes a while to come around, and so she should! But there are lots of layers about parents and children, Sage and her father, Dawson and his mother, and how those relationships influence them in both good and bad directions.
And little Savannah steals every scene she’s in!
Chocolate is always a good starting point for a romance, but running a chocolate shop is hard work.
Sage Carrigan has been running her own chocolate shop in Marietta, Montana for five long and pretty exhausting years. But they have also been rewarding years, because being a chocolatier is what she really wants to do.
The barrel-riding accident that tore her ACL may have ended her rodeo career, but it gave her the out she needed to start the career she really wanted, instead of staying with the rodeo because it was the one thing she did that seemed to earn some praise from her taciturn father.
She hasn’t gotten anything from him before or since except questions about when she’s going to give up her store and come back to the ranch, or why she let one little injury turn her into a coward.
Sage is all too aware that four girls were not what her father wanted. It’s too bad that he let them all know just how much of a disappointment they all were.
And into the middle of Sage’s life walks the other man who disappointed her, Dawson O’Dell. Dawson is a rodeo cowboy, and he’s in town for the Copper Mountain Rodeo. But that’s not all he’s there for. He’s finally come back for Sage.
Because the last time he saw her, his wife was standing over both of them with a shotgun. Dawson forgot to tell Sage he was married. And that’s the one lie that she simply can’t get over.
Not even if Dawson has come to Marietta to stay. Not even if Sage is forced to admit to herself that she still wants him. Because the stupid cowboy still isn’t divorced. Not yet.
Escape Rating B: So far (I still have one to go) every single one of the stories in the Copper Mountain Rodeo series has been one sweet ride after another. They use the town and the annual rodeo setting just perfectly to capture the essence of being parts of one event, without repeating each other. Very well done.
Promise Me, Cowboy is a “still waters run deep” kind of story. There’s not just the second-chance at romance story between Sage and Dawson, but the backstory about how the first chance was screwed up so badly and how much effort Dawson has put into redeeming himself.
Also a lot about the secrets that children keep to protect their parents, and parents keep to protect their children. I’ll admit I thought the big secret was worse than it was.
This story packs a delayed wallop. Sage takes a while to come around, and so she should! But there are lots of layers about parents and children, Sage and her father, Dawson and his mother, and how those relationships influence them in both good and bad directions.
And little Savannah steals every scene she’s in!
October 23, 2013
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Readers will be whisked away to the COPPER MOUNTAIN RODEO in C.J. Carmichael’s dazzling novella PROMISE ME, COWBOY, where they will meet Sage and Dawson, who had a torrid love affair five years ago. However, things got ugly when Sage discovered that Dawson was secretly married. Now Dawson has reappeared in Sage’s life and it looks like he is there to stay. Will Sage be able to forgive Dawson for his past betrayal?
It is rumored that there are no secrets in a small town, but Sage Carrigan has managed to keep two undisclosed confessions to herself. Dawson O’Dell is one of them. Five years ago Sage met Dawson on the rodeo circuit and fell in love with him, but to her horror she was awakened one morning in Dawson’s bed by a women wielding a shotgun, claiming to be Dawson’s wife. Thank goodness, she escaped unscathed.
Sage has been living a quiet and peaceful life in Marietta, Montana, where she owns a chocolate shop. When Dawson appears in her store one day wanting to make amends, Sage isn’t at all happy to see him. Dawson would like a chance to explain what went wrong five years ago, but Sage isn’t eager to hear his explanation, yet she realizes that Dawson can still make her heart go pitter-patter.
When Dawson decides to settle down in Marietta with his daughter, he and Sage keep running into one another. Dawson would like nothing more than to make Sage a permanent part of his life as well, but it is going to take a lot of convincing on his part for Sage to find forgiveness in her heart. Does this couple stand a chance at happily- ever-after?
It is easy to empathize with Sage as she goes through a full spectrum of emotions when she sees Dawson in her chocolate shop. Forgiveness doesn’t come easy for her, and she makes Dawson work hard to prove that he is worthy of her attention. I enjoyed meeting all of Sage’s sisters and I hope to see more of them in future writings.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Dawson at first, but after he gives Sage an explanation of why he hid his marriage from her, I decided he wasn’t a bad guy. I loved the way that Dawson interacted with his mother and daughter and the way that he was so willing to raise his daughter on his own.
