The Cattle Baron's Bogus Boyfriend

I like reading Nicki’s work, and I loved the first 80% or so of this book, loved the characters (at first) and the plot, but when the big crisis came in the form of a malicious phone call to the main character, he tucked his tail between his legs and ran home to mama, instead of standing up and demanding to hear the truth from his lover. For me, that ruined the rest of the story. Hope Nicki rewrites the story with another ending sometime.

Cute story with great main and supporting characters. I only wish I could have read Linc's point of view.

5 Hearts Audiobook reviewed by Prime

The Cattle Baron’s Bogus Boyfriend by Nicki Bennett is an installment in the Dreamspun Desires series (all books are standalone, by different authors and totally unrelated). I have to admit, that I actually read this one some months ago when it came out, but snapped up the chance to hear the audio because it was such a sweet and delightful story.

This also happens to be the second book I’ve heard narrated by Rusty Topsfield and I have to say. If the next narration is like the first two, Rusty Topsfield will become an instant favourite to listen to and would consider a book based on his narration alone. At the moment that list for me of favourite narrators only has John Solo and Nick J Russo. Rusty Topsfield is a versatile narrator and manages to come through with the necessary emotion and strength required of many characters.

Much like the first time I read The Cattle Baron’s Bogus Boyfriend, I was drawn immediately because I immediately recognized it as something I would see in such Harlequin/Mills and Boon plot. In fact, I think I have read at least three MF stories from Harlequin where millionaire cowboy/cattle baron falls in love with his PA (though in the MF scenario, the PA always ends up pregnant and unless this was paranormal M-preg, I don’t see that happening here, lol). This book, for me, was as enjoyable to listen to as it was to read.

It was everything that I expected and hoped for and I absolutely loved it. Even the drama at the end, because of course there is miscommunication, is straight exactly what you’d see in many other romances, though doubtless readers will be thinking “that does not seem real, wait and talk, damnit!” The story follows Jonah Hollis, the administrative assistant to cattle and oil, Texan millionaire Lincoln Courtright. He also happens to be gay and has a hopeless crush on his boss, despite the fact that Linc has a girlfriend. But when Lincoln’s relationship breaks down, Jonah finds out that things are not always what he thought they were and his billionaire boss, if nothing else, to form a friendship with Jonah.

There is a rather quirky cast of supporting characters, all of whom are a joy – I particularly love Jonah’s BFF Caylee and his BFF in Texas, Wes. I would love a story for Wes and Linc’s foreman. Wes is one of those minor characters that take on a life of his own without taking away from the main characters. The end, while satisfying is also insanely cute. I absolutely love it, all the loose ends are tied together and the important people in both Jonah’s and Linc’s lives are involved. This is the type of story that will give you a goofy smile.

I read this in one sitting.
A perfect blend of easy-reading, angst, stupidity, romance, love, and happy ending.
Just what I needed for a cold and wet spring day.

Lincoln is a great boss and drool worthy. Jonah has a crush but he knows the straight boss is off limits. But then suddenly Lincoln is asking him out. But there are bumps, misunderstandings, and engagements in the way to life. When two smart men can't seem to get out of their own way you can't help but root them.