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Cajun #3
The Cajun Cowboy
Charmaine LeDeux, who owns not one but two beauty salons on the Louisiana bayou, has a loan shark on her tail. As if that's not bad enough, Raoul Lanier, who she thought she divorced years ago, tells her that they're still married! Plus, they've inherited his father's rundown cattle ranch together. Raoul promises to give her an honest-to-god real divorce this time if she'll sell him her half of the ranch. But she decides that the ranch is the perfect place for her after all; i.e., the perfect hideout for a woman who needs to lie low for a while.
The last thing Raoul wants is for Charmaine to live with him, but Charmaine has always been stubborn. Soon she's taken over the house, adding feminine touches everywhere and having his three ranch hands eating out of her hand. When her belly-dancing great-aunt and the rest of the LeDeux clan come over for Thanksgiving dinner, Raoul knows he's lost the fight. He might as well give in to the temptation she still rouses in him. Now if he can only keep her safe from the Dixie mafia looking for her and convince her that he's worth a second chance at love.
The last thing Raoul wants is for Charmaine to live with him, but Charmaine has always been stubborn. Soon she's taken over the house, adding feminine touches everywhere and having his three ranch hands eating out of her hand. When her belly-dancing great-aunt and the rest of the LeDeux clan come over for Thanksgiving dinner, Raoul knows he's lost the fight. He might as well give in to the temptation she still rouses in him. Now if he can only keep her safe from the Dixie mafia looking for her and convince her that he's worth a second chance at love.
349 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
98 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Hill
92 books1,313 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 13, 2016
2.5 stars
"It never occurred to me that you would cry over me."
"And why is that?" she asked contrarily. Clueless… the man is clueless. I cried a river over you, baby. "Do you think you're the only one who was hurt over our breakup? Do you think you can holler at me, and my feelings won't get hurt? Do you think I don't feel bad that you feel bad? Do you ever even goddam think?"
This quote is perfect, because especially the hero, our main couple's relationship suffered from a lot of miscommunication and misunderstandings. If they had taken the time to think or talk, they could have fixed things pretty early, was mildly annoying. But really, where is the fun in reading about well adjusted people? ;)
If Cajun cowboys are your thing (and if they're not, the description of this hero will make you want them to be) then this is pretty close to a must read. The humor crosses over to slapstick a couple times, which is not my favorite, but not overly hokey. I was also not a fan of the characters saying something and then a few sentences of their inner thoughts (most of the hokey humor can be found here) immediately following. This broke up the flow of the story for me. This is a little older but I think it has aged well, no problems there.
The leads had hot chemistry and I'll never tire of reading and thinking about our hero in his scuffed boots, tight wranglers, snap button cowboy shirt, and beat up cowboy hat.
"It never occurred to me that you would cry over me."
"And why is that?" she asked contrarily. Clueless… the man is clueless. I cried a river over you, baby. "Do you think you're the only one who was hurt over our breakup? Do you think you can holler at me, and my feelings won't get hurt? Do you think I don't feel bad that you feel bad? Do you ever even goddam think?"
This quote is perfect, because especially the hero, our main couple's relationship suffered from a lot of miscommunication and misunderstandings. If they had taken the time to think or talk, they could have fixed things pretty early, was mildly annoying. But really, where is the fun in reading about well adjusted people? ;)
If Cajun cowboys are your thing (and if they're not, the description of this hero will make you want them to be) then this is pretty close to a must read. The humor crosses over to slapstick a couple times, which is not my favorite, but not overly hokey. I was also not a fan of the characters saying something and then a few sentences of their inner thoughts (most of the hokey humor can be found here) immediately following. This broke up the flow of the story for me. This is a little older but I think it has aged well, no problems there.
The leads had hot chemistry and I'll never tire of reading and thinking about our hero in his scuffed boots, tight wranglers, snap button cowboy shirt, and beat up cowboy hat.
September 28, 2008
I enjoyed this funny, down home Loo-zee-anna style book. The main characters were so neat and their interactions had me laughing out loud many times! Charmaine and Raoul (Rusty) had a history together and both were having to live with decisions they made in the past. Charmaine's character was flamboyant, but she had such a good, kind heart. Raoul was always trying to say the right things, but somehow messing up in that department. Two very likable characters that needed help and got it in St. Jude (patron saint of hopeless causes), Tante Lulu and the rest of the family.
