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Acquainted with the Night #4
Tall, Dark and Cowboy
"Full of heart and passion."—JODI THOMAS, New York Times bestselling author, for Cowboy Fever
She's Looking for an Old Friend...What She Finds is One Hot Cowboy
In the wake of a nasty divorce, Lacey Bradford heads for Wyoming where she's counting on an old friend to take her in. But her high school pal Chase Caldwell is no longer the gangly boy who would follow her anywhere. For one thing, he's now incredibly buff and handsome, but that's not all that's changed.
Chase has been through tough times and is less than thrilled to see the girl who once broke his heart. But try as he might to resist her, while Lacey's putting her life back together, he's finding new ways to be part of it.
Praise for Tall, Dark and
"A hot cowboy, a saucy heroine, and enough tension to keep you turning the pages."—The Long and Short of It Reviews
"Charming... Readers will be fascinated by the characters."—RT Book Reviews
"Another steamy, suspenseful offering from the popular Kennedy." —Booklist
"A sassy and sexy wild ride that is more fun than a wild hootenanny! Don't miss it!"—The Romance Reviews
She's Looking for an Old Friend...What She Finds is One Hot Cowboy
In the wake of a nasty divorce, Lacey Bradford heads for Wyoming where she's counting on an old friend to take her in. But her high school pal Chase Caldwell is no longer the gangly boy who would follow her anywhere. For one thing, he's now incredibly buff and handsome, but that's not all that's changed.
Chase has been through tough times and is less than thrilled to see the girl who once broke his heart. But try as he might to resist her, while Lacey's putting her life back together, he's finding new ways to be part of it.
Praise for Tall, Dark and
"A hot cowboy, a saucy heroine, and enough tension to keep you turning the pages."—The Long and Short of It Reviews
"Charming... Readers will be fascinated by the characters."—RT Book Reviews
"Another steamy, suspenseful offering from the popular Kennedy." —Booklist
"A sassy and sexy wild ride that is more fun than a wild hootenanny! Don't miss it!"—The Romance Reviews
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
79 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Kennedy
27 books220 followersCheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Laramie County
Books (Most Recent Publications First)
Author Website: www.joannekennedybooks.com
Author Email: Joanne@JoanneKennedyBooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Kennedy-Books/114277591920110
Biographical and Professional Information
Joanne Kennedy's fascination with Wyoming’s unique blend of past and present leads her to write contemporary Western romances with traditional ranch settings. Her books include Cowboy Trouble, Cowboy Fever, and 2011 RITA nominee One Fine Cowboy. Her next book, Tall, Dark & Cowboy, will be released in November 2011. Two more contemporary western romances will be released in 2012.
At various times, Joanne dabbled in horse training, chicken farming, and bridezilla wrangling at a department store wedding registry. Themes that have remained constant throughout her life are Jack Russell terriers, a tendency to confuse fiction with real life, and a fascination with literature that led to careers in bookselling and writing. She lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with two dogs and a retired fighter pilot. The dogs are relatively well-behaved.
A member of Romance Writers of America and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Joanne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, www.joannekennedybooks.com.
Speaking Engagements
Joanne is available for speaking engagements on writing, romance, and the West. She teaches writing workshops including Finding Resonant Endings, Starting and Structuring Your Novel, The Strategic Synopsis and other topics related to
Laramie County
Books (Most Recent Publications First)
Author Website: www.joannekennedybooks.com
Author Email: Joanne@JoanneKennedyBooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Kennedy-Books/114277591920110
Biographical and Professional Information
Joanne Kennedy's fascination with Wyoming’s unique blend of past and present leads her to write contemporary Western romances with traditional ranch settings. Her books include Cowboy Trouble, Cowboy Fever, and 2011 RITA nominee One Fine Cowboy. Her next book, Tall, Dark & Cowboy, will be released in November 2011. Two more contemporary western romances will be released in 2012.
At various times, Joanne dabbled in horse training, chicken farming, and bridezilla wrangling at a department store wedding registry. Themes that have remained constant throughout her life are Jack Russell terriers, a tendency to confuse fiction with real life, and a fascination with literature that led to careers in bookselling and writing. She lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with two dogs and a retired fighter pilot. The dogs are relatively well-behaved.
A member of Romance Writers of America and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Joanne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, www.joannekennedybooks.com.
