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Karen Baney
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Falling for a Real Cowboy: Vargas Ranch Book 1 Kindle Edition

by Karen Baney (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 33 ratings
She’s chasing redemption. He’s running from love. Can faith bridge the divide between them?

Dalton J. Vargas IV has one rule—never let emotions interfere with business. Love has only ever been a distraction, and with his father retiring early, the weight of his family’s multi-million-dollar guest ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, now rests solely on his shoulders. But when a big-city romance author arrives, determined to unravel the cowboy way of life, Dalton’s carefully structured world is thrown into turmoil.

River Sloane is desperate for a second chance. After her latest romance novel flopped, her publisher insists she craft the one story she swore she’d never write—a modern-day cowboy romance. Sent to a sprawling dude ranch in the Arizona desert, River is tasked with learning the ways of ranching to resurrect her career. But when a rugged cowboy unexpectedly becomes both her muse and her greatest challenge, she finds herself at a crossroads between ambition and the pull of her own heart.

As sparks fly and tensions mount, will River cling to the life she left behind, or will she surrender to love and the whispers of faith? And will Dalton risk opening his heart to something real, something lasting?


Love is in the air at the Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort near Wickenburg, Arizona. The Vargas family lives and breathes their family motto: We do not deviate from the Lord’s plan.
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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Vargas Ranch
  2. Print length
    210 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 21, 2023
  5. File size
    1.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Discover the Vargas Ranch Series
She's trying to resurrect her career. He's sworn off love. Will city-meets-country duo find love
Falling for a Real Cowboy by Karen Baney
Honeymoon with a Real Cowboy by Karen Baney
Falling for a Shy Cowboy by Karen Baney
Falling for a Bossy Cowboy by Karen Baney
Vargas Ranch Series Box Set 1-3 by Karen Baney
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Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 33
5.0 out of 5 stars 1
4.5 out of 5 stars 20
4.4 out of 5 stars 17
4.6 out of 5 stars 3
Price $4.99 $2.99 $4.99 $4.99 $9.99
ebook ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
paperback ✓ no data ✓ ✓ ✓
number of books 1 1 (novella) 1 1 includes books 1-3 and novella

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Deliciously romantic! A terrific start to a memorable series." -Jill Kemerer, Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author
"River's romantic heart can't help but fall for Dalton who's sworn off women after his ex broke his heart." --Jerah A., Faith and Books
"Endearing characters that felt real. The scenes were easily visualized. Christian themes and very clean romance." --Rockin' Book Reviews

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CDBHFSNT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Desert Life Media
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 21, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960217066
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Vargas Ranch
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

About the author

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Karen Baney

Karen Baney

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I love writing. Whether it is contemporary cowboy romance or historical fiction set in my beloved state of Arizona, my novels always tell an engaging story of flawed characters in needed of second chances, redemption, or they must overcome personal trials. I love finding ways to weave real history and real settings into my stories.

My husband, Jim, and I live in Gilbert, Arizona with our two dogs, Bella and Daisy. We enjoy traveling throughout the state finding new adventures which often end up influencing the stories I write. We also are very active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
33 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not according to my own timing.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    River, a romance author, is assigned to write a cowboy romance. She doesn't like the idea, she is a city girl and doesn't know anything about cowboys or ranches. A great book with lots of humor and mystery. Inspirational as well as entertaining. Can one fall in love at first sight? A must read!
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  • Pat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved This Entire Series!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
    I first read Book 6, Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl, and enjoyed it so much, that I quickly went back and purchased the whole series! These books are inspirational, with a great redemptive theme, real life experiences, family love, and sweet romance. There were numerous surprises, a lot happening, and I found each book to be unique. They also had an unforgettable motto to be applied in life! I loved these books and would highly recommend purchasing all of them! So happy to have found this author!
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  • Novels Alive
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Nice, Quick, Inspirational Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
    I’ve been in the mood for a sweet, contemporary romance, so when the request to review the Vargas Ranch series by Karen Baney came through my inbox, I decided to give this new-to-me author a try, and I was pleasantly surprised.

    The first book in the series, Falling for a Real Cowboy, features Dalton Vargas and River Sloane. Dalton is the oldest of five brothers who run the Vargas Ranch, with Dalton being the CEO. River is a romance writer whose books are underperforming. Her publisher sends her to the Vargas Ranch in order to learn about cowboys so she can jump on the cowboy romance bandwagon. Sparks fly… It’s a romance, after all.

    Falling for a Real Cowboy is a pretty quick read. It was definitely sweet, and there was an inspirational theme throughout. Dalton and River lean into their faith, and the overall theme of trusting God’s timing keeps shining, especially when that classic moment in romance novels threatens to tear the couple apart.

    The story wasn’t terribly complex, but a huge cast of characters was introduced, which was slightly overwhelming. Dalton and River were likable characters. The plot was pretty straightforward. They meet and fall in love pretty quickly. Something drives them apart, but they find their way back to each other. It’s a pretty standard romance. I kept wanting something with a little more depth, but in the end, I got a Harlequin Inspirational-like romance.

    Falling for a Real Cowboy was a nice, quick, inspirational romance. With likable characters and an interesting setting at an Arizona ranch, I was drawn into the story and read it in one sitting. If you’re looking for a sweet cowboy romance with some Christian themes, this might be the book for you. ~Jen for Novels Alive
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  • Deana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Clean Story
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2023
    I enjoyed this clean story that had me wanting to join the characters in the picturesque ranch located in Arizona. I know all too well how hot it can get in the summer down south. Poor River has no idea what is in store for her as she reaches the ranch. It is an important trip for her to save her job. Write a romance book about cowboys, they say. She is out of her comfort zone when she steps out in the sweltering heat. I laughed when she realized the clothes she brought would not be accommodating for her.

    Dalton is not pleased that River has come to his ranch to invade his quiet life. He has no interest in forming a relationship after the disaster he just went through. Dalton and his family are very close and I loved how they always turned to their faith for everything. A strong family built on God’s Word makes our country stronger. I would love to be at the Vargas family table as they sat down to eat. You can hear the laughter, encouraging words and faith that embraces them.

    Dalton’s mother gives him great advice when she says, “Remember, we do not deviate from God’s plan.” He is wrestling with doing too much and not following God’s direction. That can be hard for many of us when we think we know better than God. I loved the tour of the ranch and knew I would love to book a room there. I wonder if River and Dalton will ever give into their feelings and trust God?

    When a drone starts to become worrisome, River explains to Dalton that she has this kind of stalker but can’t believe he has found her here in Arizona. Not many people know River’s schedule so who is behind the drone? I really liked this part because my husband is a licensed drone operator. He loves to fly his drone over our land. He has done some drone work for others but always follows the rules. This drone that is following either River or Dalton may be up to no good.

    I love the message in the story that is, “Everything in life is about God’s timing, His design. Even when circumstances make little sense.” If you are looking for a sweet clean faith filled book grab a copy of this one.

    I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LAWonder10
    5.0 out of 5 stars A clean, Fun Cowboy/Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
    In the Book Falling For A Real Cowboy, Dalton is distracted from overseeing the ranch by a beautiful Blonde guest. She is totally out of his league and a distraction he needed to avoid as much as he can.

    River was an author from the eastern part of the world. Her publisher insisted she write the next book about the Amish or Cowboys. She knew little of either culture but she had read cowboy romance books. Once she conceded, she was enrolled at a  Guest Ranch in some remote place in Arizona to learn about rach life. She had six weeks to create this new novel.

    River's experiences for the next six weeks were bittersweet from the arrival in Arizona onward... Experiences that would change her life forever!

    This book was never boring.  The characters were endearing and felt very real. The scenes were easily visualized. There were Christian enhancements and was very clean.

    The end of the novel held a surprise, short book 2 that a reader will not want to miss. 

    I listened to the audio with an Audible digital narrator. It was very good and the voices were mostly complimentary.

    I offer a Five Stars rating.

    This audio was gifted to me with no pressure to post a positive review.
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