The internal dialogue and the antics of Tante Lulu were what made this book so funny and pleasant to read. There is a dab of suspense, but this is mainly a nice, modern, romance--Canjun Style. Loved the Canjun influences on the book!
P.s. Never heard of peeling okra...hmmm.
The internal dialogue and the antics of Tante Lulu were what made this book so funny and pleasant to read. There is a dab of suspense, but this is mainly a nice, modern, romance--Canjun Style. Loved the Canjun influences on the book!
P.s. Never heard of peeling okra...hmmm.
July 3, 2019
4.5 stars
If you are looking for the perfect summer read, look no further and pick this one up. Oh my goodness! I have never read a book written by Sandra Hill before and now I'm tempted to pick them all up this summer! This book captured everything that I want in a read. The story was entertaining, the characters were likeable which caught my attention (in more ways than one), and it was downright hilarious.
From the characters to the writing style, this book was the perfect representation of what everyone loves about the South. The language. The descriptions of the food. Everything. The characters were down to earth, relatable, realistic, and downright steamy (can I find a Rusty please). It was such a cozy read but at the same time, due to the romance and the overall plot, it was exciting. The story wasn't boring. The characters definitely weren't boring. Nothing about this story was boring.
I'm so happy to be introduced to Sandra Hill's writing and now I know I need more of these cowboys in my life! It was such a fun read and I need more for the summer!
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
If you are looking for the perfect summer read, look no further and pick this one up. Oh my goodness! I have never read a book written by Sandra Hill before and now I'm tempted to pick them all up this summer! This book captured everything that I want in a read. The story was entertaining, the characters were likeable which caught my attention (in more ways than one), and it was downright hilarious.
From the characters to the writing style, this book was the perfect representation of what everyone loves about the South. The language. The descriptions of the food. Everything. The characters were down to earth, relatable, realistic, and downright steamy (can I find a Rusty please). It was such a cozy read but at the same time, due to the romance and the overall plot, it was exciting. The story wasn't boring. The characters definitely weren't boring. Nothing about this story was boring.
I'm so happy to be introduced to Sandra Hill's writing and now I know I need more of these cowboys in my life! It was such a fun read and I need more for the summer!
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
October 3, 2019
Sexy, sexy, SEXY! The banter in this book is smoking hot and so dang funny. The audio is fantastic. When you throw in the location and the colorful characters, it's just a wonderful Cajun jambalaya of a story.
Charmaine LeDeux, is a hot mess, but a successful one if you don't count the loan shark on her tail. She has parleyed her Miss Louisiana title and a savvy business brain into successful beautiful salons on the Louisiana bayou. She divorced Raoul Lanier 10 years ago and has lived to regret that rash action. Not he shows up to tell her they are still married and that his father left her 1/2 of the ranch. What a perfect place to go to avoid the loan shark, but a different shark awaits her there.
Raoul Lanier though he was well rid of Charmaine 10 years ago. He became a vet and had a successful practice until he was framed for drug dealing and sent to prison. Now he's out and running his father derelict ranch and he doesn't need Charmaine sticking her pretty nose in his business. He just needs her to sign over her 1/2 of the ranch, but that isn't going to happen. Since these two need a little divine intervention, Aunt Lulu arrives with Saint Jude to lend them a hand and give them a second chance at love.
Charmaine LeDeux, is a hot mess, but a successful one if you don't count the loan shark on her tail. She has parleyed her Miss Louisiana title and a savvy business brain into successful beautiful salons on the Louisiana bayou. She divorced Raoul Lanier 10 years ago and has lived to regret that rash action. Not he shows up to tell her they are still married and that his father left her 1/2 of the ranch. What a perfect place to go to avoid the loan shark, but a different shark awaits her there.
Raoul Lanier though he was well rid of Charmaine 10 years ago. He became a vet and had a successful practice until he was framed for drug dealing and sent to prison. Now he's out and running his father derelict ranch and he doesn't need Charmaine sticking her pretty nose in his business. He just needs her to sign over her 1/2 of the ranch, but that isn't going to happen. Since these two need a little divine intervention, Aunt Lulu arrives with Saint Jude to lend them a hand and give them a second chance at love.
