Falling for a Bossy Cowboy by Karen Baney // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: March 26, 2024

She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?

Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.

Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.

Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?

 

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Lucie's Review: 

Derin Vargas is a reformed bad boy, and the head of the Vargas Family's foray into sports medicine, he's opinionated, headstrong, and determined to make the sports rehab a success. Madison Moore is a pro-tennis player, hoping to heal and come back strong after a surgery, so she comes to the Vargas Family Ranch and Resort where she meets the blunt and at times antagonizing, Derin. 

A quick read with many familiar faces at the Vargas Ranch, I liked Derin's family and how they were supportive of him taking over this leadership role. Derin was hard to like at times because of his former ways, but I respected how far he had come and how he was careful not to make those same mistakes again. I especially liked his friend Cole, who was always looking out for him, and was a true Christian friend to him, throughout. 

Overall, it was a harder book than the others in the series for me to like because I didn't like who Derin had been in the past, and thought that his previous behavior could have really hurt his family. But in the end, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read, and I liked that Derin had turned to God and given up his past for good. Madison is a disciplined athlete, and I liked how she and Derin become friends, giving her a new perspective on the future. A good addition to the series!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

101 Questions

In Falling for a Bossy Cowboy, Derin Vargas desperately wants to change how he sees and interacts with women. One of his buddies recommended an app for 101 Questions to Ask on a Date.

When I incorporated this into the novel, the interactions between Madison and Derin became so much easier (and fun!) to write. I searched for new questions and added them with answers from the character’s point of view.

But where did this idea come from? A marriage seminar. I highly recommend using 101 questions for any couple, married or just dating. It’s a great way to get to know the person you’re with, without all the awkward “what do we talk about?”.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Falling for a Bossy Cowboy from Madison Moore’s point of view.

______

Madison watched as Derin pulled his phone from his shirt pocket, swiping and tapping a few times. Then he looked up, expression serious, and asked the most bizarre question.

“If you were stranded on a deserted island and could choose any three things to have with you, what would you pick and why?”

“What?” Her eyes rounded.

“You heard the question, Madi.”

She chewed slowly, mulling it over.

“That’s hard.”

“Right?” He chuckled.

“What would you pick?”

“No dodging it. I’ll answer after you do.”

“Ugh. Let’s assume I have food and water.”

Derin narrowed his eyes and conceded.

“My Bible.”

He rolled his eyes.

“What? It’s a legit answer.”

“So says every church goer. Next?”

“You wouldn’t?”

He wagged a finger at her as he stabbed a chunk of roast before popping it in his mouth.

“Chocolate.”

Derin tossed his head back and chuckled loudly. So much so that a few heads turned their direction. “Women.”

“And a Costco-sized bag of ground coffee.”

“How are you making the coffee?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure I could figure it out.”

Madison pushed her empty plate away. “Your turn.”

“First choice? You.”

Heat flamed her cheeks. What was he saying?

“Second choice would be Djano.”

Madison quirked an eyebrow.

“My horse. And that’s only because you put the stipulation that food and water aren’t an issue. So, he won’t starve.”

She snorted. “Me and your horse.”

“Yup. And my hat. That’s it.”

“Me, your horse, and your hat.” She shook her head. “Why me?”

Derin’s eyes glinted with mirth. “You’re insanely beautiful. Smart. Very entertaining.”

Her cheeks warmed at the compliment.

“We would fight like cats and dogs.”

He shook his head. “I’m not buying that.”

“I can’t stand you.”

“Not buying that either.” Derin grinned. “Here’s another one. Have you ever won an award for a sport?”

Madison snatched up the phone. “Huh. That’s really the question. What is this?”

“One hundred and one questions to ask on a date.”

“Is this a date?”

“Welcome to the party, Madi.”

Heat warmed her face. Derin was one of a kind. She shook her head and handed him his phone.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 7

Fiction Book Lover, November 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, November 13

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 14 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

For the Love of Literature, November 16 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Blossoms and Blessings, November 18 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, November 19 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5488/