Book Review: Just a Cowboy and His Baby

I love anything with horses and cowboys, so reading Just a Cowboy and His Baby (Spikes & Spurs) by Carolyn Brown was a no-brainer for me. Something about Carolyn Brown's style also appeals; I've read and enjoyed all her books. She's one of the few authors I regularly reread.

Here's the story in a nutshell. Gemma O'Donnell, the hairdresser we've met in other books of the Spikes and Spurs series, is out on her own, competing on the rodeo circuit. Not only is she riding broncs, she often beats the men.

Gemma is determined, and professional, she's the kind of no-nonsense, goal-oriented heroine I love. Although she's homesick for her home and family, she's not about to give up. She's determined to win.

She's attracted to sexy Trace Coleman, her main competitor. She develops a relationship with him after she's tossed from a bronc, and twists her ankle.

Trace is just plain nice, he's not a rodeo-rider sleaze. However, he did have a one-weekend relationship the previous year, and this comes back to bite him.

The bulk of the book covers Gemma and Trace touring from rodeo to rodeo. While I enjoyed this, I kept waiting for the baby to show up. It's the title, after all, Just a Cowboy and His Baby -- so, where's the baby?

Gemma and Trace's relationship is well under way; they're perfect for each other. There's just a minor quibble, Trace is determined to use his winnings (if he beats Gemma and wins) to buy a ranch, which is 200 miles from Gemma's family.

The baby finally appears, some three-quarters of the way through the book. By this time, Gemma and Trace know each other well. A tarot reader told Gemma she'd have a cowboy and baby before Christmas, and she does.

Who will love this book?

If you want erotica, you won't get it. The love scenes are great, but not super-hot. If you're after suspense, you won't get that either, Gemma and Trace have few conflicts.

On the other hand, if you love cowboys, and Carolyn Brown's books, you'll love Just a Cowboy and His Baby (Spikes & Spurs).

Will I reread it? Yes, I will. It's not my favorite of the series; so far, my favorite is Love Drunk Cowboy (Spikes & Spurs). However, it's a fun and very enjoyable read.