Promise Me, Cowboy is a great addition to the COPPER MOUNTAIN RODEO series. I loved visiting with characters from the previous novellas and I can’t wait to meet some new ones in upcoming stories.
C.J. Carmicheal has done an outstanding job of creating characters that you can relate to and fall in love with. I highly recommend that you download this amazing tale today!
Readers will be whisked away to the COPPER MOUNTAIN RODEO in C.J. Carmichael’s dazzling novella PROMISE ME, COWBOY, where they will meet Sage and Dawson, who had a torrid love affair five years ago. However, things got ugly when Sage discovered that Dawson was secretly married. Now Dawson has reappeared in Sage’s life and it looks like he is there to stay. Will Sage be able to forgive Dawson for his past betrayal?
It is rumored that there are no secrets in a small town, but Sage Carrigan has managed to keep two undisclosed confessions to herself. Dawson O’Dell is one of them. Five years ago Sage met Dawson on the rodeo circuit and fell in love with him, but to her horror she was awakened one morning in Dawson’s bed by a women wielding a shotgun, claiming to be Dawson’s wife. Thank goodness, she escaped unscathed.
Sage has been living a quiet and peaceful life in Marietta, Montana, where she owns a chocolate shop. When Dawson appears in her store one day wanting to make amends, Sage isn’t at all happy to see him. Dawson would like a chance to explain what went wrong five years ago, but Sage isn’t eager to hear his explanation, yet she realizes that Dawson can still make her heart go pitter-patter.
When Dawson decides to settle down in Marietta with his daughter, he and Sage keep running into one another. Dawson would like nothing more than to make Sage a permanent part of his life as well, but it is going to take a lot of convincing on his part for Sage to find forgiveness in her heart. Does this couple stand a chance at happily- ever-after?
It is easy to empathize with Sage as she goes through a full spectrum of emotions when she sees Dawson in her chocolate shop. Forgiveness doesn’t come easy for her, and she makes Dawson work hard to prove that he is worthy of her attention. I enjoyed meeting all of Sage’s sisters and I hope to see more of them in future writings.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Dawson at first, but after he gives Sage an explanation of why he hid his marriage from her, I decided he wasn’t a bad guy. I loved the way that Dawson interacted with his mother and daughter and the way that he was so willing to raise his daughter on his own.
Promise Me, Cowboy is a great addition to the COPPER MOUNTAIN RODEO series. I loved visiting with characters from the previous novellas and I can’t wait to meet some new ones in upcoming stories.
C.J. Carmicheal has done an outstanding job of creating characters that you can relate to and fall in love with. I highly recommend that you download this amazing tale today!
October 15, 2013
Five years ago, Sage Carrigan found herself staring down the barrel of a gun when she made the mistake of sleeping with Dawson O’Dell. They met on the rodeo circuit and he had failed to tell her that he was married. Until one day, when he asked her to come back to his bed, his wife found them in a compromising position. Shortly after that encounter, Sage got hurt during a rodeo and decided to not only say goodbye to the rodeo scene, but to cowboys altogether.
Sage, now twenty nine years old and living in Marietta, Montana, owns and runs a chocolate shop. It’s a far stretch from her rodeo days and not what her father wanted for her, but she needed to get away from the rodeo circuit. The day she walked away from the rodeo, she also took with her some secrets. One of those secrets being Dawson O’Dell. She had thought that Dawson was tucked nicely into her past until he comes strolling into her chocolate shop. It’s hard enough keeping secrets in a small town, but with Dawson in the area will the secrets that Sage has tried so hard to hide make their way to the surface? And now Dawson is talking about quitting the rodeo scene and making Marietta home for him and his daughter.
Dawson is more determined than ever to prove himself to Sage. He has waited five years to apologize to her and would do anything to have her love him again. But can she forgive him for what he’s done to her in the past and believe the promises he’s making to her now?
