I'm not sure how I missed this series -- by one of my go
to authors - during its first go around. Thankfully they
have been reissued and here is book number 8 of the
Dundee Idaho series -- COULDA BEEN A COWBOY originally
published in 2007 that will capture your heart from the
first page. In true Brenda Novak fashion the characters
in COULDA BEEN A COWBOY are full of life even when they
are down on their luck.
If you think money and success buys happiness -- think
again. Each chapter begins with a touch of cowboy wisdom
or down home know how about all things including home,
love and family. A bit of a lesson to take with you.
Grandpa Garnier was a solid consistent figure in the life
of Tyson Garnier now recovering from a football injury
that hopefully won't cost him his career. Tyson has a
pretty limited vision of what's important. Football --
Football -- Football in that order.
Well life is about to introduce a rather important and
urgent wakeup call and for once Tyson's greatest
challenge is not on the football field. In short order
Tyson loses his grandpa, discovers he has a son and faces
a serious scandal. The kind of scandal that can clearly
and effectively dry up sponsorship prospects. Not to
mention play havoc with teammates and fans.
Tyson simply does not have time for his son but he
quickly comes to the realization that this is one
responsibility he cannot walk away from. It is obvious
that Braden's mother is not interested in their child
except for what it could get her -- money. What Tyson
desperately needed was a no nonsense reliable short term
nanny and Dakota Brown seemed to fit the bill. Dakota
would be able to alieve at least some of Tyson's guilt
over his inability to get close to the baby.
Circumstances weren't ideal but Tyson was a good person
and Braden was his son. Once football season started up
he would make other arrangements.
Dakota was well known, liked and respected in the
community. Her life has been difficult and caring for her
ailing father has paid a price on her well-being. She has
virtually no social life. She has been the sole earner
for many years barely eking out a living to keep ahead of
the bill collectors. Tyson's offer with a huge salary was
too good to turn down even for a short while. Dakota
would love taking care of the baby and at the same time
have just a little time away from her father. It wouldn't
be easy but then again nothing in this young woman's life
has been easy.
Dakota had her mind made up about Tyson. She had read
enough about this football star to know that he was a big
player -- way out of her league -- no pun intended. But
after spending time with this man grappling to find a way
with his little boy Dakota was beginning to see him in a
different dare we say better light.
Suffice it to say once I got my hands on COULDA BEEN A
COWBOY by Brenda Novak everything else was pushed to the
side. COULDA BEEN A COWBOY is an amazing rich tale told
by the absolute master author on the topic of love and
family. The story of Dakota and Tyson is just
mesmerizing and so real. Brenda Novak is just a
hopelessly romantic soul. There are eight books in the
Dundee Idaho series and they should absolutely be on your
list of must reads for this summer. Curl up on the beach
or poolside and enjoy.
Grandpa Garnier used to say, Love is like a bucking
bronco.
It takes guts and determination to hang on, but it's worth
the ride.
If only Grandpa was around now to help Tyson Garnier out
of
this mess. The famous pro football player is suddenly
saddled with a very public scandal—and an illegitimate
child. Tyson needs a good nanny now if he's going to
salvage
his career. And plain, no-nonsense Dakota Brown is the
ideal
candidate.
Dakota doesn't care for football—or for a man who doesn't
seem to want his own son. But she needs this job, and that
precious little baby needs her.
Dakota isn't Tyson's kind of woman. But the more he sees
of
her—and the more he sees of his son—the harder he wants to
hang on.