Sandy M’s review of Cocksure (Cochrans of Cocker County, Book 1) by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance published by Shiloh Walker, Inc 19 Nov 18

Yes, this is one of those books inspired by the hoopla created earlier this year when a romance author tried – and failed – to copyright the word “cocky.” In that respect only, I’m glad that kerfluffle occurred, because these Cochrans of Cocker County may not exist otherwise. Thank the heavens for Shiloh Walker’s talent and imagination, despite the source of her inspiration.

Sabrina has been Luke Cochran’s assistant for several years now. He’s a golden boy of Hollywood, with hit movies under his belt. Thus, that success as made him as cocky as they come. But that doesn’t dampen her love for him one bit. It does, however, keep him from realizing exactly what he’s got in his right-hand woman. He knows she’s a whiz when it comes to his schedule and everything that goes along with keeping him on time and his life as straight as possible. Too bad that doesn’t include his escapades when it comes to the women who throw themselves all over him nearly 24/7. What he doesn’t see is the love of a good woman will help him in every way possible – at least not at first.

It takes getting caught in the middle of a threesome for Luke to realize he needs to make some changes in his life – especially when he gets the call his mom is in the hospital. He’s not been home for ages, all due to guilt and shame from something terrible that happened when he was a teen. But his love for his family wins out – along with help from Sabrina – and he heads back to the place where it all started. Then he panics and blurts out to his mother that he and Sabrina are engaged, all to help in her recuperation, but little does he know how that will snowball until he truly, nearly does lose everything.

Even though Sabrina figures she’ll get her heart broken more than ever before, she goes along with Luke’s sudden scheme – she loves his family too – so her eyes are wide open. She does help Luke heal by getting him to talk about his past, but then when the unexpected happens from the most horrible woman imaginable, everything between them goes to hell, and Sabrina now has to guard what’s left of her heart. And then the groveling begins, and I have to say Ms. Walker does make Luke grovel big time, while Sabrina keeps her mad on when it finally shows up.

Despite the ravages of Luke’s past, this is a delightful story of love, as well as one of family and much-needed healing. All of the characters are full of life and folks you’d like to have in your life, which for me is a trademark of Ms. Walker’s writing. She’s not written a main character to date that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. I’m really looking forward to reading more of the Cochrans, anxiously awaiting all the shenanigans, hurt, and love the author can stuff into their books.

Grade: A

Summary:

Sabrina:

He’s the cockiest bastard I’ve ever met and I mean that with all the affection and adoration in the world. I’ve been in love with him for years, and not just because of those intense blue eyes or that slow smug smile that promises to make all your dreams come true. I’ve seen what lies under that smile and his cocksure attitude. It’s enough to make me melt.

Not that I’d ever let him know. Not only is Luke Cochran one of Hollywood’s up-and-coming movie stars…he’s also my boss. I’m his personal assistant and have seen all the women who come and go in his life.

I don’t even hold a candle. But a girl can dream…right?

Luke:

Sabrina is one of the sharpest, funniest, kindest people I’ve ever met. Sometimes, I think I’m taking advantage of her, but I seriously cannot cope with my hectic lifestyle without her to keep me on track.

Of course, my life just got totally knocked off track. One of my sisters called. They need me back home. My mother is sick and the last thing I can think about is the promotional tour I’ve got coming up.

Sabrina’s coming with me. She’s the only person who can keep me focused and centered in a time like this. Besides, my family adores her. And it’s just a quick visit. My mother is tough. She’ll be alright.

But then something happens that knocks me for a loop and when my mother tells me that all she really wants in life is to see her kids happy and settled down, I do the stupidest damn thing ever and announce that Sabrina and I are in love. Now I’ve just got to convince my best friend to play along with me and act like she’s my fiancée and we’re stupid in love.

No big deal…right?

WRONG.

Read an excerpt.