Promise Me, Cowboy is the third book in the Copper Mountain Rodeo Series. It’s an easy read full of love and emotion. I really enjoyed this book. The story was so well written and the characters were relatable. The author had a way of making me feel like I was right there in Marietta with them. I highly recommend this book (and all of the books in the series). They are all fun, easy reads that you will not want to put down until you reach the very end!
Sage, now twenty nine years old and living in Marietta, Montana, owns and runs a chocolate shop. It’s a far stretch from her rodeo days and not what her father wanted for her, but she needed to get away from the rodeo circuit. The day she walked away from the rodeo, she also took with her some secrets. One of those secrets being Dawson O’Dell. She had thought that Dawson was tucked nicely into her past until he comes strolling into her chocolate shop. It’s hard enough keeping secrets in a small town, but with Dawson in the area will the secrets that Sage has tried so hard to hide make their way to the surface? And now Dawson is talking about quitting the rodeo scene and making Marietta home for him and his daughter.
Dawson is more determined than ever to prove himself to Sage. He has waited five years to apologize to her and would do anything to have her love him again. But can she forgive him for what he’s done to her in the past and believe the promises he’s making to her now?
Promise Me, Cowboy is the third book in the Copper Mountain Rodeo Series. It’s an easy read full of love and emotion. I really enjoyed this book. The story was so well written and the characters were relatable. The author had a way of making me feel like I was right there in Marietta with them. I highly recommend this book (and all of the books in the series). They are all fun, easy reads that you will not want to put down until you reach the very end!
May 25, 2014
Sage Carrigan never meant to be the other woman. Unfortunately, bronco rider Dawson O'Dell neglected to mention he was married the night he invited her to his bed after they'd both placed first in their rodeo events. When his wife walked in on them - Sage was deeply hurt and humiliated. After an accident in the ring the next day, Sage decides she's quitting the rodeo-and cowboys--to become a chocolatier in her hometown ranching community, Marietta, Montana. She's doing just fine, but then Dawson shows up --five years later, with a little girl in tow. He's here for the Copper Mountain Rodeo hoping to win big. But he's also got plans of settling down with his daughter and buying a house--the very same one that Sage has been dreaming about. He says he's here for her and he's making lots of promises. But can he keep them?
I really enjoyed reading Dawson and Sage's story! I loved all the conflicting emotions Sage went through throughout the story trying to cut her connection to one hot cowboy :) If there was one thing I did not like it was that this is a novella, I would have definitely loved reading more about these two. A great, quick afternoon read about forgiveness and following your heart :) Thank you CJ Carmichael!!
http://thebookishchick.tumblr.com/pos...
I really enjoyed reading Dawson and Sage's story! I loved all the conflicting emotions Sage went through throughout the story trying to cut her connection to one hot cowboy :) If there was one thing I did not like it was that this is a novella, I would have definitely loved reading more about these two. A great, quick afternoon read about forgiveness and following your heart :) Thank you CJ Carmichael!!
http://thebookishchick.tumblr.com/pos...
October 14, 2013
Book #3 in the Copper Mountain Rodeo novella series, is another winner! This series has me anticipating every book that comes out. C.J. Carmichael's Marry Me, Cowboy captivated me from the beginning. Backtrack 5 years-Our heroine Sage Carrington(a rodeo barrel racer) had NO idea our hero Dawson O'Dell(a rodeo cowboy) was married when she fell in love with him and made love with him. Right after the fact Dawson's wife walks in and points a shotgun at her, both embarrassing and humiliating Sage flees naked with her clothes in her arms. The next day distracted while competing Sage injures herself and goes back to her hometown Marietta, Montana to live giving up the barrel racing to opening up a chocolate shop. 5 years later Dawson shows up in Marietta, Montana to settle down and reconnect with Sage whom he fell in love with all those years ago. Sage is NOT very forgiving at first but you can't help but to hope it will eventually work out. Dawson is one determined man and throw in an adorable 5 year old Savannah(Dawson's daughter), and a divorce that still isn't final makes a interesting read. You need to read the book to see how this story turns out, you will not be disappointed! All the books in this Copper Mountain Rodeo Series that have been released so far have been a sure hit with me. Must reads by very talented authors!
