There are lots of reasons why men become daredevils. Usually, you think it is to prove to themselves or perhaps someone else that they are strong and brave. Not all the time. There are times these choices are just bad choices. No real reason behind them except to exit a bad scene. In COWBOY TO THE CORE we meet two characters that have made choices that haven't really given them the happiness they were craving. The interesting part is that they didn't know they needed happiness or love for that matter. They were invested in their lives, hidden from the truth that neither one was really happy or fulfilled.

Maisey Yates pointedly illustrates in COWBOY TO THE CORE that crap happens. There's no avoiding these harsh moments. It's all in how you handle it that determines whether or not you come out on top.

Jamie Dodge's life began on a rocky foundation. Jamie's mother died two days after giving birth to the first daughter after three sons. Her mother left behind a grief stricken husband and three young boys who barely had time to get over the tragic death before assuming a very new and challenging role. That of a single parent and brothers to a new born red-faced baby girl. Jamie grew up with a doting family that treated her as one of the guys. Hey, they didn't know any better. Jamie was as much of a cowboy as any of the Dodge men. And unfortunately, she saw herself as such.

Gabe Dalton knew all the Dodges, after all it was a rather small community in Gold Valley. And on top of that his half-sister was engaged to one of the Dodge brothers. So Gabe had grown up in the same small town as Jamie.

Gabe was well aware that the Dodge brothers knew his reputation earned on the rodeo circuit, especially regarding women. So when Jamie is offered a job on the Dalton ranch they were ill at ease. Sure Jamie was the best horse trainer around, but she was also an innocent. The brothers kind of felt like she was walking into the lion's den.

Jamie, at twenty-five was an innocent. She was great with horses and ranch life but little else. She had been protected by her male family members. Didn't know much about softness and the only love she knew about was that of her family and few close female friends. Most of her friends were now in committed relationships, which made Jamie feel like an outsider. She didn't understand the attraction to a guy. Jamie was totally unprepared for her reaction to working closely with Gabe Dalton. She wasn't at all the type to attract attention from the likes of this rodeo star. She was honest about her lack of feminine wiles and such.

Problem was Gabe was equally surprised at his reaction to this strong-willed, honest to a fault, young woman whom he had always thought of as a tomboy.

Here's the thing, Gabe. Tomboys grow up and in Jamie Dodge's case become pretty, resourceful and caring women. Better hold onto your hat Gabe. This just may be the scariest ride you've ever been on.

I've been fortunate to read and review all the stories in the Gold Valley series by Maisey Yates. Each one featured remarkable characters that stay in your heart long after you close the book. Well written dialog captures your attention and keeps you turning the pages for more. Each story touches the reader again, thanks to the remarkable writing skills of Maisey Yates. If you love cowboys and cowgirls get to know Maisey Yates and her fabulous characters.