Speaking Engagements
Joanne is available for speaking engagements on writing, romance, and the West. She teaches writing workshops including Finding Resonant Endings, Starting and Structuring Your Novel, The Strategic Synopsis and other topics related to
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 24, 2011
This is one of those times that randomly buying a book you see on the shelves at some store just doesn't work out. I snagged this one because the cover caught my attention and I had been wanting to read a cowboy romance. Sadly, this book fell short on just about every level.
Series Note:
No known series connections.
Summary:
Lacey Bradford is a former trophy wife who is on the run from some of her husbands enemies. Not knowing where to go, Lacey decides to look up former classmate Chase Caldwell. Chase had always seemed to adore her in high school so surely he'd want to help her out now, in her time of need.
Unfortunately, when Lacey finds Chase, he's less than receptive. Chase harbors some anger over what Lacey's ex did to his family, and for Lacey marrying someone else when he was desperately in love with her. But Lacey's persistence wears Chase down and he gives in to the love for her he's never gotten over. But will Lacey finally give his a chance for forever?
Review:
Right from the start this book didn't particularly work for me. Why? Because you start off reading about Lacey - a woman who at 18 married and older man because he was rich and could take care of her and who spent years being his trophy wife - who is now divorced and is driving across the country, searching out an old classmate who she hopes will help her in her time of need. And why did she search out Chase Caldwell? Because in high school he'd worshiped the ground she walked on and followed her around like a lost puppy so surely now, when she desperately needs help, he would be there for her.
What about that scenario is appealing? It's hopelessly shallow and doesn't make me think very much of Lacey. It just was not a good way to start off a book. When you begin by disliking a main character it makes it hard to get into the story.
Getting past that, there still wasn't much about this book that I enjoyed. At times it's rather campy and shallow. The author had a tendency to overuse similes and metaphors. And the overall storyline and romance just came off very flat for me.
I think the worst aspect, in my opinion, was the characterization of the hero, Chase Caldwell. I bought this book because I was wanting to read a cowboy romance and I thought this would fit the bill. But it doesn't really get there. Chase is a very odd character. He's supposed to be a cowboy, but he comes off as awkward, bumbling and rather beta. Which is just not what I want in a cowboy hero. I want a cowboy hero who is strong, dominant, rough and tumble and all that. Not some guy who was described as a geeky fumbling teenager and who as an adult was rather passive and wishy washy.
Not only that, his obsessive devotion to Lacey was creepy. Instead of seeming romantic, how he pined for her and said he's always be waiting for her, it came off as just...creepy. Like stalkerish obsessive. I just wasn't digging it. Maybe if I liked Lacey more it would have seemed romantic, but mostly I just thought Lacey was a twit who I wished would get stomped on by the horses she was so afraid of.
As for the storyline...hmmm. To me it came off as rather drab, directionless and not very engaging. I got to about 2/3rds through the book and started to skim read now and then because I was bored. There was just nothing about the storyline, the characters, the setting, etc, that sucked me in and had me wanting to keep reading. I kept putting the book down to do other stuff. Which is saying a lot since I'm sitting here with a broken foot with very little I can do but read and watch TV.
So...yeah, kinda wish I hadn't spent the money on this one. I just did not particularly care for it. For those of you who like the super light romance reads, you may like this one, but for those of you who like books that are a bit deeper then this probably won't appeal to you. And if you're looking for a good cowboy romance, then I definitely don't think you'll like this one.
Series Note:
No known series connections.
Summary:
Lacey Bradford is a former trophy wife who is on the run from some of her husbands enemies. Not knowing where to go, Lacey decides to look up former classmate Chase Caldwell. Chase had always seemed to adore her in high school so surely he'd want to help her out now, in her time of need.
Unfortunately, when Lacey finds Chase, he's less than receptive. Chase harbors some anger over what Lacey's ex did to his family, and for Lacey marrying someone else when he was desperately in love with her. But Lacey's persistence wears Chase down and he gives in to the love for her he's never gotten over. But will Lacey finally give his a chance for forever?
Review:
Right from the start this book didn't particularly work for me. Why? Because you start off reading about Lacey - a woman who at 18 married and older man because he was rich and could take care of her and who spent years being his trophy wife - who is now divorced and is driving across the country, searching out an old classmate who she hopes will help her in her time of need. And why did she search out Chase Caldwell? Because in high school he'd worshiped the ground she walked on and followed her around like a lost puppy so surely now, when she desperately needs help, he would be there for her.
What about that scenario is appealing? It's hopelessly shallow and doesn't make me think very much of Lacey. It just was not a good way to start off a book. When you begin by disliking a main character it makes it hard to get into the story.
Getting past that, there still wasn't much about this book that I enjoyed. At times it's rather campy and shallow. The author had a tendency to overuse similes and metaphors. And the overall storyline and romance just came off very flat for me.
I think the worst aspect, in my opinion, was the characterization of the hero, Chase Caldwell. I bought this book because I was wanting to read a cowboy romance and I thought this would fit the bill. But it doesn't really get there. Chase is a very odd character. He's supposed to be a cowboy, but he comes off as awkward, bumbling and rather beta. Which is just not what I want in a cowboy hero. I want a cowboy hero who is strong, dominant, rough and tumble and all that. Not some guy who was described as a geeky fumbling teenager and who as an adult was rather passive and wishy washy.
Not only that, his obsessive devotion to Lacey was creepy. Instead of seeming romantic, how he pined for her and said he's always be waiting for her, it came off as just...creepy. Like stalkerish obsessive. I just wasn't digging it. Maybe if I liked Lacey more it would have seemed romantic, but mostly I just thought Lacey was a twit who I wished would get stomped on by the horses she was so afraid of.
As for the storyline...hmmm. To me it came off as rather drab, directionless and not very engaging. I got to about 2/3rds through the book and started to skim read now and then because I was bored. There was just nothing about the storyline, the characters, the setting, etc, that sucked me in and had me wanting to keep reading. I kept putting the book down to do other stuff. Which is saying a lot since I'm sitting here with a broken foot with very little I can do but read and watch TV.
So...yeah, kinda wish I hadn't spent the money on this one. I just did not particularly care for it. For those of you who like the super light romance reads, you may like this one, but for those of you who like books that are a bit deeper then this probably won't appeal to you. And if you're looking for a good cowboy romance, then I definitely don't think you'll like this one.
September 26, 2025
This was bad. I love the ugly duckling trope - specially when is the hero - but this heroine was so unlikable. An ex-trophy wife who married a man for her money and had all this supposed dreams who came to nothing because reasons. When she finds herself in trouble, she goes to look for the hero, because he panted for her in high-school and she figures he'll be there to help her! Why would I root for this chick? Then, you have the supposedly "cowboy" hero, who sells used cars and is more doormat than cowboy. He has an employee who bosses him around and tries to get in his pants, and let's not talk about what she does to sell cars, even though he's supposedly very trustworthy.
The story was meandering and I think the author was trying to be funny - the only part I found funny was the 8 year old obsessed with Law & Order. After that, nothing made much sense. There was this bit about a woman with weird shoes that goes on and on and there's never any payoff. Why was that even necessary? And let's not even discuss the pseudo suspense plot at the end that lasted so freaking long! At some point, I was hoping for a mountain lion to come out, eat them all, and save us from this misery.
Not recommended.
The story was meandering and I think the author was trying to be funny - the only part I found funny was the 8 year old obsessed with Law & Order. After that, nothing made much sense. There was this bit about a woman with weird shoes that goes on and on and there's never any payoff. Why was that even necessary? And let's not even discuss the pseudo suspense plot at the end that lasted so freaking long! At some point, I was hoping for a mountain lion to come out, eat them all, and save us from this misery.
Not recommended.
January 7, 2013
Tall, Dark and Cowboy is a similar song and dance to other books I have read, but WHO CARES! I love cowboys, that's no secret. Any way I can get 'em! He was the boy next door when they were growing up. The boy who gave her the sweet smile and gave those puppy-dog-I-will-do-anything-for-you eyes. He always came to her rescue. He thought they had something... Then he saw the marriage announcement in the paper and he wasn't the groom...
Now eight years later:
Lacey drives all the way from Tennessee to Wyoming to find Chase. She needed him to save her again. What didn't anticipate all the drama that would come with this visit and her new bout with independence. But she most definitely didn't anticipate falling in love with Chase...
Very sweet book. Hot in all the right places. Though Lacey could be dense, its hard not to love Chase!
Now eight years later:
Lacey drives all the way from Tennessee to Wyoming to find Chase. She needed him to save her again. What didn't anticipate all the drama that would come with this visit and her new bout with independence. But she most definitely didn't anticipate falling in love with Chase...
Very sweet book. Hot in all the right places. Though Lacey could be dense, its hard not to love Chase!
November 19, 2011
I actually rate this delightful book 4 1/2.
Tall, Dark and Cowboy is not your usual contemporary western romance. It is a completely different kind of story about the stalwart Wyoming rancher and the woman of his dreams. When Chase and Lacey do finally get in the sack together, the sex rocks the walls, but then Lacey calls a halt. This happens more than once which is less frustrating than it is extremely comical.
I am a new fan of Joanne Kennedy but rest assured I will be reading more of her work. I find her style of writing charming and a pleasant way to pass an evening enjoying an enchanting romantic love story that makes me laugh.
Please see my full review at http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=6370.
Reviewed again on http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com AND the author wrote an exclusive vignette about one of the characters at Thanksgiving that is just wonderful.
Tall, Dark and Cowboy is not your usual contemporary western romance. It is a completely different kind of story about the stalwart Wyoming rancher and the woman of his dreams. When Chase and Lacey do finally get in the sack together, the sex rocks the walls, but then Lacey calls a halt. This happens more than once which is less frustrating than it is extremely comical.
I am a new fan of Joanne Kennedy but rest assured I will be reading more of her work. I find her style of writing charming and a pleasant way to pass an evening enjoying an enchanting romantic love story that makes me laugh.
Please see my full review at http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=6370.
Reviewed again on http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com AND the author wrote an exclusive vignette about one of the characters at Thanksgiving that is just wonderful.
April 4, 2021
The pacing sagged in some parts. I found it hard to believe the FMC marrying right out of high school to someone who was 11-12 years her senior. It was a secret relationship with the man when she was underage and no one batted an eye when they married one week after her high school graduation.
I'm also struggling with the need for a pregnant teenager to move across the country to start over and raise her child. It's a contemporary.
The FMC needed more agency. She accomplished things, but I found there was a lot more opportunity for personal growth.
I'm also struggling with the need for a pregnant teenager to move across the country to start over and raise her child. It's a contemporary.
The FMC needed more agency. She accomplished things, but I found there was a lot more opportunity for personal growth.
November 3, 2011
There is nothing like a good western, I guess that is why people come to my blog by searching cowboys because I always seem to have something nice to say about them. Perhaps it's because I am country born and bred. But more likely because cowboys are hot.
In this one we have a former geeky farm boy who all through High School was in love with a pretty Cheerleader. But this was a nice cheerleader, not a bitchy one who looked down at him. Still that was not something that would get a happy ending and that brings us to today. Chase is now a hunky cowboy and Lacey is a trophy wife who always did what she was told. She wants to stand on her own legs now, something I applaud. She had everything before, but she was not happy (her husband truly sounds like a big ass.) Chase is afraid to get hurt (poor guy was sure in love with her), but he is a good guy so you know how the story goes. And little by little these two realize they are meant to be. It's a very nice romance, and a bit passionate too. I also like that he is the one that knows from the start and want more. I can't say no to a man like that.
There is also a bit of suspense in it. Lacey is on the run from her ex-husband's shady affairs and someone is after her. Which makes it exciting too.
All in all this is a good romance, a heroine that is really trying to better herself, a hero you can't say no to, a good cast of side characters that you would like to know, a bitchy woman you will want to slap and a creepy "villain."
Conclusion.
It made me smile and that is all I ask for. I want to lose myself in a good romance and in the end I would read more books by her. It made me happy.
In this one we have a former geeky farm boy who all through High School was in love with a pretty Cheerleader. But this was a nice cheerleader, not a bitchy one who looked down at him. Still that was not something that would get a happy ending and that brings us to today. Chase is now a hunky cowboy and Lacey is a trophy wife who always did what she was told. She wants to stand on her own legs now, something I applaud. She had everything before, but she was not happy (her husband truly sounds like a big ass.) Chase is afraid to get hurt (poor guy was sure in love with her), but he is a good guy so you know how the story goes. And little by little these two realize they are meant to be. It's a very nice romance, and a bit passionate too. I also like that he is the one that knows from the start and want more. I can't say no to a man like that.
There is also a bit of suspense in it. Lacey is on the run from her ex-husband's shady affairs and someone is after her. Which makes it exciting too.
All in all this is a good romance, a heroine that is really trying to better herself, a hero you can't say no to, a good cast of side characters that you would like to know, a bitchy woman you will want to slap and a creepy "villain."
Conclusion.
It made me smile and that is all I ask for. I want to lose myself in a good romance and in the end I would read more books by her. It made me happy.
January 14, 2013
Beautiful story about a love that stood the test of time for one and was found for another when she didn't even realize she needed it.
Quote from Chase to Lacey...
"I never thought I'd have you here. But I don't ever want to live in a world without you in it. You don't have to be with me. You just have to be."
Quote from Chase to Lacey...
"I never thought I'd have you here. But I don't ever want to live in a world without you in it. You don't have to be with me. You just have to be."
December 4, 2011
Cozy and delightful are two words that come to my mind when I think of "Tall, Dark and Cowboy". This is one of those books you love because of how it makes you feel. Pure comfort read!
March 5, 2021
Not my fave cowboy book
So...the first book in this series still lingers in my mind. I don’t even remember the second one. And this one just didn’t much hold my interest. I had to force myself to finish. But I did choose to finish it rather than abandon it as I have some books in my past, so...there’s that.
So...the first book in this series still lingers in my mind. I don’t even remember the second one. And this one just didn’t much hold my interest. I had to force myself to finish. But I did choose to finish it rather than abandon it as I have some books in my past, so...there’s that.
March 31, 2012
Really a 3.5.
Lacey Bradford has no one to turn to. Her husband has just been busted in a highly publicized real estate scandal. He’s been weaseling out the properties of her home town from their owners. Lacey had no knowledge of the scam but lived on the spoils and the people she has known all her life blame her equally. Lacey can’t get a job and it’s only a matter of time before things get desperate for her. After a bad night at home Lacey decides she must leave town. The only place that she can think of is a small town in Wyoming. Her good friend from high school Chase lives there. He was always there to help her when she needed him.
Chase Caldwell had to move to Wyoming to forget everything that happened in his old hometown in Tennessee. He moved out to Grady where his sister has lived for several years. Just when he thought he and Lacey would move their friendship to relationship her engagement announcement is printed. The farm he dreamed of owning all his life was shattered and he is trying to get a good ranch going. He has to run a used car business to make ends meet but overall life is good. Until Lacey sashays back into his life.
Tall, Dark and Cowboy was an entertaining read. I really enjoyed the small town setting. Chase was a great character. I’d describe him as a trusty dog. Always there when you need him. Dependable. Now Lacey on the other hand. She was fresh out of a bad relationship and ran to a trusted friend. I’ve got no fight with that. What I didn’t like is that she would flip flop from “using” men to provide for herself and striking it out on her own to prove worth as a woman. As a romance reader I just wanted to scream at her that Chase was “the one.” So many times I got frustrated with Lacey and I can only think that his is why. I honestly think it was more to do with the conflict being almost solely in the heroine and no conflict with the hero or their relationship.
Either way, I enjoyed Tall, Dark and Cowboy. I even picked up her back list when Amazon had an awesome deal on them! If you enjoy contemporary cowboy romances, I would not miss this one.
Lacey Bradford has no one to turn to. Her husband has just been busted in a highly publicized real estate scandal. He’s been weaseling out the properties of her home town from their owners. Lacey had no knowledge of the scam but lived on the spoils and the people she has known all her life blame her equally. Lacey can’t get a job and it’s only a matter of time before things get desperate for her. After a bad night at home Lacey decides she must leave town. The only place that she can think of is a small town in Wyoming. Her good friend from high school Chase lives there. He was always there to help her when she needed him.
Chase Caldwell had to move to Wyoming to forget everything that happened in his old hometown in Tennessee. He moved out to Grady where his sister has lived for several years. Just when he thought he and Lacey would move their friendship to relationship her engagement announcement is printed. The farm he dreamed of owning all his life was shattered and he is trying to get a good ranch going. He has to run a used car business to make ends meet but overall life is good. Until Lacey sashays back into his life.
Tall, Dark and Cowboy was an entertaining read. I really enjoyed the small town setting. Chase was a great character. I’d describe him as a trusty dog. Always there when you need him. Dependable. Now Lacey on the other hand. She was fresh out of a bad relationship and ran to a trusted friend. I’ve got no fight with that. What I didn’t like is that she would flip flop from “using” men to provide for herself and striking it out on her own to prove worth as a woman. As a romance reader I just wanted to scream at her that Chase was “the one.” So many times I got frustrated with Lacey and I can only think that his is why. I honestly think it was more to do with the conflict being almost solely in the heroine and no conflict with the hero or their relationship.
Either way, I enjoyed Tall, Dark and Cowboy. I even picked up her back list when Amazon had an awesome deal on them! If you enjoy contemporary cowboy romances, I would not miss this one.
October 15, 2011
Tall, Dark, and Cowboy is a romance about Lacey, a woman who is ready to begin a new life, a life where she has her own identity. Lacey went straight from her daddy's house to her husband's house and never found out who she really was. Her husband never let her do the things she wanted to do, and after finding out her husband was a crook, she divorced him and set out to find herself and a new life. Lacey decided to go to a small town where her former friend Chase Caldwell lived in hopes of gaining his help. Chase had been in love with Lacey through high school and was shocked and hurt when she married a wealthy, older man. He was even more shocked when Lacey came to him for help. Chase was still hurt by the past, and, at first, only begrudgingly helps Lacey. Chase and Lacey find that attraction simmers between them, but they have to overcome past hurts, and Lacey is in danger from her husband's former business partners who have targeted Lacey .
I really like Tall, Dark, and Cowboy, it is a romantic suspense set in a small town, and the hero is a hottie cowboy. The characters felt real, they had issues that were easy to identify with and understand. Their actions fit their issues and their personalities. Chase held onto hurt, and Lacey was trying to find herself. When they meet up again, they both have to deal with their pasts, and make changes for the future. Chase and Lacey each grew up over the years while they were apart, and their attraction they they had develops into a very promising romance. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters, Chase's sister who welcomes Lacey, the crime-invesigating niece, and even the crotchety old man neighbor.
Everything in the story fits, the characters, the issues, the jobs. The pacing was well done, I was never bored while reading. Joanne Kennedy blended serious moments, humor, action, and romance into a seamless, well developed story. I recommend Tall, Dark, and Cowboy to fans of contemporary romance, especially the readers who like the cowboys.
I received this book for review.
I really like Tall, Dark, and Cowboy, it is a romantic suspense set in a small town, and the hero is a hottie cowboy. The characters felt real, they had issues that were easy to identify with and understand. Their actions fit their issues and their personalities. Chase held onto hurt, and Lacey was trying to find herself. When they meet up again, they both have to deal with their pasts, and make changes for the future. Chase and Lacey each grew up over the years while they were apart, and their attraction they they had develops into a very promising romance. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters, Chase's sister who welcomes Lacey, the crime-invesigating niece, and even the crotchety old man neighbor.
Everything in the story fits, the characters, the issues, the jobs. The pacing was well done, I was never bored while reading. Joanne Kennedy blended serious moments, humor, action, and romance into a seamless, well developed story. I recommend Tall, Dark, and Cowboy to fans of contemporary romance, especially the readers who like the cowboys.
I received this book for review.
January 21, 2012
Lacey finally leaves Tennessee and her ex husband who swindled people out of their land to make lots of money. Back in her hometown of Conway TN a lot of people thought Lacey was part of it. She couldn't find a job to make it out on her own. She decided to head across country to Wyoming and her old friend Chase. She knows someone will be out to look for her. Along the way she picks up a stray dog an ugly one at that. She arrives and the last person who wanted to see her is Chase. After some rude comments she leaves to go across the street to a motel as her car breaks down. Chase has some hard feelings to work though that even Lacey doesn't know about.
Chase decides to help Lacey as all she wanted was a place to stay for a bit. Their feelings start to show but Lacey keeps pulling back as she does not want to depend or be controlled by any man. Can she let Chase help her and deal with her feelings or will she give in to them?
What a fun read with a handsome, well built cowboy. Lacey had a rough go from Trophy Wife to a normal life. Chase judge her by that life and was wrong on some accounts. They work through several issues and you can start to see the real characters. Pam Chases sister is a great help and Cody has some secrets of his own and is Chase's best friend. All the characters work well together even Krystal a co-worker of Chase. Galt a neighbor of Chase is even a hoot.
The setting is wonderful, you can easily picture yourself in Wyoming in the hills on Chase's ranch.
Chase decides to help Lacey as all she wanted was a place to stay for a bit. Their feelings start to show but Lacey keeps pulling back as she does not want to depend or be controlled by any man. Can she let Chase help her and deal with her feelings or will she give in to them?
What a fun read with a handsome, well built cowboy. Lacey had a rough go from Trophy Wife to a normal life. Chase judge her by that life and was wrong on some accounts. They work through several issues and you can start to see the real characters. Pam Chases sister is a great help and Cody has some secrets of his own and is Chase's best friend. All the characters work well together even Krystal a co-worker of Chase. Galt a neighbor of Chase is even a hoot.
The setting is wonderful, you can easily picture yourself in Wyoming in the hills on Chase's ranch.
March 28, 2019
After her husband has been find guilty of real estate scams, former trophy wife Lacey Bradford can't find a job anywhere, so she turn over a new leaf and heads for Wyoming to ask her old friend and admirer Chase Caldwell, and she hope, her new knight in shining armor, for help. But Lacey is not a shallow girl (she saved a dog's life while stopping at a gas station), it's just that she always lived her life according to what others people wanted and she never realized before how hollow her life was.
Two things happen when Lacey arrive in Grady :
-She can't believe this fine specimen who own the used car deal shop is the same farmer boy she knew and he's not as sweet as she remember
-He refuse to help her with a cavalier attitude
As the readers learn, there's two reasons why Chase is pissed at her :
-The kiss she didn't remember the next day when they were teenager
- Her husband's scams brought tragedy to his life
But maybe there's hope for these two when the hero's sister become an ally :p
And Lacey need to find who she really is first. And there's also the fact she might be in danger because there's more than meets the eye than her crooked husband.
While not quite as good as I remember, I'm keeping my original rating because it was still entertaining and a great journey in the heroine's life to rediscover herself, see her evolve and realize her mistakes and do what it takes to not doing it again. I guess I was surprised by how rude Chase was at the beginning and it taint my enjoyment a bit.
Two things happen when Lacey arrive in Grady :
-She can't believe this fine specimen who own the used car deal shop is the same farmer boy she knew and he's not as sweet as she remember
-He refuse to help her with a cavalier attitude
As the readers learn, there's two reasons why Chase is pissed at her :
-The kiss she didn't remember the next day when they were teenager
- Her husband's scams brought tragedy to his life
But maybe there's hope for these two when the hero's sister become an ally :p
And Lacey need to find who she really is first. And there's also the fact she might be in danger because there's more than meets the eye than her crooked husband.
While not quite as good as I remember, I'm keeping my original rating because it was still entertaining and a great journey in the heroine's life to rediscover herself, see her evolve and realize her mistakes and do what it takes to not doing it again. I guess I was surprised by how rude Chase was at the beginning and it taint my enjoyment a bit.
November 15, 2011
First thoughts after finishing this book: "Um....can I find a vending machine filled with HOT cowboys?"
I love me some buff, hot, testosterone dripping, alpha male COWBOY! Was that bit over the top? Ha! Let me just say that this book was a great one to pick up after reading the emotionally draining Cross Currents. I was able to lose myself in Lacey and Chase's love story. I know that on more than one occasion I had that stupid look on my face that I get when I'm reading a very steamy love scene....and there were plenty of those in this book. But, I found them all to be right in line with the attraction between Lacey and Chase. It wasn't cheap sex...and it was very well written. There was more to the story than just what was going on between the sheets and that is why I really enjoyed this one.
Recommend? If you enjoy romance with brawny, sexy cowboys (who wouldn't..did you check out that cover?) and a good love story to boot (pun intended) then I would tell you to grab this one. Make sure that you're reading it when no one else is around..I got busted two times during lunch reading this book. Both times my friend knew that I was reading a hot love scene. How you say? That stupid grin I get when the story is heating up and I'm loving the details! I'm going to read them all, but alone, locked in my room with no one around...except my husband! (insert devil grin!)
Rating: 8/10 (rating for excellent sex scenes and a story that kept me engaged)
I love me some buff, hot, testosterone dripping, alpha male COWBOY! Was that bit over the top? Ha! Let me just say that this book was a great one to pick up after reading the emotionally draining Cross Currents. I was able to lose myself in Lacey and Chase's love story. I know that on more than one occasion I had that stupid look on my face that I get when I'm reading a very steamy love scene....and there were plenty of those in this book. But, I found them all to be right in line with the attraction between Lacey and Chase. It wasn't cheap sex...and it was very well written. There was more to the story than just what was going on between the sheets and that is why I really enjoyed this one.
Recommend? If you enjoy romance with brawny, sexy cowboys (who wouldn't..did you check out that cover?) and a good love story to boot (pun intended) then I would tell you to grab this one. Make sure that you're reading it when no one else is around..I got busted two times during lunch reading this book. Both times my friend knew that I was reading a hot love scene. How you say? That stupid grin I get when the story is heating up and I'm loving the details! I'm going to read them all, but alone, locked in my room with no one around...except my husband! (insert devil grin!)
Rating: 8/10 (rating for excellent sex scenes and a story that kept me engaged)
November 10, 2011
What a fun story! I am a slow reader, but I devoured this book. In fact, it wrecked plans, kept me from getting out of bed as soon as I'd wanted because I had to read ONE MORE CHAPTER, and it did the same with my bedtime. Kept me up and reading. Damn that Joanne Kennedy, wrecking my beauty sleep! Lacey was a heroine I could cheer for, and loudly, as the former trophy wife on the run from her ex-husband finds a new life in Wyoming. And then there's Chase, a cowboy who has to come to terms with a past that includes tragedy, disillusionment and bitter loss. Not to mention his undying and completely unrequited love for Lacey (which she doesn't know about).
Add in a cast of colorful characters in the small town of Grady, a hit man with Lacey in his sites, and a lovable mongrel, and you've got a fast-paced tale about people you care about.
Add in a cast of colorful characters in the small town of Grady, a hit man with Lacey in his sites, and a lovable mongrel, and you've got a fast-paced tale about people you care about.
September 6, 2020
Couldn't finish because found Lacey, the main character to be more of a caricature who never grew out of being the popular cheerleader even though she is years beyond those glory days. Even without money she was entitled and expected Chase to just forgive, forget and take care of her. Snotty, snippy and not the kind of person any self respecting person would let back in. Ironic she berated the salesperson who worked for Chase for using her body to get her way when she was no better. Honestly I don't understand what the author was thinking writing a woman to be so.... blech and an embarrassment to women. So if you want a book where the woman is awful and grossly slutty (not in a fun way, but the ewwww gross way) than this is for you. I'm done.
January 19, 2021
Another delightful story about small towns and cowboys and the women who love them. Lacey Bradford was on the run from a crooked cop from Tennessee who was after Lacey’s ex-husband because of some crooked deals they were involved in. Trying to get away, Lacey ended up in Grady, Wyoming where her old high school friend now lived with his sister. Surely Chase Caldwell would help her either hide or with some financial help, since she was flat broke. Lacey did not know that her ex-husband had stolen Chase’ family farm and left them with nothing. When all the facts came out about what had happened in Tennessee, Lacey was sure she was at her wits end. They both had a lot of forgiving to do and she had to learn to be independent without leaning on some guy. Good book
April 30, 2025
Wow! This book really surprised me!
This is the first book for me from this author and although there were some moments that were exaggerated, I still enjoyed it.
It didn’t have any angst which I enjoy in my books, but it did have romance and drama.
This author also does a great job at character development.
I’ll certainly consider this author again.
This is the first book for me from this author and although there were some moments that were exaggerated, I still enjoyed it.
It didn’t have any angst which I enjoy in my books, but it did have romance and drama.
This author also does a great job at character development.
I’ll certainly consider this author again.
July 6, 2017
This book was a well written story about two people. that knew each other in high school. And went on to live seperate lives.
But one day something brought them back together. Will they rekindle their love for each other? Or will someone try to tear them apart from each other again.
But one day something brought them back together. Will they rekindle their love for each other? Or will someone try to tear them apart from each other again.
February 6, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
A cute cowboy romance about a boy who loved and lost a girl, and she found her way back.
Just an easy read. Reminds me of the harlequins I used to steal from my grandma 😉
I also liked the narration. I liked the accents. I lived in the South, and I thought they sounded good.
A cute cowboy romance about a boy who loved and lost a girl, and she found her way back.
Just an easy read. Reminds me of the harlequins I used to steal from my grandma 😉
I also liked the narration. I liked the accents. I lived in the South, and I thought they sounded good.
June 26, 2019
60% DNF
June 9, 2020
It's a smutty romance. Don't read it if you're looking for something deep or thought-provoking. Read it if you're looking to lay in a bath tub and let your imagination run wild.
February 16, 2021
This was fine. No real surprises and maybe a little long, but I guess it was fine.
August 20, 2023
Lacey Bradford is a total baddie. A literal icon, and probably one of my all time favourite heroines!
September 1, 2024
This was bad
September 30, 2024
Good lil cowboy book
October 31, 2024
Easy read, cheese, little spice without being smutty. Characters are pretty lovable.
March 5, 2025
The book wasn't good. But I DID read the whole thing.
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