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Texas Rescue #1
Not Just a Cowboy
A HURRICANE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. Heiress Patricia Cargill was out to prove she was more than just a big bank account. Running Texas Rescue and Relief gives her the greatest satisfaction she could imagine. Until she meets volunteer Luke Waterson. He's a little younger, a little brasher and a lot more dangerous than anyone she's dated. He could be everything she needs.
A STORM OF EMOTIONS COULD TEAR THEM APART. An unexpected change of fortune, however, has Patricia discovering Luke is more than just a nomadic cowboy. Falling for a millionaire rancher was not in her plans, especially one who keeps secrets. But committing to a man who sees her as a desirable woman, not dollar signs, could be worth making an exception to her rule.
A STORM OF EMOTIONS COULD TEAR THEM APART. An unexpected change of fortune, however, has Patricia discovering Luke is more than just a nomadic cowboy. Falling for a millionaire rancher was not in her plans, especially one who keeps secrets. But committing to a man who sees her as a desirable woman, not dollar signs, could be worth making an exception to her rule.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 19, 2014
About the author
Caro Carson
105 books502 followersDespite a no-nonsense background as a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, Caro Carson has always treasured the happily-ever-after of a good romance novel. After her military service, she worked in the healthcare industry with a Fortune 100 company, talking science with doctors who were rarely handsome bachelor Texans like the doctors in her books. Now a RITA™-award-winning and USA Today bestselling author, Caro is delighted to be living her own happily-ever-after with her husband (who is a handsome Texan) and their two children. They live in Florida, a location which has saved the coaster-loving theme park fanatics a fortune on plane tickets.
https://linktr.ee/CaroCarson
https://linktr.ee/CaroCarson
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 3, 2016
OMG Amazing romance book, so amazing! It just clenched my heart in its fist! I was struggling to breathe as I turned the pages! Funny how that can happen even though I know it's a romance novel and will have a happy ending.
Patricia Cargill is a heiress. She's living a pretty awful existence because of her horrible father, who is a pig and also stupid and greedy. She's trying to keep the family and the money together before her father can spend it all on model girlfriends.
She also loves working for Texas Rescue, setting up temporary hospitals and helping people who are injured or homeless because of disasters.
It's at Texas Rescue that she meets firefighter Luke Waterson. He's handsome, funny, sweet - and best of all, has no idea that she's mega-rich.
She tries so hard not to be with him...
...
Wow. I was swooning right and left in this book. For one thing, Luke is so patient, careful, and respectful. OMG so hot.
"I've been officially informed that you are my boss today," Luke said, giving her the smile she was so good at ignoring, but which he liked to believe she wasn't entirely immune to. "What do you want to do with me? Tell me to go to hell, maybe?"
Secondly, my heart was breaking for Patricia, which is REALLY hard for me to admit since she's beyond rich and usually I can't stand 'rich kid problems.' But Carson did a great job of making me feel terrible for her. She was just so vulnerable and the ways that she tried to hide this were heartbreaking.
Patricia couldn't smile back. She wasn't like that. Flirting for fun was a luxury for people who didn't have obligations. She'd never learned how to do it. She'd known only responsibility, even when she'd been 22 and men had been interested in her for more than her bank account and Cargill connections.
Well, I don't really know what else to say. So amazing. The sex could have been better but I'm just throwing in the towel and realizing Harlequin just isn't going to give me what I want on this. However story-wise, this knocked my socks off!
5 ROMANCE STARS, 3 REAL STARS.
P.S. Can I just add that Luke is a firefighter-slash-cowboy/rancher-slash-Texan-SLASH-millionaire!??!!?!? I mean, how many cliches can we fit in here?
Harlequin Special Edition September 2014
Patricia Cargill is a heiress. She's living a pretty awful existence because of her horrible father, who is a pig and also stupid and greedy. She's trying to keep the family and the money together before her father can spend it all on model girlfriends.
She also loves working for Texas Rescue, setting up temporary hospitals and helping people who are injured or homeless because of disasters.
It's at Texas Rescue that she meets firefighter Luke Waterson. He's handsome, funny, sweet - and best of all, has no idea that she's mega-rich.
She tries so hard not to be with him...
...
Wow. I was swooning right and left in this book. For one thing, Luke is so patient, careful, and respectful. OMG so hot.
"I've been officially informed that you are my boss today," Luke said, giving her the smile she was so good at ignoring, but which he liked to believe she wasn't entirely immune to. "What do you want to do with me? Tell me to go to hell, maybe?"
Secondly, my heart was breaking for Patricia, which is REALLY hard for me to admit since she's beyond rich and usually I can't stand 'rich kid problems.' But Carson did a great job of making me feel terrible for her. She was just so vulnerable and the ways that she tried to hide this were heartbreaking.
Patricia couldn't smile back. She wasn't like that. Flirting for fun was a luxury for people who didn't have obligations. She'd never learned how to do it. She'd known only responsibility, even when she'd been 22 and men had been interested in her for more than her bank account and Cargill connections.
Well, I don't really know what else to say. So amazing. The sex could have been better but I'm just throwing in the towel and realizing Harlequin just isn't going to give me what I want on this. However story-wise, this knocked my socks off!
5 ROMANCE STARS, 3 REAL STARS.
P.S. Can I just add that Luke is a firefighter-slash-cowboy/rancher-slash-Texan-SLASH-millionaire!??!!?!? I mean, how many cliches can we fit in here?
Harlequin Special Edition September 2014
November 15, 2018
I have a friend on here who suggested this book after my Suffragette Scandal binge. For a fluffy palate-cleanser. She (Gaufre) said "It has EVERYTHING." She wasn't wrong. Billionaire Heiress, fireman, natural disaster, revenge plot, sleep away camp vibe, and wait he's a well-off cowboy too, a heroine that wears a chignon.
And yet, this book did work. It was an enjoyable, quick paced read with decent main characters. They were sweet and straightforward generally. And I loved the beginning of this book in particular with its kisses in the rain and camp feeling. Because all I am inside is a teenager. And in the beginning, he was a fireman, which was hot.
(Is this the randomest review of all time? yes) But it did go downhill for me when the heroine stubbornly refuses to give up her control / revenge thing, and then in the end is self-sacrificing for the sake of the hero and their children. I just never buy that, or rarely, especially in this type of book. I also had major trouble with the timeline. Maybe just because of hoopla but felt like I missed a few transitions.
So, yes a lot going on. totally fun and amusing regardless. Worth a read when you feel like a bit of everything all at once. 2.5 rounded up. I'm all over the place.
And yet, this book did work. It was an enjoyable, quick paced read with decent main characters. They were sweet and straightforward generally. And I loved the beginning of this book in particular with its kisses in the rain and camp feeling. Because all I am inside is a teenager. And in the beginning, he was a fireman, which was hot.
(Is this the randomest review of all time? yes) But it did go downhill for me when the heroine stubbornly refuses to give up her control / revenge thing, and then in the end is self-sacrificing for the sake of the hero and their children. I just never buy that, or rarely, especially in this type of book. I also had major trouble with the timeline. Maybe just because of hoopla but felt like I missed a few transitions.
So, yes a lot going on. totally fun and amusing regardless. Worth a read when you feel like a bit of everything all at once. 2.5 rounded up. I'm all over the place.
January 14, 2021
3.5
Daughter of a Texas millionaire oil baron, Patricia Cargill is currently working as a personnel director in a mobile hospital to help people after a hurricane. It's where the all-too-serious heiress meet flirty cowboy firefighter Luke Waterson. Patricia have plans that include marriage and getting more independent financially. She wants love but not the devastating passion and desire that comes with it. But sometimes life projects take a totally different turn as she'll learn soon enough.
