The Cowboy and the Baby (Forever, Texas #15) (2024)

Deputy Cody McCullough discovers Devon Bennett in the throes of childbirth. He helps deliver the baby, and gets her to a clinic just in time to save her life. Devon has been abandoned by the baby's father and has nothing to her name. Feeling protective, Cody brings her back to his family's ranch after her discharge until she can get back on her feet. The townsfolk of Forever also help to pitch in.

This was very boring, and very badly written. Marie Ferrarella doesn't seem to think it's necessary to hit that Enter button when a character's point of view changes, which is frequently. On occasions, the point of view would flip between three or four characters within the same paragraph! It makes it very confusing for the reader.

Cody and Devon felt like cardboard cutouts. Both had little personality. The side character of Miss Joan, a matronly figure in Forever, was likable, but nonetheless still straight out of central casting. Despite significant page presence, Cody's family were similarly lacking personality and edge, and all three of them blended into one (despite there being two brothers and one sister.)

The plot consists of little more than Cody and his family, or the townsfolk, doing something nice for Devon, and Devon going, "Why are you doing this for me? I'm nobody to you!" And then Cody/townsfolk responding, "That's just the way we are." Rinse and repeat until the happy ending. There's zero tension or any stakes to the relationship between Devon and Cody, unless you count Devon's insistence that things will go south for her at any minute.

Give it a go if you like zero-angst romance between a cardboard cutout H and h, and a plot so bland it should send you to sleep. Heck, if you've got a restless baby at home, read this one to them. They'll be out like a light!

3.5 stars

Very sweet story, but I felt that it focused too much on the town residents and not enough on the main couple. Still, it's a wonderful feel good read, perfect for the holidays because of the welcoming, giving nature of the people of Forever. (No, this is not a holiday romance - but the themes of kindness and acceptance make it perfect for the holiday season - so add it to your reading list.)

Devon Bennett stops by the side of the road unable to keep driving when she goes into labor. Fortunately for her, deputy sheriff Cody McCullogh hears her screams and helps eith the delivery, then takes her and baby Layla home for her to recover. And isn't he lucky when Devon doesn't bleed out because no mention is made of tying off the umbilical cord above and beyond the cut that releases the baby from the connection with the new mother!

What Devon doesn't plan for is to fall in love with Cody even after he declares he wants her to stay at the ranch and that he loves her. What's she going to say, known other men have said the same and then left her? Key example, the baby daddy.

Title: The Cowboy and the Baby - Forever, Texas Book 15
Author: Marie Ferrarella
Published: 10-4-2016
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 224
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Harlequin Series; Western
ISBN: 13: 9780373757305
ASIN: B01ERM7GFI
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.25

I received a copy of "The Cowboy and the Baby" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Description From the Publisher:

THE WRANGLER'S SPECIAL DELIVERY

When the father of her baby bails, Devon Bennett finds herself in a difficult position. As in "giving birth in a truck on the side of a road" difficult. Devon's never felt more alone, until a hunky cowboy rides in to save the day.

Deputy Cody McCullough can't shake the feeling that Devon and her baby still need him, and not just because they're staying at his ranch. It's obvious that the single mom's heart has been broken before and trusting this cowboy lawman doesn't come easily. But Cody will do whatever it takes to make Devon feel safe again…and to see that her heart finally has a home.

My Review of "The Cowboy and the Baby"

A wonderful story of how love can come from the most unexpected circ*mstances. Cody & Devon and are strong developed characters but it the baby that steals the show and brings the two and the town together. From the opening scenes to the last you will smile, laugh and and gasp, but you will not want to put this book down. Marie Ferrarella is one of my favorite Harlequin and she still does not disappoint. "The Cowboy and the Baby moves quickly and leaves ou feeling happy. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERM7GFI/...

Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-c...

GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...

A heartfelt, adorable, tender tale about life, love, and new starts in life, and how utterly wonderful can a misfortune turn out to be, a true blessing in disguise.
I am not sure if I have ever read a story so filled with positivity, good, warm, fuzzy feelings, loving and caring people, who are willing to go the extra mile, even for a stranger, and open their lives, hearts, and homes to those in need.
I smiled through most of the story, maybe not so much in the beginning, with the birthing in the truck and all, but from then on. I am in awe how the author managed to build such a loving, inspiring tale, and still keep the interest and enthusiasm alive. Yes, there's drama and struggle, not made by the characters, but the outside forces beyond their control.
Cody is so perfect. He is kind, protective, generous, and humble. He would do anything to make Devon's life easier. I liked the family unit that the Bennetts have, how they had the attitude 'all for one and one for all' from the start.
This story has nothing to do with Christmas, yet it gives the strongest testimony of the true meaning of it on each page of the tale. An adorable, uplifting, and encouraging story about human kindness, love, and family.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Forever, Texas based romance between Deputy Cody McCullough and Devon Bennett.
Devon ends up in Forever nine months pregnant, chasing after her low-life boyfriend who robbed her and ran off leaving her stuck in their motel room with no money.
Cody found her in a junk truck on the side of the road in the last stages of labor.
After delivering the baby, he makes a desperate run to the clinic to try to save the young mother who is hemorrhaging. The doctors work all day and manage to save Devon, but Cody stays close to the young woman he feels called to.
The town rallies around the young family and Devon stays..to Cody's great relief. He is smitten with both young ladies...and both come to return the feelings.
Sweet & funny great little romantic read.
I received a free copy for my honest opinion....and Ms. Ferrarella pens another winner.