Review: Eastern Cowboy by Andrew Grey

Author: Andrew Grey

Pages/Word Count: 200 Pages

At a Glance: Andrew Grey has created another wonderful story in Eastern Cowboy.

Reviewed By: Maryann

Blurb: Brighton McKenzie inherited one of the last pieces of farmland in suburban Baltimore. It has been in his family since Maryland was a colony, though it has lain fallow for years. Selling it for development would be easy, but Brighton wants to honor his grandfather’s wishes and work it again. Unfortunately, an accident left him relying on a cane, so he’ll need help. Tanner Houghton used to work on a ranch in Montana until a vengeful ex got him fired because of his sexuality. He comes to Maryland at the invitation of his cousin and is thrilled to have a chance to get back to the kind of work he loves.

Brighton is instantly drawn to the intensely handsome and huge Tanner—he’s everything Brighton likes in a man, though he holds back because Tanner is an employee, and because he can’t understand why a man as virile as Tanner would be interested in him. But that isn’t the worst of their problems. They have to face the machinations of Brighton’s aunt, Tanner’s ex suddenly wanting him back, and the need to find a way to make the farm financially viable before they lose Brighton’s family legacy.

Review: With the passing of his Grandpa Edward, Brighton McKenzie inherits his farm, located in Maryland. The farm has been in the family since Colonial times and is now surrounded by condominiums, a shopping mall, and a subdivision.

At the reading of the will, Brighton and his sister Brianne face a very jealous Aunt Vera, daughter of their Grandpa. Of course, Aunt Vera feels she should inherit the farm and then sell it for more money than she got in the will. She tries guilting both Brighton and Brianne because as children, they were taken in by her after their parents’ death. But, we find that Brighton really was the one who took care of himself and his sister.

Brighton already has his doubts about the farm, and finds himself wavering at times, thinking it might be easier to sell it. He questions his own ability to work the farm because he has a severe leg injury from a past accident. Brianne, who is a strong presence in his life, encourages him to keep the farm. Arthur Granger, his Grandpa’s attorney, also helps by suggesting his cousin Tanner Houghton help with the farm.

Tanner Houghton is a good, strong, caring man, especially with children and animals. He returned from a ranch in Montana after an incident with the ranch owner’s son. Tanner also has a stutter, which makes him shy away from people and not say much. Tanner struggles too, with doubts about himself.

Brighton and Tanner meet and learn to work together to keep the farm up and running. They both still have obstacles to overcome, a leg injury, Aunt Vera, the city, and an ex-lover.

Andrew Grey has created another wonderful story in Eastern Cowboy. His characters are well developed and the story has an easy flow to it. I have never been disappointed by Andrew Grey’s stories and am hoping this is the beginning of a new series.