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Cattle Valley #24
Shooting Star
Fleeing Hollywood from damaging and false tabloid reports, Brac Riesling hides out with his friends Kit and Hawk in Cattle Valley. Although he believes he’s simply evading intrusive paparazzi, danger lurks just around the corner.
After years spent as a secret soldier for the United States government, new Cattle Valley deputy, Al Jessup believes shielding the television heartthrob from nosy reporters will be an easy assignment. Becoming infatuated with Brac isn’t part of the plan, and Jessup struggles to remain professional despite the temptation Brac provides.
When Jessup gives in to his desire and Brac nearly pays for the moment of passion with his life, Jessup vows not to make the same mistake twice. He calls in a favour from the only man he trusts with Brac’s life, James “Priest” Evans. Priest agrees to guard Brac at a secret location while Jessup searches for the unknown gunman. Jessup’s resolve to put a halt to the budding relationship with Brac is tested when he witnesses the easy-going relationship Brac and Priest have formed after only a few days.
Will Jessup find the man threatening Brac in time to save the relationship he’s waited a lifetime to find?
After years spent as a secret soldier for the United States government, new Cattle Valley deputy, Al Jessup believes shielding the television heartthrob from nosy reporters will be an easy assignment. Becoming infatuated with Brac isn’t part of the plan, and Jessup struggles to remain professional despite the temptation Brac provides.
When Jessup gives in to his desire and Brac nearly pays for the moment of passion with his life, Jessup vows not to make the same mistake twice. He calls in a favour from the only man he trusts with Brac’s life, James “Priest” Evans. Priest agrees to guard Brac at a secret location while Jessup searches for the unknown gunman. Jessup’s resolve to put a halt to the budding relationship with Brac is tested when he witnesses the easy-going relationship Brac and Priest have formed after only a few days.
Will Jessup find the man threatening Brac in time to save the relationship he’s waited a lifetime to find?
89 pages, ebook
First published July 4, 2011
10 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynne
251 books1,196 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 15, 2011
I really loved this book. Thats all i sayin
July 7, 2011
I love the Cattle Valley series, but I didn't enjoy this latest instalment at all. Because of Jessup’s past, the dynamics of his and Brac’s relationship was relegated to Brac chasing Jessup at every turn. Brac was spineless and prideless (of course, it was all based on their supposed connection) and I got tired of reading about it fast. Al Jessup did was rebuff him and it was always Brac apologising or chastising himself over not being patient enough – anymore patience and he would have gone to heaven. Then there was the fact that Jessup seemed to think about his “ex” Priest and their past together more than he thought about Brac (I’m guessing this was used to set up Priest’s story, but I didn’t appreciate it). There were also too many references to how sex was with other men coming from both of them to allow me to enjoy their story. Topped off by the fact that every character that was mentioned was either a slut or an ex-slut and I just wanted it over. There are definitely more facets to m/m romance than that and this book definitely didn’t do them justice.
September 3, 2011
Wow, the hot men just keep coming, don't they? *eye roll* To Cattle Valley, I mean. This keeps up, they're gonna need suburbs!
And as a kind of unrelated but welcome observation, the editing for this series has gotten WAY better. In earlier stories, there would be typos/misspellings, confusion with stuff like they're/there/their...kept pulling me out of the book. The last four stories have been a welcome change!
And as a kind of unrelated but welcome observation, the editing for this series has gotten WAY better. In earlier stories, there would be typos/misspellings, confusion with stuff like they're/there/their...kept pulling me out of the book. The last four stories have been a welcome change!
September 30, 2011
Love often comes along when we least expect it. In Shooting Star by Carol Lynne, neither Brac Riesling nor Al Jessup were anticipating falling in love; but as the saying goes: “Sometimes the perfect person for you is the one you least expect” ~ Unknown. How they react to this revelation creates a conflict which throws both of them into chaos.
When Brac comes to Cattle Valley, he's immediately impressed with the honesty of the community. Being a big star carries with it a huge burden—no private life at all. It's like being on stage twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Brac is tired of living his life under a microscope and begins to wonder how it would be to live a normal life. I like Brac. In spite of his good looks and fame, he's a decent human being. I'm particularly impressed with the way he wants to protect Kim, his best friend, from the constant swarm of reporters and photographers that torment him. When he meets Al Jessup he realizes that there is something unique but exceedingly secretive about him: “He’d always had a thing for the strong silent type, but Jessup took it to a whole new level. It sent chills through Brac’s body. He reached out and rested a hand on Jessup’s forearm. “Are you uncomfortable around me?” “Yes.” At the time, Brac has no idea what a momentous accomplishment touching Jessup is and what an uphill battle is involved before they can be together.
Al Jessup is a paradox; he's untrusting and isolated. Jessup is suffering from PTSS and he's terrified of being touched. However, the amazing thing is, when Brac touches him, he doesn't have a negative reaction. On top of his anxiety, he has had a bad childhood and believes that he's not worthy of being loved. Consequently, when he begins to have feelings for Brac, he tries to deny them until something happens which threatens to separate them forever. Jessup decides that he will no longer deny his feelings and try to win Brac's heart. Introducing his friend Priest into the story was an interesting way of adding more depth and mystery at the same time and as Carol's fans will understand, a hint of future attractions.
'Shooting Star' is written in Carol Lynne's customary style with great characters, lots of sex, angst, action and a happy ending. I liked the story, but I would've liked to have seen her expand on some of the issues, particularly Jessup's fear of being touched. It's a brave subject to tackle, but considering the depth of his problem, his recovery was far more rapid than realistic, but there's no denying that it made for some sensual scenes between Brac and Al. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to relax in a favorite chair, possibly with a cup of tea and a crumpet and escape the real world for a while. Thanks Carol for another entertaining story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
When Brac comes to Cattle Valley, he's immediately impressed with the honesty of the community. Being a big star carries with it a huge burden—no private life at all. It's like being on stage twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Brac is tired of living his life under a microscope and begins to wonder how it would be to live a normal life. I like Brac. In spite of his good looks and fame, he's a decent human being. I'm particularly impressed with the way he wants to protect Kim, his best friend, from the constant swarm of reporters and photographers that torment him. When he meets Al Jessup he realizes that there is something unique but exceedingly secretive about him: “He’d always had a thing for the strong silent type, but Jessup took it to a whole new level. It sent chills through Brac’s body. He reached out and rested a hand on Jessup’s forearm. “Are you uncomfortable around me?” “Yes.” At the time, Brac has no idea what a momentous accomplishment touching Jessup is and what an uphill battle is involved before they can be together.
Al Jessup is a paradox; he's untrusting and isolated. Jessup is suffering from PTSS and he's terrified of being touched. However, the amazing thing is, when Brac touches him, he doesn't have a negative reaction. On top of his anxiety, he has had a bad childhood and believes that he's not worthy of being loved. Consequently, when he begins to have feelings for Brac, he tries to deny them until something happens which threatens to separate them forever. Jessup decides that he will no longer deny his feelings and try to win Brac's heart. Introducing his friend Priest into the story was an interesting way of adding more depth and mystery at the same time and as Carol's fans will understand, a hint of future attractions.
'Shooting Star' is written in Carol Lynne's customary style with great characters, lots of sex, angst, action and a happy ending. I liked the story, but I would've liked to have seen her expand on some of the issues, particularly Jessup's fear of being touched. It's a brave subject to tackle, but considering the depth of his problem, his recovery was far more rapid than realistic, but there's no denying that it made for some sensual scenes between Brac and Al. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to relax in a favorite chair, possibly with a cup of tea and a crumpet and escape the real world for a while. Thanks Carol for another entertaining story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
November 17, 2011
I read Carol Lynne books because they make me feel good and they make me smile in the end. For me, it's easy to connect with the characters and enjoy their story. This book is no different.
I really loved it and right from the start I adored Jessup and Brac. They are such a sweet, cute couple that at the littlest headway of their relationship progressing gave me a little bit of a goofy grin. Of course, there's not an emotionally messed up male character out there I don't love.
I liked the setting, the seclusion they were put into because of the plot and I liked how it played out. I enjoy reading the Cattle Valley series because they are a comfort to read. Whenever I'm in a funk, I can pick up almost any book in the series, re-read it or read it for the first time, and I feel good again about reading and I'm not so critical or cynical with the next book.
All in all, this was a great story to me. It's a feel good read and it was nice seeing Jessup and Brac get their own HEA while still being able to see a little bit of Kit and Hawk. Recommended to CV lovers.
I really loved it and right from the start I adored Jessup and Brac. They are such a sweet, cute couple that at the littlest headway of their relationship progressing gave me a little bit of a goofy grin. Of course, there's not an emotionally messed up male character out there I don't love.
I liked the setting, the seclusion they were put into because of the plot and I liked how it played out. I enjoy reading the Cattle Valley series because they are a comfort to read. Whenever I'm in a funk, I can pick up almost any book in the series, re-read it or read it for the first time, and I feel good again about reading and I'm not so critical or cynical with the next book.
All in all, this was a great story to me. It's a feel good read and it was nice seeing Jessup and Brac get their own HEA while still being able to see a little bit of Kit and Hawk. Recommended to CV lovers.
October 23, 2011
I really love this series but I wish the stories were a little longer with more depth. With that said, Caroly Lynne really does an amazing job with the series... I go for months waiting for the next book and when I pick it up I immediately fall right back into the story without needing a refresher read. I remember the people,the places and their stories. That says a lot!!!
In Shooting Star you finally learn about Jessup and his past. What's not to love about a six five mercenary with a heartbreaking past? Brac hiding out from the press with Jessup as his bodyguard. He is crushing on hottie Jessup and is determined to fgure out why the man is so standoffish.
We are also introduced to Priest, Jessups best friend, who gets his own story in Confession due out in Nov.
My only complaint is that the book was only 69 pages...there was so much more I wanted to know.
In Shooting Star you finally learn about Jessup and his past. What's not to love about a six five mercenary with a heartbreaking past? Brac hiding out from the press with Jessup as his bodyguard. He is crushing on hottie Jessup and is determined to fgure out why the man is so standoffish.
We are also introduced to Priest, Jessups best friend, who gets his own story in Confession due out in Nov.
My only complaint is that the book was only 69 pages...there was so much more I wanted to know.
July 6, 2011
Carol Lynne has NEVER let me down with a story. I've been a fan for years. Her characters are real, with good qualities, some flaws, and the emotional baggage we carry from our pasts. One could think with the 24th story from the same series it might get a little old. IT NEVER DOES. People like finger prints are all different and the 'families' she creates in Cattle Valley are no different. Each story has touched a different part of my heart.
Oh to really have a place where people can live in harmony. Be accepted for the person they are and not what they look like or who they love would be an absolute pleasure. Carol thanks for taking me to such a wonderful place.
Looking forward to the next one and I can only hope Priest will find the love Jessup did in Shooting Star.
Oh to really have a place where people can live in harmony. Be accepted for the person they are and not what they look like or who they love would be an absolute pleasure. Carol thanks for taking me to such a wonderful place.
Looking forward to the next one and I can only hope Priest will find the love Jessup did in Shooting Star.
July 6, 2011
It was a wonderful trip back to Cattle Valley. I am always very happy how Carol brings the characters to life. She nevers gives us someone that has a perfect life because no one does and she doesn't give us simple answers to the problems not everything can turn out ok. I love Carol's writing.
October 23, 2011
4 stars.
I love the Cattle Valley series! I want to live there. I can't wait to read the next one!!
I love the Cattle Valley series! I want to live there. I can't wait to read the next one!!
May 23, 2020
It's a short story about un actor de telenovela y un oficial de la policía con un trágico pasado.
La trama es buena, tiene sus momentos sensibles (muy bien escritos), y sus momentos entrañables y divertidos, conforme avanza la historia, y nuestra pareja principal se va conociendo y tomando más confianza entre ellos.
Es una historia rápida de leer y muy linda.
Also me quedé con ganas de saber más sobre Priest.
La trama es buena, tiene sus momentos sensibles (muy bien escritos), y sus momentos entrañables y divertidos, conforme avanza la historia, y nuestra pareja principal se va conociendo y tomando más confianza entre ellos.
Es una historia rápida de leer y muy linda.
Also me quedé con ganas de saber más sobre Priest.
March 10, 2021
Another solid though short Cattle Valley book. This was a very intriguing story of Brac, a Hollywood actor, and Jessup, a deputy and former mercenary. Brac is hiding out in Cattle Valley and Jessup is assigned to protect him. Sparks fly. We also learn about Jessup's very traumatic past and that he has PTS type issues. Though the PTSD is glossed over, there is plenty of angst, suspense, and some sexy times. The MCs get their HEA.
December 13, 2020
Cattle Valley
This series is still going strong, I love reading about small inclusive towns and the characters that reside there and this is a fantastic series
This series is still going strong, I love reading about small inclusive towns and the characters that reside there and this is a fantastic series
September 13, 2011
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Shooting Star is another great title in the Cattle Valley series. When scandal strikes the hottest star on Pirate Cove, what better place to avoid reporters and photographers than Cattle Valley? And if you're just lucky to meet the hunky, muscular man of your dreams at the same time, all the better.
Brac is a well-developed character and fits in well with the Cattle Valley series. The character has the right balance of good old country boy and sophisticated actor. Al is a flawed, deeply scarred man with a sense of duty, honor and loyalty that is heartwarming. This book is set in a well-developed world with equally well-developed characters. The story moved along a little too quickly with obstacles a little too easily overcome and it caused a slightly rushed feel to the plot. It would have been nice to see this book play out a little longer. However, the plot was well developed; conflict was believable with some nice foreshadowing for future books.
Overall, the book is another excellent addition to any library with well-developed and loved characters, a solid plotline and hot romance between two amazing guys.
Shooting Star is another great title in the Cattle Valley series. When scandal strikes the hottest star on Pirate Cove, what better place to avoid reporters and photographers than Cattle Valley? And if you're just lucky to meet the hunky, muscular man of your dreams at the same time, all the better.
Brac is a well-developed character and fits in well with the Cattle Valley series. The character has the right balance of good old country boy and sophisticated actor. Al is a flawed, deeply scarred man with a sense of duty, honor and loyalty that is heartwarming. This book is set in a well-developed world with equally well-developed characters. The story moved along a little too quickly with obstacles a little too easily overcome and it caused a slightly rushed feel to the plot. It would have been nice to see this book play out a little longer. However, the plot was well developed; conflict was believable with some nice foreshadowing for future books.
Overall, the book is another excellent addition to any library with well-developed and loved characters, a solid plotline and hot romance between two amazing guys.
October 28, 2011
Yet again, Carol blows me away with her amazing series. This title brings in former characters and shows the way to yet another story.. These people are amazing and I love to keep reading the building of the town with all these personalities. I hope that Carol doesn't burn out on this series - or quite frankly ANYTHING she writes..
This story runs straight of the bat of the previous book. So it might help to have read that. The two lead characters are - well constructed. Interactions from secondary characters are good with no real distraction from the main story line. The emotions and reasoning's of each character are so well described.
If you like the style in this series I think you would like the Campus Cravings series too.. There is a very small amount of crossover between the two series.
This story runs straight of the bat of the previous book. So it might help to have read that. The two lead characters are - well constructed. Interactions from secondary characters are good with no real distraction from the main story line. The emotions and reasoning's of each character are so well described.
If you like the style in this series I think you would like the Campus Cravings series too.. There is a very small amount of crossover between the two series.
February 5, 2013
Al Jessup is assigned to protect Brac Reisling from the gossip hounds and the photographers looking to get an inside scoop on his life. They end up in a line cabin at the EZ Does It ranch to hideout until the paps get bored and go away.
Brac and Jessup have an instant chemistry that Brac wants more of and Jessup can't figure out what it is about Brac that makes him want to be with him. When Brac's life is put in danger, Jessup doesn't hesitate to put his own life on the line to keep Brac safe and when he ends up in the hospital, he calls the only person he would trust with Brac's life, his best friend Priest.
There are a lot of issues to work out between these two, but in the end, they sort of heal each other and are pretty good together! They may not be my favorite couple, but I really enjoyed this book! I'm super excited for Luke's book next!
Brac and Jessup have an instant chemistry that Brac wants more of and Jessup can't figure out what it is about Brac that makes him want to be with him. When Brac's life is put in danger, Jessup doesn't hesitate to put his own life on the line to keep Brac safe and when he ends up in the hospital, he calls the only person he would trust with Brac's life, his best friend Priest.
There are a lot of issues to work out between these two, but in the end, they sort of heal each other and are pretty good together! They may not be my favorite couple, but I really enjoyed this book! I'm super excited for Luke's book next!
January 14, 2014
It looks like Cattle Valley is becoming a home for displaced mercenaries and I'm not liking that trend. We already have Rio, Ryan, and Jessup. Jack/Ghost wanted to move to Cattle Valley and now it looks like Priest will be coming back. One reason I like this series is because usually the characters' lives aren't in mortal jeopardy. I don't necessarily like gun fighting in my romance novels.
It felt out of place when all of a sudden someone is trying to kill Brac. Didn't we have someone try to kill Ryan two books back? There was no chemistry between Brac and Jessup. I'm worried about the next book.
It felt out of place when all of a sudden someone is trying to kill Brac. Didn't we have someone try to kill Ryan two books back? There was no chemistry between Brac and Jessup. I'm worried about the next book.
April 14, 2016
Awww, my heart broke for Jessup. I guess I too am a sucker for the broody and silent type. His background was so sad though, it's no wonder he was the way he was.... until he met Brac that is.
And Brac, I usually stay away from the billionaire's or the movie stars or rock gods, those types of reads just don't interest me in the least bit; but Brac.. sigh... he was so open and honest and genuine, I really liked him for Jessup.
I also loved how Priest got close to Brac; their banter and friendship was cute to witness and I liked that Brac thawed him out a bit.
Can't wait to see what else happens! I effing love this series!
And Brac, I usually stay away from the billionaire's or the movie stars or rock gods, those types of reads just don't interest me in the least bit; but Brac.. sigh... he was so open and honest and genuine, I really liked him for Jessup.
I also loved how Priest got close to Brac; their banter and friendship was cute to witness and I liked that Brac thawed him out a bit.
Can't wait to see what else happens! I effing love this series!
August 8, 2011
1.5
This was... Nothing. A whole lot of nothing.
With such good hot-topics as dating a TV star, mercenaries, Post-stress traumatic disorder, this book couldn't reach half of my expectations. I wanted more action, more drama, more EVERYTHING.
Jessup spent a good part of this book in a hospital bed, and sorry, but this have not "cured" his problems. I got a feeling that it would be another triad, but looks like no...
Brac was sexy and sweet, but this can't make the whole book good.
Hope next one gets better!
This was... Nothing. A whole lot of nothing.
With such good hot-topics as dating a TV star, mercenaries, Post-stress traumatic disorder, this book couldn't reach half of my expectations. I wanted more action, more drama, more EVERYTHING.
Jessup spent a good part of this book in a hospital bed, and sorry, but this have not "cured" his problems. I got a feeling that it would be another triad, but looks like no...
Brac was sexy and sweet, but this can't make the whole book good.
Hope next one gets better!
July 10, 2011
Another lovely Cattle Valley story. Despite the story being along the same lines as others, (ie: at least one guy denying his feelings/believing he not worthy type thing), I still find the characters interesting and certainly lovable. Its a testamount to Carol Lynne that despite writing similer stories, she still makes them seem individual while reading. A sweet short read with enough mystery to keep it interesting. Still one of my favourite series. Looking forward to the next.
January 4, 2015
Последняя имеющаяся у меня книга из этой серии. Пока я ей насытилась.Общее впечатление - автор очень уж любит наделять героев страшными болезнями, неврозами и всякими напрягами и практически никогда полностью проблема не решается. В данной книге не понятно избавился Джессап от ночных кошмаров или продолжает плакать во сне.
August 7, 2013
This was a good book, Hell all of them are good books. This continues the relationship of Kit and Hawk as well as Brac and Jessup. I like when the book pulls in other characters, hard to let them go..
July 5, 2011
Carol Lynne has done it again..........need I say more?
August 13, 2012
I'm head over hills in love by Jessup....
LOVED THIS BOOK
LOVED THIS BOOK
July 20, 2011
Good to' be back in Cattle Valley!
January 20, 2012
Nice sweet story, but I sure wish I could have seen more of Jessup overcoming his issues and the development of his and Brac's relationship.
August 19, 2014
I love this series ... :)
June 15, 2014
Brac and Jessup where great.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews