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Crazy Wind
Zephyr “Zef” Kokinos has just settled into his job as sheriff of a small ranching town when he gets a call to log a report for an animal shooting. He meets Bobby Joe Decker, foreman of Stendhal’s Stand and everything Zef has always looked for in a cowboy. But the real surprise is that Bobby Joe is aka “fckgfired,” a friend Zef has become close to online.
Bobby Joe only recently discovered the Internet. He’d set up a date with one of his online friends months ago, but since then he’s realized the only online buddy he really wants to meet is “vientoloco”—“crazy wind.” He doesn’t think he’ll ever have a chance, and then Zephyr blows into his life....
Bobby Joe only recently discovered the Internet. He’d set up a date with one of his online friends months ago, but since then he’s realized the only online buddy he really wants to meet is “vientoloco”—“crazy wind.” He doesn’t think he’ll ever have a chance, and then Zephyr blows into his life....
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2011
3 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Xara X. Xanakas
22 books118 followersXara X. Xanakas decided years ago to embrace her weirdness. A friend first described her that way to the man who’s been her husband for over twenty years. That formula fits her, and she figures if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Being Texan, her crush on cowboys comes natural, but the techie in her loves to show nerds a good time. She relishes all things different, and brings saucy style to her writing. Whether wrangling a wayward ranch hand or adding another critter to her were-menagerie, Xara strives to make the outlandish appealing. She’ll make you quirk a brow and snort with laughter, and that’s all right by her. Xara believes that unique is best and happily ever after is the icing on the cookies.
Give her a shout out at her website, orstalk follow her on twitter and Facebook.
She writes M/M Romances. You can probably tell by her initials (~xxx~) that her stories trend toward the very graphic, NSFW, not for minors category.
If that's not your thing, you are excused. Otherwise, howdy! Come on in, put your feet up, and hang out for a while. There's some excerpts of works in progress, and a few finished short stories under "My Writing".
Give her a shout out at her website, or
She writes M/M Romances. You can probably tell by her initials (~xxx~) that her stories trend toward the very graphic, NSFW, not for minors category.
If that's not your thing, you are excused. Otherwise, howdy! Come on in, put your feet up, and hang out for a while. There's some excerpts of works in progress, and a few finished short stories under "My Writing".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 16, 2017
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars!
Crazy Wind is an entertaining short about Zef Kokinos, the new sheriff in town and Bobby Joe Decker, foreman and cowboy at a ranch. I liked the idea about them knowing each other online and slowly figuring out that they have finally met in real life without knowing at first that they are facing the person they have been falling for online.
While I really liked the plot and the author’s writing style, I had the impression that there was close to no character development. I definitely felt bothered by the fact that Zef has been constantly hung over and there have been lots of imagined sex scenes resulting in the fact that the real thing felt kind of boring.
An entertaining read for in between, but nothing that will leave a lasting impression.
Crazy Wind is an entertaining short about Zef Kokinos, the new sheriff in town and Bobby Joe Decker, foreman and cowboy at a ranch. I liked the idea about them knowing each other online and slowly figuring out that they have finally met in real life without knowing at first that they are facing the person they have been falling for online.
While I really liked the plot and the author’s writing style, I had the impression that there was close to no character development. I definitely felt bothered by the fact that Zef has been constantly hung over and there have been lots of imagined sex scenes resulting in the fact that the real thing felt kind of boring.
An entertaining read for in between, but nothing that will leave a lasting impression.
October 11, 2011
2.5
The Care And Feeding of An Alcoholic
Xanakas' writing style was this story's saving grace. The story's concept plus the writing style could have made for an excellent reading experience. However, there was something that really, really bothered me.
This was a simple story. Zef, the sheriff, and a cowboy named Bobby Joe meet online. They happen to meet in real life one day but their chance at love is thwarted by Zef's stupidity. It's all cleared up in the end though and they get their happy ending.
Here's the problem; Zef is either drunk or hungover for about 95% of the story.
There's no problem with having a main character who has a drinking problem. My issue is not that Zef is an alcoholic. My issue is that in no way is Zef's drinking problem addressed; not by the other characters and not by the author.
Instance#1: The story starts with a drunk Zef after he's had a bad day. Soon after, he's waking up hungover. The author makes a point to give all of the details of a hangover. I mean, Zef is vomiting until he's bringing up bile and then dry heaving. He's got the shakes and the whole nine yards. The tone of the story's beginning definitely gave me the feeling that this was a frequent thing for Zef.
Instance#2: After the Big Misunderstanding Zef goes directly to a bar and proceeds to get drunk enough to bring back his shakes. He's dragged out the bar, passes out and wakes up in the morning with another hangover. At this point it's clear to me that Zef has a problem with alcohol. I was thinking that something would be said about it but it's treated like the situation is no big deal. At one point Bobby Joe looks over at Zef, who's passed out and drooling on himself, and seems to find the whole thing endearing.
Instance#3: When Zef is separated from Bobby Joe for two or three weeks due to the Big Misunderstanding he goes on a bender. He's being dragged out of the bar every night by his deputy and then drinking more when he gets home. When he's not drunk he's hungover. I'm thinking that this is supposed to show how miserable he is but all it said to me was that this is a character who needs serious help. By that point in the story I was disturbed.
I don't know what tone Xanakas was shooting for while writing this story but, for me, Zef was a sad character with a serious problem. Unfortunately, that wasn't acknowledged. The 2.5 stars is for the writing style and the fact that I was able to finish it.
The Care And Feeding of An Alcoholic
Xanakas' writing style was this story's saving grace. The story's concept plus the writing style could have made for an excellent reading experience. However, there was something that really, really bothered me.
This was a simple story. Zef, the sheriff, and a cowboy named Bobby Joe meet online. They happen to meet in real life one day but their chance at love is thwarted by Zef's stupidity. It's all cleared up in the end though and they get their happy ending.
Here's the problem; Zef is either drunk or hungover for about 95% of the story.
There's no problem with having a main character who has a drinking problem. My issue is not that Zef is an alcoholic. My issue is that in no way is Zef's drinking problem addressed; not by the other characters and not by the author.
Instance#1: The story starts with a drunk Zef after he's had a bad day. Soon after, he's waking up hungover. The author makes a point to give all of the details of a hangover. I mean, Zef is vomiting until he's bringing up bile and then dry heaving. He's got the shakes and the whole nine yards. The tone of the story's beginning definitely gave me the feeling that this was a frequent thing for Zef.
Instance#2: After the Big Misunderstanding Zef goes directly to a bar and proceeds to get drunk enough to bring back his shakes. He's dragged out the bar, passes out and wakes up in the morning with another hangover. At this point it's clear to me that Zef has a problem with alcohol. I was thinking that something would be said about it but it's treated like the situation is no big deal. At one point Bobby Joe looks over at Zef, who's passed out and drooling on himself, and seems to find the whole thing endearing.
Instance#3: When Zef is separated from Bobby Joe for two or three weeks due to the Big Misunderstanding he goes on a bender. He's being dragged out of the bar every night by his deputy and then drinking more when he gets home. When he's not drunk he's hungover. I'm thinking that this is supposed to show how miserable he is but all it said to me was that this is a character who needs serious help. By that point in the story I was disturbed.
I don't know what tone Xanakas was shooting for while writing this story but, for me, Zef was a sad character with a serious problem. Unfortunately, that wasn't acknowledged. The 2.5 stars is for the writing style and the fact that I was able to finish it.
September 22, 2011
My losing streak with cowboy books continues. I need to stay away.
I couldn't figure out the world this story was in. Sheriff Zef gets called out to investigate some animal sighting and meets some people, and everyone starts leering and acting like they're on some gay porn movie set. There are characters introduced that I felt I should know who they are because the author doesn't give a clue or set them up in any way. Men sit openly in each others lap in their office and the sheriff & the cowboy are openly into each other in public & truckers cheer them on but there's incidents of gay bashing in this town. It was bizarro world.
Of course I had to check and it turns out there was a story before this one in a book called the Riding Double anthology that had these characters in them. It would have been nice if that was indicated somewhere on the blurb. If you don't then the least you can do is reintroduce your characters to give some kind of motivation for their actions.
Other things that didn't work-There's some scenes of imagined sex because the two guys aren't separated by the big misunderstanding but the lame misunderstanding. Simple conversation was apparently beyond the capability of these two guys.
Sheriff Zef was never sober. He was either drinking or hung over through the entire book. Hard to make that attractive.
This was one of those quick book with little substance.
I think this book was supposed to be funny. I just didn't get it.
I couldn't figure out the world this story was in. Sheriff Zef gets called out to investigate some animal sighting and meets some people, and everyone starts leering and acting like they're on some gay porn movie set. There are characters introduced that I felt I should know who they are because the author doesn't give a clue or set them up in any way. Men sit openly in each others lap in their office and the sheriff & the cowboy are openly into each other in public & truckers cheer them on but there's incidents of gay bashing in this town. It was bizarro world.
Of course I had to check and it turns out there was a story before this one in a book called the Riding Double anthology that had these characters in them. It would have been nice if that was indicated somewhere on the blurb. If you don't then the least you can do is reintroduce your characters to give some kind of motivation for their actions.
Other things that didn't work-There's some scenes of imagined sex because the two guys aren't separated by the big misunderstanding but the lame misunderstanding. Simple conversation was apparently beyond the capability of these two guys.
Sheriff Zef was never sober. He was either drinking or hung over through the entire book. Hard to make that attractive.
This was one of those quick book with little substance.
I think this book was supposed to be funny. I just didn't get it.
August 4, 2013
I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't what I got!
This is the story of Zef, the new sheriff in a small Texan town, and Bobby Joe, a ranch hand at a local ranch. They had been chatting on-line for several months when this story started, but they didn't use their real names so they didn't realize they lived that close to each other.
Then one day Zef is called out to the ranch where Bobby Joe works on a work related matter.
It wasn't mentioned in the blurb that there is a prequel to this story and that here is an established couple who are secondary characters, Whiner and Connie who lived on the ranch with Whiner being the boss and owner. They kind of acted like we (as readers) should know their back story.
Maybe I come from a less relaxed culture, but I must confess that I wouldn't be comfortable with two people, regardless of gender, more of less making out in front of me when I met them for the first time. Especially if I met them in their office for work related stuff . And here I thought that maybe gay Texans would be less open about their relationship in front of strangers, but apparently not...
I think it's rude to make out in front of your employees too. By that I mean the little display in the office,
My absolutely biggest problem with this story, however, was the fact that Zef clearly was an alcoholic! He got drunk every day and every single morning his deputy had to come and get him because he was so hung over. And he went out on a call (to the ranch) without even buttoning his shirt! Don't Texan police have a dress code? The police here most certainly do!
And about the drinking: there is no way he would have been allowed to keep his job as a sheriff (or the equivalent of that) here in Sweden if he came hung over to his job on a daily basis! Since I understood it that the town he worked and lived in was pretty small, and he was drinking at bars almost every night, that must have reached his superiors and they would have had a very serious discussion with him about his alcohol problem and his future in law enforcement.
If I had been Bobby Joe I wouldn't have been into a guy who clearly had a drinking problem... Maybe Bobby Joe would get tired of Zef's drinking, or maybe (hopefully!) Zef would clean up his act (and seek help!) once he had a boyfriend...
This is the story of Zef, the new sheriff in a small Texan town, and Bobby Joe, a ranch hand at a local ranch. They had been chatting on-line for several months when this story started, but they didn't use their real names so they didn't realize they lived that close to each other.
Then one day Zef is called out to the ranch where Bobby Joe works on a work related matter.
It wasn't mentioned in the blurb that there is a prequel to this story and that here is an established couple who are secondary characters, Whiner and Connie who lived on the ranch with Whiner being the boss and owner. They kind of acted like we (as readers) should know their back story.
Maybe I come from a less relaxed culture, but I must confess that I wouldn't be comfortable with two people, regardless of gender, more of less making out in front of me when I met them for the first time. Especially if I met them in their office for work related stuff . And here I thought that maybe gay Texans would be less open about their relationship in front of strangers, but apparently not...
I think it's rude to make out in front of your employees too. By that I mean the little display in the office,
My absolutely biggest problem with this story, however, was the fact that Zef clearly was an alcoholic! He got drunk every day and every single morning his deputy had to come and get him because he was so hung over. And he went out on a call (to the ranch) without even buttoning his shirt! Don't Texan police have a dress code? The police here most certainly do!
And about the drinking: there is no way he would have been allowed to keep his job as a sheriff (or the equivalent of that) here in Sweden if he came hung over to his job on a daily basis! Since I understood it that the town he worked and lived in was pretty small, and he was drinking at bars almost every night, that must have reached his superiors and they would have had a very serious discussion with him about his alcohol problem and his future in law enforcement.
If I had been Bobby Joe I wouldn't have been into a guy who clearly had a drinking problem... Maybe Bobby Joe would get tired of Zef's drinking, or maybe (hopefully!) Zef would clean up his act (and seek help!) once he had a boyfriend...
September 5, 2011
This was a wonderfully sexy book - sexy cowboy and sexy sheriff so what's not to love? I love Zef's name too, very original and it suited him to a T. The whole chat thing was hot and funny and just made me wanna shove the two of them together right from the beginning. Two big strapping men with expanding emotions and overflowing sexual prowess just made me growl inside. I really liked the style of the author's writing, the dialogue wasn't lame and the characters and settings just jumped off the page for me. My only fault with the book and hence the -1 star, is it was too short and I really wanted more... now! I also have to mention the cover because it's hot and sexy and original - goes right into my fave cover pile. :)
August 29, 2011
This was a gem. I read it start to finish in one sitting. These two were great together. I did have several 'laugh out loud' moments that went to heart squeezes. Very well written. *rubs hands together* Can't wait to get my hands on more of her work!
September 2, 2021
I hated this book. The story was confusing and nothing of importance happened. All that happened was one man got fucked up by a bull and during his healing process another man came and they fell in love. I also didn't like the gay sex stuff. That made me feel very awkward. Didn't like it all at. 0.5 stars
August 6, 2011
3.5 stars
This short story is almost great, unfortunately I find Zef's reason to avoid Bobby Joe after one misunderstanding event -- without even trying to listen to Bobby Joe's reason -- as STUPID. He needs more groveling :p
But I wholeheartedly enjoy the set-up. It's fun reading the exchange in instant messaging and when the two find who is the exact person behind the screen name. I love how the two don't immediately jump under the sheet, which is ALWAYS a plus point for me. I also like the secondary characters.
First story I ever read by Ms. Xanakas and I think I like her style :)
This short story is almost great, unfortunately I find Zef's reason to avoid Bobby Joe after one misunderstanding event -- without even trying to listen to Bobby Joe's reason -- as STUPID. He needs more groveling :p
But I wholeheartedly enjoy the set-up. It's fun reading the exchange in instant messaging and when the two find who is the exact person behind the screen name. I love how the two don't immediately jump under the sheet, which is ALWAYS a plus point for me. I also like the secondary characters.
First story I ever read by Ms. Xanakas and I think I like her style :)
August 10, 2011
I really like this one because it gives us the cranky big town cop come to a small area. And a cowboy new to technology who messes up. You'd think they wouldn't mesh, but they do and they do it well. I've known a few people who have met online and gotten together in real life. So there's something to this story that feels pretty real. My only compliant is that it's short. I always want more of characters I like though. And with XXX, there may be more. :)
August 14, 2011
~critique partner~
I absolutely love Xara's style and this book shows her amazing talent. Zef makes me want to smack him stupid sometimes, but he's so dang hot I just can't do it. *g* This is a great story, and I loved revisiting with Connie and Whiner.
I absolutely love Xara's style and this book shows her amazing talent. Zef makes me want to smack him stupid sometimes, but he's so dang hot I just can't do it. *g* This is a great story, and I loved revisiting with Connie and Whiner.
August 12, 2011
I continue to love Whiner and Connie, and I love Bobby Joe and Zephyr too. Love the humor! more of the same please!!!
September 4, 2011
Reviewed by Kristen: After we met Whiner and Connie in the "Riding Double" Anthology, author Xara X. Xanakas now gives us the story of Bobby Joe the foreman, and Zef. If you liked Bobby Joe in Whiner and Connie's story, then you'll like him in "Crazy Wind", too. He's still as cheeky and fun as ever.
"Crazy Wind" is an enjoyable read, but there were a few things that bothered me.For one, the whole meeting online, chatting, getting to know each other, and then suddenly realizing that they are living in the same town? Really? I don't think that's very realistic, but I guess coincidences can happen and it's part of writing to make the impossible possible so while it's a bit farfetched, it works.What's more, I was a bit annoyed by Whiner always telling Bobby Joe that he's "fucking fired", seriously every time something went wrong Whiner told Bobby Joe that he's fired and I know and understand that it's a friendly banter between those two and a standing gag, but after four times I just rolled my eyes every time.
Please don't get me wrong because I still liked the story, but these things just bothered me personally.
The highlight for me was Manny, Zef's deputy. He's always taking Zef to work and every morning walks in on Zef being in his jock straps only. Hilarious!
C+
"Crazy Wind" is an enjoyable read, but there were a few things that bothered me.For one, the whole meeting online, chatting, getting to know each other, and then suddenly realizing that they are living in the same town? Really? I don't think that's very realistic, but I guess coincidences can happen and it's part of writing to make the impossible possible so while it's a bit farfetched, it works.What's more, I was a bit annoyed by Whiner always telling Bobby Joe that he's "fucking fired", seriously every time something went wrong Whiner told Bobby Joe that he's fired and I know and understand that it's a friendly banter between those two and a standing gag, but after four times I just rolled my eyes every time.
Please don't get me wrong because I still liked the story, but these things just bothered me personally.
The highlight for me was Manny, Zef's deputy. He's always taking Zef to work and every morning walks in on Zef being in his jock straps only. Hilarious!
C+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2013
This story turned out less enjoyable than expected. Still a fun read, but there were aspects of the story that made it unappealing.
I'm not sure if it was intentional on the part of the author to make Zef seem like an alcoholic, but he definitely comes across that way and it is troubling that no one around him seems to mind it.
I'm also bothered by the "hump like bunnies everywhere" activities going on between Whiner and Connie. Not the "hump like bunnies" part, but the bit where they're doing it around Whiner's employees seems very tacky.
Other than that, I thought the romance was nice. I really found the idea of the online chatting really intriguing.
I'm not sure if it was intentional on the part of the author to make Zef seem like an alcoholic, but he definitely comes across that way and it is troubling that no one around him seems to mind it.
I'm also bothered by the "hump like bunnies everywhere" activities going on between Whiner and Connie. Not the "hump like bunnies" part, but the bit where they're doing it around Whiner's employees seems very tacky.
Other than that, I thought the romance was nice. I really found the idea of the online chatting really intriguing.
August 10, 2011
2.5 Stars
Could not connect with the main characters. They were just there, with no insight given as to their motivation. And for me, I really needed the motivation behind the title character's constant drunkenness/hangover. Sorry, but a full on description of vomiting into the toilet does not a good story make. I would have preferred examples of their months-long on-line chats and bantering instead. That might have given me a clue about who these men are.
I rated as high as I did because I did like the writer's style, if not the content.
Could not connect with the main characters. They were just there, with no insight given as to their motivation. And for me, I really needed the motivation behind the title character's constant drunkenness/hangover. Sorry, but a full on description of vomiting into the toilet does not a good story make. I would have preferred examples of their months-long on-line chats and bantering instead. That might have given me a clue about who these men are.
I rated as high as I did because I did like the writer's style, if not the content.
August 25, 2011
First of all, I would've taken a look just because of the cover. Such an amazing work.
Secondly, I liked the first story that was in the Riding Double-anthology. I actually didn't realize this was a follow up (though different MCs) until I began to read this.
When I did, I squeed, a little. Then a lot. It was just such a funny, hot little story. I loved the characters and I have been wondering when I'd get to read a story about internet-dating stuff. This has both sides of it woven into the story.
A very nice read.
June 6, 2014
Bleh. That's the overall impression for this book. It's not horrible but there's not really anything worth mentioning.
A semi-alcoholic sherif meets an oversized cowboy online and - surprise, surprise - soon enough meets him in real life as well. They hit it off and hook up - and that's basically it.
The only thing which really stood out for me was the absolutely ridiculous names. Zef (short for Zephyr), Bobby Joe, Whiner and Connie. It's like the author wanted to make the names as memorable as possible to make up for the utterly forgettable book.
A semi-alcoholic sherif meets an oversized cowboy online and - surprise, surprise - soon enough meets him in real life as well. They hit it off and hook up - and that's basically it.
The only thing which really stood out for me was the absolutely ridiculous names. Zef (short for Zephyr), Bobby Joe, Whiner and Connie. It's like the author wanted to make the names as memorable as possible to make up for the utterly forgettable book.
March 4, 2012
I just finished Crazy Wind. I really liked it the whole way through ... until the end. The end felt completely severed off. I know it's a short read, but really, we couldn't have had a little wrap up? Maybe see Billy Joe cheering Zef to a victory at the baseball game but giving a bit of smack talk about not beating them next year.
4 stars (-1 for the sudden jarring I physically felt at the ending)
4 stars (-1 for the sudden jarring I physically felt at the ending)
February 11, 2012
Okay, a cop AND a cowboy. Recipe for fun. Enjoyable read. Characters were interesting, Bobby Joe was HOT. Zef was a little too much into the booze for me. Kind of made me wonder how he maintained a job with the drinking he was doing. And what is with his deputy walking in on him :)
Enjoyable for a short story.
BTW I'd like to hear more about Whiner and Connie, they sounded pretty interesting too :)
Enjoyable for a short story.
BTW I'd like to hear more about Whiner and Connie, they sounded pretty interesting too :)
August 14, 2011
There's something about the way Xara writes that just sucks you right into the action. Her characters are real and her wit shines through. You laugh and you cry and you want to smack certain characters *ahem ZEF* upside the head sometimes. I love books that get such an emotional reaction out of me, and this one definitely delivered.
April 8, 2012
This was a strange story. IMO. Zef (who happens to be the town sheriff) is either drunk or hungover throughout most of the book which was a TOTAL turnoff for me. I couldn't get past that which made it hard to get into the other protag and their relationship together. Although the writing was good overall the story just didn't work for me.
January 20, 2012
3.5 stars... A fun read with like-able quirky characters, quick pace and snappy (mostly) dialogue. A couple of the supporting characters almost steal the show at times, to the extent I wouldn't mind reading a story about them. Although I generally prefer HEA endings, thr HFN ending was the only way to end it, given the time frame of this story. I will definitely read more from this author.
August 16, 2011
I loved the writing style of this, and the cover is just hot! This was a very enjoyable read...I loved the set up of online chatters meeting in real life and liked how it played out. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author!
December 26, 2015
Hot cowboy romance
If you like angtsy Cowboys and romance between them then the story of Zef and Bobby should interest you. Action-packed, tense at points but with a great happily ever after.
If you like angtsy Cowboys and romance between them then the story of Zef and Bobby should interest you. Action-packed, tense at points but with a great happily ever after.
October 17, 2016
I finished this, but only because when I went to DNF, I realized that I only had a bit to finish. Not sure what was wrong. Just seemed like sex with no meaningful story. Oh, and the drinking...it was crazy excessive with no consequences or acknowledgment.
Want to read
September 21, 2011This one looks really good and it comes out on my b-day.. That's gotta be a good sign right?! Right?!?
July 10, 2012
I really liked the story but I was troubled that the Sheriff seemed to always be drunk or hungover. Loved the motel scene with Zef and the two combatants. Very engaging storytelling and style.
April 1, 2021
On re-read years later I brought my rating down. I didn't remember how much of the book was spent with Zef completely drunk, passed out or hung over.
September 1, 2011
3,5 stars
August 21, 2011
Would have loved for this to have been a longer story. *hint, hint* ;)
May 29, 2016
Loved the depiction of the drunk, hungover Zephyr. Worth four stars for that alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews