I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Aidan: Loyal Cowboy by Cathy McDavid
Published by Harlequin on July 1, 2012
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Small Town & Rural
Pages: 448
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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Aidan "Ace" Hart left Flynn McKinley heartbroken when he put family duty above her feelings. Then one night, the old passions were reignited and now Flynn is about to get something she's always wanted—a child to love.

Ace takes his responsibilities very seriously. Running Thunder Ranch and his busy veterinary practice leaves little time for a personal life. That'll only get worse now that he's spending every spare minute with Midnight, the champion rodeo stallion he hopes will save the ranch from financial disaster.

Flynn refuses to marry Ace and be yet one more "responsibility" to him. She wants Ace to want to marry her! And until he admits he loves her, she's determined to raise her baby alone….

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Tropes: Second Chance, Secret Baby, Cowboy Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Source: NetGalley

Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own.

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🐴 ABOUT THE BOOK

Ace has always been the dependable one—especially when his father died and he had to step up for his family. But duty came at a cost. Years ago, he walked away from the love of his life, Flynn, to focus on the family ranch. Now Flynn’s back… and she’s pregnant.

Can the loyal cowboy prove he’s ready for more than just wrangling cattle? Can Flynn trust him again with her heart—and their future?

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🤠 THE STORY

Set against a classic small-town western backdrop, Aidan: Loyal Cowboy is a warm, easy afternoon read that blends family drama, romantic tension, and a rekindled love that never really faded.

Ace is a man torn between past responsibility and present opportunity. Flynn, strong in her own right, re-enters Ace’s life with more than just emotional baggage—she’s carrying his child. The tension here is quiet but real: can Ace finally let go of always being the fixer and make space for his own happiness?

Their journey is not flashy, but it’s heartfelt. The book hits all the right notes of a comforting cowboy romance with just enough emotional weight to keep you invested.

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💞 THE CHARACTERS

• Ace: Dependable, grounded, and self-sacrificing. A cowboy hero you want to root for even when he needs a push to prioritize his own happiness.
• Flynn: Independent, cautious, and emotionally resilient. She’s not afraid to protect herself and her baby, but she also wants love—real, enduring love.

Their chemistry is subtle, mature, and believable, making their reconnection all the more satisfying.

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🔥 STEAMOMETER

Steam Level: 2/5 – Sweet and tender. This is a clean romance focused on emotional intimacy more than physical heat. Great for readers who prefer a slower-burn, heartwarming connection.

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📝 OVERALL THOUGHTS

Aidan: Loyal Cowboy is exactly what you want in a Harlequin Heartwarming title: quick, cozy, and filled with characters navigating real-life choices. The pacing makes it perfect for a weekend read or a midday mental break, and the second-chance theme hits that nostalgic romantic sweet spot.

It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, a simple, sweet cowboy romance is exactly what you need.

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👩‍💻 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy McDavid is a USA Today bestselling author known for crafting warmhearted western romances that mix small-town life with emotional depth. With over 50 novels under her belt, she’s a beloved voice in the cowboy romance genre.