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Jackson Hole #4
The Last Cowboy
City girl. It was written all over her like a sign warning him to keep off. Sure, Slade McPherson would train her horse…With his ranch one bad day away from foreclosure, he can't afford to turn away a paying customer. But no way is this cowboy getting involved with a woman like Jordana Lawton—no matter how pretty she looks in a saddle.
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade's world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade's world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
95 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay McKenna
360 books2,504 followersI've lived six lives in one and it all shows up in the books I write, one way or another.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 16, 2012
I was very excited to read this book because I looooovvvvvvve me some cowboys, and the author’s note at the beginning had me even more convinced that this would be a great read. As it turned out, however, I enjoyed her note more than I did the book itself. It’s not that it was bad, but it’s not the romance I expected. I’ll try to explain why this one just didn’t work for me.
I’m going to start by saying that The Last Cowboy was really a difficult book to read and review. While it was very well written, we spent the first 30+% of it learning about the equestrian world of dressage and techniques of endurance riding, the way horses are tested to see if they’d make good endurance runners, and other details of the sport. That would have been fine had it been necessary to the story, but I don’t believe that it was, and it took away from what I consider to be far more important – the characters. And even though Ms. McKenna used the character's interactions and dialogs to impart all of this information, we didn’t get a good feel for Slade and Jordana until well into the book - and I do mean well into it.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, as a reader, I’m first drawn into a story by forming emotional attachments to the people, but instead I found myself immersed in details that I had little interest in. Better balance would have gone a long way to making this a really good read, but to be completely honest, I had a hard time staying focused or even mildly interested in the story or the characters. Sadly, while the characters have great potential, the story doesn’t allow them to shine.
The bottom line - If you’re wild about horses and love everything about them; riding, training, competition, health, temperament... then I do think you’d love this book! However, a large part of the story read more like contemporary fiction than contemporary romance, so don’t expect to fall in love with the characters or to get a strong, romantic, happily ever after. Go into this story because you love horses, and I think you’ll enjoy it.
This book was provided by netgalley.com in behalf of HQNbooks, an imprint of Harlequin.
November 1, 2011
Part of the joy of reading is that it can take you places and impart knowledge that you couldn't realistically acquire any other way, and if that knowledge can be wrapped up into a romantic story, then I'm all for it. More than once I've been driven to wikipedia to find out more from something picked up in a casual read. Unfortunately, this one, provided by netgalley, didn't do that for me.
This book is set in the distinctely focused world of endurance racing. Not running, but horse racing over long distances. I know nothing about horses.. well, they have four legs and a tail, and they're not cows, and that's more-or-less the extent of my knowledge, so there was plenty of opportunity for me to be enlightened. Now, complete ignorance wouldn't necessarily prevent me from enjoying a good read, as long as it includes clarity about the setting. Why was this setting chosen? What's so special about it? And most importantly, why should I care that this slightly esoteric setting is so important to the hero and heroine? Sadly, I still can't answer these questions. For an unusual setting to work, the author has to share enough details so that the reader understands some of the motivations of why people do this, but not enough to be tedious. They also have to work harder at getting the descriptions just right - they need to flow, draw you in, because, essentially, the author is asking you to care not only about the hero and heroine and their relationship, but also about this setting which draws them together.
Well, I'm afraid this author didn't do that for me. Aside from not "getting" the setting up-front, there was just way too much going on. Besides the horses and the racing, we've got EVERYTHING going on here from the old tingling fingers when the hero and heroine first touch/lay eyes on each other (yawn), a hero who only has to think of his ex-wife and their divorce to become a grouchy old bear, a heroine with a sexual harrassment suit behind her against her former boss, both hero and heroine are The Best at their jobs, and both gorgeous, yada-yada-yada.. all within the first few pages or so. I was waiting for the unplanned pregnancy to rear its ugly head by page 20, and for the hero and heroine to remember about the six year-old child they had produced after a night of passion when both hostages of a South American drug gang. OK. Maybe not that last one, but you get my point?
There was too much laid on far too quickly, and described far too mechanically, and.. I'm afraid.. I skimmed. I just couldn't bring myself to read this seriously. Not from the evil steer Diablo, to the heroine called Jordana. Yes, I kid you not, the heroine's name brings to mind a bottle blond, rather tired and cosmetically-enhanced stripper, than some cerebral and, supposedly top-notch doctor who is so damned smart that she graduated from medical school at the age of 12 or whatever. I mean, come on, why not Jo or mysterious "J" or Jody, or just Jordan?
1 star. i didn't like this one.
This book is set in the distinctely focused world of endurance racing. Not running, but horse racing over long distances. I know nothing about horses.. well, they have four legs and a tail, and they're not cows, and that's more-or-less the extent of my knowledge, so there was plenty of opportunity for me to be enlightened. Now, complete ignorance wouldn't necessarily prevent me from enjoying a good read, as long as it includes clarity about the setting. Why was this setting chosen? What's so special about it? And most importantly, why should I care that this slightly esoteric setting is so important to the hero and heroine? Sadly, I still can't answer these questions. For an unusual setting to work, the author has to share enough details so that the reader understands some of the motivations of why people do this, but not enough to be tedious. They also have to work harder at getting the descriptions just right - they need to flow, draw you in, because, essentially, the author is asking you to care not only about the hero and heroine and their relationship, but also about this setting which draws them together.
Well, I'm afraid this author didn't do that for me. Aside from not "getting" the setting up-front, there was just way too much going on. Besides the horses and the racing, we've got EVERYTHING going on here from the old tingling fingers when the hero and heroine first touch/lay eyes on each other (yawn), a hero who only has to think of his ex-wife and their divorce to become a grouchy old bear, a heroine with a sexual harrassment suit behind her against her former boss, both hero and heroine are The Best at their jobs, and both gorgeous, yada-yada-yada.. all within the first few pages or so. I was waiting for the unplanned pregnancy to rear its ugly head by page 20, and for the hero and heroine to remember about the six year-old child they had produced after a night of passion when both hostages of a South American drug gang. OK. Maybe not that last one, but you get my point?
There was too much laid on far too quickly, and described far too mechanically, and.. I'm afraid.. I skimmed. I just couldn't bring myself to read this seriously. Not from the evil steer Diablo, to the heroine called Jordana. Yes, I kid you not, the heroine's name brings to mind a bottle blond, rather tired and cosmetically-enhanced stripper, than some cerebral and, supposedly top-notch doctor who is so damned smart that she graduated from medical school at the age of 12 or whatever. I mean, come on, why not Jo or mysterious "J" or Jody, or just Jordan?
1 star. i didn't like this one.
October 3, 2011
If I were a horse enthusiast, I'd had a field day reading this book. But since I'm not (and never would be in the near future) the book just about bored me silly.
Slade was an endurance riding champion who ran an endurance school in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (the same location of LMK's other books). And Dr. Jordana, the town's emergency physician has always dreamed on entering the race so she went to Slade's class for the training. And the story just revolved around their mustangs, the race, the training and Diablo the raging bull.
I so was not interested in reading about horses and the 250 pointers on how to handle them. I am not a horse person so horses just don't do it for me (I did mention this earlier). So all in all, didn't enjoy this much.
Slade was an endurance riding champion who ran an endurance school in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (the same location of LMK's other books). And Dr. Jordana, the town's emergency physician has always dreamed on entering the race so she went to Slade's class for the training. And the story just revolved around their mustangs, the race, the training and Diablo the raging bull.
I so was not interested in reading about horses and the 250 pointers on how to handle them. I am not a horse person so horses just don't do it for me (I did mention this earlier). So all in all, didn't enjoy this much.
May 22, 2017
Too simple. I could have written the entire story in two pages. There was not a thing in it that appealed to me. Written on a 5th grade level. I hate to think young readers reading something like this and then being turned off to Westerns. If you are new to reading such , please skip this and find any thing you can written by Zane Grey, He wrote real books. With real plots and real characters.
April 29, 2017
This was awful and made me really wish more books had characters named Jordana because then I wouldn't have had to read this trash for my 2017 reading challenge.
2017 reading challenge: A book with a character with your first name
2017 reading challenge: A book with a character with your first name
December 9, 2011
4 solid stars!
I really enjoyed The Last Cowboy by Lindsay McKenna. I have always loved a good western romance, and Ms. McKenna definitely did not let me down. At one point she compared the leading man (Slade) to the "Marlboro Man." Who I remember very vividly from commercials when I was young -- that man was HOT!!
The romance takes a while to get going, but once it does it is not only very sweet it is smokin' as well! I wouldn't have thought Slade and Jordana would have made a good couple, but I was wrong. Even though they didn't appear to have much in common, they had similar values and that is what brought them together.
The length of the novel (350+ pages) seemed to be just right. It wasn't too wordy and "flowery" that it dragged (or... *gasp* I became bored). Although I am not terribly fond of short stories, I really dislike stories where there is so much "filler" that it takes away from the cohesiveness of the book (and sometimes I can't remember what the heck is going on). Definitely NOT the case with The Last Cowboy. Ms. McKenna did an excellent job. The storyline and writing style kept me very interested and entertained. The pace throughout the book was very well done, it didn't go too fast, nor did it drag. What a fabulous western romance book with a HAWT HAWT cowboy (and who doesn't love a hot cowboy?).
I really enjoyed The Last Cowboy by Lindsay McKenna. I have always loved a good western romance, and Ms. McKenna definitely did not let me down. At one point she compared the leading man (Slade) to the "Marlboro Man." Who I remember very vividly from commercials when I was young -- that man was HOT!!
The romance takes a while to get going, but once it does it is not only very sweet it is smokin' as well! I wouldn't have thought Slade and Jordana would have made a good couple, but I was wrong. Even though they didn't appear to have much in common, they had similar values and that is what brought them together.
The length of the novel (350+ pages) seemed to be just right. It wasn't too wordy and "flowery" that it dragged (or... *gasp* I became bored). Although I am not terribly fond of short stories, I really dislike stories where there is so much "filler" that it takes away from the cohesiveness of the book (and sometimes I can't remember what the heck is going on). Definitely NOT the case with The Last Cowboy. Ms. McKenna did an excellent job. The storyline and writing style kept me very interested and entertained. The pace throughout the book was very well done, it didn't go too fast, nor did it drag. What a fabulous western romance book with a HAWT HAWT cowboy (and who doesn't love a hot cowboy?).
October 19, 2011
The Last Cowboy had all of the elements necessary to create the perfect feel good western romance. The backdrop for the story was Jackson Hole, Wyoming near the Teton Mountains. McKenna had me longing to see this picturesque country side. Next, she stirred in sexy, heart weary rancher, Slade McPherson. She introduced Dr. Jordana Lawton, a woman who could see through his stubborn exterior. Then, she sprinkled on a villainous neighbor, an estranged brother, disaster and a couple of beautiful horses.
The Last Cowboy grabbed me at page one and held me till the final page. The characters had depth and the plot moved quickly. The storyline was believable and the romance felt fresh. The sub-plot to the novel dealt with horse training and McKenna’s knowledge of the subject was apparent. I found it to be interesting and it made ranch life burst to life.
This was the perfect read for a rainy day and I enjoyed it immensely. McKenna left the door wide open for follow up stories to this tale, and I’d be happy to go back again.
I want to thank netGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.
you can see this and other reviews on my blog: http://kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewe...
The Last Cowboy grabbed me at page one and held me till the final page. The characters had depth and the plot moved quickly. The storyline was believable and the romance felt fresh. The sub-plot to the novel dealt with horse training and McKenna’s knowledge of the subject was apparent. I found it to be interesting and it made ranch life burst to life.
This was the perfect read for a rainy day and I enjoyed it immensely. McKenna left the door wide open for follow up stories to this tale, and I’d be happy to go back again.
I want to thank netGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.
you can see this and other reviews on my blog: http://kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewe...
May 24, 2012
Okay read but was definitely bogged down by too much explanation of how to do things with horses and such. It didn't flow with the story as some other authors manage. The story was decent and the characters okay it just didn't feel very fleshed out. It was missing the spark that would make it a great read.
January 6, 2012
Oh my. This was a crap book. The characters were blah. The writing was blah. I skipped chapters and missed nothing.
November 16, 2023
Strong beginning as always with her books. Strong characters too. I like the setting, dialogue, pace, and the horse training & riding information is fine; it's central to the plot. What I always dislike about her books, and why this will be my last one, is they are melodramatic and utterly predictable. I know exactly how this story will end. This is why I end up skimming them to get to the final action scenes, and that's not a satisfying experience.
July 15, 2021
I was so invested in this book. Took me about a day in a half to read it. The whole idea of a slow burn between the two of the strong characters was amazing to visualize in my head.
I don't know if anyone knows but what is the word count for this book?
I don't know if anyone knows but what is the word count for this book?
April 27, 2022
Wonderful story! Loved the little bit of drama that kept the story flowing and interesting. Loved the involvement of endurance racing, seeing as normally westerns are about working cattle. Great read!
August 22, 2025
Awesome!
This was a riveting story, all the way through! From people who try to take advantage of other people’s losses, to sincere people and community who stand up for each other against evil intentions! Not to mention romance!
This was a riveting story, all the way through! From people who try to take advantage of other people’s losses, to sincere people and community who stand up for each other against evil intentions! Not to mention romance!
July 24, 2018
The last couple of pages were so cringey and cheesey that it ruined it. I was so prepared for 3.6 stars, but nope, down to 3.
March 23, 2019
I enjoyed everything about this book but that fact that Slade didn't seem to be able to take any steps to work things out with his twin Griff.
November 5, 2020
Who knew I liked cowboys!!!
February 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this romance...strong hero and stronger heroine!
December 2, 2011
This book was pretty good! I loved the real life that was added into this romance book - the hardship of all times. Money -
Slade had a hard life - he lost both his parents when he was 6, separated from his twin brother and lost his adoptive parents when he was 17, forced into hard work and labor to keep the family ranch on top.
Just when things are starting to look up for Slade, he meets a woman, Isobel - after just one week of being together, they get married - Isobel is a rich spoiled and shellfish brat, after 4 years, they got bored with each other. Her always complaining and him always taking it. So she left - and just because she was rich to begin with, she had to clean out his savings just to make it harder for him.
Now Slade is back to working harder than ever. The Bank won’t give him a loan, and Downing , his ever competitive neighbor is pushing the bank to foreclose on Slade so he could buy his family ranch to extend his own business. But Slade would do anything to prevent that from happening.
And to make things worse, a woman shows up on his ranch to take Endurance riding lessons - and she brought her Mare!!! "Mares are fickle, just like women. They're made up of unstable hormones." Yes he had the nerve to say that to her! lol
Dr Jordana Lawson is an Trauma Dr at the local hospital in Jackson Hole. She moved out here 2 years ago to start her own life over. Back when she was an Intern in Med School. her boss made it difficult to stick around. After the Sexual harassment charges were settled, and the lawyers were paid off, she didn't have much left. So she moved into her new little home and tried her best to put a little away each month.
Jordana grew up riding horses. She loved them, and had a great way of handling them. Even Slade was impressed with her riding and the way her Mare responded to her. Wish a sigh, and a secret grin for doubling the price for this "doctor" he agreed to give her lessons.
Jordana was so excited! Her biggest dream was to ride in the 50 mile Endurance race in September. But Slade didn't have as much confidence in her as she did. Especially with Slade riding his over powerful Stallon Thro , and that Cheating Bastard Downing entering the race. But he knew the experience would be good for her.
Then when Slade was injured and unable to compete, things starting looking grim. Especially now that his gold digging twin brother showed up penniless and looking for handouts - Now that he couldn't compete, he was going to lose the ranch. He needed that $10,000 to keep the bank off his back.
Everything starts going down hill from there, and poor Slade knew nothing but hard work, really had trouble learning to lean on someone else.
I really enjoyed reading this book :)
Slade had a hard life - he lost both his parents when he was 6, separated from his twin brother and lost his adoptive parents when he was 17, forced into hard work and labor to keep the family ranch on top.
Just when things are starting to look up for Slade, he meets a woman, Isobel - after just one week of being together, they get married - Isobel is a rich spoiled and shellfish brat, after 4 years, they got bored with each other. Her always complaining and him always taking it. So she left - and just because she was rich to begin with, she had to clean out his savings just to make it harder for him.
Now Slade is back to working harder than ever. The Bank won’t give him a loan, and Downing , his ever competitive neighbor is pushing the bank to foreclose on Slade so he could buy his family ranch to extend his own business. But Slade would do anything to prevent that from happening.
And to make things worse, a woman shows up on his ranch to take Endurance riding lessons - and she brought her Mare!!! "Mares are fickle, just like women. They're made up of unstable hormones." Yes he had the nerve to say that to her! lol
Dr Jordana Lawson is an Trauma Dr at the local hospital in Jackson Hole. She moved out here 2 years ago to start her own life over. Back when she was an Intern in Med School. her boss made it difficult to stick around. After the Sexual harassment charges were settled, and the lawyers were paid off, she didn't have much left. So she moved into her new little home and tried her best to put a little away each month.
Jordana grew up riding horses. She loved them, and had a great way of handling them. Even Slade was impressed with her riding and the way her Mare responded to her. Wish a sigh, and a secret grin for doubling the price for this "doctor" he agreed to give her lessons.
Jordana was so excited! Her biggest dream was to ride in the 50 mile Endurance race in September. But Slade didn't have as much confidence in her as she did. Especially with Slade riding his over powerful Stallon Thro , and that Cheating Bastard Downing entering the race. But he knew the experience would be good for her.
Then when Slade was injured and unable to compete, things starting looking grim. Especially now that his gold digging twin brother showed up penniless and looking for handouts - Now that he couldn't compete, he was going to lose the ranch. He needed that $10,000 to keep the bank off his back.
Everything starts going down hill from there, and poor Slade knew nothing but hard work, really had trouble learning to lean on someone else.
I really enjoyed reading this book :)
April 2, 2016
I adore Lindsay McKenna's books and if I could shout it out, I would! But, of course, we have to be polite ~ LOL.
Reading The Last Cowboy was a dream for me, considering my love of horses. Never having heard about competitive endurance racing, I was enthralled with this story.
Slade McPhearson is a Wyoming rancher battered down by a life saddened by the death of his parents when he was a young boy through the intervening years as he struggles to keep his inherited ranch solvent. Financially strapped by a divorce from a spoiled, immature woman, he is a bitter and angry man desperately trying to keep pushing forward to save his dream of having the top breeding and training facility in the west.
Dr. Jordana Lawton relocated to Jackson Hole from New York City after settling a sexual harrassment lawsuit against the hospital where she was an intern and resident. Her physical stature and demeanor reflecting a beautifully petite, soft, and elegant woman is a fine cover for a fierce and proud nature.
With Jordana's passionate love of horses and her amazing accomplishments in the equestrienne world of competition, she arrives at Slade's ranch with her extraordinary horse, Stormy to request his training for endurance racing.
One look at each other and sparks fly! Slade is disturbed by his reaction to her and Jordana sees something compelling beyond his rude, antagonistic behavior. Ms. McKenna slowly develops a delightful and delicious relationship between these two people who have survived so much and it is more powerful for that reason.
Because I don't want to give anything away, let's just say from this point forward, events take shape that expand the story and broaden the characters involved. You'll just have to read it!
Kudos for the incredible descriptions of ranch life to the extensive knowledge of horses and what is involved in competitive racing. I felt transported to the hills and valleys of Wyoming and the gorgeous peaks of the Grand Teton's Mountain Range. And, as I turned the last page, I wanted to immediately begin reading this again.
Reading The Last Cowboy was a dream for me, considering my love of horses. Never having heard about competitive endurance racing, I was enthralled with this story.
Slade McPhearson is a Wyoming rancher battered down by a life saddened by the death of his parents when he was a young boy through the intervening years as he struggles to keep his inherited ranch solvent. Financially strapped by a divorce from a spoiled, immature woman, he is a bitter and angry man desperately trying to keep pushing forward to save his dream of having the top breeding and training facility in the west.
Dr. Jordana Lawton relocated to Jackson Hole from New York City after settling a sexual harrassment lawsuit against the hospital where she was an intern and resident. Her physical stature and demeanor reflecting a beautifully petite, soft, and elegant woman is a fine cover for a fierce and proud nature.
With Jordana's passionate love of horses and her amazing accomplishments in the equestrienne world of competition, she arrives at Slade's ranch with her extraordinary horse, Stormy to request his training for endurance racing.
One look at each other and sparks fly! Slade is disturbed by his reaction to her and Jordana sees something compelling beyond his rude, antagonistic behavior. Ms. McKenna slowly develops a delightful and delicious relationship between these two people who have survived so much and it is more powerful for that reason.
Because I don't want to give anything away, let's just say from this point forward, events take shape that expand the story and broaden the characters involved. You'll just have to read it!
Kudos for the incredible descriptions of ranch life to the extensive knowledge of horses and what is involved in competitive racing. I felt transported to the hills and valleys of Wyoming and the gorgeous peaks of the Grand Teton's Mountain Range. And, as I turned the last page, I wanted to immediately begin reading this again.
August 13, 2014
I picked up this book because it featured a cowboy and it was a romance.
What I liked: Strong Female Character. She was smart (ER Doctor), she was athletic (competitive endurance riding and dressage), she was kind-hearted and tough. We need more strong woman in the romance genre;
I also liked the descriptions of endurance horses and the race itself. I never knew that the sport existed. I don't read romance novels to learn stuff - but it was a nice touch.
What I didn't like: Notwithstanding the strong female lead - she was trying to "save" the hero. Romance novels are no time for a reality check, but I am always uncomfortable with a woman trying to rescue a guy and build a relationship out of that.
That brings me to my next point - I think that the male protagonist was a little too rough on women (oh, he had a bad experience with his ex-wife and now all women are horrible). Sorry, but this is not very mature or grown up.
Also, the female lead kept saying how the male lead was "honest" and his word was bond. Um ... except for the part about him charging her double for horse boarding and training because she is a woman and he thinks she is rich because she is a doctor. Um, yeah - really honest. Oh - don't worry, he changes his tune, confesses to her that he is charging her double and agrees to pay it back - after he is attracted to her, she is waaaaay too nice to him. If she had just had a coach/student relationship and he didn't want to bed her eventually - well - then he would have just kept charging her double. "Honest"?? I think not.
Finally - there just wasn't enough sex in the book. I read romance novels to enjoy narratives about throbbing manhood, sinewing muscles, glowing and entwined, etc. The only decent sex was right near the end of the book.
So - it was interesting in learning about endurance riding and I appreciate a strong female. I just don't have a lot of respect for the male character.
What I liked: Strong Female Character. She was smart (ER Doctor), she was athletic (competitive endurance riding and dressage), she was kind-hearted and tough. We need more strong woman in the romance genre;
I also liked the descriptions of endurance horses and the race itself. I never knew that the sport existed. I don't read romance novels to learn stuff - but it was a nice touch.
What I didn't like: Notwithstanding the strong female lead - she was trying to "save" the hero. Romance novels are no time for a reality check, but I am always uncomfortable with a woman trying to rescue a guy and build a relationship out of that.
That brings me to my next point - I think that the male protagonist was a little too rough on women (oh, he had a bad experience with his ex-wife and now all women are horrible). Sorry, but this is not very mature or grown up.
Also, the female lead kept saying how the male lead was "honest" and his word was bond. Um ... except for the part about him charging her double for horse boarding and training because she is a woman and he thinks she is rich because she is a doctor. Um, yeah - really honest. Oh - don't worry, he changes his tune, confesses to her that he is charging her double and agrees to pay it back - after he is attracted to her, she is waaaaay too nice to him. If she had just had a coach/student relationship and he didn't want to bed her eventually - well - then he would have just kept charging her double. "Honest"?? I think not.
Finally - there just wasn't enough sex in the book. I read romance novels to enjoy narratives about throbbing manhood, sinewing muscles, glowing and entwined, etc. The only decent sex was right near the end of the book.
So - it was interesting in learning about endurance riding and I appreciate a strong female. I just don't have a lot of respect for the male character.
October 25, 2011
Slade McPherson is a rancher on his family ranch. The ranch has been in his family for over 100 years. Slade & Griff inherited when their parents died at 6 years old. Slade stayed on the ranch and is Aunt & Uncle raised him and ran the ranch till they died at 17.
Griff went with a different uncle to New York who was a stockbroker. Griff had lived the high life in New York. He made millions before he lost it all on the stock market collasp.
Slade has been riding endurance rides and is either #1 or #2 in most races. He trains other riders for endurance races. He had a bad divorce 4 years ago to a New York City girl. His new student he does not want to train because she is a woman and her horse is a mare. Slade tells her double the amount for training and boarding her horse 2000. a month.
Jordana Lawton is an emergency doctor & has sport clinic. She had lost most of her money in the stock market and knows the 2,000 a month will hurt but it is her dream to compete at the top level. So she puts up with Slade attitude when she see's how gentle he is with her horse.
Griff comes back to the ranch after he lost everything. Their is hard times for both twins. Slade does not want him their, since a few years Griff denied loaning him money to help the ranch and he has never put time or money into the ranch.
Slade gets injured and can't ride in upcomming race and he needs the prize money to save the ranch.
It is a modern story dealing with people losing their home's & savings with the down fall of stock market and banks closing. I liked the story and wanted more hopefully Griff will get his own story. I like Lindseys writings and will read more of her work in the future. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
Griff went with a different uncle to New York who was a stockbroker. Griff had lived the high life in New York. He made millions before he lost it all on the stock market collasp.
Slade has been riding endurance rides and is either #1 or #2 in most races. He trains other riders for endurance races. He had a bad divorce 4 years ago to a New York City girl. His new student he does not want to train because she is a woman and her horse is a mare. Slade tells her double the amount for training and boarding her horse 2000. a month.
Jordana Lawton is an emergency doctor & has sport clinic. She had lost most of her money in the stock market and knows the 2,000 a month will hurt but it is her dream to compete at the top level. So she puts up with Slade attitude when she see's how gentle he is with her horse.
Griff comes back to the ranch after he lost everything. Their is hard times for both twins. Slade does not want him their, since a few years Griff denied loaning him money to help the ranch and he has never put time or money into the ranch.
Slade gets injured and can't ride in upcomming race and he needs the prize money to save the ranch.
It is a modern story dealing with people losing their home's & savings with the down fall of stock market and banks closing. I liked the story and wanted more hopefully Griff will get his own story. I like Lindseys writings and will read more of her work in the future. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
January 31, 2019
Synopsis: "City girl. It was written all over her like a sign warning him to keep off. Sure, Slade McPherson would train her horse…With his ranch one bad day away from foreclosure, he can't afford to turn away a paying customer. But no way is this cowboy getting involved with a woman like Jordana Lawton—no matter how pretty she looks in a saddle.
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade's world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?"
My Review: This was a wonderful book to take me back home. I heart Cowboys, even with their tough exteriors and forbiding personalities. I really enjoyed Slade's personality, though jaded and plagued with hardships he still manages to have a softer side. I also loved Jordana, she has such a positive outlook on everything even after being knocked down a time or two that should could break down anyone's barriers. There really didn't seem to be any pointless characters, even the horses seemed essential and had fully developed personality. The ending is a little bitter sweet, since not all the conflict throughout the book is resolved but I think it made things a little more real since there really aren't any perfect happy endings in the world. It was really a very enjoyable, light western romance.
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade's world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?"
My Review: This was a wonderful book to take me back home. I heart Cowboys, even with their tough exteriors and forbiding personalities. I really enjoyed Slade's personality, though jaded and plagued with hardships he still manages to have a softer side. I also loved Jordana, she has such a positive outlook on everything even after being knocked down a time or two that should could break down anyone's barriers. There really didn't seem to be any pointless characters, even the horses seemed essential and had fully developed personality. The ending is a little bitter sweet, since not all the conflict throughout the book is resolved but I think it made things a little more real since there really aren't any perfect happy endings in the world. It was really a very enjoyable, light western romance.
May 27, 2012
The slow pace of their growing relationship allowed me as a non-romance reader to appreciate the flow of the story. Had it been rushed and more forced I would have been turned off completely. Among the growing love story is a mix of horse training, ranch work and sibling rivalry. The attention to details, flowing descriptions and steady pace of the story kept me reading, which resulting in my finishing the book only a day after starting it. The author has a wonderful way of wording things that allows you to truly picture the scene before you. The love growing between Slade and Jordana felt natural, as they both had other things to distract them from their feelings as well as fear that kept them at bay for a time. Having a large part of the story concentrate on the training of Jordana and her horse, the struggles of not only owning a ranch but keeping it away from the claws of the bank and small intrigues that were going on behind the scenes, made it a great read for me.
There were a few parts of the book that seems to repeat themselves, however these areas were small and so had a minimal affect on the overall flow of things. For regular readers of romance the book may not appeal to them as much due to the slow development of the relationship between the pair, however I would highly recommend this book to not only those who enjoy books of that genre, but those who like westerns as well as anyone looking for a great book to add to their collection. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series once I receive my copy.
There were a few parts of the book that seems to repeat themselves, however these areas were small and so had a minimal affect on the overall flow of things. For regular readers of romance the book may not appeal to them as much due to the slow development of the relationship between the pair, however I would highly recommend this book to not only those who enjoy books of that genre, but those who like westerns as well as anyone looking for a great book to add to their collection. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series once I receive my copy.
February 12, 2015
This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm
The synopsis
The iconic Cowboy: Pure alpha male, fiercely protective of all he holds dear. The last of a dyring breed. Otherwise known as a pain in the rear.
City girl. It was written all over her like a sign warning him to keep off. Sure, Slade McPherson would train her horse… With his ranch one bad day away from foreclosure, he can’t afford to turn away a paying customer. But no way is this cowboy getting involved with a woman like Jordana Lawton—no matter how pretty she looks in a saddle.
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade’s world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?
My review
This was a really sweet tale of two people learning to love and trust again. As it is set around a horse ranch it helps if you like horses as there is a lot of horsey references. That being said the story it self is strong enough to keep you Interested. The book is left wide open for another instalment and I look forward to that.
The synopsis
The iconic Cowboy: Pure alpha male, fiercely protective of all he holds dear. The last of a dyring breed. Otherwise known as a pain in the rear.
City girl. It was written all over her like a sign warning him to keep off. Sure, Slade McPherson would train her horse… With his ranch one bad day away from foreclosure, he can’t afford to turn away a paying customer. But no way is this cowboy getting involved with a woman like Jordana Lawton—no matter how pretty she looks in a saddle.
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade’s world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?
My review
This was a really sweet tale of two people learning to love and trust again. As it is set around a horse ranch it helps if you like horses as there is a lot of horsey references. That being said the story it self is strong enough to keep you Interested. The book is left wide open for another instalment and I look forward to that.
July 4, 2014
This book revolves around two characters and their involvement in endurance riding. Jordana was a doctor who enjoyed endurance riding as a hobby and dreamed of entering a race but knew she needed training first. She asked Slade, who is a champion endurance rider, if he would accept her as a student at his endurance school in Jackson Hold, Wyoming. He didn't want to accept her but finally did.
Most of the story describes horses, their movement and endurance riding which the reader needs to know in order to understand endurance eventing which is the main focus in this book. This information is very detailed and accurate however a bit boring for the average reader - whether you are interested in horses or not.
I found the equine descriptions interesting since I have owned many horses over the years. My absolute favourite horse was an Arabian mare. I never competed, just rode for fun but my all time high was when we were galloping across the fields.
This story did remind me of those adventures so I enjoyed that part of this book. Again, I will say that this book is not for everyone.
This book was hard to read and rate but I finally decided on this.
Description of horses and events - 4 stars
Story line - 2 stars
So I decided to go with an overall rate of 3 stars
Most of the story describes horses, their movement and endurance riding which the reader needs to know in order to understand endurance eventing which is the main focus in this book. This information is very detailed and accurate however a bit boring for the average reader - whether you are interested in horses or not.
I found the equine descriptions interesting since I have owned many horses over the years. My absolute favourite horse was an Arabian mare. I never competed, just rode for fun but my all time high was when we were galloping across the fields.
This story did remind me of those adventures so I enjoyed that part of this book. Again, I will say that this book is not for everyone.
This book was hard to read and rate but I finally decided on this.
Description of horses and events - 4 stars
Story line - 2 stars
So I decided to go with an overall rate of 3 stars
July 5, 2013
I can't believe I finished this.
Far too predictable. You know essentially the entire story from the back cover...and if that isn't enough, there's a two page synopsis inside the book!! There are no "twists".
Too many conversations that went on and on that really could've been much shorter (or cut out completely because they had nothing to do with anything).
Soooo many in-continuities!!! (is that a word?) Example: Jordana takes her horse to the bathing stall for one sentence, the next is cleaning her tack--and is for a couple paragraphs--and then suddenly she is cleaning her horse in the bathing stall. Or: someone is told something and then a couple chapters (or less) later is told again and it's news to them.
Another thing I just loved: Slade is gored in the thigh, severing the artery and needing a blood transfusion with his emergency surgery. He gets out of surgery and is allowed to leave the hospital the same day??? Within hours? I know he went home with Jordana, an ER doctor slash surgeon, but NO.
And yet I finished this thing. Poor defenseless tree that was killed for this book to be printed out. And several hours I cannot get back.
Far too predictable. You know essentially the entire story from the back cover...and if that isn't enough, there's a two page synopsis inside the book!! There are no "twists".
Too many conversations that went on and on that really could've been much shorter (or cut out completely because they had nothing to do with anything).
Soooo many in-continuities!!! (is that a word?) Example: Jordana takes her horse to the bathing stall for one sentence, the next is cleaning her tack--and is for a couple paragraphs--and then suddenly she is cleaning her horse in the bathing stall. Or: someone is told something and then a couple chapters (or less) later is told again and it's news to them.
Another thing I just loved: Slade is gored in the thigh, severing the artery and needing a blood transfusion with his emergency surgery. He gets out of surgery and is allowed to leave the hospital the same day??? Within hours? I know he went home with Jordana, an ER doctor slash surgeon, but NO.
And yet I finished this thing. Poor defenseless tree that was killed for this book to be printed out. And several hours I cannot get back.
June 18, 2013
Having read the second book in this series prior to this one I had heard the story of Griff so it was interesting to learn more about his story prior to his book. The book starts out with Jordana going to Slades ranch with her horse hoping he will take her on as a student in endurance riding.
As the story continues you learn more about a Slades past and how he came to own the ranch. In addition you get to see when Griff arrives in town and how he will play in the next story. The other part of the book I found interesting was learning more about Curt Downing and why he is the person he is. Then the big highlight of the story is the big race that slade is supposed to ride in but gets hurt so Jordana does and surprises him and others on how good she is at high level endurance riding. Very happy with the book and can't wait to read more of her books.
As the story continues you learn more about a Slades past and how he came to own the ranch. In addition you get to see when Griff arrives in town and how he will play in the next story. The other part of the book I found interesting was learning more about Curt Downing and why he is the person he is. Then the big highlight of the story is the big race that slade is supposed to ride in but gets hurt so Jordana does and surprises him and others on how good she is at high level endurance riding. Very happy with the book and can't wait to read more of her books.
Read
October 11, 2011I learned a lot more about horses than I expected while reading this book. I liked the slow respect that grew between Slade and Jordana in this novel. They each had their own issues to deal with before they could deal with their ones together. I do wish Slade had been a little more open hearted with his brother. I was glad that Jordana had some warmth for his twin as well as Slade. Although I do understand why Slade was so angry with his brother too.Anyway I liked the way Slade and Jordana made such a strong team. I felt like they had a solid foundation to build their romance on. There is a lot of talk about horses in this book but there is a lot of romance too. The ending was left with a lot of loose threads. I'm assuming that means there will be another installment.
December 14, 2011
Very good book. Slade was hanging on to his ranch by his fingers and needed all the paying customers he could get. Jordana really wanted his expertise to help her with her endurance racing. He had major trust issues because of his ex-wife, and really didn't want to deal with Jordana at all. I really enjoyed the information on endurance racing. I liked the way that she was able to reach Slade and soothe him when he got wound up. There was some suspense tension with the other rider, but it didn't go as far as I thought it would. There was also tension caused by Slade's brother's return. I'm looking forward to the next one to see how things work out.
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