Coulda Been a Cowboy

Tyson Garnier finds himself the father of a child he never wanted and even worse, immersed in a scandal regarding the conception of his son. So, when a friend recommends Dakota Brown to be his son's nanny, he's ready to take whatever help he can get! Tyson just wants his life as a football superstar back the way it was before the unexpected pregnancy and birth of his son. But the more time he spends with his son and with Dakota, the more he finds himself thinking about the family life. Coulda Been A Cowboy is another emotionally engaging Brenda Novak story. I was quickly absorbed into Tyson's journey of discovering that he wanted more than the life he had been living, and in Dakota's struggle to finally break free of the chains holding her down. With a chance to visit with friends from other books set in Dundee, Idaho, Coulda Been A Cowboy is definitely another winner from Brenda Novak. Melissa Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

All Ty Garnier ever wanted was to play football. When he finds out that he's a father, he doesn't want anything to do with his child. He is willing to pay child support, but wants no more involvement than that. Everything changes when he finds out that his son is being neglected by his mother. Paying his ex a million dollars for his son wasn't his finest moment, but he couldn't leave any child in that situation, let alone his own. Retreating to Dundee, Idaho, Ty sets off to find a nanny to take care of the child he never wanted. Dakota Brown applied for the nanny job hoping to make some extra money. She didn't expect to like Tyson, or fall so completely in love with little Braden. Though she isn't impressed by Ty's fame, she sees past the tough exterior he shows the world. Though Ty seems to want to take her back to L.A. when the football season starts, Dakota knows that it would be a mistake. Not only can she not leave her father, but she knows she'll never be enough for Tyson. This is a very fast and satisfying read. Tyson hires Dakota with the mistaken impression that he would never be physically attracted to her, therefore she would be the perfect nanny. It was nice seeing Dakota blossom when she was out from under her dad's gloomy roof. You can't help feel sorry for her father, who seems so lonely. This is a great addition to Novak's Dundee series.

His young illegitimate infant son Braden is dumped on football superstar Tyson Garner without any warning when he learned the mother Rachelle was failing to properly care for the infant. With the scandal costing him promotions, he accepts responsibility as the primary caretaker for his child, but he does not want the brat around too much; besides he knows nothing about children. In Dundee, he quickly hires plain Jane Dakota Brown to take care of his offspring. Away from her abusive father and able to shower the baby with love, Dakota begins to lose weight and care about her appearance. Tyson, to his shock, finds he is attracted to his son's nanny, but she stuns him even more by being the first female to sack his advances; she refuses to have anything personal to do with a man who would reject his son although she wants him in the sack. The key to this well written COULDA BEEN A COWBOY is the fully developed lead couple. Whereas Tyson is an arrogant irate bully used to getting his way in all situations especially with women, Dakota needs to desperately economically escape her father. Together they fight over his paternal role and their attraction leading to a solid contemporary romance. Harriet Klausner

Tyson Garnier has become a single parent to an infant he has no idea how to care for, and is scared to try his hand at parenthood. When he finds out his ex-girlfriend is leaving their son alone and is neglecting him, he steps in and does what he know is right by buying her off and taking sole custody. He however knows he needs a nanny and set out to find one. Dakota Brown comes recommended, and when he realizes she is a plain, no nonsense kind of woman, he decides she is right for the job. Because she does not fall on her face meeting the famous football player, Tyson feels safe in leaving his son in her care. Dakota cannot understand his lack of emotion over the baby, but decides to try her hand at being the nanny because the money is right and she needs financial help for her father. Tyson may be a famous athlete but what he has going for him is his vulnerability. When he finds himself a single father he becomes the man every woman wants to meet. He is sweet, caring, and full of inner strength. He admits to his mistakes in the past and is ready to make amends by caring for his son, and giving him a safe, happy life. Dakota is the perfect heroine to back up Tyson. She is strong yet needy and while she supports Tyson, he also holds her up in her time of need. They enable each other to grow and make a great couple. These was not a scene in COULDA BEEN A COWBOY that this reviewer would have changed, Brenda Novak is a talented author who writes emotional tales that fill a place in reader's hearts. Brenda Novak has once again transported readers back to Dundee, Idaho where dreams can come true. This fictional town has enough danger, spice, and love to make any reader fall in love. Ms. Novak has created a series of novels set in a town that makes her novels fall under this reader's auto buy list. COULDA BEEN A COWBOY is no exception and lived up to this reader's high expectations, not many authors can keep five star ratings but Brenda Novak is an author to be counted on. Review Courtesy of LoveRomancesandmore

Brenda Novak is back with Coulda Been a Cowboy, the story of pro football player Tyson Garnier and Dundee, Idaho resident Dakota Brown. Tyson has hired Dakota to care for his young son, Braden. Tyson is still coming to terms with being a father and he is having a hard time with it to say the least. He does not regret gaining full-time custody of his son as it was best to remove him from Braden's mother's dangerous care, but now, he is not quite sure what to do with him. Or how to be a father. He has come to Dundee to relax and get away from the mess his personal life has become. He also needs therapy on his knee in order to get back into football for the upcoming season. Luckily Dakota is great with Braden! She is a kindhearted woman who is dealing with her own personal problems. She loves children and can't believe how Tyson reacts to Braden. Slowly but surely however, Dakota is working her magic on both father and son. Tyson isn't sure when he started falling for Braden's Nanny, but he can't help liking her quick wit, kind personality, and careful care of his son. He desires her in a way he hasn't desired a woman in a long time, but with so much standing in between them, is there any chance a happily-ever-after will win out? It's always a treat visiting the citizens of Dundee, Idaho. Ms. Novak's fictional town is both quaint and filled with the harsh realities of life. This is not a picture perfect town by any means, just as her characters are not picture perfect. Tyson may resent Braden but he is also starting to fall deeply for his son, starting to see himself as a father. The changes are subtle and flow with the plot and pacing. Dakota may be a bit of a Plain Jane in looks, but she isn't afraid to stand up for herself and make changes. Tyson may have been the catalyst for those changes but she definitely becomes a forceful presence as the story continues. She doesn't lose her sweetness but her backbone surely grows! Even though Tyson is a football player, he still radiates a normal-guy attitude and proves to be a good match for Dakota. These are special characters who fall in love even as the obstacles keeping them apart grow. Long-time Dundee, Idaho readers will definitely want to read this book, but newbies to the series shouldn't miss out either as this plot and characters stand alone. This is a charming tale that focuses both on the hardships of life, but also on the beautiful and optimistic moments that make love worth it all.