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Acquainted with the Night #5
Cowboy Crazy
She kicked the country dust off her boots a long time ago…
Sarah Landon’s Ivy League scholarship transformed her from a wide-eyed country girl into a poised professional. Her job at the Carrigan Oil Company has given her the sophisticated life she longed for, but when she meets her boss’s black-sheep brother, she realizes her roots are showing.
But he’s ready to remind her she’s a cowgirl at heart.
Rebellious rodeo cowboy Lane Carrigan is determined to save the Wyoming community of Two Shot from the ravages of energy development, but Sarah’s convinced her old hometown needs a swift kick in the pants from the march of progress.
When a lapsed cowgirl collides with rodeo royalty, it’s bound to be a wild ride—and somebody’s going to end up in the dirt.
Sarah Landon’s Ivy League scholarship transformed her from a wide-eyed country girl into a poised professional. Her job at the Carrigan Oil Company has given her the sophisticated life she longed for, but when she meets her boss’s black-sheep brother, she realizes her roots are showing.
But he’s ready to remind her she’s a cowgirl at heart.
Rebellious rodeo cowboy Lane Carrigan is determined to save the Wyoming community of Two Shot from the ravages of energy development, but Sarah’s convinced her old hometown needs a swift kick in the pants from the march of progress.
When a lapsed cowgirl collides with rodeo royalty, it’s bound to be a wild ride—and somebody’s going to end up in the dirt.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
27 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Kennedy
27 books219 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 45 reviews
June 14, 2012
I haven't read that many cowboy romance books, but I have to say I loved, loved, loved Lane Carrigan.
Having grown up with money and being shipped of to boarding school, Lane Carrigan longs for the type of life he had for two weeks each summer when he visited his grandfather's ranch in Two Shot, Wyoming. He's left the cooperate raiding to his younger brother and instead rides in the bull riding tour and he wants to leave little Two Shot just the way it is. Unfortunately, his little brother has other ideas.
Sarah Landon has run from her past and the poverty she grew up with in Two Shot. She got a scholarship to Vassar and worked hard to create an image of someone who was cultured. Unfortunately, when her boss sends wants her to deal with his older brother who's out to put a wrench in their oil drilling plans, Sarah's forced right back into the past she tries to stay away from.
I love, in my books anyway, a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Lane Carrigan is such a man. While Sarah isn't the type of woman he's normally attracted to, he doesn't fight what he feels. There is something about Sarah he knows calls to him. Unfortunately, Sarah fights what's happening between them the entire time. While it frustrates Lane, he never gives up on her. Instead he tries to find ways to prove to Sarah that what they have it worth trying and fighting for.
While Sarah frustrated me, I could understand why she was running from Lane. It wasn't so much Lane, but what he represented, that caused her to run. She was a rodeo girl who lost it all when her step-father died. Being with Lane tended to reopen those old wounds. What frustrated me was not dealing with what happened in her past and understanding that the past wasn't necessarily going to repeat itself.
This was my first Joanne Kennedy book, but I look forward to more from her and hope we have another sexy cowboy waiting in the wings.
Having grown up with money and being shipped of to boarding school, Lane Carrigan longs for the type of life he had for two weeks each summer when he visited his grandfather's ranch in Two Shot, Wyoming. He's left the cooperate raiding to his younger brother and instead rides in the bull riding tour and he wants to leave little Two Shot just the way it is. Unfortunately, his little brother has other ideas.
Sarah Landon has run from her past and the poverty she grew up with in Two Shot. She got a scholarship to Vassar and worked hard to create an image of someone who was cultured. Unfortunately, when her boss sends wants her to deal with his older brother who's out to put a wrench in their oil drilling plans, Sarah's forced right back into the past she tries to stay away from.
I love, in my books anyway, a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Lane Carrigan is such a man. While Sarah isn't the type of woman he's normally attracted to, he doesn't fight what he feels. There is something about Sarah he knows calls to him. Unfortunately, Sarah fights what's happening between them the entire time. While it frustrates Lane, he never gives up on her. Instead he tries to find ways to prove to Sarah that what they have it worth trying and fighting for.
While Sarah frustrated me, I could understand why she was running from Lane. It wasn't so much Lane, but what he represented, that caused her to run. She was a rodeo girl who lost it all when her step-father died. Being with Lane tended to reopen those old wounds. What frustrated me was not dealing with what happened in her past and understanding that the past wasn't necessarily going to repeat itself.
This was my first Joanne Kennedy book, but I look forward to more from her and hope we have another sexy cowboy waiting in the wings.
October 23, 2013
Good book. Sarah was very happy to leave her small town behind and reinvent herself. Now she's a public relations professional working for Carrigan Oil. Everything is great until her boss's older brother makes it known that he doesn't want them drilling on the family ranch and wrecking the small town he calls home. Now her boss wants her to go there and convince Lane and the townspeople that drilling will be a good thing. Her mission gets derailed when the attraction between the two of them takes over.
I had a bit of trouble liking Sarah, especially at the beginning. She came across as rather snobby, looking down on the small town people. Her initial opinion of Lane was that he was a footloose cowboy with no ambition and no interest in making things better for the people of his town. She also discovered that she was incredibly attracted to him, which was not in her plan at all. When her boss, who is also Lane's brother, tells her to get close to him and change Lane's mind about opposing the drilling, she is not happy. Going to a rodeo with Lane brings back unhappy memories for her. It also feeds the attraction she feels for him. The more time she spends with Lane the more he succeeds in making her remember the good things about her life in Two Shot, but she still has issues with things from her past. Lane's influence has her allowing the real her to come out more and more. I liked seeing her relax and start to have some fun with Lane. She also has her eyes opened about the truth behind some of her worst memories of her youth. Sarah has been helping out her sister whose got problems with her ex, but later learns that things aren't always like they seem there either. She has a bad habit of judging first before getting the whole story and then it takes a lot to convince her that she was wrong. When she finally opens up to Lane about her past she also confronts him about his rosy view of small towns and shows him what it can be like for the real people. She has a lot of anger and hurt to overcome before she can allow herself to be happy with Lane.