June 12, 2009
The Cajun Cowboy starts with Charmaine and Tante Lulu commiserating over some oyster shooters. (which sounds disgusting btw) It seems Charmaine has to come up with a lot of money or else the local Dixie mafia is going to shoot her in the kneecaps. As if that wasn't enough, her first ex husband (she has had four of them all together) comes waltzing back into her life and tells her that technically she has never had any ex husbands because they are still legally married! Whoops. Raoul has spent the last two years in prison after being set up and all he wants to do is get his life back. While going over his father's paperwork, he realizes that this ex wife isn't really his ex wife and that his father left her half of his ranch. Raoul offers to give Charmaine a divorce if she'll sell her half back to him. Unfortunately for him, a cattle ranch deep in the Louisiana countryside is the perfect hiding spot for Charmaine and so not only does she refuse his "generous" offer, she moves in! Since this is a Sandra Hill book, there are a bunch of irrepressible characters tucked away on the ranch. There's the ex con/music instructor who has a fine butt, the hang dog old foreman who needs a teeth whitening appointment, as well as the snot nosed punk, whose not really a snot nosed punk but a misunderstood kid. Add in Charmaine's aunt, Tante Lulu and the rest of her crazy clan and you've got a heck of a family holiday party. Charmaine and Raoul have always loved each other and Raoul would love to make the moves on her again but there's the tiny matter of Charmaine being a born again virgin and her determination that the next relationship she jumps into will be for keeps. When the barn starts exploding and the bullets start flying, Raoul might just be willing to play for keeps but will he be able to do that and keep Charmaine safe?
Ahh, another charming tale from Sandra Hill. Charmaine was delightful especially when she was decked out in her in-your-face bimbo attire. How many sexually suggestive logo's can Sandra Hill make up? Raoul (I can't stop saying his name without a ridiculously overblown accent) is also charming and his sometimes gruff manner was a perfect foil for Charmaine's breezy personality. Tante Lulu once again steps in with the aid of St. Jude and the ranch hands also lend their unwanted expertise.
There is an interesting plot that includes Raoul's father and his mysterious death, dastardly oil companies and Charmaine's loan shark. It helps to move the story along and keep the ball rolling, especially since there isn't a whole lot of sex going on. Charmaine and her born again hymen keep cutting Raoul off on the knees plus she's demanding forever this time. Raoul feels he's got too much going on right now to concentrate on his wife but when the divorce papers come in, neither one will sign them, nor will either one make a move. It takes a family filled Thanksgiving to get these two made-for-each-other lovers to finally take the leap.....again.
Although I really liked The Cajun Cowboy and I liked Charmaine, I wished she would have eased up on the gigantic chip on her shoulder. The girl walks, talks and acts like a bimbo but if anyone even dares say that she tends to react badly. Raoul manages to get past her prickly defenses though and sweeps this former Miss Louisiana off her feet. This was a good fun read and I can't wait to read more of Sandra Hill's Cajun series. Enjoy!!
Ahh, another charming tale from Sandra Hill. Charmaine was delightful especially when she was decked out in her in-your-face bimbo attire. How many sexually suggestive logo's can Sandra Hill make up? Raoul (I can't stop saying his name without a ridiculously overblown accent) is also charming and his sometimes gruff manner was a perfect foil for Charmaine's breezy personality. Tante Lulu once again steps in with the aid of St. Jude and the ranch hands also lend their unwanted expertise.
There is an interesting plot that includes Raoul's father and his mysterious death, dastardly oil companies and Charmaine's loan shark. It helps to move the story along and keep the ball rolling, especially since there isn't a whole lot of sex going on. Charmaine and her born again hymen keep cutting Raoul off on the knees plus she's demanding forever this time. Raoul feels he's got too much going on right now to concentrate on his wife but when the divorce papers come in, neither one will sign them, nor will either one make a move. It takes a family filled Thanksgiving to get these two made-for-each-other lovers to finally take the leap.....again.
Although I really liked The Cajun Cowboy and I liked Charmaine, I wished she would have eased up on the gigantic chip on her shoulder. The girl walks, talks and acts like a bimbo but if anyone even dares say that she tends to react badly. Raoul manages to get past her prickly defenses though and sweeps this former Miss Louisiana off her feet. This was a good fun read and I can't wait to read more of Sandra Hill's Cajun series. Enjoy!!
March 1, 2008
After reading Colleen's review of Cajun Cowboy, I ran out and bought the last copy from my local bookstore. I needed something fresh and new and funnier than heck after a tough week at the office.
Cajun Cowboy is a great story - laugh out loud funny, sexy, witty, and full of the most bizarre, eccentric characters. Charmaine, a born-again virgin, and her ex, Rusty a/k/a Raoul, were well-written and believable, but Tante Lulu, Charmaine's quasi-great aunt, was by far my favorite. When Rusty described Tante Lulu as looking like a 5-foot rodeo clown (cowboy boots, spurs and all), I had a fit of giggles. The only thing better was when Tante Lulu walked in on Rusty while he was - *ahem* - in the buff. The dialogue was classic.
Did I mention that I wanted to get my hand on some of the recipes for the Cajun dishes in this book? I don't recommend reading this book at 2am unless you can avoid a snack attack.
The only thing that really bugged me about this book was when the author kept using the word "homed" (which she used many, many times). The proper word should have been "honed" given the context in which she was using it, but it is a mistake that can be easily forgiven and over-looked.
I've decided I no longer have control over my buying power at the bookstore. I trust Colleen's judgment (again) and am thankful to have someone to blame when my hubby gripes and complains. Thanks, Colleen!
Cajun Cowboy is a great story - laugh out loud funny, sexy, witty, and full of the most bizarre, eccentric characters. Charmaine, a born-again virgin, and her ex, Rusty a/k/a Raoul, were well-written and believable, but Tante Lulu, Charmaine's quasi-great aunt, was by far my favorite. When Rusty described Tante Lulu as looking like a 5-foot rodeo clown (cowboy boots, spurs and all), I had a fit of giggles. The only thing better was when Tante Lulu walked in on Rusty while he was - *ahem* - in the buff. The dialogue was classic.
Did I mention that I wanted to get my hand on some of the recipes for the Cajun dishes in this book? I don't recommend reading this book at 2am unless you can avoid a snack attack.
The only thing that really bugged me about this book was when the author kept using the word "homed" (which she used many, many times). The proper word should have been "honed" given the context in which she was using it, but it is a mistake that can be easily forgiven and over-looked.
I've decided I no longer have control over my buying power at the bookstore. I trust Colleen's judgment (again) and am thankful to have someone to blame when my hubby gripes and complains. Thanks, Colleen!
February 25, 2008
I'm very thankful to the publisher for choosing a sedate cover for The Cajun Cowboy. This book is sooo funny, it would really be embarassing to read in public if it had a racy cover. We're not talking grins or brief giggles, we're talking laughs that make your sides hurt and bring tears to your eyes.
This book is part of a series by Sandra Hill and I can't wait to read the others. The funniest character is Tante Lulu and I'm looking forward to reading more of her outrageous dialog in the other books.
This book is part of a series by Sandra Hill and I can't wait to read the others. The funniest character is Tante Lulu and I'm looking forward to reading more of her outrageous dialog in the other books.
September 3, 2009
I orginally gave this book a four. I bumped it to five because I loved the down home country heroine. I'm a country girl so I enjoy reading a book about a chick I can identify with. So sick of perfect yuppie business ladies. P.S. I aspire to be like Tante LuLu!
July 12, 2011
The Cajun Cowboy (Cajun, #3): Great book in one of my Favorite Romance Series ever
Overall thoughts
So this is the second book I've read in the Cajun series by Sandra Hill. Its a wonderful book. This is the literary equivalent to Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie and Casserole, Fried Chicken, and any other calorie filled southern comfort food ever! I feel warm and happy beyond belief After one of these books. Great read!
I'm On a reading roll right now and don't quite feel up to a full Review, I will comeback and Give it one however..I hope but just in case here's a few things
1. ITS HILARIOUS: this book will make you LOL many a time, it sure did for me
2.The Characters are so endearing, you end up loving everyone
3.The culture is poignant and wonderful. I love this Lousiana bayou town called Houma
4.Its Well written
:)
Overall thoughts
So this is the second book I've read in the Cajun series by Sandra Hill. Its a wonderful book. This is the literary equivalent to Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie and Casserole, Fried Chicken, and any other calorie filled southern comfort food ever! I feel warm and happy beyond belief After one of these books. Great read!
I'm On a reading roll right now and don't quite feel up to a full Review, I will comeback and Give it one however..I hope but just in case here's a few things
1. ITS HILARIOUS: this book will make you LOL many a time, it sure did for me
2.The Characters are so endearing, you end up loving everyone
3.The culture is poignant and wonderful. I love this Lousiana bayou town called Houma
4.Its Well written
:)
December 31, 2018
Omg I love these Cajun novels by Sandra Hill these two deserve each other kind of funny to come to find out that they weren't actually divorced when she thought they were and she was married three other times just going for a how how that happened she be able to get married when she was still legally married but Rusty is 1 hot sexy Alpha Cajun Cowboy can't wait to read more of the Cajun novels by Sandra Hill
September 20, 2014
The third book in the Cajun series by Sandra Hill. Such a fun and entertaining story. Yee-Yaw!
March 11, 2016
Aunque se resistieron un tanto, Raoul y Charmaine volvieron a estar juntos. ¿Quién podría resistirse a una ex-reina de belleza y un vaquero cajun? *-*
April 22, 2019
Charmaine and Raoul were both interesting characters. Tante Lulu was as entertaining as ever.
October 27, 2017
Lo que no me hizo amarlo como debería esta historia y eso que tiene todo; como ser original y divertidísima, fue que ellos desperdiciaron muchísimo tiempo, tiempo donde ya estuvieran rodeado de muchos hijos. Pero supongo que no fue el momento, él por no valorarla más y ella por no confiar más en él, eso como que no me hizo disfrutar mucho la historia, también hubo partes donde a ella la califican de cierta manera y pues sentí que él no la defendió como se esperaba y eso que se llena la boca de alabanzas de ella en algunas partes...
July 16, 2025
This was a good book funny and steamy but kind of predictable so if your looking for a predictable romcom with Cajun cowboys this one's for you
January 18, 2009
Another hilarious, laugh out loud book by Sandra Hill. The Cajun Cowboy is 3rd in the series, and so far the best.
The sexual tension between Rusty and Charmaine is great. I really enjoyed both of their characters. Tante Lulu is funnier than ever, with her outrageous cloting and constant meddeling. This by far is my favorite in the series.
The sexual tension between Rusty and Charmaine is great. I really enjoyed both of their characters. Tante Lulu is funnier than ever, with her outrageous cloting and constant meddeling. This by far is my favorite in the series.
December 30, 2012
First book I ever read by this author, so obviously first book I ever read with the LeDeux family. It was interesting. A few plot points that seemed to come out of nowhere and weren't woven into the story very well. But the characters were very well-developed.
November 18, 2023
This was good but I didn't really like how the ending came around. The romance was done and then It was drama for drama's sake and it could have been really good. So also the mystery of who is doing this is all off scene and we really don't see how it went down only the end. So making the drama dependent on this plot line made the over arc also not the best.
October 13, 2018
Good read
I read this one years ago in paperback and liked it as much as the others. Who doesn't love cowboys and then add that he's a Cajun hunk ad you have hot, hot, hot. Add sexy Charmaine to the mix and you have hot sex and romance and lots of sparks. Her mother is a stripper and nearly everyone thinks Charmaine is a dumb bimbo, but she is a savvy businesswoman. Then throw in Tante Lulu and Saint Jude and chaos reins. Highly recommend.
I read this one years ago in paperback and liked it as much as the others. Who doesn't love cowboys and then add that he's a Cajun hunk ad you have hot, hot, hot. Add sexy Charmaine to the mix and you have hot sex and romance and lots of sparks. Her mother is a stripper and nearly everyone thinks Charmaine is a dumb bimbo, but she is a savvy businesswoman. Then throw in Tante Lulu and Saint Jude and chaos reins. Highly recommend.
May 7, 2017
Necesito a mi vaquero
September 17, 2017
Well-written, humorous. A must read.
October 9, 2017
I loved reading Charlaine's story, I feel like I know her from her appearance in other related series in this world. As always, funny and romantic.
December 13, 2017
Rollercoaster of a ride
Sandra Hill does it again! Ride the rollercoaster of life with all the thrills and chills in this book. Be prepared to lol and be misty too with this one.
Sandra Hill does it again! Ride the rollercoaster of life with all the thrills and chills in this book. Be prepared to lol and be misty too with this one.
February 18, 2018
This is my first time reading Sandra Hill books. It was a fun read after I figured out the Louisiana dialect that is used in the book. The characters are interesting and the story line is good.
June 25, 2018
I loved this story. I cannot wait to start reading Rene's story!
August 1, 2018
So much tongue in cheek fun!! Well written and entertaining.
4.5 stars :)
4.5 stars :)
February 11, 2019
I enjoyed this. I've read Sandra Hill for a long time and her "quirky" style of writing is a nice break from some of the more serious? straightforward? styles.
March 19, 2019
Very funny! Lulu will keep you laughing.
April 3, 2019
Easily my favorite couple in this series.
July 17, 2019
I normally don't read contemporary romance genre books, but got handed this one and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I especially liked the humor scattered throughout the story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews