Review: The Cowboy’s Accidental Baby by Marin Thomas

Title: The Cowboy’s Accidental Baby by Marin Thomas
Cowboys of Stampede, Texas Series Book One
Publisher: Harlequin Western Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 224 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

FROM PLAYBOY COWBOY TO…DADDY?

Bronc rider Gunner Hardell never plans past the next stop on the rodeo. When he’s home in Stampede, Texas, he’s part-time manager of the run-down Moonlight Motel, to get his crotchety grandpa off his back. Then he meets interior designer Lydia Canter—hired to renovate the motel—and suddenly the gig gets a whole lot more appealing…

Lydia is looking for love, but there’s nothing wrong with some Mr. Right Now while she waits for Mr. Right. But one steamy night with Gunner has unexpected consequences. And she would rather raise their baby alone than give the good-time cowboy a chance to break her heart. When Gunner learns he’s going to be a daddy, he’s determined to prove to Lydia he really is her Mr. Right!

Review:

The Cowboy’s Accidental Baby is a delightfully charming opposites attract romance. This newest release by Marin Thomas is the first installment in the Cowboys of Stampede, Texas series and centers around a trio of brothers.

Gunner Hardell  is a fun-loving bronc rider who is quite content with everything about his laidback lifestyle.  In between rodeos, he works as the part-time manager of his Grandpa Emmett’s neglected Moonlight Motel. Gunner enjoys sampling the charms of the ladies he meets at various events but he is strictly a love ’em and leave ’em kind of man. While he is very loyal to his family, his easygoing lifestyle and lack of direction are a source of contention between him and his older brother, Logan.  Gunner is not looking for love or commitment when he meets interior designer Lydia Canter, but will the focused and driven career woman change his mind?

Lydia knows exactly what she wants in life and she is willing to take whatever steps are necessary to accomplish her goals.  She is a no-nonsense, goal oriented woman who never loses sight of what she wants in a man nor does she intend to slack off on building up her business. However, when her beloved Aunt Amelia requests her help in giving the Moonlight Motel a much needed makeover, she readily agrees to assist her.  The last thing Lydia needs is a smooth-talking cowboy to distract her from the task at hand, but she makes a completely out of character decision that has stunning repercussions. Will Lydia be able to trust Gunner’s assertion that she can count on him in spite of his past?

Lydia and Gunner are an absolutely wonderful couple and although they are nothing alike, there is no denying their sizzling attraction. Of course, Gunner sees no reason not to give in to their desire but Lydia is extremely reluctant to deviate from her plans. She is charmed and exasperated by the always cheerful cowboy and she is quite uncertain that he can follow through with giving her the support she needs. Will Lydia finally believe that Gunner is serious about changing his carefree ways?

The Cowboy’s Accidental Baby is a light-hearted and incredibly sweet love story.  Lydia and Gunner are an incredibly appealing couple who are well suited despite their differences. The supporting cast of characters is quite colorful yet extremely engaging. The storyline has plenty of depth and substance and the issues that must be overcome are realistic and easy to relate to. Marin Thomas’s intriguing glimpses of Logan Hardell will leave readers impatiently the next installment in the marvelous Cowboys of Stampede, Texas series.