• The Cowboy's Redemption ebook cover — Cornerstone Ranch Book 5 clean cowboy romance by Hope August
  • The Cowboy’s Redemption by Hope August displayed on an e-reader against a wooden ranch fence.
  • Cornerstone Ranch Christmas keepsake letter from the couple, sent during the next Christmas season. Mailed to U.S. order addresses; international readers receive email. Orders after December 1 receive the following season’s letter.
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Hope August Inc

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (Cornerstone Ranch Book 5) (eBook)

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (Cornerstone Ranch Book 5) (eBook)

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The Cowboy’s Redemption is a clean cowboy romance about Dalton Stone and Madison Taylor, who is building an equine therapy program for at-risk kids while raising her younger brother. Found family, fierce protectiveness, and a past that won’t stay buried shape the finale of the five-book Cornerstone Ranch series.

Perfect for fans of Jessie Gussman.

Book 5 in the Cornerstone Ranch Series - The Grand Finale!

He's the Stone brother who never belonged. She's building a safe haven for kids like him. His past might destroy them both.

Dalton Stone has been counting down the days until he can disappear. Five years on the ranch, five years of penance, then he's gone. He's not hero material—never was, never will be.

Madison Taylor doesn't need a complicated cowboy with haunted eyes disrupting her plans. She's building an equine therapy program for at-risk kids while raising her younger brother Ryan. Stability is everything. Dalton Stone is anything but stable.

Yet when Dalton connects with Ryan in ways no one else can, Madison sees past the walls to the man underneath. His gruff kindness. His fierce protectiveness. The way he looks at her like she's his redemption.

But Dalton's past isn't done with him. And when danger comes calling, he faces an impossible choice: run like he always has, or stay and fight for the family he never thought he deserved.

The Stone brothers' saga ends with the one who thought he'd never belong...

📚 BINGE THE COMPLETE SERIES! Get the prequel and Books 1–5 in the six-ebook Cornerstone Ranch bundle.

Perfect for readers who love: ✨ Wounded hero redemption ✨ Found family ✨ Protector romance ✨ Healing through love ✨ Kisses-only clean romance ✨ Guaranteed happily ever after

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Read a Sample

Chapter 1
Dalton hovered on the outside of the festivities. He’d always been on the outside. It didn’t matter if he was a kid or as he’d grown up. His family had simply been better than he ever would. It was hard to pinpoint when he’d finally realized he’d never really fit in with them. Maybe it was when he’d run away at the tender age of sixteen.
Sure, his grandfather and Paige had asked him to come home, but he knew better. He was a stain on their family and it was only proven time and time again during his adolescence.
When he’d gotten the call to come home—after his grandfather had passed—he’d expected to have to answer a million questions about his life. He hadn’t seen his brothers in a near decade, why wouldn’t they drill him for information?
But they hadn’t.
He shifted in his position leaning against the tree. The bark was rough and each movement caused it to scratch up his upper arm. He pushed into the pain, relishing the feel of it, allowing it to bring him to reality.
Dalton blamed the kid.
The boy who ran and played with his niece. Ryan.
He flinched as the name ripped through his skull with a sharp pain. It had been six years since the accident that had ripped another little boy from his life—a little boy who would have been close to Ryan’s age and who shared his name.
They weren’t the same child.
No, the toddler that Dalton had been fond of was dead.
And it was all his fault.
Dalton tore his eyes from the boy, choosing instead to watch the happy couple. Caleb and Sarah were good together. Clearly they’d found something that not many could in their lifetime if not several lifetimes.
He was happy for them. They deserved each other. Dalton had watched as his youngest brother had grown up and realized just how wonderful his life could be as long as he had Sarah in his life.
All of Dalton’s brothers had found that sort of contentment. Each and every one of them had fallen in love with a woman who brought out their strengths. All of them belonged in this magical bubble.
Once again, Dalton was hit with the realization that he would never find something so unconditional. He would never have the sort of love they shared.
One more year.
He’d agreed to stick around until the contract for the ranch was up. Then he’d disappear. It was his final gift to his late grandfather. When the lawyer had told them all that they were required to work the ranch together for five years or forfeit the whole thing, he’d been angry. How could his grandfather ask for something so ridiculous. It bordered on selfish! It was one last way for Robert Stone to control his grandsons.
Unfortunately, Dalton couldn’t shake the feeling that he owed his grandfather this last thing. The man had raised them, after all. And the fact that he’d helped Dalton out more than once even after he’d run away—well, he couldn’t walk away and let the ranch get taken from his brothers when they’d done nothing wrong.
He sighed, dragging a hand down his face as his focus shifted to Ryan’s mother.
Madison sat Sarah’s side, smiling wide and laughing with her. Not a care in the world.
How he longed for an existence where he wasn’t being crushed by the weight of his past. If he could turn back the clocks to that night he’d chosen to leave his family, perhaps he would stick around. Staying with a family where he was the one piece of the puzzle that didn’t fit was far better than the darkness that threatened to overcome him at any given second.
The woman was attractive. Her naturally tanned skin seemed to glow in the sunlight. Dark tresses fell around her face in waves that made her look as though she’d come straight from the beach. She had dark hair and high cheekbones. She was slender but with the right amount of curves to draw the eye.
No.
He wasn’t going to let his thoughts go there.
After Mallory, Dalton had given up on women and relationships. He put as much distance between himself and everyone he could. His brothers were the only people in his life that he was willing to allow get close to him—and even that was a stretch.
Still, his gaze drifted over to the beauty.
Dalton froze. His limbs and spine growing taut as he locked eyes with the woman he’d been admiring. She stared right back, unabashed. What was her problem?
He scowled and she offered him a smile.
Dalton huffed out a silent breath of frustration and tore his focus elsewhere. He wasn’t here to make friends. His attendance of this engagement party was strictly out of obligation. Dalton wouldn’t have been surprised if Luke bit off his head for not being present.
Time ticked slowly by. It had only been five minutes since he’d last checked it. How much longer did he have to be here in order for his brothers to give him a pass? He wasn’t sure but eventually he would slip away.
Glancing at the happy couple again, Dalton pushed away from the tree. Maybe if he gave them a congratulatory statement, he could take off and not have to deal with being in the same presence as the kid.
Two steps from the tree and someone small collided with his legs.
Ryan stopped and stared up at him with wide eyes. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, his head whipping around in search of his mother as if to make sure she hadn’t noticed he just barreled into someone else. Then he turned his wide, brown eyes on Dalton again.
He didn’t look anything like the three-year-old that Dalton had loved. His eyes were brown whereas the toddler sported a pair of bright blues. This Ryan’s dark hair was a stark contrast to Mallory’s kid as well.
And yet Dalton couldn’t get the small child from his mind. He would have been nine if he were still alive. Heck, he might have been running and playing with these children if things had worked out between Dalton and Mallory all those years ago.
A lump stuck in his throat as he remained in the standoff with this kid. Then the boy ducked his head and scurried away.
Then he sensed it. Madison was staring at him.
Dalton glanced her way, finding her looking at him with what could only be described as suspicion. He should march right over there and snap at her—to tell her to watch her kid better. The boy needed to learn some manners.
But he wouldn’t.
This was Sarah’s day and she deserved for it not to be ruined by his sour mood.
With a sigh, he moved across the yard. Caleb wasn’t visiting with Sarah or Madison anymore. He’d gone inside for something. This was Dalton’s chance to congratulate his brother and take off.
He made it to the back porch by the time his brother emerged with a fresh bowl of potato chips. They nearly bumped into one another and Caleb chuckled. “Easy. The last thing I want to do right now is sweep up a mess.”
Dalton glanced over his shoulder at the children still playing. “Are you sure you can’t just blow some whistle and have all the kids come running for their snacks?
Caleb’s brow scrunched then he let out another laugh. “Somehow I don’t think their parents would appreciate that.”
He couldn’t help the way his attention shifted to Madison again. She had to be really young when she’d had Ryan. She couldn’t be much older than he was and that would mean she was a teenager when she got pregnant.
“Earth to Dalton.”
His head snapped around. Dalton stared at his brother expectantly. Had he been saying something?
Caleb smirked, jerking his chin in the direction Dalton had been looking. “She’s nice, don’t you think?”
Dalton rolled his eyes, his defenses coming up faster than ever before. “Pass. I don’t do relationships. Remember? I won that bet.”
Caleb grimaced. “Don’t remind me.” He held out the bowl of chips. “Before I forget, let me get you your winnings.”
Dalton shoved the bowl back at his brother. “I don’t want your money. Just knowing I was right is good enough.” For the first time in a while, Dalton’s smile was genuine. It felt foreign—the way his mouth curled with amusement at his brother’s flat expression.
“Nope. You won fair and square.” He pushed the bowl forward again. “And I always pay my debts.”
Stepping backward, Dalton held up both hands. “I’m not taking anything from you. The two of you have a wedding to pay for and a place to find where you can settle down. I wouldn’t dream of taking money from you. Besides, I get the feeling that Luke wouldn’t approve and it come back to bite me.”
At that, Caleb hesitated. Dalton could see the second his mind was made up and he adjusted the grip he had on the bowl in his arms. He relaxed slightly and Dalton breathed out a sigh as he did the same.
They stood in silence, watching the group of people who had come to celebrate the announcement of Caleb’s engagement. Everyone was so dang happy. They made it look so easy—to find love, start a family—really live their lives. But it wasn’t easy. Dalton knew better. He just couldn’t figure out how everyone else did it.
“I’m glad you guys found each other,” he finally murmured. It was quiet and he wasn’t sure his brother could even hear him, but he had to say it. “You two look real… good together.”
“Thanks,” Caleb nodded. “That means a lot.” He turned to face Dalton head-on. “You knew, didn’t you? Early on? You could tell that I was seeing someone and it was… special.”
Dalton didn’t even bother to toss a look in his brother’s direction, choosing instead to grin as he maintained focus on those in attendance. “I could tell.”
“I knew it.” Caleb muttered. There was a degree of amusement in his voice. “Why didn’t you just out me? Why keep my secret? You were the one who would have benefited.”
Shrugging, Dalton glanced at his brother. “Like I said. I don’t want your money. I would rather you find the person you were meant to be with and at the time, I could tell you weren’t quite sure that was what you wanted.”
Caleb seemed to contemplate his brother’s words. He didn’t respond, all he did was nod. The conversation had gotten too personal. It was making Dalton’s skin itch. This was the most open he’d been with any of them. None of them knew about his past. No one knew about how far he’d fallen and that he’d reached rock bottom years ago.
None of them needed to know. It was better this way. They could go on living their merry lives none the wiser.
“So…” Caleb’s voice burst into Dalton’s thoughts. “Are you going to ask her out, or what?”
Dalton groaned, not bothering to stick around for more of this nonsense. He headed down the steps with the intention of jumping on his bike and driving away—far away. Caleb called out to him again, but he ignored it along with the curious looks he got from everyone else who was sitting around visiting.
If he was lucky, he wouldn’t have to interact with anyone else for the rest of the day.
He made it to the front of the house and to his motorcycle before he heard that quiet voice again.
“Whoa. That’s a real cool motorcycle.”
Dalton froze, his helmet in his hands as he searched for the source. Ryan stood a few feet away, a ball in his hands as he stared at the bike. His eyes darted upward to meet Dalton’s. “Can I touch it?”

Series Order

(Prequel) The Cowboy's Tattered Heart
1. The Cowboy's Second Chance
2. The Cowboy's Forbidden Love
3. The Cowboy's City Girl
4. The Cowboy's Love Bet
5. The Cowboy's Redemption

View the complete reading order and book links.

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Prefer a printed book? Browse the available paperbacks in Hope’s store. For other buying options, visit Where to Buy. Format availability varies by title.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 39 reviews.

Customer photo review of A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion (eBook)

I really enjoyed A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion. It was fast paced, quirky, and a fun story to read. While we all understand love rarely happens as quickly as it does in stories, I still hoped Kate would resolve her trust issues and give Liam an opening to confide the truth. I was frustrated by his need to take the blame, but appreciated his conviction to keep trying. We all carry a burden we shouldn't. If love is mature and unconditional it doesn't walk away.

Angela O. 4/5 Verified

A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion (eBook)

Wonderfully immersive storytelling that as with all Hope August books it’s a mighty compelling read too. Whenever I see that she has a new book out , almost shout with glee. This is what they mean to me. This book was no exception When the last Stone doesn’t roll ,a lady comes to call. She’s all about making wayward types like he ,how to be .He thinks she’s lovely . And to be together maybe? Well look and see . I’ll tell you now ,it’s a wonderful storyline and executed perfectly divine . Bookboyfriend you’ll want to say ,can he be mine .

Jane L. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book five of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

A charming, fun cowboy romance. A great story that draws you in immediately and was easy to stay engaged with. I enjoyed watching Caleb and Sarah go from "just for fun" to something so much more. Wonderful writing, realistic and entertaining. Loved it.

J C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

I loved reading The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart by Hope August so much. It was a fast read that I simply couldn’t put down, the story pulled me in right from the start. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves heartfelt romance.

Gaby D. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book four of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. I loved the characters. Each had a reason for their initial reluctance for a relationship and for changing their minds. Fear kept them apart more than anything else did. I also loved seeing the change in the brothers from where they started. They all seem closer and more supportive than they had been when we first met them in the first story. This story was predictable but enjoyable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 03/01/2026*

This is book three of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet nannay, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap throughout this series and previous books by Hope. It can be read as a standalone but better if read in order. Warning!! Hope threw in a heart wrenching couple of scenes so have some tissues ready. Forbidden romance Opposites attract Matchmaking little girl A major misinterpretation I wish their story continued a little longer but maybe they will reappear in a future book??

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

Best friends to more I do adore and this book in time for Valentine’s is a cute storyline with all the allure that’s synonymous with Hope August’s storytelling and what’s more it’s always a compelling read . This being no exception to the rule . In fact he’s so darn sweet to his bestie Bridget he made me drool… not testy at all . Ms August ,I had a ball reading this it’s absolute bliss.

Jane L. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This sweet, best friends to more romance will warm your heart. Beautifully written with charming and wonderful characters. It was heartwarming and fun to watch their relationship change because neither saw a romance between them coming. An adorable story filled with heart, love and HEA Valentine magic that will leave you smiling.

Jacqueline C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book two of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet best friends to more, one bed, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. While this story had some fun moments, it's not as light and goofy as the previous stories in this series. I really enjoyed it. Each main character was already attracted to the other, but this trip showed them that the feelings were returned. I love that they are each willing to sacrifice something they want for the other.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is the first book in a new Interconnected series that is a spin off from other books by Hope. Reading in order recommended but can be read as a standalone. Friends to more Secret crush Online relationship Multiple mixed signals

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book one of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, match making app, friends to more, secret identity, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

Cute story about best friends in love with each other. Arden has loved Poppy for years. She has him firmly in the friend zone. Until……. I’m not going to spoil things for you. Arden’s plan could backfire spectacularly. Fun story to read.

Lucia 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. Arden and Poppy work together at the resort. They have been friends forever, but he's feeling more than friendly towards her. As they spend time together preparing for the Valentine's Day event, and Poppy gets to know her online match, she realizes she's already in love... with Arden. This was a really sweet story. I really liked it.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

A sweet and adorable cowboy romance. The cute characters really pull you into their story and keep the pages turning. I loved the writing! A great story and wonderful entertainment you don't want to miss!

Jacqueline C. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Could any couple have a more inauspicious start. Wyatt really tells Emma exactly what he thinks about her and the farm she has bought. They really annoy each other. Both have family issues that affect their relationship. Good story with well written characters that will hold your interest. I love that despite everything happening and being told she has made a huge mistake, Emma continues to build her dream. I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Lucia V. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. What a tough situation for the main characters. They both loved Katelynn and now feel guilty for being attracted to each other. There are other issues between them. Harper's grandma lovingly encourages her to open up to Colt, while his brothers prod him to do the same. This story was emotional and unpredictable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

From loss comes love A very sweet story that sees Robert receiving even more tragic news in his life that seems to overwhelm him. Having to be the guardian of his boys five sons leaves him with more responsibility than he can handle. In comes Paige, the nanny that the agency has sent to help him. They have much in common and the boys seem to love her straight away. Robert starts feeling again which scares him. Can he get past the fear of committing to Paige allowing them to face their problems together? Or will he throw it all away and hurt the children by doing so. A short enjoyable story with wonderful characters.

Lyn B. 4/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Snowfall Over Sagebrush is a sweet small town, opposites attract, cowboy, Christmas romance with no cliffhanger. Some of the lines I really like are ---- Why was she so gat-dang stubborn ---- "Even if we were in another state that didn’t have mood swing weather⁠—” ---- “Construction puts food on the table. Horses bring me joy.” ---- “Chivalry will never die as long as the woman a man cares for is willing to accept it.” ---- Will the Dude Ranch be completed on time? Will they get snow that will stop everything? These and other questions will all be answered. I loved Laura and Riley's story and I'm sure you will too. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read another one of her books.

Terry Y. 5/5

Snowfall Over Sagebrush (eBook)