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
October 15, 2013
C.J. Carmichael’s PROMISE ME, COWBOY is another fun addition to the Copper Mountain Rodeo series of novellas set in Marietta, Montana. This novella focuses on Sage Carrigan, former rodeo barrel race and owner of Copper Mountain Chocolates. Sage has secrets, and one of them came to town for the Copper Mountain Rodeo. She met Dawson O’Dell on the circuit, where they became friends, and had literally just crossed into the “more than friends” when his wife, the one he forgot to mention, shows up. That was five years ago, and now he is back with a daughter and plans to stay and wants Sage to be a part of this new life he is building. Sage is understandably gun-shy, and it will take hard work by Dawson to convince her that things will be different this time. I love that Carmichael, like the other authors in this series, are able to develop characters that have depth and are believable in the shorter novella format. Each installment of the series pulls you further into the lives of the people of Marietta. Sage and Dawson’s story is well-paced, but I would happily visit longer with them or any of the other characters we have me so far, and can’t wait for my next visit to the town of Marietta.
May 14, 2014
3 sweet and promising stars
Sage Carrington was a horse barrel racer when met bull rider and hottie Dawson O’Dell. They had a thing that unfortunately ended with Dawson’s wife caught them in the act. Sage was heartbroken and hated Dawson for lying about his married status. Sage had an accident the next day and decides to leave the rodeo life behind and go back to Marietta, Montana with her family.
Five years later Dawson shows up in Marietta to participate in the Copper Mountain Rodeo, with a daughter and he is determined to gain Sage’s trust and love back.
“Just so you know what you’re missing” And then he reached for her, pulling her close, putting a hand under her chin and kissing her in a very rough and meaningful way.”
The story is short, sweet and simple to read, there’s not many complications in their relationship, although, in most part of the book there was no real relationship between them. I think I missed more interaction between Sage and Dawson, ok more like physical interaction, but definitely a good book, like when you put a piece of meat to cook on a crock pot, it will cook slowly but in the end it’ll be tenderly good. Yeah, that was my feeling with this book.
Sage Carrington was a horse barrel racer when met bull rider and hottie Dawson O’Dell. They had a thing that unfortunately ended with Dawson’s wife caught them in the act. Sage was heartbroken and hated Dawson for lying about his married status. Sage had an accident the next day and decides to leave the rodeo life behind and go back to Marietta, Montana with her family.
Five years later Dawson shows up in Marietta to participate in the Copper Mountain Rodeo, with a daughter and he is determined to gain Sage’s trust and love back.
“Just so you know what you’re missing” And then he reached for her, pulling her close, putting a hand under her chin and kissing her in a very rough and meaningful way.”
The story is short, sweet and simple to read, there’s not many complications in their relationship, although, in most part of the book there was no real relationship between them. I think I missed more interaction between Sage and Dawson, ok more like physical interaction, but definitely a good book, like when you put a piece of meat to cook on a crock pot, it will cook slowly but in the end it’ll be tenderly good. Yeah, that was my feeling with this book.
October 11, 2014
Sage Carrington met bull rider Dawson O’Dell when she was a racer on the rodeo circuit. Dawson had persued Sage and became her friend when they finally spent a night together. That night ended quickly when Dawson's wife showed up with a rifle. Sage was devastated, embarrassed and hated Dawson for not telling her he was married. Sage had an accident the next day and decided to leave rodeoing and go back to Marietta, Montana with her family.
Five years later Dawson showed up in Marietta to participate in the Copper Mountain Rodeo, with his young daughter, Savannah. He is determined to make up with Sage, however, Sage is not accepting his apologies.
I liked Dawson and his character development. He knows he messed up with Sage and tried to fix it, but taking 5 years to do it spoiled it. Part of his plan to correct the problem was getting a house and job in Marietta where he could raise his daughter (who is an absolute sweetheart). He wanted to settle down and quit the rodeo to provide a stable life for his daughter but wanted to do this in Marietta because of Sage. I didn't mind Sage but wasn't drawn to her either. While there appeared to be chemistry between the pair, I didn't feel it.