Patricia was so guarded and uptight, I know she won't be anyone cup of tea. I think it allow the hero to shine even brighter and to show how perseverant he is because many men would have abandoned before. A temporary fling that turn into forever and an opposite attract trope, maybe I'd have appreciated this book a little bit more if I didn't have trouble staying concentrated on reading that day.
Daughter of a Texas millionaire oil baron, Patricia Cargill is currently working as a personnel director in a mobile hospital to help people after a hurricane. It's where the all-too-serious heiress meet flirty cowboy firefighter Luke Waterson. Patricia have plans that include marriage and getting more independent financially. She wants love but not the devastating passion and desire that comes with it. But sometimes life projects take a totally different turn as she'll learn soon enough.
Patricia was so guarded and uptight, I know she won't be anyone cup of tea. I think it allow the hero to shine even brighter and to show how perseverant he is because many men would have abandoned before. A temporary fling that turn into forever and an opposite attract trope, maybe I'd have appreciated this book a little bit more if I didn't have trouble staying concentrated on reading that day.
November 23, 2015
Very good book with excellent romance, interesting setting, and two characters who do some growing. Patricia has spent most of her adult life trying to keep her father from spending them into the poorhouse. Unfortunately, her hands are also tied when it comes to accessing her own funds, until she bends to her father's demands and finds a "suitable" husband. The one she had in mind fell in love with someone else, so she is back to square one.
Patricia is looking for a man she can easily deal with, who won't bring drama into her life. She wants nothing to do with love or passion, seeing only the trouble caused by her father's multiple wives and countless mistresses. Before she can start looking for another candidate, Texas Rescue is called up to help deal with the aftermath of a hurricane. Working with them gives her a chance to use her organizational skills and satisfy her need to do something good.
Luke is a rancher who likes what he does, but often feels trapped by his responsibilities. He became a volunteer firefighter to bring some adventure into his life. Helping out with the hurricane relief gives him that chance to do something different for a little while.
Their first encounter is when Luke busts into her headquarters tent, dragging a coworker who collapsed in the heat. I liked the way that she and Luke connected, even though she tried really hard to suppress her reaction. It was fun to see the way Luke was trying to hard to get a reaction from her. Luke starts out looking at Patricia as something of a challenge, but quickly comes to see her as much more.
I loved the way that he saw how she takes care of everyone else, but that no one appears to be looking out for her. It was sweet to see him try to take care of her. Patricia didn't quite know what to do about Luke. She likes his attentions, but she knows there's no future in it. As the week went on, I loved seeing Luke wear her down a little bit, to where she wasn't panicking to be seen in his company. I loved watching them grow closer. Luke really wants to continue seeing her, and see where their relationship might lead. While he had suspected that Patricia came from money, he didn't know who she really was until they'd been together for several days. Though he was a little bit of a jerk to her when he did, that didn't last long. What I really liked was the way that she opened up to him about what her life had been like and what she is still dealing with.
I liked seeing the way that, thanks to his influence, she changed from holding herself apart from everyone to growing more relaxed. She was still intense with her work, but when she was off she was able to have a little fun with him. I also liked how she started to care about what happened with him, worrying when his engine company was called out. The closer she got to him, the harder it was for her to face what she needed to do. I wanted to shake her when she walked away from Luke, even after he told her how he felt. I loved the way he tried to show her what it was costing her.
I loved the ending and seeing a whole different Patricia. Her solution was absolutely perfect and her big moment with Luke was terrific. I'd love to catch up with them in later books and see how they are doing.
I also enjoyed the background of the disaster relief. It was really interesting to see some of the things that go on behind the scenes, from arranging drug supplies and coordinating schedules to finding equipment that the medical personnel need. I really loved seeing the way that Patricia dealt with some of the personalities. It really makes me appreciate what the real life people do.
Patricia is looking for a man she can easily deal with, who won't bring drama into her life. She wants nothing to do with love or passion, seeing only the trouble caused by her father's multiple wives and countless mistresses. Before she can start looking for another candidate, Texas Rescue is called up to help deal with the aftermath of a hurricane. Working with them gives her a chance to use her organizational skills and satisfy her need to do something good.