I liked Lane a lot. He is a pretty laid back kind of guy, happy with his rodeo work and running the family ranch. He's content to leave the running of the family oil business to his brother until Eric makes the decision to start drilling on the ranch. Lane doesn't want the ugliness of the drills on his land and he doesn't want the changes that the drilling would bring to his hometown. He's seen what happened in other small towns and has vowed to fight it. He isn't impressed by Sarah when he meets her, just seeing a stuck up city girl who has no idea what ranching and small towns are like. He is surprised by the difference in her when he takes her to the rodeo and by the attraction he feels for her. It doesn't take long for him to see beneath the citified surface to the country girl that is still inside her. As he finds out more of her story he wants Sarah to accept the person she really is. He is persistent about it, but he is gentle about it. He doesn't try to browbeat her into accepting his viewpoint. He also finds the attraction he feels for her growing into something much more. I liked the way that he accepted his feelings for her and wanted to do whatever necessary to bring her around to his side. They still had their differences about life in a small town, and when Sarah's sister became ill and it was an hour's drive to a hospital he finally started to understand her assertion that the town needed the income that the drilling would bring in. I liked the way that he worked out a way for both sides to be happy.
Both Lane and Sarah had somewhat unrealistic views of life in the small town of Two Shot. Lane's view was on the rosy side, seeing only the good things like neighbors watching out for each other, knowing almost everyone, and not having to deal with the stresses of city life. All Sarah could see were the negatives such as judgmental small town people, lack of jobs and money needed for the comforts of life, and the dangers of not having basic services. By getting to know and love each other they also were able to re-evaluate what they wanted from life and come out on the other side as happier people. The attraction and passion between them helped to open up their hearts and minds to the potential for real happiness.
I had a bit of trouble liking Sarah, especially at the beginning. She came across as rather snobby, looking down on the small town people. Her initial opinion of Lane was that he was a footloose cowboy with no ambition and no interest in making things better for the people of his town. She also discovered that she was incredibly attracted to him, which was not in her plan at all. When her boss, who is also Lane's brother, tells her to get close to him and change Lane's mind about opposing the drilling, she is not happy. Going to a rodeo with Lane brings back unhappy memories for her. It also feeds the attraction she feels for him. The more time she spends with Lane the more he succeeds in making her remember the good things about her life in Two Shot, but she still has issues with things from her past. Lane's influence has her allowing the real her to come out more and more. I liked seeing her relax and start to have some fun with Lane. She also has her eyes opened about the truth behind some of her worst memories of her youth. Sarah has been helping out her sister whose got problems with her ex, but later learns that things aren't always like they seem there either. She has a bad habit of judging first before getting the whole story and then it takes a lot to convince her that she was wrong. When she finally opens up to Lane about her past she also confronts him about his rosy view of small towns and shows him what it can be like for the real people. She has a lot of anger and hurt to overcome before she can allow herself to be happy with Lane.
I liked Lane a lot. He is a pretty laid back kind of guy, happy with his rodeo work and running the family ranch. He's content to leave the running of the family oil business to his brother until Eric makes the decision to start drilling on the ranch. Lane doesn't want the ugliness of the drills on his land and he doesn't want the changes that the drilling would bring to his hometown. He's seen what happened in other small towns and has vowed to fight it. He isn't impressed by Sarah when he meets her, just seeing a stuck up city girl who has no idea what ranching and small towns are like. He is surprised by the difference in her when he takes her to the rodeo and by the attraction he feels for her. It doesn't take long for him to see beneath the citified surface to the country girl that is still inside her. As he finds out more of her story he wants Sarah to accept the person she really is. He is persistent about it, but he is gentle about it. He doesn't try to browbeat her into accepting his viewpoint. He also finds the attraction he feels for her growing into something much more. I liked the way that he accepted his feelings for her and wanted to do whatever necessary to bring her around to his side. They still had their differences about life in a small town, and when Sarah's sister became ill and it was an hour's drive to a hospital he finally started to understand her assertion that the town needed the income that the drilling would bring in. I liked the way that he worked out a way for both sides to be happy.
Both Lane and Sarah had somewhat unrealistic views of life in the small town of Two Shot. Lane's view was on the rosy side, seeing only the good things like neighbors watching out for each other, knowing almost everyone, and not having to deal with the stresses of city life. All Sarah could see were the negatives such as judgmental small town people, lack of jobs and money needed for the comforts of life, and the dangers of not having basic services. By getting to know and love each other they also were able to re-evaluate what they wanted from life and come out on the other side as happier people. The attraction and passion between them helped to open up their hearts and minds to the potential for real happiness.
May 21, 2012
Gennie's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Cowboy Crazy by Joanne Kennedy is a story set in the modern west about two opposites who aren’t quite so opposed as they would appear. Ms. Kennedy combines all the things that make a good western novel, hot cowboys, rodeo, horses, ranching, did I mention hot alpha cowboys and adds in just the right mix of sassy heroine and current politics to keep the story moving.
I loved Lane Carrigan who is the bull-riding, bad boy hero of this story. Even though Lane was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and only spent a few weeks each year on a ranch, he encompasses all that can be good and right about the western cowboy image while still walking a little on the wild side. Then we meet Sarah Landon who was born and raised in the one horse town of Two Shot. Unfortunately, growing up Sarah had to endure all that is hard and sucky about living in a small town where everybody knows your business and problems. In many ways I identified with Sarah way too much which caused this book to be an emotional rollercoaster for me. However, this did NOT hamper my enjoyment of this book!
If you enjoy a story about the new West and the struggle to preserve the past while trying to create a vibrant future, along with some sizzle between the sheets, then this books for you! There are also some fun and interesting minor characters and I would love to read their stories! I hope you enjoy Ms. Kennedy’s brand of contemporary, western romance as much as I do!
Cowboy Crazy by Joanne Kennedy is a story set in the modern west about two opposites who aren’t quite so opposed as they would appear. Ms. Kennedy combines all the things that make a good western novel, hot cowboys, rodeo, horses, ranching, did I mention hot alpha cowboys and adds in just the right mix of sassy heroine and current politics to keep the story moving.
I loved Lane Carrigan who is the bull-riding, bad boy hero of this story. Even though Lane was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and only spent a few weeks each year on a ranch, he encompasses all that can be good and right about the western cowboy image while still walking a little on the wild side. Then we meet Sarah Landon who was born and raised in the one horse town of Two Shot. Unfortunately, growing up Sarah had to endure all that is hard and sucky about living in a small town where everybody knows your business and problems. In many ways I identified with Sarah way too much which caused this book to be an emotional rollercoaster for me. However, this did NOT hamper my enjoyment of this book!
If you enjoy a story about the new West and the struggle to preserve the past while trying to create a vibrant future, along with some sizzle between the sheets, then this books for you! There are also some fun and interesting minor characters and I would love to read their stories! I hope you enjoy Ms. Kennedy’s brand of contemporary, western romance as much as I do!
June 5, 2012
A bit of cowboy loving, I should not say little. These two sure wanted each other at once and went for it. The trouble was the loving part, the passion was easy ;)
Sarah, I could understand her. Who wants to live in a dying town and with memories like that, so she left and created a new persona. Someone successful and from a good background, but she never lied. She is what Lane should be, but again also re-invented himself and threw away he privileged rich boy and tried his best to become a rancher and a cowboy. So they are opposites, however you look at it. But then does Sarah really want to be all prissy?
After having read 2 other books by her I did expect a bit of drama or something, but this was not that kind of book. This was all about the romance. Sarah struggles with her attraction as he is her boss's brother. And Lane really wants her. But she puts up quite the fight, good for her, he should work for it.
There is also a bit about her getting over something in the past and going back home. The town she never wanted to see again. She does have a few issues to deal with.
Conclusion:
All in all making this a sweet (and passionate) cowboy romance. Boy meets girl, the oldest story in the world, and just as lovely as always.
Sarah, I could understand her. Who wants to live in a dying town and with memories like that, so she left and created a new persona. Someone successful and from a good background, but she never lied. She is what Lane should be, but again also re-invented himself and threw away he privileged rich boy and tried his best to become a rancher and a cowboy. So they are opposites, however you look at it. But then does Sarah really want to be all prissy?
After having read 2 other books by her I did expect a bit of drama or something, but this was not that kind of book. This was all about the romance. Sarah struggles with her attraction as he is her boss's brother. And Lane really wants her. But she puts up quite the fight, good for her, he should work for it.
There is also a bit about her getting over something in the past and going back home. The town she never wanted to see again. She does have a few issues to deal with.
Conclusion:
All in all making this a sweet (and passionate) cowboy romance. Boy meets girl, the oldest story in the world, and just as lovely as always.
December 16, 2022
The writing in this book is *rough*, but it does get much better by the end (or I stopped caring as much so I can finish the novel.) The book is full of great lines such as: "He was wearing briefs. Briefy briefs, the briefiest imaginable." Now, I don't expect a literary masterpiece, but come on.
I suspect any other criticism I have of the book would be viewed as positives, but I genuinely hope that the loved ones in my life do not experience this sort of romance.
Having said that, some parts of the book are oddly interesting. The conflict over mineral rights is well done. The twist reveals about Sarah's past were good story development.
I suspect any other criticism I have of the book would be viewed as positives, but I genuinely hope that the loved ones in my life do not experience this sort of romance.
Having said that, some parts of the book are oddly interesting. The conflict over mineral rights is well done. The twist reveals about Sarah's past were good story development.
June 6, 2022
My first book by this author. Loved it. Only thing I didn’t like was how stupid Sarah is. Especially towards the end. She could use some good therapy. I fell in love with Lane and his good nature. Great book! Can’t wait to read more.
March 22, 2018
Good reads
good reAd, I liked the animal love, Sarah had no problems cleaning stalls, and also her love for her dad, loved the ending.
good reAd, I liked the animal love, Sarah had no problems cleaning stalls, and also her love for her dad, loved the ending.
April 24, 2019
This was a good book
January 2, 2022
bad but in such a good way
January 16, 2022
Picked this book up at my local Walmart. I was just looking to spend some money on some cheap books. It was definitely a good read and you can never go wrong with a good cowboy book!
July 10, 2023
I would have given this book three stars if the author hadn’t forgotten the name of their horse half way through the book.
August 24, 2023
Can something happen?!! So boring! Didn't even get to the big 'secret' reveal. Skip it.
July 12, 2025
After a vacation in Casper, Wyoming and experiencing my first rodeo, this book was easy to fall in love with.
January 2, 2022
Had a hard time getting into this book.
September 24, 2012
Joanne Kennedy strikes gold again with her latest release, COWBOY CRAZY. This novel is fun, sexy and wildly entertaining. Western romance fans should not pass this up!
Sarah Landon has spent her whole life trying to escape her past. Still running from the small town that broke her spirit when she was young, Sarah now plays the role of a successful, independent businesswoman. Working for Carrigan Corporation in Casper, Wyoming has been a dream come true until she becomes associated with an oil drilling project set in the place she thought she left behind forever. When her boss Eric Carrigan asks her to spend time with his brother Lane and convince him to agree to the drilling project, her perfect job is no longer the escape from her former life. Lane makes Sarah remember all the best things about her small town life and has a smile that drives her wild. Sarah would be crazy to fall in love with a cowboy like Lane, but going a little crazy may be exactly what she needs.
COWBOY CRAZY by Joanne Kennedy is a fabulously fun and stunningly sexy novel. It has plenty to love and nothing to hate. This lighthearted story features great characters in a lively literary world you never want to leave and for very good reasons. The plot is very light on drama, which is a plus for die hard romance fans because it gives you an opportunity to focus on a great couple. Reading about their developing romance is addictive and spellbinding. Once you become enraptured in their story you don't want to put the book down.
Sarah was a heroine I could really relate to. It was interesting to experience Sarah's conflict and reluctance, yet understand the ease with which she fit back into the small-town persona. She had some annoying qualities, but they were used perfectly in this story. Her relationship with Lane made all her bad qualities seem cute. She relaxed more and didn't have to be the person she was pretending to be. She was a very likable heroine when she was just being herself. It's really another great aspect of the novel's focus...Sarah's journey to becoming her real self again and it is a fun, crazy adventure.
A contemporary western romance is nothing without a sexy cowboy and Ms Kennedy has certainly hit the mark with Lane Carrigan. He has an honest, down-to-earth charm that was the perfect means to tear down Sarah's faux professional personality. One thing that stood out for me was Lane's gentle persistence. He was always so sure of himself and knew what was going on between him and Sarah long before she did. Yet his best quality was his selflessness. There was hardly a time in this novel when he was not thinking about someone else's happiness. Truly, his character is a great guy and it showed in many ways.
Joanne Kennedy has a knack for making contemporary romance fun and creating couples like Lane and Sarah that have great chemistry. Great chemistry that added a lot to their passionate romance and provided sweet moments that made your heart flutter. Still, it is not all romance and flowers. COWBOY CRAZY is also very funny! It's such a light and wonderfully enjoyable read with a large cast of endearing characters. Characters that make you laugh and smile. It was so thrilling to read a novel where there is limited suspenseful drama yet never a dull moment.
So if I haven't convinced you yet, set aside a few hours or an afternoon to read Joanne Kennedy's latest COWBOY CRAZY. With a sexy cowboy, a spirited heroine and small town antics, you just can't lose. Honestly, you would be crazy to pass this novel up!
Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews
June 8, 2012
I read and reviewed this book for Book Savvy Babe Blog
I enjoy reading cowboy romances, cowboys, especially the cowboys in Joanne Kennedy’s novels, have that rough and rugged, hard-working gentleman thing going on that make romance readers wish they could rope themselves a cowboy. In Cowboy Crazy, Joanne Kennedy writes a story about a girl who leaves the ranch, but she is still a cowgirl at heart.
Sarah Landon did not have the easiest life growing up in a small cow-town. She grew up loving horses and riding in barrel races, until tragedy struck and she determined to break away from the town and her roots. After putting herself through college and setting herself up as a high-class business woman, her past catches up with her when she must convince a cowboy to allow modern oil drilling on his ranch. Lane Carrigan grew up blue-blooded, but his heart always belonged on the ranch. He was determined to keep the status quo in his small town, until he meets Sarah and he realizes that small town living is not as easy and simple as he thought. As the pair butt heads, attraction builds and they must both re-evaluate their positions.
I enjoyed the story line of Cowboy Crazy, Sarah Landon is a woman who had been running from her past for a long time, and the longer she ran, the more firmly her beliefs became. When she had to confront hard truths, she had to face that maybe she drew wrong conclusions when she was younger and maybe she should let the past be the past. However, I did not love her character, she was often very stubborn and she placed blame in the wrong places and on the wrong people. I just didn’t identify with her very well. I could understand her situation, but she could be very snobby and bratty, and I did not like her all the time. Also, her roommate was pretty annoying as well, she totally disregarded everything Sarah asked of her, and overall, I just did not sync well with the characters.
Lane is the cowboy hero in Cowboy Crazy. He is a good man, although he has some lessons to learn as well. He was so drawn into the “simple” cowboy life, but he did not fully understand what that meant, especially for the ranchers without extra pennies to rub together. The characters all wound up coming across a bit snobbish at times, and that was off-putting. I will say this, however, Lane really has a good heart, he loves horses and the land and I did like his character.
Cowboy Crazy is a story about facing reality and coming home, it is a good story and I was happy that the characters grew within the story. I think that I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I understood and liked Sarah more. Sometimes, a reader comes across a character that doesn’t jibe with them, and that’s what happened for me in this book. My uncertainty about Sarah’s character colored my overall view of the book. However, I liked the storyline and I will read more by Joanne Kennedy in the future. I do love those cowboys…
I enjoy reading cowboy romances, cowboys, especially the cowboys in Joanne Kennedy’s novels, have that rough and rugged, hard-working gentleman thing going on that make romance readers wish they could rope themselves a cowboy. In Cowboy Crazy, Joanne Kennedy writes a story about a girl who leaves the ranch, but she is still a cowgirl at heart.
Sarah Landon did not have the easiest life growing up in a small cow-town. She grew up loving horses and riding in barrel races, until tragedy struck and she determined to break away from the town and her roots. After putting herself through college and setting herself up as a high-class business woman, her past catches up with her when she must convince a cowboy to allow modern oil drilling on his ranch. Lane Carrigan grew up blue-blooded, but his heart always belonged on the ranch. He was determined to keep the status quo in his small town, until he meets Sarah and he realizes that small town living is not as easy and simple as he thought. As the pair butt heads, attraction builds and they must both re-evaluate their positions.
I enjoyed the story line of Cowboy Crazy, Sarah Landon is a woman who had been running from her past for a long time, and the longer she ran, the more firmly her beliefs became. When she had to confront hard truths, she had to face that maybe she drew wrong conclusions when she was younger and maybe she should let the past be the past. However, I did not love her character, she was often very stubborn and she placed blame in the wrong places and on the wrong people. I just didn’t identify with her very well. I could understand her situation, but she could be very snobby and bratty, and I did not like her all the time. Also, her roommate was pretty annoying as well, she totally disregarded everything Sarah asked of her, and overall, I just did not sync well with the characters.
Lane is the cowboy hero in Cowboy Crazy. He is a good man, although he has some lessons to learn as well. He was so drawn into the “simple” cowboy life, but he did not fully understand what that meant, especially for the ranchers without extra pennies to rub together. The characters all wound up coming across a bit snobbish at times, and that was off-putting. I will say this, however, Lane really has a good heart, he loves horses and the land and I did like his character.
Cowboy Crazy is a story about facing reality and coming home, it is a good story and I was happy that the characters grew within the story. I think that I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I understood and liked Sarah more. Sometimes, a reader comes across a character that doesn’t jibe with them, and that’s what happened for me in this book. My uncertainty about Sarah’s character colored my overall view of the book. However, I liked the storyline and I will read more by Joanne Kennedy in the future. I do love those cowboys…
June 2, 2012
3 1/2 stars...
Lane Carrigan might have been born rich, but he’s happiest when he’s bucking around on the back of a bull. As half owner of Carrigan Oil with his brother, Eric, Lane lets Eric handle the business end of things; he just wants to ride rodeos and run the family ranch. When a reporter catches him and asks about the company’s plan to drill on the ranch, he’s blindsided and upset. Lane wants to protect the town from “Big Oil” and maintain the small-town charm, even if it means going head-to-head with his brother.
Sarah Landon is a Public Relations specialist for Carrigan Oil. Her boss, Eric, thinks she’s a city girl who went to a fancy college and has lived a life of privilege. The reality is that she grew up a few miles from where she is now, in a tiny town called Two Shot; dirt poor, she got a scholarship and worked hard to become a success and shake the Two Shot dust off her shoes – not boots, shoes – and she hasn’t looked back since she left. Suddenly, Sarah’s job depends on procuring the goodwill of the residents of Two Shot to drill the area around the dying town, where residents have lived for generations and change comes slowly.
Even as Sarah and Lane butt heads over the fate of the ranch, neither can deny the scorching sexual tension between them.
__________________
There were a couple of things I liked about Cowboy Crazy: The drilling issue is a very polarizing subject in our national dialogue, and I thought Ms. Kennedy did a good job of presenting both sides of the argument; the possibilities for misunderstandings provided plenty of conflict for these two. I also liked the transposition of Lane trying to shrug off his rich background and Sarah trying to hide her poor background. Each idolized what the other knew the harsh realities of. Sarah’s memories of the death of her stepfather by a horse also played out well, providing a sweet tie-in to the main story. The romantic scenes were sexy and plentiful; I actually found myself skimming the sexy bits.
I liked both brothers; Lane was a sexy, dirty bad boy and Eric was 100% suit. One thing that bugged me about Eric is that he was all business and then suddenly he’s all about luuurve… both his own love life and his brother’s (matchmaking him with Sarah), which I found a bit unbelievable. I also didn’t like Sarah’s roommate Grace; I could find nothing redeeming about her.
All in all, though, an entertaining read that left me wanting to vacation in a small Western town, hop on a horse and ride the open country (with my own sexy cowboy of course *winks*).
Lane Carrigan might have been born rich, but he’s happiest when he’s bucking around on the back of a bull. As half owner of Carrigan Oil with his brother, Eric, Lane lets Eric handle the business end of things; he just wants to ride rodeos and run the family ranch. When a reporter catches him and asks about the company’s plan to drill on the ranch, he’s blindsided and upset. Lane wants to protect the town from “Big Oil” and maintain the small-town charm, even if it means going head-to-head with his brother.
Sarah Landon is a Public Relations specialist for Carrigan Oil. Her boss, Eric, thinks she’s a city girl who went to a fancy college and has lived a life of privilege. The reality is that she grew up a few miles from where she is now, in a tiny town called Two Shot; dirt poor, she got a scholarship and worked hard to become a success and shake the Two Shot dust off her shoes – not boots, shoes – and she hasn’t looked back since she left. Suddenly, Sarah’s job depends on procuring the goodwill of the residents of Two Shot to drill the area around the dying town, where residents have lived for generations and change comes slowly.
Even as Sarah and Lane butt heads over the fate of the ranch, neither can deny the scorching sexual tension between them.
__________________
There were a couple of things I liked about Cowboy Crazy: The drilling issue is a very polarizing subject in our national dialogue, and I thought Ms. Kennedy did a good job of presenting both sides of the argument; the possibilities for misunderstandings provided plenty of conflict for these two. I also liked the transposition of Lane trying to shrug off his rich background and Sarah trying to hide her poor background. Each idolized what the other knew the harsh realities of. Sarah’s memories of the death of her stepfather by a horse also played out well, providing a sweet tie-in to the main story. The romantic scenes were sexy and plentiful; I actually found myself skimming the sexy bits.
I liked both brothers; Lane was a sexy, dirty bad boy and Eric was 100% suit. One thing that bugged me about Eric is that he was all business and then suddenly he’s all about luuurve… both his own love life and his brother’s (matchmaking him with Sarah), which I found a bit unbelievable. I also didn’t like Sarah’s roommate Grace; I could find nothing redeeming about her.
All in all, though, an entertaining read that left me wanting to vacation in a small Western town, hop on a horse and ride the open country (with my own sexy cowboy of course *winks*).
June 28, 2012
An engaging story about finding out who you are by looking at where you came from.
Sarah Landon hated where she came from and always thought that the grass would be greener on the other side. She left Two Shot, Wyoming to go to an Ivy League school and bury her past. She ends up working for Carrigan Oil Company in Wyoming, not far from her home town and even though she is close to home, she does not let anyone know she where she came from.
Sarah’s life growing up had several hardships. She lived with her mother and sister in poverty and when her mother married, they found happiness for a short while. Then an accident took her stepfather’s life and changed everything. Sarah had to sell the horse and quit barrel racing, her mother had a hard time coping therefore started drinking and eventually died too young and her sister seems to be falling into the same poverty rut the family has never been able to shake.
Lane Carrigan is from a wealthy family and spent his early years at boarding schools and hated every minute of it. His most cherished memories were spent on the family ranch during the summers. Never really settling down, he becomes a bull rider with the rodeo and just wants to be a simple cowboy. He recently was given the responsibility of running the family ranch while his brother runs the oil company. Carrigan Oil still owns the land and the mineral rights but Lane owns the buildings and runs the ranch.
Lane and Sarah meet when he is visiting his brother and she is working. They seem to be on opposite sides as Lane’s brother wants to drill on the land. Lane does not want the drilling operation to ruin the small town of Two Shot and Sarah as the publicist needs to convince the town that this is good for everyone.
Sarah needs to deal with going home again and the nightmares she left behind, she does not realize the destruction she is doing to herself as well as her sister while being negative about their past and trying to find blame when there really is no blame, life sometimes just happens without it being anyone’s fault. Lane has to realize that if you work things out in the beginning you can let progress happen and it will not destroy the small town life – it might enhance it.
As they work through their own problems they realize that they might just be fighting for the same thing and falling in love along the way. A wonderful book about how the past can form the present, but that you can still change. I will be reading more Joanne Kennedy books in the future.
Sarah Landon hated where she came from and always thought that the grass would be greener on the other side. She left Two Shot, Wyoming to go to an Ivy League school and bury her past. She ends up working for Carrigan Oil Company in Wyoming, not far from her home town and even though she is close to home, she does not let anyone know she where she came from.
Sarah’s life growing up had several hardships. She lived with her mother and sister in poverty and when her mother married, they found happiness for a short while. Then an accident took her stepfather’s life and changed everything. Sarah had to sell the horse and quit barrel racing, her mother had a hard time coping therefore started drinking and eventually died too young and her sister seems to be falling into the same poverty rut the family has never been able to shake.
Lane Carrigan is from a wealthy family and spent his early years at boarding schools and hated every minute of it. His most cherished memories were spent on the family ranch during the summers. Never really settling down, he becomes a bull rider with the rodeo and just wants to be a simple cowboy. He recently was given the responsibility of running the family ranch while his brother runs the oil company. Carrigan Oil still owns the land and the mineral rights but Lane owns the buildings and runs the ranch.
Lane and Sarah meet when he is visiting his brother and she is working. They seem to be on opposite sides as Lane’s brother wants to drill on the land. Lane does not want the drilling operation to ruin the small town of Two Shot and Sarah as the publicist needs to convince the town that this is good for everyone.
Sarah needs to deal with going home again and the nightmares she left behind, she does not realize the destruction she is doing to herself as well as her sister while being negative about their past and trying to find blame when there really is no blame, life sometimes just happens without it being anyone’s fault. Lane has to realize that if you work things out in the beginning you can let progress happen and it will not destroy the small town life – it might enhance it.
As they work through their own problems they realize that they might just be fighting for the same thing and falling in love along the way. A wonderful book about how the past can form the present, but that you can still change. I will be reading more Joanne Kennedy books in the future.
July 3, 2012
Originally posted at PaperbackDolls.com.
I have to admit it took me a couple times to get into this book, but I blame since I’ve been on a Cat and Bones marathon and it was quite the switch from one genre to another. The final time I picked up this book I couldn’t remember why I had put it down in the first place. I thoroughly enjoyed Cowboy Crazy.
The characters for me were full of what real people are: love, laughter, and contradictions. I love complex characters but I’m also drawn to people who know their minds. I liked Lane because he knew what he wanted straight away and poor Sarah who maybe, just maybe had enough baggage to keep her from finally letting go and loving someone. Stubborn women and the alpha cowboys who love them, I’ve always been a fan.
The backdrop of Cowboy Crazy isn’t something I’m overly familiar with but the way Kennedy made the town of Two Shot it’s own characters is a plus in my book. It gives the reader a complex landscape to explore as the characters interact and discover what they want out of life and love. Lane’s brother Eric Carrigan had me laughing, lusting, and scratching my head. I would love to see him get his own story where it’s get knocked down a peg or two by a cowgirl.
I’m not going to come out and say this is my favorite book of the year but I am glad I read it. There was chemistry between the Lane and Sarah and darn it if my husband didn’t find me squirming and completely enthralled more than once. I have to recommend a book that makes me laugh, groan, and talk out loud to the characters and Kennedy got me to do all three! In the end I kept myself up late so I could see how Lane and Sarah finally figured out how to be together and I’m not sorry I did. ;)
I have to admit it took me a couple times to get into this book, but I blame since I’ve been on a Cat and Bones marathon and it was quite the switch from one genre to another. The final time I picked up this book I couldn’t remember why I had put it down in the first place. I thoroughly enjoyed Cowboy Crazy.
The characters for me were full of what real people are: love, laughter, and contradictions. I love complex characters but I’m also drawn to people who know their minds. I liked Lane because he knew what he wanted straight away and poor Sarah who maybe, just maybe had enough baggage to keep her from finally letting go and loving someone. Stubborn women and the alpha cowboys who love them, I’ve always been a fan.
The backdrop of Cowboy Crazy isn’t something I’m overly familiar with but the way Kennedy made the town of Two Shot it’s own characters is a plus in my book. It gives the reader a complex landscape to explore as the characters interact and discover what they want out of life and love. Lane’s brother Eric Carrigan had me laughing, lusting, and scratching my head. I would love to see him get his own story where it’s get knocked down a peg or two by a cowgirl.
I’m not going to come out and say this is my favorite book of the year but I am glad I read it. There was chemistry between the Lane and Sarah and darn it if my husband didn’t find me squirming and completely enthralled more than once. I have to recommend a book that makes me laugh, groan, and talk out loud to the characters and Kennedy got me to do all three! In the end I kept myself up late so I could see how Lane and Sarah finally figured out how to be together and I’m not sorry I did. ;)
May 22, 2012
An emotional read about the dangers of hiding the person you really are
Sarah Landon escaped from tiny Two Shot, Wyoming, to go to an Ivy League school. But her sister's hard times have brought her back - well, to a small city an hour from Two Shot. Tragedy after tragedy haunted her teenage years, and she's traded in her spurs for heels and a suit.
Working in public relations at Carrigan Oil Company soon means that she has to relate to the public she was desperate to get away from. And it also means relating to the boss's brother, rodeo cowboy Lane Carrigan, a rich man who's more cowboy than most cowboys.
Lane's brother wants to drill for oil on his ranch. But Lane's so attached to the land he can't stomach the thought of it being polluted or spoiled. He's also seen what those kinds of projects do to small towns - bringing in transient workers who ruin them before leaving.
But Sarah's determined to change his mind. In fact, her job - and her sister's survival - depend on it.
I've only read one other Joanne Kennedy book (One Fine Cowboy, and I find the themes she explores really fascinating. In Cowboy Crazy, we have two characters who have fought against their own upbringings, only to discover who they really are when they're faced with losing everything they thought they valued.
I love characters who have deep-seated secrets that they're running away from. Sarah has rebuilt her life and strives to become a woman she thinks she should be - until Lane comes along and shows her that the only woman she should be is herself.
This is a truly touching story that will grab any reader who's struggled to be comfortable with who they really are.
Sarah Landon escaped from tiny Two Shot, Wyoming, to go to an Ivy League school. But her sister's hard times have brought her back - well, to a small city an hour from Two Shot. Tragedy after tragedy haunted her teenage years, and she's traded in her spurs for heels and a suit.
Working in public relations at Carrigan Oil Company soon means that she has to relate to the public she was desperate to get away from. And it also means relating to the boss's brother, rodeo cowboy Lane Carrigan, a rich man who's more cowboy than most cowboys.
Lane's brother wants to drill for oil on his ranch. But Lane's so attached to the land he can't stomach the thought of it being polluted or spoiled. He's also seen what those kinds of projects do to small towns - bringing in transient workers who ruin them before leaving.
But Sarah's determined to change his mind. In fact, her job - and her sister's survival - depend on it.
I've only read one other Joanne Kennedy book (One Fine Cowboy, and I find the themes she explores really fascinating. In Cowboy Crazy, we have two characters who have fought against their own upbringings, only to discover who they really are when they're faced with losing everything they thought they valued.
I love characters who have deep-seated secrets that they're running away from. Sarah has rebuilt her life and strives to become a woman she thinks she should be - until Lane comes along and shows her that the only woman she should be is herself.
This is a truly touching story that will grab any reader who's struggled to be comfortable with who they really are.
June 17, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
When she left Two Shot, she had no intention of ever returning except to visit her sister and her niece. Now her job was taking her there and she’s been assigned to “work” the town and make them see just how drilling the land for oil would bring them benefits. It turns out to be much worse than she expected…
Ms. Kennedy picks a young woman with sad memories for her main character. She's not weak; she got a scholarship to Vassar and is a smart professional figure now. She’s also made up her mind she’s done with men. I found Sarah very easy to relate to. I also grew up in a small town and worked myself up to the top of my profession so her life story sounded familiar.
The author’s male characters are brothers of two different types that are also carrying some baggage from the past. Lane is the oldest and a cowboy; Eric is an executive who owns the mineral rights to the land Lane has for his ranch. This causes a conflict between the two with Sarah in the middle. She’s the Public Relations gal, but convincing Lane of anything when he’s against it is no easy task. The romantic interest between Lane and Sarah also sparks trouble for them. It’s hard to argue while kissing each other, but they manage.
Ms. Kennedy mixes environmental issues with a desire to retain a small town atmosphere and does some creative plot work to find a compromise that will work for all. The plot was well thought out and the interaction between the characters was realistic and enjoyable. It’s a good read; why not get you a copy and check it out?
When she left Two Shot, she had no intention of ever returning except to visit her sister and her niece. Now her job was taking her there and she’s been assigned to “work” the town and make them see just how drilling the land for oil would bring them benefits. It turns out to be much worse than she expected…
Ms. Kennedy picks a young woman with sad memories for her main character. She's not weak; she got a scholarship to Vassar and is a smart professional figure now. She’s also made up her mind she’s done with men. I found Sarah very easy to relate to. I also grew up in a small town and worked myself up to the top of my profession so her life story sounded familiar.
The author’s male characters are brothers of two different types that are also carrying some baggage from the past. Lane is the oldest and a cowboy; Eric is an executive who owns the mineral rights to the land Lane has for his ranch. This causes a conflict between the two with Sarah in the middle. She’s the Public Relations gal, but convincing Lane of anything when he’s against it is no easy task. The romantic interest between Lane and Sarah also sparks trouble for them. It’s hard to argue while kissing each other, but they manage.
Ms. Kennedy mixes environmental issues with a desire to retain a small town atmosphere and does some creative plot work to find a compromise that will work for all. The plot was well thought out and the interaction between the characters was realistic and enjoyable. It’s a good read; why not get you a copy and check it out?
March 19, 2015
This has been sitting on my shelf for a while, so I decided to give a go. I needed a romance, so I felt this would be a good one to get that fix. I was right. It was a romance that had some obstacles for the couple to go through. It was pretty much insta-love for Lane, but alas, Sarah was not having it. Yes, she had insta-lust (he is a cowboy, so duh), but she was not looking and did not WANT love. She had business to take care off! Plus...she does not trust cowboys. One cannot blame her, but they are drool-worthy.
I am glad that the author made it a rough ride to get to that HEA, but man I wanted to slap Sarah. >___> She was annoying and she totally used Lane and then blamed him! Ugh. She had a lot of baggage and she needed to get over it. Seriously. I am glad her sister gave her a slap of reality at one point (even though it barely helped). Meh.
Honestly, I wish this was shorter. I felt it dragged on and on and on. Especially the middle part...I was pounding my head with the book. Gah. However, the ending was TOTALLY better. I flew by and could hardly put it down at that point.
In the end, this was a good easy romance. There were some obstacles (mainly Sarah and her psychological issues...seriously, get a therapist woman!) before they got their HEA and I like when it takes a while to get there. The middle dragged, but the ending was good. I highly recommend this to cowboy lovers and those that need a romance in their reading. So...out of five stars, I stamp this with 3. More like 2.5, but I rounded.
Favorite Character(s): Lane
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Gloria (I wanted to punch her!!!!!!!), Suze, and Eric
I am glad that the author made it a rough ride to get to that HEA, but man I wanted to slap Sarah. >___> She was annoying and she totally used Lane and then blamed him! Ugh. She had a lot of baggage and she needed to get over it. Seriously. I am glad her sister gave her a slap of reality at one point (even though it barely helped). Meh.
Honestly, I wish this was shorter. I felt it dragged on and on and on. Especially the middle part...I was pounding my head with the book. Gah. However, the ending was TOTALLY better. I flew by and could hardly put it down at that point.
In the end, this was a good easy romance. There were some obstacles (mainly Sarah and her psychological issues...seriously, get a therapist woman!) before they got their HEA and I like when it takes a while to get there. The middle dragged, but the ending was good. I highly recommend this to cowboy lovers and those that need a romance in their reading. So...out of five stars, I stamp this with 3. More like 2.5, but I rounded.
Favorite Character(s): Lane
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Gloria (I wanted to punch her!!!!!!!), Suze, and Eric
May 21, 2012
Cowboy Crazy by Joanne Kennedy is a story set in the modern west about two opposites who aren’t quite so opposed as they would appear. Ms. Kennedy combines all the things that make a good western novel, hot cowboys, rodeo, horses, ranching, did I mention hot alpha cowboys and adds in just the right mix of sassy heroine and current politics to keep the story moving.
I loved Lane Carrigan who is the bull-riding, bad boy hero of this story. Even though Lane was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and only spent a few weeks each year on a ranch, he encompasses all that can be good and right about the western cowboy image while still walking a little on the wild side. Then we meet Sarah Landon who was born and raised in the one horse town of Two Shot. Unfortunately, growing up Sarah had to endure all that is hard and sucky about living in a small town where everybody knows your business and problems. In many ways I identified with Sarah way too much which caused this book to be an emotional rollercoaster for me. However, this did NOT hamper my enjoyment of this book!
If you enjoy a story about the new West and the struggle to preserve the past while trying to create a vibrant future, along with some sizzle between the sheets, then this books for you! There are also some fun and interesting minor characters and I would love to read their stories! I hope you enjoy Ms. Kennedy’s brand of contemporary, western romance as much as I do!
I loved Lane Carrigan who is the bull-riding, bad boy hero of this story. Even though Lane was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and only spent a few weeks each year on a ranch, he encompasses all that can be good and right about the western cowboy image while still walking a little on the wild side. Then we meet Sarah Landon who was born and raised in the one horse town of Two Shot. Unfortunately, growing up Sarah had to endure all that is hard and sucky about living in a small town where everybody knows your business and problems. In many ways I identified with Sarah way too much which caused this book to be an emotional rollercoaster for me. However, this did NOT hamper my enjoyment of this book!
If you enjoy a story about the new West and the struggle to preserve the past while trying to create a vibrant future, along with some sizzle between the sheets, then this books for you! There are also some fun and interesting minor characters and I would love to read their stories! I hope you enjoy Ms. Kennedy’s brand of contemporary, western romance as much as I do!
June 29, 2012
Have you ever tried to be someone your not? Or pretended to be another person, keeping your true self hidden? There is danger there, because after a while your real self will kick down the door, grab a shot, and refuse to be locked up again.
Sarah goes through a traumatizing event, it scars her and she hasn’t recovered yet. Then in walks Lane, the confident cowboy who takes a second look at her and decides he wants her. Who is she to say no to that? Oh yeah, she works for his brother.
It is fun to see how quickly and completely Lane falls for Sarah. He has his life figured out, he knows what he enjoys and wants. And though he didn’t see wanting a woman like Sarah he doesn’t fight it and goes all in. Sarah on the other hand has some self preservation hangups, she just needs a good man to make her dance again and see herself through new eyes.
Cowboy Crazy is more than just a light romance, it is really a story about finding yourself and letting your mind heal. Yes there are some hot summer nights between these two, and the way they butt heads makes the sparks fly. Kennedy has written an emotional book with some spurs and broncos thrown in for fun.
Review to be posted at Reading Between the Wines.
Sarah goes through a traumatizing event, it scars her and she hasn’t recovered yet. Then in walks Lane, the confident cowboy who takes a second look at her and decides he wants her. Who is she to say no to that? Oh yeah, she works for his brother.
It is fun to see how quickly and completely Lane falls for Sarah. He has his life figured out, he knows what he enjoys and wants. And though he didn’t see wanting a woman like Sarah he doesn’t fight it and goes all in. Sarah on the other hand has some self preservation hangups, she just needs a good man to make her dance again and see herself through new eyes.
Cowboy Crazy is more than just a light romance, it is really a story about finding yourself and letting your mind heal. Yes there are some hot summer nights between these two, and the way they butt heads makes the sparks fly. Kennedy has written an emotional book with some spurs and broncos thrown in for fun.
Review to be posted at Reading Between the Wines.
June 24, 2012
I did not like this book. The protaginist was one screwed up person. I did not like her at all. One of the things I detest are phonies and Sarah is a first class phony. Raised poor in Two Shots, a small Wyoming town, she "escaped" by getting scholarships and attending Vassar and Harvard. She learns about good wine, art, etc. thinking this makes a high class person. I enjoy good wine, art, opera, the symphony, but I'm anything but high class. I enjoy them simply for what they are.
Another reason I didn't like Sarah was that she was a publicity agent for an oil company. How sleazy can you get!
Lane was a great character, but for the life of me, I couldn't understand why he liked Sarah, let alone fell in love with her. After she fucked him, she pushed him away and treated him like dirt.
And the final reason I didn't like the book is because it felt like the author was trying to convince me that drilling oil in beautiful unspoiled Wyoming plains was a good thing. it made me wonder if she has any connections to an oil co. I believe that leaving some of the earth unspoiled is a good thing. "One fine cowboy" is a much better book.
Another reason I didn't like Sarah was that she was a publicity agent for an oil company. How sleazy can you get!
Lane was a great character, but for the life of me, I couldn't understand why he liked Sarah, let alone fell in love with her. After she fucked him, she pushed him away and treated him like dirt.
And the final reason I didn't like the book is because it felt like the author was trying to convince me that drilling oil in beautiful unspoiled Wyoming plains was a good thing. it made me wonder if she has any connections to an oil co. I believe that leaving some of the earth unspoiled is a good thing. "One fine cowboy" is a much better book.
June 4, 2012
Once again Joanne Kennedy pulls off another great romance western. She brings it all to the table with small towns, horses, ranches, rodeo's, cowboys, and a sassy yet charming heroine. Sarah left Two Shot when she graduated high school. She was ready to leave when he stepfather died. Roy died in a freak accident with her horse Flash and they sold him for a low price. She has blamed the buyer for all her families problems.
After graduating from college Sarah got a great job with Eric Carrigan. Eric had Sarah take care of things not knowing she was really from Two Shot. When Lane came to see Eric after the interview Sarah is taken back with how good-looking Lane Carrigan is.
Sarah has secrets she needs to keep especially from Eric. If she does go to the rodeo with Lane what might happen. Would anyone recognize her and give her secrets away?
The characters and setting are wonderful. Joanne as this way of making the reader think they are with the characters and living amongst them. I am looking forward to Joanne's next book to be out next year.
After graduating from college Sarah got a great job with Eric Carrigan. Eric had Sarah take care of things not knowing she was really from Two Shot. When Lane came to see Eric after the interview Sarah is taken back with how good-looking Lane Carrigan is.
Sarah has secrets she needs to keep especially from Eric. If she does go to the rodeo with Lane what might happen. Would anyone recognize her and give her secrets away?
The characters and setting are wonderful. Joanne as this way of making the reader think they are with the characters and living amongst them. I am looking forward to Joanne's next book to be out next year.
July 11, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Desere
Review Copy Provided by Netgalley
Hot and passionate cowboys and fun, but “I will not back down” kind of girls is what we have come to expect from Joanne Kennedy. And once again she has done just that. Only this time she has done it even better than before by taking two people and transferring the one from the rodeo king to lover and the other from boardroom rival to passionate friend.
The author totally rocked my world on this one, I mean really tipped the axis with her unbelievable sexy as all hell but somewhat damaged cowboy Lane, which I can tell you that little bit of imperfection makes him all the more hotter.
Then there was Sarah who has worked really hard to hide from her “terrible” past, the way in which the author slowly but surely lets her secrets unfold and we see Sarah becoming the woman she is meant to be was stunning and very moving.
Awesome read well done Joanne!
Reviewed by Desere
Review Copy Provided by Netgalley
Hot and passionate cowboys and fun, but “I will not back down” kind of girls is what we have come to expect from Joanne Kennedy. And once again she has done just that. Only this time she has done it even better than before by taking two people and transferring the one from the rodeo king to lover and the other from boardroom rival to passionate friend.
The author totally rocked my world on this one, I mean really tipped the axis with her unbelievable sexy as all hell but somewhat damaged cowboy Lane, which I can tell you that little bit of imperfection makes him all the more hotter.
Then there was Sarah who has worked really hard to hide from her “terrible” past, the way in which the author slowly but surely lets her secrets unfold and we see Sarah becoming the woman she is meant to be was stunning and very moving.
Awesome read well done Joanne!
April 2, 2013
When I first started this book, I didn't think I as going to like it but it was an enjoyable read.
Sarah Landon has tried to hide her dirt poor, small town roots from Carrigan Oil and her boss Eric Carrigan. He thinks she is upper crust and Ivy League. He unknowingly sends her back to her hometown to get the townsfolks there to welcome oil drilling in and around the town on his brother's ranch. Sarah is also supposed to change Lane Carrigan's mind. Lane doesn't want his brother drilling on the ranch. The last thing Sarah wants is to be in the town she thought she had permanently put in her rearview mirror.
But it's hard to hide who and what you really are and in the end, Sarah isn't so sure she wants to be that upper crust, ivy leaguer she's been pretending to be.
Sarah Landon has tried to hide her dirt poor, small town roots from Carrigan Oil and her boss Eric Carrigan. He thinks she is upper crust and Ivy League. He unknowingly sends her back to her hometown to get the townsfolks there to welcome oil drilling in and around the town on his brother's ranch. Sarah is also supposed to change Lane Carrigan's mind. Lane doesn't want his brother drilling on the ranch. The last thing Sarah wants is to be in the town she thought she had permanently put in her rearview mirror.
But it's hard to hide who and what you really are and in the end, Sarah isn't so sure she wants to be that upper crust, ivy leaguer she's been pretending to be.
September 9, 2012
Great book. Interesting characters....Had read some reviews before I read it and wasn't sure if I would like the book because of the reviews. Alot of people did not like the main character Sarah because she left her small town and tried to make something of herself and distances herself from her small town. I think in life there are alot of people that do that..go off to college and get a corporate job and don't look back. Life is always greener on the other side or so we think.....but in the end she realized where she really needed to be. So I enjoyed the book seeing her realize that. I will have to read more books by Joanne Kennedy
June 10, 2012
This is a first for me to actually like a book from beginning to the end. I fell in love with Joanne Kennedy and her imagination especially with a cowboy like this one. There is romance, passion, betrayal, heartache and most of all forgiveness. Joanne Kennedy definitely has a new reader in her side. Loved it.
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