October 21, 2013
Sage Carrigan has quit the rodeo after hurting her knee racing barrels. Before that race she learned what she thought was the truth about Dawson O'Dell. Her lover who never shared that he was still married.
Five years later Dawson shows up in her home town. Desperate to apology and make roots for his young daughter.
This series of books set around rodeos and written by different authors is amazing. Each one tells the story of a character the reader was introduced to in another book.
This is Sage's story. She is a strong character. A character that went against what her family thought she should do and open her own store. She also stood up for what she knew was right and walked away from a married man that she loved. I really enjoyed that when Dawson lets her know his divorce is not final that she takes a step back and tells him to leave.
I knew where this novella would end and absolutely loved how it got there. This is a story that all my chic-lit friends will have to read and I am happy to tell them about it.
Five years later Dawson shows up in her home town. Desperate to apology and make roots for his young daughter.
This series of books set around rodeos and written by different authors is amazing. Each one tells the story of a character the reader was introduced to in another book.
This is Sage's story. She is a strong character. A character that went against what her family thought she should do and open her own store. She also stood up for what she knew was right and walked away from a married man that she loved. I really enjoyed that when Dawson lets her know his divorce is not final that she takes a step back and tells him to leave.
I knew where this novella would end and absolutely loved how it got there. This is a story that all my chic-lit friends will have to read and I am happy to tell them about it.
October 16, 2013
Sage Carrigan stopped competing as a barrel-racer for two reasons. One was a serious leg injury and the other was a broken heart. She returned to Marietta, Montana and became a chocolatier. No one knows that she fell in love with a married man. Now Dawson O'Dell (the man in question) is in town with his five year old daughter, Savannah. He's the new deputy. He plans to stay and to make Sage his wife. Will they be able to find love after so much hurt? CJ Carmichael always delivers a wonderful romantic story. Sage and Dawson are all too human. They have problems, heartbreak and insecurities just like we do. Savannah is a darling child who has grown up too fast and worships her father. The more I learn about Marietta and her people the more I want to know. This novella is easily read in one sitting. Don't miss it!
April 19, 2014
Very short sweet story.
5 years ago, Sage found out that she was "the other woman" when Dawson's wife walked in on them. Sage, of course, ran away from the humiliating scene, and held her anger towards Dawson the passing years.
They reunited, as stated above, 5 years later. Sage is still harboring anger towards him for not telling her of his marital status.
*note, it is currently 1:30 am so my reading emotions are probably affected right now.
I don't know why, I felt that this book was kind of... sad.
I admit that the storyline did indeed intrigue me, even though I'm totally anti-cheating. I guess if it happens really early on, I like to see how the men grovel for forgiveness.. It's the devil inside of me probably.
Overall it was an alright read, really short though.
5 years ago, Sage found out that she was "the other woman" when Dawson's wife walked in on them. Sage, of course, ran away from the humiliating scene, and held her anger towards Dawson the passing years.
They reunited, as stated above, 5 years later. Sage is still harboring anger towards him for not telling her of his marital status.
*note, it is currently 1:30 am so my reading emotions are probably affected right now.
I don't know why, I felt that this book was kind of... sad.
I admit that the storyline did indeed intrigue me, even though I'm totally anti-cheating. I guess if it happens really early on, I like to see how the men grovel for forgiveness.. It's the devil inside of me probably.
Overall it was an alright read, really short though.
October 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this story about Sage Carrigan and Dawson O'Dell. CJ Carmichael gives us a couple with not to be missed chemistry while allowing us to see their softer sides. This was a great quick read and I'd love to read more about the other Carrigan sisters.
January 11, 2014
Promise Me, Cowboy was a great addition to the series! Sage is a very likable character and I really seemed to connect with her difficulties in trusting Dawson again. It was a delightful quick read that left me wanting some of her delicious chocolate.
October 28, 2014
My anticipation of what could have been a really juicy tale set me up for a disappointment. Add to that the usual, for the type of novel, rushed ending where they force everything into neat little boxes, and I can't muster up much enthusiasm for this.
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