Luke is a rancher who likes what he does, but often feels trapped by his responsibilities. He became a volunteer firefighter to bring some adventure into his life. Helping out with the hurricane relief gives him that chance to do something different for a little while.
Their first encounter is when Luke busts into her headquarters tent, dragging a coworker who collapsed in the heat. I liked the way that she and Luke connected, even though she tried really hard to suppress her reaction. It was fun to see the way Luke was trying to hard to get a reaction from her. Luke starts out looking at Patricia as something of a challenge, but quickly comes to see her as much more.
I loved the way that he saw how she takes care of everyone else, but that no one appears to be looking out for her. It was sweet to see him try to take care of her. Patricia didn't quite know what to do about Luke. She likes his attentions, but she knows there's no future in it. As the week went on, I loved seeing Luke wear her down a little bit, to where she wasn't panicking to be seen in his company. I loved watching them grow closer. Luke really wants to continue seeing her, and see where their relationship might lead. While he had suspected that Patricia came from money, he didn't know who she really was until they'd been together for several days. Though he was a little bit of a jerk to her when he did, that didn't last long. What I really liked was the way that she opened up to him about what her life had been like and what she is still dealing with.
I liked seeing the way that, thanks to his influence, she changed from holding herself apart from everyone to growing more relaxed. She was still intense with her work, but when she was off she was able to have a little fun with him. I also liked how she started to care about what happened with him, worrying when his engine company was called out. The closer she got to him, the harder it was for her to face what she needed to do. I wanted to shake her when she walked away from Luke, even after he told her how he felt. I loved the way he tried to show her what it was costing her.
I loved the ending and seeing a whole different Patricia. Her solution was absolutely perfect and her big moment with Luke was terrific. I'd love to catch up with them in later books and see how they are doing.
I also enjoyed the background of the disaster relief. It was really interesting to see some of the things that go on behind the scenes, from arranging drug supplies and coordinating schedules to finding equipment that the medical personnel need. I really loved seeing the way that Patricia dealt with some of the personalities. It really makes me appreciate what the real life people do.
September 8, 2014
Every reader holds their breath when a favorite author starts a new series. Will it be the same but different in the very best way from the previous stories that won the reader's heart? With Caro Carson's new series, Texas Rescue, the answer is a resounding yes! Carson's talent for creating broken heroines the reader empathizes with and roots for is especially showcased in Not Just A Cowboy. Readers may remember Patricia Cargill, heiress /Texas Rescue director volunteer, as a nemesis from The Bachelor Doctor's Bride. In Not Just A Cowboy, Patricia is paired with Luke Waterson, a firefighter who isn't all he seems, who challenges her on all sorts of levels. But he's just the right hero to heal her heart. Readers will have fun watching the metamorphosis of Patricia and sighing over Luke, turning the pages as fast as they can. Can't wait til the next in the series.
October 12, 2014
Another Special Edition success! Although I had a hard time connecting with Patricia to start (since that's her personality), Luke grabbed me right from the start. I was so happy for them by the end, but I admit to being worried for awhile. I can't wait till the Christmas story...I hope they come by for a visit! :)
Read
January 12, 2016"Carson’s romance is complex, touching and funny. The Texas catastrophe setting awes, the co-stars shine and the morality tale inspires. The expert accounting of the emergency operation is impressively authentic" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
Miniseries: Texas Rescue
Miniseries: Texas Rescue
October 2, 2018
Carmen's review says it all: 5 romance stars, 3 real stars.
November 4, 2018
Great book can't wait to read more books by this author
February 4, 2021
Not much to this story.
January 3, 2015
I loved the characters in this book! The story is heart-warming. I found the setting interesting as well. I highly recommend this author as a talent to watch.
June 5, 2017
This was a new author for me and I loved the story.
June 22, 2017
Loved it!! This is a new author for me and have just learned this was the first in a series of 3. Will be adding the other two to my to-be-read list....
August 16, 2017
It's really a 5 star
This was a great book and kept me engaged! I am now going to get the next one! Can't wait to steal time to read it!
This was a great book and kept me engaged! I am now going to get the next one! Can't wait to steal time to read it!
February 3, 2018
Not Just a Cowboy is the first book in the Texas Rescue series written by author Caro Carson.
Read
March 18, 2019was a fun read. Was part of a combo book with RaeAnne Thayne. After reading this author, will probably read more of her books
August 14, 2019
Interesting, will read more from this author.
September 11, 2019
Good story
September 23, 2021
I enjoyed this book.
We meet Patricia who is heiress to the Cargil fortune but her father is pulling the strings tighter and to get her freedom she needs to find a husband. That being said she is also heavily involved with a rescue service and this is where she meets Luke. Luke is a volunteer fireman and that is what she thinks he is. He is infact a very successful and wealthy cowboy. .
As they work together and get to know each other, can they chenage each others lives for the better?
I enjoyed the charity aspect of this book and that was the foremost thing with the romnace being second.
Would recommend
We meet Patricia who is heiress to the Cargil fortune but her father is pulling the strings tighter and to get her freedom she needs to find a husband. That being said she is also heavily involved with a rescue service and this is where she meets Luke. Luke is a volunteer fireman and that is what she thinks he is. He is infact a very successful and wealthy cowboy. .
As they work together and get to know each other, can they chenage each others lives for the better?
I enjoyed the charity aspect of this book and that was the foremost thing with the romnace being second.
Would recommend
August 14, 2024
Enjoyable Read
Great characters and a well developed storyline. I just wished it hadn't ended so abruptly. An epilogue would have been a great addition. Gotta love Firefighters!
P.S. Retired Houston Firefighter - Female
Great characters and a well developed storyline. I just wished it hadn't ended so abruptly. An epilogue would have been a great addition. Gotta love Firefighters!
P.S. Retired Houston Firefighter - Female
July 12, 2022
A sweet romance, but the overall story is structured in an ordinary way.
June 9, 2024
Lovely story about two lovers dancing around the future of their love for each other. A great read.
September 22, 2019
Carson's heroines are often in such complex and uncomfortable emotional situations with terrible, emotionally abusive, controlling parents... it can actually make her books difficult to read at times. Patricia is another one of these. The level of creepy "Daddy" inflicts on her is really, really high, but she doesn't acknowledge that at all until the hero points it out... and it does make it hard to believe in a Happily Ever After; for example, is Patricia really ready to have children? Luke mentions he wants them and Patricia just feels queasily ambivalent at the idea. But the book ends with a definite HEA - they're getting married, folks! - and that felt a little unrealistic. Basically, the complexity of the emotional lives of Carson's protagonists often feels too large to fit comfortably within the strictures of a category romance, especially as the end approaches, and this was definitely one of those.
May 8, 2017
Mixed feelings here. I like Patricia's quest to prove to the world that she was more than just money older than dirt, but the execution is a little bit rough. Luke is sweet, plus kind to children and small animals, so that's really nice.
Sorry though, Patricia--what person shaves their legs in a camp shower, especially an emergency camp shower in a disaster zone where water is being rationed? The fact that you shave your legs in that situation makes your "I'm not just old money" thing seem disingenuous.
Sorry though, Patricia--what person shaves their legs in a camp shower, especially an emergency camp shower in a disaster zone where water is being rationed? The fact that you shave your legs in that situation makes your "I'm not just old money" thing seem disingenuous.
May 30, 2018
Pretty much what you expect. Light, fluffy, enjoyable, and a quick read. Competent woman and man coming together. Some villains but they don't really appear which makes the whole thing more enjoyable.
June 2, 2016
Good read. "Rich girl and fireman" story. They meet during the aftermath of a hurricane. But fireman isn't all the hero is.
Want to read
May 22, 2017note to self - this is Rebecca's step sister from Texas Rescue
January 18, 2020
Stick with it! It is a good book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews